BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Taking control from Brody Fuson on the fourth circuit, Chase Johnson led the rest of the way to claim the $1,500 season-opening victory at The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park.
Piloting the May Motorsports No. 8m Fastenal / Coopers Propane entry, Johnson’s sixth career USAC West Coast Sprint Car triumph came ahead of Trent Carter, Ricky Lewis, fast-qualifier Kyle Edwards and Fuson.
Looking for his first win, polesitter Fuson shook free from Lewis to lead the opening laps, but could not fend off Johnson. Starting fifth, Johnson soon took command as the young driver held strong.
A bobble cost Fuson several positions as Carter settled into the runner-up spot. Chase had separated himself from the field, but Trent closed the gap. A few caution flags halted the action, including a lap-nine flip by Jacob Tuttle.
Back out front, Johnson looked to regain his advantage with Carter in tow. The laps counted down at a torrid pace and the leaders were left with a green-white-checkered finish. Chase got a great restart and streaked to the checkered flags. Third-running Lewis surged off the last corner and almost took second from Carter at the finish line.
Kyle Edwards got things started early by shattering the track record with a lap of 14.394 seconds over the 19-car roster.
The finish:
Feature (30 laps): 1. Chase Johnson (5), 2. Trent Carter (3), 3. Ricky Lewis (2), 4. Kyle Edwards (6), 5. Brody Fuson (1), 6. Ryan Timmons (4), 7. Tanner Boul (8), 8. Travis Buckley (18), 9. Hannah Mayhew (13), 10. Steve Hix (10), 11. Jarrett Soares (9), 12. Brent Yarnal (15), 13. James Herrera (11), 14. Joey Bishop (17), 15. Tyler Hatzikian (16), 16. Camie Bell (19), 17. Matt Day (14), 18. Jacob Tuttle (12), 19. Cody Majors (7). NT.