Shediac, NB – Friday evening at Shediac`s CENTRE for Speed, NASCAR Hall of Famer, Bobby Allison, one fo NASCARs top 4 winningest drives, was on hand meeting and talking to drivers and fans alike. The former NASCAR great was extremely likeable and open and discussed everything from the state of NASCAR to his roots on short tracks in the Southern States. Allison was also impressed by the caliber of racing in the Maritimes and the quality of the facility at Centre for Speed. “I really like what you’ve done with this facility” commented Allison to track owner Tim Wile.
The Mini Cup Series made its first visit to the “Centre” on this occasion as well, and thrilled the fans with the close competition and quality of this series. On one occasion, two of the cars collided and careened off into the wall in turn three. Neither of the drivers were injured and returned to the track for the feature. The 29 of James Mathis came home first in the Heat while Chris Wilkins captured top honours in the 35 lap feature.
The main event of the evening was the Maritime Super Series 75 lapper for Sportsmen. The event was an extremely exciting affair with a fitting end on the Bobby Allison theme as #28 John Rankin piloting his Davey Allison themed car to Victory Lane. Rankin commented “its a great honour for me to mee the fasther of my racing idol, Davey Allison”. Former CFS regular and multi time track champ, Laurie Cormier, made a great return to the oval leading the first 22 laps of the event. Rankin lead the remainder after a multi lap side by side battle with Cormier to pick up the win. Cormier also captured victory in the Heat race earlier in the evening togain the pole. Luc Bourgeois, the “High plains Drifter”, also had a good night capturing thirds in both his Heat and the Feature. Calvin Rankin was the winner of the other Heat but he was sidelined early in the event after he and Cormier made contact in Turn 4. The mechanical failure put him on the sidelines for the rest of the night.
Justin MacDonald again proved that his Championship last year was no fluke as he captured both the Heat and Feature in Street Stock competition while Mike Brun picked up his second win in as many weekends dominated proceedings in the Mini Stock class, winning both the ehat and the feature events.