Photo Credit: Jim Clarke
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
With 8 events shared between 2 of the province’s venerable asphalt racing facilities, the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series signed-in Saturday, May 31st for the first of back-to-back shows on Canada’s Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval.
Peterborough Speedway’s first Toonie Admission/Fan Appreciation Night of the new season meant a near capacity crowd was on hand to witness the open wheeled speedsters tackle the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City. Heading into the night’s action, all eyes were on Chad Strawn. The 28 year old Newcastle, Ontario runner had scored the season opening victory during the Spring Shakedown Invitational event Saturday, May 10th at Flamboro Speedway and the driver of the potent #77 machine was looking to add another trophy to his collection of motorsports hardware.
The starting field was split into 2 groups for their 8 lap qualifying heats, with Rob Warnes scoring a pair of checkered flags, while Nick Lees and Rick Warnes took the other preliminary round wins.
With 20 laps on the table, the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series – powered by Torque Builders Inc. came to the line for their main event with Randy Hollingsworth and Bill Burrows pacing the pack to the green flag. Hollingsworth had already had an exciting evening, after watching his Granddaughter Willow Barberstock claim her first feature win in Peterborough’s 4Fun division.
There were only a couple of laps complete when the yellow was displayed for Rick Warnes, who had slowed on the front stretch. The original 20 lap race distance would flash by quickly, as Mike Poulton was chased around Canada’s Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval by twin brothers Alex and Nick Lees. Nick Lees used the inside line in the 4th turn to take the lead on the re-start, with Rob Warnes in tow and Poulton slipped back to 3rd. Simultaneous incidents for Hollingsworth and Alex Lees created a 5 lap shootout for all the marbles. With his brother’s efforts sidelined due to mechanical issues, Nick Lees was left to carry the family’s honour and would hang on for the win, over Rob Warnes, Poulton, Spring Shakedown Invitational winner Chad Strawn was 4th, while Bill Burrows was 5th at the stripe.
Due to time constraints, winners of the OMRS Frisbee Toss, presented by Complete Mechanical – a commercial, industrial and residential plumbing company from the May 31st event were not announced. Fans with Frisbees signed by #09 – Nick Lees, #95 – Rob Warnes, #53 – Mike Poulton, #77 – Chad Strawn and #62 – Randy Hollingsworth can claim their prizes from Ontario Modifieds Racing Series officials at the Saturday, June 7th event at Peterborough Speedway.
Official Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, Powered by TORQUE BUILDERS INC. 2014 Schedule:
Saturday, May 10th:
Flamboro Speedway
Spring Shakedown Invitational
Race winner – #77 Chad Strawn
Saturday, May 31st
Peterborough Speedway
Toonie Admission/Fan Appreciation Night
Race winner – #09 Nick Lees
Saturday, June 7th Peterborough Speedway
Saturday, July 12th Peterborough Speedway
Saturday, August 16th Peterborough Speedway
Saturday, September 6th Flamboro Speedway
Friday, October 3rd Flamboro Speedway (qualifying & feature)
Saturday, October 4th Flamboro Speedway (feature)
Additional OMRS information can be found at www.ontariomodifiedsracing.com or at www.facebook.com/OMRS Ontario Modifieds Racing Series powered by TORQUE BUILDERS INC.
About TORQUE BUILDERS INC.: With over a decade’s experience with partners and clients in the construction industry, TORQUE BUILDERS INC. offers general construction services in the industrial, commercial and institution sectors. Their services range from new construction projects, renovations to retrofits, retirement residences, office finishing, data centres, communications work and leasehold improvements. Learn more by visiting www.torquebuilders.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
Lindsay, Ontario’s Nick Lees scored the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series – powered by Torque Builders Inc victory – Saturday, May 31st – at Peterborough Speedway.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
