(Photo courtesy of Kadi Hurlburt)
Once again, a strong crowd of fans cheer on that amazing sound signaling summer in Banks, OR.
Craig Cassell out of Albany, OR was out to prove himself as a top championship competitor in the IMCA Modified division, but going into the main would have to pull some great driving skills to get by the hometown star of Greg Walters who would find himself on the front row. Cassell would not take long after a quick early caution would fly setting up a restart right behind of Walters. On the drop of the green flag Cassell would drive in deep throwing a massive slider, catching not just Walters by surprise, but would turn the crowd into a loud uproar of approval. Cassell would use that move to take the top spot. A spot he would not relinquish, finding himself 2 for 2 to start the season at Sunset Speedway Park. Walters would hold onto 2nd, with John Gaynor finishing in the 3rd podium spot. Kristi Somers and Rick Graham would round out the top 5.
In IMCA Sport Mod action we would see a couple young up and coming stars get valuable seat time. Corbett, Oregon’s Skyler Winebarger would come home victorious once again this time over another teenager in Zach Riehl.
The IMCA Stock Cars, would hit the track the final time before their huge Firecracker 100 weekend. David Cronk would lead the field early but season opener winning driver Jerry Schram soon was hot on his tail. Just past the halfway point, Schram decided it was time to go. The Vancouver, Wa veteran would go to the top and would soon run side by side for a handful of laps with Cronk. Eventually the desired top groove proved to be to much. Schram would secure the lead and not look back as he would also claim 2nd win of 2021. Cronk would finish 2nd with Brody Humphrey 3rd. Don Schott and Tim Jenner would both make their 2021 SSP debuts and round out the top 5.
In Adventist Health American Classics action we would also see a repeat winner, however this one would be the toughest to get that result. Joey Tardio would start outside front row but a opening lap incident would see him get involved and unfortunately for him moved to the back row. Tardio would not give up though and get to work from the back row. He would start moving his way thru the field as early race pace setter Terry King would lead. Tardio got up about half of his spots back before spinning out once again dropping to the rear. Now on his final chance Tardio would have to be extra careful to not reach the 3 caution limit allotted to each main event driver. He would be very smooth and methodical through the 11 car field before eventually getting the lead and seeing sail to win number 2 of the year. Bernie Lujan would get the runner up spot, with early race leader Terry King finishing 3rd. Robert Summerhalder would get 4th, and new to SSP racer Tanner Bridges would make the 3+ hour drive there to round out the top 5.
IMCA Sport Compacts would see our first new winner of 2021. Victoria Chandler who struggled opening night in the main event, would make sure no mistakes would happen as she took control of the field in route to a impressive win. Opening night victor Brayden Brookshire would get 2nd, with Barry Cannon finishing 3rd. Mark Stavens, and Marissa Gentry would round out the top 5.