Cottage Grove Speedway Fan Appreciation Night on May 4 featured all the cars in the pit area out on the track during intermission and drivers signing autographs. Jake Mayden became the third different winner in as many races in the Mohawk Metal IMCA Modified class. Photo provided/Josh Ryan
The Todd’s Auto Body Sprints were in action for the first time in 2019 this past Saturday at Cottage Grove Speedway. Cottage Grove’s Ian Bandey earned a major victory in his young career, and his first at CGS.
Defending track champion Shane Forte of Junction City was the runner-up with Ricky Ashley of Thurston in third. Harrisburg teenager Tyler Thompson placed fourth, and Orion Redmond of Roseburg was fifth. Forte was fastest in time trials and winning in the heat races were Forte, McKenzie Bridge youngster A.J. Harbaugh, and Sutherlin veteran Vern Scevers.
In Mohawk Metal IMCA Modified competition, defending track champion Jake Mayden returned to victory lane. The Springfield chauffeur became the third different winner in as many races in the classification. Cottage Grove’s Evan Britton posted an impressive second and fellow CG driver Tyler Smith was third.
The Late Models made their 2019 debut with a great car count. Sweet Home pilot Brian Smith managed to take the checkered flag to claim victory. Eugene’s Ed Peters was second and Trent Elliott of La Pine was third. Mike Peters of Cottage Grove was fourth. Elliott managed to get quick time during qualifying and Elliott and Smith were the two heat race victors.
The IMCA Sport Mods made another appearance at the quarter-mile clay oval. Winston driver Buddy McHargue beat the field to become the third different winner in as many races so far this year. Roseburg regular David Schmidt posted a second-place effort and Jayson Nelson of Springfield was third. Hand had the best time in time trials and in heat racing, McHargue and Brandon Fox had victories.
Lastly in the Hornets, Jasper’s Eric Ashley parked the Randy Kuhl-owned entry in the winner’s circle for his first win of the season. His father, Gene Ashley, was second with Veneta’s Josh Linville placing third. Linville was the fastest driver in qualifications with heat race victories going to Springfield’s K.C. Scott and Eric Ashley.
Cottage Grove Speedway will return for two nights of racing this weekend. Things kick off with Kage Karts on Friday, May 10. Saturday will have the quarter-mile host Mom’s Night Out where all mothers get into the races for free. Classes on the card include the Todd’s Auto Body Sprints, IMCA Sport Mods, Street Stocks, Hornets, and Dwarf Cars.
For more information and updates, go to www.cottage grove speedway.com.
