By Ben Deatherage
BANKS, Ore. (Aug. 10, 2024) – The event at Sunset Speedway Park on Saturday, Aug. 10, was significant, attracting a large field of Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds for the third running of the Whisler Construction Mod Frenzy, with a cool $3,000 on the line.
The 40-lap finale for Modifieds was a thrilling spectacle. Multi-time defending track champion Craig Cassell immediately seized the top spot, setting the stage for an intense battle. Cassell had to put up a hard fight on the initial start when he went three-wide with Grey Ferrando and Bricen James.
As Cassell secured the lead, Ferrando held off James for second before concentrating his efforts on running down the leader. Ferrando, determined to secure the lead, worked the inside line on the fifth circuit as Cassell kept his faith on the top shelf. The two dueled for quite some time with no clear advantage to either party, showcasing their unwavering determination and skill.
Things would take a twist when lapped traffic entered the mix on lap 18. Using a slower car as a pick, Ferrando sailed outside Cassell to capture the coveted top spot on the 19th trip past the flag stand.
As Ferrando began to pull away, James battled for second with Cassell. James picked up the position with thirteen to go and put Ferrando in his crosshairs. As James ripped the top, Ferrando finessed the throttle of his mount on the bottom.
The two would go door to door in the final dozen circuits, with Ferrando, already Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational qualifying eligible, getting the edge over James at the finish line in the non-stop feature.
James and Cassell completed the podium in second and third place, respectively.
Sid Schott was the man to beat in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars. He battled with his father Donald for the lead on the opening start, with Sid gaining the advantage.
The second time around, the 1/4-mile clay oval, Joey Tardio and Don Jenner put on a battle for third. Tardio would secure third and then went after Donald Schott.
Things got interesting for second with a few laps to go when Donald Schott and Tardio got together, resulting in a caution and the two parties going to the back. Jenner inherited second Calista Johnson, moved into third.
On the final restart, Sid Schott drove away from all other contenders. Jenner was the runner-up, with Johnson credited in third.
The Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts witnessed complete domination from Payton Gary, who led the entire distance without any issues. Sam Richardson was second after being involved in a hard crash in the heat race earlier in the program.
The event was broadcast on IMCA.TV affiliate Dirt Oval TV.
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