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Tracks >> MERCED SPEEDWAY >> All Star Series Modifieds Return To Merced Speedway
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Message started by C.W. on 04/15/17 at 12:32am

Title: All Star Series Modifieds Return To Merced Speedway
Post by C.W. on 04/15/17 at 12:32am

Looks like rain isn't gonna jet this one, and it's looking like a good night. Here's an unofficial preview.

All Star Series Modifieds Return To Merced Speedway

Merced, CA...For the second time this season, racing was called off thanks to Mother Nature last week. This Saturday night, Merced Speedway returns with the All Star Series IMCA Modifieds headlining the show along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. This is sure to be a show that you won't want to miss as several top teams will be at Merced.

Up in the Pacific Northwest, the IMCA Modified drivers get to compete in a week-long event called the IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek. Several top teams come up north from California to compete in that event. Ocean Speedway promoter John Prentice decided to create something similar in California last season, and the All Star Series IMCA Modified Tour was born.

The series brings together some of the best IMCA Modified drivers in the state of California, including reigning series champion Ryan McDaniel, Ocean Speedway Champion Bobby Hogge IV and four time Antioch Speedway Champion Troy Foulger. When the tour came to Merced Speedway last season, one of the track's biggest stars of the last 20 years, Ramie Stone, shocked the field by scoring his lone victory of the year in the big event. Stone ended up second in the track's point race behind reigning champion Randy Brown.

Racers love the good competition, and this series brings out some of the best drivers at whatever venue they are scheduled. A field of cars possibly in the thirties is anticipated for this event. Not only is it the All Star Series, it's also the season opener for Merced's regular championship series.

In addition to the big stars coming in from out of town, you can count on the locals to be there to represent the area. Last week in Chowchilla, Bruce "Bubba" Nelson scored an impressive win ahead of Ryan Porter and Brown, two other drivers who have won multiple times at Merced. Nelson has now won in three different divisions and figures to be a factor in the Merced championship battle. Past champion Bill Egleston, Ricky Thatcher, Ryan Larimer, Troy Stone, John MacDougall and Chris Shannon will be among the other regulars to watch for.

Past Merced and Hanford champion Paul Stone was also at the All Star Series opener in Chico, and he is anticipated this week along with Chico winner Cody Burke, Wild West Speedweek champion Kellen Chadwick, Antioch champion Carl Berendsen II, Brian Cass, Danny Wagner and Duane Cleveland. This is expected to be a talent filled field of racers.

Though the opener for the West Coast Sport Modified Tour was rained out, the group has called on its drivers too support this week's IMCA Sport Modified show if possible. This means an already talented field of racers might be boosted by 2016 champions Brian Cooper and Todd Cooper and past Stock Car champion Jerry Bartlett, among others. If that happens, the Sport Modified car count might also break into the 30's on Saturday night.

Waiting at the gate will be two time champion and season opening winner Rick Diaz. The way it has gone down in the last year, if Diaz isn't winning, the winner usually has to get by him for that victory. 2015 IMCA State champion Fred Ryland is anticipated, and he will reportedly be joined by two other Bay Area stars, 2016 Antioch champion Trevor Clymens and 2016 Antioch Hobby Stock champion Guy Ahlwardt. Ahlwardt was in the hunt for the win in the season opener until the leader spun in front of him.

The fans will enjoy the great competition in the Sport Modifieds on Saturday night as track regulars like Tim Elias, brothers Chase Thomas and Tanner Thomas, Chuck Weir, 2015 champion Josh Hensley, past Antioch champion Jeremy Hoff, Andrew Peckham and Paul Espino will be others to watch for.

Hobby Stocks are ready to kick off their season, and a good turnout is also anticipated for them. Some of the stars of Merced were in Chowchilla last week, and Kodie Dean led all by but the final straightaway in his second place finish ahead of 2016 Merced champion Michael Shearer. Both drivers will be in Merced to do battle. 2015 champion Kevin Joaquin is back this season and will be a factor in the battle for wins as well.

The Shearer team has it's four cars ready, and Michael should be joined by wife Kristie, who is a past point runner up and feature winner in the class. Shannon Nelson should also be wheeling one of the team cars. Two other Top 5 stars, Austin Van Hoff and Robbie Loquaci, should be in action along with John Hensley, James Stockton, Donnie Shearer, Jeff Lacy, 2016 Ted Stofle Classic winner Phil Vaughn, 2015 Mini Stock champion Darren Miguel and several several other fast competitors.

Not to be forgotten are the Mini Stocks. Chris Corder made headlines last week in Chowchilla, but not the way he would have liked. Corder hit a rut in Turn 1 and rolled spectacularly six times. At the time, he was chasing sister Jennifer Corder, who won that heat race and proceeded to win the 20 lap Main Event in convincing fashion. The Merced season opener was won by Watsonville champion D.J. Keldsen, who may be back this week along with Dakota Keldsen. Dakota debuted in second at Chowchilla last week.

Destiny Carter should also be ready to race, along with second generation racer Lucy Falkenberg. The Mini Stocks had a double digit car count at the opener, and several new drivers have gotten into the growing class.

Saturday's program at Merced Speedway should see an increased car count and great racing as the All Star Series IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stock and Mini Stocks will all be in action. For further information, go to www.racemerced.com.