Whiteaker Goes Back-To-Back at I-37 with STIMS Series

Feature, Modified, News

Spring Branch, Texas driver Steven Whiteaker Jr. celebrates with family and crew members after winning the Southern Touring IMCA Modified Series presented by On Demand Shirts feature on May 16 at I-37 Speedway. The victory marked Whiteaker’s third STIMS triumph and fourth GRT Race Cars South Central Region win of the 2026 season. (Courtesy Photo)

By Nick Robbins

PLEASANTON, Texas (May 16, 2026) — The Southern Touring IMCA Modified Series presented by On Demand Shirts rolled into I-37 Speedway for its first appearance of the 2026 season. Fifteen Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds signed in for the $1,000-to-win main event at the racy South Texas bullring.

DIY Equipment Sales and Rental Heat One saw pole starter “High Side” Brian Harbison lead early while battling with Cameron Dinsmore. As the pair raced off turn two, they left enough room for Chris Carroll to split the uprights down the back chute and take the win. Sundowner Performance Diesel Heat Two belonged to Cody Leonard, who led all eight laps to take the checkered flag.

Carroll and Leonard led the field to the Rush Race Gear by Austin Witt Start Zone with Steven Whiteaker Jr. and Cameron Dinsmore in tow. The Spring Branch, Texas racer crossed the line first on lap one but lost the top spot in a three-wide battle through turns one and two on the next circuit.

The first caution of the race came on lap six when Brian Harbison and Brandon Sanderson got together in turn three. Johnny Torres took advantage of the restart to make a big move on the outside after an early mistake cost him some spots.

The final 14 laps were run caution-free with Whiteaker collecting his third STIMS victory of the season and fourth GRT Race Cars South Central Region triumph of 2026. Torres grabbed his fourth runner-up finish of the year, while Logan Dinsmore, Trevor Egbert, and Jared Maupin rounded out the top five.

The race also served as a Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational qualifier to be held during the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Whiteaker was already on the eligibility list after qualifier wins earlier this season at 105 Speedway and Texana Raceway Park.

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