Feature Article July 24, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home"Redneck 500" A Real Dust-up
Northbrook- A motorized roller derby came to town on Saturday, July 19, and when the event was over, an estimated 300 fans had been treated to an afternoon of noisy and fast-paced, albeit, dusty action. While final figures have not yet been compiled, the first Redneck 500 lawn mower races held here appear to have been a modest financial success for their sponsors, the Land OLakes Lions Club. The meet attracted racers from as far away as Pembroke, Kingston and Cobourg, but many smaller villages in between made their presence known via skilful driving representatives. The function provided knuckle-biting entertainment when the machines got into a few mix-em-ups, and while there were roll-overs and rear-enders, the worst reported after effect was a sprained thumb.
Due to the number of entrants, there were even more races than had been advertised, as several of the classes went to run-off heats followed by finals. The Junior class got the track warmed up, with Matt Tebworth of Tweed taking first place, followed by Tyson Kennedy of Pembroke and Frank Nabert from Cobourg. Honourable mention and an award ribbon went to Garland Conley of Frankford who, despite being the youngest and smallest rider of the day, showed real trouper spirit. First place trophy sponsor was Station Diner in Arden, while Cloynes Bishop Lake Tent and Trailer Park provided medallions for second and third in class. The Powder Puff race saw two entrants, with Tanya Sooley of Kingston taking home the Sniders Sand and Gravel (Cloyne) trophy after besting Wendy Conley from Frankford.
Then came time to break out the big boys toys, beginning with the 4 to 8 HP run.
Here, Todd MacMillan of Madoc took the checkered flag, followed by John Tebworth of Tweed and Rod Conley from Frankford, for trophies sponsored by Cloynes A & J Small Engine Repairs.
As the horsepower increased, so did the appearance of competitiveness. After two hot and heavy qualifying rounds in the 8 to 12 HP class, Ardens Rod Easton went wheel to wheel to best Stirlings Rob Tebworth and Rod Conley to the finish line in the final run-off, with the trio garnering first to third shiny accolades sponsored by Bence Ford Motors of Kaladar.
With the dust settling after two heats and a final in the 12 to 20 HP races, Rod Easton again carried off first place gold from Manions Sales and Service in Plevna, while Dave Postma of Kingston took Cloynes Nowell Motors second place trophy. Rounding out the class for third was Doug Tebworth from Frankford, who went home with shiny hardware donated by Kaladar Auto Parts.
A full slate of entrants again required two run-offs in the Open class, with the checkered flag in the final falling for Doug Tebworth, Rod Easton and Dave Postma. TNT Sound Systems from Frankford put up the trophies for this last race on the oval track. Then it was on to the Drag Races, where Rod Conley, Dave Postma and Rob Tebworth topped out the competition for mementoes provided by Sniders Petrocan and Tims Auto Body, both from Cloyne.
Judging by the results of this first-time function, and in feedback from racers and spectators, the Redneck 500 certainly shows potential to becoming an annual event. To all the sponsors, supporters and contributors, racers, fans, our local media and work volunteers, thank you for coming out and pitching in. We couldnt have done it without you!
