May 18, 2013 - Grand Bend ON, – The Auto Fusion Towing Legend Car Series {resented by McColl Racing Enterprises wheeled in to ¼ mile tri-oval on Saturday night for the first event of 2013.  Teams from both sides of the border came to do battle at the Beach Town Race Track.

After heat races set the field, drivers lined up for a 30 lap extravaganza which would prove very entertaining.  Belle River driver Josh Indig #5 would lead the field to green and would lead early,  Rochester Hills Michigan driver Cole Landau #74L would take his turn at the front before serenading the lead to another US driver of Sean Mc Phearson #13, of Riley Centre Michigan.

McPhearson was the class of the field for much of the event, extending his lead to five to six car lengths at times.

Further back in the field, a fierce battle ensued for the third spot between Josh Indig, London driver Jamie Marche, Bothell’s Steve Aubertin and Brandon Thurlby from Windsor.  The dog fight didn’t end well for Thurlby and Aubertin, as they both lost traction on the outside lane and brought out the first caution 1/3 of the way through.

On the restart, McPhearson went back out front and held a 4 car length lead on Cole Landau.  Disaster struck soon after, as the #13 went up in a ball of flames on the front straightaway.  The engine had expired and the flames filled the driver’s compartment, but were quickly extinguished and Sean Mc Phearson was unharmed.

Cole Landau inherited the lead on the ensuing restart and the crowd was left to watch a battle for second between Indig and Marche.  Watching the battle take place was Brandon Thurlby and patiently waited and let Jamie Marche do the heavy lifting,  Marche was able to sneak by Indig with a handful of laps to go.  Thurlby was close enough to follow him through into third.  With a lap to go, Thurlby wrestled second place away from Marche to take second place.

Cole Landau would score the win and was very thankful for the win.  In post race ceremonies, Landau expressed concern for fellow driver Sean McPhearson and spoke of the challenge of racing Grand Bend and its tricky back straight-away and the dogleg.

The Auto Fusion Towing Can-Am Legends retirn to Grand Bend on Sunday June 2 for a race on the 1.4km road course.   The series is expecting some road racing experts to make an appearance for that event.

Other winners on the night included Cooper Aubertin in the Jr B Sprints, Lucas Vieira in the Jr A Sprints, Hayden Sim in the Jr Late Model, Mackenzie Hamilton in the 9p winged Sprints, and Tanner Pirie won his first race in the Mini Truck Feature.

Grand Bend ON, Legend Cars return to Grand Bend Speedway this weekend for the first of seven appearances.  The Auto Fusion Towing Can-AM Legends Presented by McColl Racing Enterprises Schedule consists of 6 appearances on the ¼ Mile tri-oval and 1 appearance on the 1.4km Road Course.

Legend Cars are a style of race car, designed primarily to promote exciting racing and to keep costs down. The body shells are 5/8-scale replicas of American automobiles from the 1930s and 1940s, powered by a Yamaha motorcycle engine.

Drivers competing will earn Championship points for both the Can-Am Legend Series and points for National INEX Championship, the sanctioning body for Legends car racing in North America.

Defending series Champion Bobby Murrany is scheduled to compete again this year. The Clio Michigan driver out foxed fellow American driver, Cole Landau from Rochester Hills Michigan in 2012 to win the Championship.

The 2013 season looks bright. We welcome some new drivers and teams moving up from other divisions.   Defending champions in both our Mini Trucks and Jr A Sprints will compete full time in the Can-Am Legend car series. Brandon Thurlby and Ray Morneau, both from Windsor, have picked up cars to campaign this season.  Steve Aubertin from Bothwell returns for a sophomore season and the speedway has confirmed several drivers from Eastern Ontario and the United States making the trip to the beach town of Grand Bend this weekend and for the entire series this summer.

Another exciting initiative in 2013 is a Rental Program administered by McCOll Racing Enterprises.  It gives up and coming drivers a chance to compete at the ¼ Tri-Oval. This is the most economical way to get a start in racing. Rather than spending an entire season’s budget purchasing a car, equipment, tools and parts required, why not show up with your helmet and let the professionals worry about the rest. For those interested in trying their hand behind the wheel can contact McColl Racing or visit their website www.mccollracing.com

2013 Auto Fusion Towing Can-Am Legends Presented By McColl Racing Ent

Event Schedule

Sat May 18,               Oval

Sun June                    Road Course

Sat June 22              Oval

Sat July 13                 Oval

Sat Aug 3                   Oval

Sat Aug 17                 Oval – Additional Prizing $$$

Sat Sept 7                  Oval

Racing Saturday night begins at 6:00pm with last weeks rained out feature of the Mike & Teri’s No Frills Mini Trucks first, then regular racing continuing with all divisons.  The Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints and Mini Trucks will have special Long Weekend Extended Laps for their feature events.

