A Few of My Favorite Things about 2012

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT 2012

We come to the end of another year and with it, many great racing moments on the Canadian prairies. The following list is in no particular order.  Each item holds it's own distinct significance.  Here we go...

If there is any doubt about the quality of racers who represent the Northern Lightning Sprint Association, all you have to do is look at the 2012 stats sheet from Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway.  On any given night, at least half of the field was in contention for the win and proved it with strong performances all season long.  Anyone who witnessed 3-time Champion Roland Bernard, Dylan Sabatini, Amber Balcaen, Wally Butler, Chris Sorin and company dueling it out night after night knows the thrill that Open Wheel racing has over other car classes.

Roland Bernard's return to the NLSA proved that the #2 Lightning Sprinter is in an elite class of racers.  Despite a slow start, Bernard's team worked hard to find their way back to the top and put on those familiar dominant performances that earned them championship seasons in 2009 and 2010. When the dust settled, Bernard would collect his third title in 2012.

Strong, consistent performances by Dylan Sabatini, Wally Butler and Chris Sorin made for a competitive field of cars.

NLSA comeback driver of 2012?  Amber Balcaen.  Amber found her way back into the mix this season.  Her runs were somewhat reminiscent of her 2010 season where she came close to chasing down Roland Bernard for the NLSA Championship.

Mike Balcaen finally chased down Ricky Weiss to capture the Wissota Late Model track championship at Red River Co-op Speedway in 2012.  I knew it was a matter of time before Balcaen would edge out Weiss for a title. The Balcaen-Weiss feud is just getting warmed up. 2013 will be a barn-burner.

Whether you cheer for the #10 or not, if the name Balcaen is attached to a championship, it's good for the local racing business.

Sprint Car racing returned to Swift Current's Speedy Creek Raceway in 2012 and in a big way.  Through a lot of hard work and dedication, Open Wheel racing in Saskatchewan got a real shot in the arm.  The Alberta Sportsman Sprints invaded the Southwest Saskatchewan bullring with a record 19 teams and put on a great, competitive show for the racing fans in attendance. I am hopeful that this will be an annual weekend event in the coming years.

IMCA racing is growing in the West. The inclusion of the Modifieds as a regular featured car class at Speedy Creek Raceway gives regional racers another travel option for weekend racing.

Estevan Motor Speedway can be summed up in three words.  Smooth, Fast, Passing.  This was not just a hit or miss occurrence all season.  Estevan's dirt track was consistently prepared this way each race night in 2012.  Don't we all want this on our wish list?

The Sportsman Sprint population has ballooned at Edmonton's Castrol Raceway. In 2012, the Sportsman class consistently carried enough teams to run a B Main.  A fun and affordable Open Wheel class that is successful.  Where have I heard that before?

I am thankful to anyone who is willing to contribute in some way to make this Blog better.  Thanks once again to contributing photographers Byron Fichter (Estevan), Kaz Grafix (Manitoba), Tarra Sahlin and Tristen Stoneman of Stpracing Memories (Alberta).  Special thanks to Sheri Pallen for her photos from Red River Co-op Speedway.

2012 marked my 10th anniversary as a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum.  I can never say enough good things about what they do to preserve the history of Sprint Car racing.  The support and encouragement I have received from this organization over the years has been more than I ever expected.

If you enjoy Sprint Car racing, I encourage you to support the Hall of Fame.  You can check out their website at http://sprintcarhof.com

Thanks to Northern Lightning Sprint Association President, Chris Unrau for having me return in 2012 to work with the local racing group. Chris took the time to visit with me and talk about the NLSA during the off season.  That's all the coaxing I needed to return to Red River Co-op Speedway.

I can not say enough good things about the support I have received from past NLSA President Darren Pallen.  Thanks to Darren, my racing involvement in Winnipeg was extended for a few more years.

Morden's ALH Motor Speedway fine tuned their racing program this past season.  They trimmed back the number of weekly car classes and brought in additional classes occasionally. Hopefully 2013 will be more successful for the Southern Manitoba dirt oval.

Thanks to the good folks at Racers for Christ for the opportunity to try writing a Devotional. Stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing thoughts about my faith was challenging and exciting.

As we enter the season of Advent, which will lead us to Christmas.  Let us take this time to slow down to really think about the people and things that are most important in our lives.  A close friend once asked me what I would do once my ride with Prairie Dirt was finished.  The truth is that at some point, we all will face the end of a great ride.  Perhaps after the holidays, I will know if my time is done as well.

On behalf of the Cybulski family, I would like to extend heartfelt wishes of joy and love during this Christmas and holiday season.

God willing, I will see all of you at a dirt track again in 2013.

