Post-Race Recap: Vado Speedway Park – June 7, 2025

Welcome back, race fans, to another thrilling night at Vado Speedway Park in Vado, New Mexico! On June 7, 2025, the clay oval came alive with a packed lineup featuring the Johnstone Supply Super Trucks , S.H. Automotive Pure Stocks , White Sands Federal Credit Union POWRi 305 Winged Sprint Cars , Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars , and the Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods . The evening delivered high-octane action, standout performances, and a few surprises—including a baby goat in Victory Lane! Here’s your recap of the night’s events, two weeks prior to our last recap on June 21. Johnstone Supply Super Trucks: Barnett’s Fifth Triumph The Super Trucks kicked off the feature action with a 15-lap showdown that showcased Christy Barnett ’s dominance. Starting from P8, the El Paso, TX driver wasted no time, seizing the lead on the first lap with a bold outside move reminiscent of her earlier season victories. She held off a fierce field of 11 trucks, including a late challenge from Billy Roy Harris (P5 to P2) and Shane McNutt (P7 to P3), to claim her fifth win of 2025 . Jaden Manicki Gallivan impressed with a P10 to P4 run, while Jeremy DuBois (P9) brought out the race’s only caution after hitting the wall on Lap 3. Barnett’s victory lap cemented her status as the “Fastest Woman on Dirt,” a title she’s earned with wins on April 5, May 13, and both Memorial Day weekend races. ● Top 5 Finishers: 1. Christy Barnett (El Paso, TX) – Started 8th 2. Billy Roy Harris (Deming, NM) – Started 5th 3. Shane McNutt (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 7th 4. Jaden Manicki Gallivan (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 10th 5. Scott Kinney (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 3rd ● Race Notes: Barnett’s early charge and clean run through lapped traffic highlighted her mastery, while the heat races saw Cliff Evrage and Shane McNutt take wins, setting the stage for a competitive feature. S.H. Automotive Pure Stocks: Archuleta’s Youthful Brilliance The Pure Stocks delivered a 15-lap thriller where 13-year-old Bryce Archuleta stole the show. Starting from P9, the Las Cruces phenom showcased patience and aggression, battling Patrick Beach (P1) in a dramatic final lap. Beach led wire-to-wire until Archuleta executed a slide job in Turns 3 and 4, surviving contact to secure his fourth win of the year . However, Beach was later disqualified in tech, elevating Caleb Smith (P7 to P2) and Brandon Cruse (P11 to P3) to the podium. Dawnica Minks (P4) spun out on Lap 8, ending her points lead defense, while Sharrii Minks (P15 to P5) salvaged a strong finish for the family.

● Top 5 Finishers: 1. Bryce Archuleta (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 9th 2. Caleb Smith (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 7th 3. Brandon Cruse (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 11th 4. Rudy Ramirez (El Paso, TX) – Started 5th 5. Sharrii Minks (El Paso, TX) – Started 15th ● Race Notes: Archuleta’s double-duty night (he raced the 305 Sprints next) highlighted his rising star status. Beach’s DQ after a dominant run raised eyebrows, echoing past tech controversies this season. White Sands Federal Credit Union POWRi 305 Winged Sprint Cars: Saunders’ Hat Trick The 305 Winged Sprints roared through a 25-lap feature where Aydan Saunders completed a hat trick , following his Memorial Day weekend 360 wins. Starting P7, the 20-year-old El Paso driver methodically climbed to the front, overtaking Jett Carney (P2) on Lap 11 with a slick slide job through lapped traffic. John Carney II (P8 to P2) and Lorne Wofford (P10 to P3) chased hard, but Saunders’ clean air advantage sealed his third straight sprint car victory. Art Quijano (P1) faded to P7, while Bryce Archuleta (P15 to P14) gained valuable seat time in his sprint car debut. ● Top 5 Finishers: 1. Aydan Saunders (El Paso, TX) – Started 7th 2. John Carney II (El Paso, TX) – Started 8th 3. Lorne Wofford (Alamogordo, NM) – Started 10th 4. Jett Carney (El Paso, TX) – Started 2nd 5. Justin Lasiter (Tularosa, NM) – Started 4th ● Race Notes: Saunders’ breathing focus and strategic patience paid off, as noted in his post-race interview. The top-eight redraw saw him draw lucky number seven, setting the stage for his climb. Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars: Sandy’s Relentless Charge The Stock Cars’ 20-lap feature was a war of attrition, with only five of 11 cars finishing. Hunter Sandy (P9 to P1) emerged victorious, securing his fourth win of 2025 in a race marred by cautions. Starting strong, he capitalized on restarts, overtaking Justin Garrett (P1 to P3) after a Lap 2 yellow for Jonathan Burton ’s fire (P5 to P9 DNF). Josh Beyer (P7 to P2) and Sherman Barnett (P8 to P4) rounded out a strong podium, while Carlos Barraza (P11 to P6 DNF) crashed hard on Lap 18, scattering debris. Devan Smith (P10 to P8 DNF) also faltered, leaving Sandy to dominate the survivors. ● Top 5 Finishers: 1. Hunter Sandy (Albuquerque, NM) – Started 9th

