HUMBOLDT — On the eve of one of the season’s biggest races at Humboldt Speedway, promoters Rhenda and Ryan Whitworth threw open the track gates Friday for Pack The Stands Night, where all spectators got in free.
It was a spectacular turnout, and the crowd was treated to a stellar performance by Jeremy Chambers, winner of the USRA Modified main event.
USRA is a national sanctioning body for dirt track racing. Chambers is currently second in national points.
In the early laps of the contest, Paden Phillips was engaged in a wheel-to-wheel duel with John Allen, while Chambers waited in third for a chance to strike. When the lead pair tangled up and effectively took each other out, Chambers took command of the 17-car field, and set sail for victory lane. Second went to Josh Everhart, with Chase Domer coming from deep in the field to finish third. Jerry Morgan was fourth, Gene Hogan fifth.
The bounty hunters — hoping to cash in on a $100 prize — chasing Pure Stock driver Derrek Wilson were frustrated once again. Wilson smoothly eluded his pursuers, who would have won $100 had they reached the finish line first. This week, it was Mitch Coulter in second place, Wayne Johnson third, Mike Churning fourth and Sean Felkins fifth.
There was a thriller in this week’s USRA Stock Car division feature. Levi McGowen, driving as a “hired gun” for Scott Collins, led the bulk of the feature laps until he was overhauled by Jeremy Wilson, who was, in turn, passed by winner Tyler James. In the end, it was Wilson as runner-up, David Matlock third, Patrick Kay fourth, and Ken Colston fifth. Mechanical issues sent McGowen to the pits late in the event.
Andy Bryant captured the USRA B-Mod feature, holding defending points champ Jimmie Davis at bay. Third went to Ethan Isaacs, with Heath Murry fourth, and Tim Phillips fifth.
Independence Day moves this week’s races up a day, to Thursday. On tap is a $2,000-to-win USRA A Mod feature, $500-to-win USRA B-Mods, plus full competition in the Pure Stock and Stock Car divisions. The evening will be capped by a massive fireworks show.
Adult admission is $12 at the gate.
Chambers claims USRA modified win
