9/8/2024
MPM Marketing
Wyatt Coffey wins Bandolero Nationals to capture INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Wyatt Coffey can officially call himself a national champion.
The 11-year-old from Waynesboro, Virginia, secured the INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship with a victory Saturday during the 27th Bandolero Nationals at Iowa’s Hawkeye Downs Speedway.
Coffey entered the event maxed out on both points and wins in the INEX standings, meaning a win during the Bandolero Nationals on Saturday would guarantee Coffey the National Championship.
One year ago, Coffey entered the Bandolero Nationals in a similar position but came up short and failed to secure the National Championship. This time around, Coffey was determined not to let the title slip through his fingers.
Starting from the pole after a strong lap in qualifying, Coffey dominated the 25-lap feature despite multiple caution flags. He led every lap to secure not only the Bandolero Nationals Bandit feature victory, but also the INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship.
“I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it,” Coffey said. “I almost won this championship last year, but things didn’t go our way. This year I wanted to win it so bad. We’ve had a really good year. I’m so happy I could win this for my poppy, my mom, my dad, Mike and Corey Gordon, my family, friends and racing family.”
Including Saturday’s victory at Hawkeye Down Speedway, Coffey now has 34 victories in Bandolero competition across the United States this season alone. He also has multiple wins in dirt competition at North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway this year.
The INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship is just another feather in the cap for Coffey. This year alone he has captured the Summer Shootout Bandolero Bandit championship at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Thursday Thunder Bandolero Bandit championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Atlanta Motor Speedway track championship.
“This has been such an amazing year. I won championships at Atlanta and Charlotte, I won races at Millbridge and now this,” Coffey said. “Mike and Corey Gordon always give me a great race car. All I have to do is focus on driving it. Without them I wouldn’t be here. They’re the best at what they do and I’m so proud I could drive for them.”
Wyatt Coffey would like to thank Team Gordon, his mom, dad, poppy, Tonya McCallister and MPM Marketing, along with his sponsors Coltman Farms Racing, Atlanta Paving & Concrete Construction Inc., ArborLife Professional Tree Care, United Tire & Auto, Bradley’s Trucking, R&M Automotive, Bennett’s Hometown Garage, Payne’s Enterprises, Todd Rental, Mt. View Auto Sales, Checkered Flag Graffix, CB Industries and Triple R Cattle.
Submitted By: Adam Fenwick