MADERA >> A dual-headliner show at Madera Speedway on Saturday night will give valley race fans the best of both worlds with the Pacific Challenge Series Super Late Models (PCS) bringing the thunder and North State Modified Series (NSMS) bringing the lightning to the one-third mile track.
MAVTV cameras again will be rolling for the 75-lap feature for the PCS. The NSMS main event is 60 laps.
For the PCS Late Models, parity has been the name of the game with six different winners in eight races at five different tracks. Mike Beeler of Modesto, the 2014 champion, has won the last two races to close within 18 points of leader Jeremy Doss of Upper Lake. Jacob Gomes won the first PCS appearance at Madera on March 19 while Tracy Bolin set a new track record in qualifying. Track records have been broken at nearly every race this year.
The NSMS last appeared at Madera on June 11 during the Lucas Oil Summertime Horsepower Nationals. Popular Sacramento-area driver Jason Philpot scored a new track record and picked up the 60-lap victory.
The series notably attracts most of its drivers from Lake County, making for a long tow to Madera. That long tow has not deterred Kelseyville’s Darrin Knight as he leads the championship points battle by 78 points. Darrin Sullivan, also from Kelseyville, is running second with Lakeport drivers Mike Collins and Charlie Collins next in line. Codi Barba of Cobb sits in fifth place.
An open practice kicks off the weekend on Friday before another full day of racing action Saturday. Pit gates open at noon with practice from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Qualifying follows with heats and dashes at 5:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies and the main event begins at 6:30 p.m.
