(Current points leader Kris Price of Sacramento (#51x) will be competing against 3-time NSMS champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville (#20) Saturday night when the North State Modified Series invades Ukiah Speedway.)
Ukiah, CA……This Saturday night, June 23, the North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, comes to Ukiah Speedway for race #4 of its “2018 Driving Out Cancer Tour.” North State drivers, crews and families have dedicated this season to bringing cancer awareness to the race fans. Saturday will be the only time that the North State Modifieds will compete at Ukiah in 2018.
The NSMS points battle has flip-flopped from last season. This time last year the top five contenders hailed from Lake County. Now the top two, Kris Price and Jason Philpot, come from Sacramento. Price leads the way by 14 points. Kelseyville’s Eric Johnson sits third in points with Dustin DeRosier, Cloverdale, fourth and Darrin Sullivan, Kelseyville, fifth.
Thirty drivers have raced with NSMS in 2018 with an average car count of 19. More local cars are expected to show up for the Ukiah event. Practice will begin on Friday at 4 pm. Qualifying, the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash, and the Protect the Harvest 60 lap main event will be on Saturday.
The North State Modifieds will join the local Bandoleros, Bombers, and Legends Cars. The Nor-Cal Pro-4 mods will also be on the racing cars. For rules, a NSMS schedule, or more information visit www.NorthStateModifieds.com.
May 27, 2018…..Eureka, CA…. After chasing leader Eric Johnson for 34 laps, Jason Philpot of Sacramento took advantage of lapped traffic to slip under Johnson and stay out front the remainder of the 60 lapper to win race #2 of the North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, at Redwood Acres Raceway Sunday night. Philpot’s win earned him $1000 plus a $250 bonus from Ward Land Management and Development (WLM&D.) This was Philpot’s first win at the Redwood Acres Raceway.
Johnson held off the late-race challenges of Kris Price to collect $700 (plus a $150 bonus from WLM&D) for his second place finish.
NSMS points leader Randy Houston clocked in fastest at 16.514 seconds over 2nd fast qualifier Darrin Sullivan (16.583), Kris Price (16.628), Eric Price Jr. (16.642) and Herman Pulyer (16.674.) Houston drew an 8 chip for the invert placing Johnson and Dustin DeRosier in row one for the start. Philpot and Pulyer were in row two, the Price brothers Eric and Kris shared row three, and Sullivan and Houston started seventh and eighth.
Johnson forged ahead at the start with Philpot diving under DeRosier for second. DeRosier settled into third with Eric Price fourth and Sullivan fifth. As the field was putting down laps, Houston started a forward run passing Pulyer on lap four. Houston continued, nosing under Sullivan for fifth on lap 16, and while Sullivan rode high, Kris Price also drove by.
Terry Deal was next to join the front runners, and at the half-way mark it was Johnson, Philpot, DeRosier, Eric Price, Houston, Kris Price, Deal, Sullivan, Ian Elliott, Rich Cobb, Pulyer, Stuart Campbell and Rick Avila.
As the leaders approached slower traffic, Johnson chose the high side and it was all Philpot needed to dive low and assume the lead on lap 35. Ten rounds later Eric Price spun in turn two to bring out the first yellow flag.
An uneven restart caused an accordion effect that saw the back of the field stack up causing severe damage to Eric Price’s car, ending his run. Stuart and Avila were also involved and both retired to the pits.
When racing resumed Houston passed DeRosier for third with Kris Price following to assume fourth place. Houston was working hard on Johnson, and with only 10 laps to go Price nosed under Houston for third. Price then set his sights on Johnson, but Johnson never faltered.
Philpot led the field to the Sunoco checkered flag followed by Johnson, Kris Price, Houston, DeRosier, Deal, Sullivan, Cobb, Pulyer and Elliott.
Eliott was the $100 winner in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash where he later donated the money to the North State Modified Series “Driving Out Cancer” awareness fund. Eric Johnson collected $50 for his second place finish. Houston earned the Keyser Hard Charger award for passing the most cars, Stuart won the Naake Shocks certificate, and the Frank’s Radios awards went to Philpot, Johnson and Kris Price. Scribner Plastics jugs were presented to Elliott and Johnson.
North State Modified Series travels south to Madera Speedway for Race #3 on June 9.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Land Management & Development, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics and Frank’s Radios.
