Photo Credit: Tom Stephenson

Thursday, August 14th delivered another unforgettable edition of Thursday Night Thunder at Laird Raceway, as more than 3,000 fans packed the grandstands for week five of short track racing. With over 50 cars battling across five divisions, the ⅓-mile oval roared to life in a night filled with speed, skill, and checkered flags.

The headline event of the evening — the 25-lap Super Late Model feature — saw Dustin Jackson (#61) take the top spot, edging out Chase Wilson (#77) in a tight finish. Jordan Sims (#47) capped off a strong run to secure third place, completing a competitive podium.

Jackson wasn’t done there. Pulling double duty, he also claimed victory in the Modified division’s 25-lap feature, holding off Mark Laakso (#84) for the win. Mark Porpealia (#28) crossed the line third, making for another action-packed battle at the front.

The Factory Stock feature was a family affair, with the Bibeau brothers dominating the 25-lap race. Dan Bibeau (#08) took the win ahead of his brother Brad (#80), while Kenn Schwarz (#75) rounded out the top three.

In the Factory Four division’s 20-lap feature, Chris Viotto (#3) proved unstoppable, taking the checkered ahead of Luca Crosato (#22X) and third-place finisher Dyllen Sherrard (#16).

Wrapping up the night, the 15-lap Enduro feature saw Eric Sylvestre (#44) race his way to victory, followed by Dayne Lorenzo (#19) in second and Chris Pinder (#95) in third.

Fans won’t have to wait long for more high-octane action. The 2025 Mike Parsons Memorial weekend closes out the short track racing season in Algoma on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd. Both nights will feature five divisions, with Friday and Saturday’s green flag dropping at 7:15 p.m. The marquee event — the 73-lap Super Late Model feature — will award a massive $10,000 to the winner on Saturday evening.

The engines will roar, the stakes will be high, and the racing will be nothing short of spectacular.