Diaz, Nelson Merced Speedway Winners at Merced Speedway

Saturday night at Merced Speedway offered a little something for everybody last week. There was the pre race Sweet 16 Birthday celebration for Destiny Carter and Zoe Sandoval. There was a candy toss at intermission for the kids. Then, there was plenty of great racing on the quarter-mile dirt oval. When respected flag man Doug Laidlaw waved the checkered flag on the Main Events, it was Rick Diaz grabbing the victory in IMCA Sport Modifieds, Bruce "Bubba" Nelson getting the win in Hobby Stocks, Jason Lewis emerging victorious in Mini Stocks and Kenny Birdsong getting his first win in the Valley Sportsman class.


With two wins already this year and a front row start, 2014 IMCA Sport Modified champion Rick Diaz seemed like the likely winner of that division's feature. However, Watsonville Friday night winner Anthony Giuliani was lined up on the outside to make things interesting. Giuliani already has wins at three different tracks and was looking for his fourth track. However, Diaz was not to be denied as he prevailed for the third time this year to keep the point battle close. Giuliani settled for second with veteran Gary Tucker third. Tim Elias was forth and Chris Falekenerg rounded out the Top 5. Jim DiGiovanni, a past Merced IMCA Modified champion, finished sixth ahead of incoming point leader Steve Stone, 2015 point runner up Mark Odgers, Mike Drake and defending champion Josh Hensley.


In the midst of his potential "Rookie Of The Year" season in IMCA Modifieds, Bruce Nelson got the chance to drive one of the Shearer Racing Team Hobby Stocks. The two time Hobby Stock champion would get a front row start and used it for the Main Event win. However, Dexter Long has been knocking on the door to his first career win. The second year racer briefly took the lead from Nelson, but he couldn't quite pull it off. Nelson won with Long settling for his third straight second place finish. Ben Lewis II was third ahead of Ted Stofle Classic winner Phil Vaughn and Robbie Loquaci. The B Main was a battle between 2015 champion Kevin Joaquin and George Silva.  Joaquin grabbed the victory.


The Hobby Stock race would not go to point leader Chris Corder this time as he failed to finish. It was Jason Lewis and James Stockton up at the front, and Lewis notched his first career victory. Stockton was a season best second ahead of a second straight third place finishing position for Joy Alger. Lucy Falenkeberg was fourth ahead of rookie Destiny Carter, Jennifer Corder, Mike Germait, Brian Widdowson and Chris Corder.


One of the biggest boosters out there trying to drum up support for the Sportsman division is Kenny Birdsong. On Saturday night, it was Kenny's time to shine. He drove a good race in the Rod Poor tribute car and would win his first Main Event. Eric Seely was second ahead of the season debut of two time champion Mike Freisen's newly painted car. Mike Palmberg and Jeff Bristow rounded out the Top 5.


Racing continues next Saturday night with the track hosting the second round of the All Star IMCA Modified series. Hobby Stocks, Honda HPD Midgets and Valley Sportsman cars are also a part of the program. For further information, check out www.racemerced.com.