Post-Race Recap for Vado Speedway Park: 8/24/24Wow, race fans! What an unforgettable evening we experienced here at Vado Speedway Park last night for Kids Bike Night! From the moment the gates opened, you could feel the energy in the air—kids buzzing with excitement ready to claim their brand new bikes, and the anticipation building as drivers revved their engines for a night of high-octane action on the dirt. The roar of the crowd, the smell of fresh dirt, and the sight of those 360 non-wing sprints rolling onto the track set the stage for what would become a night filled with intense battles, dramatic twists, and unforgettable moments. This wasn’t just a race—it was an event that showcased the passion, skill, and heart of everyone involved. Let’s dive into the storylines that made this night truly one for the books!
Johnstone Supply Super Trucks: Hartman’s MasterclassThe Super Trucks kicked off the night’s main events, and what a start it was! Michael “The Burning Man” Hartman, starting from the outside of row three, showed why he’s the season points leader. Hartman methodically worked his way through the field, making daring passes and capitalizing on every opportunity. The battle between Hartman and Christy Barnett was the highlight, with Barnett pushing Hartman hard but ultimately falling just short. Hartman took the checkered flag, securing his fourth win of the season and extending his lead in the points race. Christy, finishing second, proved once again that she’s a force to be reckoned with, closing the gap in the season standings. It was a clean, hard-fought race with Hartman’s determination and skill shining through.
The Stock Cars brought the heat, with Rob Moseley and Josh Cain putting on a clinic in racecraft. Starting from the third row, Moseley powered his way to the front, engaging in a thrilling back-and-forth with Cain. The two battled door-to-door for several laps, with Cain trying every trick in the book to get around Moseley. But Moseley’s defensive driving was flawless, and he managed to hold off Cain for the win. Hunter “Hunt the Front” Sandy, making his season debut, made a strong impression by clawing his way from ninth to a solid third-place finish. It was a race filled with close calls, strategic positioning, and high drama, particularly when Cain almost pulled off the pass of the night, only for Moseley to shut the door at the last moment.
In the 360 Non-Winged Sprints, Donkey Don Grable finally had his day. After a season filled with ups and downs, Grable dominated from the start, showing exceptional control and speed on a tricky track. The race was not without its challenges, with several cautions and a spectacular flip from Tyler Beiter bringing out the red flag. But Grable kept his cool, executing perfect restarts and keeping Michael Fanelli Motorsports and the hard-charging Dylan Harris Racing at bay. Harris, who made his way from 12th to 5th, provided some of the best high-side action of the night, but it was Grable who took home the victory, marking his first win of the season at Vado Speedway Park. Grable’s post-race celebration was a testament to his hard-fought victory and his determination to finally come out on top.
Anthony Sosa Roofing & Construction Late Models: McNutt’s Birthday SurpriseThe Late Models race saw high drama both on and off the track. Arturo Ordonez started strong, leading the pack and navigating lap traffic like a seasoned pro. But as the race wound down, it was the McNutt family who stole the show. Eric McNutt, racing on his birthday, was poised to take a solid second-place finish when disaster struck on the final lap—his car broke in turn four, allowing his son Shane McNutt to capitalize and steal second place. Ordonez crossed the line first, but post-race tech inspection resulted in a DQ, handing the win to Shane McNutt. It was a dramatic end to a race that saw great battles throughout the field, especially with Brandon Cruse and Aaron Cordova fighting for every position.
The Modifieds closed out the night with a 25-lap thriller that had the fans on their feet. Carlos Ahumada Jr. was the man to beat, showing his USMTS experience by making precise moves and handling lap traffic with ease. Starting from sixth, Ahumada Jr. methodically picked off competitors, eventually taking the lead from Christy Barnett, who had been having an exceptional run until a spin in turn four ended her hopes for victory. Nick Rivera also had a night of mixed fortunes—strong early on, but contact with Fito Gallardo led to a dramatic multi-car pileup that ended his race. In the end, it was Ahumada Jr. who cruised to victory, with Royal Jones and Jake Gallardo rounding out the podium. Ahumada Jr.’s performance was a masterclass in Modified racing, showcasing why he’s one of the top drivers in the region.
Final Thoughts:
From start to finish, the 8/24/24 race night at Vado Speedway Park was a rollercoaster of emotions, thrilling battles, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was the intense rivalry between Hartman and Barnett, the defensive masterclass by Moseley, or the breakthrough victory for Grable, every race had its own unique storyline that captivated the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, and as always, the fans brought their A-game, creating an unforgettable night of dirt track racing.
Thank you to all the fans, drivers, and staff who made this night possible. And remember, we’re back next weekend with the POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series doubleheader you won’t want to miss. See you at the track, race fans!
– Dr. Joaquin Acosta, CEO of Pharmtrue and Color Commentator at Vado Speedway Park
