Small Blocks even the score as Kyle Jacobs wins in a photo finish at Brockville
BROCKVILLE-Small Blocks 1, Big Blocks 1. Thats the score after two rounds of the new era of Modified racing at Brockville Ontario Speedway. Akwesasne's Kyle Jacobs came up with the equalizier holding off a hard charging Steve Poirier by a millimetre at the finish line with his 358 engine taking the 30 lap Modified feature on Friday night. Jacobs not only took home the $2,000 first place money, but an additional $300 track bonus available for small blocks that can beat the 454 Cubic Inch Big Blocks $100 sponsor bonus for top finishing small block to total a $2,400 dollar payday.
Jeff Sykes also in a small block charged off to the early leading the first 20 laps. Jacobs finally got past and pulled out a small advantage on the field. Poirier, the opening week winner from La Belle Province worked his way through the pack and then with 5 laps to go launched an all out challenge for the top spot. Poirier pulled along side on the final turn, but despite scraping the front straightaway wall, Jacobs managed to hold on for the win. Sykes ended up third followed by Danny O Brien and brother Pat in fourth and fifth respectively.
The other moment of the night came on a lap 5 restart in the Street Stock main event. Sheldon Hoogwerf was bumped into the wall causing a 12 car pileup with the car of Adam Turner launched into the air and landing on Hoogwerf's roof. All drivers came out of the scary mishap okay but the Hoogwerf car was totally destroyed in the incident. With less than half of the 26 car field running the final half of the race, Dave Austin grabbed the victory followed by Dana Aikins and Clay MacNamee.
Lance Willix took over the lead with just a lap remaining to capture the 20 lap Sportsman event. Jason Potter who had lead most of the race had to settle for the runner up spot. Marcel Pecore, Ben Tucker and Kyle Dingwall rounded out the fast five. Dave Blue captured the 12 lap Rookie race by passing Gerry Oszczakiewicz in the late going. Brad Kirkland was third in front of Joseph Banks and Chris Riddell.
Brockville Ontario Speedway's new go kart track is gearing up for its season opener on Wednesday night, May 26th. Admission is free for spectators. The wheeled warriors, the Empire Super Sprints make their first of two visits in 2004 to the Beast of the East, next Friday night, May 28th at 7:30.
Modifieds 30 laps: 1. Kyle Jacobs 2. Steve Poirier 3. Jeff Sykes 4. Danny O Brien 5. Pat O Brien 6. Ryan Bartlett 7. Steve Paine 8. Mike Adderly 9. Al Jacobs 10. John Mulder 11. Kyle Wilson 12. Steve Bilow 13. Bryan Rogers 14, Doug Herbison
Sportsman 20 laps: 1. Lance Willix 2. Jason Potter 3. Marcel Pecore 4. Ben Tucker 5. Kyle Dingwall 6. Tim Alton 7. Ryan Poole 8. Tim Van Brocklin 9. Cole Dingwall 10. Kees Van Winden
Street Stock 20 Laps 1. Dave Austin 2. Dana Aikins 3. Clay MacNamee 4. Bill Code 5. Shane Ray
Rookie 12 laps 1. Dave Blue 2. Gerry Oszczakiewicz 3. Brad Kirkland 4. Joseph Banks 5. Chris Riddell