📝Labor Day Night 2- POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series Recap: “A Night of Unrelenting Drama at Vado Speedway Park”
On Saturday, August 31st, 2024, Vado Speedway Park became the epicenter of dirt track racing excitement, hosting a night that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. The second night of the Labor Day POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series was a spectacle of intense battles, high-stakes drama, and heart-stopping moments worth every penny. This evening encapsulated everything that makes dirt track racing one of the most thrilling sports on the planet, highlighting the guts, grit, and sheer will of every driver who took to the track.
Hulsey Racing Legends Race Recap: “Josh Jackson’s Triumphant Return Amidst a Night of High Drama”
The Hulsey Racing Legends A-Feature was a masterclass in racing drama. Albuquerque’s own Josh Jackson, starting from the third position, displayed a determination and skill that had been absent in his racing for the past two years. As the race unfolded, Jackson found himself in a fierce battle with early leader Jacob Masterson. The intensity of the night was amplified when Masterson was black-flagged after a controversial incident, paving the way for a showdown between Jackson and the hard-charging Aydan Saunders, who had impressively surged through the field from the back.
In the race’s final laps, Saunders made a bold attempt to overtake Jackson, but a late caution nullified the pass. Jackson, with nerves of steel, held on in a nail-biting finish to secure his triumphant return to Rio Grande Waste Services Victory Lane. This race was a perfect showcase of the grit and excitement that defines Vado Speedway Park.
Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Car Recap: “The Hurricane’s Perfect Storm”
The Extreme Landscaping USRA Stock Car A-Feature was a race for the history books at Vado Speedway Park. With 24 of the fiercest competitors from across the region taking to the track, the night promised to inject high-octane action right into our veins—and it did not disappoint. From the drop of the green flag, the intensity was literally palpable as drivers jostled for position, and it quickly became apparent that this was going to be a battle of endurance, strategy, and sheer will.
In a race defined by strategy and perseverance, The Hurricaine, Josh Cain delivered one of the season’s standout performances. Starting from the 15th position, Cain methodically carved his way through the field, seizing every opportunity with precision. The race, chaotic from the start with multiple cautions, saw Cain remain unfazed, eventually finding himself locked in a thrilling duel with Devon Jobin for the lead.
As the laps wound down, Cain executed a flawless slide job to wrest the lead from Jobin, defending his position with the expertise and tenacity that has earned him his nickname. Cain’s victory, his 10th of the season, was the perfect cap to a Labor Day weekend sweep, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the division with USRA Nationals in his sights.
POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series Recap: “A Showdown for the Ages: The Heartbreak and Brilliance of Aydan Saunders at Vado Speedway Park”
Saturday night’s POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series main event was a showcase of raw talent, high-octane drama, and the unpredictable nature of dirt track racing. With a packed house and an electrifying atmosphere, the night was set for something special. And while Jt Imperial ultimately claimed the victory, the story of the night revolved around the fearless and near-flawless performance of rookie sensation Aydan Saunders.
The Calm Before the Storm
As the cars lined up for the main event, anticipation buzzed through the stands. Veteran drivers like Wes Wofford and series points leader Jt Imperial were expected to dominate, but all eyes were on Saunders, the rookie who had nearly stolen the show the previous night. Starting from the second row, Saunders had already proven he had the speed, skill, and fearlessness to run with the best.
Lap 1 to 10: The Young Gun Takes Control
From the moment the green flag waved, Saunders was a man on a mission. After JT Imperial took the early lead, Saunders quickly made his move, executing a flawless slide job to claim the top spot. Lap after lap, he stretched his lead, running blistering lap times that left his competitors struggling to keep pace. Saunders was not just leading; he was dominating, navigating the track with a precision and power that belied his rookie status.
Lap 11 to 20: A Masterclass in Sprint Car Racing
As the race continued, Saunders showcased a masterclass in sprint car racing. Even as he navigated through lap traffic, he did so with the ease of a seasoned veteran. Behind him, Mccutcheon and Imperial battled for position, but neither could match Saunders’ pace. The crowd could sense they were witnessing something special—a young driver on the brink of his first 360 Wing Sprint Car victory.