2. Josh Beyer (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 7th 3. Justin Garrett (Deming, NM) – Started 1st 4. Sherman Barnett (El Paso, TX) – Started 8th 5. David Garcia Jr (El Paso, TX) – Started 3rd ● Race Notes: Sandy’s double-duty night (B-Mods next) showcased his stamina. The heat races saw Cale Riggs and Jonathan Burton win, but Riggs didn’t start the feature. Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods: Sandy Doubles Down with a Goat The night’s finale, a 25-lap B-Mod battle, saw Hunter Sandy (P11 to P1) complete a double-duty sweep , fending off 25 competitors. A chaotic start with a Lap 1 red flag (triggered by Hector Barraza ’s black-flagged retaliation against Deuce Teague ) reset the field, but Sandy surged ahead on the restart. Shane McNutt (P10 to P2) and Fito Gallardo (P14 to P3) battled fiercely for second, with Gallardo edging out McNutt by a nose. Christy Barnett (P9 to P4) chased another win, while Devan Smith (P15 to P5) rounded out the top five. A baby goat joined Sandy in Victory Lane, adding a quirky cap to an epic night. ● Top 5 Finishers: 1. Hunter Sandy (Albuquerque, NM) – Started 11th 2. Shane McNutt (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 10th 3. Fito Gallardo (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 14th 4. Christy Barnett (El Paso, TX) – Started 9th 5. Devan Smith (Las Cruces, NM) – Started 15th ● Race Notes: Sandy’s top-side mastery mirrored his stock car win. The heat races featured wins by John Carney , Shane McNutt , and Christy Barnett , setting up a stacked feature. Night Highlights and Takeaways ● Double Duty Dominance: Hunter Sandy’s back-to-back wins in the Stock Cars and B-Mods underscored his versatility and grit, overcoming a less-than-ideal stock car setup to shine on the high side. ● Youth on Fire: Bryce Archuleta (13) and Aydan Saunders (20) showcased the next generation, with Archuleta’s Pure Stock win and Saunders’ sprint car hat trick stealing headlines. ● Veteran Tenacity: Christy Barnett (five Super Truck wins) and Sherman Barnett (89 years old, P4 in Stock Cars) proved age is just a number on the clay. ● Surprise Guest: A baby goat in Victory Lane with Sandy was the unexpected cherry on top of a wild night.

Closing Thoughts June 7, 2025, at Vado Speedway Park was a night of relentless racing, emotional highs, and a touch of whimsy. From Christy Barnett’s early charge to Hunter Sandy’s double triumph—and that unforgettable goat cameo—the clay delivered drama and excitement. Thanks to all the fans, drivers, and crews who made it a Saturday night to remember. Stay tuned for more action, and we’ll see you back at the track on June 21! Safe travels home, race fans!