ANTIOCH, Calif. (May 3) – Troy Foulger is the driver to beat at Antioch Speedway and Aaron Crowell almost did that in Saturday’s thrilling IMCA Xtreme Motor Sports Modified main event.
Crowell, who built a large lead in the 20-lapper, saw that advantage disappear in seconds when he encountered traffic with three laps to go. In a daring second-turn move, Foulger dove underneath Crowell and the driver he was about to lap.
“All of a sudden, there he was,” Crowell said of Foulger after the race. “My car was awesome tonight. We made some changes that made the world of difference. I thought we had it won.”
Never count Foulger out.
“That is why we call him ‘Tricky’ Troy,” Crowell continued. “Sometimes, that is the way it goes in racing. It takes one move. I’m actually happy with second. If I’m going to be beaten by anyone, I’d rather it be Troy.”
Crowell didn’t let Foulger take the win easily. He got back along side him and passed him on the white-flag lap. Foulger came back to win by less than a car’s length at the finish line.
“I didn’t look back,” Foulger said. “I knew he was there. I just raced as fast as I could. It sure was fun.”
National rookie of the year contender Rob Gallaher won his first Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod feature Saturday.
“It’s my first win anywhere in a SportMod,” proclaimed Gallaher in victory lane. “I’m going for the national title, and this sure will help.”
Gallaher will run 47 races this year. He decided to try for the Rookie of the Year title after moving up to SportMods from the Four-Banger class.
Scotty Hoff, father of defending track champ Jeremy Hoff, finished second and challenged Gallaher in the final restart of the feature.
“This is only my second night in the car,” a happy Hoff said. “I wish I could share the podium with Jeremy. Maybe next race.”
Jeremy Hoff dropped out of the race with a cut tire.
IMCA Modifieds return to Antioch Speedway next Saturday night, May 10, with the Nor-Cal Challenge Series. Racing begins at 6 p.m.
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