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Todd Cooper and Phil Marino Win at Chico

CHICO, CA (3-31-17) - Defending track champion Todd Cooper thrilled the crowd with a late race pass to capture the win during the 20-lap IMCA Sport Mod main event Friday night at Chico. Cooper made the move around Keith Brown #128. While sixteen drivers started the race, multiple spins and crashes eliminated some good contenders. Brain Cooper had a rare off night and was disqualified after being involved in two race cautions. Mike Merritt destroyed his car when he spun head first into the front grandstand wall. He was uninjured but the car was junk. Top contender Phillip Shelby also struggled and ended up finishing tenth. Even though the main event was not the groups best performance, Cooper gave us an exciting finish that left the crowd satisfied. Alan Furuta won the first heat race while Brown picked up the win in the second eight lap heat race.

What the sport mods lacked in timeliness, the street stocks made up for it. The 20-lap main event went non-stop and in the end, it was Phil "the thrill" Marino earning a hard-fought win. Marino is a former two-time track champion and the veteran showed everyone that he still has what it takes to win. Marino had a good battle with Corey Hall, however, Hall was disqualified for failing post-race inspection. Brent Lawrence was competitive all night and would end up finishing in the second spot. Richard Workman of Cottonwood drove a strong race and finished third. Gary Newman brought his familiar #73 home in fourth. Not only did he get a top five but Newman won the first eight lap heat race. Danny Dozier led the second heat race from the get go and went on to win the event.

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