Ratzlaff Husband and Wife Duo Take Podium Spots in Phillips County Season Opener

Feature, Hobby Stock, Modified, News, Northern SportMod, Sport Compact, Stock Car

Matthew and Christina Ratzlaff of Monte Vista (left) pose after finishing first and third, respectively, in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature, with Matthew earning his first win of the season in the Jet Racing Central Region, alongside runner-up Ayden Steffens (far right) during the Apr. 11 season opener at Phillips County Raceway. (Photo by Carl Larson-Photos by Red)

By Suzan McCoy

HOLYOKE, Colo. (Apr. 11, 2026) — Matthew Ratzlaff of Monte Vista led every lap to victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature in front of the biggest crowd Phillips County Raceway has seen in over seven years during the season opener. It was his first win of 2026 in the Jet Racing Central Region. Ayden Steffens finished second, while Christina Ratzlaff made it a family double podium with a third-place finish. The couple traveled six hours to compete at PCR for the opening round of the Colorado Alliance Tour. Tom Quint placed fourth, followed by Bubba Alvarado.

Bill Brack led from the pole and held off pressure from D.J. Banks and Layne Bellm to win the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature. It marked the Mead motorist’s first triumph of the year in the EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region. Banks and Bellm finished second and third, respectively, while Frank Ogden and Kolton Vogel rounded out the top five.

Douglas Beaman of Fort Morgan dominated the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod feature from the pole position to open his 2026 win column. He held off challenges from Paul Donavan and Preston Donovan, who finished second and third, respectively. Kansan Cody Williams was fourth at the line, while Joseph Cooper placed fifth.

Tylan Lambertus of Grand Island, Nebraska, put on a commanding performance in the Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks. Starting third, Lambertus drove to the front and held off a competitive field to earn his first win of the year in the B&B Racing Chassis Northern Region. Trent Matson finished second, followed by Brayden Hilzer in third. Robbie Kosmacek was fourth, and Hayden Ogorzolka completed the top five.

Melanie Robinson of Calhan drove from fourth to first to claim the Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compact victory, her first of the season. Robinson outpaced Troy Strodtman and Matthew Pickering, who finished second and third. Christopher Glass and Joseph Renfro completed the top five.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV. Catch every lap again with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available for just $25.99/month. And don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.

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