DeCarlo Charges from Eighth for First Watsonville Win of 2026

Feature, Modified, News, Northern SportMod

Nick DeCarlo celebrates in Watsonville Speedway victory lane after charging from eighth starting position to win the June 12 Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature. The victory was DeCarlo's first DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region triumph of the 2026 season. (Photo by Top Dawg Photos)

By Gary Thomas

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (June 12, 2026) — The Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified main event at Watsonville Speedway saw multiple different leaders while putting on a solid show in its shortened 20-lap feature.

Jonathan Hagio took the early command, but it was short-lived as Robert Marsh blasted to the point on lap four.

A lengthy red flag period to clean up a crash in turn two forced officials to trim the race from 25 laps to 20 with curfew looming.

Jim Pettit II looked extremely fast and took over the lead on lap nine. Starting eighth, however, “Quick Nick” DeCarlo methodically worked his way forward before assuming command with 14 laps complete.

Once out front, DeCarlo was never seriously challenged and raced away to score his first DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region victory of the season and first Watsonville Speedway triumph of 2026.

Pettit crossed the stripe second, followed by Marsh, Fred Lind and Hagio.

Just outside the top five, Gordon Joel turned in one of the night’s strongest performances, advancing from 11th to sixth.

Crebs Holds Off Wagner for SportMod Victory

The Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods saw the “Burrito Bandito” Kaden Perez jump to the early lead and pace the opening circuits before mechanical issues knocked him from contention.

That handed the spotlight to Yreka’s Bo Crebs, who started fourth and put on an entertaining display around the high side of the speedway while navigating several restarts.

Defending Watsonville Speedway champion Danny Wagner relentlessly pursued Crebs after advancing from eighth on the grid, but the leader remained composed through every challenge.

Crebs held on to secure his third victory of the season, with each triumph coming at a different track.

Wagner finished second, while Darren Thomas charged from ninth to third. Todd Carlock and Jeff Bentancourt completed the top five.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV affiliate Stars On Dirt TV. Catch every lap again with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription, available for $25.99/month, and don’t miss Season 2 of the Boone docuseries, streaming exclusively on IMCA TV.

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