GAFFNEY, S.C. — Following a night of qualifying and heat races for the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series, the field is set for Saturday’s Rebel 50 at Cherokee Speedway.
Fifty-seven STSS big-block/small-block modifieds participated in four 20-lap qualifying events paying $1,000 to win each (a total purse of more than $20,000). Twenty cars are locked into Saturday’s main event with 10 more set to lock in through B Mains.
Larry Wight claimed the first qualifier presented by Dave Prime Jr. MAC Tools from his 14th starting spot. Wight raced forward through early yellows, and then outdueled Jack Lehner and Bobby Hackel IV to claim the first event.
Stewart Friesen dominated Qualifier No. 2 presented by Wegner Automotive, leading all 20 laps to claim the $1,000 paycheck. Demetrios Drellos and Michael Maresca rounded out the top three.
Matt Sheppard joined Friesen, dominating his third Qualifier presented by Mike’s Racing Heads. Sheppard rolled to victory over H.J. Bunting and Ryan Godown.
Danny Creeden started slow in qualifier No. 4 presented by DKM Fabrication; however, he found his rhythm, rolling around Darren Smith and driving away with the win. Smith claimed second and Billy Van Inwegen rounded out the top three.
The top-five finishers in each of the four qualifiers are locked into the Halmar International ‘Elite’ Series debut, while the others will look to qualify through Saturday’s B-Mains.
Thirty-one STSS Crate 602 Sportsman took part in three 15-lap qualifiers, all presented by Five 55 Enterprises LLC, paying $500-to-win each.
Mike Nagel Jr., Jeff Watson and Brock Pinkerous won the Crate 602 Sportsman qualifiers.
All 31 cars are scheduled to start the 30-lap main event tomorrow night. The top four finishers in each qualifier are locked into the Beyea Custom Headers Redraw.
Damon Crump timed quickest in qualifying and dominated all 15-laps of the Mid-East Street Stock feature, claiming the $1,000 top prize.
Hunter Funderburke claimed his third consecutive Thunder Bomber feature after a dramatic battle with Seth Outlaw.