EUREKA >> With the cancellation of the August show at Lakeport Speedway because of the Mendocino Complex fires burning in the area, it has been nearly seven weeks since the North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest, has been on a race track.
That all ends on Saturday night as the popular touring group returns to the 3/8-mile paved oval at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka. This is the third and final NSMS show at “The Acres” this season.
With only three races remaining in the regular season, Kris Price of Sacramento leads the way in the championship points battle. Price is a three-time feature winner in 2018. He has taken home top honors at Shasta Speedway on May 12, at All American Speedway in Roseville in early July, and at Eureka on July 21.
Running second in the points standings, 40 points behind Price, is Dustin DeRosier of Cloverdale. DeRosier has chalked up five top-five finishes, including top-three finishes at both Ukiah Speedway and All American Speedway.
Trailing DeRosier by only 10 points is Terry Deal of Roseville. Deal has averaged a sixth-place finish in the past six events. He just returned from the West Coast Modified Shootout at Roseburg, Ore., where he placed third in the 60-lap feature.
Sitting in fourth place in the standings, four points behind Deal, is Eric Johnson of Kelseyville. Johnson has three top-five finishes so far in 2018 with his best being a second at Redwood Acres Raceway. Johnson also leads the way in money wins in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash.
Running fifth in the point standings is Darrin Sullivan of Kelseyville. Sullivan set the fast time during the last race at Eureka. He won two main events 2017 but has yet to cross the finish line first this year. So far in 2018 he has five top-10 finishes and one top-five finish. He also ran at the West Coast Modified Shootout in Roseburg where he placed fourth.
Sixth through 10th in the championship point standings are Jason Philpot of Sacramento, Eric Price Jr. of Rio Linda, Ian Elliott of Lakeport, Cameron Austin of Santa Rosa, and Rick Avila of Pleasanton. Other main event winners besides Price this season are Philpot, Austin and Kyle Tellstrom.
All the above drivers as well as others are expected to make the long tow to Eureka this weekend to be a part of the Mid-City Motor World Fall Spectacular. Also competing are the local Road Runners, Bandoleros, bombers, Legends Cars, mini-stocks Thunder Roadsters and the Super 6 Late Models. Practice takes place all day Friday with racing starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
The North State Modified Series is presented by Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Land Management & Development, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics and Frank’s Radios.
Visit www.NorthStateModifieds.com for rules, an NSMS schedule or more information.
