May 27, 2026

Cassell Sweeps Spring Challenge Weekend at Sunset Speedway Park

MOD Craig Cassell OT PB Tom Egan copy — Craig Cassell wheels his Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified around Sunset Speedway Park during Spring Challenge competition in Banks, Ore. Cassell swept the weekend with victories in both feature events and earned Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational eligibility with his Sunday night triumph. (Photo by Tom Egan Photo)

By Jack Mitchell

BANKS, Ore. (May 24, 2026) — Craig Cassell put together a dominant weekend during the Spring Challenge at Sunset Speedway Park, sweeping both Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature events.

Cassell, from Albany, took command of Saturday’s 30-lap feature after getting around early leader Jake Walters just a few laps into the contest. From there, he held off several challenges from Joey Tardio and Sedro-Woolley, Washington racer Adam Holtrop to secure the victory.

Walters held on for second while Holtrop finished third in his Sunset Speedway Park debut after also earning a dash victory earlier in the evening. Utah driver Kevin Smith crossed the line fourth while Tardio completed the top five aboard Greg Walters’ No. 97 machine.

Sunday’s $1,000-to-win 35-lap finale featured a slightly larger field and a stout challenge from Kevin Smith, who led the opening half of the race after making the long haul west.

Cassell, however, used his experience around the Banks bullring to track Smith down and make the winning move near the halfway point. Once out front, he remained smooth and consistent to complete the weekend sweep.

The Sunday night triumph came in a Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational qualifier, placing Cassell on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify for the prestigious event at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s in September.

Smith finished second while Dustin Cady advanced three positions to finish third. Holtrop came home fourth and Walters rounded out the top five.

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Feature

Cassell Sweeps Spring Challenge Weekend at Sunset Speedway Park

By Jack Mitchell BANKS, Ore. (May 24, 2026) — Craig Cassell put together a dominant weekend during the Spring Challenge at Sunset Speedway Park, sweeping both Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature events. Cassell, from Albany, took command of Saturday’s 30-lap feature after getting around early leader Jake Walters just a few laps into the contest. From there, he held off several challenges from Joey Tardio and Sedro-Woolley, Washington racer Adam Holtrop to secure the victory. Walters held on for second while Holtrop finished third in his Sunset Speedway Park debut after also earning a dash victory earlier in the evening. Utah driver Kevin Smith crossed the line fourth while Tardio completed the top five aboard Greg Walters’ No. 97 machine. Sunday’s $1,000-to-win 35-lap finale featured a slightly larger field and a stout challenge from Kevin Smith, who led the opening half of the race after making the long haul west. Cassell, however, used his experience around the Banks bullring to track Smith down and make the winning move near the halfway point. Once out front, he [Read More]

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