AMARGOSA VALLEY, Nevada – Pahrump’s Jon Jensen jumped from his pole position here Saturday night and held off aggressive charges by Dan Fitzgerald, Ryan Cotrell and Ronnie Williams to capture his first IMCA Modified victory of the year at Death Valley Raceway.
The 25-year-old Jensen narrowly beat the Las Vegas school teacher Fitzgerald by only a few feet in the 25-lap feature event to gain his victory at the third-mile dirt track situated between Death Valley and Lathrop Wells off Highway 373.
“I was nervous getting started,” said Jensen, whose rookie year was 2000. “We made some changes to the car. I have been changing the setup for the track conditions the last couple of races. We got everything right this time.”
Jensen said his plan was to get his alcohol-burning, 550-horsepower Modified into the lead and stay out front.
“It’s always a big accomplishment to beat Fitzgerald and some of the guys who have been racing longer than I have,” he said. “I got the jump on the start and stayed out front.”
Fitzgerald, who came into the event leading the IMCA Modified points standings at DVR and Mohave Valley Raceway south of Bullhead City, Ariz., mounted a consistent rally before falling short.
“The checkered flag was flying over us like a blanket,” said Fitzgerald of the close finish.
Dan Snowden captured the Super Stock feature, while Steve Summer zipped to the Classic Coupe main event, Mike Lynsinger rallied to win the Mini Stock main, Mark Dillie took the Dwarf Car feature and Anthony Sharron took the Micro Sprint main.
DVR returns for its ninth race of the season March 17. Racing is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Further information can be found at www.deathvalleyraceway.homestead or by calling 775-209-5291.
