Gentry makes history at Willamette

By Ben Deatherage LEBANON, Ore. (June 29) – Night number seven of the Wild West IMCA Modified Shootout be­longed to Bricen James. The Albany speedster gained the lead near midway and led to the $1,000 checkers Friday at Willamette Speedway, earning his tour career first victory and a berth on the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot. Rob Mayea made his first start with the series and got to the front on the initial green. Mayea was mighty fast while leading but unfortunately got caught up with a lapped car on the 13th circuit. Although Mayea retained the lead due to not stopping, his car was sustained enough damage to take him out of contention for the victory. On the restart, James blazed past Mayea and officially took over first place on lap 14. James tried to separate from the rest of the field but a handful of contenders gave chase. The race started intensified as lapped traffic came into the picture in the last laps. James kept all challengers in check to become the sixth [Read More]

By Stephanie Deatherage  LEBANON, Ore. (June 19) – After patiently waiting, fans and drivers alike were thrilled to see the return of racing at Willamette Speedway Saturday night. The last time the Lebanon facility was in action was for the Ice Cube Cup in October 2020.   Bricen James tamed the field in IMCA Modified action.  The Albany sensation has four wins on the current campaign across KMJ Performance Oregon State and Shaw Race Cars Western Region competition. James’ last win came on June 5 at Cottage Grove Speedway.   Grey Ferrando was the runner-up while Jeremy Shank scored third. John Campos hit the line fourth with fifth going to Eston Whisler.   Eugene’s Jack Vicari made history Saturday night.  He became the first-ever Mach-1 Sport Compact winner in Willamette Speedway history. It is his first win of the season as well as KMJ Performance Oregon State action. Jeremiah Johnson was the runner-up.  

By Ben Deatherage LEBANON, Ore. (Aug. 29) – For the third time in 2020, engines roared at Willamette Speedway and for the second time it was Bricen James standing in victory lane at the conclusion of the IMCA Modified main event. Paul Culp had the car to beat for most of the race, retaining the lead after several restarts and a couple challenges. However, with around 10 laps remaining, he was passed by James.  James took full control of the top spot and held on to win his second consecutive race at Willamette. Grey Ferrando was second with third going to Jeff Lovell.