8/25/2025
LaSalle Speedway
Bill Waite Jr. Memorial Returns in Thrilling Fashion as 16-Year-Old Logan Julien Claims First IRA Victory
After a seven-year absence, the Bill Waite Jr. Memorial made its triumphant return to LaSalle Speedway on Saturday night — and it did not disappoint. With 36 Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Cars on hand from across the Midwest, the long-awaited event delivered a high-octane night of action capped off by a breakout victory from one of the sport’s rising young stars.
Sixteen-year-old Logan Julien etched his name into IRA Sprints history, holding off Aryton Gennetten in a dramatic, last-lap battle to score his first-ever IRA Sprint Car Series win — and in the biggest race of his young career.
The night began with Box3 Media Hot Laps, where Julien turned heads early by setting the fastest time. In Carbon Safety Technologies Qualifying, the High Planes Building Division Quicktime Awards went to Blake Nimee in Flight A and Julien again in Flight B, confirming the young driver’s early speed was no fluke.
Four heat races set the tone for the evening, each featuring close battles and standout performances. Scott Neitzel claimed victory in Fox Lake Harbor Presents Allstar Performance Heat #1. Max Guilford took top honors in BodyCraft of Antioch presents Behling Racing Heat #2. Jake Neuman brought home Game Day Men’s Health presents Engler Machine & Tool Heat #3, while Corbin Gurley captured the final heat in BR Motorsports presents King Racing Products Heat #4.
Zach Daum and Blake Nimee earned pole positions via the Horizon Whiskey Dash Redraw — and both drivers capitalized by winning their respective dashes. Will Armitage survived a chaotic Behling Racing Equipment B-Main to advance into the feature field.
At the drop of the green in the feature event, Daum surged to the lead from the start while Julien, starting seventh, made quick work of the low groove to jump into second. Nimee soon joined the fight, setting up a tense three-way battle.
An early Honest Abe Roofing caution for Armitage's flat tire reset the field, with Daum leading Julien and Guilford on the Gibbsville Cheese Restart. Soon, the event turned into a showcase of daring sliders and high-speed chess. Gennetten and Guilford traded fourth, while Gennetten eventually pulled a slide job on Daum for the lead, only for a caution to negate the move.
On the restart, Julien and Guilford swapped the lead before a red flag flew for Colton Fisher, who thankfully walked away. Guilford suffered a flat and dropped to the rear, leaving Julien in command with Gennetten and Nimee in pursuit.
As the laps wound down, Goldesberry climbed into fourth and the tension among fans soared. With five to go, it became clear the young Julien was within reach of a career-defining moment. The white flag waved with Gennetten side-by-side down the backstretch, but Julien held strong, edging out the seasoned driver at the line by less than a second.
Blake Nimee rounded out the podium in third.
The return of the Bill Waite Jr. Memorial proved well worth the wait — a night filled with fierce competition, emotional tributes, and the rise of a new fan favorite. The future is bright for Logan Julien, and the legacy of Bill Waite Jr. lives on stronger than ever.
Photo Credit: Vahana Sports Media
Article Credit: Kevin Zambory
Submitted By: Kevin Zambory