Kris Bunch

In the semifinals, brothers Richard and Steve Alford were on opposite sides of the ladder. Kris Bunch overcame an .035 to .002 starting line deficit against Steve Alford by a narrow .007 seconds, 7.500 (7.48 dial-in) to a 6.689 (6.63). Richard Alford made the finals with a holeshot over Eric Aman by .015, 6.440 (6.42) to a 5.967 (5.95).

Richard Alford

In the finals, Alford and Bunch matched evenly at the line, .020 to .021, but Alford rolled off to the win with a 6.458 (6.42) when Bunch couldn't cover, 7.563 (7.49).

Alford's only hitch of the weekend was a leaking transmission line. In a great display of sportsmanship, opponent Jesse Betterton waited for him while they affected repairs.

"I really want to thank everyone involved: Jamie Holston, Robbie and Tabitha Draughon, and there were people up there I didn't even know," said Alford. "I am so humbled that people come to your rescue in a time of need. A man and his wife and kid even came to my trailer to check on me after the round. It was an amazing weekend. It turned out to be real good.

"I'd also like to thank my brother Steve. He always gives me good info to work with. There's always some people behind you that make it possible," concluded Alford. "I appreciate Michael and Anthony for putting on the race, and Lisa King for her hard work."

$20K Main Event

Ronnie Roberts Racing has been a staple of bracket racing in North Carolina for many years now, with the patriarch and crew chief keeping watchful eye over his increasingly successful boys, William, Wesley, and Clayton. Each has honed his skills and earned the accolades resulting from their dedication. William Roberts, of Benson, N.C., took his turn on the podium at the Fall Footbrake Frenzy IV, capturing the coveted $20,000 main event.

The Roberts clan nearly had a chance at a family feud, as both William and Clayton Roberts had advanced to the semifinals. Terry Rucker, who stopped Richard Alford's roll in the quarters, also stopped Clayton Roberts, however, when Clayton turned it -.003 red. William Roberts had his hands full with Dave Harvey, Jr. Last year, Harvey had two entries in the semis, and won the $20K. He presented a stellar effort once again with a .006-backed 7.022 (7.03) breakout, but Roberts' .014 light and dead-on 5.984 (5.98) left him little room.

"I was hoping Clayton would get through," admitted William. "It would have been great to have two Roberts in the finals!"