MILLGROVE, ON (June 16, 2021) – Throughout the shortened 2020 season, the Pure Stock competitors showed up in droves, ready to compete against each other for all the glory. The trend continues into 2021, with over 21 competitors registered for the season opener on Saturday, June 19.
Shawn Solomon was one of those who had never been to Flamboro prior to 2020, but certainly took a quick liking to the oval. He was fast in his first appearance, scoring a runner-up finish, which certainly has him hyped about the possibilities this year.
BT Racing is known for their success at Delaware Speedway, but they also adapted well to Flamboro last season. Jaden Chapmen returns this weekend in hopes of trying to better his sixth from Frostoberfest, while 2020 APC Series United Late Models Series Champion Jo Lawrence hopes to challenge for the win following a best performance of fifth last year.
Phil Givens is known for touring the entire province, and having success everywhere. That’s a trend that should continue this weekend, as he scored a pair of top-five’s in four races in 2020, including a runner-up performance.
Zach Hatch is among those who have the least amount of experience in the field, but you cannot count him out when you consider those who are turning the wrenches for him and the amount of laps they have made. After earning a lot of praise pre-season from his fellow competitors, don’t be surprised if he’s among your top-10 competitors at race’s end.
Though if these invaders want to have a chance, they will have to beat those who have become known for their success at Flamboro Speedway.
Bobby Mercer has been a frequent visitor to victory lane on regular night competition, and will hope to do the same this weekend. While last year wasn’t up to the usual standards seen by the No. 71, he did score a season-best fourth.
The father-son duo of Dale and Kyle Lucas can never be counted out as after all, both have been known to frequent victory lane with Dale being a past division champion. With the team debuting a new car last year, there were some rough patches, but don’t expect them to be outside the top-10 for a second year in a row.
Rick VanKleef has been hanging around the speedway for a couple years, helping out Reece Bourgeois with her effort. After seeing his debut come up short with damage in the b-main, he will hope to put that behind him and be a part of the conversation on Saturday.
Another pair of regulars to keep an eye on would have to Steve DeLeeuw and Reuben Fluitt. The pair of No. 48s are always interesting to watch, and it would certainly be a story if they could break into the top-10 after having a rough go at it in 2020.
There will also be quite a few ladies in the field as they hope to give the men a run for their money.
Nicole Stewart has become one of the biggest heroes of the division, doing a lot of work behind the scenes last season in terms of helping with the registration process and getting together bonuses for events. Now it’ll be her turn to get behind the wheel, and perhaps find her own success leaning on Phil Givens for advice.
Hailey McNicol made her first appearance at Flamboro Speedway last year, and was fast as she ran in the top-10 throughout the feature at Frostoberfest against some of the best in the province. She’ll look to improve upon her 11th-place performance.
Megan Mitchell and Reece Bourgeois have become regulars around Flamboro Speedway, with both having impressive stories of their own to tell. Mitchell hopes to spread awareness about mental health in her first event since her debut in 2019 with a 12th-place finish. Bourgeois, meanwhile, showed perseverance in getting back in the car after a big accident, to continuous improvement with each event under her belt last year. Watch out to see if she can break into the top-10 on a regular basis.
As previously announced, the Pure Stocks will be joined by the Pro Late Models for the first round of the Grisdale Triple Crown, as well as the Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Canadian Vintage Modifieds.
Track officials announced recently the event will be live streamed on GForceTV.net. The speedway previously partnered with the service last season to carry numerous events, and found success with fans tuning in from not only across the province, but across Canada and North America.
For more details about the event, including how to register if you are a competitor, you can read the full original news release at https://www.flamborospeedway.ca/post/flamboro-speedway-to-kick-off-2021-campaign-with-first-round-of-grisdale-triple-crown. The Flamboro Speedway website also has your pit notes, payouts, and the screening form that must be filled out prior to entry.
Be sure to keep up with the latest by checking out Flamboro Speedway’s website at http://www.flamborospeedway.ca. You can also keep up via your favorite social networking website by following the speedway on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FlamboroSpdwy and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/flamborospeedway. Fans are encouraged to like the speedway’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Flamboro-Speedway-Authorized-Page-102328664646735/.
By: Ashley McCubbin
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