The Friday Night Lights portion of the NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week ended in disappointing fashion after rain moved into the area causing the Super DIRTcar Series Qualifying Heats to be postponed till the following day. However, fans were treated to four qualifying heats for the DIRTcar Sportsman series which locked more of the field for the Chevrolet Performance 75.
DIRTcar Sportsman
The DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds completed four heats with 90 cars entered for the event. 20 drivers would move onto the DIRTcar Sportsman Chevrolet Performance 75 that is slated for Oct. 9. Prior to the 12-lap shootouts, six drivers were able to lock themselves into the big event through the time trials that occurred earlier in the day.
Heat 1 went to Andrew Buff in the 79 machine. The driver was able to drive to the front from the third starting position. Cody McPherson and Dylan Madsen were locked in by their times earlier in the afternoon. Richard Murtaugh, Nicholas Root, Ryan Shanahan and Randy Chrysler also locked themselves in based on finishing position. Andrew Buff commented on his performance post-race.
“We have a really good car,” Buff said. “I felt like we can go anywhere, but I got out front and stuck to the bottom.”
In Heat 2, Matt Janczuk led all 12 laps and received the checkered flag. Janczuk and Chris Mackey were locked in prior to the start of the contest. Zach Sobotka, Karl Comfort, Cameron Tuttle, Justin Sharp and Chris Crane Jr. secured starting spots for the feature. Sharp started in the 14th position and was able to drive himself through the field and finished in fifth.
Heat 3 featured Noah Walker who led from the green flag to the checkered flag. SUNY Oswego student Tyler Stevenson improved a position to snag a transfer spot into the Oct. 9 race. Mike Fowler, Tyler Murrary, James Friesen and James Hanson will also gain a spot based on their finishing position. Walker touched on his car’s performance in the post-race interview.
“We found something in the car,” Walker said. “I have been comfortable in the car since I found it.”
In Heat 4, Chad Edwards started on the pole and finished there after a solid 12 laps. Jessica Power drove from fourth to second after passing Tyler Corcoran. Travis Bruno, Ryan Dolbear and David Boisclair also locked themselves into the feature based on the results.
Saturday’s Schedule
The postponed Super DIRTcar Series Qualifying Heats were moved to the Oct. 8 program. The three heats will slot in behind the 358 Modified Last Chance Showdown Hot laps. Both the DIRTcar Pro Stock and DIRTcar 358 Modified features are slated for today’s events.
Photo Provided By Brent Smith | Dirt Track Digest
