Final Day of the BTE World Footbrake Challenge XV
David Harvey Jr. earns the final payday during the BTE World Footbrake Challenge XV at Bristol Dragway.
Feature photo credit: Chris Simmons Photography
BRISTOL, TN – As always, Bristol Dragway provided a beautiful backdrop as the BTE World Footbrake Challenge XV settled in for the final day. With a massive amount of cars still on the property, it would take a lot of talent to take the cash from this field of footbrakers.
Instead of igniting fireworks, racers had a unique opportunity to celebrate Independence Day by illuminating win lights while battling off the bottom bulb for $25K!
Sunday began with church service under the bleachers before new entrants received a time run. Immediately after, 519 entries rolled through the water box for first round of eliminations.
Jared Pennington says, “Thank you Bristol staff, Coalburg Racing Promotions staff, and my main man, Steve [Stites]. We want to thank our wives, our children, racers, sponsors, and everybody that has done so much to make this such a huge stage and successful event. We can’t thank you enough and we love each and every one of you.”
Quarterfinals
Eighth round consisted of six entries but only five drivers: Randy Biddle Jr, David Harvey III, Noah Pollard, Matt Sayers, and David Harvey Jr with two shots at $25K.
In his first entry, Harvey lays down .012 total to lock out Biddle. Pollard had the starting line advantage but breaks out 4 thou more than Sayers who moves into the round of three.
The last quarterfinal pairing was a father and son match up between David Harvey Jr and David Harvey III. Chalk this win up to the young guns when Harvey III is .007 and takes .005 at the stripe while Harvey Jr is .016 and dead on for the loss.
Semifinal
Don’t feel too bad for Harvey Jr. just yet as his previous .005 light earns him the bye into the final round.
A .001 red light by Harvey III prevents the family final while Sayers is .032 green to earn his spot in the final.
$25K Final
Matt Sayers and David Harvey Jr stage under the lights at Bristol for Sunday’s $25,000 final round. It’s all over at the starting line when Sayers leaves .002 red while Harvey Jr is .026 green to coast into the winner’s circle.
David Harvey Jr. adds his name to the index of impressive drivers who have claimed main event victories at the BTE World Footbrake Challenge.
Photo credit: Chris Simmons Photography
Photo credit: Chris Simmons Photography
One Amazing Event Down, One More To Go
And with that, the fifteenth installment of the world’s greatest footbrake race has come to an end.
From dueling with Mother Nature, spectacular feet-swapping action, and first time WFC winners, the BTE World Footbrake Challenge XV has been one for the books!
Now the focus shifts to the BTE Labor Day $250K that will take place at Bristol Dragway in just nine weeks!
The Saturday main event is guaranteed to pay $100K, but as the car count increases so does the payout. Friday and Sunday feature their own $10K to win races, and you can still save $200 if you pre-enter before August 19.
Thanks to JEGS for sponsoring the MotorManiaTV live feed all weekend long. For more information on the BTE Labor Day $250K or next year’s BTE World Footbrake Challenge, check out their website here.
Take a look at the latest in bracket racing news and results from DragChamp by clicking here.
Jessica was born into a family of drag racers and fell in love with the sport at a young age. She began competing at 13 and has been hooked ever since! She even met her husband at the World Footbrake Challenge VII. Jessica works full time as an Ultrasound Technologist but spends almost every weekend chasing win lights at IHRA and NHRA bracket races.
You can contact her at Jessica@dragchamp.com or on her Facebook page.
Click