Early Pass of Whitney Gives Stevens 40-Lap Modified Win

Terry Stevens of El Cajon shot past Gary Whitney of Saugus on the 14th lap and streaked to victory in the 40-lap Modified Division feature race Saturday night at Saugus Speedway.

Stevens, who first raced at Saugus two weeks ago, made his move when racing was resumed after consecutive yellow flags, the second coming when Ken Sapper of La Crescenta blew an engine.

“He moved wide going into turn three and I nudged him just a bit,” Stevens said. “We bumped, he moved and I got by. It was a pretty clean pass, actually.”

Stevens, driving a 1988 Camaro, maintained a 10-car-length lead for the rest of the race to earn the $1,200 first-place prize in the 11-car race. Whitney, who finished second, earned $900.

Glenn Cummings of San Bernardino moved into third place on lap 15 and held on to earn $800. Rod Johnson finished fourth and Ken Davis of West Covina finished fifth.

In the street stock oval, Dave Blankenship of Reseda finished just ahead of Tom Kimmel of Sylmar to win the 25-lap race. Blankenship, who qualified for the pole position, led the entire race with Kimmel nudging him at nearly every turn.

Allen Meek of Simi Valley moved ahead of Dale White Jr. of Simi Valley on lap 18 and finished third. White finished fourth ahead of Jim Marlewski of Simi Valley.

Ed Horst of Reseda won the 15-lap street stock figure eight, which repeatedly was halted because of spin-outs and minor collisions.

Blankenship finished second and White Jr. finished third.

Russ Beckers of Sepulveda placed fourth and Bill McLean of Canoga Park finished fifth.

Horst earned $300 for his finish. Blankenship claimed $250 for winning the 24-car street stock oval and $250 for his finish in the figure eight.