2025 Winter Meltdown Night #1 Recap

Winter Meltdown Night 1 Recap: Thrills, Drama, and a Cone-Throwing Controversy at Vado Speedway Park (3/14/25)

The 2025 racing season roared to life at Vado Speedway Park on Friday, March 14, with Night 1 of the Winter Meltdown. Despite the chilly New Mexico evening, fans filled the stands, eager to kick off the dirt track season with a bang. Four classes—Hulsey Racing Legends, USRA B-Mods Sponsored by Hacienda Carpet & Tile, Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars, and Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds—delivered a night packed with intense competition, standout performances, and a jaw-dropping moment of drama that will be talked about for weeks. The fast, “hammered down” track set the stage for close racing and a few wild incidents, making this opener a thrilling standalone spectacle as we reflect on it now, Sunday, March 16, with the weekend in the books.

Hulsey Racing Legends: Saunders Starts the Season Strong

The night kicked off with the Hulsey Racing Legends, where Ayden Saunders proved why he’s a name to watch in 2025. Starting from the pole, Saunders faced a fierce challenge from Dusty Riggs right out of the gate. The two battled hard, with Riggs keeping the pressure on lap after lap. Saunders showcased his skill, navigating lap traffic with precision to hold off Riggs and claim the checkered flag in the 20-lap feature, pocketing $250.

Reigning champion Cale Riggs, Dusty’s son, put up a strong fight, charging from sixth to finish second, signaling his intent to defend his title this season. Dusty Riggs rounded out the podium in third, making it a family affair for the Riggs clan. The heat races added extra excitement, with a dramatic moment when Angel Garcia’s car caught fire under the hood. Thankfully, Garcia exited safely, but it set the tone for a night full of surprises.

Ayden Saunders in Victory Lane:

“It’s pretty good to be back. Spring break lined up perfectly with this race, and I’m glad to start the year with a win. The car was a bit tight, but we made it work. Thanks to my dad, my sponsors, and everyone who keeps me racing.”

USRA B-Mods Sponsored by Hacienda Carpet & Tile: Moseley Masters the Field

The USRA B-Mods brought the heat next, with Rob Moseley delivering a clinic in the 25-lap feature. Starting sixth, Moseley methodically carved through the pack, showcasing exceptional skill on a tricky, fast track. By mid-race, he’d taken the lead, fending off challenges from Mike Rosales and Hunter Sandy to secure his seventh win of the season and a $500 payday.

The race wasn’t without its thrills—a three-wide battle between Devin Jobin, Moseley, and Rosales had fans on their feet, highlighting the class’s fierce competition. Sandy finished second, continuing his strong 2025 campaign, while Rosales took third after a hard-fought night. Moseley’s victory was a testament to his team’s preparation and his ability to adapt to the “hammered down” conditions.

Rob Moseley in Victory Lane:

“It’s been an amazing start to the year—seventh win already. The track was real gripped up tonight, but our shocks kept us hooked. Thanks to my team, my sponsors, and the fans braving the cold. Let’s keep this rolling!”

Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars: Cain Conquers Again

Josh “The Hurricane” Cain lived up to his nickname in the Stock Cars’ 20-lap feature, storming from second to claim his 12th win of the season and $500. Starting alongside Eric McNutt, Cain wasted no time, using the entire track to his advantage. A side-by-side battle with Hunter Sandy and Rob Moseley electrified the crowd, but Cain’s strategic prowess shone through as he took the lead and held off all challengers.

Sandy fought hard for second, adding to his impressive record, while McNutt settled for third after a consistent run. The race saw its share of chaos, with multiple cautions—including a spin by Francisco Knight—keeping the field tight. Cain’s victory reinforced his status as a top-tier driver, even with a new car built just days before the event.

Josh Cain in Victory Lane:

“I saw Hunter out there and figured if I used the whole track, it’d be tough for him to pass. This car’s brand new—built it from scratch this week—and it ran great. Thanks to my sponsors, my family, and the track crew for a fun night.”

Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds: Sanders Survives the Chaos

The night’s crown jewel, the Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds’ 25-lap feature, offered a $2,000 prize and delivered the wildest moment of all. Rodney Sanders emerged victorious, but the headlines belong to a dramatic clash between Ricardo Olague Jr. and Jimmy Ray. After a collision left Olague’s car parked at the bottom of turn four, frustration boiled over. Olague grabbed a cone and hurled it at Ray, sparking a roar from the crowd and earning himself a black flag as security stepped in. The incident added a fiery layer of controversy to an already intense race.

Sanders, starting third, capitalized on the chaos. Early leader Mark Smith dominated until a late tangle with lap traffic allowed Sanders to pounce, taking the lead with five laps to go. Jake Gallardo, “The Professor,” put on a clinic of his own, charging from 16th to second, nearly stealing the win with a bold inside move on the final lap. Sanders held firm, crossing the line first, while Fito Gallardo finished third, making it a father-son podium finish for the Gallardo family.

Rodney Sanders in Victory Lane:

“We got lucky tonight—traffic helped us out. The car wasn’t perfect, but we hung on. Jake raced me hard and clean; he could’ve dirtied me up, but he didn’t. Thanks to my wife, my team, and all our sponsors for getting us here.”

A Night to Remember

Night 1 of the Winter Meltdown at Vado Speedway Park was a standalone thriller, setting an electrifying tone for the 2025 season. From Saunders’ dominant opener to Moseley’s masterful drive, Cain’s strategic triumph, and Sanders’ chaotic victory—punctuated by Olague’s cone-throwing antics—the event had it all. The fast, hard track challenged drivers and rewarded bold moves, while the fans braved the cold for a show they won’t soon forget.

As we look back from Sunday, March 16, Night 1 stands out as a perfect kickoff to the weekend. With Night 2 in the rearview, the season is off and running, promising more heart-pounding action to come. Catch the next race on RacingDirt.com or join us live at Vado Speedway Park—because if this is how 2025 starts, we’re in for one hell of a ride!