Coming off of a fantastic night of racing 1 week earlier, July 17th’s show had no shortage of racers looking to continue their hot streaks, while others were desperate to right their ship and put their 2010 campaign back on course.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks kicked off the festivities, with a full field of 27-cars taking to the track for their customary 25-lap A Main. All eyes were on rookie Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) to see if the second generation driver could lock up his third victory in as many starts. Although his Donaldson Racing Stable teammate Kevin Vande Beek (No. 51 Custom Steering/Highland Collision Centre Nissan) proved to be a worthy adversary through qualifying. Entering the A Main, both drivers were looking to complete their hat trick, after heading to victory lane in each of their qualifying heat races.
Dan ‘The Bandit’ Britt (No. 41 Douglas Ford Collision Centre/Dr. Parts of Barrie Honda) utilized his second row starting position to glide into the lead on lap 1, and would hold the position for the first 7 circuits, before succumbing to pressure from a surging Vande Beek. While the Aurora, ON product began to distance himself from the rest of the field, his DRS teammate struggled to weave his way through the superbly talented field, before finding Vande Beek’s bumper shortly before the halfway mark.
A mid-race caution would cluster the field together and again the teammates departed from the rest of the pack, dodging and weaving their way through lapped traffic. Vande Beek appeared to be the clear favourite, but the final restart of the event would line Donaldson up on his outside, giving the 2-time defending winner a last chance at making the pass for the lead.
With Vande Beek leading off of the restart, Donaldson would find his opening on the final turn of the final lap. As Vande Beek slipped up high to avoid a lapped car exiting turn-4, Donaldson dive-bombed to the bottom of the racetrack in a last ditch effort for the win. At the checkered flag, Vande Beek would hold on to the lead by a bumper, with Donaldson a close second, Nicole Podewils (No. 79 Active Green + Ross/Fox’s Bakery and Deli Ford) would complete the top-3.
In victory lane, Vande Beek was quick to admit, “I still have alot to learn. And I definitely still have alot to work on, but it really helps to have guys like Kyle [Donaldson] and Stompin’ Tom [Walters] in my corner giving me pointers.”
When asked about the lapped traffic that plagued him for much of the race, Vande Beek laughed, “It does get a little more difficult with the lappers everywhere. I saw the [27 car] coming off of the final turn on the last lap and just thought ‘For the love of God please just keep going’. But its something you just have to deal with.”
The Tim-BR Mart Super Stocks were up next, with many competitors and fans still reeling from Chance Isherwood’s surprise victory only 7 days earlier. With point leader Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Co. Monte Carlo) and many other perennial contenders starting deep in the field, attention was drawn to Isherwood (No. 35 Chris Wheery Snap-On Dealer/Mr. Sub @ Yonge & Little Impala) to see if the underdog could manage two in a row.
An early race caution would remove Isherwood from the race, though another exciting prospect was more than willing to take over as the underdog favourite; ‘Kid Ruckus’ Ryan Semple (No. 64 Anderson Sheet Metal/Lucas Oil Camaro) dominated the first half of the race. The Loretto, ON youngster rolled off in the pole position, and led for the first 22 laps, at times battling side-by-side with his mentor Flyin’ Frank Davey (No. 49 Bradford Print Shoppe/Grass Pro Plus Camaro) to the delight of the packed grandstands.
As the leaders battled, so too did a pair of former champions, with Donaldson and ‘The Deuce’ Dave Doucette (No. 44 Xtreme Auto Machine/Simcoe Auto Recyclers 300C) methodically cutting their way through the pack from their deep field starting position. Donaldson would slip past Doucette for the third position at lap 22, with Doucette making contact with the point leader a straightaway later, spinning the #53 and sending both cars to the tail of the field.
With Donaldson and Doucette seemingly out of contention, the top 3 –along with the dynamic of the race, itself – was shaken up completely. Semple still lead, with Davey pressuring, but young upstart Matt Bentley (No. 21 Thring Race Car Fabrication/Gary Bentley Motorsports Nova) now completed the top-3.
