The car counts were up. The drivers put together a set of race cars that are colourful, sponsor covered and indicative of the pride they all have in their vehicles. The Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) were ready to go. The 2005 Season Opener at Brighton Speedway Park was set to deliver a showstopper for the thousands of fans that filled the grandstands and pits.

The evening was sponsored by Quinte Broadcasting (Lite 107, CJBQ and the Mix 97.1) and Dekeyser Excavating and began with two qualifying races in each class. All was going well until Tim Bradley driving the 31 Canadian Modified met with the wall and just about took out the 07 of Tim Kerr. Bradley damaged the car enough that he was unable to continue to the feature. During the Novice qualifier the number 92 of Justin Turner met with some mechanical problems and ended up on it’s side just past the 4th corner. The show continued until intermission.

T-shirt throws, SOS Fan Appreciation and the presentation to the drivers for Best Appearing Car, as decided by the sponsors, were all part of an exciting intermission. Andrew Hennessy in the 02 Novice, Will Dusenbury in the number 17 Comp 4, Caley Weese in the 77 ProStock and Terry Hunt in the number 20 Canadian Modified were selected as the best appearing for their respective classes. These drivers will be profiled in next week’s program.

The Comp 4 feature was exciting as 13 cars made the green and raced the 15 lap feature. A little bumping, and a lot of driving, saw the lead change a couple of times. Jamie Marshall in the 55 looked like the veteran he is as he stayed with the pack throughout the race. The checkered flag was won by Rookie Driver Cody Earle in the #11 car. Cody has participated in Endurance Races before, and promises to be a guy to watch in the group of 4 cylinder cars.

The Canadian Modified race started with 19 cars ready to race for the first flag of the season. The race didn’t finish, and the program was postponed, as an unexpected incident stopped the races for the night. The K5 car of Danny Reid suddenly spun out in the infield off of the 4th corner during the 13th lap, while under caution. Danny was transported to Trenton Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A Massive Coronary took away a true legend of Brighton Speedway. He will be missed by fans and fellow competitors. 

Staff and Management of Brighton Speedway Park send their condolences to the family, friends and fans of Danny Reid. A tribute to Danny will be held before starting next week’s program. 

All spectators at the Season Opener, who were advised to keep their tickets, will receive a $2.00 discount for any race event, excluding Sunday May 22, up to and including June 11th, the next SOS night in Brighton. For each ticket returned at the gate, Brighton Speedway Park will also make a $2.00 donation in Danny Reid’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

For further information and regular updates regarding when the missed features will be run, please visit the website at www.brightonspeedway.com or call the Speedway at 613.475.1102. Thanks goes out to everyone for their continued support during these times.

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For more information regarding this release please contact Brenda Whitehead, Communications Director at 905.377.0497 or fromthetrack@hotmail.com.