A Night of Heroes and Horsepower: Memorial Day Night 1 Recap – May 23, 2025

Under the blazing desert lights of Vado Speedway Park, Night 1 of Memorial Day Weekend roared to life on May 23, 2025, with a sold-out crowd honoring our military heroes. The clay flew, engines screamed, and drivers pushed the limit in a tribute that matched the courage of the service members we celebrated. From teenage phenoms to underdog champs, every class delivered drama that had fans on their feet. Here’s how it unfolded. A Salute Before the Storm The night began with a nod to the brave—active and retired military gathered under the flagstand as Julian’s invocation hushed the crowd, followed by Melanie Trevino’s spine-tingling rendition of the national anthem. “This one’s your victory lap,” I called from the booth, and the cheers drowned out the idling engines. Then, the green flag waved, and the desert erupted into a battlefield of speed. Johnstone Supply Super Trucks: Christy Barnett’s Back-to-Front Blitz The Super Trucks kicked off the chaos with a 15-lap brawl. Christy Barnett, the “Fastest Woman on Dirt,” started eighth but turned the tacky track into her stage. Early spins—like Scott Sullivan’s turn-two tumble—shuffled the pack, but Barnett danced through the mess. By lap 12, she was wheel-to-wheel with Luis Esquivel, snatching the lead with a bold outside move as the white flag flew. Winner’s Words: “Starting at the back makes you sharper,” Christy said, grinning in Victory Lane. “The track was slick, but I found my line. Thanks to Sherm, my crew, and every service member—this win’s for you!” Key Moment: Barnett’s late-race pass on Esquivel was a dirt track clinic, proving why she’s a two-time champ. Top 5: Christy Barnett, Luis Esquivel, Sherman Barnett, Cliff Evrage, Scott Kinney. Hulsey Racing Legends: Cale Riggs’ Photo-Finish Glory

The Legends rolled out for a 15-lap heart-stopper, ending in a finish so close we held our breath. Cale Riggs started fifth and methodically climbed, battling Josh Jackson in a duel that peaked on the final lap. Jackson’s slide job fell short as Riggs crossed back, winning by a nose in a photo finish that lit up the stands. Winner’s Words: “Josh was coming hard,” Cale said, still catching his breath. “I held the bottom. Thanks to my family and all the troops—your grit inspires us!” Key Moment: Riggs’ last-turn crossover on Jackson was pure Vado magic, snapping his win drought. Top 5: Cale Riggs, Josh Jackson, Allen Gutierrez, Eric LaCroix, Aydan Saunders. Desert Series 360 Winged Sprint Cars: Aydan Saunders’ Teenage Takeover The 360 Winged Sprint Cars soared through a 25-lap epic, and 15-year-old Aydan Saunders stole the show. Starting fourth, he seized the lead by lap five, weaving through lap traffic like a seasoned pro. A late caution for Elijah Gile’s breakdown bunched the field, but Saunders fended off Ryder McCutcheon and Tuesday Calderwood to claim his first win of the season. Winner’s Words: “The car was on rails,” Aydan beamed. “I had something for the vets. Thanks to my crew, family, and every service member—this one’s yours!” Key Moment: Saunders’ early pass on Gile and lap-traffic mastery turned a dogfight into a breakout victory. Top 5: Aydan Saunders, Ryder McCutcheon, Tuesday Calderwood, Caleb Saiz, Lorne Wofford. Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models: Arturo Ordonez Outduels the Perez Clan The Late Models brought 15 laps of precision and power, with Arturo Ordonez proving untouchable. Starting on the pole, he held off Keko and Oscar Perez, who swapped paint in a fierce family feud. A late caution for Eric McNutt’s spin set up a one-lap dash, but Ordonez’s bottom-line defense sealed the deal. Winner’s Words: “Lorne likes the top, but I owned the bottom,” Arturo said. “Great racing. Thanks to the fans, my crew, and the troops—you keep us going!” Key Moment: Ordonez’s restart poise shut down the Perez charge, showing why he’s a Vado legend.

Top 5: Arturo Ordonez, Oscar Perez, Keko Perez, Luke Solis, Brandon Cruse. Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods: Donavon Flores’ Desert Domination The B-Mods capped the night with a 25-lap thriller, as Donavon Flores turned eighth into first with relentless drive. A mid-race yellow reshuffled the field, and Flores pounced, edging out Hunter Sandy’s late surge. Rob Moseley’s climb from 14th to third was the sleeper story of the night. Winner’s Words: “The setup was perfect,” Donavon said. “Thanks to my crew, family, and all the service members—your sacrifice fuels us!” Key Moment: Flores’ outside pass on Sandy with five to go was a thunderous clincher, marking his hot streak. Top 5: Donavon Flores, Hunter Sandy, Rob Moseley, Peyton Gallardo, Israel Ortega. A Night of Valor and Victory Memorial Day Night 1 was a salute to heroes—on the track and in the stands. Christy Barnett and Rob Moseley (8th to 1st and 14th to 3rd) were the night’s hard chargers, while Aydan Saunders’ upset had the crowd roaring. The military tribute ran deep, with every driver dedicating their runs to the service members who inspire us all. Were you there, or stuck wishing you’d seen it live? What’s Next: Night 2 hits May 24—bring the family for racing and the Gunnysack Race Finals. Gates open at 5 PM, racing at 7:30 PM. Tickets are live at VadoSpeedwayPark.com—don’t miss out! Catch the Night 1 replay on RacingDirt.com and share your highlights with #VadoHeroes @VadoSpeedwayPark. This recap’s got the grit, gratitude, and glory of Night 1 locked in—let’s keep the momentum roaring into Night