Houghton Dominates IMCA Modified Opener at Mohave Valley

Modified, Northern SportMod, Results

By Ben Deatherage

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 8, 2025) — Dalton Houghton kicked off his 2025 season in dominant fashion, scoring a commanding victory in the IMCA Modified main event at Mohave Valley Raceway. The Rosamond, California driver wasted no time getting to the front and held strong despite multiple restarts and lapped traffic to claim the season-opening win at the 3/8-mile clay oval. The event attracted an impressive 35 entries from across the Western Region.

At the drop of the green flag, Dann Perry III led the field into the first set of corners, but Houghton powered around the high side to take command. A 15-lap green flag run introduced lapped traffic into the mix, but Houghton navigated through the congestion with ease while maintaining his advantage.

A series of cautions late in the race reset the field, but the 20-year-old ace handled each restart flawlessly, pulling away from the competition to secure the win in his 2025 debut.

Jonathon Mawhinney charged through the field to finish second, while local standout Noah Geer rounded out the podium in third.

McKellar Scores IMCA Northern SportMod Victory

The IMCA Northern SportMods also made their return to Mohave Valley Raceway, and their feature event followed a similar script of dominance. Chris McKellar was dialed in, leading the field wire to wire to claim his first victory of 2025.

McKellar’s lone challenge came after a mid-race restart when Minnesota’s Mark “Bud” Martini closed in. However, McKellar remained composed, consistently hitting his marks and pulling away as the green flag run continued.

Behind him, it was a family showdown for second place, as Hudson Morris outdueled his father Miles Morris to claim the runner-up spot.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV affiliate Dirt Race Central.

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