THORN AGAIN at MADERA

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Source: Madera Speedway Media

Derek Thorn put on yet another dominating performance at the LoanMart Madera Speedway Saturday, cruising to his third win in four races.

Thorn took the checkered flag in that race – one of the hottest in the country where some of NASCAR’s biggest names got their start – after seizing the lead in lap 34 from rookie and pole starter Jeremy Doss.

“We’re out here to win races,” said Thorn, the tour’s defending champion who missed its previous race and was dropped from points contention as a result. “We pick and choose the races we want to win. Winning in today’s age is tough, but our team is doing great and to get these wins from a group of such talented drivers is awesome.” The win came in a race defined by daring, thrilling moments.

Jim Pettitt II, the tour’s points leader prior to the race, got caught up in a massive wreck in turn four of lap 9.

At least five cars were involved in the collision which left Pettitt and rookie Brandon White tangled on the wall.

It would take over 10 minutes to pull the two cars apart to resume the race, though both drivers were fine and continued after some pit work.

Ross Strmiska will remain in the top-three of point standings after he finished second in the race that he said was “crazy.”

“Yeah he’s just an amazing driver,” Strmiska said of Thorn. “But you know we’re up there in points and after we do some work we’ll take it to them next time.”

The race held special significance as Speedway owner Kenny Shepherd teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California to rename the night’s main event.

A 50-50 raffle was held before the race to help raise money for the organization, which pairs needy children with mentors to help them achieve their full potential.

“We’re just really grateful to Kenny Shepherd for this,” said Richard Lord, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “It means so much to have the help.”

Other winners on the night included: Anthony Giannone in the SRL S-2, Kyle Fortney in the Toyota Sedans, Matt Erickson in the LunkerDaddy Late Model Series, Ryan Hart in the Hobby Stocks, and Tony Mangini in the Legends of the Pacific.

“I had a really good time tonight,” Mangini said. “I mean it’s always good to get a win and Madera’s a great track.”

A dazzling fireworks display by nationally-prominent company Pyro Spectaculars also thrilled fans from the track’s infield.

The Speedway will host its Jeff Doran Memorial Event next Saturday.

Races on that night will include: twin 24-lap Toyota Sedan main events, the LunkerDaddy Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, MSTs, 4-Bangers, Sport Mods, and the 18-Second Bracket Race.

For more information, call (559) 673-7223, visit www.racemadera.com, or go to the Speedway’s Facebook page at facebook.com/maderaspeedway for free ticket giveaways and quick updates.

1 43 Derek Thorn 125

2 90 Ross Strmiska 125

3 20 Tracy Bolin 125

4 75 Jeremy Doss * YG 125

5 16 Jacob Gomes YG 125

6 79 Forrest Kuecker * 125

7 37 Keith Spangler 125

8 10 Mike Mendenhall 125

9 61 Austin Barnes * YG 125

10 51 Carlos Vieira 125

11 89 Bobby Hodges * YG 124

12 29 Greg Voigt 124