Ryan Clark

Baca Masters Traffic and Late Restart to Win at IMCA TV Winter Nationals

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 24, 2026) — Chaz Baca Jr. scored his eighth career Winter Nationals series victory with a hard-fought win in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the fourth night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The two-time IMCA National champion also earned his first win of the 2026 campaign in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. The Mesa motorist jumped to the early lead and quickly separated himself as the top three checked out from the field. Kevin Williamson, the reigning Western Region champion in the Superior Fuel Cells-fielded no. 42, and Joey Price, the 2018 Montana State titlist in the Shawn Zelenka-provided no. 11*, battled for position behind the leader as Baca began working lapped traffic on lap 12. Pressure mounted in the closing laps when reigning Winter Nationals champion Ethan Braaksma reeled Baca in as traffic tightened the racing groove. A caution on lap 18 set up a green-white-checkered finish, but Baca [Read More]

Thornton Extends IMCA TV Winter Nationals Streak with Third Straight Modified Win

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Dylan Thornton of Belle Plaine, Iowa, continued his dominant run at Central Arizona Raceway with a commanding victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the third night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines. The former Santa Maria, California native earned his fifth career Winter Nationals series victory, his third win of the 2026 event, and his third straight triumph in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Thornton jumped to the lead immediately from the high side on the opening start and began pulling away as the green-flag run developed. Two-time defending Dakota Classic Modified Tour champion and reigning Winter Nationals champion Ethan Braaksma gave chase from the bottom groove in the Danny Meier and Trent Guest-owned no. 111, while a spirited mid-race battle for fourth between reigning Marshalltown Speedway track champion Kollin Hibdon and Tate Johnson provided the best fight inside the top five. A caution on lap 14 reset the field just [Read More]

Karl Kustoms Named National Title Sponsor of IMCA Modifieds and Northern SportMods

By Ben Deatherage VINTON, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2026) — IMCA is proud to announce Karl Kustoms as the new national title sponsor of IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods, strengthening a long-standing relationship between the company and IMCA racing. Since their introduction in 1979, IMCA Modifieds have grown into the largest division of race cars in the United States. Known for fierce competition and unmistakable open-wheel design, the class continues to showcase many of the nation’s top racers at dirt tracks before standing-room-only crowds from coast to coast and border to border. Originating in 2005, the IMCA Northern SportMods have seen steady growth as tracks across the country look for a class that allows budget-minded drivers to get on, and stay on, the racetrack. The division has become a staple at a growing number of weekly racing facilities, valued for its affordability and competitive racing. A longtime supporter of IMCA racing, Karl Kustoms has been actively involved in the sport through sponsorship of tracks, events, and racing programs across the Midwest and beyond. That continued commitment [Read More]

Thornton Wins Modified Thriller on Night Two of IMCA TV Winter Nationals

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 22, 2026) — Dylan Thornton, calling Belle Plaine, Iowa home these days, continued his Winter Nationals dominance with a dramatic victory in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature during the second night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines at Central Arizona Raceway. The former Santa Maria, California, resident scored his fourth career Modified Winter Nationals series win, his second straight of the 2026 event, and his second consecutive victory in the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region. Thornton, a three-division winner at the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, took command on the opening start before an early caution regrouped the field. Two-time IMCA Modified National champion Chaz Baca Jr. quickly emerged as his primary challenger, stalking Thornton through multiple restarts and long green-flag stretches. After a caution on lap 10, Thornton briefly brushed the wall on lap 13, allowing Baca to close the gap and set up a fierce side-by-side battle that featured multiple slider exchanges [Read More]

Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing National Point Standings through January 21, 2026

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds – 1. Steven Whiteaker, Robstown, Texas, 153; 2. Cody Laney, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 152; 3. Izac Mallicoat, Boone, Iowa, 138; 4. Dean Abbey, Boyd, Texas, 134; 5. Chris Morris, Thorndale, Texas, and Troy III Morris, Waterloo, Iowa, both 132; 7. Jeff Taylor, Duncan, Okla., 128; 8. Spencer Hartwick, Rose Bud, Arkansas, 126; 9. Owen Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 125; 10. William Gould, Calera, Okla., and Jared Maupin, Helotes, Texas, both 119; 12. Brenda Kirby, Thorndale, Texas, 113; 13. Jason Barnhill, Milton, Florida, 104; 14. Ryan Doyon, Castroville, Texas, 97; 15. Rick Green, Bertram, Texas, and Chris Smith, Brewton, Alabama, both 90; 17. Steve Askew, Valley View, Texas, 86; 18. Robert Liese Jr., Schertz, Texas, 61; 19. Cody Tidwell, Georgetown, Texas, 52; 20. Rickey Talley, Adkins, Texas, 51. Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars – 1. Cameron Starry, Robstown, Texas, 215; 2. Shelby Williams, Bonham, Texas, 183; 3. Dan Mackenthun, Hamburg, Minn., 140; 4. Mason Martin, Kaufman, Texas, 139; 5. Beau Collins, Savoy, Texas, and Doug Holzmeister, Colby, Kan., both 136; 7. Cody Leonard, Sinton, [Read More]

