The Can-Am Midgets presented by Miller Office Trailers were back in action this past Saturday night. Part of the start of summer stretch of races that are on deck in the next few weeks. Round #5 was set at Peterborough Speedway in Cavan, Ontario as part of their Autism Awareness Night. This is always marked on everyone’s calendar as this round was the only stop at the 1/3 mile oval.
It has been a struggle for the TQ Midgets to get to “Canada’s Toughest 1/3 Mile” the past few years. With mother nature, postponements, and the pandemic all playing a part in cancellations of the annual trip. Nothing was stopping the quick TQ’s from returning to the track. With rain in the forecast and the the word of a cancellation, it was all a go to race.
14 cars made the long trip across the 401 highway to do battle at a fast paced track. Practice rounds were on the go, and rain hit! Showers rolled through the area and put a halt to on track activity. Track officials reacted quickly, and were able to save the track. Track drying took a little bit, but all was ready for the 6 pm start time. Heat races were on deck. Championship contenders were hoping to make their way to the front for a good starting spot for the feature. Championship leader, Danial Hawn in the #42 car won heat race 1 with 2021 series champion, Jeff Blackburn in the #7 car taking heat race 2.
Feature race had the crowd on their feet with the famous 4 wide salute to the fans before doing battle. Andrew Whelan (5) and Jaden Riddell (13) led the fourteen car field to the green flag. With the handicap system, the heat race winners along with the championship leaders started mid pack. Slicing their way through the field. Unfortunately for heat race 2 winner, Jeff Blackburn brought out the first caution on lap 7. Lap 7 for car 7, saw an engine gone in his machine with the engine expiring sidelining Blackburn for the evening. Restart was crazy with battles for the lead. Just before halfway, lap 13 saw the rookie of Alex Connell (96) upside down. Red flag automatically displayed and all cars stopped on the race track. Connell was okay, but retired for the night. The last restart of the night to the checkered flag saw Hawn take his third checkered flag in a row. Fellow HMCW Chassis racer, James Stanley (57) and Darren McLennan (78) finishing on the podium.
Dominique Smith (49), Riddell (13), Paul Jorgensen (68), Tyler Cullen (43), Roberto Polillo Jr (53), Sherri Hogan (74), Larry Lawson (42x), Jody Bound (24), Connell (96), Whelan (5) and Blackburn (7) round out the finishing order.
The Can-Am Midgets presented by Miller Office Trailers have their first double header weekend up next. This coming Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend, the TQ Midgets will be at Sauble Speedway in Hepworth, Ontario for their first visit of the 2025 season. If you haven’t already, make some plans to come out to the beach in the daytime and enjoy some racing at night. More info to follow.