Brighton Speedway ready for season opener this Saturday
BRIGHTON, Ont. - Brighton Speedway is set to kick off its 2014 racing season this Saturday, May 3 with the Monster Energy and Kellogg's season opener. The first green flag is scheduled for 7:00pm.
The finishing touches have been put on speedway preparations. dBrighton is ready for another season of horsepower on the 1/3-mile clay oval.
Four divisions will be on tap to kick off a new season, including the Vanderlaan Building Supplies Pro Late Models, OilGARD Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks and Bill's Johns Comp 4s.
A trio of drivers is looking to defend their 2014 championships entering the season. Vanderlaan Building Supplies Pro Late Model driver Charlie Sandercock enters the season on a high from his dramatic head-to-head championship win over Corey Earl last September. Sandercock is planning an aggressive 2014 schedule that could see him compete in up to 60 late model and sprint car events.
The Carrying Place, Ont. driver will face heavy competition this year from weekly veterans Greg Belyea (No.25), Steve Baldwin (No.5), and Caley Weese (No.77) to begin a long list. Port Hope, Ont. rookie Austin King (No.89) will look to make an impact in his first late model race.
Clayton Johns spoke with Charlie Sandercock at last week's test and tune about the upcoming season. Listen to the full interview here.
The first open-wheel race of the season is sure to be competitive. Reigning modified champion Ryan Scott (No.33) returns to defend his title. He will face heavy competition from 2012 champion Dan Ferguson (No.11), who has acquired a new IMCA-style car. Last year's runner-up, Andrew Hennessy (No.87), is ready for battle with a brand new paint scheme to support his efforts.
It's hard not to consider the likes of Dale Locke (No.13), Adam Whaley (No.12), and Mike Lucas (No.74) as championship contenders as well. Consider the return of Napanee, Ont. driver Doug O'Blenis (No.32) to the division and incoming rookie Brian Cross (No.08) as wildcards.
Ryan Scott spoke last week about defending his 2013 championship. Listen to the full interview here.
Doug Anderson (No. 72) has dominated the Brighton Automotive Pro Stock division for the past four seasons. Anderson has been a force to be reckoned with, winning won four consecutive championships. But its clear his success has set a benchmark many other drivers are looking to achieve.
Jay O'Hara (No.83), who won the 2013 Duel in the Dirt, and Leslie Mowat (No.2) are sure to be in the championship conversation again this year. Wade Purchase (No.53) and Justin Ramsay (No. 03) appear to have something to prove to themselves. Their ambition could certainly put them in the championship chase as well.
At least four rookies are set to make their debut in the division, including 2013 Bill's Johns Comp 4 champion Tom Vance. Vance will have to make a change from his usual No. 43, currently occupied by Devon Kippen. Cobourg's Ryan Connor (No.1), Campbellford's Dayna Sallans (No.71), and the Carrying Place's Jason McCrory (No.49) will all compete for rookie honours in 2014.
The Bill's Johns Comp 4 division is shaping up to be among the most competitive divisions on any given night and could steal the show. Vance's move to the Pro Stock division leaves the door wide open for a new Comp 4 champion. Rich Sanders, the 2013 third-place finisher and Fowl Mood Racing team member, could throw himself at the championship.
Wellington, Ont. teenagers Brady and Riley Greer (No. 94; No. 47) finished fifth and seventh respectively last year, but both seemed eager to improve on testing day. Shelby Mills' (No.78) has been race ready for several months and the Trenton native is looking to make a splash this year.
Comp 4 rookies include Bella Cosstick (No.24), who moves up from the Quinte Septic Stinger division, and Rick O'Hara (No.67).
The Quinte Septic Stinger division will compete for the first time on May 10 and will be featured in next week's newsletter.
The season begins at Brighton Speedway with the Parade of Champions through downtown Brighton on Saturday, May 3 at 3:00pm. Fans are encouraged to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item to the parade.
The first green flag of the season is scheduled to fly later in the day at 7:00pm. Spectator admission is just $2 with the donation of a non-perishable food item to the Brighton Fare Share Food Bank at the track. The grandstand ticket booth will open at 5:30pm.
The Monster Energy truck along with Kellogg's mascots Toucan Sam and Tony the Tiger will be on hand to entertain younger fans.
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Brighton Speedway's 2014 season is proudly supported by the following corporate sponsors: Lucas Oil, Vanderlaan Building Supplies, Quinte Septic, OilGARD Anti-Rust (a division of Bainer's), Brighton Automotive, Bill's Johns, Sanderson's Tire & Automotive Centre, Mystical Distributing Company Ltd., ROCK 107, T.R.S. Communication, Campbellford Chrysler, Cool 100.1, Hotch's Auto Parts, Dibbits Excavating, ImageFactor.ca, Workman's OK Tire Quinte West, Star 93.3, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tires, Ultramar CST, Benson Auto Parts, Brighton Recycling and Excel Tower Services.
About Brighton Speedway: Brighton Speedway is a 1/3-mile clay stock car racing oval located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Brighton, Ont. The speedway hosts five weekly stock car divisions on Saturday nights from May to September. The weekly Pro Late Model division competes under UMP DIRTcar. The track's flagship Applefest Shootout Weekend attracts drivers, fans, and sponsors from across the NorthEast every September.
Media Contact: Clayton Johns
claytonjohns@brightonspeedway.com
(289) 314-5186
Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=19077.msg110839#msg110839