Thornton Controls IMCA TV Winter Nationals Modified Opening Night Feature

By Ben Deatherage CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Jan. 21, 2026) — Dylan Thornton turned in a commanding performance Wednesday night at Central Arizona Raceway in the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds during the opening night of the DeVilbiss Racing Chassis IMCA TV Winter Nationals powered by Pitt Stop Motorsports and Dynamic Drivelines. Zane DeVilbiss, a two-time IMCA Modified National champion, grabbed the lead on the opening lap before an early caution slowed the pace. On the restart, multi-division Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s winner Dylan Thornton mounted a strong challenge, but a yellow flew before the pass could be completed. Thornton officially took control during the ensuing restart on lap six and began to stretch his advantage, navigating traffic efficiently. Behind him, two-time IMCA Modified National champion Chaz Baca Jr. and Brandon Beckendorf waged a hard-fought battle for fourth around the halfway mark. Thornton, who started third, checked out during the long green-flag run and never looked back on his way to his third career Winter Nationals victory in the Modified division and his first [Read More]

Beatrice Spring Nationals Set for March 12–14

By Ben Deatherage BEATRICE, Neb. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Beatrice Speedway will kick off the 2026 racing season with the 33rd annual Spring Nationals, a three-day Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing event scheduled for March 12–14 at the Gage County Fairgrounds. IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stocks, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts will all compete during the Spring Nationals weekend. The event opens Thursday, March 12, with an open practice session. Pits will open at 5 p.m., with on-track practice scheduled from 6–9 p.m. Pit passes will be $25, and grandstand admission will be free. Friday night’s program will feature a $2,000-to-win IMCA Modified main event paying $150 to start. IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Northern SportMods will each race for $1,000 to win and $100 to start, while IMCA Hobby Stocks will compete for $700 to win and $80 to start. Saturday night raises the stakes with IMCA Modifieds racing for $2,500 to win and $200 to start. IMCA Stock Cars will pay $1,500 to win [Read More]

Lee County Speedway Under New Leadership; To Crown Five IMCA Champions in ’26

By Ben Deatherage DONNELLSON, Iowa (Jan. 20, 2026) — Lee County Speedway will return to Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing on Friday nights in 2026 under new promoter Darin Weisinger, featuring five sanctioned divisions that will crown track champions. The weekly lineup will include IMCA Modifieds, Sunoco IMCA Late Models, Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods, and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts. A 15-race schedule is currently planned at the historic 3/8-mile oval beginning April 24, with the first point-paying event set for May 1 and the final night for points on August 21. Drivers will earn track, Iowa State, and national points in all divisions. In addition, Razor Chassis North Central Region points will be awarded to IMCA Modifieds, while EQ Cylinder Heads Northern Region points will be on the line for Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars. Weisinger enters his first season promoting Lee County Speedway after spending several years in Illinois as a track manager. “This is a new venture for me at Lee County, and I’m excited,” said Weisinger. “I’ve been around [Read More]

Close Racing Supply Named IMCA Modified Eastern Region Title Sponsor for ’26

By Ben Deatherage ELDRED, Pa. (Jan. 19, 2026) — Close Racing Supply has been named the new title sponsor of the IMCA Modified Eastern Region for the 2026 season, further strengthening a long-standing relationship between the company and Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing. The IMCA Modified Eastern Region includes competition across Michigan, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York. “We are very happy to do this,” said Close Racing Supply owner Joel Smith. “We’ve been a big IMCA supporter for years, from attending the (Speedway Motors IMCA) Super Nationals (fueled by Casey’s) to sponsoring the NY-PENN IMCA Modified Series since it started. The timing was right with our growth. We’ve been doing this for 30 years and we’re still growing, and now we’re in a position to step up and sponsor the Eastern Region.” Smith pointed to IMCA’s reach and professionalism as key factors in the decision. “When you look at the package IMCA offers — the number of cars, the number of tracks, the longevity of the sanctioning body, and the professionalism of everyone involved — [Read More]

XS Power Batteries returns its support to IMCA for 2026

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – XS Power Batteries returns to IMCA with contingencies and product for the IMCA points season and the IMCA Super Nationals. The XS Power Batteries team has partnered with IMCA to provide free shipping on all orders when using the promo code “IMCA” at check out. Top 10 finishers in national point standings for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and Smiley’s Racing Products Southern SportMods all receive $100 product certificates from the Knoxville, Tenn., company. Rookies of the year in the same divisions, plus the Junior National Champion and Lady Eagle winner all receive S3400 12V racing batteries. Those awards will be presented during the IMCA national banquet this fall. First non-qualifiers for Modified, Stock Car, Hobby Stock and Northern SportMod main events at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s also receive S3400 12V racing batteries. Information about XS-branded batteries is available by calling 865 688-5953, on Facebook and at 4xspower.com.