HUMBOLDT — Open Wheel Modified Dirt Racing began life as a single class of race cars, designed as a budget option for “ordinary” drivers to compete in a more challenging class of competition than full body race cars of the period.
My, how they have evolved.
Modifieds now compete in international touring groups such as the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS), usually known as “A” Mods, and then progress to various “economy” classes in different regions of the country, such as Humboldt Speedway’s “B” Mods and Midwest Mods.
On Friday, Humboldt hosted a night of Modified Racing, gathering about 85 Modifieds of various types, in an impressive display of Speed on Dirt.
First up were the Love’s Travel Stops Midwest Mods, a tightly regulated class with talented drivers of all ages that provides some incredible close-quarter combat. Seventeen cars competed in the race.When the checkered flag descended after multiple lead changes in the feature race, Jacob Ellison of Chanute had come from mid pack to hold off hard-charging runner-up Ryan Smith of Moran for the win. Brady Folk of Iola finished third, followed by Chanute’s Mike Churning and Humboldt driver Jackson McGowen.
Mod Lites were next, fielding 18 cars for the 16-lap main event. Dillion Raffurty of Kansas City, Mo., turned in a sparkling performance, winning the event wire to wire. Pleasant Hill, Mo.’s Ed Griggs came in second, while David Raffurty of Kansas City was third, Tommy Carter of Bentley, took fourth and David Raffurty of Kansas City rounded out the top five.
The Ray’s Metal Depot B-Mod feature was, indeed, a 14 car clash of titans, as Tyler Kidwell of Chanute and Pittsburg veteran Brian McGowen battled, with Kidwell tallying the victory. McGowen finished second, Lansing, driver Jake Richards was third, with Brad Smith of Belton, Mo., fourth and Bryce Weldon fifth.
The crown jewel of the night was the second appearance at The Hummer this season of the USMTS “A” Mods, 36 cars strong. After four heat races, two “B” main qualifying races, and the top eight drivers participating in a starting lineup redraw, the field was set for the 40 lap “A” main.
After an incredible run featuring multiple lead changes and lapped competitors, Wichita driver and showman Tanner Mullins topped the massive field. In second, another familiar face to Hummer fans, Darrin Fuqua of Mayetta managed to hold off hard-charging third-place finisher Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo. Tyler Davis, Haysville, finished fourth, with Jake Gallardo from Los Cruces, N.M., completing the top five.
Racing resumes Friday night at Humboldt Speedway, featuring a full field of cars from all divisions.
