Wicke, Hinbest lead Quick 32 Sportsman Series qualifying at Grand Bend

Courtesy of Quick 32

GRAND BEND, ONTARIO – Kevin Wicke and Michael Hinbest bested a large field in the latest round of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts during the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Wicke, of Stratford, Ontario, took the top qualifying spot in the Marydel Homes qualifying session for the Top Sportsman side of the Series. Driving his 2006 Dodge Stratus, Wicke, last year’s Quick 32 champion, posted a 6.824-second, 200.62-mph pass to lead the field.

On the Top Dragster side of the Marydel Homes qualifying session, Hinbest, of Orangeville, Ontario, powered his Mike Bos dragster to a 6.287-second, 221.72-mph posting.

Following Hinbest in the 16-car field is Jim McCann of Stratford, Ontario with a 6.381, 211.56, and next is Peter Edwards of Honeoye, NY, with a 6.396, 220.42. Scott Wildgust of Wartburg, Ontario qualified fourth and Melanie Simmons of Orillia, Ontario, qualified fifth.

Second behind Wicke is Bill Dineen of Goderich, Ontario with a 6.880, 203.20, and third is Fred DeJong of Puslinch, Ontario with a 6.944, 199.77.

Qualifying fifth in the 16-car Top Sportsman field was Spencer Hyde of Stratford, Ontario, and fifth was Paul Martin of Breslau, Ontario.

Steve Parkhurst of Belleville, Ontario, Darryl McMillen of Goderich, Ontario, Tom Orr of Shawville, Quebec, Darrin Grubb of Pine River, Ontario, and Mike Digby of Stirling, Ontario qualified in the sixth to tenth spots respectively.

Qualifying sixth in Top Dragster was James Lichty of Linwood, Ontario, followed by Jim Rubino of Buffalo, NY, John Flanigan of East Aurora, NY, Jamie Bridge of Napanee, Ontario, and Peter Hyde of Stratford, Ontario.

Qualifying in the Pro Modified Racing Association was also held at Grand Bend, and Mike Stawicki of Medina, NY leads the Pro Modifieds, followed by Gary Irving of Toronto, Ontario, and Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario.

Round one of eliminations is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 8.