MADERA, Calif. — Matt Erickson scored his third consecutive Madera Pro Late Model Series victory powered by Mission Foods on Saturday night, dominating the 80-lap feature at Madera Speedway.
The Silver & Gold Modified Series made its first stop of the year at Madera with Sam Jacks of Las Vegas topping the 75-lap feature as well.
Erickson was emotional in victory lane, dedicating the victory to his late mother. “It’s two years since my mom passed away so this one is for her,” Erickson said.
Erickson drew the number one in the redraw but was relegated to starting at the tail after a restart violation from his May 3rd win was assessed. Rick Thompson drove around the outside of Will Martyn to lead lap one. The veteran driver worked the top side with Madera’s Robbie Kennealy on his inside. The side-by-side battling continued through the first 16 laps with the top-six drivers running in lockstep. Third running Glen Cook of Mariposa and Kennealy then collided in turn one. The spin collected Jason Aguirre and ended his event.
Thompson then faced off with points leader Jay Juleson of San Jose.
After a back-and-forth battle, Juleson cleared Thompson on lap 28. Erickson was up to third by that stage, then quickly passed Thompson for second. Erickson then rapidly drove past Juleson to lead lap 32. Erickson led Juleson, Shaun Reynolds, a resurgent Cook, and Thompson into the lap 50 break.
Erickson dominated the final 30-laps while Juleson won a tussle with Reynolds for second. Cook and Thompson rounded out the top-five.
The Silver & Gold Open Modified Series made its first Madera stop of the 2025 inaugural campaign. The six race series is split between the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Madera. April 18th Bullring winner Sam Jacks of Las Vegas found his way to victory lane after the 75-lap feature at Madera as well.
James Hamlin of Oregon City, Oregon become the first 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series winner from his state and used the Pro Late Model-winning car to do it, taking the Matt and Rick Erickson prepared No. 42 to the checkered flag in a 70-lap affair. Hamlin led all 70 circuits wire-to-wire.
Joseph Holiday won again in Pro Sportsman competition, taking a three-car length victory over Steve Schermerhorn after the 30-lap feature. Kadence Toland of Eureka finished third followed by Corey Gibson and Brian Taylor.
Beau Paddock won the 15-lap INEX Bandolero feature. Chloe Lamatina and Roy Plaffy rounded out the finishers.
