EUREKA — The North State Modified Series has partnered up with McMurray and Sons Roofing as well as Mark and Sharon Baldwin to offer the richest purse ever to NSMS drivers competing Sept. 25 during the Dale Baldwin Challenge at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka.
The inaugural Dale Baldwin Challenge will pay $5,000 to the winner of the 60-lap main event, $2,500 to the runner-up, $1,500 for third place, $1,200 for fourth and $1,000 for fifth.
The event honors the memory of longtime racing enthusiast Dale Baldwin, who passed away suddenly on July 3, 2020 at the age of 94. Baldwin loved auto racing and attended races along with his family throughout the western United States for more than 50 years. Baldwin sponsored son Mark’s race car for many years and was extremely proud of the success he had at racing venues around the West Coast.
Also honored will be NSMS driver Steve Taylor of Cloverdale, who raced at Eureka one year ago, just one day before he died. While competing in the main event a year ago, Taylor sustained a tiny tear in his aorta and was unable to finish the race. He died the next day. According to wife Sage he was surrounded by close friends and family and had perhaps the best weekend of his life.
To honor both Baldwin and Taylor, all the modified drivers will carry American flags as they do a parade lap around the track during the playing of the national anthem.
The NSMS drivers also will compete in the Hoosier Tire Qualifying laps and the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash. The top contenders in the 2021 points battle will share a portion of Lucas Oil Tow Money.
Sponsored by Protest the Harvest, the North State Modified Series would not be possible without the support of Lucas Oil, McMurray and Sons Roofing, Mark and Sharon Baldwin, Economy Heating & Air, Sullivan Construction and Masonry, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Scribner Plastics, Frank’s Radios, Supercuts, Vogel’s RVs, and Authority Heating & Air.
— Submitted by Nadine Strauss.
