OPENING NIGHT MARKED 40 YEARS OF RACING Peterborough Speedway kicked off its 40th season on Saturday night and despite the threat of rain and relatively cold temperatures, the fans - who enjoyed free admission - also took in an incredible night of racing. The ceremonies began at 5:30 when the Royal Canadian Legion marching band entertained race fans and MPP Jeff Leal and Monaghan Reeve Neil Cathcart spoke of their own memories of the Speedway from the past forty years. Also, the man who laid the foundation for the Peterborough Speedway forty years ago, Robert Boynton, addressed the fans and explained his delight about how the track had evolved into what he had dreamed it would become over forty years ago. Following the Canadian anthem and an electrifying fireworks display, the racing began. Four different series’ were represented Saturday night: the Peterborough Hyundai Mini stocks, For-Fun, Legends, and, of course, the Late Models. After a series of fast-paced and relatively efficient qualifying races, the features kept fans on the edge of their seats for a number of different reasons. Perhaps the most thrilling feature of the night was the first – the Peterborough Hyundai Mini stocks. Robert Kerr’s #35 car led from the green flag until he attempted difficult pass around the very last corner of the race. He bumped into another car while trying to lap him, and in the process, he opened the door for Speedway veteran Paul Hannah to complete the hat trick. Hannah won both of his qualifying heats, and was inches behind Kerr in the feature until Kerr’s final lap collapse, which allowed Hannah to claim the checkered flag. After the race, a surprised Hannah admitted that after the yellow flag came out on laps 2 and 6, he thought he had lost the momentum and would have to settle for second place. It truly was an exciting finish! Following that, the For-Fun series cars took to the track for their fifteen-lap feature. On lap 10, the #15 car of Brendan ‘The Rain Man’ Doherty took the lead and didn’t look back as he came out on top for his division. Although he saw no checkered flags on the day, if there were a flag for perseverance, it would have gone to Ayrran Hart and his Orange #56 car. Only 14 years old, Hart was forced off the track twice during the feature, yet both times resurfaced to courageously finish the race in his first ever appearance at Peterborough Speedway. Despite his last place finish, Ayrran was positive, saying he had a blast and couldn’t wait to get out there again. On the plus side, it can only get better from here! The third feature of the night was the Legend series. These cars are known for being intensely loud and looking somewhat like toy cars, but when they hit the track, they are racing machines! From the start, it was basically a three-car race as Rob Degeer took an early lead and masterfully defended it from both Bruce Grimes and Adam Cuthbertson who were hot on his tail the entire race. While all three men took held the checkered flag at one point during the night, it was Degeer and his Home Depot #37 car who uncorked the champagne and won the main feature. The final feature of the night was the Late Models. These loud and fast machines are a Speedway favourite, and did not disappoint on Saturday. Tom Walters took the lead on lap 5, but the real excitement happened on turn four of lap 10 when Rick Walt and Andrew Harris collided with each other. Both drivers were verbally upset about the encounter, but cooler heads prevailed and after the Kawartha Chrysler Jeep Dodge Clean-Up Crew got the cars out of the way, the race resumed. Despite their attempts to overtake the outright lead, both Dwayne Baker and Tony Tiemersma had to settle for second and third respectfully as Walters held on for the win. In other Speedway news, registration began Saturday for the Peterborough Speedway Kid’s Club, which allows the kids to experience racing at a whole new level. In addition, at the end of the season, one lucky child will win a brand new bike. Come out every Saturday to learn how your child can qualify. As darkness crept over the track, a second round of fireworks concluded the ceremonies and the fans slowly made their way to the exits after a night of celebration for the track’s 40th anniversary as well as a great night of racing on the track. A special mention of thanks should be given to Mr. Robert Boynton who founded the Peterborough Speedway, as well as MPP Jeff Leal and Reeve Neil Cathcart for their contributions to the ceremonies on Saturday night. It was a monumental success and an incredible milestone for the staff, fans, and alumni of Peterborough Speedway!