Hansen captures USAC Midget feature at Speedway
| Sunday, Mar 22 2009 01:32 AM
Last Updated Monday, Mar 30 2009 04:24 PM
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Jerome Rodella speeds around a turn at Bakersfield Speedway on Saturday in a USAC Midget series car.
Garrett Hansen made the most of his pole position starting position, leading all 30 laps to win the USAC Western State Midget race Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway.
Randi Pankratz chased Hansen the entire distance but could not find a way around on a track the proved to be tough for passing.
"Definitely having the first starting position was an advantage," Hansen said. "Starting on the pole is where you want to be when the track is like this."
Panktraz held off a late-race challenge from Shane Goloric to finish second. Josh Ford was right behind Goloric, followed by Scott Pierovich and Shannon McQueen of Bakersfield.
Passing was tough in the 25-lap Hobby Stock race and James Cecil made the most of his golden opportunity.
Cecil chased leader Bobby Quinton around the third-mile oval lap after lap and got his break when a caution flew with five laps remaining.
Quinton, who led from the drop of the green flag, appeared to be poised for victory but he suddenly slowed in turn one on the restart, a victim of a flat rear tire. Cecil moved into the lead and strayed there to become the second feature winner in as many races.
"I didn't have anything for him," Cecil said of Quinton. "He had more than me but I guess things happen for a reason. I just want to thank my pit crew, my family and everybody who helps me. It's hard times right now and I couldn't do it without them."
Kevin Johnson finished second, with last week's winner, Richie McGowan, charging from his 11th starting position to third. Tom Manzella was fourth.
Kenny Wiley took the lead on the ninth lap and went on to victory in the 25-lap NMRA Three-Quarter Midget feature.
Wiley, of Sunland, was challenged briefly by Richard Ortega Jr. in the waning laps but pulled away to win by several car lengths.
"I'm a car owner now. We put this car together over the winter and this is the second night out for this car," Wiley said. "I can't believe I won the second night out. It's great night."
Bruce Hiroshima finished third after leading the first nine laps with Greg Edenholm fourth and West Evans fifth.
Nick Carlson passed Eric Guaderson with four laps to go and and went on to victory in the 20-lap Ford Focus feature.
Sean Dodenhoff of Bakersfield, who cut his racing teeth in Mini Stocks, finished third.
Kyle Edwards raced to victory in the Junior Focus feature.
