Pettit prevails in Ocean IMCA Modified tilt

Modified, Northern SportMod, Results

Jim Pettit II was back in victory lane following his Friday night run to the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified checkers at Ocean Speedway. (Photo by Top Dawg Photos)

By Steven Blakesley

Blakesley Sports Media

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2024) – Jim Pettit II moved closer to a third consecutive track championship in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modified division Friday, during the Terry Traub Tribute program at Ocean Speedway.

Austin Burke drove third to first on the opening salvo with Pettit going fourth to second as well.

The first caution of the evening flew when Jacob Mallet, Jr. got sideways in turn three and was hit hard by Raymond Keldsen Jr. on lap four.

Pettit stormed around Burke on the outside on the restart to lead lap five. Bobby Hogge drove into second as well. Hogge showed his nose in lapped traffic and drove up to Pettit’s bumper on a few occasions, but Pettit held court. Pettit took a one car length win ahead of Hogge, Andy Obertello, Cody Burke and Mallet. 

Matthew Hagio earned his second win of the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod season when he grabbed Friday’s 20-lap event.

Outside polesitter Brian Baggett took the first lap lead. Fourth starting Rob Gallaher quickly used the inside to take the top spot on lap four. Hagio moved into second position a lap later.

David Crocker spun in turn three for a caution on lap six. On the restart, Gallaher drove outside of Hagio. Hagio used the bottom to snatch the point on lap eight on the backstretch.

Hagio drove to a 1.2 second lead but it evaporated when Steven Allee spun in turn one with eight to go. Hagio led the final eight circuits for victory followed by Gallaher, Emali VanHoff, Kc Keller and Allee.

Ocean Speedway hosts Championship Night on Aug. 23. Both IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Northern SportMods will be in action that evening.

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