CHICO, Calif. — Tanner Thorson emerged from a battle with Rico Abreu to win Friday night’s preliminary feature for the 70th Mike Curb Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.
Thorson started third and traded the lead with second-starter Rico Abreu en route to his first victory of the season with High Limit Racing.
“I love this place. I ran second here my fourth ever sprint car race against the Outlaws,” Thorson said. “This place is something special to me. I am happy for all my guys. They have been working their asses off. It’s no secret we have struggled this year.”
Thorson and Abreu joined Thursday night qualifiers Corey Day and Spencer Bayston locked into the field for Saturday’s $100,070 to win main event.
James McFadden finished third on Friday night, with D.J. Netto and Cory Eliason rounding out the top five.
The finish:
Tanner Thorson, Rico Abreu, James McFadden, D.J. Netto, Cory Eliason, Justin Sanders, Chase Randall, Tyler Thompson, Kasey Kahne, Tyler Courtney, Tim Kaeding, Kalib Henry, Jamie Veal, Chance Grasty, Brent Marks, Colby Copeland, Michael Faccinto, Jesse Scholotfeldt, Jock Goodyer, Dominic Gorden, Brenham Crouch, Dusin Freitas, Dominic Scelzi, Jennifer Osborne.