Jeff Blackburn Finds Victory Lane in Flamboro Speedway Season Opener

MILLGROVE, Ontario --- From great battles on the track, to some wild incidents that may have taken your breath away, there was a bit of everything at Flamboro Speedway for the opening night of the 2023 season.

As it has become customary over the past couple years, the Qwick Wick T.Q. Can-Am Midgets were on-hand to kick off their campaign.

2021 series champion Jeff Blackburn won the first heat ahead of Andrew Whelan, Jr Farrelly, James Stanley, Mike Westwood, Bob Bailey, and Jody Bound, with Sherri Hogan failing to finish.

Defending titlist Cory Whittam was victorious in the second qualifier followed by Daniel Hawn, Dominique Smith, David Miller, Jaden Riddell, Robert Pollillo, and Paul Jorgensen.

The heat victory saw Blackburn start mid-pack, but that did not slow him down on route to victory. He wasted no time breaking into the top-five, doing so with just six laps on the board. He continued to work his way forward, taking the lead on Lap 10. He then led the rest of the way to win in front of Daniel Hawn, David Miller, James Stanley, and Jr Farrelly. Bob Bailey put together one of his most impressive runs in sixth, followed by Jody Bound.

Unfortunately, several drivers ran into issues throughout the event. Mike Westwood was the first to not finish due to a mechanical failure in the closing stages. Andrew Whelan went for a wild ride, tipping his car off following contact off of turn four with the outside wall. Cory Whittam, Jaden Riddell, and Sherri Hogan also did not go un-scaved, with continuous incidents taking out competitors. Robert Pollillo perhaps scared the fans the most, making contact with the turn four wall, before flipping over a couple times. Dominique Smith, Paul Jorgensen, and Craig Pitchell also did not take the checkered flag.

Thankfully, despite the multiple incidents throughout, all drivers were okay and able to walk away.

Feature Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F591pbpSH8s

Pro Late Models

The team of J.R. Fitzpatrick and Chris Howse proved to be dangerous for the competition last season, as evident by the pair winning a Grisdale Triple Crown Championship together. They have now decided to chase a track title, and it started off in the best way possible.

The 2022 APC Auto Parts United Late Model Series Champion led flag-to-flag en route to victory, in front of Blair Wickett, Rick Spencer-Walt, Kevin Albers, and TY Cavallin. Billy Schwartzenburg made his way forward a couple positions to place sixth, followed by Rick Burbridge, Cole Quinton, Shawn Chenoweth, and Logan White. David Gallinger rounded out the field

The invert for the second feature played into Shawn Chenoweth’s hands, as he led all 30 laps en route to victory ahead of Rick Burbridge, J.R. Fitzpatrick, Kevin Albers, and Blair Wickett. The second feature saw Rick Spencer-Walt struggle a little to make his way through traffic to place sixth, followed by Billy Schwartzenburg, Ty Cavallin, Cole Quinton, and Logan White. David Gallinger rounded out the field.

Second Feature Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dqN7MP7R08

Ontario Pro Challenge Series

The father-son duo dominated the headlines last year as fans watched Mike and Tim Norris duke it out for the championship. It may be new season, same verse if the first race of the year is any indication.

Mike Norris beat his father Tim to win the first feature, taking the lead with eight laps to go en route to victory. Bryan Stevanus was third, with Ethan Fleet and Nolan Quinton rounding out the top-five. Emma Norris continued to show progress in her ability with a sixth, followed by Travis Majeury, Mike O’Connell, Sterling Hattin, and Jay Linde. Ty Riopelle and Tenli Pepin rounded out the field.

Tim Norris kept it in the family, though, holding the lead from Lap 8 on to pick up a checkered flag of his own. Mike Norris was second in front of Travis Majuery, Bryan Stevanus, and Emma Norris. Ethan Fleet kept the momentum rolling with a sixth, followed by Mike O’Connell, Sterling Hattin, Jay Linde, and Ty Riopelle. Nolan Quinton was 11th, while Tenli Pepin failed to finish.

