For more than two decades, the Bibeau family has been part of the heartbeat of Laird Raceway. What started with father Len Bibeau’s passion for racing has grown into one of the track’s most recognizable traditions, with brothers Brad and Daniel Bibeau continuing the family legacy every Thursday night.

Whether they’re battling side-by-side for the lead or celebrating together in Victory Lane, the brothers have become fan favourites for their hard, clean racing and unwavering support of one another. As the Factory Stock championship chase heads into the Thursday, July 23 program, both drivers remain firmly in the hunt.

Brad Bibeau, 35, enters the night sitting second in the standings with 109 points, while younger brother Daniel, 29, is close behind in third with 100 points. Both continue to chase rookie sensation Xavier Carter, who currently leads the championship with 116 points, setting the stage for an exciting battle as the season reaches its midway point.

For Daniel, racing has been part of life since he was 14 years old when he began competing in the Xtreme 4 division. Like his brother, his racing journey began thanks to their father.

“My dad Len Bibeau got me into racing,” Daniel said. “Growing up around the track, it was something we always wanted to do.”

Today, sharing the racetrack with his older brother is something he never takes for granted.

“It’s a blast,” Daniel said. “We have fun racing each other and even more fun trying to beat one another every week.”

Once the green flag flies, however, family ties are put on hold.

The brothers regularly race door-to-door for race wins, pushing each other to the limit while maintaining the respect they’ve built over years of competition.

“Lots of nights we’ve battled side-by-side for the win,” Daniel explained. “I’m just trying to run my line and hold him off. That’s really all that’s going through my mind.”

Away from the racetrack, it’s a completely different story.

Rather than keeping secrets, the Bibeaus operate as one team, sharing setups, knowledge and experience in an effort to keep both cars at the front of the field.

“All of our setups are shared between us,” Daniel said. “There are no secrets or competition in the garage—just jokes about who’s faster over a cold beer when we’re finished working on the cars.”

Brad, who began racing in the Xtreme 4 division in 2005 before moving into Factory Stock, echoes the same philosophy.

“We’re like a team,” Brad said. “We share everything. Our cars are identical and when one of us is struggling with setup, we all pitch in to get them back on track. Our goal is for both cars to be running up front.”

The competition between the brothers has produced countless memorable moments over the years.

“There have been many races where we have raced side-by-side or nose-to-tail for the lead and it never gets old,” Brad said. “We bump and rub and race hard. I feel like I’m very lucky to be able to share this with my brother.”

One memory stands above the rest.

“Last year at Kinross we let my dad, Len, drive Daniel’s car and he and I raced each other for the win that night. It was pretty awesome.”

While both drivers desperately want to win, neither hesitates to celebrate the other’s success.

Daniel admits watching Brad reach Victory Lane can be just as rewarding as winning himself.

“My goal is the same as always—go out and try to win as many races as possible,” Daniel said. “I get more pumped watching him win than myself most times. As long as one of us is getting that checkered flag, it’s a team win.”

Brad shares that same outlook.

“Our goal will always be the same week in and week out,” he said. “Show up, have fun and try to be a contender for the win every week. When we get lucky enough to win, what makes it so special is being able to celebrate together. Our wives and kids are usually there celebrating with us.”

As the championship battle intensifies, the Bibeau brothers will once again line up together on Thursday night with valuable points on the line. Fans can expect the same thing they’ve witnessed for years—hard racing, plenty of respect, and perhaps another unforgettable brother-versus-brother battle for the checkered flag.

No matter which Bibeau reaches Victory Lane first, one thing is certain: the celebration will be shared, making it another chapter in one of Laird Raceway’s longest-running family traditions.

Daniel Bibeau would like to thank: his wife Brooke, children Brynn and Brady, his father Len Bibeau, Brad Bibeau, Brad Luzzi, and sponsors Clarence’s Small Engines, OK Tire, Arc Plasma Designs, Classic Signs, Dixon Electrical, Pineshores IDA Drugmart, Henderson Metal, McLeod Brothers Mechanical, Kilmer Environmental, Johnson’s RV & Auto, Ways 2 Wellness, Superior Steamcleaning & Waterblasting, Mrs. B’s West, Jerry’s Garage, Velocity Auto Detailing, Lenny’s Speedshop, Team Essentials, and Astro Ink.

Brad Bibeau would like to thank: Lenny’s Speed Shop, Henderson Metal, Island Drug Mart & Pine Shores Drug Mart, McLeod Brothers, Astro Ink, Mrs. B’s, Clarence’s Small Engines, Superior Steam, OK Tire, Team Essentials, Classic Signs, Kilmer Environmental, Edward Jones, Jodi Nastor, Velocity Auto Detailing, and Johnson’s RV.

Thursday Night Thunder Schedule for July 23rd with the grandstands open at 5:00 p.m, gualifying begins: 6:00 p.m, green flag dropping just after 7:00 p.m. Admission – Adults: $25, Children and Youth (17 & under): FREE, and Seniors (75 & over): FREE along with Pit Admission – All Ages: $35.

One of the exciting attractions of the evening will once again be the Spectator Drags, which have quickly become a fan favourite at Laird Raceway. Everyday drivers in street-legal vehicles will have the opportunity to compete in head-to-head, single-lap races down the front stretch for cash prizes and bragging rights. Participants receive $50 just for taking part, while the winner drives away with an additional $100, creating plenty of excitement both on and off the race track.