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Night four of the inaugural IMCA Arizona Modified Tour took drivers, race teams, and fans alike to Arizona Speedway for a Valentine’s Day special Tuesday night. Lucas Schott found victory lane by night’s end to become the fourth different Modified winner in as many nights.
Troy Gemmill used his front row starting position to race his way to the lead as the green flag flew on the opening lap. Gemmill cruised out to a comfortable advantage up front and looked as though he had the car to beat early on.
The first caution of the race fell on lap 7. At the green, Schott, who started in the ninth position, had already reached the second spot and put pressure on Gemmill as the pack charged into turn one. On the following circuit, Schott completed a big slide job on Gemmill in turn two to momentarily take the lead, but Gemmill countered with a crossover move to regain the point.
Lap 9 proved to be disastrous for Gemmill as his No. 721 machine slowed to a stop in turn one, costing him the lead and, potentially, the win. As a result, Schott inherited the lead for the ensuing restart.
Once the race resumed, Schott was untouchable as he drove to the feature win by a margin of 4.759 seconds over his car owner, Mike Wedelstadt.
“It’s a little weird when you are side by side with your car owner,” said Schott in victory lane. “But I’ve got to thank Mike for letting me drive his car. It’s a pretty quick hot rod.”
Chase Allen drove from 13th to round out the podium, while Jeremy Thornton and Jimmy Gustin finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Racing continues Wednesday at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.
