Story By: ASHLEY MCCUBBIN / FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY – MILLGROVE, ONT – From competition through the field, to the great speeds they are known for, the Ontario Outlaw Super Late Models put on a great show. Ultimately, it was Dario Capirchio capturing the checkered flag in the Don Biederman Memorial at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night.
Capirchio showed speed in the season opener for the series at Sunset Speedway with a runner-up performance, and carried that over to Flamboro time trials with the third quickest lap (15.140 seconds). Although he was the runner-up the majority of the event, a last-lap pass on Brandon Passer sealed the deal for veteran racer. With the runner-up for Passer, it marks their second consecutive top-two performance for Passer Racing.
Glenn Watson was fastest in time trials (15.037 seconds) and worked his way into the top-five in the first 12 laps of the 75-lapper. Although he took third with 13 laps to go, the past series champion was unable close the gap to the leaders. Gary McLean and Mike Wilkinson rounded out the top-five, followed by Todd Campbell, Adrian Foster, Mike Miller, Chris Burrows, and Adrian Foster.
Canadian Vintage Modifieds
Mike Podd became the man of the night in quick fashion, winning both features for the Young Drivers of Canada Canadian Vintage Modifieds.
Podd took the lead on Lap 3 in the first feature, not looking back en route to winning ahead of Jeremy Barton, Ricky Willigar, Scott Tonelli, and Ian McIntyre. Jae Pepin fell outside the top-five just after the start, unable to get it back with a sixth, in front of TJ Marshall, Jessie James, Steve Murdoch, and Joey Woosley. Quinton Murdoch only completed five laps of the 25 scheduled for 11th.
The invert did not stop Podd in the second feature, as he took the lead with 11 laps on the board for the victory, while Quinton Murdoch rebounded for a runner-up. Ian McIntyre rounded out the podium, followed by TJ Marshall and Jeremy Barton. Scott Tonelli was sixth, ahead of Jessie James and Steve Murdoch. Jae Pepin, Ricky Willigar, and Joey Woolsey failed to finish.
Mini Stocks
The speed is there for the second straight year in the No. 16 Mustang, with Mike Thomson sweeping the Mini Stock features.
Mike Thomson led flag-to-flag in the first 20 lap feature to take the checkered flag, with Mike Gilmour crossing the finish line in second, only to be disqualified post-race. Tyler Lewis ran inside the top-three all race for a third, with Michael Kenny and Mike Hooper rounding out the top-five. Kaitlyn Wallace continues to fight back after motor issues plagued the beginning of the year for her with a sixth, ahead of Jacob Sutcliffe and Nikki King. Shawn Taylor and Rory Markle did not finish, while RJ Croteau and Dale Millard did not take the green flag.
In the second feature, Mike Thomson wasted no time finding his way to the front, taking the lead on Lap 2 and pacing the field from there on for the win. Tyler Lewis was second this time around, in front of Kaitlyn Wallace, Michael Kenny, and Mike Hooper. Jacob Sutcliffe scored his best Flamboro Speedway feature finish in sixth, followed by Nikki King, and Rory Markle. Shawn Taylor did not finish, while RJ Croteau, Dale Millard, and Mike Gilmour did not take the green flag.
Pure Stocks
Wayde Thorne is still someone to watch at Flamboro Speedway, taking the lead on Lap 3 of the first Pure Stock feature and not looking back en route to winning. Brady Cox scored a season-best second ahead of Leo Labrabera, Jordan Wilms, and Spencer Riddell. Lance Sullivan scored a season-best sixth, in front of Mike Etsell, Chance Rogers, Austin Etsell, and Mark Allan. Teagan Ellis placed 11th, followed by Alex Stewart, Dan Cormier, Jeff Kells, Paul Huskins, and Nicole Givens. Cameron Thomson and Kyle Lucas failed to finish.
Spencer Riddell’s persistence paid off, as he drove his way through the field to take the lead with just two laps to go, holding on for his first career feature victory. Jordan Wilms carried his momentum over from Delaware to score a runner-up, ahead of Austin Etsell, Wayde Thorne, and Alex Stewart. Chance Rogers continues gaining ground with a sixth, in front of Dan Cormier, Lance Sullivan, Nicole Givens, and Paul Huskins. Mike Etsell placed 11th, followed by Jeff Kells, Brady Cox, Leo Labarbera, and Mark Allan. Cameron Thomson, Teagan Ellis, and Kyle Lucas failed to finish.
The next event at Flamboro Speedway is taking place on Saturday, June 24 with Meet the Drivers Night. This will give you a chance to walk on the track, while being able to get autographs from all of your favourite competitors. The night will feature the Pro Late Models, Ontario Pro Challenge Series, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Pure Stocks.