Cross and Mankin win at Speedway

For The Madera Tribune

Josh Cross celebrated with the Madera Speedway trophy in the winner’s circle after his victory in the Prelude to the Dream Mini Stocks race on Saturday. 

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Josh Cross and Brennen Mankin were victorious in Saturday night’s racing action on Father’s Day weekend at Madera Speedway. 

Cross won a narrow victory in the Prelude to the Dream for Mini Stocks, while Mankin won his first career Pro Sportsman feature in a 40-lap contest.

Cross led time trials for the Mini Stocks, but had to start seventh in the 35-lap feature after the invert. 

The first three laps had three different leaders. Rick Thompson used the outside to lead lap one before his teammate, Thomas Suarez, drove into the lead on the inside on lap two. Madera’s Andrew Parr advanced into the lead on lap three. Cross quickly drove into second place, and reeled in Parr for the lead.

Cross showed his nose on the inside of Parr on several occasions, including on lap 10 when he nearly took the lead. Parr managed to use the high side in turn one to maintain the top position. 

Parr managed the lead through heavy lapped traffic with 10 laps to go. 

Cross finally pounced on lap 28 for the lead position in a decisive pass. Cross topped Parr, Steve Ford, Suarez, and Joseph Reichmuth at the finish. 

The Mini Stocks return on August 15 with more than 40 entries expected for the Olga’s California Dream 100, which will be filmed for a RACER Network telecast as well.

Mankin led all 40 laps of the Pro Sportsman feature, but faced a challenge from incoming second in points Jason Kearns.

Former champion Steve Schermerhorn and Corey Gibson collided at the start, but both drivers kept the wheels straight, allowing Schermerhorn to take second. 

The 2025 champion Joseph Holiday developed smoke from the rear with handling issues, and fell back to fifth position. 

Holiday then stopped in turn two on lap 17, erasing Mankin’s lead over Schermerhorn and Kearns.

Kearns used the choose cone to take track position on the outside of Mankin for the restart. Kearns challenged Mankin for the remaining laps of the feature, but Mankin held point. 

Mankin earned the win over Kearns, Schermerhorn, Donny Large, Jr., and Corey Gibson.

Sam Reynolds made his Madera Enduro debut with a victory in the 50-lap race. 

Reynolds dominated the first 25 laps in the correct direction before having a closer challenge in the second 25-lap segment going the opposite direction. 

Reynolds, a Street Stock contender at both Roseville and Stockton this year, steered his stock Crown Victoria to victory lane following a smoky burnout. 

Corey Gibson finished in second, followed by former Pumpkin Smash Enduro winner Adam Baggett in third.

Madera Speedway races on July 11 with the Rev. Ron Spencer Red, White, and Blue Classic featuring the Mission Pro Late Models, 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series, Pro Sportsman, INEX Legends, and much more. 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.