The Final Laps: Triumph and Tragedy
However, the unpredictability of dirt track racing reared its head in the final laps. Saunders, who had led so dominantly, suddenly found his car slowing down. The cause? A cruel twist of fate—he had run out of fuel. As his car clipped the wall, McCutcheon seized the moment, but in the ensuing chaos, JT Imperial swept past both Saunders and McCutcheon to steal the victory on the final lap. It was a dramatic, heart-wrenching end to a race that had seemed all but won for Saunders.
Victory Lane: Jt Imperial’s Opportunistic Win
As Imperial took the checkered flag, the crowd erupted. His victory was a testament to the relentless unpredictability of racing. In Victory Lane, Imperial reflected on the chaotic finish that had played to his advantage. “I saw those two battling up front, and when I saw Aydan slow, I knew I had to go for it,” he said. “It was tough for Aydan—he drove an incredible race. But that’s racing.”
The Heartbreak of Aydan Saunders
For Saunders, the night was a bitter pill to swallow. His performance had been nothing short of brilliant, but to lose a race he had in the bag due to fuel was a harsh lesson in racing’s unforgiving nature. Yet, the outpouring of support from fans and fellow drivers was immediate, recognizing the raw talent and potential that Saunders had displayed.
Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models Recap: “McNutt‘s Redemption and Ortega’s Valiant Battle”
The Anthony Sosa Roofing Late Models A-Feature was a showcase of redemption and determination, with Shane McNutt delivering a standout performance. Starting seventh, McNutt steadily climbed through the field, engaging in a thrilling duel with early leader Xavier Ortega. Despite a race filled with early cautions, McNutt remained focused, ultimately making his move in the final laps to secure a hard-fought victory. Ortega, despite a valiant effort, could not fend off McNutt’s charge, but his performance underscored why he remains one of the division’s top drivers.
Hacienda Carpet and Tile USRA B-Mods Recap: “Gorham‘s Defense and Moseley’s Charge”
The night concluded with a thrilling B-Mods A-Feature, where Greg Gorham successfully defended his lead against a relentless Rob Moseley. Starting sixth, Gorham quickly found himself at the front, but Moseley, starting 13th, charged through the field with surgical precision. Not to be outdone, Hunter Sandy, a rising star in the B-Mods, was making his presence known. Sandy, who had been involved in several intense battles throughout the season, once again found himself in the thick of it. Running high, low, and everywhere in between, Sandy was relentless in his pursuit of the leaders. At one point, he even went three-wide with Gorham and Mosley, trying to find a way to the front.
As the laps wound down, it became clear that this race would be decided by the smallest of margins. Gorham continued to lead, but Moseley was right on his tail, looking for any opening. With just a handful of laps remaining, a caution brought the field back together for a final restart. The tension was palpable as the green flag waved, signaling the last sprint to the finish.
Moseley gave it everything he had, diving low and then soaring high, but Gorham was unshakeable. The two were neck and neck, with Sandy lurking just behind, ready to pounce on any mistake. But as the checkered yellow flew, it was Greg Gorham who emerged victorious, securing his second win of the season in a race that will be remembered for its intensity and high drama.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember at Vado Speedway Park
The second night of the Labor Day POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series at Vado Speedway Park was a showcase of the best in dirt track racing—intense battles, dramatic overtakes, and moments of pure, unrelenting drama. From Josh Jackson’s triumphant return to JT Imperial’s opportunistic victory, and Aydan Saunders’ heartbreaking near-win, the night embodied everything that makes this sport so captivating. As the dust settles, one thing is clear—Vado Speedway Park continues to deliver some of the most thrilling racing in the country, setting the stage for an unforgettable 2024 season.
Don’t forget that the excitement is far from over. More thrilling races are just around the corner, and I can’t wait to see you all back at Vado Speedway Park. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering the thrill of dirt track racing, there’s nothing quite like the roar of the engines and the heart-pounding battles on our track.
Until next time, keep the adrenaline high and your eyes on the finish line. I’ll see you back at the races!
Dr. Joaquin Acosta, CEO of Pharmtrue and Color Commentator at Vado Speedway Park