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Weekly Updates
MANDARIN motors his way into series lead
2024 NasQUACK series champ off to hot start with 3 victories, readies for DUCKtona 500
Denny MANDARIN may just have something to say this season in this, the third season of the NasQUACK Racing Series – presented by Toyota of Puyallup and Goodwill ORR – at Maris Farms. After winning the season series in 2024 with 8 victories and dethroning 2-time champ Scotty DUCKson, MANDARIN is now firmly entrenched as the favorite to win this series in 2025.
And after winning 3 of 4 races this past weekend at Maris Farms, he’s the odds-on favorite to win the DUCKtona 500 on Saturday afternoon.
“Still got a little rust to knock off from an off-season and a little too much DUCKing around,” MANDARIN told a post race press gathering on Sunday afternoon. “I feel like we got a late start on our training this year, and that impacted our first weekend, but things should hopefully get more dialed in this weekend. It’s gotta get dialed in with the DUCKtona 500. I will be ready.”
MANDARIN split victories with fellow DUCK-athlete BILL Elliott on Saturday, each earning a victory apiece, but then came back strong with 2 decisive victories on Sunday (out of two races). He had a little check-up, from the neck-up, he explained.
“I took myself to the duck nest on Saturday night and told myself, ‘you’re better than what you showed out there today, you need to get focused on Sunday.’ And I was totally dialed in all day on Sunday, ready to compete my web feet off.”
Last season, MANDARIN won the first race of the season and really never looked back, collecting at least 1 victory every weekend, often 2 or 3. He was a DUCK-athlete on a mission.
“I don’t think he wanted to leave any doubt in any of his fellow race-mates who was the top duck, he was truly focused and kind of edgy all season, recalled race announcer Dennis Riley. “It’s nice to start the opening weekend off with 3 wins, but we all know the money races start this weekend with the DUCKtona. It’ll be interesting to see how Denny competes with a little more pressure of defending his NasQUACK title. I can’t wait!”
For this past weekend, a total of $95 was raised for local nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST through the “bets” that race fans placed (in the form of a donation) on the races. A total of 155 “bets” were placed and MUSCOVY Andretti had the most bets placed on him with 47. BILL Elliott had the second most bets with 36. Racing will resume this weekend – Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 pm – at Maris Farms. The featured marquee race of the weekend is the DUCKtona 500 on Saturday at 1 pm
Here are the results after the first weekend:
| DUCKS | WINS | BETS PLACED |
|---|---|---|
| #1 – Denny MANDARIN | 3 | 22 |
| #2 – “BILL” Elliott | 1 | 36 |
| #3 – Scott DUCKson | 0 | 32 |
| #4 – MUSCOVY Andretti | 0 | 47 |
| #5 – Danica DUCKtrick | 0 | 18 |
MANDARIN has the momentum
DUCKathlete takes commanding series lead after winning 2 on Saturday, including DUCKtona 500
Denny MANDARIN showed his moxy this past weekend, taking the first major race of the young NasQUACK Racing Series, presented by Toyota of Puyallup and Goodwill ORR – at Maris Farms. MANDARIN just barely edged out MUSCOVY Andretti at the end to capture the DUCKtona 500. It was the first of his two wins on the day and those two wins have put him in a commanding position atop the series leaderboard.
“Five wins so far, and we’re just gettin’ quacken,” MANDARIN told a post-race press gathering on Saturday afternoon, following his second win of the day. “I think there’s room for improvement on the transition point from the swim to the waddle, but we’ll get there. I like how it’s supposed to be a wet weekend upcoming – that always helps me.”
Indeed. MANDARIN has often dominated in wet-weather conditions, and this weekend is calling for rainy, windy conditions with the second marquee race – the QUACKyard 400 – slated for Saturday at 1 pm.
Fellow DUCK-athletes BILL Elliott and MUSCOVY Andretti shared the winners circle spotlight on Sunday afternoon, each earning a victory apiece. BILL is still within striking distance if he can have a solid performance this weekend and MANDARIN stumbles in any way.
