The first of round of the Triple Crown for the Canadian Modified Division goes to Curtis King (No. 07) at the Brighton Speedway on June 3, 2017. (Photo: Rod Henderson)
BRIGHTON, Ont. – Brighton Speedway’s 50th Anniversary season returned to action on Saturday night with the always crowd pleasing school bus races plus a pair of Triple Crown events for the Canadian Modifieds and Comp 4. Pro Late Models and Pro Stock were also in action.
Curtis Is King Of The Canadian Modifieds
The first of round of the Triple Crown for the Canadian Modifieds was led to the green flag by Mike Lucas (No. 74) and Adam Whaley (No. 12). Lucas jumped to the early advantage in the 30 lap race, however his turn at the front ended quickly as Doug O’Blenis slipped by for the lead on lap 6.
At the halfway point of the race Curtis King (No. 07) closed in on O’Blenis and overtook him for the top spot. Point leader Andrew Hennessy (No. 87) worked his way through the field and managed to draw within striking distance of King in the closing laps, but was unable to make a serious challenge. King stayed smooth and steady on the inside line and cruised to the win over Hennessy. Dan Ferguson (No. 11) drove to a third place finish in his first appearance of the year.
Humphry’s Heads Back To Victory Lane
The Comp 4 division competed in its second round of the Triple Crown on Saturday. Bella Costick (No. 24) and Keith Dunk (No. 22) started on the front row of the 20 lap race, but were overtaken on the opening lap my Matthew French (No. 51). French led the opening 11 laps until Jeff Humphry (No. 17) took the top spot with 8 laps remaining. Controversy over the pass led to an altercation between the top two resulting in French’s disqualification. Humphry held on for his second win in a row while point leader Adam Flieler (No. 11) finished a close second. Tyler French (No. 0) completed the top three.
Charlie Sandercock (No. 57) was at the head of the class and easily cruised to his second straight win at Brighton Speedway on Saturday June 3, 2017. (Photo: Rod Henderson)
Sandercock Snags Second Straight Win
In the first three weeks of competition the Pro Late Models had three different drivers find victory lane. For the first half of the race it appeared the streak would continue as pole sitter Tyler Rand (No. 84) pulled away from second place starter Andy Mayhew (No. 1) and led the first 16 laps of the 30 lap main event. Point leader, Charlie Sandercock (No. 57), started deep in the field, but worked the outside lane to perfection and overtook leader Rand with 14 laps remaining. Sandercock was the class of the field and easily cruised to his second straight win over Rand. Kyle Sopaz (No. 12) had another solid outing finishing third.
Freeman Finds Victory Lane
The Pro Stocks returned to action after a week off. Chris Dorland (No. 14) and Mike Freeman (No. 51) paced the field to the start of the 20 lap feature. Dorland led the first circuit, but was unable to keep Freeman behind him and gave up the lead one lap later. While Freeman paced the field battle for top five positions was hotly contested. A crash on lap 5 involving Doug Anderson (No. 72) and Brandon Murrell (No. 19) sent the pair of to the pits. Both would return to action, but were eliminated from contending for the win. Wade Purchase (No. 53) ran a solid race and held the runner-up position for much of the race until point leader Justin Ramsey (No. 03) slipped past in the closing laps. Freeman led the final 19 laps on the way to his first victory of the season. Ramsey padded his lead atop the standings as he crossed the finish line in second while Purchase held on to finish third.
Green Grabs Checkers
The ever popular school buses made their first appearance of the season and saluted the packed grandstands with a four wide parade lap prior to the start of their 15 lap main event. 17 buses took the green flag and the action was non-stop from start to finish. Bob Green (No. 8) started last and maneuvered his way to the race win. The race was slowed by one red flag as a collision between Jim Loveless (No. 43) and John Kemp (No. 15) caused Kemp’s bus to roll over. Both drivers were uninjured. When the dust, tires and parts settled Green found himself in victory lane. Rick Sopaz (No. 24) finished in second while Greg Means (No. 12) drove to a third place finish. The school buses return to action on Saturday, September 30 as part of the season ending Eve of Destruction.
Up Next – Salute to our Forces Night
On Saturday June 10, Brighton Speedway presents Salute to our Forces Night featuring the Pro Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Comp 4’s, Stingers along with the first Duel in the Dirt qualifier for the Pro Stocks and the Gord’s Water Vantastics. Adult admission is $10 while a family pass is just $25. Race time is 7:00pm. For more information visit www.brightonspeedway.com.
