Baca Dominates IMCA Modified Opener at Ernie Mincy Memorial Early Thaw

Photo by Aidan O'Brien

Casa Grande, ARIZONA (January 23, 2025) — Chaz Baca Jr. added another victory to his already amazing 2025 season, dominating the IMCA Modified main event on the opening night of the Ernie Mincy Memorial Early Thaw at Central Arizona Raceway.

The two-time defending IMCA National champion and reigning Western Region, Arizona State, and Central Arizona Raceway titleholder led all twenty laps in a commanding performance.

Baca, hailing from Mesa, seized the lead from the drop of the green flag and worked to build a comfortable margin. His efforts were briefly challenged as California racers Jerry Flippo and Troy Morris III gave chase. The race took an intense turn midway through as the leaders encountered heavy lapped traffic. A blown engine from a slower car nearly caused a collision with the leader, bringing out a caution with five laps remaining.

Under yellow, Flippo retired, moving Morris into second and placing Tom Berry Jr., piloting the Mike Wedelstedt entry, into third. On the final restart, Baca executed flawlessly, running the high side of the track to secure his third Western Region win of 2025 and his sixth career Early Thaw victory.

Morris held off a hard-charging Berry, the 2022 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s champion and 2020 National titleholder, to finish second. Berry rounded out the podium in third.

Two additional Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions were on tap including the Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Northern SportMods.  Shelby Williams and Ryan Peery were the winners.

The IMCA Stock Car feature showcased thrilling action, with Shelby Williams emerging victorious after a fierce dogfight battle.

Minnesota’s Kaden Woodie led the early laps, but he faced relentless pressure from Iowan Mike Albertsen. As the race stayed green, the duo’s close racing allowed Bonham, Texas’ Williams to close the gap. Williams, fresh off his IMCA TV Winter Nationals championship, made a bold move on lap nine, overtaking both competitors to claim the lead.

Once out front, Williams built a commanding advantage, cruising to his second EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region win of the season and his first-ever Early Thaw victory.

Albertsen edged Woodie in a spirited duel for second, while Woodie settled for third.

Ryan Peery delivered a stellar performance in the IMCA Northern SportMod main event, going wire-to-wire for the win.

The Yreka, California driver stormed to the lead in the early laps and showcased his prowess in navigating lapped traffic. Peery’s daring moves through congestion solidified his position at the front, earning him his second win of 2025 and his first career Early Thaw triumph.

Mark “Bud” Martini put together a strong run to finish second, while Minnesota’s Kaden Woodie, pulling double duty, completed the top three.