Phipps Rallies to Place Second in Sportsman

It looked like Dave Phipps of Simi Valley would not be able to race, let alone challenge for the lead, until the end of the 30-lap Sportsman Division main event Saturday night at Saugus Speedway.

But Phipps, who was forced to enter the pit during a yellow flag on the first lap because of body damage sustained during a crack-up, did just that. Phipps, the points leader entering the race, returned to the track and roared from 15th to second place, losing by a fender-length to Marcus Mallett of Gardena.

Both Phipps and Mallett passed Tarzana’s Will Harper, who led most of the race, on the backstretch of lap 26 and streaked to what was probably the most exciting finish this season. Many of the 3,453 in attendance stood and applauded as the drivers crossed the finish line.

“Phipps is a tough driver,” Mallett said. “A few more laps and he would have won it. I’m glad I came around and saw the checkered flag.”

Said Phipps, who raced without a hood and front fenders: “I don’t quit out there. I’m not supposed to.

“I go out and drive as fast as I can.”

In the 15-lap Sportsman semi-main event, Craig Rayburn of Simi Valley passed Tom Colgan on lap nine and went on to win.

In the 40-lap Modified main event, Glen Cummings of Highland sped past Harry Brady of Canyon Country and maintained a comfortable lead to the finish. Cummings is fifth in the standings.

Brady finished second and Terry Stevens of Valley Center was third.

Eight-lap, heat-race winners included Stevens and Cummings (Modified), and Richard Delong Jr. of Van Nuys, Rodney Johnson and Mallett (Sportsman).

Trophy Dash winners included Charlie Saied of North Hollywood (Modified) and Delong (Sportsman).