9/1/2024
Southern Oregon Speedway
Killingsworth Takes Care Of Business At Southern Oregon; Smith, Massey, And Fuller Also Earn Victories
Killingsworth Takes Care Of Business At Southern Oregon; Smith, Massey, And Fuller Also Earn Victories
By Ben Deatherage
White City, Oregon (August 31st, 2024)—Ethan Killingsworth flexed his muscles again at Southern Oregon Speedway in another display of his skill and mastery at the 3/8-mile clay oval in the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod feature. Grabbing the lead on lap five, the Yreka, California chauffeur had to deal with a series of cautions that didn't slow down his efforts to collect his fourth win at SOS comfortably and eleventh overall this season after starting sixth.
The race kicked off with a thrilling battle between Austin Petray and Jeffrey Hudson, each vying for the top spot. The intensity of their competition was palpable, with Hudson managing to secure the lead at the line, and Killingsworth swiftly moving into second position on the next lap.
Undeterred by the challenges, Killingsworth relentlessly pursued Hudson. By the fourth lap, he was hot on Hudson's heels and soon overtook him, emerging as the pack's new leader.
The race was a true test of skill and determination, with four cautions challenging the drivers. In the first stoppage, Hudson's valiant attempt to reclaim the top spot unfortunately led to a collision, damaging his car's right front, putting an end to his night. Killingsworth, in particular, demonstrated a masterclass performance during the restarts.
Petray was a strong second, with Cory Biggs completing the podium in third.
Also in action were the Tri-State Pro Stock Series, Rapp Racing Super 4's, and Mini Stocks. Chris Smith, Eric Massey, and Taylor Fuller were the winners.
The Tri-State Pro Stock Series was on tap for the Rocky Nash Memorial and was battling for $1,000.00. Richard Vande Ploeg took control of the point on the opening lap, but he would paste the wall on the second lap, ending his evening. Smith inherited the lead.
Smith tried to check out, but shortly after a restart on the second circuit, he felt pressure from a challenge by Natalie Hudson. Hudson tried her best to get under Smith with no results. Strategizing on the high side paid dividends, as she got the lead on the ninth trip around the track.
The race would be slowed shortly after the lead change, but Hudson suffered some mechanical problems, ending her night. Smith got the lead back.
Despite a couple of other yellows, the theme of Smith's dominance remained the same as he controlled the balance of the distance for the win.
Colby Hammond and Rusty Azevedo were second and third.
The Super 4's had an exciting main event. Dustin Knight set a healthy pace early, but the race took a turn in lapped traffic when his wife, Rikki-Lynn, got past him on lap seven.
Massey caught and passed her via the high side on the eleventh circuit as she tried to escape from the rest of the pack. Massey took off from there and scored the triumph.
The married couple of Rikki-Lynn and Dustin Knight were second and third.
For the Mini Stocks, Toby Judd was quick early, but Aaron Jorgensen would be pacing the field after making the pass on lap two. Jorgensen tried to pull away after a caution on the seventh circuit; however, Berry Hunt Jr. kept in proximity with the leader.
Hunt got around Jorgensen on lap nine and then tried to desert the field. As the race wound down, Fuller entered the fray, made it to the point with five to go, and went on to win.
Jim Woolridge was the runner-up, while Jorgensen ended the night third.
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Submitted By: Ben Deatherage