HUMBOLDT — History was made at Humboldt Speedway Friday, as promoters Rhenda and Ryan Whitworth presented the first ever $1,000 to win Pure Stock feature.
As the name implies, “Pure Stock” is the elemental class of the four divisions at the speedway. Cars are intended to be as close to street stock as possible, given the necessary safety precautions, and intended to be the least expensive to build and maintain.
As such, rules are strictly enforced. Being the “least expensive” division also equates to racing for the smallest purse on most nights.
This night was the exception.
Nineteen cars lined up for a 25-lap event, paying the biggest Pure Stock purse in the 46-year history of Humboldt Speedway, sponsored by, appropriately enough, Whitworth Construction.
Many heavy hitters were on hand, including Todd Kidwell, who came out of retirement, and 16-year-old Mike Churning, who competes like a veteran driver with experience dating back to before he was born. This was the front row, and directly behind was defending 2013 point champ Derrek Wilson and Jared Hayden of South Coffeyville, Okla., a regular at “The Hummer.”
A four-way fight emerged as soon as the green flag dropped. Wilson took the early lead, which he held until Hayden found the smallest of openings and took the lead. Wilson appeared to be biding his time in second until a late race caution bunched the field once again.
At that point, Wilson came back with all he had. For several laps, the lead was too close. Hayden was able to pull away down the stretch to claim the win, with Wilson second, Churning in third, Kidwell fourth and Mitchell Coulter, who came from deep in the field, to round out the top five.
In the McCarthy Auto Group/USRA A Mod feature, Travis Smith won his second feature in as many weeks, and his third of the year, leading wire to wire for 20 laps. Runner-up honors went to Jeremy Chambers, while Jess Folk Jr., was third. Steven Bowers Jr., finished fourth. Dalton Kirk was fifth.
Tim VanGotten dominated Ray’s Metal Depot B Mod feature for his first win of 2014. Jimmie Davis turned in a strong second, Tyler Kidwell started dead last and finished third. Fourth went to Dylan Allen with Tim Phillips fifth.
In Golden Knights Billiards/USRA Stock Car action, Gary Langworthy made it two in a row for feature wins, holding off runner-up David Matlock. Jeremy Wilson, Tyler James and Ken Colston rounded out the top five.
With Easter being Sunday, Friday’s races will feature an Easter Egg hunt for the youngsters at half time, along with “Antique Racers” and a full program.
