MADERA, Calif. — Jarrett Mayo kept the rear-wheel drive dominance alive in the Sixth Annual Olga’s California Dream 100 at Madera Speedway, steering his Ford Mustang Mini Stock to a $5,000 prize.
Mayo drove from 14th on the grid into the lead by just the 15th lap of competition, then anchored the remaining 85 circuits for the victory.
“I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m dreaming. Maybe tomorrow it might feel more real,” Mayo said. “I took the lead and tried to not look back. I just wanted to keep it straight. It handled good; seemed like I didn’t have much handling issues.”
“It’s amazing. All of us guys are grassroots guys. (It takes) a lot of time away from home. I’d like to thank my wife. I’ve got a five month old baby boy back there. We made an eight and a half hour trip to be here.”
The grassroots racing event for four-cylinder Mini Stocks racers attracted nearly 40 participants to the one-third mile speedway. Minnesota’s Ashley Bell led the 24-car feature field to the green flag. A multi-car crash in turn four slowed the action, eliminating Idaho’s Mike Anderson after just one lap of racing. Fast-time qualifier Fred Vigil was also involved in the incident.
Barrett Sugden spun from fifth for a caution on lap nine while working through slower traffic. Randy Manser and 14-year-old Lelani Sprenkel collided battling for second and slid into the turn one gate for a caution on lap 25, but both drivers were able to re-join the action.
Joe Flowers drove past Mayo on a restart for the lead but Mayo managed to cross him over to take it back on lap 32. Mayo led a resurgent Vigil, Idaho’s Tyler Palmer, a charging Barret Sugden, and Idaho’s Dale Bolinger into the lap 50 break for adjustments and TV interviews.
Josh Cross was the story of the second half, driving into the top-three. Vigil kept the pressure on Mayo for the top spot until his car began to stumble in the final 20 circuits. Cross capitalized to seize second. Mayo successfully navigated a flurry of lapped cars for the $5,000 triumph.
Cross earned a strong $2,000 second place finish while Vigil finished on the podium yet again for a $1,000 prize. Bolinger finished fourth followed by Palmer.
Sam Jacks led all 75-laps to tame the Mission Silver & Gold Modified Series feature.
The largest field in the young history of the Pro Sportsman division took on the Madera Speedway with a familiar winner, as points leader Joseph Holiday topped the 11-car grid in the 30-lap feature.
Ryan Reynolds claimed victory in the return for the Mini Super Toyotas to Madera Speedway. Mitch Pasquale and Jayden Williams rounded out the podium.
Austin French, age nine, won the INEX Bandolero feature ahead of Beau Paddack.
