IWK 250 Entry List is Big – And Strong July 13, 2022 Regional JAMES RIVER, NS – The official entry list for the July 23 running of the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis is one of the biggest in the region since pre-COVID and boasts a strong collection of champions, race winners, and up-and-coming drivers. The list sees 27 top racers from six Canadian provinces and two U.S. states and includes numerous drivers with championships and major race wins on their resume. And they’ll all be vying for the $15,000 winners share of the $100, 000+ purse – the biggest ever in the region, at one of Canada’s most iconic stock car races Leading the way is NASCAR Truck Series champion Mike Skinner who will make his first-ever racing appearance in eastern Canada, driving the popular Cat Car for Kids. IWK 250 champions on the list include local favourite Donald Chisholm as well as two of the winningest drivers ever in the region John Flemming and Wayne Smith. All three drivers are also Pro Stock Tour champions. Flemming is a two-time IWK 250 champion (2012 & 2014) and five-time Pro Stock Tour champion. Smith is the 2009 IWK 250 champion, a six-time Maritime Pro Stock touring series champion, and the 2021 World Series of Asphalt Sportsman champion. Both Flemming and Smith will make their first pro stock starts this year. Other Pro Stock Tour champions in the mix for the $15,000-to-win prize include Dylan Blenkhorn, Cole Butcher, and Craig Slaunwhite. Two drivers tout “south-of-the-border” wins this year, Butcher with a PASS SLM victory at Oxford Plains Speedway (Maine), and Austin MacDonald who visited Victory Circle at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in April’s Northeast Classic. MacDonald drives for King Racing, winners of the 2019 edition of the IWK 250 (with Cassius Clark in the seat). As a bucket-list event for racers far and wide, the IWK 250 has attracted racers from Ontario with Dwayne Baker and Maine’s Wyatt Alexander who will drive a car fielded by Vincent-Lambe-Garnier Racing, a two-time IWK 250 championship team with Kent Vincent at the wheel. Two Nova Scotia natives who now call Alberta home will make the trek eastward, brothers Chris Reid and Kyle Reid. Kyle is the most recent pro stock winner at Riverside. Many others have entered the event hoping to become the next IWK 250 champion. EXPECTED ENTRY LIST* (as of July 13) 1. (08) Nicholas Naugle, Dartmouth, NS 2. (0) Matt Vaughan, Lantz, NS 3. (1) Ryan Messer, Harvey, NB 4. (2) Ashton Tucker, Strathadam, NB 5. (9) John Rankin, Quispamsis, NB 6. (13) Austin MacDonald, Pictou, NS 7. (22) Mike Skinner, Port Orange, Florida 8. (25) Ryan Vanoirschot, Antigonish, NS 9. (28) Wyatt Alexander, Ellsworth, Maine 10. (29) Greg Proude, Springvale, PE 11. (30) Stephen Lively, Shubenacadie, NS 12. (31) Chris Reid, Fort McMurray, AB 13. (36) Gary Elliott, Murray Siding, NS 14. (40) Robbie MacEwen, Charlottetown, PE 15. (41) Mike Rodgers, Pineglen, NB 16. (42) Kyle Reid, Fort McMurray, NS 17. (44) Wayne Smith, Timberlea, NS 18. (48) Dwayne Baker, Stayner, ON 19. (48) Waylon Farrell, Conception Bay South, NL 20. (51) Mark Leclair, Brackley Beach, PE 21. (53) Cole Butcher, Hantsport, NS 22. (54) Jarrett Butcher, Porter’s Lake, NS 23. (67) Dylan Blenkhorn, Truro, NS 24. (88) Russell Smith Jr., Lakeside, NS 25. (89) Donald Chisholm, Antigonish, NS 26. (97) John Flemming, Halifax, NS 27. (99) Craig Slaunwhite, Terence Bay, NS *Based on registrations received and subject to change without notice. Entry lists for racing on Friday, July 22 are also among the biggest and strongest regionally since pre-COVID with 29 registered for the NAPA Auto Parts/Henry’s Autopro 100 for the Auto World Allstar Sportsman Series and 20 on the expected entry list for the Redline Sports 50 for the Cross Roads Legends Tour. Complete entry lists for these divisions can be found at www.riversidespeedway.ca. Winning the IWK 250 is a highlight of any driver’s racing career. Not only do get the lifelong recognition of being an IWK 250 champion but their name is etched on the revered John W. Chisholm Memorial Cup along with all the others who have won the ‘250’ at Riverside since its inception in 1977 – a who’s who list of short track legends. The Cup is a tribute to the founder of Riverside and co-founder of the IWK 250, the late John “Nova” Chisholm, making it even more special. The IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis is the grand finale of the IWK 250 Super Weekend. On Thursday, July 21 fans will get a sneak peek of IWK 250 competitors in a late afternoon Test’N’Tune followed by the popular IWK 250 Tailgate Party featuring Cape Breton’s party band – High Society. On Friday, fans will be treated to a big night of racing with the Auto World Allstar Sportsman Series and the Cross Roads League of Legends. Saturday it’s all IWK 250 with practice at 11:30, qualifying races at 3:30 followed by the autograph session and opening ceremonies. Green flag for the main event is set for 7:30 p.m. Single-day tickets and weekend passes for the IWK 250 Super Race Weekend are available at www.riversidespeedway.ca or by visiting the Riverside office in Antigonish at the Post Road Plaza (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Besides a $5 savings advance tickets offer fans expedited contactless entry on race day. General admission single-day tickets will be available at the gate on race days. Camping reservations must be made in advance for the IWK 250 Super Weekend (no drive ups) and are also available at www.riversidespeedway.ca. The IWK 250 is a championship points race with the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour (PST), round seven of 12 for the 2022 campaign. Since its inception in 2007, the IWK 250 has helped raise awareness and more than $500,000 for the IWK Foundation. Riverside Speedway opened in 1969 under the helm of Antigonish businessman John Chisholm. It was sold in 1989 and bought back by Mr. Chisholm late in 2005, rebuilt in 2006, and rebranded Riverside International Speedway. Still owned by the Chisholm family, the popular 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval has provided generations of race fans with some of the best stock car racing entertainment in North America for over 50 years. Fans can keep up with Riverside news all year long by visiting www.RiversideSpeedway.ca, subscribing to the email newsletter, and following social media accounts on Facebook (riversidespeedwayns) and Twitter (Riverside_NS). About Riverside International Speedway: For over 50 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home of the IWK 250 – widely known as the best stock-car race in Canada. Located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410.
