Two runner-ups lead to top-five in final USMTS Gulf Coast Border Region points

Cade Dillard kept moving west this past weekend and joined  the USMTS Modifieds as they invaded the Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces, N.M., for the 21st Annual Winter Meltdown.

After rain and cold pushed the event back one day, Dillard started third and chased Rodney Sanders to the checkered flag on Friday, and then grabbed the runner-up spot again on Saturday behind Philip Houston after starting 13th on the grid.

Sunday’s efforts were less productive as mechanical woes forced Dillard out of the 50-lap finale just short of the halfway mark.

His efforts, however, earned him a fifth-place finish in the final MVT Gulf Coast Border Region points standings and he punched his ticket to the Hunt for the USMTS Casey’s National Championship.

Complete results are available at www.usmts.com.