A Night of Grit and Gratitude: Military Appreciation Night Recap – May 17, 2025

Under the desert sky at Vado Speedway Park, Military Appreciation Night roared to life, blending high-octane racing with heartfelt tributes to our military heroes. The clay was alive, the stands were packed, and the energy was electric as drivers battled for glory in front of service members who got the VIP treatment they deserve. From epic comebacks to underdog triumphs, here’s how it all went down. Honoring the Heroes Before the Green Flag The night kicked off with a salute to our active and retired service members. Julian’s invocation set a reverent tone, followed by Naomi Vega’s soul-stirring national anthem. Veterans gathered under the flagstand, greeted by cheers that drowned out the engines. “This race is your victory lap,” I called from the booth, and the crowd roared back. Local skydiving legends Cameron Fontana and Jazzy Zamarano—combat vets turned adrenaline junkies—earned a thunderous ovation, proving courage knows no bounds. Then, the green flag dropped, and the clay erupted. S.H. Automotive Pure Stocks: Bryce Archuleta’s Teenage Triumph The Pure Stocks hit the track first, delivering a 15-lap war that showcased young talent and veteran grit. Bryce Archuleta, the 13-year-old phenom, started 13th but turned the race into his playground. Early chaos struck when Jimmy Skoog’s Honda Civic tangled with Sharrii Minks and Dawnica Minks in turn four, sending sparks flying. Archuleta stayed cool, slicing through the field to take the lead with three laps to go via a daring outside pass on Conner Bell. Dennis Cosens III and Caleb Smith pushed hard, but Bryce held firm for his third win of the season. ● Winner’s Words : “I saw the opportunity when the green dropped,” Bryce said, still buzzing in Victory Lane. “Patience paid off. Thanks to Z.A. Trucking, Rail Auto Pros, and my family—this one’s for the troops!” ● Key Moment : The turn-four pile-up reshuffled the deck, but Archuleta’s composure turned chaos into victory. ● Top 5 : Bryce Archuleta, Dennis Cosens III, Caleb Smith, Jayden Collins, Chris Spear. Hulsey Racing Legends: Aydan Saunders’ Charge Through the Pack

The Legends rolled out next for a 15-lap thriller that had the crowd on edge. Aydan Saunders, starting 9th, turned adversity into art, climbing to the lead with a breathtaking slide job on Kale Riggs in turn two with two laps left. Riggs fought back valiantly, finishing second, while Eric LaCroix snagged third from 12th. Early leader Nicolas Salazar faded to 9th after a lap-traffic stumble, but Saunders’ precision stole the show. ● Winner’s Words : “The car was dialed,” Saunders beamed. “I knew I had something for Kale. Thanks to ProTech Fire Supply and all the service members—this win’s for you!” ● Key Moment : Saunders’ crossover move on Riggs was a dirt track masterpiece, sealing his third win of 2025. ● Top 5 : Aydan Saunders, Kale Riggs, Eric LaCroix, Rob Moseley, Josh Jackson. Sunset Grill POWRi 360 Non-Winged Sprint Cars: Caleb Stelzig’s Underdog Upset The 360 Non-Winged Sprint Cars took flight in a 20-lap stunner, and Caleb Stelzig delivered a Cinderella story for the ages. Running a 305 motor against the bigger 360s, he started 3rd and rocketed to the lead by lap two. Michael Fanelli and Colt Treharn gave chase, but Stelzig’s lap-traffic mastery—threading the needle on lap 15—left them in the dust. It was a triumph of heart over horsepower. ● Winner’s Words : “We threw in the 305 after blowing our 360 last week,” Stelzig laughed. “It worked! Thanks to JB Henderson Construction and the troops—your grit inspires us!” ● Key Moment : Stelzig’s early pass on Robert Herrera set the tone, but his traffic dance was the knockout punch. ● Top 5 : Caleb Stelzig, Michael Fanelli, Colt Treharn, JR Bonesteel, Robert Herrera. Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars: Hunter Sandy’s Desert Duel The Stock Cars brought 20 laps of pure Vado grit, with Hunter Sandy emerging victorious after a dogfight from 8th. Josh Cain was the night’s charger, storming from 19th to 3rd, but Sandy’s lap-seven pass on Jonathan Burton sealed the deal. Cain’s late surge kept it close, edging out Devon Jobin by a nose for the podium. ● Winner’s Words : “Josh came out of nowhere,” Sandy said, sweat-soaked. “We held on. Thanks to my crew and the service members—your fight keeps us going!” ● Key Moment : Cain’s three-wide move on laps 12-13 was electric, but Sandy’s steady lead held firm. ● Top 5 : Hunter Sandy, Josh Cain, Devon Jobin, Devan Smith, Jonathan Burton.

Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds: Jake Gallardo’s Dominant Drive The night closed with a 25-lap Modifieds masterpiece, as Jake Gallardo turned 16th into 1st with a clinic in precision. A yellow reshuffle put him up front, and he never looked back, fending off Jay Rosales’ late charge. Fito Gallardo, Jake’s dad, took third, making it a family podium that had the crowd buzzing. ● Winner’s Words : “The new setup clicked,” Jake said. “Thanks to my dad, my crew, and all the service members—your sacrifice fuels us!” ● Key Moment : Jake’s outside pass on Rosales with five to go was pure thunder, cementing his mid-season tear. ● Top 5 : Jake Gallardo, Jay Rosales, Fito Gallardo, Josh Cain, Austin Adams. A Night That Echoed Beyond the Track Military Appreciation Night was more than racing—it was a tribute to courage. From the pre-race salute to the checkered flags, Vado Speedway Park honored our heroes with action that matched their valor. Bryce Archuleta and Josh Cain (13th to 1st and 19th to 3rd) were the night’s hard chargers, while Caleb Stelzig’s upset stole hearts. Were you there, or stuck feeling the sting of missing out? What’s Next : Join us next Saturday, May 24, for more clay-shredding chaos. Gates open at 5 PM, racing at 7:30 PM—tickets are live at VadoSpeedwayPark.com . Catch the replay on RacingDirt.com and share your favorite moments with #VadoHeroes @VadoSpeedwayPark. Thank you, service members—you made this night unforgettable. See you under the lights!