5/26/2024
Dereck Ramirez
Best finish of 10th for Ramirez in USMTS Memorial Day weekend slate
After a series of spring rainouts stalled his 2024 schedule, Dereck Ramirez got back into Summit USMTS competition in a big way on four consecutive nights over the Memorial Day holiday.
Ramirez’s racing plans kicked off on Wednesday with the 14th annual USMTS Spring Classic at the half-mile Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Iowa. His Boomtest Well Service No. 4R Modified was among 24 USMTS machines in the pit area for the $3,000-to-win program. Ramirez claimed fourth in his heat and began the feature from the ninth spot. He ran as high as sixth in the race and ultimately came home 10th in the 35-lapper.
On Thursday, 25 USMTS Modifieds took part in the 11th annual War at West Union at Fayette County Speedway. Ramirez came home ninth in his heat and eighth in his B-Main, burying him in the 11th row to start the 40-lap, $3,000-to-win feature. He climbed four spots during the race to finish 18th on the 3/8-mile track located in in West Union, Iowa.
Next up, the 13th annual USMTS Spring Shootout showcased a 42-car USMTS field at Fountain City, Wisconsin’s Mississippi Thunder Speedway. Ramirez took fifth in his heat race and dropped from third to 15th in his B-Main on the 1/3-mile track, necessitating the use of an emergency provisional. He started the $5,000-to-win main event from the 27th spot and recorded a 28th-place result in the 40-lap race.
Saturday saw the USMTS schedule shift to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for the 21st annual LR Waste Services Southern Minnesota Spring Challenge at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Ramirez, who was among 50 USMTS drivers seeking a $5,000 winner’s check at the 3/8-mile sped plant, drove to a runner-up result in his heat and finished fourth in his “B.” He started the 40-lap A-Main in 19th position and came home 26th.
A fifth consecutive night of USMTS action was originally scheduled for Iowa’s 1/3-mile Mason City Motor Speedway on Sunday, but the ninth annual USMTS Mod Mania event was rained out.
Ramirez currently sits 11th in USMTS points.
Full results from each race are at www.usmts.com.
Article Credit: Tyler Rinken image