CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — A Sunday evening event ended the first part of the Ernie Mincy Early Thaw at Central Arizona Raceway before three more nights resume on Thursday.
With Ricky Weiss starting seventh and Billy Moyer Sr. eighth, the late model 40-lap feature figured to be particularly interesting. The prior night’s winner, Bricen James was back in 24th on the grid.
Rob Mayea led two laps until Cole Schill used the bottom of turn four to take over. Things went south on a lap four restart when a spin in turn two collected numerous cars including frontrunner Weiss. Moyer managed to escape any damage.
The altered restart alignment had Karl Tipton leading, Moyer in fourth, and Weiss in 19th with 37 laps remaining.
Tipton led four laps until Jason Strand used the top shelf in turn four to take over the lead on lap eight.
Strand led eight laps but slid off the top of turn two and dropped out. Tipton again led with 25 laps to go.
At the halfway point Moyer was in second and closing on Tipton while Weiss was 8th. Moyer used the top of turn two to take the lead on lap 25.
Five laps later, Weiss slid off of turn two and retired for the night.
Moyer led the remaining laps to win over 19th starting Don Shaw and Clayton Stuckey.
In stock cars, Trent Grager repeated Saturday’s performance when he again led all 20 laps for consecutive wins. Zachary Madrid was second and Kevin Roberts took third.
Limited modified action saw Scott Blintz lead a pair of laps until Lane Johnson took over coming out of turn four. Starting 12th, Lucas Rodin used a restart to take the lead which he kept to the checkers.
Second was Jake Smith from his 13th starting spot and Jamie Davis was third.
Northern sport mods ended the show with Joe Docekal taking the lead four laps in to win his third in the series. Andy Clower and Matt Sanders completed the podium.