By: Kevin Ramsell
Elko, MN – Owin Giles is having a monster season at Elko Speedway in Elko, Minnesota. He is getting ready to be a part of the ASA Midwest Tour’s Thunderstruck 93 event this Saturday night.
The New Market, Minnesota driver comes into Thunderstruck as the 2018 winner of the event honoring the late Dan Ryan and his fight with ALS.
So far this season, Giles has three feature wins, 8 top-five, and 16 top-ten finishes so far at Elko Speedway.
“I think we are sitting pretty good for now,” Giles, who is currently fourth in the late model point standings, said. “It’s a tough group of competitors at Elko, and with how tight the field is, and how consistent we all have been, it’s hard to have an advantage or leading edge on the other drivers.”
When asked about the secret to his success this weekend, Giles didn’t hesitate to answer the question.
“My team 100%,” Giles exclaimed. “They keep my head on straight and my wheels on tight. I haven’t had a team this good ever in my career. So I’d say that’s my success for the year, as they set the car up, that helps me focus more on my driving and maintaining consistency on the track. I will say these top 5’s are harder to get than ever before with how fast these guys are at Elko.”
This Saturday night, Giles looks forward to going after his second Thunderstruck 93 victory.
“It’s a huge honor to be on that list of winners, and I know that it would mean that much more to hop in a car that goes a full second faster than the cars I’m used to racing and do the same thing all over again,” Giles said. “It just takes consistency and patience, major patience, and you gotta make all of the laps and make the last one count.
“I’m honored to be able to qualify into race the big show, and I hope I can put on a great show with the ASA Midwest Tour!”
About Dan Ryan, Sr.: The 125-lap race will honor Elko Speedway Hall of Famer “Thunder” Dan Ryan Sr., who passed away in 2009 after a three-year battle with ALS. Dan was a former racer who became a leader amongst the competitors in the pit area and tutored many young drivers as they worked their way through the racing ranks. The name of the event is named after Ryan’s favorite song, “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. There will be a ten-minute break on lap 93 of the ASA Midwest Tour race to honor him.
Schedule of Events for Thunderstruck 93, Saturday, September 20, 2025: 12 p.m. Pit Gate Opens 2 p.m. Practice Begins 4:30 p.m. Spectator Gates Open 6 p.m. Qualifying Begins
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $25
Senior and Military: $22
Kids ages 6-12: $5
Children ages 5 and under: Free
Advance discount tickets are available by clicking here.
Divisions: ASA Midwest Tour, Late Models, Thunder Cars, Power Stocks
Location: Elko Speedway is located at 26350 France Avenue in Elko, New Market, MN. For additional information, visit www.elkospeedway.com or call 952-461-7223.
Past Winners:
2009- Jacob Goede
2010- Dan Fredrickson
2011- Dan Fredrickson
2012- Dan Fredrickson
2013- Andrew Morrissey
2014- Dan Fredrickson
2015- Ty Majeski
2016- Dan Fredrickson
2017- Dalton Zehr
2018- Owin Giles
2019- Jacob Goede
2025- Justin Mondeik
