Danley Breaks Through for RaceSaver Nationals Crown at Eagle

By Greg Soukup

EAGLE, Neb. (Sept. 6, 2026) — After years of trying, Joey Danley finally reached the top of the mountain at Eagle Raceway, capturing his first RaceSaver Nationals championship in Sunday night’s $14,000-to-win Big Dance.

Danley took command with eight laps remaining in the 35-lap championship feature and survived late-race drama to secure the biggest victory of his career at the Nebraska oval. The win came in his 13th attempt at capturing the RaceSaver Nationals crown.

Twenty-seven Sprint Cars lined up three-wide for the championship event, with Jake Bubak taking the early lead ahead of Tyler Drueke, Danley, and Brandon Horton.

Drueke worked his way around Bubak on lap 10 to take command, while Danley remained in contention. Danley moved past Bubak for second on lap 22 and set his sights on Drueke.

The battle for the $14,000 payday intensified as the laps wound down, and Danley made his move with eight circuits remaining to take the lead.

Drueke remained in the hunt until three laps remained, when contact with the lapped car of Conner Thomas sent Drueke spinning in turn two and brought out the caution.

Another incident followed on the restart when Landon Thompson spun in turn one and collected Gaige Weldon, setting up another late restart.

Danley held off John Carney II over the closing circuits to claim his first RaceSaver Nationals championship and the $14,000 winner’s share. The victory came just a month after Danley captured the Belleville 305 Nationals.

Carney finished second, while Colby Stubblefield advanced to third in the closing laps. Bubak was fourth, and Jason Danley completed the top five.

Before the Big Dance, drivers not already qualified through Friday and Saturday worked their way through an E Feature, two D Features, two C Features, and a B Feature to determine the final nine starters in the 27-car championship field.

Cole Vanderheiden also earned the $1,000 prize sponsored by Doctor Heidi Hansen for the best performance during driver introductions.