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Mullens advances from 17th to win night two of Wild West Shootout

Tanner Mullens rallied from the 17th-starting position to win Sunday night’s $2,000 top prize in the second round of the Wild West Shootout presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at FK Rod Ends Vado Speedway Park.

The win marked the first of the year for the driver of the Mel Hambelton Ford No. 02 Sandlian Iron & Metal / Mullens Race Car / Mullens Racing Engine.

“We started deep in the field both nights. We passed some cars to come away with a decent finish on Saturday night, but on Sunday night we had a really fast car and got to the lead just after the halfway point. From there I was able to get the win,” Mullens said. “We’ve done a lot of work over the past year to get things where we want them to be on these cars, and I’m excited about what this season could hold for us. A big thank you goes out to everyone, who supports this team.”

On Saturday afternoon, Tanner Mullens invaded Vado Speedway Park (Vado, New Mexico) to kick off the 2022 season with the opening round of the 16th annual Wild West Shootout. With a stout field of 53 Modifieds entered, Mullens edged his way into the opening night feature with a sixth-place finish in his heat race. Starting 15th for the 25-lap finale, Tanner improved nine spots in the 25-lapper to place sixth.

The following night, Tanner’s ninth-to-seventh run in his heat race relegated him to a B-Main. Passing four cars to pick up the 12-lap consolation victory, Mullens locked into the 17th-starting position for the main event. Wasting no time to work his way to the front, Tanner tracked down race-leader Fito Gallardo early and stole the lead on the 14th circuit when Gallardo slipped over the cushion.

He ran uncontested for the remaining distance to secure his first win of the season, which came ahead of Dereck Ramirez, Tyler Wolff, Bo Day, and Gallardo. He pocketed $2,000 for his winning performance.

With his win Tanner is in contention for the Rio Grande Waste Services Four or More Challenge, which posts a $10,000 bonus to any Modified driver, who can win at least four features during the miniseries.

Mullens will continue his pursuit of more wins and bonus money with $1,000-to-win programs on Wednesday and Friday, and then $2,000-to-win races on Saturday and Sunday.

Tanner Mullens Racing would to like to thank all of their marketing partners, which include Mel Hambelton Ford, Sandlian Iron & Metal, BCC Signs & Graphics, Bergman Tax & Accounting, Doherty Brothers Construction, Knoche Farms, CPD Racing Shocks Hebbs Automotive & Machine, Integra Racing Shocks, Mullens Racing Chassis, Mullens Racing Engines, Mullens Fabrication, PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain, Strength Roofing & Siding, Swift Springs, Velocita, Wehrs Machine, and MSR Mafia Marketing Services.

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