BROOKFIELD, N.Y. — Veteran Butchie Irwin added a line to his racing resume on Monday night at Brookfield Speedway, winning his first Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco Sportsman event in a 25-lap thriller at the Madison County Fairgrounds.
Irwin narrowly edged both Garrett Chillot and Jonathan Feagles in a three-wide sprint to the Sunoco checkered flags of starter Joe Kriss.
The Climax, N.Y., driver earned $1,600 for his efforts including a $100 bonus from Dale and Sue Smith in the Fast Cars & Freedom special.
“We needed this one,” Irwin said, thanking chassis builder DKM for their support. “This means the world to us!”
Irwin’s breakthrough STSS victory came in Race No. 1 of the Madsen Overhead Doors Inc. North Region, a race postponed by 24 hours due to weather after a stretch of rain delayed the opening of the tricky Brookfield oval.
Irwin started from the pole after the Beyea Custom Headers Redraw and led every lap. It was far from an easy ride, however.
After a multi-car pileup on the opening lap, only one other SRI Performance caution flag slowed the fast-paced feature on the recently widened bullring.
Youthful Pennsylvania talent Chillot snatched second from Feagles and hounded Irwin through the race’s second half, often riding – literally – on the leader’s back bumper.
Lapped traffic in the final five laps – paired with a soft surface – made for a fan-pleasing finish.
Chillot was joined by Feagles in a close, three-way lead battle.
On the final lap, Irwin slowed momentarily behind the back markers, setting up a drag race to the finish.
Irwin bested Chillot, who had Feagles working to his inside, as the podium finishers were separated by less than a car-length.
Chillot and Feagles finished second and third, respectively.
Blaine Klinger climbed from ninth to finish fourth and Joe Toth completed the front five.
Kenny Gates dominated the 20-lap Pro Stock feature, earning $500 for his efforts. The defending Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway champion bested Slater Baker after 20 laps.
The Hustle the Highway Series made its Brookfield debut with a field of 22 600 Modifieds checking in the pit gate. Owen Mosso led every lap for the $500 payday.
Slingshot victors at the conclusion of a 15-lap feature were Sullivan Dickey (Allstar) after an engaging tussle with Paul Holic and Blake Banek (Junior).
A green-to-checkered 20-lap Four Cylinder main went to Collin Mills (Dual Cam), while Hank Wedgren was the Single Cam winner.