Come and celebrate Victoria Day Weekend in Grand Bend, take in the sites and sounds of the Holdiay Beach town by day, then head to the track in the evening for some thrilling racing action, Green flag drops at 6:00pm

Follow us on Twitter @GBSUpdates and check out our website www.grandbendspeedway.com

Saturday May 11, 2013 – Grand Bend On – Anticipation mounts as the 18^th season of racing at Grand Bend Speedway will kick off this Saturday night.  Competitors from various parts of Southern Ontario will converge at the ¼ Mile tri-oval for a 6pm start of competition. 

Scheduled to compete will be the OK Tire London South Jr B Mirco Sprints, London Drive Systems Jr A Mirco Sprints, Broadway Service Junior Late Models, Tomm’s Motors 9hp Winged Sprints, and the Mike & Terri’s No Frills Mini Trucks. 

Of the five divisions racing Saturday, only two, will have their defending Champions competing in defense of their 2012 titles, Ray Morneau will try to repeat in the London Drive Systems Jr A Micro Sprints, and Mackenzie Hamilton returns to the Tommy’s Motors 9hp Winged Sprints in hopes of becoming a back to back Champion.   13 Time 2012 Feature race winning DJ Christie is set to take on the Jr A division with a brand new chassis for 2013, 2012 Mini Truck Champion, Brandon Thurlby will take on a new challenge in the Auto Fusion Towing Can-Am Legend Series, which opens up the door to crowning a new title fight in the Trucks.  

The Broadway Service Junior Late Models will have a new Champion at seasons end.  Hayden Sim and Cole Pirie look like early contenders for the 2013 season. 

Racing begins this weekend, and continues until September.  Visit our website www.grandbendspeedway.com for schedules. photos, and race results.

Sunday September 16, 2012 -  Grand Bend, ON – After the final night of competition at the ¼ mile tri-oval, teams were invited back Sunday for an event added to the schedule on the newly constructed road course.

All weekly divisions of Grand Bend Speedway were in attendance for what was to be an exhibition event in an effort to determine options for the 2013 schedule. The event was the second such experiment this year with the Mini Trucks, Junior Late Models, and Legends back in July, but the first for the open wheeled Sprint cars.

Racing started with the Junior B 6.5hp Sprints and the Junior A 6.5hp Sprints on what was deemed the “Short Course”, a flat, diamond shaped course with a small right hand kink. The 9hp Sprints, Junior Late Models, and Mini trucks took to the “Mid-sized” course with five left turns, a long front straight, and one sweeping right hander0

Junior B Sprints.

The Jr B Sprints were first up to race their 15 lap feature with 2=time oval track winner Cooper Aubertin leading flag to flag. . Cody Wilds was the most entertaining driver to watch, with a handful of Off Track excursions. Assisting the grounds keeping staff with lawn maintenance, Wilds was trying to pass for second on the last lap, but lost traction in the grass and had a disappointing finish.

Junior A Sprints

Two fierce competitors lined up for the feature in the Jr A final. 2012 Oval Champion Ray Morneau of Windsor and Lucas Vieira of London went tooth and nail for their 15 lap joust. Vieira was very fast and found it difficult to work his way by Morneau. Taking several shots at him, Vieira bounced the wrong way and lost his chain stopping him in his track. Several crews were on hand to lift up the car, re-install the chain and get Vieira on his way. On the ensuing re-start, Vieira out foxed Morneau in the fist corner and took the lead, but lost traction, and left the door open for Morneau to re-take the lead less then a lap later. After Lucas fought hard to catch back up, he went wide on the final corner, dropped a wheel in the grass and sealed his fate. Morneau would capture the win.

Junior Late Models

The Junior Late Models had the largest field of cars and some of the most breath taking moments of the day. . David Nethercott of Warwick would lead flag to flag in the 25 lap feature with pressure from Owen Corriveau in hot pursuit. The pair tangled earlier in qualifying heats which sent Nethercott spinning, The intensity was high as the two squared off again in the feature. Alex Corriveau also had an up and down day, Also tangled with Nethercott in both qualifying heats, and then grabbed everyone’s attention in the feature when he went off track, overcorrected and rolled the car on its roof, slid, and twirled down the track. Alex climbed out and waved to the fans signaling he was okay.

9HP Sprints

Matt Korcina and Calvin verheyan took turns leading in the 9hpp sprints. Fast speeds. Racetrack bumps and race cars not designed for road course racing led to a battle of attrition. Both drivers lost chains when hitting a bump in the tricky right hander. Crews scrambled to help out the pair on each separate occasion. Coming to the end, it was the last man standing. Matt Korcina was able to keep his car going and Verheyan lost another chain late in the going. Korcina takes the win.

