Bandoleros joined the racing action during Fan Appreciation Night at Chemung Speedrome in New York on Friday, May 24. On the final lap, contact forced leader Kamden Wheeler up and over, flipping on the track in turn four. She was taken to the hospital out of precaution, however, according to her team, she didn’t sustain major injuries and was just sore. The track reverts the finish to the last completed lap, earning Wheeler the victory in her rookie year of racing.
For a video of the wreck, see below, as captured live on Racing America TV (video used by permission; screenshots within video of Wheeler courtesy WK Motorsports).
A race recap provided by the track, as well as results, below.
Imagine winning your career-first feature and not being there, in victory lane, to celebrate. Such was the case for 12-year-old Kamden Wheeler, who won the 10-lap JRC Cleaning Bandolero race. She took the lead on the second lap, but caution came out when Dallas Harbst and Max Morich drove each other into the foam blocks on lap seven. The drivers were ok. but Morich was done. The race restarted and Kamden appeared to have a safe advantage over Sharpsteen. Coming off turn three on the last lap he hit the rear of her car, which rolled and came to rest near his in turn four. The race was declared over at lap nine, and Kamden got the win. She went by ambulance to the hospital as a precaution and was released after being checked out. Division sponsor, JRC Cleaning, is owned by Kamden’s father.
JRC Cleaning Bandoleros (10 Laps): KAMDEN WHEELER, Leevi Sharpsteen, Dallas Harbst, Max Morich
Heat: Sharpsteen