The ensuing restart saw Davey get the job on his protégé, with Bentley following, relegating Semple to the third position by lap 23. A single circuit later, Bentley would wrestle the lead from Davey, looking to become only the third winner in the Super Stock division so far in 2010. The Acton, ON native would withstand a series of late-race Davey charges, holding on for his first ever Sunset Speedway A-Main victory. Following Bentley to the stripe were Davey, Paul Maltese (No. 28 Graham Contracting & Landscaping Monte Carlo), the returning Mark Adams (No. 51 Rankin’s Auto Monte Carlo) and early leader Semple.
After climbing from his car, amidst a barrage of hugs and high fives from excited family members, Bentley exclaimed, “This is absolutely amazing! It took a lot of patience, I still can’t quite believe I pulled that off. Let me tell you, Kyle Donaldson has been the fastest car in the province so far, and this is the most talented field in the province right now, and coming from 18th every night isn’t easy...but we finally did it!”
Bentley would continue on to thank the fans that have supported him, along with his dedicated crew of family, including his brother, Flamboro Speedway Pro Late Model driver Mike `Lights Out` Bentley.
The CGC Sheetrock Limited Late Models would close the night out, and for the 25 of the 30 laps, the A Main would double as `The Rob Poole Show`. That`s because the Cookstown, ON diehard, who`s been battling a run of bad luck longer than the Boston Marathon, would lead all but the first 5 laps to earn his first victory since opening night 2009.
Second-generation driver Jamie Horner (No. 14 Horner Chassis & Automotive Chevrolet) paced the field early on, and after surrendering the lead to Poole would have phenomenal battles with both `The Bully` Dwayne Baker (No. 48 Zancor Custom Homes/B&B Towing Chevrolet) and Stompin` Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet).
After Poole cleared Horner, he would see Jason Witty (No. 19 Matco Tools/LaRue`s Haulage Chevrolet) pull to his rear bumper several times, though `The Professional` did not appear in danger of losing his lead at any time.
Upon climbing from his car in victory lane, a visibly exhausted Poole smiled, ``Boy it feels good to finally get one. These guys behind me have worked so hard on this car, I owe everything to them, my family and my wife for sticking by and supporting me, without all of them this absolutely wouldn’t have been possible``
The 3-time Super Stock champion continued, ``We`ve been fighting a loose race car for a couple of weeks now, but tonight it seemed to come together real nice. I saw Jason coming and knew he was fast, I was just happy we were the faster car tonight``
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Kevin Vande Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 2: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: Dave Glaze Angus, ON
HEAT 4: Kevin Vande Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 5: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 6: Dave Glaze Angus, ON
B Main: Ben Melenhorst Stayner, ON
A MAIN:
1) Kevin Vande Beek Aurora, ON
2) Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
3) Nicole Podewils Barrie, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: `The Munster` Donny Munce Barrie, ON
HEAT 2: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT3: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: Jason Elliott Angus, ON
HEAT 5: Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
HEAT 6: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
B MAIN: Paul Maltese Innisfil, ON
A MAIN:
1) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
2) Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
3) Paul Maltese Innisfil, ON
4) Mark Adams Burlington, ON
5) `Kid Ruckus` Ryan Semple Loretto, ON
LTD. LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: `The Bully`Dwayne Baker Stayner, ON
HEAT 2: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
HEAT 3: `Mr. Excitement` Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 4: Tyler Liscum New Lowell, ON
A MAIN:
1) `The Professional Rob Poole` Cookstown, ON
2) Jason `Bam Bam` Witty Queensville, ON
3) `The Gravedigger` Jamie Horner Bowmanville, ON
4) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
5) `Hollywood` Taylor Holdaway Orillia, ON
By Spencer Lewis
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Showing posts with label Tom Walters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Walters. Show all posts
Isherwood Breaks Streak, Watson Notches Win Number Three Sunset Speedway Race Report July 10th, 2010
Isherwood Breaks Streak; Watson Notches Win Number Three
Spencer Lewis
With summer heating up and mid-season approaching, drivers in all three of Sunset’s home-track divisions are beginning to put together the necessary hot streaks to take a run at the coveted 2010 championship.
