MADERA, Calif. – The third 2019 appearance of the North State Modified Series and another large field of Madera Late Models will highlight Saturday’s Children’s Hospital Kids Night at Madera Speedway.

An action-packed night of stock car racing will also include the North State Hobby Stock Challenge, Toyota Sedans, Modified Super Toyotas, and a Junio Late Model exhibition race.

Medford, Oregon’s Randy Houston led the North State Modifieds across the finish line in April before Robbie Knittel won his first career series victory in June.

Series points leader Cameron Austin finished third in the April event and second in June. He has a perfect season of podium finishers bolstered by back-to-back wins in July at Roseville and Eureka.

Austin’s summer performances have boosted him to a 20-point lead over Knittel, who has used fill-in driver Scott Winters for the last two events.

Three-time series champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville ranks third followed by Darrin Sullivan and Terry Deal.

A second-place finish and a fourth-place finish places Jason Philpot of Sacramento sixth in the standings. Sixty laps of open wheel Modified excitement are on tap.

The accompanying North State Hobby Stock Challenge versus the Madera Speedway Hobby Stocks has seen both features won by Madera regulars.

Howard Holden narrowly topped 2018 champion Steve Schermerhorn in April before Schermerhorn grabbed the top spot in June. Drivers from up north to as far south as Bakersfield are expected for Saturday’s 50-lap race.

Saturday’s program begins with pit gates opening at 12:30 p.m. Practices run from 1:45 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. with qualifying and heat races to follow. Opening ceremonies are planned for 6 p.m.