10/6/2025
Crate Racin' USA
Stewart, Yarbrough Shine During Ice Bowl Qualifier Weekend at Talladega
(Eastaboga, AL – October 6, 2025) — While the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series headlined the 2025 Ice Bowl Qualifier at the “Hornet’s Nest,” two CRUSA Weekly Racing Series divisions took to the red clay stage at Talladega Short Track for a Saturday night of action in Eastaboga, Alabama.
CRUSA 602 Late Model Sportsman - With 17 strong entries, it was Derek Stewart (#47) who showed the way from start to finish, leading all 15 laps to capture the A-Main victory. Stewart earned the pole with an impressive heat win and never looked back once the green flag dropped.
Brennen Shirley (#111) stayed close in the early stages but ultimately settled for the runner-up spot, while Logan Bradford (#44) rounded out the podium in third. Fourth went to Bron Rutledge (#15), and Brodie Thompson (#T9) charged his way from 16th to a top five finish to earn Hard Charger honors, advancing 11 positions in the 15-lap main event.
Top 5 Finishers – 602 LM Sportsman:
1-47-Derek Stewart
2-111-Brennen Shirley
3-44-Logan Bradford
4-15-Bron Rutledge
5-T9-Brodie Thompson
Lap Leaders: Stewart (1–15)
Hard Charger: Thompson (+11)
CRUSA Modified Sportsman - The CRUSA Modified Sportsman division brought 25 competitors to the famed Eastaboga bullring, and fans were treated to a wild 15-lap shootout that saw Chris Yarbrough (#45) rise to the occasion.
After Austin Gonzalez (#16G) led the opening lap, Yarbrough took control on lap 2 and never relinquished the top spot, holding off a fast-charging Tyler Hurst (#25) to capture the victory. Mario Gresham (#23) crossed the line third, followed by Steve Pate (#07)—who earned a Hard Charger award after climbing from 12th to 4th. Gonzalez completed the top five after leading early.
A notable drive came from Brodie Clay (#20B), who advanced eight spots from 25th to 17th, also sharing Hard Charger honors.
Top 5 Finishers – Modified Sportsman:
1-45-Chris Yarbrough
2-25-Tyler Hurst
3-23-Mario Gresham
4-07-Steve Pate
5-16G-Austin Gonzalez
Lap Leaders: Gonzalez (1), Yarbrough (2–15)
Hard Chargers: Pate (+8), Clay (+8)
Talladega Short Track roars back to life October 17–18 for NASCAR Weekend and the Red Farmer Tribute, featuring the Southern Thunder Super Late Models and a full slate of local divisions.
For more information, visit TalladegaShortTrack.com, and follow Talladega Short Track on Facebook.
Photo by Simple Moment Photography
Article Credit: Cody Earley
