Brad Leighton Enters Irving Oil 250 at NBIS

Busch East Series Veteran Brings Proven Track Record

 

July 24th, 2006 - Fredericton , NB – Brad Leighton, one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Grand National Division, Busch East Series, has officially announced that he will be attending the Irving Oil 250 at NBIS on Labour Day Weekend. Just weeks after NASCAR veteran Johnny Benson announced his intention to race in the event again, Leighton, a veteran driver in the Northeastern United States and two-time champion of the Busch East Series (formerly known as the Busch North Series), has officially announced that he will be racing in the biggest pro stock event in the Canadian Maritimes on the 2006 schedule.

 

A long proven track record will accompany the New Hampshire resident to Fredericton . He’s won championships just about everywhere he’s raced, starting with a Limited Sportsman Championship at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (ME) in 1990, followed by a Rookie-of-the-Year honours in the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) in 1991 and an ACT championship in 1995. In 1996, Leighton successfully transitioned to what was then known as the Busch North Series, garnering eight top-five finishes – more than any other rookie in the history of the series. Two of those finishes were trips to victory lane – tying such notables as Ricky Craven and Jerry Marquis for the most wins in a single season during a rookie year. By 1999, Leighton had captured his first ever Busch North Series Championship, then successfully defended his title in 2000. He is currently second on the all-time winners with 24 victories.

 

Leighton’s success extends to weekly series racing as well, earning a remarkable four track championships at New Hampshire International Speedway, the same elite superspeedway that hosts two Nextel Cup events each year. He is also comfortable on road courses, having won at both Watkins Glen International and Lime Rock Park road courses. He is currently racing a limited schedule in Pro All Stars Series (PASS) and selected Busch Series East events. Leighton will have Irving Oil and Coke on board as co-sponsors of his car at the Fredericton event.

 

“Every year this event continues to grow and attract some of the best drivers in the region, including the United States,” said co-owner Chris Johnston, “Brad adds a lot to the Irving Oil 250 not only because he’s an outstanding driver, but also because he comes with a great off-track reputation armed with a colourful, fun-loving personality that attracts fans, fellow competitors, and media.”

 

Last year’s Irving Oil 250 at New Brunswick International Speedway in Fredericton , NB attracted one of the best fields of pro stock cars ever seen at the facility with a record 39 cars attempted to qualify for 28 spots on the starting grid. Although only six years old, the region’s top pro stock drivers regard the Irving Oil 250 race as the premier stock car event of the season. A big purse, a great field of drivers, and a huge crowd are all appealing elements of the event for drivers.

 

Please contact the New Brunswick International Speedway office (506-455-3181) or info@nbisonline.com if you have any questions.

 

BRAD LEIGHTON - CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SPECIAL AWARDS

2000, 1999	Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring Champion Brad Leighton achieved back-to-back Championships in one of NASCAR’s most respected and talented divisions.
2002, 2001, 2000, 1998	Lincoln Electric/ARCO Welding Supply Track Champion Leighton is one of a select group to win the New Hampshire International Speedway track championship and the only one to do it four times.
1996	Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring Division Rookie-of-the-Year Brad Leighton raised the bar on rookie performances when he won two races and achieved eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in only his first year with the Busch North Series. Leighton’s achievements earned him $102,785 in proceeds and the coveted Rookie-of-the-Year title.
1995	American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion Leighton again made his progression from rookie contender to Champion in only four short years on the American-Canadian Tour.
1991	American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Rookie-of-the-Year
1990	Limited Sportsman Champion - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (ME)

 

For more information on Brad Leighton, go to www.bnsracing.com/drivers/leighton.html or www.nascarregionalracing.com/driver-detail.asp?Series_ID=4&Driver_ID=161

 

 

The Irving Oil 250

The 2006 Irving Oil 250 will take place on Sunday, September 3rd, 2006 and will be the highlight of the fourth annual Speedweekend. The event will showcase the NBIS CARQUEST Pro Stocks against the best of the Eastern Canada and New England . The purse for 2006 will be over $60,000 with a guaranteed $15,000 to the event winner and possible winner’s cheque of $27,500. Three years ago, the late Scott Fraser took home a record $25,400 including lap money. Only six years old, the event as grown in crowd, atmosphere, and car count every year since its inception. Over 7,500 people attended the 2005 event to break attendance records at Canada ’s Fastest Short Track. A record 39 pro stock cars, including several Maine drivers, attempted to qualify for 28 spots on the starting grid.

 

Speedweekend

Just like the Irving Oil 250, Speedweekend continues to grow every year with over 12,000 people attending the weekend in 2004. The four-day stock car fest is scheduled for September 2nd-5th, 2006 and includes a corn boil on Friday night, Sportsman 150 race on Saturday night, the Irving Oil 250 on Sunday, and finishes up with an Enduro 200 on Monday. While the Irving Oil 250 is the highlight of the racing events, the weekend has developed into an event on its own with over 300 campers turning NBIS into a small town over the weekend. It has become the destination of choice for the region’s stock car fans.

 

New Brunswick International Speedway

New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada ’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2006 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton . NBIS can be found online at www.nbisonline.com. 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact: NBIS Office Phone 506-455-3181 Fax     506-451-7223 Pager  506-462-8116 e-mail: info@nbisonline.com

For Information: Info:   506-454-RACE (7223) Web:  www.nbisonline.com