Mopar®-Powered Saldana Wins Inaugural Ironman 55
Joey Saldana proved his mettle on Saturday night, Aug. 8, winning the inaugural Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. The victory was the 13th World of Outlaws Sprint Series triumph of the season for the Mopar®-powered driver.
Saldana, driver of the Kasey Kahne Racing Budweiser Maxim, moved to ninth on the all-time list with the win, the 52nd of his World of Outlaws career. It was his first victory since July 8, a span of 13 races—the longest he had gone this season without a win.
"This is a very important race," said Saldana. "It's the first one and nobody ever forgets who won the first one."
Saldana started fourth, moved to second on the opening lap, and quickly began to chase his Mopar-powered teammate, Craig Dollansky, for the lead. Saldana used a textbook slide job coming off turn four of the 19th lap to take the top spot. He would pace the field for the remaining 37 circuits.
Mopar-power dominated the weekend of racing at the Ironman 55. Dollansky captured the Friday night event win at I-55 and wound up finishing second on Saturday. "It was a great run for Kasey Kahne Racing to have both cars one and two in a big race. It's pretty neat," Dollansky said.