CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — In the seven years the DIRTcar Sportsman has been part of the Gerald Haers Memorial, no one has repeated as a winner.
That trend didn’t change on Saturday, either, as Karl Comfort led all 30 laps to win the DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series event at Land of Legends Raceway.
It’s the Penn Yan, NY driver’s 30th win at the track, this one worth $2,000.
“That was awesome,” Comfort said. “I’ve spent a lot of time and a lot of laps in Sportsman here.
“Wow, this car was just flawless. It was just unbelievable to drive. It went anywhere, and I could just do whatever I wanted. I can’t believe it.”
Karl Comfort and Derrick McGrew Jr. led the field to the green in the 30-lap Feature, but the race was quickly halted on the race’s opening lap. As the field battled into Turn 2, Matt Guerrerri spun, collecting five other drivers and ending their night.
After a long red flag, Comfort took control on the restart, nosing out ahead of McGrew as they raced down the backstretch. Comfort held a three-second lead over the No. 26 before the race’s second yellow flag came out for Nick Galusha, who spun in Turn 4.
When the race resumed, McGrew had his best chance to pass Comfort, pulling even with him through Turns 1 and 2 on the outside lane. However, Comfort’s momentum was too much on the bottom, as he gained an advantage he wouldn’t relinquish through Turns 3 and 4.
From there, Comfort cruised to his fifth career DIRTcar Sportsman Series victory, and second at the Canandaigua, NY oval.
“I knew those guys would be on me on restarts, so I had to hit (Turns) 1 and 2 right,” Comfort said. “It all worked out. I can’t believe how well it went tonight.”
McGrew crossed the line in second, earning his third podium of the championship season. The Ballston Spa, NY driver said his car was good but didn’t have enough for Comfort.
“Hats off to Karl, I really think he had the car to beat tonight,” McGrew said. “It helps starting on the pole. But even on that one restart I thought I might’ve had a shot at him to maybe hit the top just right down in (Turns) 1 and 2 and maybe get around him. But he was able to keep rolling on the bottom.”
Hunter Hollenbeck crossed the line third, after Tyler Corcoran dropped out ahead of him while running in the top three.
Even Nugent finished fourth after starting 15th with a brand-new car, and Tuttle rounded out the top five.
Mat Williamson won the companion modified main event.
