BRIGHTON, ON (April 25, 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.
More than 70 drivers eagerly took to the track Saturday and Sunday to test and tune their cars ahead of opening night on April 29. Brighton Recycling presents the Coca Cola Season Opener featuring Late Model, Canadian Modifies, Pro Stock and Comp 4 classes. Admission is $2 with a nonperishable food donation.
Track owner Mark Rinaldi said they lucked out weather‑wise this weekend as it brought out a lot of drivers, pit crews and fans excited to kick off the season.
“Some of these guys put a ton of effort and time into their race cars,” said Rinaldi. “There is a ton of pride with them and it really shows. Just getting there and being around the people they haven’t seen all winter, it really gets people back in the mood. So there is some excitement for sure.”
Opening night kicks of the 2017 points battles. It is promised to be a long season that will test drivers when the speedway crowns 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.
Late Model No. 57 driver Charlie Sandercock said it’s been a long winter and they have been gearing up for the 50th season.
“We’re pretty excited,” beamed Sandercock. “We had three brand new race cars built out of the race shop this year. One for me, one for Shelby Mills and one for Justin Ramsay. It was a pretty good turn out for the first kick at the cat for all the cars. I’m looking forward to season hopefully we can steal back our championship from Phil Potts and continue going forward.”
Late Model No. 92 driver Adam Turner said he also has his eye on a championship win this season.
“We are just hoping to get a good year like last year,” Turner said. I’m not sure of any other expectations. We would like of course to win a championship. I think we have a tad bit better program this year going into the season. I think with being a little bit better prepared I’m hoping that we can win a championship this year.”
“We are always looking to make things bigger and better and the 50th anniversary gave us the opportunity to do so,” said Rinaldi. “We are having big special events. The World of Outlaw Late Models are back again this year. It all celebrates the fans, drivers and everybody.”
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.
For a full season schedule visit http://www.brightonspeedway.ca/
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