Saratoga Speedway presented Eve of Destruction for the first time on Saturday. Carmageddon Stunt team driver Alex Benyuk, the Ukrainian Sensation, plowed his blacked-out F150 through a stack of three mini vans.
Benyuk also took part in the fan favourite Crash to Pass boat race, which saw him jump his little Dodge Neon over the ramp as well after the race was over. Eight cars entered into one of the most entertaining boat races at the track in years, and after the fibreglass had settled, Sheldon Hopp sailed away with his first ever Crash to Pass boat victory.
The Hornet cars and the Roadrunners joined into the fun as well Saturday, with Courtenay KIA and Saratoga’s new KIA Optima Pace car sponsoring the night of carnage.
Hornet and Roadrunner dash wins went to Garrett Ann-Rosner, Darren Monk and Austen Hack, who claimed his first ever win at the track.
Hopp set the tone for the boat race to follow by winning the heat race in the Crash to Pass division. The Roadrunner heat win went to Nick Leavitt, and Hornets heats saw wins by Jacob Ferrier, Wesley Pheaton — another first-timer winner — Rowland Westra, Taylor Pheaton, and Kevin Lawrenuk, who was racing for his last time before heading to the Air Force.
Hopp again dominated the field in the 20-lap Crash to Pass main, holding on to take home an action-packed event that saw only three cars finish.
In the Hornet B main, Dana Vogel led the first six laps until points leader Westra made his move and took over for his fourth main event win of the year. Shawn Allen followed in second and Carter Hintz finished third.
The Roadrunner class was again dominated by Ryan Guest, who got his car back to form after early mechanical issues and raced to his sixth straight main event win. Devon Degraag placed second and Tristen Zeinstra third. The Hornet A main turned into a sibling rivalry as Jennifer Lawrenuk held the lead for 15 laps before brother Kevin capitalized on lap traffic and moved around his sister to take the lead for good. Jennifer held on to finish second, and Glenn White placed third.
Extra laps … This weekend marks Round 3 of Drag Racing, Drifting, and Time Attack at Saratoga. The Dwarf cars have also been added on to the card for a play date.
