The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 21

SPORTS The Dos Momet Register ST ILM'il REPORT IOWA SPKKDWAV OPENING WEEKEND AT NEWTON OUTDOORS: IN Till: Iowan takes shot at new pellet gun TODAY: Sylvama 300. 12 15 (TNT) Track can play major role in the Gup chase On the Web Read more about PnmeGun at www.primegun.com. On the site, visitors can find explanations of what the pellet gun is like, how It differs from the pellet guns available today and how people can contact their legislators. 0 Grandstand watch the The day at the Iowa Speedway in A Mi tJim BlUNf i8fGU BtGiSIf PHQTOS Fans in the Rusty Wallace Cup Series at the opening Late pass by Howard clinches 250 victory By NATE RYAN USATODHtr Answers to pressing questions heuding into today's Sylvuniu Cup 300 Nextel Cup race ut New Hampshire International Speedway: Question: Why is New Hampshire among the most feared tracks in the Chase for the Nextel Cup? Answer: Because "The Magic Mile" has dealt four knockouts in the first two editions of the 10-race title run Ryan Newman (33rd), Jeremv Mavfield (35th) and Tony Stewart (39th) in 2004 and last year Kurt Busch's championship hopes lasted three laps before a tangle with Scott Riggs. So a poor finish in the opener automatically equals a championship wipeout? Psychologically, it certainly seems to set the tone.

But points leader Matt Kenseth believes rebounding from a New Hampshire nightmare is doable. "You can't get eliminated in the first race; it's impossible," the 2003 champion said. "If you finish last and have a good last nine, you're still going to have a shot in the championship. You don't have to be perfect in every race." There are five new faces in the Chase field. Which first-timer has the most momentum? Kyle Busch has surged to fourth in points with runner-up finishes in two of the past three races and top-lOs in eight of the last 10.

His lone victory this season also occurred in his last trip to New Hampshire. Of the last three winners of the July race at Loudon, two (Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch) completed the sweep in September and the third (Stewart) dominated his Chris McAninch of Crimes says his jjun will k' easier for people to use. By JULIPROBASCO SOWERS A Grimes Run deuler hus luunched a cumpuign lo keep a pellet gun he hus designed from being classified as a firearm by the federal government. Chris McAninch designed the prototype pellet gun to muke it eusier for people to use, yet still have enough power to be used for small-game hunting. But he doesn't know how long the process will take or if he'll ever get to have the gun manufactured.

"My goal in designing the pellet gun is to make it easier for people, particularly people with disabilities, to use a pellet gun," he said. Because the gun uses a primer to propel the pellet, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is classifying it as a firearm, according to a letter in response to McAninch. If McAninch's pellet gun is classified a firearm, he will be able to sell it only through federally licensed dealers. No sales could be done through catalogs or small shops that don't hold federal firearms licenses. Interstate sales would not be allowed.

McAninch likens his situation to that of the effort made by Tony Knight of Center-ville, founder of Modern Muzzleloaders Knight Rifles. In the 1990s, Knight's company fought a federal battle dealing with the definition of one of the company's most popular rifles. The ATF attempted to classify the rifle as a firearm, claiming the ignition system, which used a primer rather than a percussion cap, was Chris McAninch of Grimes type pellet gun. He wants the its classification as a firearm PRIME TIMES These Astro-Tables are calculated for Iowa. Times show when the moon passes directly overhead each day (primary column), then again when it is directly underfoot (secondary column).

For the best days of the week, consult the value column (0-25 poor; 26-50 fair; 51-75 good; 76-100 excellent). SEPT. 17-23 Primary Secondary Day Val Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Mid 46 42 48 54 61 62 49 These times are excerpted from Rick Taylor's 2006 PrimeTimes Wall Calendar. For a copy plus a free pocket calendar send $10.95 plus S3 to: PrimeTimes 2006, Dept. P.O.

Box 395, Ankeny, Iowa, 50021. For more Information, call (515) 964-5573 or visit www.primetimes2.com. BIG FISH by Gov. Tom Vilsack waves the green flag to start The Soy Biodiesel 250 Hooters Pro Cup Series at the opening at the Iowa Speedway in Newton Friday night. not an antique system.

The company lost a lawsuit against the bureau. The company appealed, but it was dropped af ter a lobbying effort resulted in an amendment to the 19C8 Gun Control Act to clarify the definition of a muzzleloader. Jim Nelle of Winterset wants to see the pellet gun manufactured. "I've shot it a couple of times," Nelle said. "I would use it for small-game hunting such as rabbits and squirrels.

Even if a person is handicapped, it would be easy to use because you don't have to pump it up and there is no kick." Nelle said he thinks McAninch's gun could be as successful as the Knight rifles. In fact, McAninch's PrimeGun Web site, www.primegun.com, includes a photo of Knight shooting the gun. McAninch's prototype feels light and is easy to break open, slip in the pellet, close, and cock to fire. The pellet gun is lighter because the propulsion method uses a primer placed behind a pellet. McAninch recites disadvantages of other pellet guns.

