MADERA, Calif. — Defending Madera Pro Late Model Series presented by Mission Foods champion Tyler Herzog won his third career Rev. Ron Spencer Red, White and Blue Classic on Saturday night at Madera Speedway.
Herzog swooped around the outside of Joey Kennealy on the restart for the second half of the event and cruised home over the final 30 circuits for the win in the 80-lap event. Five divisions of racing thrilled fans on a warm night at the Madera Fairgrounds.
“My team just did a great job and made the right adjustments,” Herzog said. “This race is for Reverend Ron. Every time I win this race I think of him. He was such an inspiration for this track. I feel like he changed a lot of people’s lives.”
Kennealy started on the pole position after the redraw and successfully grabbed the lead over Herzog at the start. Herzog won a long duel with Jason Aguirre for second. Kenna Mitchell then jumped inside of Aguirre to take third on lap 14. Aguirre eventually backpedaled back to the ninth position.
Mitchell challenged Herzog for second with sixth-starting Matt Erickson, himself a two-time Ron Spencer Classic winner, approaching as well. Herzog, Mitchell and Erickson battled closely together for the second position. Erickson nabbed third from Mitchell on the inside line, then Mitchell battled back in a side-by-side affair.
Kennealy led Herzog, Erickson, Mitchell, and fast-time qualifier Nathan Quella at the lap 50 race break.
After the break for adjustments, a critical choose cone changed the race. Herzog picked the outside, slotting alongside Kennealy for the restart. Herzog immediately charged around the outside of Kennealy to lead lap 51. Erickson chose the bottom and was shuffled back to fifth as a result.
Kennealy withstood a challenge from Mitchell for the remaining laps in an exciting race for second. Mitchell finally made her move for second on the final corner but fell short. Herzog grabbed victory followed by Kennealy, Mitchell, Cooper, and Erickson.
51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series points leader Jace Hale won his second consecutive race of the season after a 70-lap feature.
Former Madera Bandolero track champion Logan Chambers returned to the speedway in a Legends car and scored victory in the 30-lap INEX Legends feature.
2023 INEX Bandoleros champion Kaine Betancourt drove back to victory lane on Saturday night, topping Kellen Keller and Andrew Williams.