Whiteaker Wins One for Home Team at I-37’s Texas Showdown
By J.M. Hallas PLEASANTON, Texas (Jan. 10, 2026) — The $2,000-to-win, 30-lap Texas Showdown IMCA Modified finale at I-37 Speedway started with Steven Whiteaker Jr. and Cody Laney on the front row. With the track sweep bonus already busted, the only remaining bonus was for the best combined finish by the ODS/Southern Touring IMCA Modified Series, setting up a winner-take-all showdown between the two front starters. When the green waved, Laney shot to the bottom first into turn one, but Whiteaker powered off the top to lead lap one ahead of Laney, Brenda Kirby-Morris, Jordan Grabouski in the Johnny Torres-owned no. 66, and Dean Abbey. Grabouski worked past Kirby-Morris for third and then battled Laney in a classic high-low duel before a lap-seven caution slowed the field. On the restart, Whiteaker, Laney, and Friday night winner Grabouski went three-wide into turn one, with Abbey sneaking past Laney for third and then taking second before another tangle brought out the yellow. When racing resumed, Grabouski briefly nosed ahead from the bottom, but Whiteaker again surged off the [Read More]
