Tyler Johnson Doubles Up at Casa Grande with Stock Car and SportMod Wins

Hobby Stock, Modified, News, Northern SportMod, Results, Sport Compact, Stock Car

By Ben Deatherage

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Mar. 15, 2025) — 15-year-old Tyler Johnson hit victory lane twice at Central Arizona Raceway by defeating the competition in both the Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars and Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMods.

Dennis Losing led the opening laps of the IMCA Stock Car feature before Larry Brigner took over on the second lap after a four-wide battle. Brigner set a strong pace, but as the caution-free race stayed green, Johnson entered the mix. Racing his brother Jesse’s car, Johnson stalked Brigner until a bobble on lap 9 opened the door for a pass.

Johnson pulled away after taking the lead, claiming victory in the EQ Cylinder Heads Southern Region for the second time this year. 

Brigner finished second, with Brent Meile rounding out the podium in third.

In the IMCA Northern SportMods, Johnson wasted no time, jumping from sixth to the lead on the opening lap. Bodie Parker aimed to challenge the 2024 National SportMod Rookie of the Year, but a caution halted his momentum.

When racing resumed, a battle for second allowed Johnson to build a gap. Three more stoppages kept the field close, but on the final restart, Parker stayed in stride. Johnson, however, proved too quick and secured the first IMCA SportMod win of the season for the reigning Arizona State champion. 

Parker finished second, with Ty Weidner taking third.

Whisler Outduels the Wedelstadts for Modified Victory

Kelsy Wedelstadt led early in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds before facing a challenge from her husband, Mike. The two-time Wisconsin State champ lunged underneath her, but Kelsy fought back down the backstretch. As the couple battled, Eston Whisler closed in, maneuvering around both Wedelstadts to take the lead on lap 8 just before a caution.

Whisler dominated the rest of the race, opening his 2025 Shaw Race Cars Western Region winning account.

Chaz Baca Jr., the two-time reigning National champ, fought from 10th to second by lap 13 and it was there he would end up finishing. Luke Silber rounded out the top three.

Magee Claims First Hobby Stock Win of 2025

The Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock feature began with Enzo Deckers out front. Joel Magee steadily worked the inside line, taking the lead on lap 5. Defending B&B Racing Chassis Southern Region and Arizona State champion Nathan DeRagon challenged Magee until mechanical issues forced him out while the race was under caution around lap 12.

Leading the rest of the way, Magee finally secured his first B&B Racing Chassis Southern Region win of 2025.

Steve Bitting Jr. battled through heavy hood damage to finish second, while John Luck claimed third.

Giorgianni Holds Off Carter for Sport Compact Triumph

In the Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts, Mike Giorgianni set a fast pace despite a couple of stoppages. Steve Carter applied late-race pressure, but Giorgianni held on for his first win of the season. Carter finished second, and Chase Roath came home third.

The event was broadcast live on IMCA TV.

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