358 DIRT Modified Applefest Shootout Returns in 2008 with New Title Sponsor

BRIGHTON, ON - Brighton Speedway is proud to announce that Benson Auto Parts has come on board as the Title Sponsor for the 2008 addition of the Benson Auto Parts 358 Dirt Modified Applefest Shootout presented by ImageFactor.ca. Now in its forth season the event is looking stronger than ever with it’s new title sponsor. 

“Because of the support, every year we have been able grow the event and 2008 will be no different” said event Coordinator and sponsor Greg Calnan of ImageFactor.ca. 2008 will again see an increased purse for the drivers and the fans will get to see a great field of 358’s for the 50 lap main event. “Our only mistake in 2007 was the track prep” said Brighton Speedway Promoter Mark Rinaldi. “A dry, hot and windy day made it difficult to get good conditions and we ended up with an extremely dry track, we won’t let that happen again” vowed Rinaldi. 
2007 saw teams from all over Ontario, New York and Quebec attend the 358 Shootout, and the plan is to build off of that with a complete summer to plan and promote the Benson Auto Parts 358 DIRT Modified Shootout. Drivers like Pete Bicknell, Mark Hitchcock, and 2007 winner Mario Clair are already circling September 27th on their 2008 racing calendar. 

For 2008 the Benson Auto Parts Applefest Shootout will see the winner race for a $2,000.00 top prize with the increase in purse for 2008 coming from positions 13 – 24 that will see the 24th place finisher take home $400.00 just to start the race. “The evenly dispersed payout that isn’t top heavy and pays well right down to 24th is probably the biggest reason for the strong support by competitors in the first two running’s of the event” said Rinaldi. 

Returning again for 2008 to join the main event is the Lucas Oil Clash for Cash. This popular event sponsored by Lucas Oil is just another example of their commitment to local short track racing. Lucas Oil will pit the best of the East against the best of the West in a 15 lap “Clash for Cash”. Qualifiers for this event will comprise of the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Canadian Series and the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Summer Shootout 358 series as well as the winner of each qualifier on the eve of the 27th. 2007 Rookie Driver Chris Steele upset the field with a win over some of the finest drivers in the Northeast and will no doubt be looking to repeat in 2008. 

This race will have a completely separate purse paying the winner $1,500.00 with a total of $5,000.00 for 15 laps above and beyond the scheduled 50 lap main event. All this means is that for 10 drivers on this night they will be guaranteed to take home no less than $650.00 and if one driver can put together a win in both the 15 lap “Clash for Cash” and the 50 lap main event that driver will leave the Brighton Speedway with $3,500.00 in his/her pocket. 

The Lucas Oil Canadian Series is a 5 race series made up of 2 Eastern Ontario and 3 Quebec tracks. Now in its 4th season the Lucas Oil Canadian Series hosts events at Autodrome Granby, Autodrome Drummond, Autodrome Edelweiss, Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway throughout June and July. 

The Lucas Oil Summer Shootout is a separate 5 race series that takes place in Western Ontario and Western New York State. In its third season will see the series hold events at Ransomville Speedway, Genesee Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Humberstone Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway. 

“Seeing the top drivers from these two great series compete at Brighton Speedway in the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” will be one of my 2008 highlights” claims Brighton Speedway Promoter Mark Rinaldi. “There has been a lot of cooperation between promoters to make all these series and events happen but Lucas Oil is a major contributing factor with their support of dirt racing!” 

For more info on the Benson Auto Parts 358 DIRT Modified Shootout presented by ImageFactor.ca or the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” visit www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout or www.brightonspeedway.com
:: 2013 EVENT SPONSORS ::
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