Thursday Night Thunder Returned to Laird Raceway as More Than 60 Cars Deliver Action-Packed Night on the ⅓-Mile Oval

Posted On: July 24, 2026
Posted By: Saultsports
Comments: 0

After a one-week break due to poor air quality caused by forest fires north of Sault Ste. Marie, the engines roared back to life at Laird Raceway on Thursday, July 23, as more than 60 race cars filled the pit area for another exciting edition of Thursday Night Thunder.

Drivers and fans alike were eager to return to the ⅓-mile oval after the July 16 program was cancelled, and they were rewarded with an evening full of close, door-to-door racing throughout the heat races and feature events in every division.

One of the night’s biggest highlights came during the spectator drags, where Ty Martel drove his 2025 C8 Corvette to victory. Following his winning run, Martel was presented with $100 on the front stretch by Laird Raceway’s Donnie Varcoe, much to the delight of the crowd.

The Modified Feature provided one of the most thrilling races of the evening as Mark Laakso, J.P. DelPaggio, and Dustin Jackson battled fiercely over the final laps. The trio raced door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper right to the checkered flag, with Laakso edging out the competition to take the victory in the No. 84. DelPaggio crossed the line a close second in the No. 22, while Jackson completed the exciting three-way finish with a third-place result in the No. 61.

In the Super Late Model Feature, Jeremy Van Hoek powered the No. 51 machine to victory, holding off Chase Wilson in the No. 77 for the win. Jordan Sims completed the top three in the No. 47.

The Four Cylinder Feature produced another exciting battle as Dylan Couturier drove the No. 38F to the checkered flag. Lucas Crosato finished second in the No. 22X, while Will Siddal earned a third-place finish in the No. 07.

Brad Bibeau took top honours in the Factory Stock Feature, driving the No. 80 to victory. Dale Tucker crossed the line second in the No. 4, with Daniel Bibeau finishing third aboard the No. 8.

Rounding out the feature winners, Eric Sylvestre claimed another Enduro Feature victory in the No. 44. Lucas Fabbricino finished second in the No. 95, while Dayne Lorenzo completed the podium in the No. 19.

With another successful night in the books, attention now turns to Thursday, July 30, when Thursday Night Thunder returns to Laird Raceway. All five racing divisions will once again battle for valuable championship points as the race for season titles continues to tighten with each passing week.

The popular spectator drags will also return before the evening intermission. Every registered participant will receive $50 just for competing, while the overall winner will take home a $100 cash prize and bragging rights. Register today, here.

As the summer racing season reaches its busiest stretch, fans can expect another exciting night of high-speed competition and family entertainment at Northern Ontario’s premier short track.

Thursday Night Thunder Features (Unofficial Results)
Modified Feature