Junior Fan Club Night crowd cheers Wade’s Eagle win

Michael Wade became a first-time IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock winner at Eagle Raceway on Saturday night. (Photo by Joe Orth)

By Greg Soukup

EAGLE, Neb. (May 6, 2023) – Youngsters vied in the Sam’s Club Kid’s Money Grab at intermission, then cheered Michael Wade onto his career first IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock feature win during Saturday’s Junior Fan Club Night program at Eagle Raceway.

Wade, a direct descendant of local racing legend Smokin’ Joe Wade, who graced local tracks for many years, took the lead on lap two and outran Adam Wasserman and Kyle Gannon to the checkers.

 “I have to thank Adam for racing me cleanly. He always does. I think everybody had an amazing night,” Wade stated. “The track has been really good, as always. I like what they did to it this winter. The weather was great tonight. Thank you to all of the track crew, the safety crew and all of the competitors. Thank you to everybody who helps me out; you know who you are.”

Gary Saathoff made a much anticipated return to the winner’s circle after leading every lap of the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod headliner.

 “It’s been about four years. I thought I had forgotten how to win,” he said post-checkers. “I kept doing my old school stuff but I have some guys helping me out and teaching me the new way, so it’s getting better.”

And Johnny Saathoff was winner on son and fellow Friesen Performance IMCA Modified driver Jaxon’s birthday.

 “I’m finally getting up to full speed. I’m at about 70 percent so I guess I’m doing pretty good,” said the Jet. “I turned 60 three weeks ago and my son Jaxon turned 21 today. I was hoping that he was going to get the win, but I’ll take it.”

Dillon Richards won for the second time this season at Eagle in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars and Jason Danley hauled from ninth in topping the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car main.

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