By SCOTT L. STEWART
HUMBOLDT — Racing USRA/McCarthy Auto Group Modifieds is a tough act, and winning a feature against 14 other first-class drivers is no easy feat. Paden Phillips of Chanute, a rising star in the Modified racing series nationwide, joined these elite ranks Friday night.
Phillips had the inside pole, thanks to skillful driving in his heat races, beside red hot Travis Smith, winner of last two features. Behind Phillips were legendary Kansas City driver Rick Bebe and Steven Bowers Jr.
Pressure? You bet.
Phillips, however, was ready, and his driving skills were near clinic-like, as he blasted into the lead. Behind him was a royal rumble that saw Smith finish second, Modified legend John Allen third, Bebe fourth and Bowers Jr. fifth.
In Whitworth Construction Pure Stock action, Wayne Smith of Humboldt recorded his first ever feature win, holding off hard-charging runner-up Don Mcintosh. Matt Habiger laid claim to the third spot and Joey Decoster claimed fourth.
Andy Bryant topped the USRA/Ray’s Metal Depot B-Modified feature, tracking down runner-up and defending points champ Jimmie Davis. Dakota Foster came from deep in the field to claim third, with Dylan Allen in fourth and Mike Letterman in fifth.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Wilson was back in form, winning the USRA/Golden Knights Billiards Stock Car feature, despite a tremendous effort by second place David Matlock. Tyler James turned in a strong third, with Ken Colston fourth.
This Friday, Humboldt Speedway will “kickstart your heart” with ground-pounding 410 cubic-inch non-winged sprint cars as the WAR racing association pays a visit.
All regular classes will compete as well. Adult admission is $13.
