Drake Easily Wins Mini Stock Main at Ventura

Jeff Drake of Fillmore turned in a near-flawless performance in the Mini Stock division Saturday night at Ventura Raceway before 1,776.

Drake won every race he entered, including the 20-lap main event, the trophy dash and a heat race. About all he failed to do was set the fast qualifying time.

Drake went wire to wire in the main event, keeping Mike Raschke and Gary Swenson, both of Ventura, at bay to gain his second feature win of the season.

The performance propelled Drake into first place in the points standings. He earned 145 points to pass Joe Silva of Port Hueneme and defending champion Marty Desbrow of Ventura, who did not race. Drake holds a 525-410 lead over Desbrow.

Defending Street Stock champion Paul Moore of Oxnard came from fourth place to win the 20-lap main event and maintain his points lead over Ron Bartels of Hawthorne. James Weston of Santa Barbara was second and Tom Stephens of Ventura was third.

Ryan Cole of Santa Maria drove to victory in the IMCA Modified 20-lap main event and Richard Catalano of Torrance won the 15-lap Calif./Ariz. dwarf-car main event, the first time the division has been run at Ventura.