Photo Credit: Tom Stephenson
On Thursday, July 10th, a strong field of 70 cars rolled into Laird Raceway for week two of Thursday Night Thunder, delivering another exciting night of short track action in front of an energetic Northern Ontario crowd.
In the Service Rentals and Sales Super Late Model division, Jordan Sims (#47) fought off a strong challenge from Jordan Rocchetta (#33) to claim the feature win, with Mike Heinonen securing a solid third-place finish. The Highland Ford Factory Stock feature delivered one of the night’s most intense battles, with Owen Brown (#12) and Xavier Carter (#29) going door-to-door lap after lap. Brown ultimately edged out Carter for the win, while Dale Tucker completed the podium in third.
A lighting issue on the front stretch forced the postponement of both the Equipment World Factory Four and NAPA Reyco Automotive Modified feature races due to unsafe track visibility. However, earlier in the night, fans were treated to exciting heat races. In the Factory Four class, Chase Wilson (#31W) grabbed the win in heat one over Alex Lapensee (#08) and Dyllen Sherrard (#16). Heat two saw Christopher Viotto (#3) take the checkered flag, with Sherrard and Lapensee once again finishing in the top three.
The NAPA Reyco Automotive Modifieds didn’t disappoint despite the shortened schedule. Sault Ste. Marie’s own Dustin Jackson (#61) dominated both heat races, holding off Jason Herrington (#78), who finished runner-up in both. Matt Lewis (#20) and John Ross (#02) claimed third in heats one and two respectively.
For full results, updated standings, and race night photos, visit the Laird Raceway website.
Thursday Night Thunder continues with week three on Thursday, July 24th, with the green flag set to wave at 7:15 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to see local short track racing at its best!
