📝Vado Speedway Park Post-Race Recap – August 10th, 2024
Race fans, what a night it was at our Diamond in the Desert, Vado Speedway Park! August 10th marked another thrilling evening of dirt track racing, packed with action, drama, and incredible performances from start to finish. As we continue to celebrate our fifth anniversary season, this mid-season showdown delivered everything we’ve come to expect from the heart of New Mexico’s racing community.
From the S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks to the highly anticipated Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds, the competition was fierce, and the storylines were compelling. With 97 cars in the pits, the stage was set for a night of unforgettable racing. Whether it was Cory Stone‘s quest to go back-to-back in Pure Stocks or the intense battle between top Modified drivers, the action on the track kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned as we dive into the highlights and key moments that defined this incredible night of racing!
🏁S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks: A Heart-Stopping Finish
The Pure Stocks kicked off the night with an action-packed 20-lap feature that had fans on the edge of their seats. It was a rollercoaster from the start, with David Garcia Jr. making a remarkable charge from 22nd on the grid to finish 2nd, demonstrating why he’s one of the most consistent drivers out there. But it was Jimmy Skoog, starting from the 9th position, who stole the show. Skoog navigated through the chaos, holding off all challengers to take the checkered flag by the slimmest of margins—just 0.02 seconds ahead of Garcia. The race was a true testament to the unpredictability and excitement of Pure Stock racing!
🏎️Hulsey Racing Legends: Saunders’ Dominant Drive
Next up were the Legends, and boy, did they deliver a race to remember! Aydan Saunders, starting from 12th, powered his way through the field, eventually claiming victory in a dominant fashion. Saunders, fresh off a stint on the West Coast Sprint Car Tour, showed his versatility by conquering the field at Vado. After three intense weeks in California racing 360s, Aydan’s experience clearly paid off as he dominated the competition. He’s now looking forward to showcasing what he can do in a Sprint car here at Vado, especially with the big 360 show coming up on Labor Day. Despite a dramatic red flag for Travis Coffey’s flip, the race resumed with Saunders uncatchable out front, while Allen Gutierrez and Rj Garay battled hard for the remaining podium spots. Saunders’ win was a fitting send-off before he heads back to college, adding another trophy to his growing collection.
🚨Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models: The McNutts Steal the Show
The Late Models brought the thunder, with Shane McNutt emerging victorious after a tough battle. Originally, it looked like Xavier Ortega had the win in the bag, but post-race inspection saw him DQ’d for a droop rule violation, handing the victory to Shane. Shane and his father, Eric, provided a masterclass in Late Model racing, with the duo finishing 1st and 2nd, respectively, and Walton Kyle rounding out the “McNutt Family Tree” top three podium finish. The race had its fair share of drama, especially with Keko Pérez’s wild night, but in the end, it was the McNutts who took home the glory.
🌪️Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars: The Hurricane Strikes Again
The Stock Cars were up next, and it was the Hurricane, Josh Cain, who blew through the competition yet again! Starting from 9th, Cain methodically worked his way to the front, eventually passing early leader Sherman Barnett and never looking back. Cain’s 8th win of the season in the Stock Car class was nothing short of dominant, showcasing his incredible consistency and skill. Rob Moseley and Sherman Barnett completed the podium after a hard-fought battle, but this night belonged to Cain, who continues to assert his dominance at Vado Speedway Park as he prepares for the USRA Nationals.
🏆Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds: Jake Gallardo‘s Late-Race Brilliance
The night belonged to Jake Gallardo, who made a brilliant late-race move to pass Jammin’ Jimmy Ray for the win. Starting 8th, Jake patiently worked his way through the field, ultimately taking the lead with a skillful pass in the final laps, securing his sixth victory of the season and solidifying his top spot in the points standings. Nick Rivera finished third after starting ninth, while Fito Gallardo climbed from 11th to finish fourth. In Victory Lane, Jake credited his team for overcoming mid-season challenges and acknowledged the crucial role late-race cautions played in his climb to the front.
🔚Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember at Vado Speedway Park
Last night was everything we love about dirt track racing—fast cars, fearless drivers, and a community of fans that make Vado Speedway Park the place to be on a Saturday night. Each class brought its own brand of excitement, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this incredible racing family.
As we look ahead, remember that the action doesn’t stop here. We’ve got more thrilling races coming up, and I can’t wait to see you all back at the track. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there’s nothing quite like the roar of the engines and the thrill of the chase at Vado Speedway Park.
Until next time, keep the pedal to the metal, and I’ll see you at the races!
– Dr. Joaquin Acosta, CEO of Pharmtrue and Color Commentator at Vado Speedway Park
