Sunday, August 4, 2019

Howard Holden Crowned Champion With Madera Win

Howard Holden’s champion #41 car. (Photo by Jenna Meyer and Don Bloom)

Via Nadine Strauss / NSMS/Madera Hobby Stock Challenge Media

Madera, CA…… August 3, 2009….. The 2019 North State / Madera Hobby Stock Challenge, presented by Gone Fishin’ Marine, concluded at Madera Speedway Saturday night with Howard Holden of Clovis not only taking the $750 win in the 50 lap feature, but collecting enough points to earn the championship in the three-race series. Going into the feature, Steve Schermerhorn of Oakhurst and Holden were only two points apart with Schermerhorn out in front in the standings.

Richard Herzog was the early leader in the main event until the race was slowed on lap two when Drew Ries lost a drive-line. Chuck Dozhier got by second place runner Chuck Aguirre on the restart and stole the lead from Herzog on lap four. Herzog took the number one spot back on seven but lost it again to Dozhier on round 12. At the same time Schermerhorn had ignition problems that took him out of the race and ended his championship run.

Something broke on Herzog’s car on lap 16 that sent him hard into the back-stretch wall where he finally came to rest in turn three. Herzog was un-injured, but his car suffered severe damage.

When racing resumed Holden forged ahead and never looked back. It was Holden’s second win in the series. Dozhier finished second followed by Aguirre, Herzog, Schermerhorn and Drew Ries. Mike Nicks blew an engine in the heat race and did not start the feature.

TIME TRIALS:
Howard Holden 16.163 ; Steve Schermerhorn 16.290; Chuck Dozhier 16.335; Richard Herzog 16.367; Mike Nicks 16.492 ; Chuck Aguirre 16.492 ;Drew Ries 16.745

HEAT RACE:
Chuck Aguirre, Richard Herzog, Chuck Dozhier, Steve Schermerhorn, Howard Holden, Mike Nicks

GONE FISHIN' MARINE MAIN EVENT:
Howard Holden, Chuck Dozhier, Chuck Aguirre, Richard Herzog, Steve Schermerhorn, Drew Ries, Mike Nicks (DNS)