HUMBOLDT — Big money races are fairly common for Late Models and Modifieds; not so much for some of the other divisions at area tracks. So, when the chance to win $1,000 and a nice trophy comes along for factory stock, you can bet your biscuit the big guns will arrive.
Such was the case Friday night at the Humboldt Speedway. A rain delay of 30 minutes did little to dampen the action. Ryan Whitworth and his crew worked to clear the track of any excess moisture — conditions that would have prompted many promoters to cancel the event.
Granted, the track was a bit rougher than usual, but three-wide, wide open racing was evident in all classes.
With the field of cars set, the top eight qualifiers re-drew for starting spots.
At the green, Tyler James, making only his second start this year, blasted into the lead, never to look back to win the factory stock feature. Scott Stuart, previously undefeated at Humboldt this season, put tremendous pressure on James from the second spot, but never found the opening he needed. Coffeyville driver Gary Langworthy finished in third, with David Matlock fourth and Independence, Mo.’s, Jerry Schmidt fifth.
From deep in the McCarthy Auto Group/USRA Modified field came 2012 Humboldt points champ John Allen to capture the Modified feature win. Pole sitter Mitch Keeton of Webb City, Mo., took second, while Gardner driver Justin Johnson was third, with Travis Smith fourth. Payden Phillips emerged from the bowels of the dreaded “B” main to capture fifth.
Curt Drake withstood multiple charges from runner-up Jeremy Chambers and led from start to finish in the Ray’s Metal Depot B-Mod feature race. An aggressive J.T. Thurman scored third, with Wheatland, Mo., driver Mike Striegel fourth. Jimmie Davis was fifth.
The Whitworth Construction Pure Stock feature was won by Derrek Wilson. Second went to Donnie Deevers. Mitchell Coulter, Matt Rowe and Stetson Deets rounded out the top five.
James victorious in factory stock field
