A little more than a week after being released from his World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series ride, Joey Saldana earned his first win of 2017 at Wayne County Speedway Saturday, July 1 and it came in his first start with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions since he guest stared in a couple of events during February's Florida Speedweeks.

This win is especially pleasing for the driver since it provided a little vindication after losing his ride with Stenhouse Jr./Wood Racing--the third ride he has lost in the past three years.

The separation between team and driver came after a lackluster first third of the season during which they only had four top-fives, 11 top-10s, and no finish better than fourth.

Saldana has been mostly idle since he left the Outlaws on June 23rd, but he was determined to show that he has not lost the ability to get to the front. And to prove that he was not the problem with the poor performance that plagued the organization.

The last time he raced at Wayne County was 18 years ago and the results were the same--a trip to the winners circle each night.

Saldana passed points' leader Chad Kemenah for the lead after a restart on lap 15 of the race. He then held the lead for 15 laps--outlasting a late-race caution and yarding the field by 3.3 seconds.

In Victory Lane Saldana commented on the importance of a supportive race team, which he believes he has in his new role with the All Stars.

"This just goes to show how important it is to be around a great team," Saldana said. "Sprint car racing is really tough and it's really easy to get down on yourself. Tonight goes to show that it's not just you, it's a whole team."

Saldana took home the checkers and the $5,000 purse.

Cole Duncan and Chad Kemenah rounded out the top three and joined Saldana on the podium.

Top 10 Finishers
1. Joey Saldana
2. Cole Duncan
3. Chad Kemenah
4. Ryan Smith
5. Dean Jacobs
6. Caleb Armstrong
7. Lee Jacobs
8. Danny Mumaw
9. Max Stambaugh
10. Tyler Esh
Complete Results, with heat finishes