10/2/2025
Crate Racin' USA
CRUSA Dirt Late Model Series Set for Ice Bowl Qualifier at Talladega
(Eastaboga, AL – October 2, 2025) – The Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series will return to action this Saturday night, October 4th, with the Ice Bowl Qualifier at the Talladega Short Track. The 1/3-mile “Hornet’s Nest” will roar to life as the nation’s top Crate Late Model drivers battle for a $4,000 winner’s payday and, just as important, a guaranteed starting spot in the 35th Annual Ice Bowl, set for January 1-3, 2026.
Saturday’s race marks the 48th all-time series appearance at Talladega Short Track and will be the lone stop of the 2025 season for the Rogers-Dabbs Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Models at the famed Alabama bullring. Over the years, the track has produced a prestigious list of winners, including legends such as David Gentry, Ronnie Johnson, William Thomas, and Ashton Winger.
One driver, however, has stood above the rest in recent seasons: Cory Hedgecock, who owns nine series victories at TST, including the last five straight dating back to June 2023. Hedgecock enters the weekend as the man to beat, with challengers eager to end his streak and etch their own name into Talladega Short Track history.
With just weeks remaining in the 2025 championship chase, the Ice Bowl Qualifier will also play a critical role in the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series standings. Jeremy Steele (884 points) continues to lead the way, but veteran Matt Henderson (848) and Bubba Roling (848) sit just 36 points back, tied for second. With Austin Yarbrough (832) and Joseph Brown (830) rounding out a tight top five. Every lap and every position will matter as the season heads toward its championship stretch.
Jeremy Steele also leads the Cruise with the Champions Rookie of the Year chase over Austin Yarbrough and Koulten Herbert.
Fans at Talladega Short Track will be treated to a full night of action, as all local divisions will be in action, with Ice Bowl lock-ins on the line in: CRUSA Late Model Sportsman, CRUSA Modified Sportsman, Talladega Sportsman, Factory Stock, Hot Shots, and Mini Stocks. On Saturday, the pit gates will open at 3:00 PM, with Hot Laps beginning at 6:30 PM.
The program will feature MyRacePass/Fantasy Racing Hot Laps, Bama Sheds & Pole Barns Pole Qualifying, Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet B-Mains, and the 40-lap Ice Bowl Qualifier Feature.
Remaining Schedule:
Oct. 4 – Ice Bowl Qualifier – Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) – $4,000 to win
Oct. 10-11 – 22nd Annual Governor’s Cup – Magnolia Motor Speedway (Columbus, MS) – $10,000 to win
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – 10th Annual World Short Track Championship – The Dirt Track at Charlotte (Concord, NC) – $8,000 to win [Bonus Race]
Nov. 21-22 – 14th Annual Early Bird 50 – Needmore Speedway (Norman Park, GA) – $10,000 to win
Nov. 28-29 – 15th Annual Turkey 100 – Swainsboro Raceway (Swainsboro, GA) – $10,000 to win
Fans unable to make it to the Hornet’s Nest can catch all the action live on Crate Racin’ USA TV and Talladega Short Track TV.
Special thanks to our partners: Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts, Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Competition Racing Equipment, Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz, Bama Sheds & Pole Barns, MatMan Designs, WesPro JCB Atlanta, Scorpion Race Cars, Columbus Sports Cards, and My Race Pass.
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Article Credit: Cody Earley
