Aiken Charges From Eighth to Open 2026 With Mod Lite Victory at Hendry County

Pierce Aiken celebrates his Stealth Racing IMCA STARS Mod Lite feature win Saturday, Jan. 17, at Hendry County Motorsports Park to open the 2026 season. (Courtesy Photo)

By Justin Newman

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 17, 2026) — The Stealth Racing IMCA STARS Mod Lites at Hendry County Motorsports Park opened their 2026 season with a strong showing and a statement performance from Superior Race Cars, led by a patient and calculated drive by Pierce Aiken in the feature.

Aiken started eighth on the grid and methodically worked his way forward, advancing one position at a time as the race unfolded. Pole-sitter Dylan Permann controlled the early pace, leading the first 12 laps while keeping the field in check.

The turning point came on a restart on lap 12, when Aiken powered past Permann to take command of the race. From there, the Lake Worth racer remained smooth and consistent, never relinquishing the top spot on his way to the opening Mod Lite victory of the 2026 season.

Larry Hubbard mounted a strong charge to finish second after starting fourth and slipping back early in the event. Justin Thibodeau followed with a solid third-place run.

Permann’s night took a turn shortly after losing the lead when he jumped the cushion in turns three and four, allowing competitors to slip by, but he regrouped to finish fourth.  Québécois driver John François Leblanc rounded out the top five.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV affiliate Done Right TV. Catch every lap again with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available for just $24.99/month. And don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, now streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.