Racers and fans braved mud, rain, and roaring engines at this year’s Heartland Nationals, where three days of sand drag racing delivered edge-of-your-seat action despite Mother Nature’s attempts to steal the show. Persistent rain showers caused delays throughout the weekend, but the grit and determination of competitors shined through, along with clouds of sand from the track.
Friday’s Fierce Kickoff
Though the weekend opened under gray skies, the action on the strip was anything but dull. In the Big Money Bracket Cars competition, Brad Sivells powered to win over Pruett Schulz, both racers carving deep tracks through the damp sand. Dylan Sivells took first in the Quads division, holding off a hard-charging Ricky Lee in a muddy and fast-paced heat.
Saturday: Speed, Skill, and Delays Saturday saw a mix of sun and scattered rain, causing temporary holds in racing, but not in enthusiasm. In the Juniors class, Caleb Rude outran Forrest Williams to take the win.
More standout performances followed: Pro 2 Quads: Jayce Cassens took the top spot ahead of Stephanie Smithart.
Pro 3 Quads: Gage Feuerhelm slid his way to victory over Anita Zurline.
In the Index Classes, racers faced slickerthan- usual stretches 350 Cars: Amanda Mathews took first, with Anthony Moss behind.
350 Quads: Michael Hopkins kicked up the wet sand for the win, beating Gavin Briggs.
380 Cars: Randy Davis handled the track well to edge out Patrick Kallus.
380 Quads: Mike Brock triumphed over Craig McNeil.
400 Quads: Daqualyn Hill beat out Ava Winsor in a close, gritty run.
400 Cars: Derek Hohmann took first ahead of Brayden Baker.
In Sport Comp Cars: Tyler Smithson raced clean to beat Chris Jackson.
Quads: Bodi Smithart won the class, followed by Gage Feuerhelm.
Sunday: Blue Skies, Big Wins
The weather finally broke for Sunday’s finals, offering a dry track and high stakes.
In PRO 1 Quads, Ava Winsor took first with a blazing run, with Randy Kimbley in second.
Unlimited ATV: Gavin Briggs rode a powerful pass to victory.
Pro 2 Cars: Jamie Winsor outran Jimmy Smith after a tight race.
Top Eliminator: John Pate claimed top honors, with Pruett Schulz again just behind.
Pro 1 Cars: Jarrod Leifster clocked in ahead
of Derek Hohmann.
Peewee Class: Lucas Pate took first, and Grant Raney followed for second.
Racing Through Rain and Rooster Tails
This year’s Heartland Nationals won’t be remembered just for high speeds, but for the perseverance it took to get there. Between weather delays and track challenges, competitors showed remarkable tenacity; turning slick sand into shining moments.
And the racing isn’t over. Many of these same racers will return to the track July 11–12 for the July Double Header, a two-day points race that promises more adrenaline-pumping action in the heart of the summer.
As the mud dries and trophies settle, racers and fans are already counting the days until engines roar again on the sand strip.