By the time the lights went out on July 10th, the Sunset faithful welcomed a points leader back to victory lane, witnessed an underdog’s defeat of a giant and discovered the next generation of one of the track’s most competitive divisions.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks kicked off the action on Canadian Tire night, bringing a field of 23 cars to the 3/8ths mile for their 25-lap A Main.
Defending race winner Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) found himself starting mid-pack, allowing for a pair of fresh faces to share time in the limelight whilst pacing the talent-laden field.
Former Super Stock competitor Dean Curry (No. 09 Dinsmore Auto Wreckers/Two Chicks with Eggs Dodge) would spend time at the front through the first 7 laps, though a train of Nissan 240sxs including defending track champion Doug Butler, Ben Melenhorst and the aforementioned Ken Donaldson Jr., was quickly cutting its way through the pack en route to Curry’s back bumper.
Melenhorst (No. 26 The Tire Guys Nissan) would become the first of the trio to storm the gate, and would carry the lead for a single lap, before Donaldson slipped by, immediately working towards a 3-car length lead.
As Donaldson stretched his lead, a phenomenal battle began to heat up in his rearview, pitting Butler (No. 10 RSA Auto Parts/Jeff’s Towing Nissan) and familiar foe Warren Paxton (No. 33 CB Services of Newmarket/Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood Honda).
Paxton would gain the upper hand, and as the curtain fell for the Mini Stocks, Donaldson collected his second win in as many starts, followed by Paxton, Butler, Terry Clodd (No. 34 ShipCanada.ca/Rosstech Automotive Honda) and Ben Melenhorst.
When questioned about his winning ride’s setup for the evening, Donaldson explained, “The track conditions were almost identical between last Saturday and tonight. We went with pretty much the exact same setup, and it just worked really well”
The second-generation wheelman continued, “We went back to the shop and watched the tape from my win last week, because I still felt as though I had alot to learn. I sat down with [younger brother and Super Stock points leader] Kyle and he explained that I’m still not showing enough patience. So I definitely tried to implement that into my gameplan tonight”
As the oldest of the Donaldson brothers set the first winning streak of his career in motion, his younger brother looked to extend the longest in his decade of competition.
Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Co. Monte Carlo) entered the evening on a 7-race Sunset Speedway winning streak, looking for his incredible 8th straight home-track victory.
By virtue of being the division’s points leader, Donaldson would depart from the 18th starting position, behind one of the most talented assemblies of talent the speedway has seen all season.
With the majority of the Tim-BR Mart Super Stock division’s perennial contenders being faced with the daunting task of manoeuvring their way through the pack, the early stages of the event were wide open for a number of talented prospects.
Enter Chance Isherwood. The Utopia, ON upstart made his Sunset debut several weeks into the 2010 season, coming off of a 2009 campaign that saw the former Kawartha Speedway Mini Stock champion sit on the sidelines as a result of a lack of sponsorship dollars.
At the drop of the green, Isherwood wasted little time capitalizing on his front pack starting position, as he relieved early leader Ryan Semple (No. 64 Lucas Oil/Anderson Sheet Metal Camaro) of his post only 3 laps into the 30-lap A Main.
In weeks past, Donaldson has been able to utilize a slick gameplan of bobbing and weaving around his adversaries, utilizing caution periods to ensure the field is unable to pull too far away from the #53’s front bumper.
However, this evening was much different, as early contact with Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Sergio’s Pizza/Simcoe Barge & Break Wall Nova) left Donaldson looking as though he was missing a step or two in comparison to the weeks gone by.
As ‘Wheely’ struggled, Isherwood excelled. The sophomore Super Stock driver had worked to a half-straightaway lead by the halfway mark, almost doubling the feat as the field received the ‘2 laps to go’ signal.
Just as Donaldson had made his way to the 6th position – mere inches outside of the top-5 – Isherwood crossed the start line, unopposed, for the biggest win of his young career; Edward Cole, Flyin’ Frank Davey, Matt Bentley and ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon completed the fast five.
