ROSEVILLE >> The North State Modified Series presented by Protect the Harvest and Swartz Diesel opened it’s second season at All American Speedway on Saturday night in Roseville. When it was all over, Rich Lindgren of Rio Linda was the $1,000 feature winner after beating out Cody Braund of Anderson and Michael Mitchell of Loomis.
Kris Price of Sacramento earned the Penney Racing Supply Fast Time Award, running quickest over the 23-car field with a 13.858-second lap. Keegan Walmer of Portland, Oregon, clocked in second fast at 13.892 with Tripp Gaylord of Golden, Colorado, at 13.914, Jason Philpot of Sacramento at 13.922 and Lindgren at 13.931.
Greg Scheidecker, promoter of the Lucas Oil Modified Series, made the trip up from Southern California and presented Lindgren with $100 for winning the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash. He also handed Kelseyville’s Darrin Knight $50 for finishing second.
The Sinister Diesel 60-lap feature had a four-car inverted start, which put Philpot and Gaylord in the front row. Philpot pulled ahead at the drop of the Buckhorn Bar and Grill green flag with Gaylord in second. Lindgren shot from fifth to third with a three-wide maneuver, and at the same time Mitchell drove around Walmer for fourth.
The first of many yellow flags flew on lap seven when Price clipped the wall. As the pack scattered, Guy Young spun to avoid the mishap. Nick Lyons lost power on the restart, stalling the race again. Walmer flattened his tire while attempting to edge under Knight on lap 10 and had to pit for repairs.
The race was slowed again on 14 when Richie Potts and Mitchell made contact, both cars spinning in turn four. Five rounds later Lindgren stole the lead from Philpot. At the 20-lap marker it was Lindgren, Philpot, Gaylord, Knight, Braund, Michael Morrison and Oregon driver Bobby Hirschbock. Hirschbock looped it on 21 after contact with Ty Carlson for yet another yellow. At the same time William Camara limped to the pits with a broken car.
After five more green-flag circuits, Rick Anderson was lapping John Airrington when Airrington’s car broke loose and hit Anderson’s car, sending it hard into the front-stretch concrete. Knight inched under Philpot for second on the restart and set his sights on the leader. Four rounds later Mike Gorham spun in turn two.
A collision with Brian Collins, Hirschbock and Kelsie Martin slowed the action again. Another five-lap green-flag run saw Gaylord drive by Philpot, and Braund passing both of them for third. Gaylord slipped back by Braund on 36. Lap 40 saw Sal Lopez and Martin making contact and spinning in turn four.
Gaylord and Knight were side by side on 43 when both cars drifted high and made contact, ending both of their runs. This put Braund in second, Mitchell in third, Philpot fourth and Richie Potts in fifth. The race was shortened to 51 laps because of a curfew and at the checkered flag it was Lindgren, Braund, Mitchell, Philpot and Potts. Rounding out the top 10 were Carlson, Young, Martin, Lopez and Wenteq.
The Hard Charger award winner was Scott Sabol.
Guy Young was the winner of the Naake Suspension award, and the F.R.E. Certificates went to Lopez and Gorham. Morrison and Lyons received fuel jugs from Scribner Plastics.
The next North State Modified race is May 2 at the Lakeport Speedway. Details can be obtained at NorthStateModifieds.com or the North State Modifieds Series facebook page.
