BROCKVILLE, Ont. — After two weeks of disappointment with the weather, Saturday at Brockville Ontario Speedway turned out to be picture-perfect.
The second leg of the Ogilvie’s Triple Crown Series for the DIRTCar 358 Modified and DIRTCar Sportsman took center stage along with the Eastern Ontario Mini Stock Challenge Series and a full program.
Ryan Arbuthnot and Steve Bernier made it known to everyone that they would be the drivers to beat in the 50-lap Ogilvie’s Triple Crown Series feature for the DIRTCar 358 Modifieds.
Arbuthnot led early with Bernier there in second, while Tristan Draper, Dylan Evoy and Kalen Draper completed the top five. The top two would pull away from the field on a track that was hard to pass as the bottom lane became the dominant groove. By halfway Bernier had closed in slightly on Arbuthnot but the reigning track and series champion was able to fend off the Quebec invader, while behind them Tristan and Kalen Draper were in their own battle as they tried to hold off Kyle Dingwall.
Gavin Macfarlane spun off turns one and two on lap 32, bringing out the yellow flag. Restarts were key as Bernier would get close to Arbuthnot several times but the Renfrew native used his track experience to hold off Bernier, who was in search for his second series win in a row.
As the laps clicked off Bernier had been saving his right rear tire and he knew it was time to go as he drew closer to the race leader. On lap 46 Steve Bernier made the winning move, getting by Ryan Arbuthnot for the lead. Bernier led the final laps to score his 2nd win of the season and second in his last three Brockville outings.
Arbuthnot scored another runner up finish over a fast-closing William Racine, while Tristan and Kalen Draper completed the top five.
Bobby Herrington won the 40-lap DIRTcar Sportsman feature while Adam Turner claimed the winged crate sprint event.
It was all Antoine Dumouchel in the dirt mini stocks event with Nick Merkley winning the novice sportsman feature.