Survive the 55 Offers $10,260 to Win and More at Skagit Speedway on Sept. 26–27

Feature, Modified, News

By Ben Deatherage

ALGER, Wash. (Sept. 18, 2025) — One of the premier fall specials on the Speedway Motors IMCA calendar returns as the Survive the 55 brings two nights of Friesen Performance IMCA Modified racing to Skagit Speedway on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26–27.

Drivers from across the Shaw Race Cars Western Region will chase a lucrative purse, with the 55-lap A Main paying $10,260 to win and $500 to start. In total, more than $30,000 will be awarded across A, B, C, and D features.

Friday’s program will feature a two-heat format, with each driver competing in two eight-lap heats — the first lined straight up from pill draw, and the second fully inverted. Points from both heats will determine lineups, with the top 12 earning the option to run a fully inverted, 20-lap dash.

Saturday’s finale locks the top 18 in accumulated heat race points into the Survive the 55 main event, with the top 8 redrawing for their starting positions. Drivers ranked 19–32 will line up for the 15-lap B Main, 33–46 for the 12-lap C Main, and 47–60 for the 10-lap D Main.

The top four finishers from each of the C and D features will advance to the next race, while the top four from the B Main will transfer into the 55-lap A Main. The headliner will also feature a 10-minute open red flag break between laps 25–30, and up to two provisional starting spots may be awarded.

In addition to the feature purse, drivers will also compete for $500 awards for Longest Tow, Hard Charger, Top Local Car, and Best Appearing Car/Crew. A special Fuel Cell Giveaway courtesy of Superior Fuel Cells will also be part of the program.

Since its inception, Survive the 55 has been dominated by Oregon drivers. Past champions include Jon DeBenedetti (2022), Grey Ferrando (2023), and Tom Berry Jr. (2024). While Berry now resides in Iowa, his roots trace back to southern Oregon, keeping the streak intact. To add even more intrigue in 2025, a $1,000 bonus has been posted for any driver able to break Oregon’s hold on the event.

Product sponsors supporting the event include Triple X Race Co., Speedmart Inc., Superior Fuel Cells, and Joe’s Racing Products.

Fans and teams can also get involved through Mini Sponsor Spots, a unique program where 100 percent of contributions go directly to the drivers. Mini Sponsor Spots are available for just $55, and those interested are encouraged to contact Mel Decker Racing on Facebook to take part.

Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m. both days, with hot laps at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. All Skagit Speedway safety rules apply and supersede IMCA rules.

For more information, visit www.skagitspeedway.com. For those unable to attend in person, both nights will be broadcast live on IMCA TV.

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