Sandia Motor Speedway Unlimited Modified Shootout 7/3/11

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Article written by Kristen South -

Due to the fires and super hot weather Sandia Motor Speedway moved its big $1,000 to Win Unlimited Modified Shootout from the scheduled July 3rd Sunday Afternoon to the cooler temperatures of Saturday Night July 2nd. The move combined the Unlimited Modified Shootout with the already scheduled $500 to win X-Mod Shootout and with the move both races were shortened but it still made for some very exciting racing in both classes.

The top Unlimited Modifieds started from the back of the field, based on points, for first of the Twin 25 segments. 3-in-a-row main event winner Charlie “The Judge” Daniels was hoping to steal the big money and make it four in a row against the some of the fastest modifieds in New Mexico.

The start of the first 25 lap segment saw a scramble for positions as the top cars tried to fight their way to the front. Pole sitter #00 of Gary Richards II jumped out to a substantial early lead as the #27 of Mike Hathaway was able to move up to second getting clear of the continued position scramble. As the 27 gave chase to the leader, the #15 of Russ Harvey, #7 of Mick Jepsen, and the #1 of Mario Truden Jr. were battling hard for third place.

In a strange turn of events, the #63 of Daniels who was expected to be a factor in this race seemed to lag behind, not being able to keep pace with the leaders. With the first 25 lap segment coming rapidly to a close Hathaway had closed the gap between himself and Richards and was now all over his back bumper hoping to take the lead. Hathaway tried the low line multiple times, but could not gain position on the #00 as the field approached the halfway break.

The caution lights came on at lap 25 signaling the 10 minute hot pit period so that the cars could be refueled and minor adjustments made. Tire changes were not allowed unless a car came in with a flat. The top 5 at “halftime” was Richards, Hathaway, Harvey, Jepsen, and Truden. As cars made their way back out to the track, the # 63 of Charlie Daniels would not rejoin the fight on the track as mechanical issues ended his night early.

The start of the second 25 lap segment saw the #27 modified of Hathaway get a great jump over 1st segment leader Richards, followed closely by the #15 of Harvey, who jetted into the second spot. Harvey tried to keep on the rear bumper of Hathaway but couldn’t quite find the momentum to pass. Third spot was now being contested between the #00, #7, and the #1, which allowed the top two cats to sneak away.

A caution came out 11 laps remaining as the #08 of Willis Johnson slowed coming into turn 3. With the caution the cars were bunched up again for a double file restart. Hathaway chose the low side with Harvey taking the high side hoping to get a jump. The rest of the field lined up behind them.

On the restart the #27 took the hole shot and never looked back as the #15 gave chase but couldn’t quite close the gap. Hathaway came away with the win and the $1000 prize. Harvey was second followed by Jepsen, Richards and Mario Truden Jr rounding out the top 5.

Racing action returns on the asphalt this Saturday July 16 at Sandia Motor Speedway. Pits open at 3pm and racing starts at 6:15pm. So bring your ride and let’s go racing.

On a side note also on July 16 from 8am to 3pm is the exclusive Ford Raptor Ride and Drive on an off-road course! Sign up to drive your own Raptor or test-drive one on the course.