Thirkettle Races to Win, Record
Travis Thirkettle didn’t let a record-setting night go to waste. He set an Irwindale Speedway late models record in qualifying Saturday night, then won the 40-lap race on the half-mile track.
Thirkettle’s only setback came as a result of luck. He spun on a seven on the wheel determining the starting grid for the eight-lap heat race that determined the starting grid for the feature race, and finished sixth.
“I didn’t like that at all, but it worked out OK, so I’m happy now,” Thirkettle said.
He passed Richie Altman on the 11th lap and led for the remainder of the race. Tim Huddleston, the division’s 2005 champion who won the season opener April 15, finished second, 0.344 of a second behind.
Thirkettle’s qualifying time of 18.578 seconds surpassed the previous record of 18.607 set by Justin Lofton.
Thirkettle, a Newhall resident, received $1,000 for the victory.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
