Westergard scores IMCA Modified checkers at Skagit

Modified, Results

Jeff Westergard returned to the top step of the podium following his second Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature win of the season Saturday at Skagit Speedway. (Photo courtesy of Skagit Speedway)

By Ben Deatherage

ALGER, Wash. (Aug. 3, 2024) – Skagit Speedway witnessed the return of the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds and the return of Jeff Westergard to the top step of the podium Saturday night.

Greg Hibma took control at the start before car owner Ben Gunderson swept pass to collect the lead at the end of the second circuit. Brandon Nutter worked his way up to second, dispatching Hibma the fourth time around the flag stand.  

After a restart from a lap four caution, the battle for the runner-up spot became a three-car affair between Nutter, Hibma and Rick Smith. That tussle was put on ice, however, by a multi-car get-together on the backstretch.

Things got spicy when racing returned to green as Nutter had to deal with the likes of Smith and Westergard. With neither party having a distinct advantage, Smith went to work the upper portion of the track and performed a brilliant double overtake to obtain second on lap six, with Westergard following him a short time later.

Eventually, a struggle for the lead with little room for error unfolded between Gunderson, Westergard and Smith.

Smith and Westergard had a see-saw battle for second with Gunderson right in front of them. Westergard couldn’t navigate past the pacesetter and switched things up while trying to diamond off the corners, only for another caution to interrupt things.

Unfortunately, Gunderson had lost a critical amount of air pressure in one of his tires, requiring him to report to the work area and hand the lead to Westergard.

Taking on the new role of trailblazer, Westergard was immediately challenged by Kevin Smith. But as the race developed, Smith became locked in a battle for second with his brother Rick. The two got tangled up in the second corner on the twenty-second circuit.

It turned out to be the final yellow of the feature. Westergard mastered the final restart to motor away from any other potential challengers and was first to the finish line.

James Bundy was second while Gunderson bounced back to end in third.

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