Test & Tune @BrightonSpdwy ? pic.twitter.com/uVkcsaUQtD
— Nicole Kleinsteuber (@NewsualSuspects) April 22, 2017
The sound of engines roaring and tires ripping through dirt filled Brighton Speedway this weekend as the green flag gets set to drop on the 50th season Saturday.
Over 70 drivers eagerly took to the track Saturday and Sunday to test and tune their cars ahead of opening night on April 29.
Track owner Mark Rinaldi said they lucked out weather-wise as it brought out a lot of drivers, pit crews and fans excited to kick off the season.
Opening night kicks off the 2017 points battles featuring Late Model, Canadian Modified, Pro-stock and Comp 4 classes. It is promised to be a long season that will test drivers when the speedway crowns its champions in September.
Returning to defend their titles are: Late Model No. 29 driver Phil Potts, Canadian Modified No. 87 driver Andrew Hennessy, Pro Stock No. 03 driver Justin Ramsay and Comp 4 No. 0 Tyler French.
Driver Charlie Sandercock tests out his No. 57 Pro Late Model car at Brighton Speedway on Saturday April 22, 2017. Sandercock broke a bird cage in testing but says he is confident it will be fixed and the car ready to go opening night. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Pro Late Model No. 57 driver Charlie Sandercock who has been racing for 16 years, said it’s been a long winter and they have been gearing up for the 50th season.
Pro Late Model No. 92 driver Adam Turner said he also has his eye on a championship win this season.
Pro Late Model No. 92 driver Adam Turner edges past No. 12 Kyle Sopaz during the 2016 season at Brighton Speedway. (Photo: submitted by Adam Turner)
The need for speed runs deep within the Turner family who now have three generations that have taken to the Brighton track. Adam Turner’s father Paul Turner began racing #92 in Brighton in 1974. His brother Justin Turner also raced #92 and now Adam Turner’s own children, niece and nephew race Go-Karts in Brighton.
Turner said it means a lot to him to be racing in this anniversary season.
Open Wheel Canadian Modified driver Leslie Turcotte-Mowat tests her No. 2 car on Saturday April 22, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The track opened in 1967 and the Rinaldi family took over operations in 1981.
Rinaldi said similar to how the drivers put a lot of pride in their cars, he and his family put a lot of pride into the track.
The 50th anniversary celebration night is July 15. The night brought to you by Deerhaven Farm & Garden & Mix 97 features OSCAAR Hot Rods, Eastern Ontario Vintage Stock Car Club, 50 Lap Late Model, 50 Lap Canadian Modified and 50 Lap Pro Stock. There will be a live band, classic race car display and memorabilia in the court yard from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wear a Brighton Speedway vintage T-shirt and receive $5 off admission.
Opening night starts Saturday April 29 at 7 p.m. Admission is $2 with a non-perishable food donation.
For a full season schedule click here.
Lookin’ good! Green flag drops in 1 week! @BrightonSpdwy ? pic.twitter.com/32UjSu7x3Q
— Nicole Kleinsteuber (@NewsualSuspects) April 22, 2017
