MADERA, Calif. — Billy Wease dominated the second half of Saturday night’s Gerhardt Classic for the USAC Western Midget Series at Madera Speedway.
Michael Faccinto led the first 44 laps in a car owned by drag racer Gary Scelzi, but gave way to the Western Speed Racing teammates, as Paul Zimmerly grabbed the lead on lap 45 of the third-mile asphalt oval.
However, Zimmerly paced only two circuits before Wease zipped into the lead, in the second of three Western Speed entries in the race, on lap 47.
Wease was never headed the remainder of the distance, with Dallen McKenney finishing second.
“That was a tough, fun race. I was finally able to get past the 41 (Faccinto) and then my teammate got past me. I had to really work to get by him and when I finally did, I set sail,” said Wease. “This is my second time here and my second win so I really love this place.”
Point-leader Scott Pierovich, Michael Faccinto and Daniel Bedford rounded out the top five.
The finish:
Billy Wease, Dallen McKenney, Scott Pierovich, Michael Faccinto, Daniel Bedford, Nic Faas, Alfred Galedrige, Jr., Ricky Ehrgott, Viktor Sinzig, Robby Josett, Paul Zimmerly, Justin Grant, Steve Mathews, Chad Nichols, C.J. Sarna, Shannon McQueen.