AZTEC, N. M. (April 24-25) – Two-time defending series champion Ricky Alvarado was a double winner as the EQ Cylinder Heads Wild West Northern Tour opened with a record car count at Aztec Speedway.

Alvarado took over before midway of Friday’s feature for IMCA Modifieds. He was much more dominating after starting the Saturday show from outside the front row, leading from flag to flag to complete the weekend sweep and collect his 19th career win on the circuit.

Sixty-six Modifieds were entered on opening night, the most in the tour’s 34-race history. Both features at Aztec paid $1,000 to win and doubled as qualifying events for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot.

Second starting Zane DeVilbiss led the first 12 circuits before giving way to Alvarado on Friday. Nick Nelson was second, with Aaron Spangler, Justen Yeager and Kevin Brown rounding out the top five.

Spangler and Yeager both made the main event from “B” features and moved up 13 and 10 spots, respectively. Making the most impressive run was last-starting Troy McElroy, who worked his way up to sixth at the finish.