ANDERSON — Presented by Protect the Harvest, the North State Modified Series visits the Shasta Speedway in Anderson on Saturday evening for the sixth running of the Lloyd Burton Against the Wind Modified Challenge, a 60-lap race featuring a $1,500 first-place prize.
Lloyd Burton, a longtime supporter of auto racing in the Redding-Chico area, served as the head official at Shasta Speedway back in the 1990s when the facility was promoted by Bob Carrel. He is a native of Shasta County and was involved in racing and promoting his entire adult life. Burton officiated at several race tracks, both dirt and asphalt, throughout Northern California.
Burton also was the founder of the Northern California Auto Racing Alumni (NCARA), which includes all race tracks in Northern California. His son, Dan Burton, raced a sprint car for many years at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico and other race tracks in the area.
Burton’s brother-in-law, Mort Houston, has been a big part of this prestigious event the past five years and has once again donated a personalized wood-carved trophy that will be presented to the winner. His son, Randy Houston, will be driving the No. 9 modified in memory of his uncle.
Also present Saturday will be Lloyd Burton’s wife, Mary Burton, and several members of the Burton family. They will present the $1,500 check to the winner.
The inaugural Lloyd Burton Against the Wind Modified Challenge took place in 2016 when Jason Philpot of Sacramento won the race. Darrin Sullivan of Kelseyville took home top honors in 2017, Kris Price of Sacramento was the winner in 2018, and Ukiah’s Kyle Tellstrom captured the event the last two years.
The names of all the past champions are engraved on the 4-foot-tall perpetual trophy, which is housed in the North State Modified Series office in Lucerne.
Joining the North State Modifieds on Saturday’s racing card are the Late Models, bombers, Hornets and Legends Cars.
— Submitted by Nadine Strauss