“I just need to compete my little web feet off this weekend, especially if I’m going to overtake the defending series champ (MANDARIN won the NasQUACK Racing Series in 2024),” BILL told that press gathering on Sunday. “Midway through the month-long season, it’s time to get totally dialed in..”
Longtime duck race announcer Dennis Riley said MANDARIN appears to have some strong momentum heading into this weekend. “That is one tough QUACKer, and he knows how to win the mental battle over his racemates. He’s not the defending champ for no reason. He knows he just needs to stay consistent and persistent.”
For this past weekend, a total of $162 was raised for local nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST through the “bets” that race fans placed (in the form of a donation) on the races. A total of $257 has been raised through he first 2 weekends of racing. A total of 193 “bets” were placed this weekend and 348 so far this season. Denny MANDARIN had the most “bets” placed on him with 52, Scotty DUCKson was second with 50. So far, this season, DUCKson leads all DUCKathletes with 82 “bets” placed on him. Racing will resume this weekend – Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 pm – at Maris Farms. The featured marquee race of the weekend is the QUACKyard 400 on Saturday at 1 pm
Here are the results after the second weekend:
| DUCKS | WINS | BETS PLACED | SEASON BETS TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 – Denny MANDARIN | 5 | 53 | 74 |
| #2 – “BILL” Elliott | 3 | 35 | 71 |
| #3 – Scott DUCKson | 0 | 50 | 82 |
| #4 – MUSCOVY Andretti | 1 | 21 | 68 |
| #5 – Danica DUCKtrick | 0 | 35 | 53 |
MANDARIN taking command
With 3 wins in 4 races this weekend, DUCKathlete 2 victories from defending NasQUACK title
The NasQUACK Racing Series has found its star in Denny MANDARIN. The savvy slight DUCKathlete is only two victories away from defending his series title and that will likely happen this next weekend.
MANDARIN captured 3 of the 4 races – including Saturday’s QUACKyard 400 – to take a commanding lead in the NASQUACK Racing series, presented by Toyota of Puyallup and Goodwill ORR. He now has 8 wins and the nearest challenger is BILL Elliott with 3. MUSCOVY Andretti is the only other DUCKathlete with a win on the board.
“I had a pretty good feeling heading into the weekend with this past week’s training sessions and my fitness level,” MANDARIN told a post-race press gathering after the last race on Sunday afternoon. “It’s just about focus and fitness at this point, and I’m feeling dialed right now.”
BILL Elliott was able to nap on win on Saturday afternoon, and almost pulled another one out on Sunday’s first race, but MANDARIN just edged him out at the end by a duck bill.
“I just lost my focus at the end,” Elliott explained to the Sunday press gathering. “You can’t let up against a champion like MANDARIN. I still have a chance, but I’ll really have to come in with my web feet ready to roll for the entire weekend. I’m feeling good about my fitness. Just need to stay focused.”
Indeed. MANDARIN has often dominated in wet-weather conditions, and this weekend is calling for rainy, windy conditions with the second marquee race – the QUACKyard 400 – slated for Saturday at 1 pm.
Longtime duck race announcer Dennis Riley was impressed with MANDARIN’s dominance thus far.
“I’ve said it so many times – that is one tough QUACKer! He’s got the mental edge because he’s been in these pressure packed situations for many years. I think this weekend he might up the QUACKosterone and really put it on his fellow DUCKathletes. I can’t wait to announce it!”
