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Hayden Williams (USAC photo)

Williams Rules Ventura In First Start

VENTURA, Calif. — Making his first start with the USAC Western States Midget Series, Hayden Williams led all 30 laps to win at Ventura Raceway. 

Driving Bill Buckley’s No. 1nz Esslinger Engineering / Lucas Oil Bullet, Williams started on the outside of the front row and sailed to the $1,200 victory. 

Travis Buckley, point leader Blake Bower, Matt Mitchell and Caden Sarale followed Williams to the checkered flags.

Before scoring his first main event victory, Williams was fifth quick out the 19-ccar roster and won the second heat. The New Zealand driver left the Ventura County Fairgrounds ranked 25th in the point chase.

In Woodland Auto Display Qualifying, Chase Johnson earned his second fast time of the campaign. 

The finish:

Feature (30 laps): 1. Hayden Williams (2), 2. Travis Buckley (1), 3. Blake Bower (5), 4. Matt Mitchell (11), 5. Caden Sarale (10), 6. Chase Johnson (6), 7. Robby Josett (7), 8. Colby Johnson (19), 9. Gage Rucker (12), 10. Randi Pankratz (15), 11. Jarrett Soares (13), 12.  Joey Bishop (16), 13. Ron Hazelton (17), 14. Troy Rutherford (4), 15. C.J. Sarna (8), 16. Dylan Ito (9), 17. Mike Leach Jr. (14), 18. Brody Fuson (3), 19. Tony Gomes (18). NT