(Geary, NB – September 2nd, 2018) – Nineteen year old Ryan Messer drove to the biggest victory of his racing career in the 18th Annual McLaughlin Roof Trusses 250 on Sunday evening at Speedway 660. Messer, of Harvey, New Brunswick, took the lead for the final time on Lap 234 from Steve Halpin (Saint John, NB) and led a total of 17 laps en route to his first 250-victory in just his sophomore Pro Stock season.
Halpin finished second with Lonnie Sommerville (Barnesville, NB) crossing the line in third place. Craig Slaunwhite (Terence Bay, NS) and Kevin Moore (Fredericton, NB) completed the top five.
The race had many twists and turns over the 250-laps, making the race one of the most memorable in the 18 year history of the McLaughlin Roof Trusses 250. A number of top drivers were eliminated on Lap 72 when the leaders crashed coming to green. Johnny Clark (Hallowell, ME), Dylan Gosbee (Cornwall, PE), Ashton Tucker (Lyttleton, NB) and Dave O’Blenis (Boundary Creek, NB) were among the drivers that had their hopes dashed of winning the McLaughlin Roof Trusses 250 on Lap 72. Cassius Clark (Farmington, ME) had his bid end for a fourth 250 win after an altercation with just under 100-laps to go.
Messer led the field to green after winning his heat race to qualify for the McLaughlin Roof Trusses 250, joining Gosbee, Brent Roy (Hanwell, NB) and Greg Fahey (St. Stephen, NB) as heat race winners. Two dozen drivers started the Labour Day weekend classic.
Luc McLaughlin (Geary, NB) took home the DMR Auto Sales Street Stock 50 over Bill Storey and division champion Shawn Hyslop (St. Stephen, NB). Sam Rogers (Lower Onslow, NS) won the Tim’s Corner Motorsports Bandolero Blast over Owen Mahar (Hubley, NS) and Dylan Dowe (Bedford, NS). Kevin Bailey (Minto, NB) edged Brandon Skidmore (Springhill, NS) and “Mr. Excitement” Doug Matchett (Miramichi, NB) in the Atlantic Modified Tour feature presented by Keswick Kitchens. Rob Poirier (Irishtown, NB) raced to the win in the 35-lap Fredericton Gun Shop Sharp Shooters feature ahead of Brody Levesque (Fredericton, NB) and Malcolm Suley (Clarendon, NB).
All results are unofficial pending post race technical inspection. A full SpeedWeekend wrap up will be available this week at Speedway660.com.
For more information about Speedway 660, visit Speedway660.com, like @Speedway660 on Facebook or call the Speedway 660 Raceline at (506) 454-7223.
About Speedway 660:
Speedway 660 is one of Canada’s premier stock car racing facilities. Located in New Brunswick’s Fredericton region, it attracts race teams and fans from the Maritimes, New England and Quebec. The Speedway 660 racing season runs from mid May until Labour Day Weekend. SpeedWeekend, one of the most prestigious short track events in eastern North America, wraps up Speedway 660’s racing season.
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