The pump, or air gun, works through a pumping action The more a person pumps the harder it is do so. A spring gun takes a lot of force to cock and can move during firing. On gas-type pellet guns, tanks need to be refilled or replaced, are bulky and often ineffective in the cold. JULI PROFJASCO-SOWERSTHE REGISTER gets ready to fire his proto federal government to drop to make it easier to CALENDAR COMPILED BY TOM BARKER CANOEING OCT. 14 15: Join Polk County Conservation for a guided canoe trip along the Upper Iowa River.

All canoeing equipment, food and transportation will be provided. Cost is $100 per person. For information and to register by the Sept. 29 deadline call (515) 323-5300. PROGRAMS TUESDAY: Oes Moines Audubon Society will host a display of works local photographers and artists beginning at 6:30 p.m.

at Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Beaver and Franklin, D.M. (515) 279-0814. SHOOTING SEPT. 24: Sporting Clays Shoot, Sub-guage Open Class Tournament beginning at 9 a.m. at Madison County Sportsmens Club, Winterset.

Contact Fred Smith (515)201-5752. OUT THERE COMPILED BY JULI PR0BASC0-S0WERS Story County Conservation Partners Fall Festival will be from 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 1. Called "Earth Rhythms," the event will be at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.) northeast of Ames.

The event will feature world music by Euforquestra from Iowa City, a barbecue six In We have the track in Newton covered Visit DesMoinesRegister.com speedway for Speedway photo galleries, information and a video of drivers testing the track. DesMolnesI Register. com "It's a little like Richmond (Internationl Raceway)," Johnson said. "But Richmond doesn't compare to this." Johnson, who scraped together a ride for the championship run, owns a lawn care business. "I work a full-time job, then work on the race car nights Soy Biodiesel 250 Hooters Pro Newton Friday night.

mm he said. "I'm just lucky to be here." Hobgood recovered from hitting the wall in practice to post his third-place effort. "We built this car new to come to the championship races," Hobgood said. "About eight laps into practice I bounced it off the wall, then we had to fix the car." As for tire problems, which so vexed some drivers in practice they threatened to go home? Not an issue for Howard. "We sold our new tires," he said, smiling.

"We ran our old tires." day); today, $40 upper level ($45 race day); $30 lower level ($35 race day). Available at the track's office in downtown Newton (109 W. Second St. by calling Ticketmaster at (515) 243-1888; or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com. For season tickets, call (641) 791-8100.

TELEVISION The Soy Biodiesel 250 will be broadcast tape-delayed at 3 p.m. Sept. 20 on Speed Channel; Saturday and Sunday's USAC events will be shown tape-delayed on the Outdoor Channel. PARKING Fans are encouraged to use exit 168 of Interstate 80 to reach the track. Separate area for VIP Club members.

Large lot on South end of VIP building. RV spaces also available. Handicapped spaces accessible as well. eight-minute advantage in time of possession. In addition to Greene's two interceptions, Nick Weber intercepted an Unkrich pass.

CENTRAL 24, BUENA VISTA 3 Storm Lake, la. Central won the Iowa Conference game to stay unbeaten at 3-0. Buena Vista is 0-2. DUBUQUE 32, CORNELL 14 Dubuque, la. Edward Mcintosh had five catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, and Brandon Clayton ran for 100 yards and a score in the Iowa Conference game.

Jermar Jackson completed 11 of 22 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Walner Belleus completed a 41 -yard touchdown pass to Mcintosh, and rhi'; is for a and for IOWA SPEEDWAY INFO Opening night of Iowa Speedway highlighted by thrilling finish. By ROB GRAY REGISTER STAFF WRITER Newton, la. Denny Ham- in spoke. Joe Gibbs listened.

Woody Howard benefitted. I ran with Denny all the time, said Howard, who completed a thrilling three- wide pass late Saturday to win the Soy Biodiesel 250 at Iowa Speedway. "He got his break, and I guess he put in a good word for me." Howard, who signed a developmental deal with Gibbs, slid into the seat of Jim Dean's car previously occupied by Hamlin before he made the leap to NASCAR stardom. Early Saturday, Howard earned his first USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series win of the season on the grandest stage. He entered a green-white-checkered restart running fourth, but surged across the finish line ahead of Daniel Johnson and Justin Hobgood.

"I can't wait to see what it looks like on TV," Howard said. The race, which kicked off the series' six-race run for the overall championship, will be broadcast at 3 p.m. Wednesday on Speed Channel. Johnson, who finished a sea son-best second, praised Iowa Speedway's facility. AUTO NOTES TRUCKS: Johnny Benson got past Kyle Busch an instant before a caution flag froze the field on lap 167 of 200 Saturday and never relinquished the top spot, racing away to a win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at New Hampshire International Speedway.

