By Ben Deatherage
ROSEBURG, Ore. (May 8, 2026) — Matt Sanders broke through in a big way at the 2026 season opener at Douglas County Dirtrack, capturing his first career Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature win in just his second start in the division. The Brookings driver led late in the 20-lap main event to score a DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region victory in a caution-free contest.
Grey Ferrando, the 2017 Cottage Grove Speedway champion and 2024 Cocopah Speedway track titleholder, set the early pace after leading the opening lap. Sanders, the 2022 Oregon State champion in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, stayed within striking distance and began applying pressure by lap four.
The battle intensified as Sanders challenged again on lap 11 and edged ahead at the line. The two frontrunners traded the lead several times over the next few circuits before Ferrando regained control on lap 14.
Undeterred, Sanders remained poised and set up the decisive move in the closing laps, slipping past Ferrando on lap 18 and holding firm the rest of the way while navigating lapped traffic and shifting momentum.
Ferrando settled for second, while reigning National Rookie of the Year and Southern Oregon Speedway track champion Ethan Killingsworth of California finished third. Defending Western Region, Oregon State, and track champion Kevin Williamson placed fourth, followed by 2020 Oregon State IMCA Northern SportMod champion Doug Coffman in fifth.
DeBenedetti Charges Late to SportMod Victory
Vinny DeBenedetti made a late-race surge to win the Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod feature, scoring his second victory of the season in the 20-lap main event.
Aaron Bloom, the reigning Cottage Grove Speedway track champion, grabbed the early lead, but 2024 track champion Jordan Henry quickly applied pressure. Henry moved into the top spot on lap three and began to pull away as Bloom and Don Moore battled for second.
A caution on lap 12 reset the field and opened the door for DeBenedetti. The 17-year-old from Rogue River charged from fifth on the restart, slicing through traffic and taking the lead on lap 14.
Late cautions kept the field tight, but DeBenedetti remained composed. Bloom made a bid on the final restart, but DeBenedetti held him off to secure the win, adding to his victory the previous Saturday at Southern Oregon Speedway.
Bloom finished second, while two-time reigning Oregon State champion Trevor Points took third. Henry ended the night fourth, followed by Moore in fifth.
Chad Knee earned hard charger honors, advancing from 15th to eighth.
