Killingsworth Continues Hot Start With Cottage Grove Victory

Photo by Shadows of Light Photography

By Ben Deatherage

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (Apr. 26, 2025) — Ethan Killingsworth made it two straight wins to start the season in the Shaw Race Cars Western Region, putting on a dominant performance Saturday night at Cottage Grove Speedway’s 25-lap Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature.

The Yreka, California, driver secured the lead on the opening lap after a fierce battle with Kevin Williamson, who pilots the Paul and Maria Culp-owned entry. Killingsworth, in his rookie IMCA Modified campaign after winning Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod titles at both Southern Oregon and Yreka in 2024, was flawless on the restart after an early caution on lap 3.

As Killingsworth pulled away, five-time defending track champion Jake Mayden worked past Paul Rea into second. The battle behind the leader intensified when 17-year-old Ian Whisler pressured Mayden until the reigning champ had to contend with Ian’s older brother Eston.

Killingsworth navigated lapped traffic with ease and never looked back, winning his second consecutive feature at a second different track to open the season. Eston Whisler claimed the runner-up spot with four laps to go, while Mayden settled for third.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV affiliate Dirt Oval TV. Fans can catch the full replay with the IMCA TV Replay Subscription for just $24.99/month. Already subscribed? Don’t miss the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Boone Docuseries, now streaming exclusively on the IMCA TV Replay platform.