Mintey Notches 3rd Saugus Speedway Win in a Row

Defending Sportsman champion Pat Mintey Jr. made it three straight victories to start the season by winning the 40-lap main event Saturday night in front of 3,335 at Saugus Speedway.

The Lancaster resident started on the outside of the first row, but moved ahead of pole-sitter Lee Ladd of Thousand Oaks on the opening lap before pulling away.

Ladd held on for second, followed by Craig Rayburn of Santa Clarita and Gary Sigman of Carson.

In the Street Stock oval, John Schultz of Valencia took advantage of several mistakes by the leaders in the 25-lap oval main event and turned it into his third victory in as many races this season.

“I’ve just tried to be patient and let the race come to me,” Schultz said. “I try to let the race develop and avoid problems ahead of me.”

Steve Gilmore of Van Nuys led early in the race, but lost his position when he and Valencia’s Dana Moore made contact on the 13th lap. Moore was black-flagged and sent to the pits, enabling Schultz to inherit the top spot.

Greg Benner of Whittier provided the final obstacle, shadowing Schultz the final five laps. “Greg put up a good fight,” Schultz said. “I got a little loose at the end, but was able to hold my line.”

Benner was second, followed by Kirk Miller of Alta Loma and Frank Debiasio of Thousand Oaks.

In the 20-lap Mini Stock feature race, John Petsco of Newbury Park notched a runaway victory.