The Qwick Wick Can-Am Midgets presented by Miller Office Trailers rolled into Grand Bend Speedway in Grand Bend, Ontario for their one and only visit of 2023. The TQ Midgets have been on their summer stretch of races across Ontario, and what way to finish out that stretch on the tight 1/4 mile bullring.
Teams were camping out and making a weekend of it. The heat races were full of excitement with sub-par 11 second laps around the track. The top drivers in the point standings keep their streak going with Jeff Blackburn in the #7 car and Cory Whittam in the #55 car visiting HMCW
Chassis victory lane in each of their heat races respectively. The support was in full swing with a Dash for Cash race supported by Larry’s Small Engines. This 4 lap race with 4 cars was a quick one once started. Sherry Hogan (74x) started pole when the green flag flew, but the start got called back with a false start by the rookie. Second time around was good with eventual winning car of the #74 taking home the cold, hard cash. Thank you to Larry Wilson from Larry’s Small Engines out of Orangeville, Ontario.
While fans enjoyed the race both live, and on the speedway’s Facebook page, teams were getting ready for their 25-lap feature event. After driver intros were complete, it was David Miller (11) and Andrew Whelan (5) leading the field to green. Caution flew quick with a spin from Jaden Riddell (13) in turn 2. He would need a tow off ending his night. Full restart had people slicing to claim the best position with a hard track to pass. Single file through the field before caution flew on lap 8 for a part breaking on Mike Westwood (91) ending his night. Two by two in the first two rows before Whittam going for it and making it 3 wide into turn 3. Everyone got through safely with James Stanley (57) claiming the lead from Miller. Back to single file, Stanley was pulling away from the other competitors. Miller held onto second place before getting into Bob Bailey while lapping the #15 car. Bailey had got loose being on the high side of the track to get out of the front runners. This ended the pole sitters strong night, but the race stayed green. Stanley blew the field away taking his second win in a row. Whittam and Blackburn joined him on the podium. This keeps Stanley in the hunt for a championship and making the chase a 4 car battle.
The Qwick Wick Can-Am Midgets have a well-deserved week off before returning to action for their second double header weekend at Sauble Speedway on the August Civic holiday weekend. Enjoy the week off everyone!