
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of AOM Creative)
Casa Grande, Arizona (January 30, 2025) — At just sixteen years old, Payce Herrera captured his first career IMCA Northern SportMod victory in thrilling fashion during the fourth round of the 2025 Ernie Mincy Memorial Early Thaw on Thursday night. Starting seventh, the Price, Utah youngster methodically worked his way to the front and ultimately prevailed after a fierce battle with reigning Arizona State champion Tyler Johnson.
The feature began with Johnson powering to the lead, narrowly beating Minnesota’s Kaden Woodie to the stripe before an early caution reset the field. On the restart, fellow North Star State racer Mark “Bud” Martini briefly took command, but Johnson swiftly reclaimed the top spot by the time they reached turn four.
Herrera entered the picture on lap seven with a stunning double overtake to secure second. Another caution on lap eleven bunched up the field, setting the stage for a thrilling duel between Herrera and Johnson. The young Utah racer grabbed the lead on the thirteenth, but Johnson fought back with a determined counterattack.
As the battle intensified, Woodie recovered towards the front and made it a three-car fight for the win. However, a tangle between Woodie and Johnson in turn two with five laps remaining opened the door for Herrera to capitalize. The 2024 IMCA Junior National champion held his composure and maintained a quick pace to capture the milestone victory.
California’s Ryan Peery secured second, while Iowa’s Joe Docekal piloted the Heath Dry-owned entry to a strong third-place finish.
Morris Dominates Nonstop IMCA Modified Feature
The IMCA Modified main event ran caution-free and saw Troy Morris III dominate from start to finish, securing his second Western Region win of the season and third overall in Early Thaw competition. The Bakersfield, California driver launched into an early lead and built a sizable advantage before encountering lapped traffic near the halfway mark.
Southern Nevada’s Kollin Hibdon advanced to second on lap ten and attempted to mount a charge, but despite his best efforts, Morris maintained his momentum and never relinquished the lead.
Hibdon settled for a strong runner-up finish, followed by Oregon’s Eston Whisler in third.
Albertsen Tops Intense Sunoco IMCA Stock Car Showdown
The Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature was a barnburner, with Shelby Williams initially setting the pace as he aimed for his third win in four Early Thaw starts. However, his close off-track companion, “Wahoo” Mike Albertsen, had other plans.
Albertsen, determined to claim the top spot, repeatedly pressured Williams and nearly completed the pass on lap seven, only to have the Texan fend him off. As the field approached the halfway mark, Albertsen finally made his move, executing a masterful pass in turns three and four to take control.
From there, the Audubon, Iowa veteran stretched his lead and cruised to his second EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region victory and second Early Thaw triumph of the season.
Williams settled for second, while North Dakota’s Jason Storbakken edged out Trevor Hidalgo in a close battle for third at the stripe.
The event was broadcast live on Speed Sport TV.