Branden Verhoeven of Kerwood drove to victory lane at Delaware Speedway Friday night.

Threats of thunderstorms on Friday evening did not keep drivers from thundering around Canada's Finest Short Track for a night of racing sponsored by South End Truck Centre and Whitworth Towing. Branden Verhoeven (#7) of Kerwood won the GAW Recycling Super Stocks feature. Derek McCullough (#38) of Glencoe won the V8 Stock Muscle Car feature, and Louis Clements (#21) of Chatham won the Open Ontario Four Cylinder feature. An Eagle Talon driven by Kevin Farrell won the fan favourite King of the Hill Spectator's Race.

Branden Verhoeven (#7) of Kerwood, the Sophomore Sensation, won the 35-lap GAW Recycling Super Stock feature. Adam Swales (#18) of St. Thomas led the first four laps, before being passed by Verhoeven on lap five where he quickly built up a solid lead for a long green flag run. In lap twenty-seven the battle for second picked up with Trevor Collver (#1) of Lucan, Jordan Lawrence (#78) of London, and Shae Gemmell (#3) of Dorchester battling hard for the spot. On lap thirty, Lawrence was able to make the move into second position. In lap thirty-two, there was a caution when Kenny McNicol Jr. (#17) of Exeter came to rest on the back stretch. On the restart, Verhoeven pulled ahead of the competition securing first position once more. The battle for second continued with Collver falling back several positions while Lawrence and Gemmell fought for the spot . Gemmell successfully pulled ahead momentarily, but in lap thirty-three Gemmell turned into the fourth turn too high, allowing for multiple passes and Lawrence was able to secure second position. Ultimately, Verhoeven finished first, Lawrence finished second, and Darrell Lake (#77) of London placed third. Gemmell finished fourth.

Derek McCullough (#38) of Glencoe won the 25-lap V8 Stocks feature. Calvin Verheyen (#76) of Strathroy took the lead early in the race in lap three and held it steady for fourteen laps. However, when the tire of Darren Thirkettle (#156) of Strathroy flew off in a shower of sparks in lap sixteen, McCullough took advantage of the restart and charged right to the front of the field. Verheyen shuffled back into field and eventually ended his night in the pits as a result of a mechanical failure. Steve Arrand (#37) of Ailsa Craig also took advantage of the restart and pulled in behind McCullough. Arrand was hungry for the win and pushed McCullough hard to the finish. They drove side by side down the front stretch on the last lap but ultimately McCullough took home the checkers. Arrand placed second. Gary Zwygers (#93) of Cambridge placed third.

Louis Clements (#21) of Chatham won the Open Ontario Four Cylinder 30-lap feature after a fierce battle with Billy Schwartzenburg (#86) of Guelph. Gerry Rivait Jr. (#71) of Tilbury led the first lap of the race but was quickly overtaken by Schwartzenburg. Clements and Schwartzenburg were already fighting for first position early in the feature. Clements took the lead from Schwartzenburg in lap five, but was overtaken again by Schwartzenburg going into lap twelve. Into turn one of lap twelve, Clements lost control of the car, spun, and in the immediate chaos following, Schwartzenburg did the same as the pair made contact. Scott Simmons (#44) of Cambridge was the new leader on the restart. Schwartzenburg and Clements immediately flew through the field back to the front. By lap fourteen,
Schwartzenburg was the leader once more. Clements took the lead in lap fifteen, with Schwartzenburg always on his tail. On the last lap, Schwartzenburg attempted to charge down the inside on the front stretch past Clements. Clements was prepared for this however, and held off the pass securing the win. Schwartzenburg placed second. Simmons placed third.

In the post race interview, Clements commented on his competition with Schwartzenburg; "He was fast and I was doing all I could to stay with him at times but it was a lot of fun."

King of the Hill Spectator's Racing drew an interesting crowd of competitors including two tractor trailers from South End Truck Centre and GAW Recycling. It also brought back the return of the famous "Grocery Getter" who has not made an appearance for several seasons. The race was won by Kevin Farrell in his Eagle Talon over a red BMW.

Next Friday, August 8, Delaware Speedway celebrates the contributions of Police, Fire, and Ambulance services at Emergency Services Appreciation Night. The night will feature Pro Late Models, GAW Recycling Super Stocks, and Demar Aggregates Trucks. There will also be an All-Truck King of the Hill Spectator's Race. Racing starts at 7:30 PM.

Racing will continue next Saturday, August 9. The Bone Stock Chaos Cars and Transmission Direct Enduro will be competing that evening starting at 7:00 PM.