WLM&D TIME TRIALS: Randy Houston (16.514), Darrin Sullivan (16.583) Kris Price (16.628), Eric Price Jr. (16.642), Herman Pulyer (16.674), Jason Philpot (16.716), Dustin DeRosier (16.799), Eric Johnson (16.857), Terry Deal (16.892), Rich Cobb (16.996), Ian Elliott (17.013), Stuart Campbell (17.140), Rick Avila (17.253).
LUCAS OIL DASH FOR CASH: Ian Elliott, Eric Johnson, Stuart Campbell, Terry Deal, Rich Cobb, Rick Avila.
SUNOCO / WLM&D FEATURE EVENT: Jason Philpot, Eric Johnson, Kris Price, Randy Houston, Dustin DeRosier, Terry Deal, Darrin Sullivan, Rich Cobb, Herman Pulyer, Ian Elliott, Stuart Campbell, Eric Price Jr., Rick Avila
May 12, 2018…. Anderson, CA….. North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, held its season opener at Shasta Speedway this weekend, and when the Sunoco checkered flag flew it was Kris Price of Sacramento who collected the lions share of the prize money with his impressive win. Price was also the winner of the final 2017 NSMS event at All American Speedway last October. Price collected $1000 for the win plus a $250 bonus from Ward Land Management and Development (WLM&D.)
Randy Houston of Medford, Oregon rebounded from an early-race incident to finish second. Cameron Austin of Santa Rosa, driving his brand-new Dana Stahl modified, finished third with Jason Philpot, Sacramento, also working his way back up after an altercation, finished fourth. And Cloverdale’s Dustin DeRosier stayed up front the entire race to take fifth place.
A record number of 27 cars traveled to the Anderson, CA 1/3 mile oval setting the stage for the first “B” main in the series history. Herman Pulyer of Wilderville, Oregon was the victor in this race followed by Dale Didoha and Rookie-of-theYear contender Don Shalla both from Sacramento, Kelsyville driver Donovan Cox, Redding driver John Baker and Stuart Campbell of Eagle Point, Oregon.
2017 NSMS champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville set fast time of 16.378 seconds on the new Hoosier tires, earning the $100 WLM&D fast time award. Knight drew the number 4 chip for the line-up inversion putting Terry Deal and Austin in the front row for the feature event. Houston and Knight shared row two, and Philpot and Eric Price Jr. started in the third row.
Deal led the way the first six rounds as Houston and Knight were battling for second. Knight passed both Houston and Deal on lap seven, dropping Deal to third and Eric Price fourth. The race was halted on lap 19 when Sal Lopez spun in front of the leaders, and with no where to go, Deal slammed into hard Lopez in turn four. The incident also collected Eric Price with all three cars being towed to the pits. At the same time Brian Denton, Rick Avila and Dale Didoha retired their cars.
The double-file restart saw Houston make contact with Knight sending Knight spinning. This set up a chain-reaction that sent Philpot and Keith Bloom into the infield. When the action resumed Kris Price was the new leader followed by Austin, Darrin Sullivan, DeRosier and local favorite Guy Young.
Flagman Johnny Miskill flew the red flag on lap 28, stopping the cars when Oregon veteran driver Willie Thompson’s car developed an oil leak and caught fire, ending his run.
Knight had worked his way back up to second and was chasing down Price when his engine let go, oiling down the racing surface. Several more yellow flags flew in the final stages. With only three laps to go Houston passed Austin for second but did not have anything left for Price. The finishing order was Kris Price, Houston, Austin, Philpot, DeRosier, Young, Jake Andreotti, Bloom, Rich Cobb, Sullivan, Eric Johnson, P.J. Pedroncelli, Stuart Campbell, Adrianna Strugnell and Donovan Cox.
North State Modified Series travels over to the coast for race #2 at the Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka on Sunday, May 27.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Land Management & Development, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics and Frank’s Radios.
Photo: Cloverdale driver Dustin DeRosier (#12) and Sacramento’s Jason Philpot will be competing in the North State Modified Series’ season opener at Shasta Speedway on May 12.
The North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest, will once again bring top-notch modified action to six different race tracks for 10 events throughout Northern and Central California.
The 2018 season opener at All American Speedway on April 21 was canceled by AAS promoter Bill McAnally when he was not able to secure a contract with the fairgrounds in time. That moves the first NSMS race to Shasta Speedway in Anderson, CA on May 12.
Two weeks later the series moves to the coast’s Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka, CA on May 27. The Eureka show will be the only Sunday event on the tour.
The series heads to central California on June 9 for a combo show with the southern-based Lucas Oil Modifieds at Madera Speedway. Then back to to the ¼ mile Ukiah Speedway on June 23.
The month of July is slated for a race at the All American Speedway on July 7, and a return to Redwood Acres Raceway on July 21.
The only race in August will be held at Lakeport Speedway, the smallest track on the circuit. Lakeport is the most challenging track for the modified competitors due to its narrow, circular configuration.
Events in September include the final show at Redwood Acres Raceway on Sept 8, and the 3rd Annual Lloyd Burton “Against the Wind” Modified Challenge on September 29 at Shasta Speedway.
The tour ends at All American Speedway on October 13 for a Trifecta Championship Night featuring the North State Modified Series, the Pacific Challenge Late Models Series, and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Ranches, Hoosier Tire West, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Race Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Economy Heating & Air, and Scribner Plastics.
NSMS modified rules, procedures and other information are available at the new web site www.northstatemodifieds.com.
Press Release 04/04/18
By Nadine Strauss, 707-274-1662
Darrin Knight enjoys his time with the 51-Fifty girls in the winner’s circle at Madera Speedway while being interviewed after this North State Modified victory. PHOTO by Don Thompson
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (August 13, 2016) – Darrin Knight and Jeremy Doss both extended their points leads, taking touring series victories on a busy night at LoanMart Madera Speedway. Knight, from Kelseyville, CA, and Doss, from Upperlake, CA, both hail over 250 miles north of the 1/3rd mile speedway. Knight won the Sunoco Fuels 60 for the North State Modifieds, presented by Protect the Harvest, while Doss’ win came in the Pacific Challenge Series presented by PenneyLawyers.com.
NORTH STATE MODIFIEDS
Knight’s win in the North State Modifieds was convincing as he led Charlie Collins in a close duel throughout the closing laps. Nick Lyons started on the outside pole and took the lead from Terry Deal on the initial start. Charlie Collins and Mike Collins navigated the pack from eighth and sixth starting positions respectively. Knight lined up on the fifth row with June 11th North State Madera winner Jason Philpot of Sacramento alongside. Knight was quickly on the move and was up into third on lap five using the outside line.
Knight then took over second with Charlie Collins up third behind him by lap ten. Four rounds later Knight moved to the high side and made the outside pass on Lyons to gain control and take the lead.
Knight, Lyons and Collins staged a nice battle before a red flag when Benny Moon lost an engine in turn one. Knight chose the outside groove on the restart and jetted ahead again. Collins went to work on Lyons for second. The battle continued until Lyons was finally shuffled to the outside line and freight trained back to sixth position.
At the halfway point of the 60 lap race Knight held the lead with Charlie Collins in hot pursuit. Philpot was next followed by Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan, Lyons, Joe Rhodes Jr, Sierra Furia and Terry Deal.
Heavy lapped traffic in the final five laps of the race allowed Collins within half a second but never closer. Knight got the $1000 win over Collins, Philpot, Mike Collins, and Darrin Sullivan. Lyons eventually finished sixth followed by Rhodes, Furia and Kevin Coburn. Josh Stewart and Benny Moon suffered mishaps and did not finish.
In the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash Coburn collected $100 for the win, with Moon getting $50 for second.
Knight clocked in fastest at 14.940 seconds to earn the Penney Racing Supply/Sunoco Fast Time Award. He also took home the Wenteq Hard Charger Award for passing the most cars.
Lyons collected the Naake Suspension award, and the DJ Safety Certificate went to Rhodes. The Scribner Plastics went to Stewart and Moon.
The North State Modified Series rolls back into Ukiah Speedway on August 27th for the American Racer PRS 60.
The The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Swartz Diesel, Lucas Oil, Sinister Diesel, Penney Racing Supply, American Racer Tires, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Wrap Star Pro, Wenteq, Scribner Plastics, DJ Safety, and the Buckhorn Bar and Grill.
SUNOCO/PENNEY RACING SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: Darrin Knight (14.940), Jason Philpot (14.970), Charlie Collins (15.037), Darrin Sullivan (15.098), Mike Collins (15.164), Sierra Furia (15.180), Joe Rhodes (15.215), Josh Stewart (15.293), Nick Lyons (15.8410, Terry Deal (15.579), Benny Moon (15.658), Kevin Coburn (15.660)
LUCAS OIL DASH FOR CASH: Kevin Coburn, Benny Moon, Terry Deal, Joe Rhodes, Josh Stewart, Nick Lyons
SUNOCO FUELS 60: Darrin Knight, Charlie Collins, Jason Philpot, Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan, Nick Lyons, Joe Rhodes, Sierra Furia, Terry Deal, Kevin Coburn, Josh Stewart, Benny Moon
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PCS LATE MODELS
Doss’ win was his 18th career victory in the series. Jason Romero made his first career Madera start after sweeping both Roseville races this year. He led practice, set a new track record at a 14.162, and proceeded to win the American Racer Tire dash for a set of tires and the pole position.
Romero’s pole was short lived at the start of the feature as Valley Springs’ Tracy Bolin swept around the outside to lead lap one. Romero fell into the clutches of Doss for second in a back-and-forth battle until Doss spun with contact from Ross Strmiska on lap five. Lodi’s Matt Wendt suffered a flat right front tire and slight damage trying to avoid the spin. Mike Beeler also was caught up in the incident.
Doss took over the lead from Bolin on the restart and Herzog used the restart to get around Jeff Bishofberger for third. Travis Milburn started turning up the heat as he got around Chris Scribner for sixth on lap 24 and then overhauled Shannon Mansch for fifth on the outside on lap 32.
The Herzog and Bischofberger battle was very physical with the drivers snaking three-wide through lapped traffic. The long 34 lap green flag run ended on lap 40 for a brief caution. Lap 41 proved to be difficult to overcome with a series of spins. Most notably Matthew Wendt suffered damage when he tangled with Strmiska.
Colby Potts suffered heavy front end damage to his Camaro and a few laps later tangled hard with Don Swartz‘ Mustang for a lap 45 caution. Potts was done for the evening.
All the following restarts were single file which gave Doss a cushion over the continuing battling between Bolin and Herzog. Herzog got around on the outside for second on lap 49 to turn his attention to Doss. Mansch spun with contact from Strmiska for a lap 51 caution that set up the battle to the finish.
Herzog made his mark, diving inside Doss several times and making contact in turn four to lead lap 55. Doss charged back on the outside to lead lap 56 and would not be deterred as he drove away for a 1.7 second win ahead of Herzog, Bolin, Bischofberger, and Romero for a comeback run to fifth.
By Steven Blakesley and Nadine Strauss, (707) 274-1662
Darrin Sullivan (#21) races alongside North State Modified Series points leader Darrin Knight (#20). Sullivan is second in points going into the Madera race.
By Steven Blakesley
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (August 8, 2016) – A dual-headliner show at Madera Speedway on Saturday night will give valley race fans the best of both worlds with the Pacific Challenge Series Super Late Models bringing the thunder and North State Modifieds bringing the lightning to the fastest one-third mile in the west. MAVTV cameras will again be rolling for the 75 lap feature for the PCS while the Modifieds will race for 60 laps. CSS 360 Super Modifieds headline an undercard that includes USAC HPD Midgets, MSTs, and Toyota Sedans.
For the Pacific Challenge Series, parody has been the name of the game with six different winners in eight races at five different tracks. 2014 champion Mike Beeler of Modesto has won the last two races for the series to close within 18 points of leader Jeremy Doss of Upperlake, CA. Jacob Gomes won the first PCS appearance at Madera on March 19th, while Tracy Bolin set a new track record in qualifying. Track records have been broken at nearly every race this year as the PCS continues to be one of the fastest stock car tours around.
The North State Modifieds staged one of the most exciting and deepest races of the entire Madera season when they raced on June 11th during the Lucas Oil Summertime Horsepower Nationals. Popular Sacramento-area driver Jason Philpot scored a new track record and picked up the 60 lap victory.
The series notably attracts most of its drivers from the Lakeport area making for a long tow to Madera. That long tow has not deterred Kelseyville’s Darrin Knight as he leads the championship points battle by 78 points. Darrin Sullivan2, also from Kelseyville, is running second with Lakeport drivers Mike Collins and Charlie Collins next in line. Codi Barba of Cobb sits in fifth place.
An open practice kicks off the weekend on Friday before another full day of action on Saturday. Pit gates open at noon with practice from 1:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Qualifying will follow with heats and dashes at 5:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies and the main events begin at 6:30 p.m.
