Estevan sprint racer Kyle Fedyk won his first career feature May 22 at Nodak Speedway in Minot, and the victory had special meaning for the 24-year-old.
The win came at the same site where Fedyk's cousin, Tyler, was killed in an ATV accident last September.
"It's bittersweet that I got my first win at Nodak, the place where we lost Tyler," Fedyk said. "I know if he was still here, then he would be the first person running to my car to congratulate me."
Fedyk began the 25-lap Northern Outlaw Sprint Association feature on the front row with his No. 91K 360 car.
He led every lap of the feature despite being chased by four-time World of Outlaws champ Donny Schatz and his mentor, Minot veteran Greg Nikitenko.
"He is always fast," Fedyk said of Nikitenko. "To see him sitting back there in second on that kind of track with his 410, I figured it was only a matter of time until he blew by me."
Fedyk said he "basically wrote the night off" when he saw Schatz pull into the pits, adding that the sprint great "has the kind of stats and (pedigree) I still dream of having some day in this sport."
Fedyk waited for the inevitable as he continued to lead, but neither driver was able to pass him.
"This is the most incredible feeling in the world. My car was perfect and all I had to do was pin it to win it," Fedyk said, referencing his cousin's racing anthem.
"I've dreamed my whole life of winning a sprint car feature. All I've ever wanted to do was just race sprint cars," he added.
"I want to thank my family, friends, crew and sponsors; without their support, none of this would be possible."
For Fedyk, it was only fitting that the biggest moment of his racing career came at Nodak.
"Last September I experienced the worst night of my life, but (last Sunday was) without a doubt the best."
Fedyk and his brother Kohlan will race at Estevan on July 26 when the All-Star Sprint Series comes to town.
