By NICK SCHWIEN

nschwien@dailynews.net

It wasn't that Ronnie Hill was an unknown in the modified racing circuit.

But in only his third year of running IMCA-sanctioned modifieds, Hill put his name on the map early this season with a win May 11 at Thomas County Speedway in Colby.

What made the win even more impressive was it came in a Blood, Sweat and Tears Modified Series event -- and it came against a host of other drivers who have made names for themselves on dirt tracks across the country.

Hill out-dueled David Murray Jr. and Wayne Brooks -- who have combined for more than 1,000 wins in their careers -- to snag the victory.

"Anytime a guy can beat Murray and Wayne Brooks, that gets you fired up," the Sharon Springs racer said.

Perhaps that victory set the tone for Hill, who is expected to compete in Friday's 7:30 p.m. races at RPM Speedway in Hays.

"I've had an excellent season so far," he said. "I can't complain one bit. I'm running sixth or seventh in the state points, too, and that's nice."

Through June 22, Hill is sixth in the state with 431 points. His friend, Mark Zorn, leads the state with 754, followed by Corey Lagroon (616) and Barry Maupin (543).

He hopes to trim that lead some this weekend.

"I'd like to be in the top five this year," Hill said about the end of the season. "And I think I can do that, too."

Hill is easy to spot on the track with his black car sporting a yellow No. 41. And the number was an obvious choice for him.

"That's the year I started racing; I was 41 years old," he said. "I just stuck with it."

Hill had one of the more memorable races of his career June 8 at WaKeeney Speedway.

Hill and Zorn both distanced themselves from the field as the feature race wore on, and both battled side-by-side, lap after lap until the checkered flag waved.

"He trusts my driving, and I trust his," Hill said. "That was one fun race."

In the end, neither driver knew who won as they pulled into the infield. Then Zorn got the nod to go to the winner's circle.

"They had a hard time deciding," Hill said.

"It was close racing," Zorn said following the race. "Ronnie is a good class guy, and I have a lot of respect for him. He's not a dirty racer, and there was no bumping going on. It was just a great race."

Hill, who's in his third year of racing modifieds and eighth years racing overall, is hoping for another great race Friday night in Hays -- only this time with him taking home top honors.

"I'd like to win it, and I think I can -- I really do," he said. "I made some changes last week that worked out pretty well, and hopefully they'll carry over into this weekend."