nbis_june5

Mann Takes First Leg of �Best of the Best�

June 5th, 2004
Fredericton, NB � Under perfect racing conditions, Glen Livet�s Brad Mann took checkers in the �Best of the Best� Pro Stock Series 75 lap race presented by Cobra Performance Oils and Specialty Fluids. It was the first leg of a three part series and sets Mann up for a potential $10,000 payday if he captures all three. Meanwhile, St.George�s Wade Harris took the Martin�s Home Heating Sportsman Division feature and Minto�s Peter Gaddess took checkers in the Coast Tire Street Stock Division.
     In the headline event, pole sitter Dave O�Blenis from Boundary Creek broke away from the pack and stretched his #48 Burger King Monte Carlo into a comfortable lead of several car lengths. However, just after crossing the start finish the line to start lap 49, the #48 car started to sputter and then slow down on the backstretch. O�Blenis was gone to the pits before coming around for the 49th lap while Mann gleefully pounced on the opportunity to lead the race while being hotly pursued by a pack of cars. However, Mann kept the #35 Capital City Roofing Monte Carlo firmly in the lead and led the rest of the way. Mann�s closest call came in turn 4 of the final lap as Berry Mills resident Darren Sherwood tucked his #38 High Tech Powerports Monte Carlo in behind the #35 car and almost got under him. Mann prevailed while Sherwood had to settle for second. Presque Ile, ME�s Kirk Thibeau ran a smooth race to take third in this #28 Grower�s Exchange entry in his first appearance of 2004. Mann will be gunning for another victory in the second leg of the series on June 26th during the Coast Tire �Best of the Best� Series 100. Taking all three wins in the �Best of the Best� Series will get Mann a $10,000 payday. The third race is on August 14th.
     In the Martin�s Home Heating Sportsman Division, Wade Harris in the #5 Stone Ridge Cabinets Grand Prix took the lead from Donnie Young in the #55 T&T Contracting Firebird on lap 17 of the 30-lap feature and never looked back. Fredericton Junction�s Myles Harris (no relation to Wade) piloted his #31 Jormar Moving Monte Carlo into second while Steven Rodgers in the #42 Ed Floyd Excavating Grand Prix rounded out the top three. It was a tight battle between the three cars although the Wade Harris was in the lead the entire time. Myles Harris and Rodgers jockeyed for position behind him with Rodgers looking like he would provide some last lap drama on the outside groove. However, a leaking tire forced Rodgers to back off.
     In the Coast Tire Street Stocks, Minto�s Peter Gaddess continued his quest for the elusive championship with checkers in the feature. Gaddess has been runner-up in the points the last two years, and is seeking a way over the top this season. His #20 Minto Machine and Welding Crown Victoria cruised to the win after taking over the lead on lap 9 of the 20-lap event with Saint John�s Rick Cashol taking second in his #54 Moosehead Chevelle. Fredericton�s Terry Collet rounded out the top three in his#48 Greco Pizza Cutlass. Cashol and Collet are enjoying fine seasons and will provide Gaddess with stiff competition for the championship. It was a lively race that featured several three wide situations in the pack behind Gaddess, much to the delight of the fans.