MADERA >> The North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, ventured down to Central California last weekend to be a part of Madera Speedway’s fifth annual Summer Horsepower Nationals.
Although it was the first time at the track for the series, the drivers learned the fast way around the one-third mile oval in record time with Tripp Gaylord of Golden, Colorado, setting fast time over the 18-car field with a 15.988-second lap. It was the third time in a row Gaylord earned the Penney Racing Supply Fast Time Award. Other top qualifiers were Sacramento’s Jason Philpot (15.118), Loomis driver Michael Mitchell (15.163), and Kelseyville drivers Darrin Knight (15.229) and Bryan Denton (15.230).
The Swartz Diesel 60-lap feature saw a six-car invert with Mike Regelman and Denton sharing the front row. Denton forged ahead at the start with Mitchell motoring around Regelman for second. The outside lane moved forward putting Gaylord in third while dropping Regelman and Knight to fourth and fifth. Mitchell’s car slowed slightly and slid to the high side making room for Gaylord to fill the hole and advance to second. Next Gaylord set his sights on Denton, caught Denton on lap eight and began his bid for the lead. Gaylord let Denton know he was there with several taps on his rear bumper. He tried Denton on the low side on 12, but Denton closed the door. Gaylord snuck under Denton again on 15, but still couldn’t stay in front. Finally on lap 20 Gaylord made the inside pass to assume the lead.
The following round Knight went to the high side, driving around Denton for second. Meanwhile Rick Anderson was picking off cars and at the midway point of the race it was Gaylord, Knight, Anderson, Philpot, Denton, Regelman, Michael Morrison, Mitchell and Richie Potts.
As Gaylord was enjoying a healthy distance, Mitchell’s car was losing power and falling to the rear. Lap 37 saw Cody Braund in a three-wide move to get by Mitchell as the lapping process began. The first of three yellow flags flew on lap 44 when Ty Carlson developed a flat tire and spun in turn two. Carlson pitted for repairs and tagged the rear of the field.
The double-file restart saw Knight power into the lead with Gaylord in second ahead of Anderson, Michael Morrison, Philpot and Denton. Ten rounds later the race was slowed again for another Carlson spin, and when the green fell again Gaylord took back the lead. With only eight laps to go Philpot tapped the back of Morrison’s car, causing Morrison to spin in turn two.
Gaylord elected to start on the high side for the final restart and immediately took control of the race, driving to the $1,000 victory. Knight finished second while Anderson and Lyons drove by Denton in the closing laps to finish third and fourth. Denton came across the line in fifth followed by Bobby Hirschbock, Potts, Braund, Morrison, Philpot and Regelman.
Gaylord’s win moved him up to first in the NSMS points standings. Braund trails Gaylord by six points. Knight moved into third place, Mitchell dropped to fourth with Young in fifth.
Denton collected $100 in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash, with Mitchell getting $50 for second. Hirschbock earned the Wenteq Hard Charger Award, Potts took home the Naake Suspension award, and the F.R.E. Certificates went to Philpot and Martin. Collins and Carlson received fuel jugs from Scribner Plastics.
The next North State Modified race is June 27 at All American Speedway in Roseville as a part of the Placer County Fair. Practice is June 26 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Details can be obtained at NorthStateModifieds.com or the North State Modifieds Series Facebook page.
