Brown, Lewis Score Merced Fairtime Victories

Merced, CA...June 8...The 125th Annual Merced County Fair brought out many race car drivers looking for a chance to race in front of a good crowd on the fast quarter-mile clay oval. In the IMCA Modified division, it was Randy Brown getting the win in the 25 lap Main Event, while Ben Lewis II crossed the line first in the 25 lap Hobby Stock race.

A past champion in IMCA Modifieds at his home track in Chowchilla, Randy Brown is making a good case for himself at Merced this season. Brown notched his second win of the season, but it didn't come easy. Past Merced and Hanford champion Paul Stone looked high and low for a way by, but Brown made no mistakes enroute to the well earned victory. P. Stone had to keep his cool as well or his mutli time Merced championship winning cousin Ramie Stone would have slipped past for second. As it was, R. Stone finished a strong third ahead of the season debut of fourth generation racer Ryan Porter and Jeff Streeter. Mike Villanueva finished sixth as Mitch Enos, Robert Dias, Derek Nance and Ryan Larimer made up the remainder of the Top 10.

Earlier this season, Ben Lewis II scored what appeared to be his first Hobby Stock victory, only to have it taken away from him in post race tech. Lewis II was back with a vengeance this week, but it didn't come easy. He had to deal, with numerous restarts and multi time division champion Raul Rodriguez Sr. shadowing his every move. Rodriguez attempted a last lap move on the inside in Turn 4, but he ended up getting sideways and making a run through the infield. Lewis II was a happy winner as Rodriguez settled for second. Robbie Loquaci was a season best third, and B Main winner Tommy Bostic made a charge from the back of the pack to finish fourth ahead of Ben Lewis. Dave Bettencourt was sixth ahead of Gary Hildebrand, Kodie Dean, Cody Parker and Kevin Joaquin.

Up next for Merced Speedway is a June 18th program featuring IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Valley Sportsman. For further information, check out www.racemerced.com.