Bonfield Event Park hosts test and tune event for drag racers

Northern Ontario drag racing to reopen with change Watch Jessica Gosselin's interview with Lisa Groves of Bonfield Event Park about changes coming as northern Ontario drag racing resumes.

BONFIELD — As many continue to struggle due to financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, so too has the Bonfield Event Park.

It's been a tough go for the owners of the popular event venue. Its highly popular flea market was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.

But despite that, they didn't want the year to go to waste. The park was allowed to invite some drag drivers and their crews to up come up to put the track to good use for a physically distanced test and tune weekend.

"The guys have been working on their cars in hopes to get that extra maybe full second or tenth of a second on the drag strip," said owner Lisa Groves.

Approximately 90 racers packed up their cars and made the trip up to Bonfield from all across the Ontario and even Quebec. Some are staying for most of the weekend to get in as much racing as they can.

"A lot us just build up our cars just to love it," said Peter Laliberte, a Sudbury-based racer. "If it wasn't for all the volunteers who came out here, we wouldn't have had it done."

Dave Turner from the Newmarket area has been racing since 1974. It's his first time on this particular strip.

"As we get a little older, we do it more for the fun and the people that we meet at the race track," said Turner, while inspecting his car. "Two weeks ago, I won my first race in our series. A win is always exciting."

Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the park is not allowing any spectators over the course of the weekend, except for family members. The park is optimistic restrictions will loosen soon and the area will be vibrant once again.

"It's a hurry up and wait. We have to wait and see what the next stage is going to bring us," said Groves.

But for now, Groves said that she's happy to see the racers use her track to have the chance to put the pedal to the medal.