9/29/2025
Crate Racin' USA
Stewart, Lively, and Gray Capture CRUSA Victories at Talladega
(Eastaboga, AL – September 29, 2025) – The “Hornet’s Nest” at Talladega Short Track was alive with excitement on Saturday night as the SCDRA Front Wheel Drive Series headlined, but the spotlight also shined bright on three Crate Racin’ USA Weekly Divisions. Fans were treated to battles across the CRUSA Late Model Sportsman, CRUSA Dirt Late Models, and CRUSA Modified Sportsman classes, with familiar names returning to victory lane and newcomers making strong impressions.
The CRUSA Late Model Sportsman division brought 13 cars to the track, and Derek Stewart left no doubt, dominating the 15-lap feature from start to finish. Starting from the outside of the front row, Stewart powered his No. 47 machine into the lead on lap one and never looked back, leading all 15 circuits.
Brennen Shirley charged to second, followed by Jamie Godbee, while Brodie Thompson and Matt Janssen completed the top five. Janssen, who had earlier won Heat 1, couldn’t quite hold Stewart off in the feature as Stewart capitalized on momentum from his Heat 2 victory.
Feature Finish (Top 5): Stewart, Shirley, Godbee, Thompson, Janssen
In the CRUSA Dirt Late Models, it was all about Jason Lively, who put on a clinic in the 20-lap feature. After winning his heat race, Lively started on the pole and controlled the pace, leading every lap on his way to victory.
Todd Brewster fought his way forward to a strong second-place finish, while Heath Carr rounded out the podium. David Kay and Sterling Freeman completed the top five in a race that showcased consistent speed and clean racing throughout the field.
Feature Finish (Top 5): Lively, Brewster, Carr, Kay, Freeman
The largest Crate Racin' USA field of the night belonged to the CRUSA Modified Sportsman division, with 20 competitors battling for 15 laps of action. Jarrad Gray proved unstoppable, quickly taking control from early leader Brent Powell and never relinquishing the top spot. Gray led laps 2 through 15 to secure the win, backing up his Heat 1 victory in dominant fashion.
Powell held on to finish second, with Tyler Hurst charging from 13th on the grid to claim an impressive third. Chris Yarbrough and Steve Pate rounded out the top five, capping off one of the most competitive races of the night.
Feature Finish (Top 5): Gray, Powell, Hurst, Yarbrough, Pate
Talladega Short Track roars back to life this Saturday, October 4th, with the Ice Bowl Qualifier. The program will feature a $4,000-to-win Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts CRUSA Dirt Late Model Series main event, along with action for all divisions. Winners on the night will also secure a guaranteed starting spot in the prestigious 35th Annual Ice Bowl, scheduled for January 1–3, 2026.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
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