With mother nature seemingly giving us our first sniff of summer's potential arrival, Laird International Raceway was back in business for its fourth year Thursday night with the opening race of the season.
Two-time Super Late Model champion Rick Leonard was back to his old tricks by capturing the checkered flag in the feature race. Leonard was followed by Rob Hiiemaa and Rick Ellis in third place.
In the Super Stock feature, Rob Sartini claimed top position by edging out drivers George Wilson and Dennis Varcoe.
Jason Praysner, looking to avoid any sort of a sophomore jinx, followed up his 2001 Factory Stock rookie of the year award by winning the feature ahead of Mike Murphy and Parker Brockelbank.
The Pure Stock class also made its debut at Laird and Josh Haye carved his name in the record book by winning the inaugural feature race. Ray Golladay placed second followed by Dennis Aho.
Racing will continue next Thursday at Laird beginning at 7 p.m.