By Brandon Beeter
UNDERWOOD, N.D. (May 21, 2026) — The 2026 season opener at McLean County Speedway delivered an emotional night of racing on Thursday, highlighted by Tim Goodwin’s inspiring comeback victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods.
Goodwin, from Williston, battled through adversity throughout the feature. While challenging for the lead late in the race, he slipped into the marbles but managed to recover and regain momentum before charging back to the front with five laps remaining. From there, he checked out on the field to score his first victory since a devastating Highway 83 accident outside of Underwood on May 29 of last year that nearly claimed his life.
Goodwin started third in the feature. Lance Lochtowe, who led much of the race, finished second ahead of Stan Tomlinson. Cole Hanshew finished fourth, while 15-year-old Sladen Pfeifer completed the top five.
Gabriel Deschamp dominated the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature in impressive fashion aboard a brand-new B&B Racing Chassis. The 21-year-old Westhope driver controlled the race from the outset after also winning his heat race earlier in the evening.
Deschamp’s triumph marked his first EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region victory of the 2026 season. Will Matjovic finished second, while Caleb Storbakken crossed the line third. Christopher Zenz charged from 10th to finish fourth, followed by Brennor Grinstead in fifth.
The Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks produced one of the closest battles of the night. Nineteen-year-old Aiden Paul shadowed Diezel Raynard throughout the feature before making the winning move on the final lap.
The Dickinson driver earned his first B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region victory of the 2026 campaign. Raynard, from Saskatchewan, settled for second, while 17-year-old Colby Patterson finished third. Tyson Grinstead crossed the line fourth ahead of 16-year-old Brody Beeter.
