A Night of Heroes and Horsepower: Memorial Day Night 2 Recap – May 24, 2025

Under the blazing desert lights of Vado Speedway Park, Night 2 of Memorial Day Weekend roared to life on May 24, 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 kicked off with a heartfelt 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. A moment of silence honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, setting a tone of gratitude before 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 launched the chaos with a 15-lap brawl that showcased Christy Barnett’s brilliance. Starting ninth, the “Fastest Woman on Dirt” turned a 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 grinned 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, Jaden Manicki Gallivan, Luis Esquivel, Jeremy DuBois, Cliff Evrage. Hulsey Racing Legends: Dusty Riggs’ Emotional Victory

The Legends rolled out for a 20-lap heart-stopper that brought tears to the stands. Dusty Riggs started 10th and methodically climbed, battling his son Cale Riggs in a duel that peaked on the final lap. Dusty’s crossover move on Cale was pure Vado magic, snapping his win drought and sending the crowd wild. ● Winner’s Words: “I felt him [Cale] coming,” Dusty said, voice thick with emotion. “It’s been a while, but tonight was mine. Thanks to my family and all the troops—your grit inspires us!” ● Key Moment: Dusty’s last-turn crossover on Cale was a dirt track masterpiece, sealing an emotional triumph. ● Top 5: Dusty Riggs, Jerod Candelaria, C.J. Hulsey, Robert Gayton, Kyle Burnette. 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 eighth, 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 Royal Jones to claim his second win of the weekend. ● 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, Royal Jones, Tuesday Calderwood, Rick Ziehl. Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models: Eric McNutt’s Redemption Run The Late Models brought 15 laps of precision and power, with Eric McNutt proving his mettle. Starting seventh, he charged through the field, snatching the lead from Brandon Cruse on the final lap with a daring inside move that had the crowd roaring. ● Winner’s Words: “I knew I had to make a move,” Eric said, sweat-soaked. “Great racing. Thanks to the fans, my crew, and the troops—you keep us going!” ● Key Moment: McNutt’s final-lap pass on Cruse was a testament to his skill and grit, redeeming an uneven season start. ● Top 5: Eric McNutt, Luke Solis, Oscar Perez, Keko Perez, Arturo Ordonez.

Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods: Josh Cain’s Dominant Drive The B-Mods capped the night with a 25-lap thriller, as Josh Cain turned sixth into first with relentless drive. A mid-race yellow reshuffled the field, and Cain pounced, edging out Fito Gallardo’s late surge. Hunter Sandy’s climb from 11th to third was the sleeper story of the night. ● Winner’s Words: “The setup was perfect,” Josh said, grinning ear to ear. “Thanks to my crew, family, and all the service members—your sacrifice fuels us!” ● Key Moment: Cain’s outside pass on Gallardo with five to go was a thunderous clincher, marking his hot streak. ● Top 5: Josh Cain, Fito Gallardo, Hunter Sandy, Peyton Gallardo, Shane McNutt. A Night of Valor and Victory Memorial Day Night 2 was a salute to heroes—on the track and in the stands. Christy Barnett and Hunter Sandy (9th to 1st and 11th to 3rd) were the night’s hard chargers, while Aydan Saunders’ upset had the crowd buzzing. 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: Join us next Saturday, May 31, for more clay-shredding chaos. Gates open at 5 PM, racing at 7:30 PM. Tickets are live at VadoSpeedwayPark.com—don’t miss out! Catch the Night 2 replay on RacingDirt.com and share your highlights with #VadoHeroes @VadoSpeedwayPark. ● Pharmtrue Plug: Before the next race, swing by Pharmtrue’s Grand Opening & Memorial Day Block Party in downtown Las Cruces, May 24 at 10 AM. Free music, food trucks, and High Horse Cannabis Co.’s bikini budtenders set the vibe. I’ve got 10 free Vado tickets up for grabs—first come, first served! Drivers, bring your cars for pro photos and sponsor meet-and-greets. DM @pharmtrue or call 575-993-5243 to RSVP—spaces are limited! This recap’s got the grit, gratitude, and glory of Night 2 locked in—let’s keep the momentum roaring into the next race. Thank you, service members, for making this unforgettable. See you under the lights!