**Vado Speedway Park Raceday Recap: 9/23/23** As the sun set over Vado Speedway Park on the 23rd of September, there was a distinctive change in the air. The night was not like any other – it was topless night! The one time in the year when drivers, by choice, took off the top panels of their cars, revealing a raw and thrilling side of racing. As most drivers participated, the grandstands buzzed with debates: Does going topless affect the car’s dynamics? As the races unfolded, for the victors, the answer was clear. Fall was ushering in, and with it, a slight breeze. No longer was the evening sweltering. Instead, it now had that crisp hint, a reminder that the wheel of time keeps turning. The scent of fall mingled with the unmistakable aroma of burning rubber and gasoline. It’s a time many cherish, the transition from summer to fall, from baseball to football. But here, at Vado Speedway Park, the obsession is racing. Pure, unadulterated, heart-thumping racing. **JohnstoneSupply LasCruces Trucks:** From the get-go, Sherman Barnett took the lead, showcasing his impeccable skills. But it wasn’t an easy ride. Christy Georges-Barnett made significant strides, jumping spots and posing a significant threat, that led to a critical yellow flag unfortunately ending her night. Michael Hartman, Luis Esquivel, and others traded places multiple times, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, in a twist of fate, Hartman faced a heartbreaking breakdown, allowing Esquivel to seize the win. **Anthony Sosa Roofing & Construction Late Models:** The battle was fierce, with Pete Vargas starting off robust. But the star of the race was the hurricane, Josh Cain. Rising from the 7th spot, Cain’s skillful maneuvers and knowledge of the track became evident. With every lap, he widened the gap, showing why he was crowned the Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Model 2023 season champion. Despite a few hiccups, like a crazy flip down the front straight from Walton Kyle Jr., Cain dominated the track and secured his 7th win of the year. **POWRi Sunset Grill 360 Non-Wing Sprint Cars:** The race set off with a fierce battle as Spencer Hill took the lead, his charmander orange 7d7 showcasing a pace that had fans captivated. Dylan Harris, with a recent victory under his belt, wasn’t going to make it easy. As the laps went by, Hill and Harris tussled for the lead, their cars sometimes inches apart. But it was Caleb Stelzig, starting from the 9th position, who created the biggest surprise of the race. After a crucial restart, Stelzig masterfully maneuvered his way, trading places with Hill and Harris in a heart-stopping contest. The aggressive racing between Stelzig and Harris, combined with a last-minute yellow flag, made for a grandstand finish. Stelzig, with sheer determination and skill, managed to clinch his 10th win of the season in what can only be described as a dogfight! **Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Cars:** The evening’s racing kicked off with Kenny McCoy taking the pole. All eyes were on local titans Rob Moseley and Jonathan Burton, who made a thrilling surge from the back. The race was a roller-coaster with McCoy, Reynolds, Bennett, Cain, and Moseley showcasing intense, 3-wide racing for our fans in the stands. Josh Reynolds’s impressive low run showcased his expertise, culminating in a nail-biting finish, winning by just a nose against Mr. Rob Moseley! Well deserved champagne showers on victory lane indeed. **Rancho Milagro USRA Modifieds:** The race was a masterclass in skill and strategy. With Austin Adams and Justin Allen starting strong, the stage was set for an epic showdown. The race saw Cj Hulsey making waves, But the spotlight was on Jake Gallardo, the professor, who displayed a blend of strategy and raw speed. Navigating through tight spots and making overtakes look easy, Gallardo, with sheer brilliance, claimed the night’s ultimate prize. As the engines cooled down and the dust settled, there was a palpable sense of nostalgia. The racing season at Vado Speedway Park is drawing closer to its finale, and every race becomes a cherished memory. Some drivers, like those from the pure stock class who stepped up to the Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Car class, are already adapting, seeking more experience, and prepping for the next chapter. Others might be revisiting their strategies, reflecting on their performance as the season progressed. Outside, the world is enveloped in the spirit of homecomings, football games, and the onset of fall festivities. Doors close, others open, and new adventures beckon. But for the racing community, the heart remains at the track, beating in sync with the revving engines. The obsession continues, and as the leaves turn golden, the love for racing only shines brighter. Thank you, Vado Speedway Park enthusiasts, for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more races and countless memories!
Vado Speedway Park – Topless Night 9/23/23
