Story By: MARTIN BELANGER / CORNWALL MOTOR SPEEDWAY – CORNWALL, ONT – Martin Belanger – Many will say finally! After a long winter season, we were able to see some cars on the Cornwall Motor Speedway yesterday evening as the annual test and tune session occurred. Another good turnout as over 50 cars took on this opportunity to get some laps before the season openers in the region.
Many new faces in each category with several drivers sporting new colors this season. In the JLB Heating and Cooling 358-Modifieds, we noticed the return of Brianna Ladouceur after a halt in competition as she gave birth. Joey Ladouceur came in with new colors as many new faces were present to turn on some laps as Sandy and Gavin MacFarlane along with Chris Ferguson are moving up to the Modifieds in 2023. Lee Ladouceur, Brian McDonald with Quebec resident Kevin Hamel and Kayle Robidoux were also there.
A strong contingent of Next Level Home Improvement Sportsman were in competition as 10 drivers were on hand along with 7 Fun Zone Party Inflatables Novice Sportsman, while the father Joey and Lee were running with the 358s, there respective sons Tristan and Trey ran in the Sportsman. Promising numbers in both divisions as many drivers were absent.
Marc Lalonde seemed ready to start off the season in the Alexandria Home Hardware Pro-Stock as he turned laps with Thomas MacDonald, Marc Peladeau, Eric Jean-Louis, Alain Leduc and a few streets stock also on hand.
Very good numbers as well in the Rick’s Ranch Mini-Stock with some returnees in James Clarke and Brandon MacMillan. Runner up in points last season, Pierre Picard looked strong as well as Jordan McNaughton, Carl Gorry, Jean-Cedrick Bouchard, Chris Cotton, and Curtis Lindsay.
Every driver in attendance took some good notes and will be ready for the season opener scheduled for Sunday, May 21 as the local series will share the spotlight with the Fat Les Chip Stand Canadian Nationals Modifieds, Race for the Cure Sportsman, Clyde Sligner Pro-Stock and Eastern Ontario Mini-Stock Showdown.