Located in Vado, New Mexico off of I-10 West, just over a half an hour outside of El Paso, Texas, if where you'll find the Vado Speedway Park. A racetrack known for its intense dirt track racing; you'll find the fastest woman who ever drove a NASCAR race here. This weekend is the racetrack's 18th annual Wild West Shootout, a race that one NASCAR Champion.

The NASCAR champion that wants to win badly in New Mexico is Kyle Larson

NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Getty Images
loading...

In 2021, Kyle Larson from Elk Grove, California set out to do what any NASCAR drive wishes to do: become a NASCAR Champion. And he did just that while driving the Hendrick Motorsports #5 Chevrolet at the Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This isn't Kyle's only championship; he's won the Knoxville Nationals, the Kings Royal, & is a 2 time Chili Bowl Nationals champion (in 2020 & 2021).

NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Getty Images
loading...

Now the NASCAR champion has his eyes set on a new prize: to win the Wild West Shootout in Vado, New Mexico. The miniseries of races has already begun this past weekend on January 6th & 7th with Kyle placing 5th on opening night & 4th place on the past Sunday's race. The Instagram page, LarsonLand, also regularly posts about his results during his season, including the results from Vado, New Mexico.

When asked by FloRacing, why does Kyle Larson want to win the Wild West Shootout so badly, Kyle responded by saying "I want to accomplish something new...It’s just good to get into race mode a little bit, get ready for the upcoming season and get me ready before we get to NASCAR, really...It’s good to race a little bit...Hopefully we can win at least one of these things. And have a good time."

NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Getty Images
loading...

This is the 2nd year that Kyle has raced in the Wild West Shootout at Vado Speedway Park. Last year he NEARLY won; Kyle got 2nd place in a battle against Bobby Pierce. Pierce would get the win.

With races still set for the 10th, 12th, 13th & 14th...it's very possible that Kyle could take home the checkered flag before he starts his journey to become a 2 time NASCAR champion.

600 ESPN El Paso logo
Get our free mobile app

GO MINERS: Former UTEP Miners Who Have Played in the NFL

It's not just in recent memory that former UTEP Miners football players would play in the NFL; it's been going on for years. Some have gone on to win the Super Bowl too. Here are some former UTEP Miners that have played in the NFL.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

25 Amazing Texas Foods Every Texan Should Know

What's a dish that defines Texas? Here are 25 mouthwatering foods (and some recipes) that every Texan SHOULD know & try at least once. Sorry if we make you hungry...

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

LOOK: 25 Items You CAN'T Donate at Texas Goodwill Stores

Goodwill stores will generously accept many items for donations, but they will NOT accept these items. These are 25 various items that you can NOT donate at any Goodwill store in Texas.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

More From 600 ESPN El Paso