Brockville Ontario Speedway: Friesen wins 358 Super DIRT race

By Steve Young

BROCKVILLE, ON - Sometimes it's the left overs that taste the best. Such was the case for Niagara on the Lake's Stewart Friesen on Monday night at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. Friesen held off a hard charging Alan Johnson to take the Coca Cola Classic 50, the third event of this years Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds. 40 Modifieds were on hand before a near capacity crowd at the fast quarter mile clay oval.

Friesen was the final driver to draw for a top ten starting position and his fellow drivers left one can of Coke to choose from, the good news was that it was the number one starting position. Friesen led all but a couple of laps in a barnburner Brockville style. Friesen flew around the top of the speedway for most of the race but got a stiff challenge from Johnson with 10 laps to go. The veteran was able to pull in front a couple of laps as the pair ran side by side even through lapped traffic. Friesen, however was able to pull away on the final restart to score his first ever win at Brockville.

"He ran me clean, even though I think he's a little upset with me after Sunday night, he's a true professional, that's why I respect him so much," said a happy Friesen in victory lane when talking about his battle with Johnson while celebrating with the Dan Miller race team. Johnson agreed, "I ran him a little cleaner than he runs me." Brett Hearn was third followed by local favourite and the night's fastest qualifier Danny O Brien. Dale Planck rounded out the top five followed by Matt Sheppard who spun early, restarted 30th and worked his way back through the field for 6th.

It was also a two car battle in the 20 lap Street Stock event, as Adam Turner fended off points leader Billy Code in the closing laps for the victory. Code's second place finish strengthens his hold atop the standings once again. Shane Ray was a strong third followed by Peter Stapper and Steve Billings. Joe Banks took the 12 lap Rookie race beating invader Mike Tripp to the finish line. Steve Smith, Brad Kirkland and Matthieu Aubin made up the rest of the fast five.

Brockville Ontario Speedway returns to action on Friday night, August 12th with Home Hardware/Northwoods 2 Construction night with a full race program on Fan Appreciation Night. There will be an autograph session at the intermission as well as a children's box car race. The green flag drops at 7:30 pm.