Second Feature Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Rf549M470

Pure Stocks

It seems no matter the track they attend, BT Racing has proven to be a threat for the victory. They followed up their top-five’s on Friday night at Delaware Speedway with Wayde Thorne winning the first feature on Saturday night.

The veteran battled his way to the front after starting eighth, breaking into the top-five with 10 laps on the board, before taking the lead with two laps to go for the checkered flag. David Rockwood showed his veteran knowledge for a second in front of Cameron Thomson, Andy Wheller, and Mike Etsel. Spencer Riddell’s return to the division continued with a sixth, ahead of Leo Labarbera, Brady Cox, Chance Rogers, and Mark Allan.

Austin Ellis began his full-time campaign at Flamboro in 11th, followed by Paul Huskins, Rodney Rutherford, Teegan Ellis, Dan Cormier, Reece Bourgeois, Alex Stewart, Brian Gamble, Jordan Fidler, and Nicole Givens. Daphne Sullivan failed to take the green flag.

The second feature is what dreams are made of, or storybooks for that matter. For the first time in five years, Andy Wheller got to hear the cheers of the fans in feature victory lane with a victory to call his own. The veteran wasted no time getting to the front, dominating the 20-lap affair. Spencer Riddell put together one of his most impressive runs with a runner-up, followed by Leo Labarbera, Austin Ellis, and Teegan Ellis. Wayde Thorne drove through the field to place sixth ahead of Brady Cox, Cameron Thomson, Nicole Givens, and Reece Bourgeois.

Mark Allan was 11th in front of Chance Rogers, Dan Cormier, Mike Etsell, Paul Huskins, Daphne Sullivan, Jordan Fidler and Owen Booker. A pair of incidents saw Alex Stewart and David Rockwood fail to finish the event. Rodney Rutherford did not take the green flag.

First Feature Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-Sk0_rWQhA

Second Feature Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iykR7RA3Sc

Thanks to Derek Smith (http://www.racepulse.com), Peter Anderson (pandersonphotos@gmail.com), and Zoompics.com for their images of the racing action each week.

Thanks to Ingrid Hartman for filming each week. Be sure to check out her videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/petalpower51/videos.

The next event at Flamboro Speedway is taking place on Saturday, May 20, sponsored by Klotz Auto Repair & Engine Machine Shop. It will showcase the season opener for the Canadian Vintage Modifieds, with their Hank Frank Memorial. The action will also include the Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, Pure Stocks, SOMA Modifieds, and Spectactor Drags. The pit gates will open at 4pm, followed by the front gate at 5pm, with racing kicking off at 6pm.

It will be a busy weekend, as the track celebrates Victoria Day weekend in style with the Spring Fever 150 Enduro set for Monday, May 22. The Mini Stocks and Pure Stocks will also be on-hand for special features. The pit gates will open at noon, followed by the front gate at 3pm, with racing kicking off at 4pm.

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/.

Race Report By: Ashley McCubbin

2021 Flamboro Speedway Pure Stocks Rundown

MILLGROVE, Ontario --- With the 2022 campaign in the books, Flamboro Speedway is getting ready for their next big event, which is the 2021 / 2022 Banquet. Held Rockton Agricultural Society @ the Rockton Fairgrounds (812 Old Highway 8, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0), the event will celebrate the accomplishments of Flamboro Speedway’s drivers from both the 2021 season and 2022 season.

The night will feature laughs, jokes, award presentations, and a dinner beginning at 5:30 pm sharp with cocktails at 4pm. Those looking to attend the event are welcome to contact John Casale at 905-659-3042 to purchase your tickets.

As we prepare for the banquet, let’s take a glance back at the success our drivers have had the past two seasons in each of our divisions, beginning with the Pure Stocks.

11. Dale Lucas

A veteran of the division, Dale Lucas put together a consistent season racing against his son Kyle Lucas. Although he was unable to reach victory lane as he would’ve hoped, he scored seven top-10 finishes, including a season-best fifth on August 21, 2021.

10. Alex Stewart

A rookie in the division, Alex Stewart showed he was very capable of becoming a contender in season’s to come. He showed improvement on a weekly basis despite battling some issues, ultimately scoring a pair of top-10’s with a season-best ninth on August 7, 2021.

9. Spencer Riddell

Another newer face in the division, Spencer Riddell struggled the first couple weeks, but was able to find his groove and move up the running order as the year went on. He scored seven top-10’s, including a season-best sixth on two occasions.

8. Rick VanKleef

With family racing, it only made sense for Rick VanKleef to join them behind the wheel – but it did not start out as he would have hoped. After scoring nine straight finishes outside of the top-10 to kick off 2021, he turned it around with three top-10’s including a fourth on August 21.

7. Megan Mitchell / Chase Mitchell

The Mitchell siblings decided to follow in their family’s footsteps, and take a shot of racing of their own by sharing an entry for their debut season. Megan showed a lot of progress throughout the year with three top-10’s, including her own moment of glory on July 31. Starting on the pole, she led all 30 laps en route to scoring her first career feature victory. Chase, meanwhile, showed speed of his own with six top-10’s, including a fourth on July 3.

6. Leo Labarbera / Mark Thorne

Both Leo Labarbera and Mark Thorne are no strangers to the Pure Stock division, and that showed in 2021 when they shared a ride together in impressive style. Labarbera backed up his previous division title with eight top-10’s, including a pair of top-five’s. Thorne equaled those numbers in the events he competed in, with seven top-10’s, including three top-five’s.

5. Kyle Lucas

A threat to win races on a weekly basis, Kyle Lucas ran up front on a weekly basis for an average finish of 5.88235. Although unable to reach victory lane, he scored 10 top-five’s and 17 top-10’s in 2021.

4. Scott Tonelli

A newer face to racing, Scott Tonelli proved he could get the job done despite being surrounded by years of experience on-track. He also failed to reach victory lane, but should not hang his head on the year put together with four top-five’s and 15 top-10’s.

3. Matt Langford / Kris Lawrence

Whenever a BT Racing member pulls into a race track, you immediately have to consider them a threat for victory. That was no different when everyone saw Matt Langford and Kris Lawrence competing in 2021. Lawrence found himself climbing the fence on two occasions with a pair of victories, alongside six top-five’s and seven top-10’s for an average finish of 4.5. Langford held his own, scoring five top-five’s and seven top-10’s.

2. Reece Bourgeois

After her racing career started with a significant accident, Reece Bourgeois has not slowed down ever since, putting together a breakout campaign in 2021 that put everyone on notice for seasons to come. She led the field throughout the feature on July 31 for her first career feature victory, followed by another on September 18. Alongside five top-five’s and 12 top-10’s, she’s one of the fastest females in the province.

1. Bobby Mercer

A long time competitor at Flamboro Speedway with experience across a variety of divisions, Bobby Mercer relied on every ounce of that throughout the 2021 campaign. Although he never held a checkered flag, consistency with six top-five’s and 16 top-10’s for an average finish of eighth led him to the 2021 Pure Stock Championship.

Other Numbers To Think About: - 2.2 was the best average finish, set by James Houghton, across five races - 3 feature victories for Phil Givens led all drivers this season - 10 feature top-five’s for Lucas led all drivers this season - 11 drivers scored a feature victory - 13 drivers scored an average finish of fifth or better - 17 feature top-10’s for Lucas led all drivers this season - 19 features were ran this season - 28 drivers scored an average finish of 10th or better - 29 drivers scored a feature top-five finish - 38 drivers scored a feature top-10 finish - 60 different drivers partook in a Pure Stock event

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

Whittam, Marshall, Mercer, and Bourgeois Secure Championships at Flamboro Speedway

MILLGROVE, Ontario ---- With a pair of visiting classes and four champions to be crowned on Saturday, it was an exciting night of action at Flamboro Speedway!

