6/28/2025
Rodney Sanders
Rodney Sanders earns podium finish in Larry Phillips Memorial finale
On Friday and Saturday, “The Rocket” Rodney Sanders raced with the USRA Heartland Modified Tour (HMT) at Monett Motor Speedway in Monett, Missouri, where he grabbed a pair of top-five results in the Larry Phillips Memorial.
In the event opener on Friday, Sanders was one of 36 Modified competitors at the 3/8-mile oval seeking the $2,075 first-place payout. He qualified his Wichita Tank Racing No. 20 second in his group and won his heat race from the pole. He started third in the 30-lap feature and finished fourth, taking the checkered flag behind Tanner Mullens, Gary Christian and Terry Phillips. Cole Anderson completed the top five.
With a $7,575 winner’s share up for grabs on Saturday, 38 HMT Modifieds were in the pit area at Monett. Sanders qualified with the best time in his group and won his heat from the pole for the second consecutive night. He started fourth in the 40-lap main event and rode in the runner-up spot for much of the race. He ultimately finished third, completing the podium after Mullens and Brandon Givens. Phillips took fourth and Mark Smith claimed fifth.
Full results from the Larry Phillips Memorial are at www.heartlandmodifiedtour.com.
Article Credit: Todd Boyd image