Mini Trucks

4 Mini Trucks took to the six turn circuit to a crowd pleasing race. Woodstock drive Tanner Pirie had trouble and could not make the start, leaving three drivers, Ontario Pro Late Model Driver Jamie Cox, Kevin Stark and 2012 Mini Trick Champion Brandon Thurlby. Stark led from the outset, as Thurlby hounded Cox for the opening few laps. Cox could only hold on for so long and relinquished second spot to Thurlby who went on a charge to catch Kevin Stark. It was a battle of who made the least mistakes, Thurlby eventually caught and Stark, and remained glued to his tailgate for several laps, but came up short as the checkers fell.

It was a good afternoon of racing, the drivers adapted well and the cars took on minimal changes for chassis set up. Look for a few events at Grand Bend Raceway on the 2013 Championship Schedule.

More Photos and Results www.grandbendspeedway.com
Or Follow me on Twitter @JARED_Announcer

Grand Bend Speedway, Grand Bend ON – Five months of racing has come down to the final night of competition this Saturday, the 16^th season of racing will conclude under the lights and a cool September evening. All weekly divisions will be in attendance to try one last time win.

OK Tire [London South] Junior B

The year has belonged to DJ Christie.  Already with 12 wins on the year, Christie has shown the competition it will take a lot to beat him.   The Brothers Aubertin have been the most competitive with Christie this year.  The eldest brother Cooper won a feature race early in the season, and younger brother Jaxson captured a win late last month.   Young Matt Thompson, and Cody Wilds  have had strong runs of late and will look to be the first driver to win outside the Christie/Aubertin forces.

London Drive Systems Junior A

If you ever want to see a chess match played with race cars, the Jr A class of drivers are masters of manipulation and trickery in 2012.   This is one of the few divisions where the “draft” is a key factor in the outcome of a race.  The 6.5hp cars are virtually the same speed and produce some exciting, breath taking moments on the speedway.  Ray Morneau, Tyler Fortey, Alexandra Martin, Lucas Vieira, Nic Ramsey, and Parker Bowman, are the top drivers, which on any given night, can win a feature race.  The Bump drafting that takes place, the tandem drafting, and the late race drama will continue right down to the final lap and final set of corners.

Broadway Service Junior Late Model

In July, disaster struck the driver of the #71 JLM of Dawson Nethercott in the first race of a special double feature night.   Destroying both the back and front ends of his car, Dawson sat out the second feature watching his title hopes slip away.  But it came to no ones surprise that a tremendous rebound was in store.   Nethercott has not put a wheel out of place ever since. Wining every feature race since.  With poise, the young racer from Warwick has driven to the front of the field week in and week out.  Leaving the real race for second place. David Nethercott, Dalen Martin, Hayden Sim, and Brody Rickwood. have all had outstanding seasons, but have not been able to figure out the performance of Dawson Nethercott.

Tommy’s Motors 9hp 

The Championship is down to two combatants.   Bayfield’s Tanner Kaelin and London’s MacKenzie Hamilton.  !0 championship points separate first place Hamilton and second place Kaelin going into the final night of competition.   It will come down to who finishes a single position in the final running order.  Expect some exciting racing in this one.

Mike & Terri’s No Frills Mini Trucks

Brandon Thurlby from Windsor, pilots the #2 Mini Truck, and will be vying for the Championship, With a virtual lock, Thurlby will have just to start the feature race and to clinch.   What it means now is pride of winning.  It’s been a rough year for some teams, and word on the street is there might be a few axes to grind. So Saturday’s feature race might be just the highlight of the night.  The stars of the series, have all won, Thompson, Nethercott, Schloendorf, Collver, Beneteau, and Thurlby have all seen checkers this year and one more to cap off the season would sure hit the spot

Racing Begins at 6:00 pm with Qualifying races and Extended Lap Feature races for all divisions.  Gates open at 3:00pm for competitors.

For more Information:
www.grandbendspeedway.com

Or Follow me on Twitter  @JARED_Announcer

Grand Bend ON, September 1, 2012

Mike & Terri’s No Frills Mini Trucks 

Hard work and determination often goes unnoticed until success arrives.  It arrived big Saturday night at Grand Bend Speedway for one young driver.  Scott Schloendorf of Bayfield, at the keyboard of the #0 Mini truck driving for Doug Volland finally found his way to the win column.  The 50 lap feature which also saw the top two point contenders finish second and third ran fairly clean with Schloendorf leading all but one lap.   Bailey Nethercott made a bid for the top spot on a 3-Wide pass in turn three only to be over taken in turn one by Schloendorf to reclaim top spot.  Late in the going Shawn Thompson was able to sneak by Nethercott and drop kick him back a few spots.  Point leader Brandon Thurlby ran third, virtually locking him in to the 2012 Championship for the Mike & Teri’s No Frills Mini truck title. 

