Greg Cybulski, WINNIPEG, MB (February 7, 2011) The Northern Lightning Sprint Association will crown a new champion in 2011. Two-time king of the hill, Roland Bernard will not lose his crown in a battle to the finish on the last race of the season. Bernard is parking his #2 Lightning Sprint this year to devote time and energy to his life as a married man with his new bride Janell.
The vacated crown will also mean a wide open battle royal for the 2011 Northern Lightning Sprint championship.
For the past two seasons, dirt track racing fans have been witness to one of the most competitive, dedicated and intelligent representatives of Winnipeg's racing scene. On race day, Bernard and his team were focused, prepared and brought their 'A' game every time they were at Red River Co-op Speedway. In the inaugural NLSA season of 2009, the #2 Sprinter made regular appearances in victory lane with dominating performances. From the first green flag of Spring to the final checkered flag of Autumn, nobody could consistently come close to his performance level.
In year two, Roland once again showed the way with strong performances, however, he would add a new weapon to his game. Mired near the back of the pack to start features, he fought his way to the front and found ways to win. This was not something that could be taught. This was the determination and confidence of a defending champion who realized what it would take to win. Seemingly unfazed by Amber Balcaen's close run for the 2010 championship, Bernard ran a near-perfect season to remain the NLSA's lone champion.
His life outside of racing will take top priority this year and for that Roland Bernard has his head on straight. For as exciting and attractive as racing is, coming home to those closest to you is the most important thing in life. At the end of the day, it's all that really matters.
While Bernard is just beginning this new chapter of his life, he is proving to be a winner both on and away from the track.
About the Northern Lightning Sprint Association:
Created in September of 2008, the Northern Lightning Sprint Association is a rapidly growing organization committed to the creation and maintenance of safe, fast, fun, and affordable open wheel racing. Many of the organization’s members are dedicated to helping charities such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Cancer Care of Manitoba. More information can be found at http://www.nlsprints.com
