Junior sprints driver Colten Yelle celebrates in Victory Lane after winning his first career feature on May 30, 2026 at Escanaba Motor Speedway. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — It wasn’t just another race for junior sprints driver Colton Yelle on Saturday night. It was a milestone two years in the making as he took home his first career feature win.

“I felt great out there tonight,” Yelle said. “The car was doing really well and the track was a little bumpy in areas but it was good. I also want to thank my fried and family and all the fans that came out to watch.”

Yelle has now five finishes in the top five as he closed the 2025 season with a third place finish on July 26 and second place finishes on Championship Saturday on Aug. 23 and another second place finish at the Yooper Fall Classic to end the season.

Yelle has picked up right where he left off here in 2026 and his first career win is likely just the beginning of a career as he follows in the footsteps of his great-grandfather the Hall of Famer Alan Yelle.