BOS Auto parts Can-Am Legends Presented by MRE

Clio Michigan driver Bobby Murrany locked up his first Grand Bend Speedway Legends Championship Saturday night.  Chris Metepennigan piloting the #15 Legend was able to lead flag to flag to capture his first win of the 2012 Campaign.  Bobby Muranny rebounded for second and Trevor Klaus finished third.

Other winners of the night included:

Tummy’s Motors 9hp Sprints         # 99 Michelle Korcina, Ailsa Craig

Broadway Service JLM                   #71 Dawson Nethercott, Warwick

London Drive Systems Jr A           #54 Nick Ramsey

OK Tire [London South]                  #5 DJ Christie

Next Race: Saturday September 15 Fall Classic and Championship Night

6pm Green Flag

Poiints and Results available at www.grandbendspeedway.com

Follow me on Twitter  @JARED_Announcer

Grand Bend ON, This weekend Grand Bend Speedway will crown its first BOS Auto parts Can-AM Legend Car Series Champion after a successful campaign in 2012.

It is down to two competitors from Michigan in the final points race and is separated by 21 points.

Cole Landau, from Rochester Hills Michigan, who has won two races this year, trails Clio Michigan driver Bobby Murrany going into the event.  Murrany can clinch with a good result in both the qualifying race and the feature, despite where Landau finishes.

The turning point in the season came at the last race on August 4th when Cole Landau took the white flag while leading the race.  Loren Short made his first appearance at Grand Bend and there was contact from the rear and both Landau and Short spun.  Murrany was collected in the aftermath, and received damage and even caught fire.  During the clean up, the skies opened up and Bobby Murrany was awarded the victory by virtue of being the next car in line on the last completed green flag lap.

The stage is set for the final night of Legend racing with Murrany vs. Landau.

Mike & Terri’s Mini Trucks

Two more chances of collecting championship points remain on the 2012 schedule, Brandon Thurlby from Windsor holds a 71 point lead over multi time Track Champion, Shawn Thompson from Ailsa Craig.  Both drivers have had strong seasons.  Both have given the fans exciting finishes and thrilling on-track maneuvers in hopes of scoring victory.  Look for both of these drivers to go down to the wire in the final two events. Thurlby can clinch the Championship with a strong run Saturday night. 

Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints

A tight battle atop the point standings will play out this weekend with two races left between London ON driver MacKenzie Hamilton #8 and Bayfield ON driver Tanner Kaelin.  Both have led lots of laps, scored wins and of late, dueled with eachother in what has become a see-saw battle.  Both have shared time on top of the point standings and going in to Saturday nights event, Kaelin holds a very slim 5 point lead over Hamilton.

The class is growing in car count in recent weeks, and with the increase in compeitiors, the points standings could be affected with each race.   Look for the battle between Tanner Kaelin and MacKenzie Hamilton to go right down the final lap in the final race.

For more information visit www.grandbendspeedway.com.

(Grand Bend ON,)  London ON, driver Darren McLennan cleaned up and swept both races in 2012 in the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets by winning Saturday nights 13^th race of the tour.

Trailing point leader Rob Neely by six points going into the night,  McLennan made some progress in reeling Neely in, but not much as Neely fought hard and crossed the line second ahead of Mack Deman.

McLennan thanked his sponsors and then later apologized to fellow competitor Corey Moesker for contact earlier in the race that sent Moesker to the pits for the balance of the evening while the pair raced for second spot before the half way point.

Mike & Terri’s No-Frills Mini Trucks

Brandon Thurlby won his fitth race of the 2012 campaign, further cementing his title hopes on Saturday night.  Thurlby took the lead with five laps to go by overtaking Lucan On, driver Justin Collver who led a majority of the race.  Collver took the lead early by making a thrilling 30wide pass and carried the lead until Thurlby pulled the trigger late in the going.  Shawn Thompson fought hard to capture a third place result.

The mini trucks will have a 50 Lapper this coming weekend for the second to last race of the season.

Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints

A full field of 9hp Sprints were on hand for what was arguably the most thrilling race of the evening.  Making their first appearances of the season, London driver, Jamie Marche and Strathroy pilot Jasmine Tanton methodically worked their way to the front of the field when it counted as several drivers took their turn at the lead in the multiple lead changing race.  One by one, several drivers took a shot at the lead, but the over powering draft kept the field tight and as the laps wound down, the 6 car pack kept dwindling and by the end of the race, it was down to just 3 cars fighting for the win.   Jamie March edged out Jasmine Tanton by a narrow margin with veteran Michelle Korcina rounding out the top 3.

Broadway Service Junior Late Models

Dawson Nethercott continued his dominance in 2012 by taking home his nineth feature win.  Hayden Sim, who charged from deep in the field, clawed his way to second by races end followed by Dalen Martin.

