Source: Madera Speedway
Date: 09/28/2005

MADERA, California -- It was setting up to be a classic Ford vs. Chevy battle for the Championship in the Late Model Sportsman division. There was only two points separating Justin Westmoreland in his #9 Taurus and Bryan Herzog in #11 Monte Carlo going in to the final race of the season at Madera Speedway. They started the night off to much the same tune with Westmoreland setting a new track record of 15.35sec a mere 100th of a second faster than B. Herzog who also eclipsed the old mark. At the start of the main event the drama kicked in when Westmoreland and long shot championship contender Richard Herzog got caught up in a lap one spin by David Lander. The cars were just cosmetically damaged and lined up for a complete restart. At the same time B. Herzog fought over heating during the red flag to clean up the track and had to go to the rear after adding water to his car. Westmoreland took the lead on lap 17. B. Herzog was coming forward and was in 3rd when he spun Stockton 99 regular Eric Humphries on lap 36. B. Herzog was sent to the rear and Humphries was given his spot back. Westmoreland running the high side of the race track held of a strong charge from Humphries on the bottom to take the 50 lap feature and the championship. It was Westmoreland’s second Late Model Sportsman track Championship.

The Pure Stocks saw Manny Gonzales rebound from a slow start in the beginning of the season to claim the title. Gonzales went out in style, winning his final race of the season.

In the Toyota Sedans division, Randy Fleming Jr. won the last seven of eight races to earn the championship.

Candee McIntosh in the Hornets division defended her 2004 championship by winning the final race of the season.

The Madera Speedway also recognized the Rookies of the Year in each division. In the Late Model Sportsman, Mark Stegall pushed through racing in a new division to win the rookie honors. Driver Donald Selsor won Rookie of the Year in the Pure Stock division. Toyota Sedans Rookie of the Year Jason Kerns finished the season with not only rookie of the year but also the track record. In the Hornets Sue Hannah won the rookie title.

Madera Speedway will be back in action on Saturday nigh October 8th for the “Saturday Night Thunder Series” championships

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