14-Year-Old Lancaster Cruises to Breakthrough Sport Compact Victory at Cottage Grove
By Ben Deatherage COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (Apr. 25, 2026) — The 2026 season opener at Cottage Grove Speedway featured 14-year-old Rowen Lancaster of Eugene turning in a remarkable performance in the Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, dominating the 20-lap feature to score his first career victory in his division debut. Lancaster wasted little time establishing himself as the driver to beat, leading the opening lap before a caution on lap three slowed the pace. On the restart, he quickly separated from the field and began building a commanding advantage. By the midway point, Lancaster had constructed a sizable lead and showed no signs of slowing, even after encountering lapped traffic on lap nine. Smooth and consistent, he maintained his pace throughout the remainder of the race. At the checkered flag, Lancaster crossed the line with a margin of victory exceeding seven seconds, completing a wire-to-wire effort in impressive fashion. Eric Cooper finished second, while defending track champion Dusten Henderson charged from 15th to third. Charles Trissell and 2024 Oregon State champion Burnie Bryant completed the top five. [Read More]
