Cadarette Collision Racing Claims 51st SOO I 500

By Emily Wicklund

Another Soo I 500 is in the books, but the 51st running of the historic event did not go as planned for some of the top teams, including both Bunke Racing teams, Christian Brothers Racing, and XLT Engineering to name a few.

Cadarette Collision Racing’s Troy DeWald came off a win on Thursday night in the Woody’s Challenge and was also the top qualifier for the I 500 which put him on the pole for Saturday’s show. Seven-time champion Gabe Bunke started along side him in the #2 spot.

The drivers all came off the line with a clean start and began to tick off laps. Sleds stayed tight-knit through the beginning of the race all trying to stay on the lead lap.

Shortly into the race, Bunke Racing ran out of brakes but were quick to make repairs. Soon after, Gabe Bunke had an off in turn three which put them 10 laps down. Both Gabe and teammate Aaron Christianson fought the whole race to gain back the laps but ended with a DNF due to mechanical issues.

Christian Brothers rider Re Wadena lead a good amount of the first 50 laps and was looking like a strong contender on the 52 sled. Defending Soo champion Zach Herfindahl, on the 17x sled, was holding the 2nd spot at the 50 lap point. Shortly after on lap 78 Herfindahl sent his sled into the bails taking the team out of contention.