EUREKA— Jeremy Nowlin of Kelseyville brought his newly-built modified out to Lakeport Speedway Saturday night to “shake it down” before taking it to Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka this weekend to run with the North State Modified Series in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall Spectacular. Nowlin was the big main event winner at Lakeport, and is now concentrating on the Dale Baldwin Challenge tonight in Eureka. Also getting ready for the long-tow up north is Kelseyville’s Sal Martinez who finished third at Lakeport Speedway Saturday.
The third running of the “Dale Baldwin Challenge” for the North State Modifieds, is presented by Doyce Eaton, Mark and Sharon Baldwin and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event will also include the Upstate Modified Series and will pay $2000 to the winner of the 60 lap feature event.
This tribute race is honoring long-time race enthusiast Dale Baldwin who passed away suddenly on July 3rd, 2020 at the age of 94. Dale loved Auto Racing and attended the races all over the Western United States for over 50 years with his family. Dale sponsored his son Mark Baldwin’s race car for many years.
Prior to racing action, all competitors will be a part of the Steve Taylor Memorial Qualifying Session. “Steve (Taylor) qualified at Redwood Acres Raceway with NSMS for the final time in 2020. Taylor, from Cloverdale, raced his final race 3 years ago this weekend, and died the next day from a tiny tear in his aorta. A special American Flag parade lap featuring all the modifieds will take place during the national anthem remembering both Dale Baldwin and Steve Taylor.
Other special bonuses for the drivers will be the O’Reilly’s Dash for Cash, the Doyce Eaton Hard Charger Award, and the Doyce Eaton Best Appearing Car Award, each paying $100 to the winner.
This weekend, and the NSMS grand finale’ at Shasta Speedway on October 14, are the last two points races for the North State Modified drivers in the 2023 championship battle. Going into this Saturday’s action, Scott Winters of Tracy is leading the way with 404 points. Winters is the defending NSMS champion and also won the title in 2019 and 2021 for the Ferrari-Kramer racing team.
Ian Elliott from Lakeport is running second in points, only 56 points behind Winters. Third in points is currently held by Eureka’s Brandon White, Martinez stands in fourth place, and Eric Price II from Meridian is fifth.
Sixth through 10th points contenders are Calvin Hegje, Rick Avila, Kylei Keown, John Baker, and 2022 Rookie of the Year Jordan Smith.
The North State Modified Series is presented by Sunoco Race Fuels, Racer Bling, Mark & Sharon Baldwin, Doyce Eaton, Scribner Plastics, McMurray & Sons Roofing, Frank’s Radios and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
