SOMERTON, Ariz. – Ethan Dotson led the IMCA-sanctioned modified division Saturday night, taking the victory as The Winter Nationals reached the halfway point at Cocopah Speedway with 220 cars on hand.
The five IMCA sanctioned divisions included sport compacts for their final appearance as mod lites take their place when racing resumes next Wednesday.
Dotson did as expected and ran away with his third-straight win with second going to opening night winner, Kollin Hobdin. Tripp Gaylord completed the podium.
Stock cars put on a show during its main event, with Chanse Hollatz and Zachary Madrid as the main players. Madrid led 19 laps, while Hollatz pressured from behind, taking the lead thanks to a pass on the bottom out of turn four on lap 20.
Madrid used the top all the way around the track while Hollatz switched between top to bottom many times looking for the lead.
Hollatz got it done on that lap 20 move, but Madrid was right back a lap later as their side-by-side racing continued. Hollatz regained the lead on lap 22 with his low-line option and held onto the lead the final three laps.
Madrid settled for second and Jim Horejsi made a backstretch pass late for third.
Northern sport mods were the only division without a repeat winner entering round four, and the trend continued. Shane Paris drove a flawless 25 laps to become the fourth different winner. Â
Several drivers sought the runnerup spot, and Fred Ryland took that spot ahead of Izac Millicoat.
The hobby stocks had three leaders in the first four laps, with Bobby Horton seeking a third win, leading only one lap before sliding part way into the exit lane.
Brandon Bombardo came from 18th starting to take the lead from Jason Duggins for a few laps until Joshua Cordova used the bottom out of turn four to lead.
Eric Knutson was next to take a turn leading, using the top out of turn two to add to the leader change total. That wasn’t enough as Cordova again took over only to spin in turn three of the last lap, giving the win to Knutson.
D.J. Werkmeister won the final sport compact main as part of the Winter Nationals.
Racing continues next Wednesday with the top 25 in stock car and hobby stock points eligible to run a 30-lap, $1,000 to win main event.