WEST LIBERTY, Iowa — Night 1 of the 2026 Liberty 100 was one to remember. Racers from eight states took part in Friday’s races.
The action started early. In MLRA qualifying, Chris Simpson set a new track record. His time of 17.560 seconds was more than a half-second faster than the old mark set in 2009.
In fact, the top eight qualifiers all broke the old mark.
The late models also ran a double set of heat races. First round heat race wins went to Chris Simpson, Dallon Murty, and Chad Simpson. Second round heat race wins went to Chris Simpson, J.T. Wasmund, and Chad Simpson.
Zach Zietner crashed violently in turn one during the second round of heats. He was able to exit the racecar under his own power.
The MLRA late models will race in B-mains and the 100-lap A-feature on Saturday.
Jace Eckrich dominated the West Liberty Auto Parts – IMCA Modified feature. Jace started fifth and needed only six laps to take the top spot. Matt Fulton Jr. would finish second, nearly 9 seconds behind the winner. Kurt Kile held off Brandon Durbin to finish third. Mitch Way completed the top five.
Tim Plummer took advantage of a lapped car to pass Bryson Eckrich and win the Aupp Automotive- IMCA SportMod main. Eckrich had led the feature from the drop of the green, but coming down the backstretch on the final lap. He got stuck behind a slower car. Plummer, who had started ninth, worked his way to the front and led the final half-lap for the victory. Colton Livezey, Curtis VanDerWal, and Rusty DeShaw were third through fifth respectively.
The Brothers Towing – IMCA Stock Car feature came down to a battle between David Brandies and Andrew Schroeder. Brandies led every lap of the race even though Schroeder was able to pull alongside the leader several times and put a nose out in front a couple times. Finishing behind the lead duo was Norman Bean in third. Bean was followed to the checkers by Johnny Spaw and Cody Staley. The Stock Cars saw plenty of action, including a six-car pile-up between three and four.
Completing Friday’s racing program were the Midwest Jalopies. Austin Honts topped Michael Hulsing and Tanner Gerrard for the win.
