Tyler Herzog Extends Madera Pro Late Model Points Lead With Third Ron Spencer Classic Win - Speedway Digest

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 of Madera 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 of Atwater for second. Loomis’ 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 of La Grange, 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 of Yorba Linda at the lap 50 race break.

After the break for adjustments and MAVTV interviews, 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. Tyler Herzog grabbed victory followed by Kennealy, Mitchell, Cooper, and Erickson.

51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series points leader Jace Hale of Manteca won his second consecutive race of the season after a 70-lap feature.

Jacob Ryan of Livermore started on the pole position. The race suffered its first caution on lap nine when Hayden Stepps of Oakdale and Cam Carraway of Castro Valley collided. The incident ended the night for Carraway.

San Antonio, Texas’ Tristan Pena picked the outside of Ryan for the restart, which opened the bottom for Hale to take over second place from Pena. Hale then marched towards Ryan, driving underneath him to lead lap 14.

Pena used the bottom on the next restart to drive inside of Ryan for second place. Hale led Pena, Ryan, Kylie Glick of Lincoln, and Stepps at the lap 40 break. The running order did not change much over the final 30 lap run with Pena throwing the kitchen sink at trying to overhaul Hale for the lead.

Jace Hale enjoyed a coveted second series win followed by Pena, Ryan, Glick, and Stepps.

Former Madera Bandolero track champion Logan Chambers of Bakersfield returned to the speedway in a Legends car and scored victory in the 30-lap INEX Legends feature. The race had three leaders in the first four laps with Madera’s Aiden Phillips leading lap one before Madera’s CJ Dizney used a three-wide move to take over on lap two. Chambers then chased down Dizney to seize lap four.

Bakersfield’s Colton Page was on a mission after advancing to second place but was unable to capture Chambers. Logan Chambers won by a three second advantage followed by Page, Dizney, Bakersfield’s Eddie Garone, and 11-year-old Colton Hale of Manteca.

Patrick Geiger avenged a runner-up finish last weekend by winning Saturday night’s 30-lap Mini Super Toyota race. Tyler Ridley finished second with Shay Gouldy in third.

2023 INEX Bandoleros champion Kaine Betancourt drove back to victory lane on Saturday night, topping Kellen Keller and Andrew Williams.

For more information about the Madera Speedway including how to advertise with a race team on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or call the race office at 209-356-1968.

The 2024 season would not be possible without the support 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, Franks Radio, Sunoco Race Fuel, and Sealmaster.

Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Monday nights! Check www.MAVTV.com for program listings.