UKIAH >> Darrin Knight of Kelseyville didn’t disappoint his fans on Saturday night as the North State Modified Series (NSMS) driver claimed his third win of the season during the Sinister Diesel 60-lap feature race at the Ukiah Speedway.
Making its only appearance of the season at Ukiah, NSMS, sponsored by Protect the Haverest and Swartz Diesel, brought 22 cars to the Ukiah track on Armed Forces Night.
Knight powered by Mike Collins of Lakeport, who ended up third, on a lap-19 restart en route to his victory, one that moves him into second place in the NSMC point standings behind leader Tripp Gaylord of Golden, Colorado.
Gaylord set the fast time (12.924 seconds) in front of Kris Price of Sacramento (12.948). His track record earned him the Sunoco/Penney Racing Supply Fast Time Award, but when he drew for the inversion, he pulled the No. 8 chip, putting Jason Philpot and Michael Mitchell on the front row. Philpot had engine problems and dropped to the rear, handing the pole position to Mike Collins.
Collins forged ahead at the start with Knight driving under Mitchell to assume second. As Collins and Knight pulled away, Mitchell was battling Price for third with Nick Lyons, Charlie Collins and Jason Patison next in line. Philpot retired to the pits on lap four.
On lap 13, Charlie Collins tapped Lyons in the rear causing Lyons to drift high enough for Collins to dive under Lyons and take over fifth. Patison and Gaylord also gained position before the No. 82 car could pull back in line, dropping Lyons to eighth.
Five rounds later Knight drove under Mike Collins to take the lead but his efforts were all in vain when the yellow flag flew on the same lap for a Guy Young spin on the back stretch. With the lineup reverting back to the last green-flag lap, Mike Collins regained the lead, but the side-by-side restart saw Knight pull ahead to take control of the top spot.
Two more cautions plagued the first half of the race, the first when Lyons and Guy Young came together, putting Young’s car out of commission and giving Lyons a flat tire. Young was towed to the pits and Lyons rejoined the field after a quick tire change.
On the restart, Mitchell’s car broke loose, causing a change reaction that saw Gaylord and Charlie Collins scatter to avoid Mitchell. Contact was made resulting in Charlie Collins shooting off the track in turn three. Gaylord was considered involved and had to start at the rear while Collins retired his mount to the pits.
Knight chose the outside lane for the restart and continued his domination as Mike Collins settled into second. Price snuck under Mitchell for third and both Rick Andersen and Richie Potts moved forward. At the Economy Heating & Air halfway point it was Knight, Mike Collins, Price, Andersen, Mitchell, Patison, Potts, Cody Braund, Bobby Hirschbock and Cameron Austin.
The final caution fell on lap 31 when Hirschbock spun into the infield, shooting dust and rocks onto the racing surface. Knight took control again on the restart followed by Mike Collins, Price, Andersen, Braund and Patison. Gaylord was picking off cars on his way back to the front and passed Braund on lap 50 to join the top five runners. Price made an impressive drive under Mike Collins for second place at the same time.
The final 10 laps saw the leaders weave through lapped traffic and at the checkered flag is was Knight, Price, Mike Collins, Andersen, Gaylord and Braund. Andersen’s car made contact with the lapped car of Brandon Verde after the checkered, sending Andersen’s car hard into the front-stretch wall. Rounding out the top 10 were Potts, Patison, Austin and Lyons.
Lyons collected $100 in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash, with Mkike Collins getting $50 for second. Austin earned the Wenteq Hard Charger Award, Andersen took home the Naake Suspension award, and the F.R.E. Certificates went to Young and Braund.
The NSMS returns to action Aug. 8 at the Stockton 99 Speedway.
