Mowat and gregory's father, son dup score fan appreciation wins
By: Nicole Kleinsteuber
Brighton Speedway’s first Fan Appreciation Night of the season hosted a full grandstand with 91 cars dialed in for an action-packed event.
The night presented by McDougall Insurance & Financial featured all five divisions – Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Thunder Stocks, 4-Cylinders and Stingers.
During intermission, drivers took over the front stretch allowing fans the opportunity to meet them, take pictures, get autographs and treats. The speedway will celebrate its final Fan Appreciation Night on July 26.
Following Fan Appreciation, Winners of the Campbellford Chrysler Best Appearing Car Awards were presented to: Late Model No. 41 Ryan Lambert, Canadian Modified No. 85 Brittany Golden, Thunder Stock No. 17 Ethan Humphry, 4-Cylinder No. 22 Tyson Gregory and Stinger No. 07 Megan Golden.
Mowat Motors to Victory Lane
No. 05 James Seymour and No. 46 Brandon Mowat led a field of 12 Vanderlaan Building Product Late Models to green in the 30-lap main event. Mowat jetted in front of Seymour on the lead lap and took off like a rocket. Despite a pair of cautions Mowat kept his eye on the prize as Seymour hunted him down. Determined to score his first win of the season, Mowat was glued to the cushion as he flew to victory lane with Seymour in second. No. 11 Kyle Sopaz was third, No. 3 Nathan Rinaldi fourth and No. 5 Steve Baldwin fifth.
Gregory Grabs 2nd Straight Win
No. 40 Ron Wadforth and No. 26 Bob Green took 16 Bainer’s OilGARD AntiRust Canadian Modifieds to green in the 25-lap affair. Fresh off a heat win, No. 1 Shawn Gregory wasted no time charging from 8th to 1st on the 5th lap. Gregory was hooked up as he shot out into the lead and left Wadforth in his dust. With three laps to go a caution slowed the pace. But on the restart Gregory picked up where he left off and parked it for the second time in as many nights leaving Wadforth to settle for second. No. 32 Doug O’Blenis was third, No. 2 Leslie Mowat fourth and No. 51 Mike Freeman fifth.
Gregory Follows Dad and Goes for Checkers
No. 26 Brock Gregory earned pole position in the Brighton Automotive Thunder Stock main event that featured a full field of 26 cars. After celebrating his father Shawn Gregory’s Canadian Mod victory, Brock was determined to taste victory for the second time this year as well. With No. 0 Tyler French attached at the bumper, Gregory did not flinch as he held off the former champ at every turn. French, No. 03 Justin Ramsay, and No. 10 Carter Rhodes waged an epic battle in Gregory’s rearview as they tossed second spot back and forth. As multiple cautions slowed the pace, Gregory kept his cool and soared to victory lane. French secured his third straight second place finish with Ramsay in third, Rhodes in fourth and No. 72 Doug Anderson fifth.
McLean Makes it Rain Checkers
Campbellford Chrysler Driver of the Month, No. 42JR Aidan Fletcher jumped on the top spot from his second starting position on the lead lap of the Bill’s Johns 4 Cylinder 15-lap event. The action was quickly brought to a halt after No. 27 Mike Fletcher and No.37 AJ Peters collided on the frontstretch bringing out the red flag. When the race resumed another crash brought out a second caution forcing another restart. When the action resumed Fletcher and No. 10 Travis “The Hammer” McLean went back and forth for the lead. With eight laps to go, McLean threw down the hammer and passed Fletcher on the inside. McLean crossed the line first with No. 22 Tyson Gregory in second, Fletcher third, No. 24x Devon Kippen fourth and No. 20 Cody Sager fifth.
Vale is Victorious
Polesitter No. 12 Shane Vale was unstoppable in the 12-lap Quinte Septic Stinger feature. At the drop of the green flag, he took off like the wind and never looked back as he rode to the checkered flag. No. 9 Cooper McKeown was second, No. 93 Jorden Pickell finished third, No. 45 Matt Schonauer was fourth and No. 95c Chris Lammle fifth.
Next Up
This Saturday, June 14th sprint cars return along with the Southern Ontario Modlites. Sutha’s Pizza Bar & Grill presents a complete race program with the 2nd Annual Simon Petit Memorial Ontario Traditional Sprints, $1000.00 to win topless sprint feature. The Bainer’s OilGARD Anti Rust Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Thunder Stock and Bill’s Johns 4 Cylinder APC Duel on the Dirt Home Track events will round out the action-packed race card for an evening of dirt flinging excitement. Front Gates will open at 5:00 PM, Hot Laps at 6:00 pm and Racing begins at 7:00 PM.
Racing at Brighton Speedway continues every Saturday until October. Race fans can find a complete schedule and more information by visiting our website at brightonspeedway.ca or by following us on our socials. A 1/3rd mile clay oval, Brighton Speedway is in the municipality of Brighton on the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1967, the Speedway hosts five divisions on a weekly basis, beginning on the first weekend in May and ending on the first weekend in October. With two travelling series, the Lawns We 360 Sprint Cars and the Vanderlaan Building Products Northeast Late Model Division calling Brighton home, other series visit the track each season to impress the fans and challenge the tight turns on the dirt track.
Photos by Rod Henderson, CanadianRacer.com
