Newton claims three Gold Cups; Mowatt, Mullen, Hughes also claim gold

David Newton was the big winner at the ERCU Gold Cup in Lacey, September 10-11.

The man formerly known as “MiniCzar” may just be taking over his father’s mantle of “The Czar” at this point.

Newton won not just one, but three, Gold Cups on Sunday in dominating fashion on Long’s Pond. Newton claimed 1/10-scale classic gold with Paxton Reunanen’s 1979 Squire Shop, then followed it up in 1/7-scale classic with his own 1970 Pay ‘n Pak, then earned another with Kerry Kjos’s 1/10 scale vintage 1960 Miss Thriftway. Reunanen won the Ted Jones Memorial for 1/10-scale classic, and earned a spot in the Gold Cup final, with his 1983 KISW Miss Rock.

Bill Mowatt wasn’t about to simply let Newton steal the show, however. Mowatt not only posted his first career ERCU race win by taking the Ted Jones Memorial with his 1968 Miss Bardahl, earning a spot in the Gold Cup final heat. If that wasn’t enough, he also took down 1/7-modern veterans Nelson Holmberg (2021 Graham Trucking) and David Heilbrunn (2021 Goodman Real Estate) in the 1/7-scale modern final. It was Mowatt’s first full race in 1/7 scale, and his first win. He drove Denise & John Sjostrom’s 1990 Oh Boy! Oberto to the Gold Cup.

Mike Hughes won his second consecutive Gold Cup in 1/10-scale modern, which was his sixth race win of the season.

Craig Mullen earned a Gold Cup, as well, with his 1958 Hawaii Kai III, winning the 1/7-scale vintage final.