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Jeff Aikey returned to his old stomping grounds in West Union to win the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature at Fayette County Speedway’s fair night Rage Chassis 40 special. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Aikey Roars To IMCA Rage Chassis 40 Checkers

WEST UNION, Iowa — The Rage Chassis 40 did not disappoint Wednesday night as Fayette County Speedway hosted the $2,200 to win fair special for Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds.

At the end of the 40-lap feature race, it was legend Jeff Aikey who parked his No. 77 hot rod in victory lane.

Aikey wasted little time finding his way to the front after starting third on the grid. After a few cautions in the opening laps, Aikey got past early leader Chris Snyder and was able to maintain a good distance over eventual runner-up and defending IMCA national champion Jeff Larson throughout the rest of the caution-free race.

“I started my racing career right here 42 years ago,” said an ecstatic Aikey in his post-race interview. “I may be 60 years old, but giving up racing is not something that I have in my future plans.”

Aikey was already eligible to qualify for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational.

Larson, who got a win at West Union earlier this year in his late model, closed in on Aikey several times as the leaders fought through lapped traffic, but ended up second after charging ahead eight spots.

Drew Janssen took third on the night, while Ryan Duhme advanced as high as second before apparent damage to his left front wheel caused him to drop back to fourth. Ryan Maitland rounded out the top five.

Feature (40 Laps): 1. Jeff Aikey; 2. Jeff Larson; 3. Drew Janssen; 4. Ryan Duhme; 5. Ryan Maitland; 6. Spencer Diercks; 7. J.D. Auringer; 8. Justin O’Brien; 9. Brennen Chipp; 10. Chris Snyder; 11. Josh Roney; 12. Josh Barta; 13. Kyle Madden; 14. Mark Schulte; 15. Jeff Reay; 16. Jason Morehouse; 17. Keith Pittman; 18. Matt McCahen; 19. Ed Thomas; 20. Jacob Snyder; 21. Corey Dripps; 22. Andrew Lokenvitz