RIVER GLADE, NB – One of the most popular events at Petty International Raceway is back in 2021 as the track is set to host its Night of Destruction presented by MetalCore and DR Scrap Metals.
This unique, once a year event, brings motorsports mayhem to the oval and is capped by a Demolition Derby. Stock car racing action will begin the night with the Leisure Days RV Bandolero, Mister Transmission Mini Stock and Eastern Powder Coating Legend divisions warming up the track for the main events on the evening. The racing action begins at 6pm.
With the new year comes a new event to the Night of Destruction. A 150-lap Endurance race will set the stage ahead of the traditional Barrel Race, Backup Race and Demolition Derby. While intentional contact will be saved for the Derby, there is sure to be some short track style excitement in the Endurance race as several drivers and familiar faces to Petty Raceway fans are building cars for the new event. Guy Meister will be on site with The Sheriff Monster Truck, offering free rides at the track beginning at 4pm and running up until race time at 6pm. A camper smash stunt drive will also be a part of the Night of Destruction.
Rob Poirier’s streak in the Mini Stock division was snapped during the 57th Jones Auto Body River Glade International weekend by Kody Quinn (Sydney, NS). While we do not expect to see Quinn in a Mini Stock this weekend at Petty International Raceway, the question will be whether Poirier and his No. 0 entry from Irishtown is able to re-establish his spot at the top of the division. Ryan McKnight (Sussex, NB) has looked strong throughout the early months of the 2021 season but he will have to fend off the likes of Trevor Smith (Timberlea, NS), Chris Garnett (Havelock, NB), Nick Brun (Moncton, NB) and more if they want to race to victory lane on Saturday night.
The Legends are scheduled for a 40-lap feature on the format for Saturday night. During the River Glade International weekend, Craig MacDonald (Waverley, NS) was able to take home the checkered flag in a Twin 25 shootout. With no other Legend action scheduled on Saturday throughout the region and the Maritime League of Legends returning on July 31st to Petty International Raceway, this race on Saturday could be used as a tuneup for some looking to make a return engagement on the high banks next weekend.
MacKay Motorsports has stepped up to boost the purse in the Eastern Powder Coating Legends feature to $500 to win, $300 for second and $200 for third. The track is actively seeking another marketing partner to help raise the stakes even further to make the event $1,000 to win.
Kelsea Lewis (Salisbury, NB) has been on the top of her game in the Leisure Days RV Bandolero division. Lewis leads the division with two wins and three top fives in four races with Chase MacKay (Bear Cove, NS) and Ayden Christensen (Windsor Junction, NS) also holding victories. Ian Crawford (Salisbury, NB) has been impressive in 2021, scoring four podium finishes which includes winning the Beginner Bandolero portion of the 57th Jones Auto Body River Glade International. The young stars of Petty International Raceway are sure to shine as the opening act for Saturday’s Night of Destruction!
Fresh off the presses, the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour will make its return to Petty International Raceway on Saturday, July 31st. The third round of the Maritime Touring Series will be joined by the second round of the Maritime League of Legends Tour and support classes to be announced. More information will be announced for the event as available.
Report from Tim Terry