For this past weekend, a total of $206 was raised for local nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST through the “bets” that race fans placed (in the form of a donation) on the races. A total of $463 through 3 weekends of racing. A total of 237 “bets” were placed this weekend and 585 so far this season. Denny MANDARIN had the most “bets” placed on him with 66, BILL Elliott was second with 56. So far, this season, MANDARIN leads all DUCKathletes with 140 “bets” placed on him. Racing will resume this weekend – Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 pm – at Maris Farms. The featured marquee race of the weekend is the MANDARIN Grand Prix on Saturday at 1 pm
Here are the results after the third weekend:
| DUCKS | WINS | BETS PLACED | SEASON BETS TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 – Denny MANDARIN | 8 | 66 | 140 |
| #2 – “BILL” Elliott | 3 | 56 | 127 |
| #3 – Scott DUCKson | 0 | 39 | 121 |
| #4 – MUSCOVY Andretti | 1 | 42 | 110 |
| #5 – Danica DUCKtrick | 0 | 34 | 87 |
MANDARIN defends his title
With a weekend sweep (4 of 4 races), DUCKathlete takes second consecutive NasQUACK title
With a full weekend of racing still ahead, Denny MANDARIN has already secured (and defended) his second consecutive NasQUACK Racing Series title. The savvy slight DUCKathlete took 4 of 4 races this past weekend to push his wins total to 12 – 9 ahead of second-place BILL Elliott – with only 4 races left to go.
“Complete and utter dominance,” Elliott told a post-race press gathering following the final race on Sunday afternoon. “MANDARIN has been on fire now for two straight seasons. I don’t see him slowing down.”
“He’s impressive and a little deceptive,” longtime duck race announcer Dennis Riley said. “He doesn’t look intimidating with that small, skinny frame. But that is one helluva DUCK-athlete when it’s time to compete!”
Amongst MANDARIN’s 4 weekend victories was Saturday’s MANDARIN Grand Prix, third and final marquee race of the series, which is presented by Toyota of Puyallup and Goodwill ORR.
MANDARIN’s effort this past weekend and throughout the season has been impressive, but not a big surprise to him.
“I trained hard in the off-season, and I did the right things – ate plenty of worms, took my little ducky naps, swam and trained in a lot of puddles,” MANDARIN said Sunday to a post-race press gathering. “I was ready going into the season, and I’ll continue this weekend before taking a little time to fly south after the season.”
Announcer Riley re-iterated what many amongst the duck racing community have felt about MANDARIN these past 2 seasons.
“I’ve said it so many times – that duck is special, and he’s got QUACKosterone like none of the other DUCKathletes he’s racing against. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a 3-time defending champion come this time next year!”
For this past weekend, a total of $75 was raised for local nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST through the “bets” that race fans placed (in the form of a donation) on the races. A total of $538 through 4 weekends of racing. A total of 90 “bets” were placed this weekend and 676 so far this season. Denny MANDARIN had the most “bets” placed on him with 28, Muscovy Andretti was second with 22. So far, this season, MANDARIN leads all DUCKathletes with 168 “bets” placed on him. Racing will resume this weekend – Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 pm – at Maris Farms.
Here are the results after the fourth weekend:
| DUCKS | WINS | BETS PLACED | SEASON BETS TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 – Denny MANDARIN | 12 | 28 | 168 |
| #2 – “BILL” Elliott | 3 | 18 | 145 |
| #3 – Scott DUCKson | 0 | 12 | 133 |
| #4 – MUSCOVY Andretti | 1 | 22 | 132 |
| #5 – Danica DUCKtrick | 0 | 11 | 98 |
MANDARIN defends his title
With a weekend sweep (4 of 4 races), DUCKathlete takes second consecutive NasQUACK title
With a full weekend of racing still ahead, Denny MANDARIN has already secured (and defended) his second consecutive NasQUACK Racing Series title. The savvy slight DUCKathlete took 4 of 4 races this past weekend to push his wins total to 12 – 9 ahead of second-place BILL Elliott – with only 4 races left to go.
“Complete and utter dominance,” Elliott told a post-race press gathering following the final race on Sunday afternoon. “MANDARIN has been on fire now for two straight seasons. I don’t see him slowing down.”