Can-Am Midgets

David Miller won the first heat for the T.Q. Can-Am Midgets in front of Cory Whittam, Jr Farrelly, Craig Pitchell, Paul Jorgensen, Robert Pollillo, and Bob Bailey.

Daniel Hawn was victorious in the second qualifier ahead of Andrew Whelan, Jaden Riddell, James Stanley, Jeff Blackburn, Paul Smith, and Paul Harrison.

Cory Whittam started up front for the feature, moving into the runner-up spot on Lap 4. He would then track down the lead, taking the top spot on Lap 8. He then led the rest of the way in the 25-lap feature en route to taking home the checkered flag, and the 2022 T.Q. Can-Am Midget Championship. David Miller was second on-track, followed by Jaden Riddell, Daniel Hawn, and Andrew Whelan.

Craig Pitchell placed sixth, in front of James Stanley, Jr Farrelly, Paul Jorgensen, and Paul Smith. Robert Pollillo was 11th ahead of Bob Bailey, while Mike Coleman did not take the green flag. Jeff Blackburn was scored at the back after being disqualified.

Canadian Legend Car

Adam Cuthbertson won the first Canadian Legend Car Series heat, followed by Jordan Latimer, Joe Adams, Glenn Morris, Jeff McKibbon, Joe Russ, Jennifer Hatch, and Pete Trotechaud.

Cole McFadden was victorious in the second qualifier, in front of Zachary Latimer, Nick Portt, Jaden Chapman, Hudson Nagy, Hailey McNicol, Dan Russ, and Kenny McNicol Jr.

Wesley Cuthbertson picked up the checkered flag in the third heat, ahead of Paul Perik, Steve Gargau, Mike Hryniak, Cody Wilds, Lonnie Scott, and Zach Hatch.

Jordan Latimer won the fourth heat, followed by Adam Cuthbertson, Joe Adams, Glenn Morris, Jeff McKibbon, Joe Russ, Pete Trotechaud, and Jennifer Hatch.

Kenny McNicol Jr. was victorious in the fifth heat, in front of Hudson Nagy, Nick Portt, Jaden Chapman, Cole McFadden, Hailey McNicol, Dan Russ, and Zach Latimer.

Wesley Cuthbertson went for the daily double, ahead of Cody Wilds, Steve Gargau, Paul Perik, Lonnie Scott, Mike Hryniak, and Zach Hatch.

Hudson Nagy would start partway back in the field, but wasted no time in moving forward to crack the top-five with just three laps on the board. He continued to move forward, battling for the top spot at the halfway mark of the feature. Nagy took the lead on Lap 19, and then led the final six laps en route to picking up the checkered flag.

Cole McFadden was second in his first appearance on the tour of 2022 after crashing out pre-season, followed by Kenny McNicol Jr., Jordan Latimer, and Wesley Cuthbertson. Joe Adams was sixth in front of Jaden Chapman, Nick Portt, Steve Gargau, and Zach Latimer. Glenn Morris finished 11th, ahead of Paul Perik, Mike Hryniak, Hailey McNicol, Zach Hatch, Lonnie Scott, Adam Cuthbertson, Jeff McKibbon, Joe Russ, and Dan Russ.

Pete Trotechaud placed 21st, followed by Jennifer Hatch, Cody Wilds, Adam Cuthbertson, Pete Trotechaud, and Cody Wilds.

Vintage Modifieds

Starting mid-pack for the Canadian Vintage Modified first feature, TJ Marshall worked his way forward, taking the lead with seven laps to go to pace the field all the way to the checkered flag. Quintin Murdoch finished second, in front of Scott Tonelli, Daryl Henwood, and Ricky Willigar. Rodney Rutherford was sixth, ahead of Rob Twitchett and Jae Pepin, with Steve Murdoch failing to finish.