In victory lane, almost overcome with emotion, Isherwood made one thing clear, “This is absolutely incredible to win like this. This is for my crew, my sponsors, my friends, everyone that’s supported me and all of the fans. Thank you!”
When asked his thoughts heading into the night’s event, Isherwood admitted, “We weren’t too sure the car was even going to be competitive tonight. We were just out to make some laps and pick up points, to be honest. But then I got to the lead, then all of a sudden I’m in lapped traffic, passing cars”
“Kyle Donaldson is the fastest car in the province. And this is the toughest division in the province. So to be here right now is pretty amazing. You know, everyone underestimates us boys from Utopia, but we’re here now. Hopefully everyone is taking notice, because we’re going right back to the front”
Still reeling from Isherwood’s surprising breakthrough win, the jam-packed stands still had enough energy left to welcome the CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Models to cap the evening off with a 30-lap A Main.
Already in 2010, the entire province has had an eye on Sunset’s marquee division, as it has proven itself to be undoubtedly one of the deepest talent pools in Late Model racing.
Entering the evening on a bit of a losing streak, Stayner, ON teenager Brandon Watson was in need of a healthy performance. Although the third generation star is currently leading the Sunset points battle, his performances away from his home-track have been wrought with mechanical breakdowns and on-track altercations.
A stark contrast to the Super Stock’s caution-free affair only minutes earlier, the early goings of the Ltd. Late Model A-Main were plagued by a rash of caution periods.
After a trio of cautions, Rookie of the Year contender and Super Stock graduate Brad Holden (No. 97 Holden Electric/Midland Super Lube Dodge) would make his way past fellow first year pilot Sean Grosman (No. 29 Carlisle Customz/Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club Chevrolet) to pace the field up until the half-way mark.
One lap removed from the mid-race point, Holden would see his lead snuffed out by 3-time Super Stock champion ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole (No. 45 Alliston Auto Sales/AG-NAV GPS Precision Navigation Chevrolet).
With Poole beginning to pull away from the rest of the field, yet another caution would rear its ugly head, bringing runner-up Brandon Watson (No. 9 Smart Exchange Propane/Ken MacKinnon Construction Chevrolet) to Poole’s outside, and handing the teenager an ideal opportunity to notch his third victory of the 2010 season.
One picture-perfect restart later, Watson found himself clear of Poole, beginning to open up his lead with 1/3rd of the race remaining.
As the laps ticked by, Watson would find defending track champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) beginning to loom in his rearview mirrow. Unfortunately for Walters, time would run out before a proper challenge could be mounted.
With the checkered flag waving, Watson lead Walters, Poole, Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty and Keith McLeod across the stripe.
After climbing from his winning ride, surrounded by crew and family, Watson emphasized, “It’s really, really nice to be back in victory lane. After the bad luck we’ve been having, this is especially satisfying”
“I just want to thank my Dad [Tim Watson] for all the help with our clutch problems last Sunday at Peterborough Speedway. My whole crew has just been so great this season.”
When asked about the season-high 26 cars that started the event, Watson shrugged, “It was a little tougher tonight. Considering the size of the field, there was a little more traffic than what we’re used to dealing with here”
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 6: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
B MAIN: ‘The King of Hearts’ Brian Love Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
2) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
3) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
4) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
5) Ben Melenhorst Stayner, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Paul Maltese Innisfil, ON
HEAT 2: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT 3: Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A MAIN:
1) Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
2) Edward Cole Sutton, ON
3) Flyin’ Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
4) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
5) ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon Barrie, ON
LTD. LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: Brad Holden Midland, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 3: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
HEAT 4: Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Cornelius Orangeville, ON
HEAT 6: ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker Stayner, ON
B MAIN: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
A MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
3) ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole Cookstown, ON
4) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty Queensville, ON
5) Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
Spencer Lewis
With summer heating up and mid-season approaching, drivers in all three of Sunset’s home-track divisions are beginning to put together the necessary hot streaks to take a run at the coveted 2010 championship.
