6/22/2021
Willamette Speedway
Willamette Speedway Completes First Race Of 2021
Willamette Speedway Completes First Race Of 2021
By Stephanie Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Doc’s Photos)
Lebanon, Oregon- After patiently waiting, fans and drivers alike were thrilled to see the return of racing at Willamette Speedway. Six divisions were in attendance, including two a part of the Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing program. Classes included the Super Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Super Sports, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and IMCA Sport Compacts. The last time the Lebanon facility was in action was for the Ice Cube Cup in October 2020.
Salem veteran Jeremy Shank put in a successful racing shift as he took care of business to win the Late Model main event. Otis racer Jimmy Whisler was second, followed by McClain Beaudoin, from Lebanon, in third. Scio’s Rob Campos and Bend veteran Darren Coffell were fourth and fifth.
Bricen James tamed the field in IMCA Modified action. The Albany sensation has four wins on the current campaign across KMJ Performance Oregon State and Shaw Race Cars Western Region competition. Bricen’s last win came on June 5th at Cottage Grove Speedway.
Stayton’s Grey Ferrando was the runner-up while double-duty runner Jeremy Shank scored third. John Campos of Keizer hit the line fourth with fifth going to Otis teenager Eston Whisler.
For the Super Sport feature, Scio’s Steve Moore parked the Donofrio family-owned ride in victory lane.
Salem veteran Greg Heinrichs and Terry Sanders, from Stayton, were second and third. Lebanon pilot Chad Slover beat out Brad Lehto for the fourth-place position.
In the Sportsman ranks, Chad Slover, also doing double duty, was triumphant in the main event. David Schmidt, from Roseburg, was second at the finish line, followed by Corburg’s Kent Emry in third. Springfield driver Daniel Ray ended his evening fourth while Junction City veteran Sandy Sanders posted fifth.
The Street Stocks had a barn burner of a feature. When the dust all settled, it was Lebanon’s Justin Evans rising victorious. Behind him, in second, was Dakota Godard, of Albany and Monmouth regular Sam Potter in second and third. Albany’s Rod McCombs ended his weekend fourth with fifth being credited to Ron Shinkle of Fall City.
Eugene’s Jack Vicari made history Saturday night. He became the first-ever IMCA Sport Compact winner in Willamette Speedway history. It is his first win of the season in track as well as KMJ Performance Oregon State action. Jeremiah Johnson of Lebanon was the runner-up.
With the first race in the books promoter, Jimmy Schram would personally like to thank the community of race fans and teams for an incredibly successfully opening night to the 2021 season. Willamette Speedway will be hosting a test n’ tune practice on Friday, June 25th, from 5:00 PM to Dusk. This event is FREE for spectators to come and watch on the grandstands side of the track.
Racing resumes on Saturday, June 26th. Classes in action will be Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Super Sports, Sportsman, IMCA Stock Cars, and IMCA Sport Compacts. It is the first IMCA Stock Car race at the track since 2019. For more information, keep up to date through the track’s Facebook and website pages.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage
Article Media
