With more than 60 entries spread over 4 divisions, Canada’s Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval hosted the Chase for the Colours pole qualifying event Sunday, June 29th. The top 2 finishers in each feature race would earn preferred starting spots for their respective ‘A’ main during the 22nd annual Autumn Colours Classic, October 10th through 12th.

Warren Paxton and Tyler Junkin brought the Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stock field to the line for the 30 feature that kicked-off the day’s main events. Junkin would take an early lead, with an intense battle for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in his rear-view mirror. Not even a pair of late race caution flags could keep the Ennismore, Ontario racer from another trip to Dart Heating and Air Conditioning victory lane. Doug Butler, Ryan Babin, Brandt Graham and Billy Schwartzenburg chased the #41 across the stripe.

The front row for the 40 lap Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car feature was comprised of Ken Grubb and Jeff Bell, but everyone in the field had their sights set on a trip to the winner’s circle. Grubb took command early, with drivers throughout the top 10 positions using some muscle to find their way to the front. Fidelle DiBello and Tyler Liscomb came together on the entrance of the first turn to bring out a yellow, with 9 laps complete. Neither car could answer the bell for the restart. Within a couple of laps – just past halfway – the machines of John Baker Jr., Stu Robinson Jr. and Andrew Swindells all dropped out of the fray due to overheating issues. Grubb lead all the way, with Dan Archibald, Randy Rusnell, Willie Reyns and Jeff Bell rounding out the top 5.

With 25 laps on the agenda, the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun division came to the line with Brandon Feeney and Scott Brooks on the front row. Brooks jumped-out to a quick lead, with Ray Schroer about 4 car lengths back. Following a lap 8 yellow flag, Schroer would take the lead but his time at the front was short-lived and Terry Hubbard grabbed the position with the crossed flags displayed. Hubbard rolled across the line first, with Schroer, Matthew Vandebelt, Willow Barberstock and Malcolm “Pops” MacDonald completing the fast 5.

Nick Goetz and Travis Hallyburton brought the field of Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Models to the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road west of the Liftlock City for a 50 lap dance. Goetz built-up a strong lead with 6 laps complete, with Paul Maltese, Jack Horner and Dan McHattie – in Chris Mitchell’s #22 – 4th. The race’s first yellow flew with 12 complete as Derek Lynch and Adam Cuthbertson crashed hard in the first turn. As the lap counter clicked 31 complete, McHattie closed-in on 2nd place running Horner and took the position a few laps later. Craig Graham had a strong race slip from his hands as his #98 machine developed handling problems late in the going, causing him to lose a number of positions. Goetz was the class of the field, taking the checkered flag over McHattie, Horner, Maltese and Hallyburton. Graham was 7th, a lap down to the leaders.

Mini Stock qualifying heats went to Doug Butler, Miles Tyson, Ryan Babin and Billy Schwartzenburg. Ken Grubb, Randy Rusnell, Jeff Bell and Willie Reyns took the Thunder Car preliminary rounds, with Willow Barberstock, “Pops” MacDonald, Matthew Vandebelt and Marilyn Junkin taking the same honours in the 4Fun division, while Nick Goetz and Travis Hallyburton shared the Late Model openers.

Bullring bullet points: Steven Garry of Omemee, Ontario pocketed $400.00 in the afternoon’s 50/50 draw…Action returns Saturday, July 5th as Peterborough Speedway hosts its annual Autism Awareness Night, featuring 4Fun, Min Stock, Renegade Truck, Late Model and Ontario Legends racing. Pit gates open at 3:00, with the spectator area unlocked at 5:00 and racing at 6:00.

Fans can always find the latest news at www.peterboroughspeedway.com or by following the track on Facebook or Twitter. You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone.