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.