📝Post-Race Recap: A Memorable Meet the Drivers Night 1 at Vado Speedway Park – 7/20/24
What an unforgettable evening we had at Vado Speedway Park on July 20th, 2024! Meet the Drivers Night 1 was a smashing success, filled with thrilling races, heartfelt moments, and an atmosphere that was electric from start to finish. With 94 drivers across 5 classes, fans had the unique opportunity to meet their racing heroes, collect hero cards, goodies, and even school supplies, making memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into the highlights and key storylines from this remarkable night of racing.
🚙S. H. Automotive Pure Stocks:
The pure stock feature was a wild affair. James Skoog initially crossed the finish line first, but due to mechanical issues and subsequent disqualification for not going through tech inspection, the win was awarded to Jeffrey Maag Jr., who started 10th. Carlos Irvin, starting 12th, and Bryce Archuleta, starting 15th, completed the top three, showcasing the depth of talent in this division.
Jeffrey Maag Jr.’s drive to victory was marked by strategic overtakes and consistent lap times. The chaotic nature of the race, with spins and close calls, added to the excitement, making his win even more impressive. The pure stock division never fails to deliver high-octane action, and this race was no exception.
🛻Johnstone Supply Super Trucks:
Devan Smith, starting from the outside pole, put on a stellar performance to take the win in the super truck feature. Scott Scott D Kinney, starting 4th, finished a strong second, with Luis Esquivel, starting 6th, claiming third.
Smith’s victory was a story of perseverance and skill. Throughout the season, he had faced numerous challenges, but on this night, everything came together perfectly. His emotional celebration in victory lane, surrounded by family and friends, was a touching moment that captured the spirit of racing at Vado Speedway Park.
🚀POWRi Jackson Compaction 305 Winged Sprint Cars:
Mike Archuleta led from the pole position to secure a dominant win in the sprint car feature. Derek DeMartino, starting 7th, made a significant push to finish second, while Dan Blaeser, starting 5th, rounded out the top three.
Archuleta’s win was particularly special, following in the footsteps of his son, who won the previous week for the first time ever as a 14 year old in the pure stock class. His flawless drive from start to finish demonstrated his mastery of the sprint car, providing a thrilling spectacle for the fans. Losing was not an option for Mike Archuleta last night and it showed. The father-son duo’s back-to-back victories were a heartwarming highlight of the evening.
🚘Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars:
The stock car feature was a rollercoaster of excitement. Starting from 11th, Josh Cain, aka “The Hurricane,” showcased his incredible skill by weaving through the field to clinch victory. Rob Moseley, who started 12th, followed closely behind, finishing second. Bryan Bryan Shannon Bennett, starting 14th, rounded out the top three with an impressive drive.
Josh Cain’s confident maneuvers and relentless pace were the talk of the night. His ability to navigate through traffic and maintain composure under pressure was truly remarkable. The battle for the lead was intense, with “The Hurricane” ultimately prevailing, adding yet another win to his storied career on his newly wrapped stock car. Fans were treated to a masterclass in stock car racing, highlighting why Cain is a force to be reckoned with.
🏎️USRA B-Mods Sponsored by Hacienda Carpet and Tile:
Greg Gorham delivered a standout performance in the B-Mods feature, moving up from his 5th starting position to take the checkered flag. Christy Georges-Barnett, starting 7th, put up a valiant fight and finished second. Fito Gallardo, coming from 13th, showed his resilience by securing the third spot on the podium.
Gorham’s journey to victory was filled with drama and determination. Early on, he faced stiff competition working to get around Cheyenna Yates, who had a strong run going for most of the race, but his persistence paid off as he made strategic moves to gain the lead. His emotional victory was two years in the making, and he savored every moment, giving nods to both Cheyenna and Christy Georges-Barnett for their competitive spirit. This win was a testament to Gorham’s hard work and the support of his family and friends, making it a moment of pure elation for everyone involved.
💝Conclusion
Meet the Drivers Night 1 at Vado Speedway Park was a resounding success, providing fans with unforgettable moments and exhilarating racing. The opportunity to interact with drivers, collect hero cards, and enjoy a night of top-tier racing made it a truly special event. As we look forward to Meet the Drivers Night 2, the memories from this night will undoubtedly linger, fueling the excitement for what’s to come.
Thank you to all the drivers, fans, and sponsors who made this night possible. Your support and enthusiasm are what make Vado Speedway Park the premier racing venue it is. Until next time, keep the engines roaring and the excitement high!
For more updates and highlights, follow us on Facebook at Vado Speedway Park.
Dr. Joaquin Acosta, CEO of Pharmtrue and Color Commentator at Vado Speedway Park