Anyone who aspires for success in RaceSaver competition must first master Eagle Raceway and Cole Vanderheiden did just that on Saturday night with the season's first career win at the high-banked oval, and second overall on the season.
The Papillion, Neb., driver turned back a late challenge to capture the $1,300 winner’s payday aboard his BradCo Companies / Twister Thunder Fireworks No. 15V Electric Express Sprint Car.
“That was a really fun track, thanks to Roger and the track crew for all their hard work,” Vanderheiden said. “It’s been three years since I started to race here and I’ve always wanted to get a win here at Eagle, it’s a really good feeling. I got to thank my mom and dad, my crew guys and all my sponsors. I couldn’t do without all of you guys.”
Cole Vanderheiden kicked off a doubleheader weekend with a short trip to Eagle (Neb.) Raceway on Saturday evening to pilot his No. 15V Sprinter.
Taking the green from sixth in the feature, Vanderheiden paced patiently around the bottom of the third-mile oval in turns one and two and top side in three and four in the early goings of the feature event. Adjusting top-side at both ends for a moment with 14 laps to go, Vanderheiden moved back into his alternating lines as Nate Weiler led the way.
Restarting with ten to go, Vanderheiden threw all his chips on the cushion to take the top spot. Pursued by Trevor Grossenbacher, who was in a back-and-forth fight for second, that battle would end up going the way of Jason Danley, who rocketed off the second turn with a lap to go. Contact as Cole moved to the top line, which sent the No. 4 sideways and brought Grossenbacher full steam into a last-ditch effort slide job for the lead.
Clearing the No. 15v, but with too much steam and not enough forward drive to keep him at bay, Cole shot under the No. 35 for the win.
At Huset's Speedway the following night, Cole crossed tenth in the feature.
Full results from the events are available at www.EagleRaceway.com and www.HusetsSpeedway.com.
Vanderheiden is gearing up for a doubleheader weekend that will kick off on Friday night at Crawford County Speedway (Denison, Iowa). The team will return to Eagle Raceway on Saturday in search of a repeat victory at the Nebraska oval.
Full event details at www.CCSDirtRacing.com and www.EagleRaceway.com.
- Bryan Hulbert on Jul 16, 2024
- Article Date: 7/16/2024