Pirkle Powers to First STIMS Win in Dominant Performance at HOT

Feature, Modified, News

Jacob Pirkle of Midlothian, Texas stands in victory lane at Heart O’ Texas Speedway after winning the Southern Touring IMCA Modified Series presented by On Demand Shirts feature on Apr. 10, marking his fourth Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified win of the season in the GRT Race Cars South Central Region. (Photo by Southern Sass Photography)

By Nick Robbins

WACO, Texas (Apr. 10, 2026) — The Southern Touring IMCA Modified Series presented by On Demand Shirts roared into the historic Heart O’ Texas Speedway for its first appearance of the 2026 season. A strong field of 30 Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds signed in for action, pushing the winner’s share to $1,500 for the 20-lap main event. Series regulars from South Texas were eager to show what they could do against some of the best local racers from the northern half of the Lone Star State.

DIY Equipment Sales and Rental Heat One went to Salado, Texas racer G.W. Egbert, who crossed the line four seconds ahead of the nearest transfer. Sundowner Performance Diesel Heat Two was a bit closer, with Wyatt Bruce of Montgomery, Texas taking the win over current point leader Jared Maupin. 3-D Landscaping and Irrigation Heat Three went to the no. 6R of Jacob Pirkle from Midlothian. Heat Four was won by 2025 STIMS champion Logan Dinsmore. Steven Whiteaker Jr. claimed the B-Main, leading the top eight transfers to round out the 24-car field.

The On Demand Shirts main event served as the finale for the evening. After a four-wide salute complete with fireworks, the field roared to the green flag. Contact between front row starters Wyatt Bruce and Cody Leonard sent Leonard into the wall and triggered a pileup involving several cars entering turn one. No drivers were injured, but multiple cars were heavily damaged and unable to continue.

Jacob Pirkle restarted out front and led all 20 laps on his way to victory, earning his first STIMS presented by On Demand Shirts feature win. It was Pirkle’s fourth win of the season in the GRT Race Cars South Central Region, with his previous three victories coming at Kennedale Speedway Park. The race also served as a Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational qualifier for the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Pirkle was already on the eligibility list with a pair of qualifier wins at KSP in late February.

Jared Maupin, G.W. Egbert, Davis Lemaster, and Chris Gallien rounded out the top five.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV. Catch every lap again with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available for just $25.99/month. And don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.

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