The cars tuned-up on the Pontiac-based track on Friday evening before races for Super Pro, Semi Pro and Jr. Dragster competitions took place on both Saturday and Sunday throughout the day.

Since having to delay the 2020 racing season due to COVID-19, the event was the triumphant return for the racetrack that has existed in Luskville since 1969.

Arnie Malcolm, owner of the dragway since 1982, was excited to be finally starting up after missing valuable months of activity.

“For a while there we couldn’t get across the river, and I mean I’ll be honest with you, many people felt the track would not open this year. And for a facility that relies on five months of the year to pay the bills, we’ve already lost one month.”

The track being open was a breath of fresh air for Liam Martin, a Kemptville-area resident who has been going to the dragway with his father since he was six years old.

“I was expecting the disappointment, so when we got the news it was breathtaking,” Martin said about the track being allowed to open. “We were supposed to race, but our car actually ended up blowing. It is what it is but you know at least I’m here. I’m always at home at the track.”

Meanwhile drivers like Gary Smith, a resident of the Cornwall-area, are glad to see the opportunity to race.

“It was looking bleak that’s for sure, but now we’re back and practicing safe distancing. It’s good to be back, it’s a big investment if it’s sitting in the garage.”

Smith has been racing on and off since 1998, having just got back into it last year after 18 years off.

Speaking before the weekend got underway, Malcolm acknowledged that it is a survival year for the dragway, but that they’ll make it through the year.

“We will survive, don’t kid yourself,” Malcolm said with confidence. “We will be around for many years to come I hope. We’ve had incredible support from racers and advertisers. We’ve only had one advertiser leave.”

In terms of the winners for the weekend, 2017 season opener winner Patrick Alarie won the Semi Pro on both days, Shelbie Seguin won the Jr. Dragster competitions on both days, and Derek Malcolm won the Super Pro on Saturday before Brandon Barker took it on Sunday.

Next up at the dragway will be Time Trials and Cruise Night this Saturday at 1 p.m. on June 27.

The Luskville Dragway had a successful opening to the 2020 racing season, attracting drivers and spectators from all over. There were races in the Super Pro, Semi Pro and Jr. Dragster classes on both Saturday and Sunday.

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