SAPULPA, Okla. — Ryder McCutcheon made an unforgettable debut, earning his first feature victory with the POWRi National and West Midget Leagues on Night One of POWRi Sooner SpeedWeek at Creek County Speedway.
The feature lineup saw high-point qualifier McCutcheon and front-row starter Drake Edwards bring the field to green, with Edwards taking the early advantage on the opening lap.
Using a restart to perfection, McCutcheon powered into the lead on the following circuit while Edwards remained within striking distance. Behind the lead duo, Jacob Denney, Kyle Jones, and Kale Drake battled fiercely inside the top five.
Edwards fought back to reclaim the top spot near the midpoint of the feature and appeared poised for victory as McCutcheon and Denney dueled for second. Meanwhile, Brecken Reese, Kale Drake, and Karter Sarff exchanged sliders throughout the top five in one of the night’s most exciting battles.
Misfortune struck the leader when Edwards overcooked turns one and two, bringing out the caution and surrendering the lead to McCutcheon for the ensuing restart. Back out front, McCutcheon was flawless over the closing laps, holding off a charging Jacob Denney to set up a dramatic final restart.
On the final green-flag lap, McCutcheon maintained his composure and drove to his first career POWRi National Midget League victory in his series debut.
“I’m speechless. If I’m honest, I came into the night just trying to make my first National Midget feature, let alone be in contention for the win,” said McCutcheon. “It’s just a dream come true. I can’t thank Dustin and Scott Morgan enough for the opportunity and for giving me this rocket ship to drive.”
Jacob Denney remained within striking distance throughout the feature to finish a close second, while West point leader Brecken Reese completed the podium with a strong and consistent third-place effort.
Championship leader Kale Drake crossed the line fourth, with Colton Robinson rounding out the top five.
The finish:
Feature (30 Laps): 1. 93-Ryder McCutcheon[1]; 2. 67-Jacob Denney[3]; 3. 20Q-Brecken Reese[7]; 4. 4-Kale Drake[6]; 5. 67K-Colton Robinson[9]; 6. 7U-Karter Sarff[8]; 7. 32A-Alex Sewell[12]; 8. 32-Trey Marcham[15]; 9. 11A-Andrew Felker[17]; 10. 32J-KJ Snow[13]; 11. 8L-Cooper Miller[20]; 12. 54S-Zane Lawrence[19]; 13. 14-Harley Hollan[18]; 14. 13-Chase Howard[21]; 15. 19AZ-Drew Sherman[14]; 16. 40D-Drake Edwards[2]; 17. 12W-Caiden Warren[16]; 18. 40X-Mack Leopard[10]; 19. 21-Matt Sherrell[11]; 20. 83H-Cullen Hutchison[4]; 21. 27X-Kyle Jones[5]; 22. AU11-Cruz Farrell[22]