London Drive Systems Junior A Sprints 

Behind eventual race winner Ray Morneau, was a dog fight to the finish.  Morneau held down the top spot for much of the race, but it was St Thomas driver Nic Ramsey and London driver Tyler Fortey making the most noise in the individual bids to lead.   Ramsey, with a signature move off the tight turn four usually ends with him on the inside of the front runner and drag races to turn one for the pass.  Morneau, well aware of this maneuver held tight and would make it difficult for Ramsey.  Ramsey eventually lost traction, and slipped up and fell back a few spots, giving Tyler Fortey his opportunity to work over young Ray Morneau.  When they came across the line the final time, Morneau held on to win, with Fortey second and Ramsey recovered for third.

OK Tire [London South] Junior B Sprints

Grand Bend Speedway always loves to welcome new winners every year.  After several top 5 runs, 7 year old Jaxon Aubertin successfully held off his older brother Cooper and a charging Cody Wilds to put one in the win column Saturday night.  However it wasn’t easy.  While dueling with brother Cooper, he also had to fight off 10 time feature winner DJ Christie.  Christie charged hard on the outside groove.  While challenging the brothers Aubertin, Christie spun and was relegated to restart at the tail of the field and was unable to recover.  Jaxon Aubertin, also fighting some illness managed to stay ahead of Cooper and was very pleased to win his first race.

Racing Continues Saturday night with the final appearance of the BOS Auto Parts Can-Am Legends Series and a 50 Lap Main event for the Mini trucks.

For more information  www.grandbendspeedway.com

Or Follow me on Twitter  @JARED_Annnouncer

By Cindy Lorenz – Defending 2011 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion, Darren McLennan, entered Victory Lane for the third time this season with a strong win at Grand Bend Speedway on Saturday night. This London, Ont. driver captured both races at his ‘home track’ in 2012 to the delight of all the TQ#48 fans in the grandstands. The point’s battle in this highly competitive series went from Rob Neely’s win last week at Flamboro Speedway and a 6 point lead over McLennan to McLennan’s win at Grand Bend Speedway Saturday night and now a 7 point lead over Neely. With only three races remaining to crown the 47th Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion, both McLennan and Neely, 2010 Champion, have turned up the heat in pursuit of this coveted trophy. Mack DeMan and James Gray, third and fourth in points, are still in striking distance of the top prize.

Accepting the ‘Winner’s Trophy’, McLennan thanked his Dad and brother for giving him a great car. “I would like to thank my longtime sponsors Husqvarna, Brian’s Service Center, Contact Welding Supplies and Awesome Racewear for always supporting me. I especially want to thank Lucas Oil, sponsor of the Can-Am Midget series. It is an honour to run under the Lucas Oil name”, said McLennan.

Polesetter Tom Kyle, another local favorite, took the lead at the drop of the green flag. Jeff Blackburn and Corey Moesker followed close behind. Chris Bauman and McLennan rounded the top five. Setting a blistering pace in the low 11 second range at this tight ‘Bull Ring’, Kyle had one of his best starts this season until lap 7 when his throttle cable broke putting him into the infield. Blackburn became the new leader at the restart with Moesker in second and McLennan now in third. Adrian Stahle was now fourth and Neely, coming from his 10th place start was now in the top five.

One lap later Moesker brushed the wall coming out of turn two bringing out the caution and taking him out of the race. Going back to green, Blackburn kept the lead with McLennan now in hot pursuit of the point. Stahle was third, Neely fourth and DeMan rounded the top five. Two laps later McLennan made a great pass on Blackburn and motored to the front and opened up a five car lead. Blackburn, Stahle, Neely and DeMan ran lap after lap in a tight cluster. On lap 16 Blackburn got loose and Stahle, Neely, DeMan and James Gray all gained a spot. One lap later Gray spun bring out the caution putting him to the rear for the restart. McLennan shot to the front and had a ten car lead over the field as Stahle and Neely battled side by side for another 5 laps. With three laps to go Neely found an opening and moved into second place. DeMan also went around Stahle with 2 to go. Neely poured on the heat but McLennan stayed on the point to the checkered flag. DeMan was third, Stahle fourth and Blackburn battled back to finish in the top five.

Heats were won by Gray and McLennan.
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets travel north September 1st and 2nd to Sauble Speedway, Ont. for a doubleheader on the long holiday weekend. The final race of the 2012 season and the crowning the 2012 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion will be at Flamboro Speedway on September 22nd.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget finish at Grand Bend Speedway on August 25, 2012 was…1.DARREN MCLENNAN, 2. Rob Neely, 3. Mack DeMan, 4. Adrian Stahle, 5. Jeff Blackburn, 6. Chris Holman, 7. Todd Cresswell, 8. James Gray, 9. Chris Bauman, 10. Dave Hickson, 11. Carey Hickson, 12. Corey Moesker, 13. Tom Kyle.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Top Ten in Points as of August 25, 2012…1. DARREN MCLENNAN…2068, 2. Rob Neely…2061, 3. Mack DeMan…2031, 4. James Gray…1971, 5. Corey Moesker…1835, 6. Chris Holman…1802, 7. Adrian Stahle…1779, 8. Jeff Blackburn…1759, 9. Todd Cresswell…1724, 10. Tom Kyle…1571.

