Flippo takes Mod Lite win at Bakersfield Speedway

By Mike Griffith BAKERSFIELD CALIFORIAN – Jerry Flippo has emerged as the driver to beat in Mod Lites.

And not many are doing do.

Flippo took the lead on the seventh lap at Bakersfield Speedway on Saturday night and pulled away for his third win in four feature races at the third-mile clay oval.

Flippo was a half track in front when a caution bunched the field on the final lap.

There were two lapped cars between Flippo and Anthony Balcazar on the one-lap dash to the checkered flag, making for an easy run to the finish for Flippo.

“Just putting time in the car,” said Flippo, 14, of the difference between this season and last year. “I’m getting more comfortable in (the car), and we’ve been running some practice laps.”

Balcazar finished second with Kaden Cochrun third. Kyleigh Forster started on the pole and led the first six laps before Flippo and Roy Maynard Jr. went past. Maynard was running third late in the race when he brought out the final caution.

Nick Spainhoward inherited the the lead on lap 17 and went on to his first Sports Mod win of the year in the 25-lap feature.

Spainhoward was running a close second when leader Garrett Jernagan suffered a flat just as caution fell. Jernagan had to leave the track to change tires, putting Spainhoward up front for the restart. Spainhoward easily pulled away after that

Gary Dutton came through the pack to finish second with Brylon Holder third and Wayne Coffman fourth.

Steven Johnson powered past Devan Jones on the 13th lap and went on to win the 20-lap IMCA Stock feature.

Jones led the first 12 laps with Johnson right behind for the last six. Johnson drove high through the third and fourth turns to take the lead, then pulled away for his fifth win.

“This car has been a blast to drive, easy to drive and it’s untouchable,” Johnson said.

Troy Patee was second, with Jones third and Mike Hill Jr. fourth.

In Mini Stock action, Misty Warren raced to her first victory in dominating fashion, winning by almost a half lap in the 20-lap feature.

“Oh my God, Oh my God,” she exclaimed while jumping up and down in Victory Lane. “I had no idea what was going on behind me. First victory. Memorial Day Weekend. My brother-in-law has been in the service forever and just retired. God Bless America. I’m so happy.”

Shannon Treide was second and Shawn Schwartzenberger third.

John Isabella passed Austin Figueroa on the last lap to win the 25-lap California Dwarf Car feature.

Figueroa, who took the lead from Isabella midway through the race, finished second with James Billings third.

Points leader Chloie Jones took the lead midway through the Senior Mini Dwarf feature and went on to win the 15-lap event for her second win on the season. Kercie Jung and Lane McDonald engaged in a back-and-forth battle for second with Jung getting that spot. McDonald was third.

Jett Yantis took the lead with three laps to go en route to victory in the 12-lap Junior Mini feature. Broedy Graham was second and Hand Hall third.