WATSONVILLE — Bakersfield’s Ricky Childress Jr. raced to a $1,000 Hobby Stocks victory at Watsonville Speedway’s Terry Traub Memorial to continue his fantastic season on Friday night.
It marked the 15th triumph in 2026 for Childress Jr., who had his way with things up front in the 33-lap Hobby Stock feature. Racing in all divisions provided excitement on the well-prepared quarter mile clay oval.
Other division winners included: Tyler Bannister in IMCA Modifieds, Rich Denman in IMCA Sport Mods, Paul Stone in IMCA Stocks Cars and A.J. Waltrip with Police ‘N Pursuit.
Childress Jr. battled with Brian Cooper over the first few circuits in the Hobby Stock finale, before pulling out to the lead that he would never relinquish. The action behind him, however, was fast and furious all race long.
A stellar turnout of 28 Hobby Stocks competed, with top drivers from around California on hand. Several racers battled for position on the wide Watsonville Speedway surface. Point leader Lilly Mead, Cooper, Joe Gallaher and Steven Johnson put on a show while racing in and around the top five.
There was no stopping Childress up front, who accepted the checkered flag comfortably over Mead, Cooper, Gallaher and Johnson. Matt Kile, Taylor DeCarlo, Adriane Frost, Chris Long and Sam Kennedy completed the top 10.
Bakersfield’s Tyler Bannister celebrates his IMCA Modifieds win at Watsonville Speedway’s Terry Traub Memorial on Friday night. (Top Dawg Photos)
IMCA Modified
The 25-lap IMCA Modified finale also provided very entertaining competition. Several movers and shakers were seen, with the eventual winner even having to make a stop in the work area early on.
Multi-time Watsonville track champion Cody Burke led early, before Markus Fraizier was able to get by with Jim Pettit II, also part of the mix. Frazier held command until the always fast Robby Sawyer charged past him on lap 14.
At that point, Tyler Bannister had methodically worked his way through the field by running the high, scary side of the bullring. Bannister moved into the top five on lap 13 and blasted into second with just six circuits remaining.
Bannister then hounded Sawyer before making his move on lap 22. The excellent clash between the Bakersfield drivers saw Bannister get the win ahead of Sawyer. Burke, Pettit and Fred Lind completed the top five.
IMCA Sport Modified
The IMCA Sport Mod main event was a lengthy affair that saw several caution periods plague the contest. Paso Robles veteran Rich Denman hung strong out front though and hit every restart to perfection.
Denman claimed the win ahead of Bo Crebs, Trent Golden, Steven Allee and Tanner Thomas. Another strong showing of 19 Sport Mods signed into the pit area.
IMCA Stock Cars
The IMCA Stock Cars provided an exciting 20-lap main event in which Winton’s Paul Stone grabbed another Watsonville Speedway win. Oakley’s Troy Foulger led the initial 12 laps before encountering issues that ended his night.
With Stone up front he had to deal with the very fast Villaneuva boys who fought it out directly behind him. At the end it was Stone getting his fourth triumph of the campaign over Justin Villaneuva, Mike Villanueva, Rob Gallaher and Adriane Frost.
Police ‘N Pursuit
AJ Waltrip picked up the win and the championship with Police ‘N Pursuit. During opening ceremonies, they spoke about the division and the admirable cause. Over the last 17 years Police ‘N Pursuit has raised $300,000 for Special Olympics.
Watsonville Speedway returns to action this coming Friday August 14th with more Friday Night Dirt Track Lights, including the penultimate race of the season for the Gold Star GMC 360 Sprint Cars.
IF YOU GO
Friday Night Lights
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
Events: 360 Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars
Where: Watsonville Speedway
Tickets: WatsonvilleSpeedway.com