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For more information on the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets, contact Cindy Lorenz at clorenz74@yahoo.com

Grand Bend ON, The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets are set to return to the Bull Ring by the Beach Saturday night for their second appearance. Fans were delighted to an outstanding race in July with Darren McLennan taking the checkers in front an entire grandstand section full of #48 Boosters to cheer him on. McLennan hopes to make it a season sweep of the ¼ mile tri-oval.

The Can-Am Midget drivers know going in, how challenging the small bull ring will be on Saturday night. The 12 degrees of banking, the bravery of negotiating the back straightaway dog leg, and under low lighting conditions, scoring the “W” at Grand Bend Speedway is. By far one of the hardest tracks to get a hold of.

The stars of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets will be out in full force, Rob Neely. Mack DeMan, Chris Holman, Darren McLennan, James Gray, and Todd Cresswell will be just a few of the names we will hear as the fasted cars the grace The Bull Ring ,

Other local favorites include former track alumni Tom Kyle and former Mini Truck star, Corey Moesker. Moesker has experienced a mix bag of results at Grand Bend, near wins, and horrifying crashes have plagued the Wyoming On driver. Moesker hopes to score his second career win on Saturday, to go along with his win from Sunset back in May 2012

Make sure you join the fans this Saturday night at 6pm for all the racing action.
Your ticket includes racing from the regular divisions, OK Tire Jr B Sprints, London Drive Systems Jr A Sprints, Broadway Service Jr Late Models. Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints, and Mike & Terri’s NoFrills Mini Trucks.

For More information: www.grandbendspeedway.com

Follow me on Twitter @JARED_Announcer

Grand Bend, ON – After a week vacation from racing, the competitors at Grand Bend Speedway will return Saturday to close out the second leg of the summer season. Several teams took the time to spend time promoting the speedway at various car shows and displays at other speedways, while others were thrashing to repair their cars after a rough spring.

One such team is multi time feature winner, Dawson Nethercott. After dominating the first part of 2012 in the Junior Late Models, luck ran out and was involved in an incident two weeks ago that virtually destroyed the Belfore Restorations/Total Lubricants Chevy. The team spent the entire off week replacing both the front and rear clip. Although Dawson walked away unhurt, stiffness and soreness was to be expected. Look for Dawson Nethercott to return to the speedway Saturday night with more intensity and desire to win.

Young Ray Morneau of Windsor drives the #98 Jr A Micro Sprint. He leads the point standings going into the weekend and has scored one feature win to date. Morneau a former Champion at the speedway comes off a season where he only ran part time in 2011. Picking up where he left off, this season has been littered with top finishes and is the model of consistency. The division, presented by London Drive Systems, is highly competitive this year and the racing mirrors NASCAR Super Speedway racing. Two car tandem bump drafting is the name of the game and has resulted in some very entertaining racing thus far. Morneau joins the likes of Alexandra Martin, Tyler Fortey, and Nic Ramsey who have all shown strength.

Join us this Saturday for all the divisions of racing. Green flag drops at 6pm and camping is available.
• OK Tire [London South] Jr B Micro Sprints
• London Drive Systems Jr A Micro Sprints
• Broadway Service Junior Late Model
• Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints
• Mike & Terri’s No-frills [Grand bend] Mini Trucks.
Grand Bend Speedway is a ¼ mile paved Tri-oval located 3 km east of Grand bend ON, on Hwy 81. Racing from May to September.

Grand Bend Racers to race Oval and Road Course This Weekend

By Jared Doxtator – The Legend Cars, JCAR Mini Trucks and Junior Late Models will be entering unfamiliar territory this weekend. Racing will take place Saturday night at the traditional 1/4 mile paved oval, but Sunday will take on a new challenge by racing on the new Road Course, known as Grand Bend Raceway.

After competing for full championship points on Saturday night, teams will switch their cars over from an oval set up to one capable of turning left and right.  After testing, it was determined that the Mini Trucks and JLMs will have to make minimal changes.  The Legend cars may require more but no issues are expected.

The Mini trucks and JLM’s will compete on a 7/10km, 8 turn road course, while the Legends will compete on a 1.4km, 13 turn circuit on Sunday.  Many of the Legend competitors are eager to compete on the Road Course; some have no road racing experience at all and will welcome the opportunity.  Entries from both sides of the border are invited and response has been overwhelming.  We expect a good field for both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Racing for the Oval Saturday night is for all divisions and begins at 6pm which includes the 6.5hp Micro Sprints, 9hp Sprints in addition to the Mini Trucks, Junior Late Model and Legends cars.

