HUMBOLDT — It took five heat races and two B-feature races to get the field set for the 40-lap main feature race Friday night.
The drivers and race fans at Humboldt Speedway were primed for a great race. They got it.
In the final 2012 appearance of the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) at Humboldt, the drivers staged a thriller for the fans.
Jeremy Payne of Springfield, Mo., mounted a hard- fought campaign to top the 26-car “A” main field.
Over the course of the event, Payne passed current national points leader and eventual runner-up Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, and reigning “King Of America” Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, N.M., who finished third.
Scott’s twin brother, Johnny, also from Las Cruces, was fourth, followed by Jason Hughes of Watts, Okla..
In post race interviews, Payne was complimentary of his crew, saying that the chassis setup they provided was “spot on.” Gustin also pointed out the need for proper setup, especially when faced with this caliber of competition.
All the drivers praised Ron Whitworth and associates for the excellent condition of the track itself.
Wide open competition was evident in all classes Friday, none more so than the USRA B-Mod feature. Tim VanGotten topped the 23-car field, leading most of the event despite intense pressure from runner up Jimmie Davis. Jeremy Chamber placed third followed by Jack Simmons and Brad Smith in fifth.
In only his second 2012 appearance, Dusty Marvin claimed the feature win in factory stock division. Jeremy Wilson came from deep in the field to take second place, followed by Patrick Kay, Tim Phillips, and Brandon Tindle.
Derek Michael recorded a hard fought pure stock feature win, edging out runner up Tyler Kidwell. Levi Phillips, Mike Churning, and Michael Aiello rounded out the top five.
TONIGHT, sprint cars take center stage.
The American Sprint Car Series, fresh from the “360” Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa, makes its first-ever Humboldt Speedway appearance.
Gates open at 6 o’clock and racing gets under way at 8 o’clock. General admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children.
The regular USRA modifieds and B-Mod divisions at Humboldt Speedway also runs tonight.
This Friday it’s Pack The Stands Fan Appreciation Night. An estimated 5,000 free tickets have already been distributed by promoters Ron, Rhenda, and Ryan Whitworth to area fans for what looks to be a mega event.
