Christensen earns Jr. Late Model win

Courtesy of Mackenzie Naake

Jr. Late Model driver Lane Christensen celebrates on victory lane after his second career 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model victory at Madera Speedway on Saturday.

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Lane Christensen scored his second career 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model victory in just his third start, extending his points lead after 70 laps of action at Madera Speedway.

Saturday night’s round three for the 2026 season was a caution-free affair for a talented group of drivers ages 10-16 years old.

“Oh my gosh it’s so fun. This track – I love it. What a race that was,” Christensen said. “This thing had such good drive off and it rotated just so good. We’ve got the best in the business working on it with Wilson Motorsports.”

Christensen drove the Wilson Motorsports No. 15w to fast-time in time trials, then rolled fifth from the grid after the redraw.

11-year-old Keatin Lyons paced the action while Christensen battled with Brexton Busch, the late Kyle Busch’s son, for second. Christensen took over the second position on lap 16. Busch fought a loose handling No. 18B machine all the way to the lap 40 break, drifting back to fourth.

Lyons drove away from Christensen over the course of the long run, leading by multiple seconds when the caution flew for adjustments and RACER Network interviews on lap 40.

Wyatt Flowers outfoxed Hunter Gates for third by that stage with Busch in fifth.

Things changed dramatically on the restart. Christensen chose the outside line on Lyons, and stormed past him on the start to take over the lead. Flowers picked the bottom on the second row, but had contact from Gates that sent them sliding, eventually relegating Flowers back to sixth.

Christensen, Lyons, and a resurgent Busch ran nose-to-tail for much of the final 30-lap segment. Lyons reeled in Christensen with five to go, and the duo made slight contact, but Christensen was able to maintain control of the race.

Christensen drove to his second career victory, followed by Lyons, Busch, Jarrett Dickson, and Gates.

The Mission Pro Late Model Series had a spirited fight for the win that ended with a familiar winner, with Shaun Reynolds of Coarsegold getting his second consecutive victory in the 70-lap affair.

Cam Carraway topped qualifying, then drew No. 7 for the feature.

Opening night winner Mike Hensley rocketed into the lead from third at the start of the race. Hensley paced a tight lead pack, which included former Jr. Late Model champion Joey Iest of Madera and Carraway.

Iest drove underneath Hensley in turn four in a bid for the lead, but spun with an apparent power steering issue to bring out a caution.

The ensuing lap 44 restart gave Carraway a chance to challenge Hensley. Carraway also spun challenging for the lead going around in turn two for a caution. Hensley paced Reynolds at the front of the pack while Carraway made a comeback drive through the field.

Carraway crossed over Hensley for the lead into turn one on lap 60, but the pair collided to send Carraway spinning. Both Hensley and Carraway were relegated to the rear of the field.

Reynolds inherited the lead, and never relinquished it over the final 10 circuits for the victory. Carraway came back to finish second while Hunter Maier enjoyed a career-best third at Madera. Hensley and veteran Rick Thompson rounded out the top-five.

Madera Speedway races again this Saturday with Pro Sportsman racing, the prelude to the Olga’s California Dream for the Mini Stocks, Legends of Kearney Bowl, and Enduro action. More details at www.racemadera.com

The 2026 season would not be possible without the support 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, Franks Radio, and Sunoco Race Fuel.

Madera Racing on RACER Network airs Monday nights.