The annual Super Tour Bracket Bonanza Week took place last week at Luskville Dragway, and it was one for the books! The 6-day event kicked off on July 27th and 28th with Dave Rennie’s Twin 10’s race, also known as the “Little Bracket.” Afterward, racers enjoyed three days of rest before diving into the Big Show from Thursday through Sunday.
Dave Rennie’s Twin 10’s once again proved to be a resounding success. On Saturday, Rusty Adams secured the first win of the week, defeating last year’s Super Pro winner Jay Beaulieu. In the Footbrake category, Ryan Clarmo triumphed over Larry Lepine Jr., while Shelbie Seguin claimed victory in the Juniors, beating Logan Gagne.
Sunday’s races were equally thrilling, with “Magik” Mike Ogilvie taking down last year’s winner Max Gauthier in Super Pro. Wes Clarmo added another win for his family, defeating Jim Hewitt in Footbrake, and Mavrick Angers took the Junior class, besting her cousin Hayley in an all-Angers final.
Racers returned to the track on Thursday to begin the 43rd Bracket Bonanza with the famous Big Dog Shootout. Frank Mark, one of the most successful racers in Bonanza history, once again found himself in the winner’s circle, defeating Terry Miron in the finals. Lewis Gagné from North Bay was the lone semi-finalist.
In the Little Dog’s Footbrake race, Ashley Muttart from up north clinched the win against Martin Lassiseraye from Quebec City, with Dan Allard as the semi-finalist.
Thursday night also featured the 300’ Shootout, where Frank Angers from Laval emerged victorious over Jamie Bridge from Napanee, Ontario. Bridge had earlier taken out previous 300’ Race winner Dale Gauthier, while Angers eliminated Dale’s wife Becky in the semi-finals.
The 5th, 6th, and 7th Races of the Super Tour National Championship were held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring nearly 80 competitors in Super Pro, 60 in Footbrake, and 24 in Juniors.
For the $10,000 prize in Super Pro, the final four racers were Terry Miron, who bested newcomer Cody Levasseur, and Andrew Stirk, who defeated Mike Chenier. In the final, Terry Miron secured his 3rd Super Tour victory, denying Andrew Stirk his first win.
In the Footbrake class, Stephen Ballantyne faced off against Noemie Ballabey, with Ballantyne taking the victory. This win ties Ballantyne for 2nd place in Super Tour history, with a total of six victories.
The Junior Dragster category was dominated by PJ Marston, who defeated Cole Krottner in the final round to claim the $1,000 prize. Mavrick Angers was the lone semi-finalist.
On Saturday afternoon, Rusty Adams took out Brandon Barker, while Brock Godmaire eliminated Danny Lanctot. Adams then went on to secure his 3rd Super Tour win as Godmaire faced mechanical issues at the starting line.
In Footbrake, local racer Pat Alarie, competing for the first time this year after the passing of his racing partner, won against his good friend Larry Lepine Jr. from Gatineau.
Saturday also featured the largest Junior Dragster race in Canadian history. Conner Ridler from London, Ontario, defeated Annabelle Soucy in the semi-final, while Hayley Angers received a bye to the finals. In the final round, second-generation racer Angers took the win with a .005 reaction time, running on his dial-in with a 5 to secure the $5,000 prize.
The action continued on Sunday with Dave Rennie taking the win over Lewis Gagné in the Super Pro final. Rennie, on his way to a 4th Super Tour event win, defeated Mike Chenier in the semifinals, while Gagné bested former champion Phil Harvey.
In Footbrake, former Rookie of the Year Noemie Ballabey earned her second runner-up finish in three days, as Jim Giff claimed the win in the final round. Noemie had earlier eliminated Dan Lanctot.
The final winner in the Junior Dragster category was Carter Daniels from Ontario, who defeated Friday’s winner PJ Marston in the final round, with Lea Monaghan as the lone semi-finalist.
This year’s 5-Day Championship Winner is Larry Lepine Jr. with a total of 21-round wins over 5 days of racing. Mike Chenier finish in 2nd place followed by Russ Adams and Roch Beaudoin.
The Elite16 and Footbrake Challenge Races, initially scheduled for Saturday night, have been postponed to the next Super Tour event due to a tight schedule and inclement weather.
Super Tour racers will return for the final event of 2024 at Luskville Dragway for the Fall Bracket Championship, presented by Speedy Auto Gatineau in collaboration with KD Transmission and Honeywell Works, from August 30th to September 1st. Full details and the event flyer will be released shortly.
