CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — The opening night of the three-day Showdown at CAR Presented by Toste Co. saw Tim Ward capture the modified main that headlined the four-division program.
A 120-car field ran heats with winners redrawing for their main starting spot and passing/finishing points adding cars to reach 16. B mains moved another eight cars in three of the four divisions to make a 24-car field.
The modified main was led by Ryan Peery for half the race when a yellow put seventh-starting Ward on his rear bumper on the restart with K.C. Dieckman in third.
On a lap-14 restart Peery slid up the track in turn two and Ward pounced on the opportunity to take the lead.
A couple further yellows consumed the allowed time and Ward was declared the winner five laps short of the scheduled distance. A former Arizona racer, Ward has resided in Harcourt, Iowa for several years.
Chaz Baca and Austin Kuehl completed the podium.
Stock car racing was led by Scott Sluka until Baca used the topside in turn two to become the leader. That lasted a lap when Baca slid off turn four with mechanical problems and Sluka was back in front.
Bo Partain charged forward from 18th-starting to pressure Sluka for a couple laps before making the pass low in turn two and led the final laps for the win. Sluka was second with Jacob Pace third.
The IMCA Northern sport mods were led by Dylan Jones, enjoying a large lead for the first half until Joe Docekal caught up and created some side-by-side racing.
Taylor Kuehl joined the battle for the lead but Jones held off the challengers to take the win. Docekal was second and Kuehl finished third.
Hobby stock action featured Darrin Biggs and Zack Tate racing for the lead side by side for numerous laps. Â
Tate got the job done on a restart and posted the win ahead of Hannah Miller and Biggs.
Racing continues Saturday and will be streamed by Speedsport.tv affiliate IMCA.tv.
Â