For Immediate Release: Brighton Speedway Race Report
The 1/3rd mile clay oval on the shores of Lake Ontario was shaking with power as five Divisions of stock car classes took the green flag this past Saturday night at Brighton Speedway.
Proud partner, Vanderlaan Building Products hosted the evening with their title division; Late Models, racing for 30 laps. In a pack with up-and-coming racers, 2022 champion Steve Baldwin powered his No5 machine to victory lane from the 6th starting spot. Notably the No 3 of Nate Rinaldi, placing 2nd in his heat, drew the poll for the feature event and led the pack of 14 cars for 9 laps before a caution was called and the field was brought back together. Baldwin who had moved to second was able to get by Rinaldi on the restart before a second caution fell shortly after. On the second and last restart of the race, No 11 Kyle Sopaz and No46 Brandon Mowat charging through to battle for the top position. The race would go green for the remaining 18 laps as Baldwin secured his first win of 2023 followed by Sopaz, Mowat with No89 Austin King and No 77 Caley Weese rounding out the top 5. 
The Bainer’s OilGARD Anti Rust Canadian Modified division 25 lap feature saw No 40 Ron Wadforth in victory lane for his first career feature win in a Canadian Modified. No 32 of Doug O’Blenis would jump out to the early lead starting from the pole position but by lap 6 Wadforth had moved to the lead from his 7th starting spot and would hold on to take the 25-lap main event. No 1 Shawn Gregory would later get by O’Blenis for second to chase down Wadforth, but was not strong enough on this night. O’Blenis would end up settling for 3rd while No 51 Mike Freeman and No 09 Dan Price to complete the top five positions.
Brighton Automotive Thunder Stocks were geared up at the drop of their green flag in the 20-lap feature race. Running double duty, driving the No 28, Steve Baldwin took home his second victory of the night. Baldwin who started on the pole had his hands full as he battled 2022 Champion No 0 Tyler French most of the race. French who started 3rd would hold on to finish 2nd ahead of No 17 Jeff Humphry, No 9 Josh Black and No 97 Dave Barrett. Barrett was later DQ’d in post-race inspection for improper transponder location and awarded last place points and money.
Bill’s John’s Mini Stock race struggled to get 15 laps completed. The large amount of new and returning competitors has competition at a high level early in the season. No 4 Chris Tufford led the field of 18 from the drop of the green flag with last week’s feature winner No 22 Tyson Gregory working his way from a 9th place starting position to finish in 2nd. But it was not easy for either Tufford or Gregory as they had to fend off 2021 champion No 96 Cole Abrams and 2022 Champ No 18 Carter Rhodes who finished 3rd and 4th respectively. Always competitive No 12 Caleb Severin came home 5th.
Making their first appearance at the track in this 56th season of racing at Brighton Speedway, the Quinte Septic Stingers filled the field with 16 six-cylinder cars. No 26 Chris Sparks, a veteran Stinger competitor lead the field from start to finish in the 12-lap main event. Sparks would be followed across the line by several newcomers to the class including No 51 Matt French in 2nd, 3rd was No 64 Alex Patrick, 4th and 5th respectively were No 9 of Zac MacDonald and No 03 of Dillon Barker.
This upcoming weekend Campbellford Chrysler hosts the Southern Ontario Sprints. The SOS return for the first of their six visits in 2023. After amalgamating with the Knights of Thunder 360, expectations are high, and fans are excited to see the winged warriors hit the track. Adult admission is only $25. Grab your tickets online at brightonspeedway.ca or at the gate. Also racing will the Vanderlaan Building Products Late Models, Brighton Automotive Thunder Stocks, Bill’s Johns Mini Stocks and Bill’s Johns Comp 4’s. Front Gates open each Saturday at 5:00 pm.
Brighton Speedway Social Media: Follow Brighton Speedway’s Official Social Media Accounts Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrightonSpdwy Twitter: @BrightonSpdwy Instagram: @BrightonSpdwy
About Brighton Speedway: Brighton Speedway is a 1/3-mile clay stock car racing oval located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Brighton, Ont. The speedway hosts five weekly stock car divisions on Saturday nights from May to September. Brighton Speedway mailing address: 775 County Road 64, Brighton, ON, K0K 1H0
Photos By Rod Henderson, CanadianRacer.com
- Steve Baldwin, 2022 Late Model Champion drives to victory in the No 5 QBT Excavating and Services in the 30 lap Vanderlaan Building Products Ltd. Late Model division.
- The Bainer’s OilGARD AntiRust Canadian Modified division, No 40, veteran Ron Wadforth snags his first victory in the 2023 season.
