5/6/2023
Tanner Mullens
Mullens posts top-5 finishes at USMTS Jayhawk Classic
Wichita, Kansas’ Tanner Mullens found plenty of success in his home state this weekend, scoring fifth- and second-place finishes with the Summit United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
Mullens’ Mel Hambelton Ford No. 02 Dirt Modified was one of 41 USMTS cars in the pits for the first day of the 12th annual Jayhawk Classic on Friday, and the driver steered to a heat race win in preliminary action. He started seventh for the 35-lap A-Main on the 4/10-mile track and moved forward two positions to finish fifth.
Jake O’Neil took the $5,000 top prize, with Cayden Carter, Rodney Sanders and Dereck Ramirez taking the checkered flag in front of Mullens.
Mullens had an even better day on Saturday. He finished third in his heat, putting him on the inside of the second row for the Jayhawk Classic’s 40-lap, $10,000-to-win finale. He took the lead around the race’s halfway point but was passed by eventual winner Tyler Davis on the last lap.
Mullens still came home in the runner-up spot, despite having a flat right-rear tire. Ramirez, Sanders and O’Neil trailed Mullens across the start-finish line.
The scheduled event opener on Thursday was rained out.
Full results can be found at www.usmts.com.
Article Credit: Todd Boyd image