CORNWALL, ON – Entering Sunday’s opener at Cornwall Motor Speedway, Burton Ward had never earned a top-five finish in the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series. By the end of the night, he had not only broken that barrier but added his name to the series win list.
The Massena, NY driver took the lead from Ian Bressett near the midway point and held off every challenge to claim the win in the 2025 series opener.
“A great run for us tonight,” said Ward. “We’re happy to be back in victory lane. I can definitely tell you that. We’ve been fighting for one of these, so this means a lot for us.”
Veteran Marc Lalonde initially grabbed the lead from Ward on the opening lap, aiming for back-to-back wins at the 1/4-mile track. However, his night took a turn on Lap 3 when he suffered a flat tire, bringing out the race’s first caution.
On the restart, Ian Bressett slipped past Ward and held the lead through the first half of the feature, defending the top spot with tight racing throughout. As the laps ticked away, Ward persistently worked the inside lane, looking for a way past the No. 5B.
That moment came on a Lap 26 restart when Ward found momentum on the bottom and surged into the lead. Despite Bressett’s efforts, he couldn’t reclaim the top spot over the final 20 laps, allowing Ward to secure his first career series victory.
“It was good tight racing,” said Ward. “I’ve known Ian for a long time. We actually live about three miles apart. It was a lot of fun.
“It’s unfortunate about Marc at the beginning. We kind of bumped, and he ended up getting a flat. That sucks. But that’s racing.”
Bressett eventually finished third after Bruno Cyr slipped past him in the closing laps. It marked Cyr’s third career series podium, while Bressett reflected on the battle that unfolded.
“We were door-to-door for, I think, I counted, 41 laps,” said Bressett. “I was giving it my all, and he was giving it his all. But I think I could’ve gotten him with three laps to go until I thought there was going to be a caution on the backstretch. I let off because I thought the lap car was going to come back on the track. That’s when Bruno got underneath me.”
Cyr earned his runner-up finish after starting 15th. The St. George, QC driver dedicated the performance to his late father, who passed away earlier this season, and shared a message of appreciation for the fans.
“I want to thank you for the support that you give to the Pro Stocks,” said Cyr. “I know a lot of people love the Pro Stocks, and I think we put on a great show tonight. I’m very proud to be a Pro Stock driver.”
Three-time series champion Jocelyn Roy finished fourth, and Lalonde recovered from his early flat to round out the top-five.
