A couple of wins, a handful of seconds and a whole bunch of middle- and back-of-the-pack performances.

But the Gold Hill resident learned a little something each time he sped around the one-third mile track. Finally, that experience is paying off.

Estremado extended his single-season record with his ninth victory in the winged modified division Saturday and has built up a comfortable lead in the points race.

Estremado seized the lead on the sixth lap of the 20-lap event and dominated the rest of the way. Markey James took second, followed by Dave Duste, Sr., Dave Duste, Jr., and Matt Duste.

Pro stock season points leader Gary Rotarius won the pro stock A main, capitalizing on a late-race tangle between Frank Word, Dan Thomas and Cal Lanfear. Bob Dees finished second and Brian Poppa third.

"My first year I was scared and intimidated and didn't really know what I was doing," Estremado says. "The second year I got more confident and comfortable, but you don't start winning here overnight. There are too many good drivers."

Estremado is quick to credit Bert Beck, his crew chief since the start.

"I think he's the best set-up man and engine builder on the West Coast," Estremado says. "He's been in the business for 40 years and knows everything possible about an engine."

Estremado was one of the few drivers who supported promoter John Skinner's decision to put wings on the modified cars this season. The wings cost several hundred dollars but they stabilize the cars in the corners and allow them to go faster.

"I think there have been less accidents because of them," says Estremado, who made a special trip to Sacramento in February to buy one. "I love the wings."

But Estremado has no control over who takes the starting line. And the fact is, he's beaten Glover, Scales and highly-regarded Richard Pappenhausen of Chico, Calif., whenever they've matched up this summer.

"I would invite those guys to come out every week -- I'd love to race against them every Saturday," says Estremado, who has made it to the checkered flag in every race except one. "But all I can do is race against the guys who show up at this track."

Estremado's peers know that he has blossomed into the No. 1 driver the old-fashioned way -- by earning it, one lap at a time over three years.

"He's making all the right moves," says Dave Duste, who has finished runner-up in points the past three years and currently stands third. "He's got his set-up figured out, but more than anything he's turned into a great driver.