---

Kyle Strickler Wins Historic $125,000 Modified Payday Saturday at Wagamon's Ogilvie Raceway for the XR BIG DEAL Event

By: Tami Jo Kuehn

Ogilvie, MN (July 26) – 141 total drivers signed in to battle at Wagamon’s Ogilvie Raceway for the XR BIG DEAL event.82 B Modifieds and 59 Modifieds under different racing associations filled an alphabet of races which ended with full fields of racers taking the green in both 40 and 60 lap feature events. An impressive payday was on the line in both classes, with drivers putting on a great show.

Friday’s event featured qualifying for all drivers along with their heats. Passing points along with finishing points determine each driver’s fate for Saturday’s event.

Saturday began with a round of E, D, C, and B Mains for drivers, Non-Qualifier features, and the event wrapped up with the coveted feature races.

82 B Modifieds were dwindled down to an elite 25 starters, with David Swearingen and Gabe Hodges on row one. The B Modifieds went green for their 40 lap event, but a handful of cautions kept the racers at a stop and go pace. Soon, the drivers were able to finish out a majority of their laps under green conditions with Ethan Braaksma and Aaron Johnson door to door for the lead. Cody Thompson raced close in third as Braaksma gained a slight advantage over Johnson. Thompson challenged Johnson for second, however Johnon held the point and chased after Braaksma. Johnson prepared to make his move and slid by the leader, however Braaksma reclaimed the lead. Johnson didn’t back down as he once again came back and the top two swapped for the top point.

Slower traffic was in sight and cars covered the whole track as Johnson secured the lead. Braaksma dropped back a couple positions as Thompson and Rodney Sanders snagged second and third with few to go. Thompson was within a second of Johnson, but Aaron Johnson was smoother through the traffic and took the checkers, and $25,000 payday. After post-race tech was complete, points two through five were awarded to Cody Thompson, Ethan Braaksma, Rodney Sanders and Brandon Beckendorf.

24 of the best Modifieds from across the nation rolled onto the Ogilvie Raceway, each with their chance to win $125,000.00! Kyle Strickler and Ryan Gierke brought the drivers to green, and Strickler snagged the immediate lead. The first caution was triggered and a few more followed as racers knocked off a few laps at a time. Strickler remained in command as others raced three and four-wide around the track surface. Joey Thomas, Jody Bellefeuille, Alex Williamson and Tanner Mullens settled into points two through five as laps passed quickly. Strickler stretched his lead and prepared to put his competitors down a lap, with 30 laps down, and 30 left to complete. Mullens then sped by Williamson and Bellefeuille for third but a caution flew and slowed the #02.

The well-timed caution was used for drivers to refuel, and soon, the race was back under green. Strickler was comfortable in the lead, however Thomas was knocking on his door as a final caution was triggered. Strickler once again led the drivers back to green, but Thomas sped his way in the curve and slid by the #8k. Strickler didn’t back down as he immediately retook the lead. Thomas held onto second but felt the heat of Williamson on his bumper. The final handful of laps passed without issue and cars covered the entire race surface as the checkers were raised. Kyle Strickler led all but three laps, crossed the line first, and took the win worth $125,000.00. Joseph Thomas, Alex Williamson, Jody Bellefeuille and Cade Dillard rounded out the top five.

A great car count, huge crowd of fans and some great racing was enjoyed by all as the final checkers flew over the XR BIG DEAL event. Thank you to everyone who visited the Big O and enjoyed this exciting event. Wagamon’s Ogilvie Raceway will be back in action on Saturday August 9th with our Kids Night – Bike Giveaway.

Full results: https://www.ogilvieraceway.com/schedules/

Back to News