Second Annual Vesper Erg Derby
Our annual fundraiser to help support the Vesper Racing Team made its return on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.
12 athletes participated in 500m races through the evening to showcase their speed and for some friendly wagering. Four teams were formed, one for each of our event sponsors.
Team 1 (Tony’s Turtles) - Thanks to Tony Schneider
Team 2 (Brickyard Stables) - Thanks to John F. Lehman
Team 3 (TIFF'rent Strokes) - Thanks to TIFF
Team 4 (Vesper Tigers) - Thanks to Anonymous Sponsor
The evening was kicked off with the Women’s Single 500m dash, where TIFF'rent Strokes’ Brooke Wolford took the win. The second race was Grumpy’s Grand Prix for the men’s single, where Dean Hargrove came out on top to win for Tony’s Turtles.
After a slight intermission, the doubles events kicked off. The mixed men’s and women’s double raced under the UTA Assoc & Crane-Tsucalas Mixer event. In lane 4, Vesper Tigers held off TIFF'rent Strokes for the win. With 3 teams tied up at 1 win each and 1 event left, men’s doubles lined up for the Leimkuhler 5G. Vesper Tigers and Brickyard Stables went into the last 150m switching leads stroke by stroke. With a 1-meter difference, the Vesper Tigers were able to squeeze out the win and take the team points trophy.
After the entertaining erg races, the crowd tuned in for the final spectacle of the night—the Kentucky Derby. The longshot Golden Tempo charged from the back of the field on the final stretch to become the 152nd Kentucky Derby winner.
Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees who made this event a success. The racing team is very grateful for all the support and is in preparation for the summer racing season. Looking forward to seeing everyone again for the 3rd annual Erg Derby.
