Troy Folger is An All Star
Marysville, CA (August 19, 2017) – Troy Folger thrilled the Marysville Raceway fans during the 25-lap IMCA All Star Modified Tour Saturday night. He also did something that most drivers will never experience. Folger received the white flag while running in the third spot. Yet, when Folger came back around for the final lap, he was the first driver to reach the checkered flag. Folger went from third to first and captured the most improbable win of the season. It was heartbreak city for Tim Balding. If the race was 24 laps, Balding would have felt better after this race. “You don’t lead all those laps and then lose on the final lap,” said a dejected Balding post-race. Balding not only lost the race but ended up third. As Balding took the white flag he missed his mark in turn one and drifted way up the track. This allowed Cody Burke to dive to the bottom and briefly pass Balding. Yet, it was third place Folger who stole the show. Folger could hug the pole and drive by both Balding and Burke to take the lead and get the unlikely win. “This feels so good,” said Folger. “This is a great win for our team.” Duane Cleveland finished in the fourth spot and was surprised at the outcome also. “I didn’t even know Troy won until after the race,” said Cleveland. “These guys are the best of the best and even though fourth isn’t what we came here for I will take it.” Ryan McDaniel rebounded from an earlier spin to finish fifth. Randy McDaniel won the first heat and Folger won heat two.
Phillip Shelby once again showed why he has been the best IMCA Sport Mod driver this season. Shelby started deep in the field by roared his way into the lead and went on to win by a half a lap. Jerry Bartlett finished second but he was over eight-seconds behind. Damian Merritt was only a half-second behind Bartlett at the line. Alan Furuta led for the early part of the race but drifted back to a fourth-place finish. Raymond Benkowski roared up to a fifth-place finish. Mike Merritt won the first heat race. Furuta won heat two.
Nathan Johnson was emotional in victory lane after winning the winged economy sprint car event. Johnson received an extra $50 bonus from Mike Sayre in memory of Paul Inman. “I first off have to thank Mike and I know Paul was riding with me those final laps,” said Johnson. “It is also my sons 18th birthday and he built this car and motor and so this trophy is dedicated to him.” Adam Ermolenko finished in the second spot. Jeff Macedo drove a good race all night to finish third. Ermolenko won the lone eight lap heat race.
Rod Oliver swept the Super Stock night of racing. Oliver brought out a car that he usually drives at Placerville Speedway. “Tonight, I let Phillip Shelby drive our red car and I tried the blue car tonight,” said Oliver. “I think we are going to keep bringing back this blue car.” James Castleberry finished in the second spot. Mike Walko came home third. Oliver won the eight lap heat race.
Full results are located at www.marysvilleraceway.com
Next event takes place September 2nd at Marysville Raceway and features the Championship night.
