The Pro Late Model Division saw Brandon Mowat (No. 46) take his second win on the season over Kyle Sopaz (No. 12) in an exciting side by side battle for much of the second half of the race on Saturday, August 26 at Brighton Speedway. (Photo: Dale Calnan of Imagefactor.ca)
BRIGHTON, Ont. – The 50th Anniversary Season at Brighton Speedway continued on Saturday night with a full card of action featuring the Pro Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Pro Stocks and Comp 4 cars.
Mowat Motors To Second Win
Brandon Mowat (No. 46) entered the night needing a solid run and a little help to close the gap to point leader Charlie Sandercock (No. 57) in the Vanderlaan Building Supply Pro Late Model division. Mowat started on the front row alongside Caley Weese (No. 77) in the 30 lap feature and showed the field early that he would be the driver to beat. Using the bottom line he ran consistent laps and led comfortably.
The race was marred by multiple cautions giving Kyle Sopaz (No. 12) the opportunity to challenge for the lead. The pair put on an exciting side by side battle for much of the second half of the race with Sopaz leading on lap 22. Mowat returned to the top spot one lap later and set sail for his second win of the season. Sopaz finished second ahead of Steve Baldwin (No. 5), Phil Potts (No. 29) and Austin King (No. 89). Point leader Sandercock struggled after being involved in a pair of incidents and allowed Mowat to gain ground in the championship chase.
Hennessy Holds Off Handley
The Canadian Modifieds 25 lap feature was a battle of attrition as a number of caution flags slowed the race. Doug O’Blenis (No. 32) and Derek Bowers (No. 03) led the field to the green flag. O’Blenis jumped out to the early lead and maintained control throughout the first 12 laps.
On a mid-race restart he relinquished the top spot to point leader Andrew Hennessy (No. 87), who had rallied from an early race crash. Kraig Handley (No. 91) followed Hennessy into the second position and challenged for the lead in the closing laps. When the checkered flag flew though, it was Hennessy back in victory lane. Handley crossed the line second while Rich Sanders (No. 29) finished a solid third. Leslie Turcotte-Mowat rebounded from an opening lap spin to finish fourth while Mark Busscher (No. 84) was fifth.
Ramsay Rebounds
In a season that has seen many highs and lows for Justin Ramsay (No. 03) the defending Pro Stock champion was looking to get back to his winning ways in the 20 lap feature. James Boyer (No. 6) and Brian Cross (No. 08) started on the front row, but were quickly overtaken by Chris Dorland (No. 14). By lap five, point leader Doug Anderson (No. 72), worked his way into the top spot moving Dorland back to second.
Ramsay began to make his presence felt just two laps later by taking over the runner-up position. One lap later he worked to the inside of Anderson and claimed the lead. The two drivers raced closely over the final 12 laps with Ramsay taking the win over Anderson.
Mike Freeman (No. 51) kept the top two in sight and finished third while Austin Reid (No. 85) and outside pole sitter Cross finished fourth and fifth.
First For French
The Comp 4 feature was led to the green flag by Kevin Hertendy (No. 7) and Bella Cosstick (No. 24), but it was Jeff Humphry (No. 17) that would take early command of the 15 lap race. He jumped to the lead on lap one and stayed at the front for the next five circuits.
Josh French (No.08) meanwhile had worked his way to the second position and slipped by Humphry on lap 7. His car was hooked up and was dominate throughout the race as he drove to the win over Humphry. The victory capped off a comeback night for the team as mechanical problems in hot laps sidelined French from competing in heat competition.
Nathan Day (No. 14), filling in for Matthew Moore drove to a third place finish ahead of Tyler French (No. 0) and outside pole sitter Cosstick.
Up Next – Ultramar CST Labour Day Classic Weekend
On Saturday, September 2 the Southern Ontario Sprints presented by Sanderson Tire and Automotive return along with the OilGARD Anti-Rust Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill’s Johns Comp 4’s and Quinte Septic Stingers. Racing starts at 7:00 PM.
On Sunday, September 3 the Southern Ontario Sprints will compete again while the Late Models and Canadian Modifieds run topless. The night will also include the final points night for Pro Stocks and the Simon Petit Memorial Wingless Sprint Dash.
This double header weekend is brought to you by Rock 107, Mystical Distributing and Lucas Oil.
For more information visit www.brightonspeedway.com
