By Ben Deatherage
BAKER, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2025) — The 2025 IMCA TV Clash On The Coast kicked off with a thrilling 25-lap Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature at Northwest Florida Speedway, ending in a dramatic three-wide finish reminiscent of a scene from the first Disney/Pixar Cars film. Presley Harrington of Oshkosh, Wisconsin emerged victoriously, claiming his first ever win with both the series and in IMCA Stock Car competition.
At the drop of the green, Harrington fiercely battled Minnesota’s Jim Horejsi for the lead. Horejsi led the opening lap, but Harrington remained relentless in pursuit on the inside line.
A slip from Harrington later allowed Iowans Gage Neal and John Oliver Jr. to surge into second and third. As lapped traffic came into play, Neal, last year’s winner of both nights at the facility, took the lead on lap 11.
On a restart, Horejsi made a strong topside move while Harrington dived under Neal in turn one. Horejsi’s pass was nullified by a caution.
When racing resumed, Horejsi reclaimed the lead around turn four with ten laps to go. Neal quickly responded but was overtaken by both Horejsi and Harrington on lap 17.
With five laps left, Harrington, Horejsi, and Michigan’s Mike Vandermark Jr. found themselves in an intense three-wide battle. On the final lap, as traffic loomed, Vandermark seized an opportunity as Horejsi and Harrington got bottled up. Despite only leading the final feet, Harrington edged ahead to claim the win in a photo finish.
Vandermark and Horejsi followed closely, in second and third, completing the podium.
Harnick Triumphs in Wild IMCA Modified Feature
59 Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds from across the Devilbiss Racing Eastern Region and beyond signed in on the registration sheets and ended up delivering a thrilling main event of their own. Local standout Jason Barnhill and Claire, Michigan’s Austin Harnick clashed early in the 25-lap finale, with Harnick narrowly leading before Barnhill snatched the advantage on lap two using the high line.
After a lap 8 restart, Barnhill pulled away as Harnick fended off 2023 Clash On The Coast champion Austen Becerra. Before the halfway mark, Harnick reclaimed the lead with a precise move on the inside of the leader, and Becerra soon followed into second.
The battle for third turned into a family affair between Owen and Jason Barnhill, while up front, Becerra challenged Harnick. Becerra briefly took the lead in turn one, but a late caution disallowed the pass.
In the closing laps, the defending Merritt Speedway track champ held off Barnhill and Becerra to claim the victory, the first Clash victory of his career.
Becerra secured second, while Jason Barnhill narrowly held third as Owen made a late charge.
The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV.
