4/22/2025
Southern Oregon Speedway
Killingsworth Stuns in Modified Debut at Southern Oregon Opener
Killingsworth Stuns in Modified Debut at Southern Oregon Opener
By Ben Deatherage
Photo Courtesy of Shadows of Light Photography
WHITE CITY, Ore. (Apr. 19, 2025) – Ethan Killingsworth turned heads Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway, winning his Friesen Performance IMCA Modified debut in commanding fashion. The defending Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod track champion took the lead early and never looked back, capturing the $2,000 top prize in the 25-lap main event.
Kevin Pendergrass led early before a lap one caution bunched up the field. Killingsworth then executed a textbook move to the front and dominated the top groove of the 3/8-mile oval. Eston Whisler battled with Pendergrass for second before pulling away to attempt a challenge on Killingsworth.
A caution with 11 to go set up a restart, but the Yreka, California chauffeur remained smooth and composed up top, pulling away in the final laps for his first career Shaw Race Cars Western Region victory. Whisler finished second, while his 17-year-old brother Ian Whisler completed the podium.
Braaten Bags First SportMod Win of 2025 in Dominant Run
Four-time Oregon State champion Jorddon Braaten was untouchable in the 25-lap Karl Chevrolet IMCA Northern SportMod feature, collecting a $1,000 payday and his first win of the season.
Braaten checked out from the field after grabbing the lead at the start. A midrace caution reset the field, allowing veteran Rich McCoy to challenge for second. McCoy, returning to action after a brief hiatus to get his son Lain’s driving career going, impressed before being overtaken by 2023 state champion Trevor Points and 2022 Southern Oregon titleholder Ryan Peery.
Peery, fresh off his Ernie Mincy Memorial Early Thaw Series crown in Arizona back in January, surged to second but couldn’t run down the four-time track champ, Braaten, who navigated traffic perfectly in the final laps. Peery settled for second, while Ricky Ashley rounded out the top three in the T.R. Points Trucking-owned entry.
Lukens Edges Cobb in Thrilling Outlaw Pro Stock Finish
Dennis Burtenhouse Jr. led the early laps of the Outlaw Pro Stock feature before Johnny Cobb took over on lap 3. Late cautions with a few laps remaining gave Rick Lukens the opportunity he needed. The two engaged in a spirited battle on the final lap, with Lukens edging out Cobb at the stripe for the win. Scott Flowers claimed third.
Knight Rallies for Super 4 Victory
Rikki-Lynn Knight and Skylar Fuhrman fought hard in the opening circuits of the Super 4 feature, with Knight maintaining a narrow advantage. Fuhrman eventually moved ahead on lap five and built a comfortable lead.
However, a yellow with five to go changed everything. Knight reclaimed the lead on the restart and pulled away in the closing laps to earn the win. Fuhrman held off Cameron Morgan to finish second.
Medeiros Motors to Sport Compact Victory in Fierce Duel
Bre Tritchler and Marilyn Yawnick traded the top spot early in the Sport Compact feature before David Medeiros entered the picture. Medeiros and Tritchler swapped the lead multiple times until Medeiros made the decisive move on lap five.
Once out front, Medeiros pulled away to a dominant win. Tritchler claimed second, while Andrew Medeiros completed the family celebration with a third-place finish.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage