Full Throttle Under the Desert Moon: Vado Speedway Park Recap – May 3, 2025

Full Throttle Under the Desert Moon: Vado Speedway Park Recap – May 3, 2025 Race fans, if you weren’t at Vado Speedway Park on Saturday, May 3, 2025, you missed a night of dirt track racing that’ll echo through the season. Under a glowing desert moon, the clay was tacky, the engines roared, and the drama unfolded across five classes—S.H. Automotive Pure Stocks, Hulsey Racing Legends, White Sands Federal Credit Union POWRi 305 Winged Sprint Cars, Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models, and Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods. From photo finishes to rain delays, here’s your recap of the chaos, champions, and unforgettable moments that lit up the night. S.H. Automotive Pure Stocks: Dawnica Minks Steals the Show The Pure Stocks kicked off the night with a 15-lap showdown that turned into a family affair with a twist of fate. Bryce Archuleta, chasing a hat trick after back-to-back wins, charged from 11th with the grit of a sprint car dreamer. But it was Dawnica Minks who emerged victorious, navigating lap traffic and a late-race tangle to claim her first win of 2025. ● Winner’s Words: “It was crazy,” Dawnica said in Victory Lane, still buzzing. “Bryce was coming, but when they [Irvin and Smith] went into each other, I saw my shot. Thanks to Jimmy Ray, Justin Allen, Zach McCoy, and Royal Jones for getting us back after last week’s wreck!” ● Key Moment: With two laps to go, leaders Carlos Irvin and Caleb Smith collided in turn three, opening the door for Dawnica to pounce. Bryce’s epic climb to second (up nine spots!) and Kristen Denman’s steady third rounded out a podium full of heart. ● Why It Matters: The Minks-Archuleta rivalry is heating up—Dawnica’s win after a hectic week of repairs (and nearly a concussion) proves she’s a force. Missed it? Don’t let shame keep you away next time. Top 5: Dawnica Minks, Bryce Archuleta, Kristen Denman, Sterling Patterson, David Males. Hulsey Racing Legends: Cale Riggs Snaps the Streak The Legends brought 15 laps of pure adrenaline, culminating in a photo finish that had fans screaming. Allen Gutierrez, gunning for his fourth straight win from 10th, met his match in reigning champ Cale Riggs, who started eighth and clawed to the front with surgical precision. ● Winner’s Words: “I felt him [Gutierrez] coming,” Cale grinned. “It’s been a while, but tonight was mine. Thanks to my dad, mom, grandparents, Border International, and MVT!”

● Key Moment: With one lap left, Gutierrez dove low, but Riggs held the bottom, crossing the line by a nose in a finish so tight it needed a replay. Allen settled for second, Josh Jackson took third, and the crowd got a classic Vado moment. ● Why It Matters: Cale’s first win of the season breaks Allen’s streak and reignites a rivalry that’ll keep the Legends class buzzing. Envy those who saw it live? Grab your tickets for the rematch. Top 5: Cale Riggs, Allen Gutierrez, Josh Jackson, Angel Garcia, Eric LaCroix. White Sands Federal Credit Union POWRi 305 Winged Sprint Cars: Royal Jones Rules The 305 Winged Sprint Cars delivered 25 laps of high-speed mastery, with track owner Royal Jones proving why he’s a legend. Starting on the pole after a redraw, he fended off Lorne Wofford and a charging Aydan Saunders, who climbed from seventh to third. ● Winner’s Words: “I like the bottom—Lorne likes the top, but it was too dirty,” Royal said. “Great start, great racing. Thanks to the fans, my crew, and MVT—and a nod to James Salopek and Fred S., who we lost this week.” ● Key Moment: Jones took the lead by lap two, managing lap traffic with veteran poise as rain loomed. Wofford held second, but Saunders’ late surge made it a podium to remember. ● Why It Matters: Royal’s win was a statement, and Aydan’s rise hints at a future champ. Fear missing the next sprint car thriller? Secure your seat now. Top 5: Royal Jones, Lorne Wofford, Aydan Saunders, Diego Alvarado, Robert Herrera. Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models & Hacienda Carpet & Tile USRA B-Mods: Rain Delays the Drama Mother Nature threw a curveball, halting the Late Models and B-Mods before their A Features could crown a winner. The track crew battled the sprinkles, but the night ended with anticipation hanging thick in the air. ● Key Moment: The rain delay cut short Hunter Sandy’s B-Mod streak and the Late Models’ precision battles, leaving fans itching for the rescheduled finishes. ● Why It Matters: The suspense only heightens the stakes—don’t let the pain of missing the conclusion hit you twice. Stay tuned for updates. Intermission: Joe Terrazas, Burrito Bandito

Between the on-track fireworks, the burrito eating contest stole the show. Joe Terrazas clinched the title of “Burrito Bandito,” using water to conquer the tortilla in a sprint to the finish. ● Winner’s Words: “Stay relaxed, use the water,” Joe advised, prize in hand. “The tortilla was tough, but I got it down!” ● Why It Matters: Joe’s quirky victory, complete with a hat, bottle, and T-shirt, showcased Vado’s community spirit. Want in on the next wild intermission? Be here. The Night in Review: Community, Chaos, and Champions May 3 was Vado at its peak—Dawnica Minks outsmarted fate, Cale Riggs edged a titan, and Royal Jones reigned supreme. The rain added a twist, but the passion of the drivers, staff, and fans shone through. Julian’s invocation, Isabella from ABC Seven waving the first green flag, and a stirring national anthem set the tone for a night of desert magic. ● Standout Performers: Bryce Archuleta (11th to 2nd in Pure Stocks) and Aydan Saunders (7th to 3rd in Sprints) were the hard chargers, while Jones and Riggs showed championship mettle. ● What’s Next: Don’t let envy keep you away—join us for Mother’s Day weekend on May 10. Bring your mom for racing and roses, and catch the rescheduled Late Models and B-Mods. Gates open at 5 PM, racing at 7:30 PM. Tickets are live at VadoSpeedwayPark.com—grab yours now or face the regret. Relive the Action & Join the Buzz Missed the thrill? Catch the replay on RacingDirt.com and see why Vado’s the heart of dirt track racing. Share your favorite moment @VadoSpeedwayPark and let’s keep the excitement alive. It’s not your fault life’s been busy—you deserve this. We’re here to deliver it. See you under the lights!