Story By: ASHLEY MCCUBBIN / FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY – MILLGROVE, ONT – It may have happened a day later than originally scheduled, but it does not mean the excitement was any less for the fans that attended the London Recreational Racing 100 at Flamboro Speedway.
Past Grisdale Triple Crown Champion Shae Gemmell found his way to victory lane in the fifth round of the APC Auto Parts United Late Model Series Championship after running up front throughout the event. The driver of the No. 3 APC Late Model started on the front row and battled for the lead when the green flag flew. He took the top spot at Lap 7, though was unable to drive away from the field. He would be challenged for the top spot by defending series champion J.R. Fitzpatrick on Lap 30, relinquishing the lead.
The veteran faded back to as low as third, but kept himself in the thick of the battle, taking the runner-up spot with just 15 laps on the board. He then inherited the lead when Fitzpatrick had issues with eight laps to go, holding off Jake Sheridan on the final restart for the victory.
Sheridan broke into the top-five at Lap 23, remaining inside the top-five throughout for a runner-up, backing up his victory at Delaware Speedway on Canada Day. Blair Wickett put the mechanical gremlins hopefully in the rearview as he rounded out the podium, in front of Jo Lawrence and Josh Stade.
Flamboro Speedway regular Rick Burbridge stayed out of trouble throughout the event to finish sixth, with Erik Dalla Riva rebounding for seventh after contact with Benedict in the closing stages. Jr Farrelly had the biggest recovery in eighth following an incident with 30 laps to go. Tom Gibbons would look to switch lanes on the restart, but crossed Farrelly’s bumper instead, resulting in the No. 72 going around and getting stuck on top of the Kyle Steckly in the aftermath. Cory Luciano and Benedict rounded out the top-10.
2022 Flamboro Speedway Super Stock Rookie of the Year Chase Pinsonneault was 11th, followed by Tyler Di Venanzo, Fitzpatrick, Steckly, and Gibbons. Fitzpatrick led 62 laps before having a left front lower break going into turn one, resulting in significant contact with the outside wall.
Cole Quinton was caught up in the aforementioned incident with Steckly and Gibbons for 16th, while Shawn Chenoweth struggled before a spin into the infield for 17th. Treyten Lapcevich, Mark Burbridge, and James Horner rounded out the field.
In Qwick Wick Super Stock Series action, it’d be Brandon McFerran starting on pole and pacing the field for the complete distance en route to his first career tour victory. Notably, it marks his second crown jewel accomplish at Flamboro after winning Frostoberfest last season. Additionally, the victory was much needed by the No. 56 Stewart’s Equipment entry after mechanical issues plagued him in the first two events.
Lane Zardo ran inside the top-five throughout the entire event en route to placing second, followed by Shawn Chenoweth, Carson Nagy and Ryan Dyson. Brad Collison broke into the top-10 on the final restart for sixth ahead of Trevor Collver, Gord Shepherd, Ryden Lapcevich, and Gerrit Tiemersma.
Coltin Everingham was 11th, followed by Roy Wilkie, who fell out of the event with eight laps remaining. Miles Tyson, Nick Troback, and Rick Verberne rounded out the field.
The T.Q. Can-Am Midgets went green-to-checkered with front row starter James Stanley taking the lead on Lap 3 after a battle with David Miller, pacing all 25 laps en route to his first career series victory. The driver of the No. 57 is no stranger to success at Flamboro, having run up front in Pro Sprint action previously.
Daniel Hawn made the late-race pass for second ahead of Cory Whittam, Jeff Blackburn, and Cory Whittam. Jaden Riddell’s sophomore campaign continued with sixth, in front of David Miller, Andrew Whelan, Paul Jorgensen, and Bob Bailey. Sherry Hogan and Dominique completed the field after Smith was forced pit side during pace laps with mechanical issues.
The next event at Flamboro Speedway is taking place on Saturday, July 22 with a third attempt at 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, Canadian Vintage Modifieds, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Pure Stocks.