Herbison Captures Brighton Win And Syracuse Qualifying Spot

For Immediate Release – Friday September 24, 2010

BRIGHTON, ON – Friday, September 24th, 2010 – As the race season draws to a close each year Brighton Speedway holds one of its biggest events on its schedule. On Friday night it was evening one of the annual Applefest Weekend featuring the DIRTcar Sportsman. A total of 20 of the best drivers from the region were on hand to do battle with a qualifying spot to Syracuse’s Moody Mile on the line. The early story on the night was a brief rain shower prior to race time. The precipitation was light and made for a great racing surface all night long.

Chris Taylor and Brad Rouse made up the front row of the 30 lap feature event, but by lap five it was Chris Raabe storming to the front from his 4th starting spot. The worst accident of the night came on lap 6 when Dylan Evoy caught an infield tire barrier and broke the left from steering of the car. As the car came to a halt on the backstretch both Steve Barber and Chris Taylor piled causing a great amount of carnage. The #80 of Barber when over on its side and a brief fire ensued. All drivers walked away uninjured while Evoy’s #83 suffered the worst of the damage having to be craddled off the track.

Before the race resumed from the red flag period, Chris Raabe headed pitside and rejoined the field at the tail. That gave the lead to Brad Rouse who went at it side by side with Chris Herbison for several laps. On lap 14, one circuit prior to halfway, Herbison took the lead for good and sailed to his first win at Brighton Speedway. The victory also guaranteed the pilot of the #63 ride a spot in the DIRTcar Sportsman event at Syracuse in early October. “On our way to the track tonight I told my dad, I want that Syracuse Qualifier spot.” said Herbison. His wish came true with the win. Although funding will be the teams next concern to make it to this prestigious event, the concern over a starting spot has now been secured.

Cody McPherson made a late race charge to the runner-up position while Brad Rouse finished third. Chris Raabe made a late pass at the line to take fourth over Adam Turner.



Making their first appearance at the Brighton Speedway were the Mod-Lite division. A total of 13 cars made the trip with more planning to attend on Saturday evening. A seven car breakaway lead the field through the entire 25 lap race with positions being swapped back and forth. Adam Murphy led the first half of the race until a restart gave Paul Klager the advantage he needed. Klager became the first Mod-Lite winner in the history books at Brighton Speedway. Murphy was second while Randy Hollingshead finished third.

Also on the docket were the Eastern Ontario Vintage Stock Car Club competitors. Having recently purchased a new ride, Jason Powers drove the #99 to victory lane.

In the Pro Stock feature race, 2010 track champion Doug Anderson drove his #72 to the win with a handful of invaders in town. The Pro Stocks return to action on Saturday night to do battle with Merrittville Speedway regulars in the Duel in the Dirt finale.

In Comp4 action Kyle Sopaz drove to victory while Steve Wells one in Stinger competition.

Racing resumes on Saturday night at Brighton Speedway at 6pm. Fans will want to be on time to see the 2009 running of the Lucas Oil Clash for Cash which was postponed to 2010 due to rain. Also on the card will be a 50 lap feature for the 358 DIRTcar Modifieds as well as the rescheduled Summer Scorcher for DIRTcar Pro Late Models, Canadian Modifieds & IMCA Modifieds plus the Duel in the Dirt for Pro Stocks and more. For more information visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com or www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout

DIRTcar Sportsman Feature Finish: 1. 63 Chris Herbison, 2. 7 Cody McPherson, 3. 18r Brad Rouse, 4. 01 Chris Raabe, 5. 92 Adam Turner, 6. 20 Randy Earl, 7. 8a Dana Aikens, 8. 15 Sane Pecore, 9. 6 Mike Mainse, 10. 32 Doug O’Blenis, 11. 11k Dylan Sallows, 12. 19 Luke Stewart, 13. 80eh Doug Buzzell, 14. 5 Dave Wilgosh, 15. 15L Cole Dingwall, 16. 20k Remington Price, 17. 83 Dylan Evoy, 18. 80 Steve Barber, 19. 02 Chris Taylor, 20. 9 Nic Cupolo

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