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Berry Jr. takes checkered flag in Ernie Mincy Early Thaw

Tom Berry Jr. opened his 2024 season in fine fashion on Thursday through Saturday as he grabbed an IMCA Modified win and a runner-up result during the first weekend of the Ernie Mincy Early Thaw at Central Arizona Raceway (Casa Grande, Arizona).

When the event kicked off on Thursday, Berry's MIke Wedelstadt-owned No. 77 Modified was one of 33 cars in the class at the 3/8-mile clay oval. Following a sixth-to-second run in his heat, Berry started the night's 20-lap, $1,000-to-win feature from the pole. However, he slipped during the race and finished 22nd.

It would not take him long to find redemption.

With 34 Modifieds in the pits on Friday, Berry won his heat and rolled off third in the 20-lap A-Main. He took the lead on the 14th circuit and led the rest of the way, scoring the $1,000 victory by 2.538 seconds over runner-up finisher Chaz Baca. Ricky Alvarado claimed the third spot, with Spencer Wilson and Kollin Hibdon finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

Berry continued his strong opening weekend on Saturday as the field increased to 36 Modified competitors. Berry grabbed third in his heat race, positioning him 10th to start the 20-lap, $1,000-to-win main event. He steered to a second-place result, taking the checkered flag 1.140 seconds behind Baca. Tim Ward came home third, Hibdon fourth and Jeff Larson fifth.

The Ernie Mincy Early Thaw picks up again on Thursday, January 25.

Full results from Central Arizona Raceway are HERE.

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