HUMBOLDT — Racing fans have a little bit of heaven right here in southeast Kansas.
Humboldt Speedway has become one of the top small-dirt tracks in Kansas, and some might say in the Midwest. Ron and Rhenda Whitworth’s ownership of the local track the past 20-plus years has been good for the sport in the area.
Case in point — The Hummer, as it is affectionately known, hosted back-to-back United States Modified Touring Series races last weekend.
A week from today begins the King of America Modified Nationals II, a four-day USMTS sanctioned event with big payouts. Humboldt held the inaugural King of America Modified Nationals last October.
“We had a good car-count and the crowds were good for last weekend’s races,” said Rhenda Whitworth. “We’re expecting more of the same for next week’s event.”
Whitworth said they have built more grandstand seats on the south side of the track in the pit area. She said four-day ticket sales ($75) for the King of America Modified Nationals II has reached the same level as last year.
Those went on sale in January. Four-day tickets can be purchased online at usmts.com or by calling 515-832-7944.
Single-day tickets are general admission and sold only on the night of the races. Tickets on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights are $20 each and Saturday’s finals tickets are $25 each.
A lot of the drivers expected to be at the four-day event were at Humboldt Speedway Friday and Saturday for two USMTS Casey’s Cup Series races. There were 72 cars in Friday’s main feature race while 70 cars raced in Saturday’s A-main feature race.
On Friday night, it was Jason Hughes who took the checkered flag in the 40-lap USMTS Casey’s Cup Series main event. Hughes caught up and passed early-race leader Terry Phillips then lost the lead to Ryan Gustin, 2011 USMTS series champion.
With two laps to go, Hughes regained the lead and claimed the victory. Phillips paced the field for the first half of the race but fell back in the pack late.
Gustin finished second and Rodney Sanders — remember the name — placed third. Rounding out the top 10 were Stormy Scott, Zack Vanderbeek, Johnny Scott, Terry Schultz, Chris Brown, Mike Sorensen and Steven Bowers Jr.
Sanders captured his first USMTS Casey’s Cup Series victory of the season Saturday. Sanders ran up in the front of the field but didn’t take the lead until late.
Polesitter Nick Nevins led the first seven laps then came Corey Dripps to the lead spot. Mark Dotson challenged Dripps for the lead 14 laps later and the two cars made contact.
That resulted in a caution, a flat tire for Dotson and both drivers going to the rear of the field.
