Laney takes IMCA Mod win at Speedway

On a night when passing was difficult, Cody Laney found a way to the front.

Laney came from his fourth-row starting position and took the lead with two laps to go en route to victory in the IMCA Modified 25-lap feature on Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway.

Laney made the winning move in traffic, taking the high line to get around Kyle Heckman, who had dropped down low.

This is probably the toughest place to win right here,” Laney said. “This is a stacked field.”

Heckman started on the front row and quickly jumped into the lead, holding off a brief challenge from Jay Marks.

Laney came on strong as the laps wound down, and with five to go Heckman was in a dog fight with his teammate.

A caution fell on the last lap, setting up a one-lap dash. Laney got a good jump and Heckman could not challenge for the win.

Rick Childress Jr. edged out Ethan Dotson for third and Brad Pounds was fifth.

The Hobby Stock feature was not complete at print deadline.

Steven Johnson started on the pole and led all 20 laps to win the IMCA Stock car feature in impressive fashion.

Johnson had a half-lap lead when he avoided a spinning car with two laps to go. He then powered away to the victory over the final sprint to the checkered flag.

“The car was a rocketship. I can’t thank JR Motorsports enough for the opportunity to let me drive this car all year,” Johnson said. “Hopefully I can put it in the winner’s circle a few more times.”

Troy Patee was second with Mike Hill Jr. third and Dylan Hagar fourth.

Loni Spiller came from the middle of the pack and raced to her second straight victory in Mini Stock action.

Spiller took the lead from Andy Bodston after a restart on the14th lap then pulled away in the 20-lap feature.

Bodston held on for second with Shawn Schwartzenberger third.

Chloie Jones kept the wheels on her car and came away with the victory in the 15-lap Senior Mini Dwarf race.

Jones, who lost a wheel both in practice and her heat race, worked her way through the field and took the lead with five laps to go when then leader Seth Wise spun while lapping a slower car. She held off Casen Sylvester for the win with Lane McDonald third.

Brody Graham took the lead mid-way through the 12-lap Junior Mini Dwarf race and went on to victory. Mason Ratcliff finished second with Jett Yantis third.