Valone Wins Brighton Main;
Oakes Crowned 2008 ODLM Champ
By James Baker
BRIGHTON, ON, CANADA-September 20- As the 2008 season comes to a close, two drivers have placed themselves into the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" record book.
Chad Valone of Warren, PA drove to a convincing victory in the $2500 to win 2nd annual "Hino Trucks of Kingston(ON) and Gatineau(QC) Justin Turner Memorial" Saturday evening at Brighton Speedway for his first ever "Ontario Dirt Late Models" career win.
And "Mr. Consistency," Greg Oakes of Franklinville, NY was crowned the fourth "Ontario Dirt Late Models" points champion in the series six-year history by virtue of four stellar finishes in the organization's four 2008 events.
Entering Saturday's race, Oakes trailed points leader Doug Ricotta of Warsaw, NY by eight points. Ricotta crashed early in the 25-lap event, and Oakes responded with a strong third place finish.
The third place finish put the icing on the cake for Oakes who won his first series title.
In previous ODLM races this campaign, Oakes placed third at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, ON, fifth at Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, ON and third at Ohsweken(ON) Speeedway.
Those efforts told the story of Oakes' championship season.
Chris Ross of Wallaceburg, ON ran second to Valone and received $1100 as part of the largest purse ever offered to ODLM drivers. Ross also finished as runner-up in the points championship, trailing Oakes by just five points.
Oakes led the way in the final points tally with 383 points followed by Ross(378), Adam Ferri of Port Colborne, NY(369), Ricotta(358) and Valone(351).
In the feature event, Ferri placed fourth, Gerald Giroux of Pain Court, ON fifth and Dale Glassford of Thamesville, ON sixth as the only other cars to finish on the lead lap.
Rounding out the field were Jim Dale, Jr, Shrewsbury, ON, Jeff Dayman, Welland, ON, Jim Jones, Chatham, ON, Paul Rivait, Tilbury, ON, Rob Murray, Welland, ON, Paul Turner, Picton, ON, Mike Lewis, Wallaceburg, ON, Jason Haskell, Chatham, ON, Gregg Haskell, Chatham, ON, Brad Authier, Chatham, ON, Don Gordon, Chatham, ON, Adam West, Ridgetown, ON, Ricotta and Rick Baker, Ridgeway, ON.
Heat winners were Dayman, Ferri and Oakes. Ferri also captured the Dash for Cash.
Jones received the Thruway Muffler of Port Colborne, ON "Hard Charger Award. The Keizer Aluminum Wheels "Hard Luck Award" was shared by Jason Haskell, West, Ricotta and Baker.
Local favourite Turner, a former Brighton Speedway track champion and a multiple winner on the now defunct "Can-Am Challenge Series," was presented with "The Best Appearing Car Award" by Q-T Motorsports and the Pennells. Saturday's race was the namesake of Turner's son Justin, a former race driver who tragically died in 2007.
The annual "Ontario Dirt Late Models" Awards Banquet and Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 6 at St. Marys Hall in Blenheim, ON. Tickets are $25 for the affair that begins at 5 p.m.
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