IT'S "BRAWL IN THE FALL" TIME AT HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY

IT’S “BRAWL IN THE FALL” TIME AT HAGERSTOWN

Hagerstown, MD: One by one, area speedways have provided race fans with a grand finale to end their seasons and finally, after sitting in the dark for several weeks, Hagerstown Speedway and Buchanan Auto Park will now present the 1^st Annual Brawl in the Fall. The Brawl features four of the most prevailing dirt divisions in the area and northeast; super late models, big block modifieds, 410 super sprints and also the 358 sprints.

The Brawl is scheduled for October 27-28^th and is a name change from the former Octoberfest which ran for the past 24 years. The format has changed to 50 laps for the super lates and big blocks which results in lesser costs, much closer competition, gets rid of the halfway fuel stop and eliminates the attrition of the marathon 100-lap events while both sprint classes will still go 30 laps.

There’s never been a shortage of action as the top drivers in three divisions will be competing for $10,000 first place and $400 with the 358 sprint main paying $3,000 to the winner and $300 to start.

Last year’s event ended as a Trick, not a Treat with the largest snowfall of the entire winter falling and requiring a two week postponement.

The schedule is already made and Saturday’s order of events for all qualifying heats and consolations will be: super late models, 358 sprints, big block modifieds and 410 sprints with Sunday’s features ran in reverse order.

Gary Stuhler, who won the inaugural Octoberfest 1988 event, leads the late model win column, having scored four more times; 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2010. Rick Eckert has three wins to his credit, 2001-02 and 2009 while Josh Richards is the defending race winner with his last season triumph.

Brett Hearn, the overall leading modified winner at Hagerstown, won the 2000 and 2005 small block features and also won last season. In dominating fashion with wins in 1993, 1997 and 2001 and then three consecutive big block wins from 2008 to 2010, he also scored the double last year with his second of the day.

Billy Pauch has won in three different divisions. He’s claimed back to back sprint wins in 1988 and 1989, a single small block win in 1999 and has four big block modified triumphs in 1988, 1992, 1995 and 1996.

In the super sprints, Lance Dewease leads the sprint division with four wins in three different cars. He’s scored in 1994 and 1997 and then put back to back wins together in 2001 and 2002. Dewease did not compete last season due to injuries received in a Lincoln Speedway incident several weeks previous.

Three drivers have three wins; Donnie Kreitz Jr. posting the victory in both 1991 and 1992 and then again in 1996 while Fred Rahmer in two different racers, scored in 2004 with back to back wins in 2007-08 with Greg Hodnett having his name on the 2003, 2005 and 2006 victories, each aboard different race cars. Chad Layton also has found success in 2002, his career first 410 victory, and again in 2009.

Who can forget local World of Outlaw sprint driver Cody Darrah, following a traffic accident in Florida that sidelined him for the entire 2010 season, making his first time back on the track a winning one and scoring the 2010 event. Daryn Pittman added his name to the winners list last season.

Pat Cannon is the leading 358 sprint feature winner at area tracks with 13 overall triumphs while also posting a single 410 sprint win. Cannon’s last visit when the 358 sprints were at Hagerstown in September 2008 resulted in a win.

General admission for Saturday is $30 and $35 for Sunday, while the best buy is $40 covering both days admission. Children under 12 are free general admission only.

Reserved seats are available for the two day price of $50 while individual prices are Saturday, $35 and Sunday, $40.

Pit entry is $50 for the weekend pass. There are no single day passes. There are no refunds.

Pit gates open both days at 8:00 am. Grandstands open daily at 9:30 am. Racing begins at noon.

No alcohol or glass bottles permitted to be taken past the spectator gate or into the pit area.

The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be on the speedway’s website: www.hagerstownspeedway.com. Follow the speedway on Twitter and Facebook. Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay and/or cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 301-582-0640 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.