James, Williamson split wins at Willamette

Modified, Results

By Ben Deatherage

LEBANON, Ore. (Aug. 9 and 10, 2024) – Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds were in action at Willamette Speedway on Friday and Saturday for a pair of exciting races on the historic 1/3-mile clay oval.

The main event on Friday began with Matthew Drager taking control at the start. A caution on the second circuit set up a battle for second between Carter Patterson and Dan Sheller. Patterson held on to the runner-up spot but a new force to reckon with towards the front emerged in Bricen James.

James worked his way into third on lap five and, after dealing with some traffic, was up to second on the 11th circuit.

The former Shaw Race Cars Western Region champion was not content with remaining behind the leader and began challenging the inside of the pacesetter, threading the needle in the second corner to procure the coveted position and be the new trailblazer on the 13th lap.

While James secured the lead, Grey Ferrando motored his way forward. Ferrando went from fourth to second in two laps and did his best to stay close to James.

However, James was good in lapped traffic and didn’t have the late restart to slow him down. Getting back on the gas for a green, white, checkered finish, James took the win ahead of Ferrando and Drager.

On Saturday night, Adam Holtrop got to the front early and had some fast company a few laps into the race, with Kevin Williamson thrown into the mix. Williamson challenged Holtrop on lap three.

Williamson worked the inside line while Holtrop tried to gain the upper hand by using the top shelf. The two drove side-by-side for much of the race. Williamson’s patience and calculated moves paid off, as he managed to overtake Holtrop and secure the lead with two laps left.  

Williamson took the checkers while Holtrop was second, followed by third-finishing Will Taylor.

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