Center Harbor, NH (September 7, 2009): Brad Leighton has a chance to add to an already stellar record at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when he heads to the track September 18-19 for a double-header weekend that includes competing in the NASCAR Camping World Series East and ACT Invitational races. Leighton will pilot the No. 55 Irving Oil-sponsored car in both events.
Leighton has eight wins in 38 starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Series East, and has been looking to add to that total since he last won there in 2003. He’s led over 600 laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and is always a fan-favorite for the win.
“We’ve come close so many times over the last couple of years, so hopefully, this time will be our trip back to victory lane,” said Leighton, who has posted five top-10 finishes since his last win. “We’re aiming to bring home back-to-back wins.”
The Center Harbor, N.H. resident will also compete in the inaugural ACT Invitational on Saturday. Leighton earned an invitation by virtue of his win at the at the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup at Lee USA Speedway earlier this year. He was the first driver to earn one of the 36 total invitations to the race.
Late last month, Leighton participated in a test session in preparation for the Late Model event that will carry a purse of more than $65,000 for invited and approved teams.
“The test went well, but we discovered we have a lot more work to do,” said Leighton. “You can really drive the ACT car deep into the corners unlike the East Series car, but the East Series cars have a lot more power. The good thing is the two races are a day apart so it’ll lessen any transition issues.”
Leighton is already the winningest driver in the history of New Hampshire Motor Speedway so a win in either division would be a feather in his cap.
“If we win the East Series race, we’ll end a dry spell I’ve been trying to end for some time now, but at the same time I’d really like to win that ACT Invitational. It’s going to be a busy weekend, but I’m going to have a lot of fun with it all. I can’t wait – I’ll be like a kid in a candy store.”
Catch Brad Leighton and the Irving Oil Chevrolet in the Heluva Good Fall 125 NASCAR Camping World Series East race on Friday, September 18th at 5 p.m and the ACT Invitational on Saturday, September 19th at 5:30 p.m.
For more information on Brad Leighton or Irving Oil, visit www.bradleighton.com