By: Ashley McCubbin

Going into the night at Merrittville Speedway, you could say there was a single question to be asked – could anyone beat Mike Bowman?

Mike Bowman

Bowman has solidified himself as a front runner in dirt, picking up multiple big-time victories the past couple seasons behind the wheel of a Sprint Car. His decision to return to 358 Modifieds in 2025 alongside the sprint had everyone wondering not if, but how many checkered flags he would accumulate this season.

He picked up another on Saturday night at Merrittville, dominating the Southern Ontario Sprint season opener. He came out of the gate fast, picking up the win in his heat race before drawing pole for the 30 lap feature. He then paced all the laps en route to his second victory in two weeks at the 5/8th mile after winning the season opener with his 358 Modified.

Bowman did not go unchallenged throughout the distance, though, with heat two winner Darren Dryden remaining within striking distance throughout the second half. It looked as though Dryden was going to make a move as they caught lap traffic in the final 10 laps, but a caution put his challenge for the top spot to an end.

Baily Heard rounded out the podium ahead of Todd Hoddick and top qualifier D.J Christie. Of note, Kyle Phillips won the opening heat, but blew the motor as he crossed the finish line.

Dave Bailey

The 358 Modifieds did not go as some expected, with last week’s winner Bowman unable to repeat the same feat once again.

This time, it’d be Justin Sharp holding off a hard charging Pete Bicknell for the checkered flag as the pair had a lengthy battle throughout the middle portion of the event back and forth. Gary Lindberg completed the podium ahead of Scott and Fred Carleton. Bowman started eighth off the pill draw, only able to gain a couple spots to sixth.

Jacob Dystra led the first half of the event and looked poised to score the victory in dominating fashion, but an issue brought those dreams to a halt. He would be scored 13th at the checkered flag.

The Hoosier Stocks had the closest battle for the win, backing up their thrilling opening event of the season. Jason Fontaine wasted no time finding his way to the front, but found himself with close company in the form of Dave Bailey. Bailey haunted the lead over the final eight laps, trying multiple times to get the run underneath Fontaine and pass him for the top spot. His advances came up short, though, as Fontaine scored the win. It marks a great rebound for Bailey, though, after having his motor go up in smoke during qualifying a week ago.

Mark Fawcett out-battled Kyle Pelrine for third, with Zach Bleich completing the top-five.

Ken Hair held off Randy Alway over the final five laps for the Mini Stock victory with Alex Riley in third ahead of Rod Goulding and Ray Cerenzia.

Josh Sliter picked up the win in the Modified Lites.