TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Warm and sunny weather made for a perfect start to a packed race day at Magic Valley Speedway (MVS), NASCAR’s Western crown jewel in the prestigious NASCAR Home Track program. Not only were drivers looking for checkered flags but kids were treated to a race car shaped Easter egg hunt! Different age groups of excited kids were quickly filling their Hilex Poly bags with Easter egg loot from the grassy infield areas in front of the grandstands much to the delight of fans watching on.
The season opener for the “The Big Boys with their Bad Toys” the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series (RMCS) was eagerly anticipated by the fans. The NASCAR Whelen All American Series entered its second week of competition as well. The Quales Electronic Hornets made their 2011 debut as well.
The Rocky Mountain Challenge Series main event was filled with lead changes and a spectacular wreck causing a red flag that eventually led to a restart with 28 laps left. Zan Sharp charged from the back of the field chasing down Bruce Quale who led until Sharp caught and passed him, driving away to victory. Quale finished second with fellow local Twin Falls driver John Newhouse third. Newhouse experienced trouble but had a fast car all night.
Mr. Gas Late Models were set to continue their exciting run to not only a Track Championship but also a NASCAR Idaho State Championship. Coming off of a wild finish last week between “The Bullet” Bobby Latham and “Mr. Excitement” Jeff Pohlman, the fans looked for the heat to be turned up and it was. TJ Woodall quickly established himself as race leader and had the race in the bag until a late caution. “The Bullet” Bobby Latham restarted outside of him with “Mr. Excitement” Jeff Pohlman behind him. In the final lap after Pohlman wrestled second place away from Latham, he was set to make a moce on Woodall. Pohlman hit Woodall coming out of turn two but checked up to allow Woodall to regain his line then race to victory. Pohlman settled for second with Latham right behind in third. Enrique Contreras III finished a strong fourth.
The Budweiser Super Stocks had Daniel Shirley looking for the same kind of luck that hard work and smart driving might bring after taking the season opening trophy the previous week. Casey Pehrson and Kris McKean were involved in a last lap havoc that allowed Shirley to grab victory and this week McKean and Pehrson were battling once again. However the night belonged to Jenna Quale who drove cleanly to her first ever Budweiser Super Stock win. Allen Williams ran a nice second place with Pehrson finishing third.
The Kendall Woll rocket ship was back on the launch pad as he was once again the class of the field. Easily racing to his second straight win he remained humble in victory lane saying that the rest of the field will catch up soon enough. John Newell ran second with Chase Caraway third.
Quales Electronics Junior Stingers managed to once again out entertain all other classes. The youngsters were led by a first time 14 year old driver Jay McDonald. He managed to stay out of trouble in a last lap incident that brought him a trophy on his first ever main event! KC Gillogly was second and the youngest Quale “Racin” Jason was third.
The Quales Electronics Hornets debut showcased a driver who ran in the Junior Stinger division last season, “The Tank” Doug Brownfield. The Tank held off a fast closing Robbie Ridley to win his first Hornet main with Aaron Pohlman rounding out the top three.
Next up at MVS; Pro 4’s, Trucks, Budweiser Super Stocks, Brennans Carpet Pony’s and Quales Electronics Hornets & Stingers, Also MVS will have the ever popular Falls Brand Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Fans can win a prize each race night by “checking in” on Facebook at MVS! Fans can also follow MVS on Twitter.
www.magicvalleyspeedway.com
