Unique Format Drawing Interest For ‘Battle At The Bowl’ Big Block / Small Block Challenge

Story By: MANDEE PAUCH / HUNTER STRATTON PROMOTION – BENNINGTON, VT – The Modifieds will be making their one-time appearance at Devils Bowl Speedway on Sunday, August 11th for the inaugural ’Battle at The Bowl’ event paying $10,000 to win.

This unique event will be like no other, with a structured format making the event a unique challenge in itself.

“I’ve been going to tracks for years and it’s always the same old 100 lap event,” said Hunter Stratton, event promoter. “I guess I got the idea from doing basketball tournaments. We’re always trying to keep things fresh and fun. I wanted to do something different than the usual 100 lapper and switch it up a little bit. The idea of this event is to make it a challenge, let the best man win.”

Time trials and heat races will set the field for the evening which will then lead into twin 25-lap qualifying features, one feature for the small block modifieds and one feature for the big block modifieds, each paying $1,500 to win. Only the top-10 from each twin 25 will move on to the 50-lap main event paying $10,000 tow in.

The top six out of both twin 25’s will be placed into a pole shuffle which will determine the top-12 starting spots. The pole shuffle will be 1-on-1 elimination style match races. The races will be two laps under the green flag with a running start. The first loser will start 12thand the winner will move on to the next round. The winner of the final match race will earn the pole position for the 50-lap main event.

“We want to celebrate the drivers,” noted Stratton. “They’re the ones putting on the show. We want to showcase them and their talents. Not only will they get the option to choose to run a big block or small block, but the drivers who make it into the pole shuffle will have to showcase their talents by racing their way into position rather than basing it on luck of the draw”

A consolation will be in place after the pole shuffle where the final four cars to transfer to the main event will be decided.

“A lot of drivers will be bringing both a small block and big block that they’ll be able to compete in both twin 25 features,” Stratton added. “They can go after both twin 25 purses and will then have to choose which car to run in the main event. It’ll make it more interesting for everyone to see which car they’ll decide to choose. Makes it a fun game for both the drivers and the fans.”

On card with the Modifieds Sunday evening will be the King of Dirt sportsman series paying $1,500 to win. It will be their second stop on the series at the fast half-mile.

The Big Block Small Block Challenge will also be raising money for Autism Awareness to support the Crossroads Center for Children. There will be a cookout that will kick off at noon with a cornhole tournament hosted by Ramuntos of Bennington prior to the gates opening.

There will be plenty of fun and games for the kids as well as a raffle for different items donated by the drivers.

The entire 50/50 will also be getting donated to autism awareness.

“I’m really excited,” said Stratton. “I’ve been trying to put this race together now for 2 ½ years. To be able to get the top Modified drivers to a track that doesn’t race that class is really cool. It’s been 19 years since they’ve been there so a lot of people are really excited for it. It’s going to be fun for both the drivers and the fans.”

With a huge turnout to be expected, several drivers have confirmed they will be in attendance for the Sunday’s event: Stewart Friesen, Brett Hearn, Kenny Tremont Jr, Tim Fuller, Jessey Mueller, Rocky Warner, LJ Lombardo, and more.

“Over 30 drivers have committed to the event so far,” Stratton added. “We have over a full field and are expecting more to confirm with us this week.”

Reserved seats and general admission are now on sale. Seating is limited so be sure to go online and purchase your tickets at tickettailor.com/events/bbsbchallenge.

Be sure to come out on Sunday, August 11 for the Battle at The Bowl Big Block Small Block Challenge where the top names in Modified racing will duke it out for the $10,000 prize.

Pit gates open at 3pm, grandstands open at 4pm and the first green flag will drop at 6pm.