A Night of Unforgettable Thrills and Victory Lane Celebrations
Race fans, what a night we had at the beautiful diamond in the desert, Vado Speedway Park! Under the perfect clear skies of New Mexico, we witnessed a spectacular evening of dirt track racing that had everything from thrilling overtakes to emotional victories. Let’s dive into the action-packed events that made June 1, 2024, a night to remember.
Before the engines roared to life, we set the stage for an unforgettable night. The atmosphere was electric as the stands filled with eager fans, all buzzing with anticipation. Without a full moon to light up the desert, it was the perfect setting for an exciting change in our usual lineup. Starting with the S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks, moving to the Hacienda Carpet and Tile USRA B-Mods, followed by the POWRi Jackson Compaction 305 Winged Sprint Cars, the Johnstone Supply Super Trucks, and finally, wrapping up with the Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars. The anticipation of how the track conditions would evolve kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
The pre-race show was brimming with excitement as we revisited some of the recent highlights and storylines that had been capturing everyone’s attention. Caleb Saiz’s incredible performance during the Memorial Double Header was still fresh in our minds, as he became the winningest driver in the POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series, taking home a whopping $3,500. And who could forget Josh Cain, the “Hurricane,” who swept the Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models and the USRA B-Mods, securing three out of four wins that weekend. It was a testament to the high level of competition and the sheer determination of our drivers.
As the sun set, the racing began with a roar. Here’s a closer look at the night’s feature races:
S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks
The night kicked off with the SH Automotive Pure Stocks, where Patrick Beach in the X1 started strong from the pole position. The race saw several intense moments, including a dramatic battle between Beach and David Garcia Jr. Garcia Jr., who was on a quest for his sixth consecutive win, showed incredible skill as he moved up from his 12th starting position to challenge Beach. However, Beach held his line and kept his cool under pressure, ultimately breaking Garcia Jr.’s winning streak.
A significant moment occurred when the fearless Kristen Denman spun out, causing a series of incidents that shuffled the positions behind the leaders. Despite multiple cautions and fierce competition, Beach maintained his lead and crossed the finish line first, earning a well-deserved victory. This win was particularly emotional for Beach, who thanked his family and supporters in Victory Lane, sharing the challenges he overcame to get back on top.
USRA B-Mods Sponsored by Hacienda Carpet and Tile
The USRA B-Mods feature race was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Donavon Flores, starting from the seventh position, showcased why he is the reigning season champion. The race saw intense battles and several yellow flags, including a significant incident that involved multiple cars.
Flores demonstrated remarkable driving skills, navigating through the chaos and steadily moving up the ranks. He eventually took the lead and managed to hold off all challengers, including a persistent Mike Rosales and a hard-charging Fito Gallardo. Flores’s victory was a testament to his consistency and strategic driving. In Victory Lane, Flores modestly mentioned that this season is more about fine-tuning the car and preparing for future challenges in his A-mod, despite being second in points.
POWRi Jackson Compaction 305 Winged Sprint Cars
Lorne Wofford dominated the POWRi Jackson Compaction 305 Winged Sprint Cars feature from the get-go. Starting on the pole, Wofford quickly found the rubber and set a blistering pace. Dylan Harris, starting from the fifth position, put up a valiant effort, making his way to second and trying to reel in Wofford.
However, Wofford’s experience and track knowledge paid off as he navigated through lap traffic seamlessly and maintained his lead. Despite a late surge from Harris, Wofford took the checkered flag, much to the delight of his fans. In Victory Lane, Wofford expressed his relief and joy, especially after a tough outing the previous weekend. He credited his team and new sponsor, Freedom Flight, for their support.
Johnstone Supply Super Trucks
The Johnstone Supply Super Trucks feature was a dramatic showdown, highlighted by a fiery incident involving Shane McNutt. Michael Hartman in the B52 and Luis Esquivel in the 7 put on a spectacular show, battling door-to-door for the lead. Esquivel, finding the bottom line to his advantage, managed to edge out Hartman and secure his first win of the season.
Esquivel’s victory was a result of smart driving and seizing opportunities as they presented themselves. In Victory Lane, he expressed his gratitude to his family and supporters, highlighting the adjustments made to the truck after the heat race that paid off in the main event.
Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars
The final feature of the night, the Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars, was the cherry on top. The race saw Josh Cain, “The Hurricane,” and his best friend and friendly rival Rob Moseley, starting from mid-pack positions, making their way to the front in a thrilling display of driving prowess. Cain, known for his versatility across different racing classes, found his groove and took the lead with just a few laps to go.
The battle between Cain and Moseley was intense, with both drivers showcasing their skills in navigating the dry slick track. Cain held off Moseley to take the win, marking his fourth victory in two weeks across three different classes. In Victory Lane, Cain was full of praise for his team and supporters, emphasizing the importance of having well-prepared cars and the right mindset.
As we wrap up this exhilarating night, we look forward to more racing action next week. Join us on June 8th for Military Appreciation Night, where all active and retired military members can enjoy the races for just $5. The action continues with the Hulsey Racing Legends, Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars, S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks, Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models, and Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds. Gates open at 5 PM, and racing starts at 7:30 PM.
Thank you, race fans, for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Let’s keep the spirit of racing alive and thriving at Vado Speedway Park. See you next week!
Warm regards,
Dr. Joaquin Acosta