Racing for the Road Coarse at Grand Bend Raceway will begin at 2pm.  Competitors competing will enter through the Grand Bend MotorPlex entrance and haulers to park in the drag way pit area, while fans will park and use the Oval track pit area to enter the Raceway.

For more information visit www.grandbendspeedway.com

By Cindy Lorenz – Darren McLennan entered Victory Lane for the second time this season as the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets raced at ‘The Bull Ring’ at Grand Bend Speedway (Ont) on Saturday night. Racing in front of his hometown fans, at least one grandstand was full of TQ 48 followers. A loud cheer went up as McLennan accepted the checkered flag. “I’d like thank my dad and brother for the perfect setup on the car, it was on rails” said McLennan. He continued on by also thanking series sponsor Lucas Oil and his supporters, Husqvarna, Brian’s Service Center, Contact Welding Supplies and Awesome Racewear. The 2011 Champion, McLennan continues to lead the points’ series by 59 points over 2nd place Mack DeMan.

At the drop of the green Chris Holman took the lead from his pole position. David Balych was second followed closely by Todd Cresswell. Another hometown favorite, Corey Moesker, was third as James Gray rounded out the top five. McLennan, starting seventh, was up to fourth by lap 3. Cresswell was shuffled back in the field getting loose in turn one and McLennan passed both him and Balych and was now up to second place. Holman continued his lead but McLennan was in his rear view mirror and closing fast. Going into turn 3 on lap nine McLennan made one quick move to the inside and passed Holman for the lead. Gray was now in third with Moesker close behind. Balych hung on to the fifth spot.

Just past half way, Cresswell spun in turn four bringing out the first caution. At the restart Rob DiVenanzo also spun in the same turn again bringing out the caution flag. When the field went green McLennan put it in ‘high gear’ and extended his lead over Holman by 10 car lengths. Gray and Moesker held their own battle for position and Mack DeMan moved into the top five. DeMan found an opening and quickly passed Moesker setting his sites on Gray. McLennan had half a straightaway on the field as Holman began to fade. Gray took over second place followed by DeMan. Holman now had Moesker knocking on his door for 4th. Moesker motored around Holman with five laps to go.

McLennan continued his command of the race as Gray and DeMan fought over second place. The checkered flag came out as McLennan took the win with Gray, DeMan, Moesker and Holman keeping in the top five.

Heats were won by Holman and McLennan. The ‘B’ Feature was won by Greg Smulders. The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets next head to Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night, July 14th.

Final finish for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Grand Bend Speedway on July 7, 2012 was…1. DARREN MCLENNAN, 2. James Gray, 3. Mack DeMan, 4. Corey Moesker, 5. Chris Holman, 6. Adrian Stahle, 7. David Balych, 8. Greg Smulders, 9. Jeff Blackburn, 10. Chris Bauman, 11. Todd Cresswell, 12. Tom Kyle, 13. Rob Neely, 14. Rob DiVenanzo, 15. Dave Hickson.

Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets ‘Unofficial’ Top 15 in points as of July 7, 2012 are….1. DARREN MCLENNAN…1144, 2. Mack DeMan…1085, 3. James Gray…1082, 4. Rob Neely…1067, 5. Corey Moesker…1062, 6. Todd Cresswell…972, 7. Adrian Stahle…954, 8. Jeff Blackburn…946, 9. David Balych…936, 10. Chris Holman…916, 11. Tom Kyle…907, 12. Chris Bauman…813, 13. Rob DiVenanzo…720, 14. Dave Hickson…720, 15. Earl caine…366.

Grand Bend, ON – When the speedway schedule was released inMarch, the red Sharpie pens were in full force circling Saturday July 7thas a race weekend that could not be missed. The biggest and arguably most anticipated race night the Speedway has ever scheduled, happens this weekend.

Lucas Oil Can Am Midgets
The fastest race cars that take to the Bull Ring by the beach arrive Saturday for their seventh event of the 2012 season. Former Grand Bend Speedway Champion Corey Moesker is near the top of the points standings. after capturing his first win at Sunset earlier this spring.
The Can Am Midgets race around the ¼ mile tri-oval at break neck speeds. With absolute precision. every move must be timed and executed perfectly. Mistakes can be dangerous. Moesker learned that in 2010, while racing hard for the lead coming to the checkered flag, tangled with a lapped car as he crossed the finish line, Moesker was sent flying in the air and into the wall at full speed/ Moesker escaped without serious injury, but the biggest blow came when he learned he lost the race by mere inches.

