Hagio hits Merced pay dirt

Northern SportMod, Results

Matthew Hagio was first to the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod checkers Saturday at Merced Speedway. (Photo by Jason Davenport, JDavenport Photography)

By Ben Deatherage

MERCED, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2024) – Matthew Hagio’s Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod victory at the Merced Speedway was not just a win but a significant achievement in front of a packed house.

His fantastic run started by getting the lead on the opening lap and mastering three restarts. The Prunedale pilot’s victory, his fourth in 2024, was particularly special as it was his first win at Merced this season.

The race kicked off with an intense battle between Hagio and Chris Falkenberg. Hagio managed to outpace his rival and take the lead. As the race progressed, Hagio’s skill and determination allowed him to pull away from the pack. The race’s midpoint saw fierce competition for the second position between Jason Bannister and Danny Wagner, adding to the thrill of the event.

Despite Bannister’s relentless efforts, Wagner held on to the runner-up position.

The yellow flag waved for the final time with 14 circuits scored complete. Again, Hagio was masterclass on the restart, as Bannister attempted to snatch second. Yet again, the fight behind the leader allowed him to construct a decent distance to score the victory at the Merced County Fairgrounds quarter-mile clay oval.

Wagner held on to finish in second ahead of Bannister. Bannister would win the track championship.

Related Articles

Modified

Central California Clash set for May 3-7, IMCA.TV broadcasts each night of tour 

ANTIOCH, Calif. (March 21, 2023) – Three champions will be crowned in the upcoming IMCA Central California Clash May 3-7. IMCA.TV broadcasts each night of the fourth annual tour, which features Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars and Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods.  Opening night is Wednesday, May 3 at Antioch Speedway. The Central California Clash travels to Merced Speedway on Thursday, May 4, to Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford on Friday, May 5 and to Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway on Saturday, May 6 before concluding Sunday, May 7 at Bakersfield Speedway. Modifieds run for $1,000 to win and Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational qualifying eligibility, Stock Cars for $750 to win and B & B Racing Chassis All-Star qualifying eligibility, and Northern SportMods for $750 to win each night.  Top drivers in point standings for each division also become eligible to qualify for their respective race of champions event during the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September.  IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing National, Shaw Race Cars Western Region and EQ [Read More]

Feature

Laney repeats, Ryland wins two at Merced’s Jerry Shannon Memorial

MERCED, Calif. (March 26, 2022) – Cody Laney was back in victory lane with another big check at Merced Speedway’s Jerry Shannon Memorial.  Laney led the last 24 of 30 laps to repeat as IMCA Modified winner at the spring special, earning $5,000. Pole sitter Jake Pike led the first four laps before the first yellow. The fourth starting Laney, already Fast Shaft All-Star Invitational qualifying eligible, was quickly on the prowl and took over on lap six.  Three more yellows slowed the 22-car field but Laney was not to be denied. Jerry Flippo pursued to no avail and finished second, followed by Pike, D.J. Shannon and 12th starting Rick Diaz. Fred Ryland was a double winner in IMCA Northern SportMod and IMCA Sunoco Stock Car action.  Youngster Andrew Pearce started on the pole and led through the caution eight laps into the Northern SportMod main.  Ryland started in the fifth row and moved up quickly and took first place on lap 10 and led to the finish. Pearce and last year’s national rookie of the year and [Read More]

Events

$5,000 to win for IMCA Northern SportMods at Merced’s fifth annual Al Miller Memorial

MERCED, Calif. (April 5, 2022) – IMCA Northern SportMod drivers chase a $5,000 top check at Merced Speedway’s fifth annual Al Miller Memorial. Pit gates open at 2 p.m. and the grandstands open at 5 p.m. this Saturday, April 9. The pill draw closes and the drivers’ meeting starts at 5:15 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. Grandstand admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 55 and up, and free for kids 11 and under.  The Al Miller Memorial will be broadcast by IMCA.TV.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply