
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Hendry County Motorsports Park)
Clewiston, FLORIDA (January 28, 2025) — Hendry County Motorsports Park opened its 2025 schedule with two exhilarating Stealth Racing IMCA STARS Mod Lite events ahead of the highly anticipated Winter Nationals, concluding with the 6th Annual Sugar Bowl on February 8th. The 1/3-mile clay oval saw intense battles as local teams aimed to start their season with strong performances.
Mike Dean Opens Season with Victory
The first Mod Lite feature of the season kicked off on Saturday, January 4th, with Mike Dean taking control early. Dean seized the lead on the opening lap, just before a caution slowed the field.
On the restart, Tyler Garey attempted to challenge Dean on the low line, but the leader held firm. Despite three additional cautions and a spirited effort by Garey on the final restart, Dean remained unfazed, cruising to his first win of the season.
Garey earned a solid second-place finish, with Robbie Throop rounding out the top three.
Robbie Throop Outlasts the Field
The Mod Lites returned on January 18th for another thrilling feature. The action began with a fierce battle between Steve Throop and Pierce Aiken, with Aiken briefly taking the lead via a sweeping move on the outside. However, Aiken’s misstep—making contact with an infield tractor tire—relegated him to the rear of the field and handed the top spot to Steve Throop.
Throop built a commanding lead over Dylan Permann before a caution erased his advantage. On the ensuing restart, another yellow set up a dramatic duel between Throop and Permann. As the two battled, Robbie Throop capitalized, making a daring pass to claim the lead, with Mike Dean close behind.
Late-race drama unfolded when Dean spun into the infield, prompting a final caution and setting up a green-white-checkered finish.
Robbie Throop held strong to secure the victory, while Aiken recovered to claim second place, and Dean rallied to finish third.
The events were broadcast on IMCA TV affiliate Done Right TV.