January 20, 2025

James tops IMCA Modified opener at Cottage Grove

By Ben Deatherage

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (March 31) – Six months ago, Bricen James’ future in racing was an unknown.

Saturday night, he stood in victory lane after winning the season-opening IMCA Modified feature at Cottage Grove Speedway.

Craig Hanson was quick out of the gate and stayed in the lead until Collen Winebarger got past on lap four. Winebarger remained out in front for some time before he bicycled in turns one and two, allowing James to pass him via the inside line.

James kept hold of first place but had to master restarts due to several cautions. James kept all challengers in check and went on to collect the checkered flag. It was an emotional triumph because six months ago he nearly had a career-ending injury in a Sprint Car last September.

John Campos got second, followed by Dustin Cady in third.

Feature

Czarneski conquers Stock Car feature at Casa Grande

By Ben Deatherage (Photo Courtesy of Pixel Boss Productions) Casa Grande, ARIZONA (January 16, 2025)—Cole Czarneski made a lasting impression on Thursday night, securing his first career IMCA TV Winter Nationals, presented by Pitt Stop Motorsports, victory in the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car main event. The Denmark, Wisconsin driver delivered a stellar performance at Central Arizona Raceway, seizing the lead on lap nine and holding off all challengers to take the checkered flag. The race began with Jason Berg asserting himself as the early leader, setting a strong pace through the opening laps. However, the momentum shifted following a lap nine restart when Czarneski, running the top of the 3/8-mile oval without fear, powered around Berg on the outside to claim the top spot. Once in command, Czarneski showcased both speed and composure. Even a pair of late-race cautions couldn’t rattle him, as he executed flawless restarts to pull away from the field and seal the deal on a milestone victory in a field chalk full of stout competition from all around the [Read More]

Feature

Berkeley wins first career Winter Nationals feature in Stock Car action

By Ben Deatherage (Photo Courtesy of Pixel Boss Productions) Casa Grande, Arizona (January 15, 2025)—Chase Berkeley surged to the front of the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature, leading all twenty laps to secure his first career victory at the IMCA TV Winter Nationals presented by Pitt Stop Motorsports at Central Arizona Raceway. The 2023 Winter Nationals champion faced several challenges throughout the race but ultimately fended off the advances of young Texan Cameron Starry. Despite the pressure, Berkeley maintained a consistent pace from start to finish. Starry attempted a few bold moves in the closing laps, but the leader, hailing from Colville, Washington, successfully held him off to clinch this significant win in EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region action. Starry finished as the runner-up, while Iowa’s Mike Albertsen completed the podium in third place. The event also featured competitors in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Stealth Racing IMCA STARS Mod Lites. Victories in those categories went to Dylan Thornton, Dustin White, Dillon Richards, and Dillon [Read More]

Late Model

Wilwood Racing Renews Sponsorship of IMCA Racing

CAMARILLO, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2025) – Wilwood Racing continues its longstanding commitment to grassroots motorsports, announcing the renewal of its sponsorship with IMCA for the 2025 season. The Camarillo, California based manufacturer of high-performance brake systems has been a trusted partner of IMCA since 2010. Wilwood Racing will again serve as an official sponsor, providing contingency awards to drivers competing in IMCA Modified, Late Model, Stock Car, Northern SportMod, and Southern SportMod divisions. “Much like IMCA, Wilwood Racing believes in the value of ensuring the continued growth of “grass roots” racing. Wilwood strives to not only produce the best quality high-performance brake components but also keeping costs down and offering more affordable product options for race teams across all divisions.” Jim “Spike” Logue, Sales/Customer Service National champions in each supported division will receive contingencies as well as the 2nd -5th place finishers according to IMCA national point standings. Racers are encouraged to place the Wilwood decals on their cars and submit pictures to the contingency form on the IMCA website. “Wilwood Racing has been a valuable partner for over [Read More]