Tire Choice takes Sykes to victory lane at the B.O.S.
BROCKVILLE-Jeff Sykes is a good listener. Sykes of Edwards, New York listened to some advice about tire choice for Friday night’s season opener for 358 Modifieds at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. He went with a hard compound right rear tire and headed right into victory lane in 50 lap event before a near capacity crowd in the first race night of the new millennium.
Sykes started slowly in the full 24 car field falling back early in the event, but as cars began to experience tire problems on the quarter mile clay oval he took advantage taking the lead and pulling away from the star studded lineup when the checkered flag dropped. Among the casualities were early leader Dale Planck of Homer, New York who had mechanical problems just prior to the halfway point and defending track champion Danny O Brien who had a tire let go in the final 10 laps.Kyle Jacobs of Hogansburg, New York was second followed by Stephane LaFrance of Brockville.
The 20 lap Sportsman feature went to Ben Tucker of Redwood, N.Y. Tucker started on the pole and led the entire distance. Adam Moore of Elgin was second, followed by Paul Billings of Kemptville.
Mark Therrien began defense of his Pro Stock track title with another feature win. The Alexandria driver took over the lead at the midway point and held off Todd Fletcher of Pembroke for the victory in the 15 lap event. Todd Andrews of Kingston rounded out the top 3.
Todd Raabe of Pembroke avoided early trouble and captured a marathon 10 lap Novice event. Earl Simmons of Star Lake, N.Y. and Roger Bushey of Ogdensburg NY were second and third respectively. The next event at the Speedway is a regular show with all four divisions in action next Friday Night, May 26th at 7:30.
Top Five
Modifieds 1. Jeff Sykes 2. Kyle Jacobs 3. Stephane LaFrance 4. Billy Cook 5. Todd Stewart
Sportsman 1. Ben Tucker 2. Adam Moore 3. Paul Billings 4. Lance Willix 5. Matt Butler
Pro Stock 1. Mark Therrien 2. Todd Fletcher 3. Travis Andrews 4. Ron Morin 5. Jim Vallier
Novice 1. Todd Raabe 2. Earl Simmons 3. Roger Bushey 4. Barry Baker 5. Mark Smoke