Marsh Holds Off Hogge for Modified Glory at Ocean

Photo by Top Dawg Photography

By Gary Thomas

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (Apr. 11, 2025) — The 25-lap Friesen Performance IMCA Modified finale at Ocean Speedway featured a fantastic race that saw Robert Marsh of Salinas end up in victory lane. Jonathan Hagio took the lead at the waving of the green flag and set a fast pace over the early stages.

Side-by-side racing and battles were seen all over the track during the main event. Marsh reeled in Hagio and hounded his rear before taking command on lap eight.

Marsh proceeded to pull away but had to run some perfect laps towards the end as Bobby Hogge closed. The Salinas legend moved into second with six laps left and cut down a wide margin between the pair.

Hogge would run out of time, however, as Marsh claimed the win by just over half a second — his first of the season in the Shaw Race Cars Western Region. Hogge and Jim Pettit II rounded out the podium.

Crebs Captures Wild SportMod Main

The Karl Chevrolet IMCA SportMods also provided an ultra-entertaining 20-lap main event. The intense feature saw Jim DiGiovanni lead the opening lap, until Trent Golden got by one circuit later.

The well-prepared surface allowed the SportMods to utilize every inch of the Ocean Speedway bullring. With cars running high and low, Yreka driver Bo Crebs went to work on the leader and the duo proceeded to put on an excellent battle for the top spot.

Golden and Crebs fought hard back and forth but showcased clean racing in a fabulous tussle for the lead. Crebs took over for good on lap 13 and went on to take his initial Ocean Speedway win behind the wheel of the Jerry Movrich-owned No. 168. “Captain Chaos” and opening night winner Danny Wagner came home second, followed by Trevor Clymens.

The event was broadcast on IMCA.TV affiliate Stars On Dirt TV. Miss any of the action? The full race replay is available through the IMCA.TV Replay Subscription for $24.99/month.