July 24th, 2006
Fredericton, NB - Brad Leighton, one of the most successful drivers in the
history of the Grand National Division, Busch East Series, has officially
announced that he will be attending the Irving Oil 250 at NBIS on Labour Day
Weekend. Just weeks after NASCAR veteran Johnny Benson announced his
intention to race in the event again, Leighton, a veteran driver in the
Northeastern United States and two-time champion of the Busch East Series
(formerly known as the Busch North Series), has officially announced that he
will be racing in the biggest pro stock event in the Canadian Maritimes on
the 2006 schedule.

A long proven track record will accompany the New Hampshire resident to
Fredericton. He's won championships just about everywhere he's raced,
starting with a Limited Sportsman Championship at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway
(ME) in 1990, followed by a Rookie-of-the-Year honours in the
American-Canadian Tour (ACT) in 1991 and an ACT championship in 1995. In
1996, Leighton successfully transitioned to what was then known as the Busch
North Series, garnering eight top-five finishes - more than any other rookie
in the history of the series. Two of those finishes were trips to victory
lane - tying such notables as Ricky Craven and Jerry Marquis for the most
wins in a single season during a rookie year. By 1999, Leighton had captured
his first ever Busch North Series Championship, then successfully defended
his title in 2000. He is currently second on the all-time winners with 24
victories.

Leighton's success extends to weekly series racing as well, earning a
remarkable four track championships at New Hampshire International Speedway,
the same elite superspeedway that hosts two Nextel Cup events each year. He
is also comfortable on road courses, having won at both Watkins Glen
International and Lime Rock Park road courses. He is currently racing a
limited schedule in Pro All Stars Series (PASS) and selected Busch Series
East events. Leighton will have Irving Oil and Coke on board as co-sponsors
of his car at the Fredericton event.

"Every year this event continues to grow and attract some of the best
drivers in the region, including the United States," said co-owner Chris
Johnston, "Brad adds a lot to the Irving Oil 250 not only because he's an
outstanding driver, but also because he comes with a great off-track
reputation armed with a colourful, fun-loving personality that attracts
fans, fellow competitors, and media."

Last year's Irving Oil 250 at New Brunswick International Speedway in
Fredericton, NB attracted one of the best fields of pro stock cars ever seen
at the facility with a record 39 cars attempted to qualify for 28 spots on
the starting grid. Although only six years old, the region's top pro stock
drivers regard the Irving Oil 250 race as the premier stock car event of the
season. A big purse, a great field of drivers, and a huge crowd are all
appealing elements of the event for drivers.

Please contact the New Brunswick International Speedway office
(506-455-3181) or info@nbisonline.com if you have any questions.