The second 25-lap affair belonged to Rodney Rutherford all the way through, as he led all the laps en route to scoring the victory. TJ Marshall finished second to be crowned the 2022 Canadian Vintage Modifieds Champion. Daryl Henwood was third, with Quintin Murdoch and Scott Tonelli rounding out the top-five. Ricky Willigar was sixth, in front of Rob Twitchett, while Jae Pepin and Steve Murdoch did not finish.

Mini Stocks

Bobby Mercer led flag-to-flag en route to winning the first Mini Stock feature, also allowing him to be crowned the 2022 Mini Stock Champion. Kaitlyn Wallace with another impressive run in second, ahead of Mike Thomson, Matt Young, and Kyle Istead. Mike Hooper was sixth, followed by Coltin Everingham, Dave Dippel, Cole Burrows, and Dave Goodacre. Nikki King placed 11th, in front of Fabion Olivieri and Andrew Smith.

Mike Thomson put an exclamation point on his year, taking the lead on Lap 5 to pace the field the rest of the way to win the second Mini Stock feature. Kyle Istead was second, ahead of Bobby Mercer, Mike Hooper, and Kaitlyn Wallace. Dave Dippel placed sixth, followed by Cole Burrows, Fabion Olivieri, and Andrew Smith. Dave Goodacre, Matt Young and Nikki King failed to finish, while Coltin Everingham did not take the green flag.

Pure Stocks

Kyle Lucas found his way to the front of the field in the first Pure Stock feature, pacing the field for the opening nine laps. Although he lost the lead for a bit, he was able to retake the top spot with four laps to go and pace the field the rest of the way to the checkered flag. Leo Labarbera finished second, in front of Reece Bourgeois, Spencer Riddell, and Rick Mitchell.

Cameron Thomson put away the flags to battle to a sixth, ahead of Courtney Scott, Rick Van Kleef, Alex Stewart, and Chance Rogers. Daphne Sullivan was 11th, followed by Jordan Willims, Mark Allan, Craig Cole, Caroline Kelly, Moses Ruiz, and Jimmy Hooper. Matt Young did not take the green flag.

The invert saw Kyle Lucas start deep in the field, but he did not let him deter himself from the goal at hand. He worked his way forward to take over the runner-up spot with just 10 laps on the board, taking the lead with six laps to go to capture the daily double. Alex Stewart finished second, in front of Rick Mitchell, Spencer Riddell, and Chance Rogers.

Several drivers failed to finish as a result of series of incidents including Cameron Thomson, Leo Labarbera, Reece Bourgeois, Moses Ruiz, Courtney Scott, Daphne Sullivan, Jordan Willms, and Rick Van Kleef. Jimmy Hooper, Mark Allan, Craig Cole, Caroline Kelly, and Matt Young failed to finish.

T.Q. Can-Am Midget Feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZsN06Ss7R8

Canadian Vintage Modified Second Feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfAgB3iPdCk

Mini Stock Second Feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ5XFeLmjvE

Thanks to Derek Smith (http://www.racepulse.com), Peter Anderson (pandersonphotos@gmail.com), and Zoompics.com for their images of the racing action each week.

Thanks to Ingrid Hartman for filming each week. Be sure to check out her videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/petalpower51/videos.

The next event at Flamboro Speedway is Frostoberfest, scheduled for Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. Both days feature a different set of divisions battling for glory. The Saturday show will feature Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modifeds presented by Just Foam It, Qwick Wick OSCAAR Hot Rods, Mini Stocks, Canadian Legend Car Series, Ontario Pro Sprints, Junior Late Models, and Mini Trucks. The Sunday show will feature the Pro Late Models, Super Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Outlaw Midgets presented by Canadian Tire Innisfil.

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/.

Race Report By: Ashley McCubbin

Photo Courtesy of: Carrie Garmon