By the time the lights went out on July 10th, the Sunset faithful welcomed a points leader back to victory lane, witnessed an underdog’s defeat of a giant and discovered the next generation of one of the track’s most competitive divisions.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks kicked off the action on Canadian Tire night, bringing a field of 23 cars to the 3/8ths mile for their 25-lap A Main.
Defending race winner Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) found himself starting mid-pack, allowing for a pair of fresh faces to share time in the limelight whilst pacing the talent-laden field.
Former Super Stock competitor Dean Curry (No. 09 Dinsmore Auto Wreckers/Two Chicks with Eggs Dodge) would spend time at the front through the first 7 laps, though a train of Nissan 240sxs including defending track champion Doug Butler, Ben Melenhorst and the aforementioned Ken Donaldson Jr., was quickly cutting its way through the pack en route to Curry’s back bumper.
Melenhorst (No. 26 The Tire Guys Nissan) would become the first of the trio to storm the gate, and would carry the lead for a single lap, before Donaldson slipped by, immediately working towards a 3-car length lead.
As Donaldson stretched his lead, a phenomenal battle began to heat up in his rearview, pitting Butler (No. 10 RSA Auto Parts/Jeff’s Towing Nissan) and familiar foe Warren Paxton (No. 33 CB Services of Newmarket/Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood Honda).
Paxton would gain the upper hand, and as the curtain fell for the Mini Stocks, Donaldson collected his second win in as many starts, followed by Paxton, Butler, Terry Clodd (No. 34 ShipCanada.ca/Rosstech Automotive Honda) and Ben Melenhorst.
When questioned about his winning ride’s setup for the evening, Donaldson explained, “The track conditions were almost identical between last Saturday and tonight. We went with pretty much the exact same setup, and it just worked really well”
The second-generation wheelman continued, “We went back to the shop and watched the tape from my win last week, because I still felt as though I had alot to learn. I sat down with [younger brother and Super Stock points leader] Kyle and he explained that I’m still not showing enough patience. So I definitely tried to implement that into my gameplan tonight”
As the oldest of the Donaldson brothers set the first winning streak of his career in motion, his younger brother looked to extend the longest in his decade of competition.
Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Co. Monte Carlo) entered the evening on a 7-race Sunset Speedway winning streak, looking for his incredible 8th straight home-track victory.
By virtue of being the division’s points leader, Donaldson would depart from the 18th starting position, behind one of the most talented assemblies of talent the speedway has seen all season.
With the majority of the Tim-BR Mart Super Stock division’s perennial contenders being faced with the daunting task of manoeuvring their way through the pack, the early stages of the event were wide open for a number of talented prospects.
Enter Chance Isherwood. The Utopia, ON upstart made his Sunset debut several weeks into the 2010 season, coming off of a 2009 campaign that saw the former Kawartha Speedway Mini Stock champion sit on the sidelines as a result of a lack of sponsorship dollars.
At the drop of the green, Isherwood wasted little time capitalizing on his front pack starting position, as he relieved early leader Ryan Semple (No. 64 Lucas Oil/Anderson Sheet Metal Camaro) of his post only 3 laps into the 30-lap A Main.
In weeks past, Donaldson has been able to utilize a slick gameplan of bobbing and weaving around his adversaries, utilizing caution periods to ensure the field is unable to pull too far away from the #53’s front bumper.
However, this evening was much different, as early contact with Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Sergio’s Pizza/Simcoe Barge & Break Wall Nova) left Donaldson looking as though he was missing a step or two in comparison to the weeks gone by.
As ‘Wheely’ struggled, Isherwood excelled. The sophomore Super Stock driver had worked to a half-straightaway lead by the halfway mark, almost doubling the feat as the field received the ‘2 laps to go’ signal.
Just as Donaldson had made his way to the 6th position – mere inches outside of the top-5 – Isherwood crossed the start line, unopposed, for the biggest win of his young career; Edward Cole, Flyin’ Frank Davey, Matt Bentley and ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon completed the fast five.
