BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – IMCA California Speedweek got underway Friday at Bakersfield Speedway, with Clint Reichenbach capturing the headlining IMCA modified main event.
Reichenbach had a dazzling performance in the 25-lap IMCA modified main event. The Bakersfield chauffeur managed to bolt out in front of the field and lead the opening stanza. A single caution flag waved during the feature, forcing Reichenbach to work traffic.
The traffic proved not to be a major obstacle for Reichenbach, though he did feel a bit of pressure from Ethan Dotson near the end of the race.
Dotson was able to track down Reichenbach, but he couldn’t overtake him in the final laps as Reichenbach claimed his first victory of the season. It was also Reichenbach’s first IMCA California Speedweek main event win.
Dotson finished second, with Jake Pike, Jerry Flippo and Cody Laney following.
In the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern Sportmods, Tanner Thomas managed to beat the field to the start/finish line at the completion of the first circuit. Thomas was challenged by several competitors for the lead, with Jason Nation finding his way to the front on lap three.
Once Nation took control he would immediately be under attack by Levi Kiefer. Kiefer was moments away from overtaking Nation only for the caution flag to slow the proceedings. Kiefer tried again when the race resumed, but Nation kept his mount in front.
A lap-18 caution gave Kiefer one final shot, but Nation held serve and led the rest of the distance for his first IMCA California Speedweek victory.
Kiefer followed in second ahead of Fred Ryland, Thomas and Billy Simkins.
Brock Hamilton paced the field when the green flag waved for the 25-lap Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars feature. An early caution prevented Hamilton from getting too far ahead. During the restart Hamilton was pressured by Dotson, who soon overtook him on the seventh circuit.
Dotson, who pulled double-duty in modified and stock car classes, began to drive away from the field until the caution waved again. During the restart Dotson set a torrid pace as he cruised to the victory.
Jeff Streeter was second, followed by Steven Johnson, Dakota Schweitzer and Justin Schweitzer.
The second round of IMCA California Speedweek is scheduled for Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif.