Magic Valley local racers proved their NASCAR worth completing 60 main event laps caution free in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series.
The Budweiser Grand Nationals had an awesome night of racing as they completed the entire 35 lap main event caution free. Michael Mattix proved his driving skills as he led the pack for the first 20 laps. Dan Doan charged from behind and began to challenge Mattix for his position with door to door racing action continuing for 3 full laps. Finally on lap 20 Doan was able to overtake Mattix and drove away to the checkered flag followed closely by Mattix, Jerry Rice, Ray Van Holland and Earl Hamett.
Fifteen Napa Auto Part Pony Stocks took the green flag in their caution free 25 lap main event. Jason Whited held the lead until lap 8 when something happened and he appeared to lose power and rapidly decline in position, but with Alan Larson not too far behind quickly overtook him and led the pack to the checkered flag. Mike Greco attempted to catch Larson but was just not fast enough. The top five finishers are as follows: Alan Larson, Mike Greco, Kevan Larson, Billi Miles and Chad Packham.
The ARCA trucks made their only appearance of the season with five trucks taking the green flag. Three cautions occurred in the main event resulting in only two the trucks actually completing the race. Winning the event was Brandon Schilling from Vale, Arizona followed by E.K. Olinger from Tucson, Arizona.
The Intermountain Late Models had a good turn out of 18 cars taking the green flag. Tony Ackerland held off the pack until lap 19 when the race leaders, Ackerland and Lee Hackney, collided sending both cars to the rear of the pack. Eight cautions occured resulting in the majority of the 50 lap main event to be driven while under caution. Chris Ratterree, former Modified driver, came from the middle of the pack to take the checkered flag followed closely by, Jim Eaton, Jeff Flynn, Zan Sharp and Clint Kidd. The fan favorite, Nick Lynch, finished 11th.
Magic Valley Speedway local season points standing are as follows: Grand Nationals - Dan Doan, 524; Earl Hamett, 459; Ray Van Holland, 454; Randy Price, 450 and Charlie Hocking, 426. Pony Stocks - Billi Miles, 543; Alan Larson, 538; Mike Greco, 520; Woody Cullen, 483 and Chad Packham, 482. Modifieds - Steve Jones, 603; Harold Wartluft, 540; Thomas Powell, 529; Rob Vest, 495 and Mike Buddenhagen, 481. Magic Valley Pipe Thunder Stocks - Ernie Hall, 446; Brent Fehringer, 436; Craig Nuthak, 405; TJ O'Brien 385 and Tyler Van Holland, 366.
Racing action continues next Saturday night when the Mountain Dew Modifieds, the Budweiser Grand Nationals, the Magic valley Pipe Thunder Stocks, the Middlekauff Hornets and the Legends return for a fun filled evening. Then don't forget the USAC Sprint Cars on Tuesday, July 22 featuring Main events for local classes and the Indy Cars on Saturday, July 26. These are events you won't want to miss.
