Former Wenatchee 200 Champions Look For Repeat Success

The Plumb Perfect Wenatchee 200 returned to the Northwest schedule in 2023 to a huge spectacle. Full car counts, a packed grandstands, and $20,000 on the line as the best in the Northwest descended to the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval. Now, one week out from the 4th running of the 200 lap crown jewel, now paying $25,0000 to win, all three previous winners have officially entered this years edition, taking place May 30th .

(Kole Raz celebrating 2023 Wenatchee 200 Victory, Elevate Racing Media Photo)

That 2023 race was won by Kole Raz of Lake Oswego, OR. After spending the first half of the race just riding around, staying out of trouble, Raz turned the heat on late in the Port City Phase II, passing Derek Thorn, who was making his to date lone start at WVSO. A late caution caused nerves to go through the roof, but Raz kept his cool on the restart, holding off Thorn, who at the time was the reigning Snowball Derby Champion, to pick up the $20K payday. The following year, Raz picked up right where he left off, picking up the Quick Time Award. Raz stayed near the front for the first half, but a crash late with Dave Garber ended the quest for back to back. In 2025, Raz returned to the podium, behind Kasey Kleyn and winner Owen Riddle. Raz’s entry will mark his 4th start in the 200 lap showcase, and after two podiums in Tri Cities last month, including a 2nd in the Northwest Super Late Model Series, Raz will no doubt be a name expected to go early in pick-pools.

The following year, another Port City Phase II found Victory Lane. This time it was Okanogan, WA’s Evan Goetz. At just 16 years old at the time of the win, he easily became the youngest winner in race history, a tile he still holds today. Goetz had been on a bad luck streak entering that race, seeing efforts at Tri City and Stateline end with accidents while running top 5, while a mechanical issue the previous visit to Wenatchee that April had ended his day just after reaching the podium spots. Early in the day, Goetz recalls thinking the bad luck had struck again. “We had a fast car, but I stepped on my own foot trying something that I had suggested and ended up wrecking myself in practice. We got the car back together and made it out for qualifying and went P2 to my then teammate Kole Raz.” Goetz and the crew weren’t sure how the car was going to handle the 200 laps, but he took the lead from Bubba Pollard on the 2nd half restart and never looked back, picking up what he still calls his biggest career win to date. This year, Goetz has joined the CRF ranks, building a brand new car this offseason. This will be the first time the new chassis has competed as a Super Late Model, but the team is excited to head back to their home track and look to pick up a 2nd $25,000 victory in their 4th start.

Following the back-to-back Port City victories, it was Owen Riddle driving a P1 Chassis who scored a dominant win in last years edition. The Naches, WA driver had collected every other Crown Jewel in the Northwest in his career, but had never attempted the Wenatchee 200. Riddle had found success at the ¼ mile in the past though, scoring two wins in NWSLM competition, including the previous years Neal Newberry 125. Riddle qualified quick time, and after the invert was set, picked his way through traffic, taking the lead late in the first half. After adjustments, Riddle did what he’s been known for for so many years around the PacNW, breaking away at the front and staying there for the entire 2nd half. “When the race came around we focused on keeping the car under us throughout the night, made the right adjustments at the break and were fortunate to bring home the win.” A late challenge came from Kasey Kleyn, but Riddle held on for the win. For Riddle, returning to the Wenatchee 200 marks the site of his most recent victory, and no doubt he will be looking to go back to back and score his 2nd.

Wenatchee 200 victory in as many starts. However, he knows that is anything but a given. “Ive been racing long enough to know those types of days at the track are few and far between *laughed*. Knowing that, going back to back will be extremely difficult, especially with the quality of drivers expected, but would be very cool.”

The Plumb Perfect Wenatchee 200 hits the track on May 30th and will see a stacked field entered to go for the $25K.