Former Champion Bernard Back In Victory Lane

FORMER CHAMPION BERNARD BACK IN VICTORY LANE

Greg Cybulski, WINNIPEG, MB (August 17, 2012) For the first time since 2010, former Northern Lightning Sprint Association Champion Roland Bernard found himself in a familiar place, Victory Lane. The win propelled Bernard into first place in the Lightning Sprint points standings at Red River Co-op Speedway, 7 points ahead of Dylan Sabatini. The 2-time open wheel champion appeared to return to form as his #2 Lightning Sprint checked out during the NLSA feature. Never letting up, Bernard effortlessly weaved his way through lapped traffic for the win.

Behind Bernard was a 3-way dance between hard charging Amber Balcaen, Chris Sorin and Wally Butler.  Balcaen had taken the early lead with the rest of the front-runners in hot pursuit.

After numerous attempts to pass Amber Balcaen, Chris Sorin used the cushion to finally outdistance his #1 Sprint from his tenacious rivals.

The embattled Balcaen fought valiantly before the #35W of Wally Butler finally got by the veteran's #10 Lighting Sprint and set his sights in the second place car of Chris Sorin.

Butler gave chase and caught the #1 Sprint to close out the race with a wheel to wheel photo finish. In the end, it was Chris Sorin edging out Wally Butler by a nose for 2nd place.

Rounding up the evening's top 5 were Roland Bernard, Chris Sorin, Wally Butler, Amber Balcaen and Dylan Sabatini.

In earlier action, the Heat winners were Amber Balcaen and Wally Butler.

Driving the #31 Lightning Sprint was new driver, Rodney Banman.

Next scheduled racing action for the NLSA will be 4:00pm on Sunday, August 19 at ALH Motor Speedway in Morden, MB

The next scheduled NLSA racing at Red River Co-op Speedway will be Thursday, August 23 at 7:30pm.

Northern Lightning Sprint Association
Red River Co-op Speedway, MB.
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Heat 1
1. 10 Amber Balcaen
2. 13 Al Giesbrecht
3. 17 Jesse Giesbrecht
4. 7 Brent Steg
5. 9 Matt Zaleski
6. 29 Dylan Sabatini

Heat 2
1. 35W Wally Butler
2. 1 Chris Sorin
3. 2 Roland Bernard
4. 14 Edward Bell
5. 31 Rodney Banman

NLSA Feature
1. 2 Roland Bernard
2. 1 Chris Sorin
3. 35W Wally Butler
4. 10 Amber Balcaen
5. 29 Dylan Sabatini
6. 14 Edward Bell
7. 7 Brent Steg
8. 17 Jesse Giesbrecht
9. 13 Al Giesbrecht
10. 9 Matt Zaleski
11. 31 Rodney Banman

About the Northern Lightning Sprint Association:
Created in September of 2008, the Northern Lightning Sprint Association is a rapidly growing organization committed to the creation and maintenance of safe, fast, fun, and affordable open wheel racing. Many of the organization’s members are dedicated to helping charities such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Cancer Care of Manitoba. More information can be found at http://www.nlsprints.com

Saskatchewan's Fedyk Duels With The Outlaws

SASKATCHEWAN'S FEDYK DUELS WITH THE OUTLAWS

Estevan, Saskatchewan native Kyle Fedyk may have felt like he was bringing a knife to a gun fight when he loaded his ASCS 360 Sprint Car into the trailer to race in the World of Outlaws' annual Duel in the Dakotas this past weekend.  The best of the best in 410 Outlaw Sprint Car racing paid their annual visit to River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, ND. on Friday night and Red River Valley Speedway, West Fargo, ND. on Saturday.

Kyle's goal was to be able to qualify for both Outlaws "A" Mains and that is exactly what happened. On both nights he had to go to the big dance via transferring through the "B" Main.  Friday night, he started the feature in 23rd position and finished in 19th at River Cities.

Saturday night in West Fargo was another story as he started in 22nd position and still ended a respectable 16th even though his night ended in a violent wreck in his 91K Sprint Car on lap 24 of the 30 lap feature.

Fedyk came out on the good side of the ordeal and credited his new seat for protecting him during the crash. "Yeah I'm pretty good actually.", commented Fedyk. "I'm glad I spent my money on the Butlerbuilt seat!"

The 25 year old Canadian racer is living proof that sometimes it's the heart and desire that beats within each driver and not only the equipment that brings out the best in a competitor. In a big world where success is gauged by wins, on a smaller scale, victory is based on achieving goals. In the world of Fedyk Motorsports, Duel in the Dakotas was a step in the right direction.

Mission accomplished.

