RIVER GLADE, NB (June 29, 2011) – Petty International Raceway will celebrate Canada Day 2011 with a spectacular show virtually guaranteed to thrill fans of all ages. Besides stock car racing in three divisions the facility will host "Man the Daredevil" – one of Canada's longest running – and most thrilling motorized stunt shows.
"It's been more than 15 years since we've been in the Moncton area," said Toby Thibodeau, a stunt performer of more than 30 years and wife of show founder Tony Riddell. "We're really excited. We've added so much to the show since the last time we were in the area. There will be crashing, smashing, explosions, and fireworks. There is never a dull moment."
As part of the Petty show Thibodeau plans to be the first woman to ever perform a stunt called "Steel Wall" – there will also be professional motorcycle stunts, junk cars will be smashed, and professional drivers will have the audience holding their breath as they perform stunts, stunts, and more stunts.
As if that's not enough, the stage is set for "fireworks" during the stock car racing segment of the show.
With $1,000 on the line for the winner of the sportsman race – and 28 of the Maritimes top teams on the expected entry list – competition should be fierce during all 50 laps of the sportsman feature and in the qualifying heat races. There will also be heats and a feature for a 4-cylinder division, and for the first time ever Petty International Raceway will host Bandolero Car races.
The Bandolero Car is a turnkey, spec-series racer designed for drivers as young as eight years old and the young-at-heart at any age. At approximately 550 lbs. and with approximately 30 hp the Bandolero Car as grown to become perhaps the most popular entry-level race car in North America.
Dave O'Blenis, from Salisbury, was at Petty last weekend to practice not one, not two, but three cars, in preparation for the Canada Day show. O'Blenis will enter the sportsman race and his two daughters, Alexandra, 14, and Courtney, 12, will drive Bandoleros.
"It will make for a hectic day," said Dave O'Blenis, who raced in the MASCAR division at Petty in 1999 and 2000. "But we're really looking forward to racing so close to home. The new owners at Petty have done a phenomenal job at refurbishing the facility and it's good to see them so passionate about making every show unforgettable for the fans and the racers."
What is the chance of an O'Blenis hat trick on Friday?
"My car was decent when we practiced last weekend," said Dave O'Blenis. "Alexandra said her car felt good, too. Courtney said hers was off a bit; we found the problem and fixed it, so she should be fine."
The Canada Day show starts Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is just $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 8 to 15, and children seven and under get in free (when accompanied by an adult). Tickets are available at the box office starting at 5 p.m. when the grandstand opens. The pits open at 2 p.m.; pit admission is $20 and restricted to those 16 and older.
Petty International Raceway is located on Highway 106, just 40 km west of Moncton, New Brunswick. To learn more about Petty International Raceway, its location, admission, policies, history, and more, please visit www.pettyraceway.com. To receive current updates please follow us on Twitter (@pettyraceway_nb).
More Info: Joan Roué, for Petty Int'l Raceway | 902.444.0703
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