THOROLD, Ontario — A night at the races is always a great time. But a night at the races with a big firework show is even better, and that’s what Merrittville Speedway did to celebrate Victoria Day on Monday, May 19.

Gary Lindberg showed the way in the 358 Modifieds, making his way to the front after starting 11th to pace the last half of the feature en route to the checkered flag. Mike Bowman came from eighth for a runner-up, ahead of Shayne Pierce, Brad Rouse, and Nelson Mason. Scott Wood started up front, fading back from third to sixth, in front of Justin Sharp, Pete Bicknell, Paul Gaboury, and Ken Winfield.

Only 11 cars made it to the checkered flag as the middle portion was filled with a slew of caution flags, including a couple pile-ups on the ensuing restarts taking out several competitors. Of note, Darrell Farraway was the early leader until his motor went up in smoke down the frontstretch into turn one.

The Dirt Crate Motors were not smoother, unfortunately, with some drama of their own. A couple restarts were called back due to drivers jumping them, with officials eventually moving Brady Wonderling off the front row, back to inside of row two. Brian McDonald inherited the lead as a result of the decision, and that was all it took. He was able to hold off Wonderling and Charlie Sandercock in the final laps to capture the checkered flag. Wonderling did stop McDonald in the pits to express his displeasure.

Brandon Mowat made a late-race charge for fourth ahead of Jonah Mutton, Steve Baldwin, Nathan Rinaldi, Brandt Graham, and Austin King.

Starting on the front row, Dave Bailey was slick throughout his feature, keeping his line nice and tight to the bottom as he put a couple car lengths between himself and competition. He was able to pace all 25 laps en route to the checkered flag ahead of Mark Fawcett. Ryan Beagle made the late-race pass for third in front of Rob Murray and Kyle Pelrine. Tyler French was sixth, followed by Jason Fontaine, Brock Gregory, Carter Rhodes, and Ryan Dinning.

Alex Riley would get alongside Mason Anderson in the late stages, with the pair battling side-by-side right to the checkered flag as Riley was credited with the win by a nose. Ken Hair, Hana Rothwell, and Cierra Keus completed the top-five in front of Tony Kelly, Randy Alway, Joshua Dmytrow, Savannah Fontaine, and Cameron Olm.