A Case for Safety Standards at Race Tracks

Scott Frazier photo  Gary Wright's #9 ASCS Sprint Car engulfed in flames.
A CASE FOR SAFETY STANDARDS AT RACE TRACKS

As I was surfing through the weekend's sprint car racing results, I came across a disturbing piece of video footage that caught my attention. The video was shot during the 50-lap Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour feature race at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Arkansas.

During the feature, Gary Wright's #9 Sprint Car was involved in a collision which caused his car to erupt into flames.  Fortunately, the Hooks, Texas native escaped without injury.

In the world of racing, accidents will happen on the track. What made this footage disturbing, however, was what appeared to be a Fire and Rescue crew who were not properly equipped to handle a fire emergency had it got ugly.  The people putting out the flaming Sprint Car with fire extinguishers appeared to be only wearing jeans and regular shirts.

They were clearly at risk.  Where was THEIR protection from this fire?

What could have potentially happened had Gary Wright not been able to release himself from his harness?

WHO would have gone into that situation to help HIM out of the car?

I find it incredible that in 2012, we STILL have race tracks in North America where Fire and Rescue teams are not properly equipped to do their job completely and safely in all kinds of emergencies.

In this day and age, it is UNACCEPTABLE and IRRESPONSIBLE to allow this to happen.

Fire and Rescue at race tracks should always be a #1 priority to ensure the safety of ALL people on race night.  Following this weekend's incident, perhaps it is time to establish a Safety Standard that must be adhered to by all operating speedways.

Saturday night's incident had the potential of being worse than it was. Much worse.

One life lost to negligence would be one life too many.


Any views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or persons written about in this post.

Intense "Battle of the Champions" in 2012

INTENSE "BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS" IN 2012

If you expect a typical season of racing with the Northern Lightning Sprint Association, you'd better think again.

2012 is set up for a "Battle of the Champions" that should leave every fan wanting more after each race.

In one corner, returning 2-time NLSA Champion Roland Bernard. In 2009 and 2010, Bernard was the man to beat. In those years, he was an unstoppable force on the track and successfully overcame all challenges that were thrown at him. He abdicated the NLSA title in 2011 to settle down with his wife Janell.

In the other corner, a surging Tyson Hiebert accomplished the difficult feat of capturing the very first NLSA Triple Crown in 2011 with Championship runs at Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway, Morden's ALH Motor Speedway and the NLSA's Aggregate Points Championship.

What makes this season intriguing are 2 questions that are begging to be asked;

Will Roland Bernard return as the intense racer, hungry to immediately reclaim his place as the Elite NLSA competitor we have always known him to be?

How will Tyson Hiebert respond to Bernard's return to action following a stellar 2011 season in which he did not face the former Champion?

The green flag drops in a month's time for the Northern Lightning Sprint Association and Open Wheel racing in Manitoba is about to heat up this Summer to a new record high.

For more information about Open Wheel racing in Manitoba, check out the NLSA.

Any views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Northern Lightning Sprint Association.

Swift Current Ready For Big 2012 Racing Season

SWIFT CURRENT READY FOR BIG 2012 RACING SEASON

 Swift Current's Speedy Creek Raceway has long been a favorite destination for Saskatchewan racing fans. In the past, they would be treated to regular race nights of Streets, Hobby's and Mini Stocks with a few IMCA Modified shows sandwiched in the schedule. Speedy Creek has also been known to add one extra race weekend special each season. In years past, fans have been treated to racing tours, primarily originating rom Alberta.

 Included on that list were the IMCA Modified Wolff Pack Run, the Alberta Sportsman Sprints and the Alberta Sprint Tour's Prairie Dirt Classic.

 In 2012, the Swift Current dirt track faithful will see a slight change in their program. The first change is a cut in the number of race dates. In 2011, the Saskatchewan bullring hosted 12 race nights. The 2012 schedule features 9 nights of racing.

 The reduced schedule does come with an upside. The new lineup of car classes will make each and every race night a new and exciting experience. To start, IMCA Modifieds will be part of all but one race weekend on the Speedy Creek schedule. It makes sense as there has been a recent growth in the number of local Mods because of the Wolff Pack Run.

 The rest of the regular classes will include Streets, Hobby's and Trucks.

 One thing that Speedy Creek Raceway does is listen to their fans. They have heard the requests and the track is delivering this season.

 Another big weekend has been scheduled for June 15 and 16, featuring the return of the Alberta Sportsman Sprints and, for the first time to Swift Current, the Northern Thunder DLM. This group of Wissota Late Model drivers primarily race at Edmonton's Castrol Raceway.

 Without a doubt, this will be THE "not to be missed" racing weekend in Southwest Saskatchewan.

 For more information about dirt track racing in Swift Current, check out Speedy Creek Raceway.