8/14/2023
Meridian Speedway
Warf Speeds to Supermodified Victory
The wicked fast Speed Tour Supermodifieds powered by Pit Stop USA sped into Meridian Speedway for a Walking Sombrero Taco Night throwdown. Alongside the fastest short track speed machines on the planet, the Bud Light NASCAR Modifieds, Zamp Pro-Late Models, and Boise Bath and Kitchen Company Mini Stocks battled for the night’s Allan Marsh Travel Center trophies.
Ten Speed Tour Supermodifieds powered by Pit Stop USA rumbled to green for a 35-lap shootout. San Jose, California’s Art McCarthy motored to the lead in his Stallion Graphics, Salon Blonde of Arizona speedster, while back in the pack quick-qualifier Bryan Warf carved his way through the field in pursuit of the win.
Action was slowed early for a tangle involving Dave Adamson and Kenny Hamilton’s Pink Lady. Adamson was able to rejoin the race, but the Pink Lady suffered massive front suspension damage and was out for the weekend.
On the restart McCarthy blasted back to the lead while Justin Funkhouser’s Tiner/Hurst Trucking, Kiwi Trucking car jumped sideways and stacked up the field behind him. Matt Elliott and Warf benefitted from this congestion as they moved up to second and third. Warf was a man on a mission, and quickly dispatched Elliott before he turned the fury of his Division Construction, Allan Marsh Travel Center machine on McCarthy.
Warf tried the high line, but McCarthy blocked the move. Warf swung low, but again McCarthy stymied the Meridian, Idaho racer’s run. But a mid-race caution flag and restart saw Warf power to the top of the Pepsi-Cola scoreboard.
Once up front Warf set sail and quickly stormed to a half-track lead. Meanwhile, McCarthy’s luck and engine let go with just five laps left. Randy Anderson and his DG Machine racer got caught in McCarthy’s oil and spun into his stricken competitor. Anderson’s damage seemed minor, but his engine refused to refire.
With the second and third-place runners now out of contention Warf was free to cruise to the victory.
“It’s an honor to run this car,” Warf said as he collected the night’s Allan Marsh Travel Center trophy. “It’s the best supermod in the country.”
Rus Ward outdueled PBT Auto Sales teammates Tommy Harrod and Chuck Youngblood to park his Boise Spring Works, Tackle Tom’s modified in the Caleb’s Chop Shop Winner’s Circle to open Friday night’s action. But Ward’s luck wouldn’t hold through the Bud Light NASCAR Modifieds’ second feature, where suspension failure sidelined him early in the going.
This left Kyle Latham and Andrew Richarson to settle the second feature race. On the restart for Ward’s misfortune Richardson ran his Renegade Race Fuel, Pit Stop USA racer around the outside of Latham to take the top spot. Latham hustled his Impact Motorz, Miller Welders entry to keep pace with Richardson, but was forced to settle for a second place finish.
Johvan Dillon and Dylan Caldwell went wheel-to-wheel to settle Friday night’s Zamp Pro-Late Model feature. Dillon marched through the pack to take the early lead in his Dillon Toyota Lift mount. But Caldwell wheeled his Hotbox Farms, National Coatings racer hard to keep the pressure on. But Dillon was too strong, and the Eagle, Idaho wheelman crossed the Caleb’s Chop Shop Victory Stripe first. Melissa Weaver brought her Marv’s Tire Service, Sonic Crush machine home third, ahead of Tate Elquist and Neil Wassmuth.
An early crash and a friendly choose cone opened the way for Travis Pavlacky and his Modern Auto Service, Burnt River Farms pickup to snag his third Boise Bath and Kitchen Company Mini Stock victory of the season. Ryan McCaul battled his way to second place ahead of fellow top-5 finishers Don Trafford, Gary Luck, and Morgan Trammel.
Meridian Speedway throws on the fenders this Saturday, August 19, for the Builder’s First Source Idaho 208 featuring the Northwest Super Late Model Tour. The Pepsi Sprint Cars, North West Tour Truck Series, Project Filter Pro-4s, Idaho CDL Training Street Stocks, and Bandoleros round out Saturday’s jam-packed slate of short track action. General admission to this stock car smackdown is just $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and military members, $8 for kids 7-11, and free for kids 6 and under. Gates open at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, with the first green flag at 6:30 p.m. Log on to www.meridianspeedway.com to purchase your tickets now, and be sure to text ‘meridianspeed’ to 84483 for exclusive updates from our text club. We’ll see you this Saturday, August 19, for the Builder’s First Source Idaho 208 under the big, yellow water tower at your NASCAR Home Track, Meridian Speedway.
Submitted By: Tyler Schild