Darrin Knight with Redwood Acres trophy queens and North State Modified Series flagman Johnny Miskill after his big win. (Carrie Lauenroth photo)
July 23, 2016. ….Eureka, CA….. The North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, returned to Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka Saturday night as a part of the Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram night at the races. Seventeen modifieds took part in the action with NSMS points leader Darrin Knight of Kelseyville the man of the hour, first setting fast time of 16.192 seconds and then passing Darin Snider (Kelseyville) on lap 35 to collect $1000 for his win in the Swartz Diesel Super 60 feature.
Mike Collins (Lakeport) lead the field to the start but when the cars entered into the first corner it was Snider who blasted into the early lead. All cars finished lap one, but on the second circuit Rick Andersen (North Highlands) slapped the wall on the backstretch, and when he tried to recover he clipped Eric Johnson’s car. The impact sent Andersen into a 360 spin, and although all cars continued, the incident created a blinding dust barrier bringing out the yellow flag.
Snider chose to restart in the outside lane and once again took control of the race with Mike Collins second, Knight third, Charlie Collins fourth and Darrin Sullivan fifth. Richie Potts swapped places with Sullivan to join the top five.
Knight was on a mission and dove under Mike Collins for second on lap four. Charlie Collins followed his line, also moving under Mike Collins for third. Meanwhile Snider was putting a healthy distance between him and the rest of the pack. Knight slowly lessened the gap and was tight on Snider’s bumper by lap 18. Knight looked high and low, waiting for Snider to make a mistake.
Snider continued to lead, and at the Wrap Star Pro half-way marker it was Snider, Knight, Charlie Collins, Mike Collins, Potts, Sullivan, Johnson,, Rich Cobb, Sierra Furia, Andersen, Herman Pulyer, Codi Barba, Ian Elliott, Adrianna Strugnell, Orion Mosher and Randy Houston.
Five rounds later Snider’s car pushed slightly and it was all Knight needed to fill the space and take over the lead for good. Once again Charlie Collins capitalized on the move, followed Knight, and stole the runner-up slot from Snider. As the top four pulled away it was a good battle at mid-pack with Sullivan taking position away from Potts, and Andersen batting with Sierra Furia. The last half of the race saw the leaders flawlessly move through lapped traffic.
Snider’s car lost its power steering ending his run on lap 42. Barba lost a rear end and drove to the pits on 51. Knight lead the pack to the checkered flag followed by Charlie Collins, Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan and Eric Johnson. Rounding out the top 10 were Potts, Andersen, Cobb, Pulyer and Furia.
In the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash Potts collected $100 for the win, with Johnson getting $50 for second. Charlie Collins earned the Wenteq Hard Charger Award. Cobb took home the Naake Suspension award, and the DJ Safety Certificate went to Sullivan. The Scribner Plastics went to Furia and Snider. Knight earned the Penney Racing Supply/Sunoco Fast Time Award.
Race #7 of North State Modified Series will be at Madera Speedway on August 13. The modifieds will run on the same card with the Pacific Challenge Series Late Models.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Swartz Diesel, Lucas Oil, Sinister Diesel, Penney Racing Supply, American Racer Tires, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Wrap Star Pro, Wenteq, Scribner Plastics, DJ Safety, Renner Petroleum and the Buckhorn Bar & Grill.
SUNOCO/PENNEY RACING SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: Darrin Knight (16.192), Darin Snider (16.278), Randy Houston (16.382), Mike Collins (16.411), Darrin Sullivan (16.412), Rick Andersen (16.579), Charlie Collins (16.639), Eric Johnson (16.666), Richie Potts (16.667), Sierra Furia (16.726), Rich Cobb (16.772), Herman Pulyer (16.806), Adrianna Strugnell (16.843), Codi Barba (16.903), Ian Elliott (17.141), Ryan Mosher (N/T), Bryan Denton (N/T)
LUCAS OIL DASH FOR CASH: Richie Potts, Eric Johnson, Charlie Collins, Rick Andersen, Sierra Furia, Darrin Sullivan
SWARTZ DIESEL SUPER 60: Darrin Knight, Charlie Collins, Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan, Eric Johnson, Richie Potts, Rick Andersen, Rich Cobb, Herman Pulyer, Sierra Furia, Adrianna Strugnell, Orion Mosher, Codi Barba, Darin Snider, Ian Elliott, Randy Houston
Darrin Knight of Kelseyville takes a victory lap after winning the Swartz Diesel Super 60 at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka.
