Brad Leighton

• Birthdate: June 12, 1962
• Residence: Center Harbor, NH
• Marital Status: Wife, Lynn
• Children: Nick, Brent

Brad Leighton is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Grand National Division, Busch East Series. A self-starter, both on and off the track, Leighton has achieved milestones that only some drivers can dream of. His colorful, fun-loving personality attracts fondness from fans, fellow competitors, and media. But despite his uplifting personality, obvious talent, and incredible determination it didn’t all come without hard work. Brad Leighton has earned his place and title as champion.

From humble beginnings, Leighton proved he had the fire needed to be a competitor on the tough Busch East Series. Like many kids, Brad looked up to his older brother, who raced snowmobiles, while growing up. Despite Brad’s best efforts, he could not receive permission from his father to join along in the competitions. He had no other alternative: sneak out of the house and do it anyway. The two Leighton brothers finished very well and were featured in the local paper the next day – making it difficult to keep from his father.

Brad doesn’t have to sneak around when he races anymore. After earning a Limited Sportsman Championship at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in 1990, Leighton moved on to the American-Canadian Tour in 1991 where he earned Rookie-of-the-Year. Four short years later, Leighton had achieved the ACT Championship.

In 1996, Leighton and his team embarked on a new challenge: the Busch East Series. In only their first year of competition, the team achieved 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.

Leighton worked to improve on his already impressive performances and in 1999 earned the crown jewel of them all: the Busch East Series Championship. He defended that title the following season and is now second on the list of all-time winners with 24 victories. In addition, Leighton’s strong performances on New Hampshire International Speedway have earned him a remarkable four track championships at the most elite super speedway on the series schedule.

In 2003, Leighton left GRIZCO Racing to run a limited schedule in the No. 35. There he was able to nail down a win at New Hampshire International Speedway, boast three top-five’s and an impressive four top-10’s in only five starts. They returned for the 2004 season even stronger and Leighton accomplished personal milestones with wins at both Watkins Glen International road course and Lime Rock Park road course.

Championships and Special Awards

2000, 1999
Busch East Series, NASCAR Touring Champion
Brad Leighton achieved back-to-back Championships in one of NASCAR’s most respected and talented divisions.

2002, 2001, 2000, 1998
Lincoln Electric/ARCO Welding Supply Track Champion
Leighton is one of a select group to win the New Hampshire International Speedway track championship and an even more exclusive club of those who have won it four times.

1996
Busch East Series, NASCAR Touring Division Rookie-of-the-Year
Brad Leighton raised the bar on rookie performances when he won two races and achieved eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in only his first year with the Busch East Series (then Busch-North). Leighton’s achievements earned him $102,785 in proceeds and the coveted Rookie-of-the-Year title.

1995
American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion
Leighton again made his progression from rookie contender to Champion in only four short years on the American-Canadian Tour.

1991
American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Rookie-of-the-Year

1990
Limited Sportsman Champion
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (ME)

Brad Leighton's Busch East Series Firsts