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Daniel Whitley in victory lane at Ventura Raceway. (A.J. Johnson photo)

Whitley Tops Ventura Thriller

VENTURA, Calif. — Daniel Whitley raced to his first USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series triumph Saturday night at Ventura Raceway.

Whitley started third and took the lead from Steve Hix on lap 13, but led only one lap before Hix regained the advantage.

Whitley returned to the lead on lap 20, with Hix taking the point back on lap 21. However, Whitley took control on lap 22 and led the final nine circuits of the oceanside oval.

Fast-qualifier Troy Rutherford raced from sixth to finish second, with Hix, Trent Carter and Kyle Edwards rounding out the top five.

The finish:

Feature (30 laps, With Starting Positions): 1. Daniel Whitley (3), 2. Troy Rutherford (6), 3. Steve Hix (4), 4. Trent Carter (5), 5. Kyle Edwards (9), 6. Joey Bishop (16), 7. Tyler Hatzikian (12), 8. Camie Bell (17), 9. Christopher Muraoka (13), 10. Brent Yarnal (15), 11. Logan Calderwood (11), 12. James Herrera (10), 13. Elexa Herrera (18), 14. Hannah Mayhew (14), 15. Tanner Boul (7), 16. Cody Majors (2), 17. Rick Hendrix (1), 18. Charlie Butcher (8).Â