It was the fourth victory of the season for Benson, who had not won a truck race before this year. Benson, who led four times for 145 laps, pulled away on the ensuing restart and stayed in front as pole-winner Mike Skinner got past Kyle Busch for second place, finishing 0.691 seconds about truck-lengths behind the winner. Series points leader Todd Bodine finished fourth, followed by David Starr. CHAMP car driver A.J. Allmendinger was 13th in his trucks debut.

NHRA: Rain washed Nationals action Mohnton, again Saturday, forcing NHRA officials to postpone the event until next weekend. Rain Friday wiped out qualifying sessions the 19th of 23 events on the Series. WARTBURG 31, SIMPSON 7 Indianola, la. Wartburg scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and limited Simpson to 147 total yards in the Iowa Conference opener for both schools. Wartburg's Josh Van Rees rushed 14 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

Dan Hammes ran 21 times for 63 yards. Kyle Goodchild led the Wartburg defense with nine tackles, including one for a loss, and a sack. Spencer Herzberg gave Wartburg the lead with a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter, and Hammes ran for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Simpson pressed into Knights territory late in the second quarter, but a 58-yard Bill Nelson field goal attempt fell short. Simpson fullback Aaron White scored his first career touchdown on a 2-yard TODAY'S SCHEDULE 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

USAC Series Registration 9 a.m. USAC Series Garage Opens Noon Spectator Gates, Suite Newton Club Open 1 p.m. Josh Turner Pre-Race Concert on the Main Stage 2 p.m. Last Chance Qualifying Races (if needed) 2:30 p.m. Driver Introductions (ALL Divisions) 3 p.m.

USAC Midget Series Feature Event (30 Laps) 3:45 p.m. USAC Sprint Car Series Feature Event (30 Laps) 4:30 p.m. USAC Silver Crown Series Feature Event (100Laps) TICKETS Season (this weekend and Oct. 14-15), upper level, $167; lower level, $127; Newton Club Members, $215; Today, $12 gen. admission ($17 race return until being nipped by Ryan Newman on the next-to-last lap.

Which Chase driver appears to be enjoying himself the most? It's good to be Denny Hamlin, the first rookie to make the Chase. "The next five weeks or so, it's going to be stress-free," he said. "Our goal is to have fun and (see where) we end up for the last five." Why was defending champion Stewart so composed after failing to make the Chase at Richmond International Raceway? While he isn't happy about missing the Chase, there is a small silver lining that is a quasi-throwback to his no-holds-barred heyday in sprint cars. With counting points out of the equation, Stewart and crew chief Greg Zipadelli can gamble on pit strategy and fuel mileage every week. Which driver has been good lately at New Hampshire? Dale Earnhardt Jr.

has notched five top-lOs in his last seven starts after only one top-10 in his first seven starts on the 1 oval. Who hasn't been so well? Robby Gordon's helmet-tossing angst at the track well-founded: He has six consecutive finishes outside the top 15. caught a 72-yard touchdown pass from Jackson. IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 10, GRAND RAPIDS (MICH.) 3 Fort Dodge, la. Steven Harper ran a touchdown in the fourth quarter as ninth-ranked Iowa Central Community College beat Grand Rapids Harper's 15-yard scoring run capped 14-play, 96-yard drive and was the deciding score in a game dominated by defense.

Iowa Central (3-0) forced four turnovers, including a fumble recovery interception by Darrell Lloyd. Travis Rhone, an Iowa Central sophomore from Cedar Rapids, rushed 141 yards and Harper added 97. Brandon Burden of Mount Pleasant kicked a 20-yard field goal with 14 seconds left in the first half to bring the Tritons even at 3-3. COLLEGE FOOTBALL: IOWA COLLEGES run in the third quarter. Four plays into the fourth quarter, Van Rees rushed for a 31 -yard touchdown to give Wartburg a 10-point lead.

The teams traded possessions, but Steve Greene intercepted Tyson Unkrich for the second time at the Storm 11. Greene returned the ball to the Simpson 6, and Hammes rushed for a 6-yard touchdown. The Knights held Simpson to a 5-play, 19-yard drive on the next Storm possession, taking over the ball after Simpson failed on a fourth-and-seven. Starting at the Storm 41, Wartburg again took advantage, compiling a seven-play drive that saw Van Rees rush for his second touchdown, a 1-yarder. The Simpson defense gave up only 269 yards of total offense to the Knights, but Wartburg held an almost with international flair and activities for children.

The event will be held rain or shine (moving into the Story County Conservation Center if it rains). For more information, contact the Story County Conservation Center at (515) 232-2516 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) or visit its Web site, www.storycountyconservation.org. Join members of the Central Iowa Sierra Club at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 for a full-moon hike at Saylorville Reservoir.

The hike will take place along the Neal Trail. Participants will experience the glow of Maximilian sunflowers and Indian grass along the trail. The trail is an easy hike. Anyone interested should call (515) 276-6359. Niklaas, 6, and Brad Landhuis of Clarinda landed this 35-pound catfish while angling on the Nishnabotna River.

The bait was liver and the fish was caught Sept 1. The catfish was the largest either of them had ever caught. 1.