Brent Gleason celebrates victory in the Limited Sportsman feature Wednesday at Thompson Speedway
THOMPSON – On July 8 Brent Gleason came to Thompson Speedway on a mission to win in redemption for being disqualified from a Limited Sportsman victory at Thompson on May 21.
He did exactly what he wanted to do in grabbing victory that evening.
Wednesday the Lisbon driver once again came to the track on a dedicated mission, but one much more emotional than searching for redemption.
Gleason needed to win for his father, and he accomplished that goal.
After losing the lead to Shawn Monahan, Gleason rallied to win the 20-lap Limited Sportsman feature.
“My dad [Roger], this week, was diagnosed with a terminal illness,” Gleason said. “He was here tonight. And he’s getting bad. I had to win. I had to go win it. Nobody was going to beat me. I was going to get it back, no matter what.”
Monahan, of Waterford, was second and Al Stone III of Durham third.
After a number of hits from behind, Monahan overtook Gleason for the lead on lap 12. But on lap 15 Gleason was able to get back by Monahan and take the lead for good.
“He hit me so hard he blurred my vision a few times,” Gleason said. “I knew that my car was better on the long runs and I was getting back to him. I think he knew if I got back to him he would have got the same thing. … But I don’t know what happened to him in turn two. I just threw the thing underneath him. He defended in turn three pretty hard, but I got by him. I’m just glad it’s over.”
After the race Gleason said his brother Jesse, who finished 12th, had likely run his last event after 18 seasons in competition.
“I give it up to my dad and my brother,” Brent Gleason said. “… We may not have the best stuff but dammit we’re the best team, or at least we try to be.”
Randy Cabral of Plymouth, Mass. won the 25-lap NEMA Midget feature.
Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, R.I. won the 25-lap Late Model feature. Woody Pitkat of Stafford was second and John Lowinski-Loh of Milford, Mass. third.
Wayne Burroughs Jr. of Oakdale won the 15-lap Mini Stock feature. Nate Taylor of Wauregan was second and Jacob Perry of Pawcatuck third.
Well deserved win by one of the most underrated drivers in the division and at the track. Brent is an incredible competitor and I really hope someone sticks him in a Late Model soon… He definitely deserves it.
Pitkat won the late model race. Gentes was DQ’d
Thanks to and written well by someone that knows and respects our efforts in this division.
{Phil, I never thought of that, but I think he would win a lot of races if given the chance with a solid team.
Also I don’t think anyone can consider him underrated anymore considering the recent events. He may not be a past champion but he is now showed that he can be and is better. And he is more well liked and respected than some of the other past champion hacks.
Brent, you are that rare combination of gritty, determined competitor on the track, and one hell of a nice guy the rest of the time!! We (Phil and I) have watched the way you work, and how hard you (and your team/family) work, for every race. For that, you have easily earned our respect and admiration. Congratulations on EARNING another trip to victory lane! My thoughts and prayers are with your dad, you, and your family, during this difficult time.
Roger Gleason…We have never met but, having gotten to know Brent and Jesse, I’m betting that the apples don’t fall far from the tree! You have every right to be proud of those two! Keep fighting…we’re praying for you!