5/7/2025
Great Lakes Lightning Sprints
Great Lakes Lightning Sprints Set to Ignite 2025 Season
The Great Lakes Lightning Sprints (GLLS) are charging into the 2025 season with momentum, talent, and a stacked roster ready to battle it out on dirt tracks across Michigan and Ohio.
The season officially kicks off Saturday, May 10th at Silver Bullet Speedway in Owendale, MI.
Leading the charge is Justin Ward of Benzonia, MI — a multi-time GLLS champion who once again looks to defend his place at the top after another dominant run in 2024.
One of the biggest offseason headlines came from Jacob Sabaj of Cournna, MI. After being named 2023 Rookie of the Year and winning more than five features in 2024, Sabaj announced his transition to USAC D2 Midget racing, officially parting ways with the #21 JSR Lightning Sprint.
“It’s been such an amazing journey running with the Great Lakes Lightning Sprints,” said Sabaj. “We’ve made unforgettable memories and lifelong friends. Now we’re onto our next journey, pulling the wings off and taking our shot in the USAC D2 ranks.”
With Sabaj’s departure, the championship door swings wide open — and a talented field is ready to step up.
Here’s a look back at last year’s top 10 drivers in the points standings:
Justin Ward – Benzonia, MI
Jacob Sabaj – Cournna, MI
Noah Wilfong – Wayland, MI
Bill Dunham – Boyne Falls, MI
Arlie Cooper Jr. – Bear Lake, MI
Dalton Pipgras – Byron, MI
Bobby Miller – South Boardman, MI
Chad Colley – Davison, MI
Avery Neal – Brooklyn, MI
Geoff Miller – Lake Ann, MI (2024 Rookie of the Year)
These drivers made up the top 10 in 2024, but they’re far from the only competitors to watch. The 2025 field includes a deep and diverse lineup of talent from all over Michigan and Ohio, and fans can expect fierce battles up and down the standings all season long.
Also returning this year is fan-favorite announcer Matthew Rigert, whose voice has become synonymous with GLLS race nights. His podcast, “4th and Wrecked,” will take fans even deeper into the action with driver interviews, feature highlights, and more.
The 2025 GLLS season is set to deliver high-speed excitement, breakout performances, and the grassroots energy fans have come to love.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and for our 2025 schedule and points race, go to www.greatlakeslightningsprints.com.
We’d like to thank our other sponsors that make our traveling series a reality:
MacAllister Rentals
Beacon and Bridge Markets
Chaney Creek Construction
Double W Oil Field Services, Inc
Specialty Fuels & Logistics
Operating Engineers 324
Article Credit: Brooke K. Pulice