Greg Cybulski, WINNIPEG, MB (July 2, 2010) Roland Bernard showcased his determination and desire to repeat as Northern Lighting Sprint Association champion by putting on a passing clinic for the fans at Red River Co-op Speedway's Canada Day racing program.
Bernard swept the evening's races by winning both his heat race and the feature, much the chagrin of his latest victim, Tyson Hiebert. Plagued by problems in the first two races of the season, Hiebert had his #64 Lightning Sprint flying on Thursday night and may have had visions of a checkered flag had it not been for a stellar performance by the #2 Bernard Racing sprinter.
Starting in the seventh position, at the tail of the first 6 lap heat race, Roland Bernard quickly climbed to third on the first lap behind leader Dave Sobczak and Tyson Hiebert. On the very next circuit, the #2 Lightning Sprint took the lead and went on to win Heat 1 with Hiebert and Sobczak in pursuit.
In the second heat race, NLSA rookie Ryan Harms had a strong showing by taking the early lead from Bob Saindon and distancing himself from the field to win his first heat race of the 2010 racing season.
At the start of the 12 lap feature, Tyson Hiebert led the field of 13 cars into turn 1. The outside starting position appeared to be the preferred line as Hiebert (2nd), Dave Sobczak (4th), Chris Bouwman (6th) and Roland Bernard (8th) all found their way to the top four positions after the first lap.
On the second lap, Bernard passed Sobczak to take over second place and the chase for the lead was on.
On lap 4, Roland Bernard challenged Tyson Hiebert for the lead but could not make the pass. Two laps later, Bernard would make another attempt and this time with success. Hiebert would not have the opportunity to return the favor as he would have to settle for the runner up spot on this night.
In 18 laps, 2009 NLSA champion Roland Bernard had passed a total of 13 cars and captured two checkered flags in one amazing night of racing at Red River Co-op Speedway.
Amber Balcaen, who started in 7th position, steadily worked her way through the field and finished with a very respectable third place finish.
Rounding up the top was Roland Bernard, Tyson Hiebert, Amber Balcaen, Dave Sobczak and Chris Bouwman.
The next Northern Lightning Sprint Association race is scheduled for Thursday, July 22 at Red River Co-op Speedway.
Northern Lightning Sprint Association
Red River Co-op Speedway, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Heat 1
1. 2 Roland Bernard
2. 64 Tyson Hiebert
3. 17 Dave Sobczak
4. 13 Kevin Kotowich
5. 5 Chris Sorin
6. 27 Chris Unrau
7. 3X Bob Charney
Heat 2
1. 18 Ryan Harms
2. 11 Darren Pallen
3. 10 Amber Balcaen
4. 4C Chris Bouwman
5. 4 Bob Saindon
6. 6 Jennifer Carlson
Feature
1. 2 Roland Bernard
2. 64 Tyson Hiebert
3. 10 Amber Balcaen
4. 17 Dave Sobczak
5. 4C Chris Bouwman
6. 18 Ryan Harms
7. 27 Chris Unrau
8. 11 Darren Pallen
9. 13 Kevin Kotowich
10. 6 Jennifer Carlson
11. 5 Chris Sorin
12. 4 Bob Saindon
13. 3X Bob Charney
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 www.nlsprints.com
