![IMG_5565](https://www.imca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5565-678x381.jpg)
By Ben Deatherage
PETALUMA, Calif. (July 20, 2024) – Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds were back in action Saturday at Petaluma Speedway and Jeff Faulkner was the winner when the checkered flag waved at the 3/8-mile clay oval.
Anthony Slaney jumped to the front on the opening start, but the caution flag came out twice with just one lap completed, eliminating Slaney’s advantage.
On the second restart, Faulkner bounced back from his first stoppage spin, which occurred while he was running second, to obtain fourth from Michelle Byron. Just up the road, the race for second intensified with Michael Paul Jr. overtaking Tim Yaeger, with a few laps complete before Faulkner got around.
Slaney checked out from the rest of the pack as Paul, Yaeger and Faulkner battled. Unfortunately, he experienced mechanical problems that brought him to a halt on the front stretch on lap eight, ending his evening. Faulkner became the new race leader.
Paul put a bit of pressure on Faulkner on the restart but once the green flag run developed, Faulkner had some breathing to operate with. Paul and Yaeger went after each other for a second, with Paul nearly losing the position.
Paul tried to mount a late-race charge but Faulkner was just a little bit better on the exits. Paul tossed the dice one last time on the final trip around the speedway, but Faulkner held him off to claim his first win of the season at Petaluma.
Paul was second, followed by Yaeger in third.
The event was broadcast on IMCA.TV affiliate Nor Cal Speed.
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