“He’s impressive and a little deceptive,” longtime duck race announcer Dennis Riley said. “He doesn’t look intimidating with that small, skinny frame. But that is one helluva DUCK-athlete when it’s time to compete!”
Amongst MANDARIN’s 4 weekend victories was Saturday’s MANDARIN Grand Prix, third and final marquee race of the series, which is presented by Toyota of Puyallup and Goodwill ORR.
MANDARIN’s effort this past weekend and throughout the season has been impressive, but not a big surprise to him.
“I trained hard in the off-season, and I did the right things – ate plenty of worms, took my little ducky naps, swam and trained in a lot of puddles,” MANDARIN said Sunday to a post-race press gathering. “I was ready going into the season, and I’ll continue this weekend before taking a little time to fly south after the season.”
Announcer Riley re-iterated what many amongst the duck racing community have felt about MANDARIN these past 2 seasons.
“I’ve said it so many times – that duck is special, and he’s got QUACKosterone like none of the other DUCKathletes he’s racing against. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a 3-time defending champion come this time next year!”
For this past weekend, a total of $75 was raised for local nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST through the “bets” that race fans placed (in the form of a donation) on the races. A total of $538 through 4 weekends of racing. A total of 90 “bets” were placed this weekend and 676 so far this season. Denny MANDARIN had the most “bets” placed on him with 28, Muscovy Andretti was second with 22. So far, this season, MANDARIN leads all DUCKathletes with 168 “bets” placed on him. Racing will resume this weekend – Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 pm – at Maris Farms.
Here are the results after the fourth weekend:
| DUCKS | WINS | BETS PLACED | SEASON BETS TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 – Denny MANDARIN | 12 | 28 | 168 |
| #2 – “BILL” Elliott | 3 | 18 | 145 |
| #3 – Scott DUCKson | 0 | 12 | 133 |
| #4 – MUSCOVY Andretti | 1 | 22 | 132 |
| #5 – Danica DUCKtrick | 0 | 11 | 98 |
HOW THE DUCK RACES WORK:
This special event race is patterned after the famed Iron Man Triathlon, where competitors (human, that is) challenge one another over a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 2.2-mile marathon along the Kona (hawaii) coast each October. However, instead of 1800 human racing machines, Maris Farms will serve up a half dozen of the finest tri-QUACK-aletes in Pierce County, and they’ll cover a grand total of 200 feet! The ducks start at one end of an old cow feeder by swimming 100 feet one direction, then climbing a ramp to a platform built over the swim pond and “running/fluttering” back to where they started. First one back is the winner. In all, there are 20 races during the season. The duck with the most victories over that period is crowned Iron ‘DUCK’ World Champion.
The month-long event helps raise money for the Fisher House by allowing people to place bets on who they believe will win each race. Those bets are given in the form of a donation the Fisher House. To date, the event has raised more than $3,600 for the Fisher House and Wounded Warrior Project since starting in 2013. Money raised now goes toward nonprofit Celebrate HARVEST, whose mission it is to preserve the family farm for present-day and future farmers through helping promote and financially support experiential farming, aka agritainment to them.
Each “betting” participant receives a special duck bill. They also receive a numbered raffle ticket – they keep half and put the other half in the betting slot of their “predicted” winner. At the end of the race, the announcer will draw a name from the “winning” duck’s slot, and that individual will win a prize from one of our sponsors.
Dates of the races: Oct. 1/2, Oct. 8/9, Oct. 15/16, Oct. 22/23 and Oct. 29/30 (weather permitting); Time: 1 pm and 3 pm each weekend day; Price: included with farm admission.
Celebrate HARVEST: a vehicle that’ll help farmers reimagine farming Celebrate HARVEST is simply a vehicle for helping farms travel from where they currently find themselves toward a more non-traditional, profitable and sustainable method of farming – experiential farming or agritainment/agritourism. This allows the farmer to become a price-maker versus a price-taker in the market place by offering memory-making experiences versus a commodity product.