BRIGHTON, ON – Brighton Speedway roared to life Saturday night as the Southern Ontario Sprints made a thrilling Canada Day weekend stop. The evening began with the iconic four-wide salute and a fireworks display, setting the stage for a packed program featuring Sprint Cars, Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Thunder Stocks, and 4-Cylinders.
Turner Dominates Sprint Feature
Ryan Turner delivered a flawless performance in the 25-lap Southern Ontario Sprints feature. Starting from the front row alongside Matt Billings, Turner took control early and maintained a commanding lead around the high line. Points leader Darren Dryden gave chase but couldn’t close the gap. Meanwhile, Billings, Liam Martin, and Dale Curran battled intensely for third. Turner never looked back, crossing the line first with Dryden settling for second. Billings held on for third, followed by Martin and Curran. Dryden also set the fastest time in hot laps at 12.788 seconds.
Sopaz Controls Late Model Main
Kyle Sopaz was in complete control during the 30-lap Late Model feature. Starting from the pole, he held off a strong challenge from Brandon Mowat, especially as the pair navigated heavy lapped traffic. Sopaz stuck to the bottom groove and led every lap en route to his first win of the season. Mowat finished a close second, with David Vandertoorn, Caley Weese, and Steve Baldwin rounding out the top five.
Wadforth Outduels Belyea in Modifieds
Ron Wadforth continued his strong season in the 25-lap Canadian Modified main event. After an early back-and-forth battle with Greg Belyea, Wadforth reclaimed the lead on a lap-8 restart and never looked back. He powered ahead to his second win of the year, while Belyea settled for second. Doug O’Blenis came home third, with Brittany Golden and Mike Freeman finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
French Flies to Thunder Stock Victory
The 20-lap Thunder Stock feature opened with Kaitlyn O’Blenis leading the first eight laps. Her run at the front ended when a caution reset the field and Tyler French capitalized, taking the lead on the restart from the outside. French held firm for the remainder of the race to claim his second win of the season. Brock Gregory charged from seventh to finish second, while Carter Rhodes delivered a remarkable drive from 18th to third. O’Blenis and Doug Anderson completed the top five.
Gregory Clinches Fourth 4-Cylinder Win
The 4-Cylinder feature looked set for Aidan Fletcher to capture his first win of the season, but Tyson Gregory had other plans. After a lap-4 restart, Gregory used the high side to close the gap and engaged in a fierce battle with Fletcher. With just two laps remaining, Gregory surged ahead and sealed his fourth victory of the year. Richard Belair finished second, Fletcher took third, Karl Lecuyer claimed fourth, and Shawn Knowlton rounded out the top five.