Success in years past, has gone to the elite drivers of the club. Daniel Bois is a two time winner; Todd Cresswell, James Gray and MackDeman have all won feature races at the Bullring.
Look for Tom Kyle to break out at Grand Bend this weekend, another former alumni of the speedway, Kyle looks to steer his #44 machine around the turns and bumps around the speedway he knows so well.

BOS Auto Parts Can AmLegends Presented by McColl Racing Enterprises
Sharing top billing this weekend is the third round of the Legend Car series. This weekend will feature the largest purse for the Legend cars with the race winner expected to take home 3 times the normal amount of prize winnings. This has attracted Legend car racers from both sides of the border and will be the largest field to date. Drivers hailing from Tennessee, Illinois, and Michigan will race teams from Southern and Eastern Ontario. Each team is competing for National INEX Legend Car points. Michigan drivers Cole Landau and David Beatty have been thet wo dominant drivers thus far, but with the other visiting drivers, it will be difficult to pick a winner until all the smoke clears and dust settles.

Weekly Divisions
OK Tire (London South) Jr B, London Drive Systems Jr A Sprints, Broadway Service Junior late Models, Tommy’s Motors 9hp Sprints and Mike & Terri’s No Frills Mini Trucks will also take to the track in aspecial Features Only Format. All races are for full championship points. DJ Chrisitie, Tyler Fortey, Dawson Nethercott, Tanner Kaelin, and Brandon Thurlby are all atop the point standings in the weekly divisions going into the weekend.

Special Thanks to theevent Sponsors for this Large and Loud event.
JBM Auto Leasing(London ON)
Moffatt & PowellRona (Exeter ON)
Broadway Service (WyomingON)
Kyis Embroidery (StrathroyON)

Gates Open 3pm
Racing 6pm
Rain Date SundayJuly 8 Racing 2pm

Grand Bend Speedway is located 3km east of the Beach Town of Grand Bend on Hwy 81. Camping is available.

www.grandbendspeedway.com

By Jared Doxtator - Grand Bend Speedway June 23, 20

Hurricane Midgets visit Grand Bend Speedway

Over 24 Hurricane Midgets paid visit to the Bull Ring by the Beach on Saturday for their first of two appearances in 2012.   After two rounds of qualifying heat races, the field was set for a very fast paced 25 lap feature.

Brian Woodland led flag to flag, with A.J, Emmes followed close behind for the duration.  It was third place on back that kept changing hands.  Paul Dragonac, Rob McCall and Ryan Fraser all took their turns, but when the dust settled, Brian McDonald wound up as the third place finisher.

Perfect Night For Christie – OK Tire (London South) r B Micro Sprints

Beachville ON, driver DJ Christie was going for an incredible feat.  His goal was to win everything in one night.  The race program was started with a Feature race from a previous rain-out.  DJ Christie started near the front, but chased Cooper Aubertin for a  bulk of the 25 lapper.  Lap after lap, Christie would use tne outside groove and could only get half way up beside Aubertins machine.  When the duo caught lap traffic late in the going. the two youngsters made contact on the front straightaway, and both nearly lost control.  When  they gathered it back  up. DJ Christie was in the lead.   He held off the brothers Aubertin, Cooper and Jaxon to win the first feature.

After winning a heat race earlier, DJ Christie continued his bid for a perfect night  in the second, regularly scheduled feature race.  Sneaking by Cooper Aubertin early in the race, Christie cruised to his fourth feature race of the season and the second win on the night.

Mike & Terri’s No Frills Mini Trucks

The first 26 laps of racing were gruelling. to say the least.  Shawn Thompson and Brandon Thurlby had set themselves apart from the pack in an attempt to fight the finish out on their own.   The fight for third was  the race to watch. Scott Schloendorf Justin Collver, Bailey Nethercott,  Wes Tanner and Michael Bennetaeu all were fighting for a podiium finish.

When the leaders approached lapped traffic, Thurlby made his move to the inside..  Thurlby got a great run down the banking off turn 2 and dove down into turn 3 and attempted the pass for the lead.  Shawn Thompson fought back, and when Thurlby got by, tried the cross over move , then they got together. Thurlby’s car hooked and turned across the nose of Thompsons truck and into the grass.  Thompson was sent to the rear for the restart, handing the lead to Justin Collver.  9 laps of racing remained and a fight for the win ensued with Collver, Schloendorf and Nethercott. The running order didn’t change and for the first time in 2012, Justin Collver captures the checkered flag.  Being in the right place at the right time  awarded the 19 year old from Lucan with a win.

Tyler Fortey wins 2 feature races as well, one rainout make up and the regularly scheduled Jr A Mirco Sprint race.

Dawson Nethercott made it 4 consecutive feature wins in the Junior Late Models

Michelle Korcina has been adjusting on her 9hp Sprint and was finally rewarded with a feature race win.

Racing Every Saturday Night at 6pm

Next Event June 30 and Includes a Mini Truck 50 lap Invitational