ALGER, Wash. — The Big Cat went hunting for a big payday on Saturday night at Skagit Speedway.
Brad Sweet led all 40 laps of the 54th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup presented by The Skagit Casino Resort, taking $100,026.26 for the victory and $12,000 in lap money.
Sweet started from the pole and controlled the race from start to finish. Traffic was a factor early and often, and Brent Marks was constantly hounding Sweet over the course of the race, changing lines and tactics often.
The race came down to a sprint to the finish, with Sweet maintaining his small margin over Marks all the way to the checkered flag, winning by a .135 margin for the big pay day.
Marks took home $40,000 for second place as well as $7,100 in lap money, with Daryn Pittman coming out ahead of a thrilling battle for third. Pittman took a check of $20,000 for third with $900 in lap money to go with it.
Tristin Thomas led all 25 laps for the NW Focus Midgets to win their Dirt Cup main event. Shane Smith advanced from fourth to take second while Alex Peck rounded out the podium.
The finish:
Brad Sweet, Brent Marks, Daryn Pittman, Rico Abreu, Tanner Holmes, Levi Hillier, James McFadden, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Sanders, Landon Brooks, Jett Barnes, Devon Borden, Sye Lynch, Dominic Scelzi, Brenham Crouch, Chance Grasty, Colton Heath, Levi Klatt, Tanner Carrick, DJ Netto, Tyler Thompson, Dominic Gorden, Max Mittry, Tanner Thorson, Trey Starks, Justin Peck
