Keenan Memorial Brings Modifieds Back To Stateline
The Northwest Modifieds are one of the oldest racing groups in the Inland Northwest, tracing their roots back to the mid-1960s.
Today’s high tech, ground hugging modifieds are a far cry from the straight axle, open-wheel “C” Class jalopies that once toured the track at the Fairgrounds Speedway.
And just as the cars have changed over the years, so have the drivers. The 1998 season features a talented group of rookies who hope to carry the class into their fifth decade of competition when 2000 rolls around.
After nearly two months on the road - the last Spokane race was June 13 - the modifieds return to Stateline Saturday night for the George Keenan Memorial Race, opening a three-race Stateline Speedway homestand that finishes off the 1998 season.
The Northwest Super Fours and Old Time Racers will join the mods in a racing program that begins with time trials at 6:30.
Saturday, fans will have a chance to see some of the drivers who have been opening eyes this year, among them Tyler DeLong of Ephrata and Othello’s Josh Roberts.
“Roberts has set fast time the past two races and DeLong won when we were at the Montana 200,” said Modified president Roger Zimmerman. “It’s great to see the young kids come along.”
The old guard - drivers like Ed Hudson, Jeff Bird and Greg Ochs, some of the series’ winningest racers - have either retired or moved on to different levels of competition, leaving the future of the class in the hands of a new generation.
“Give them another year and these rookies will really be a factor,” Zimmerman said.
Meanwhile, Jeff Zimmerman, winner of both previous races at Stateline, hopes to move closer to becoming the first three-time champion. The two-time defending series winner hopes to put more distance in the points race between himself and his closest challenger, Stan Cafferty.
Distance was something Zimmerman and Cafferty needed more of in their last outing at Kalispell. A late-race incident caused both to spin out, opening the door for rookie DeLong to take his first career win. Hobby Cars, Compact Streets and Sportsman open things up Friday at Stateline with time trials at 6:30.
SRP Gears For Finals
Spokane Raceway Park will be buzzing with activity, most of it last-minute cosmetic detailing, as the track prepares for this weekend’s 36th annual AHRA World Finals.
A press conference officially kicks things off today with the three days of racing beginning Friday. Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 2. Pro qualifying starts at 8 p.m.
Saturday, gates open at 10 a.m. with pro qualifying set for 1 and 8 p.m. The event wraps up Sunday, when gates open at 8 a.m. The first round of pro eliminations are at 1 p.m.
A number of former event champions are back for the 1998 race. They include two-time defending funny car champ Gary Densham. Past winners Ron Smith and Bobby Baldwin return.
Pit stops
With the focus on drag racing this weekend at SRP, there is no stock car racing scheduled… . Aside from the racing at Stateline Speedway, members of the Northwest Modifieds will plant two trees in memory of former racer George Keenan, who died four years ago and long-time race supporter Jim Beck, who died this past year… . The Spokane Kart Racing Association will race Saturday at the Spokane Co. ORV Park in Airway Heights beginning at 8 a.m… . A benefit for longtime racer Gary Miller has been scheduled for Aug. 22 at Tom’s Oasis Tavern on E. 14913 Trent. The day will feature a number of activities, including a spaghetti feed and will culminate with evening racing at Stateline Speedway. For more info, call Pat Campbell at 922-3299… . Motorcyclist Joe Kopp had his best finish of the season Sunday at Peoria, Ill., finishing fourth and moving up to seventh in the AMA Grand National points standings. Lonny Kopp failed to make the main… . NASCAR’s first-ever touring race in Montana will be Saturday at Kalispell’s Raceway Park. Spokane’s Rick Schultz plans to resume his limited 1998 schedule there. … The unlimited hydros return to Lake Washington Sunday. PICO’s American Dream with Mitch Evans driving, snapped Miss Budweiser’s four-race winning streak Sunday at Kelowna, British Columbia.
Streaks ‘n stats
Andy Brown won his fifth straight Northwest Mini-Super Stock main event Saturday at Stateline Speedway. Rob Vest won for the third straight week in Hobby Stocks… . Mark Wakefield won for a second straight week and took his fifth Hobby Stock win of the season Saturday night at Spokane Raceway Park. Rick Rice took his second Fever Four main event win in three weeks… . Brandon Traynham won for the second straight week and seventh time this season in drag racing’s Street Eliminator bracket.