In victory lane, almost overcome with emotion, Isherwood made one thing clear, “This is absolutely incredible to win like this. This is for my crew, my sponsors, my friends, everyone that’s supported me and all of the fans. Thank you!”
When asked his thoughts heading into the night’s event, Isherwood admitted, “We weren’t too sure the car was even going to be competitive tonight. We were just out to make some laps and pick up points, to be honest. But then I got to the lead, then all of a sudden I’m in lapped traffic, passing cars”
“Kyle Donaldson is the fastest car in the province. And this is the toughest division in the province. So to be here right now is pretty amazing. You know, everyone underestimates us boys from Utopia, but we’re here now. Hopefully everyone is taking notice, because we’re going right back to the front”
Still reeling from Isherwood’s surprising breakthrough win, the jam-packed stands still had enough energy left to welcome the CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Models to cap the evening off with a 30-lap A Main.
Already in 2010, the entire province has had an eye on Sunset’s marquee division, as it has proven itself to be undoubtedly one of the deepest talent pools in Late Model racing.
Entering the evening on a bit of a losing streak, Stayner, ON teenager Brandon Watson was in need of a healthy performance. Although the third generation star is currently leading the Sunset points battle, his performances away from his home-track have been wrought with mechanical breakdowns and on-track altercations.
A stark contrast to the Super Stock’s caution-free affair only minutes earlier, the early goings of the Ltd. Late Model A-Main were plagued by a rash of caution periods.
After a trio of cautions, Rookie of the Year contender and Super Stock graduate Brad Holden (No. 97 Holden Electric/Midland Super Lube Dodge) would make his way past fellow first year pilot Sean Grosman (No. 29 Carlisle Customz/Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club Chevrolet) to pace the field up until the half-way mark.
One lap removed from the mid-race point, Holden would see his lead snuffed out by 3-time Super Stock champion ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole (No. 45 Alliston Auto Sales/AG-NAV GPS Precision Navigation Chevrolet).
With Poole beginning to pull away from the rest of the field, yet another caution would rear its ugly head, bringing runner-up Brandon Watson (No. 9 Smart Exchange Propane/Ken MacKinnon Construction Chevrolet) to Poole’s outside, and handing the teenager an ideal opportunity to notch his third victory of the 2010 season.
One picture-perfect restart later, Watson found himself clear of Poole, beginning to open up his lead with 1/3rd of the race remaining.
As the laps ticked by, Watson would find defending track champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) beginning to loom in his rearview mirrow. Unfortunately for Walters, time would run out before a proper challenge could be mounted.
With the checkered flag waving, Watson lead Walters, Poole, Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty and Keith McLeod across the stripe.
After climbing from his winning ride, surrounded by crew and family, Watson emphasized, “It’s really, really nice to be back in victory lane. After the bad luck we’ve been having, this is especially satisfying”
“I just want to thank my Dad [Tim Watson] for all the help with our clutch problems last Sunday at Peterborough Speedway. My whole crew has just been so great this season.”
When asked about the season-high 26 cars that started the event, Watson shrugged, “It was a little tougher tonight. Considering the size of the field, there was a little more traffic than what we’re used to dealing with here”
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 6: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
B MAIN: ‘The King of Hearts’ Brian Love Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
2) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
3) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
4) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
5) Ben Melenhorst Stayner, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Paul Maltese Innisfil, ON
HEAT 2: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT 3: Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A MAIN:
1) Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
2) Edward Cole Sutton, ON
3) Flyin’ Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
4) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
5) ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon Barrie, ON
LTD. LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: Brad Holden Midland, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 3: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
HEAT 4: Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Cornelius Orangeville, ON
HEAT 6: ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker Stayner, ON
B MAIN: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
A MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
3) ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole Cookstown, ON
4) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty Queensville, ON
5) Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
Sunset Speedway: Watson's Bump and Run Brings Fans to Their Feet (Saturday, May 15th Race Report)
Watson’s Bump and Run Brings Crowd to Its Feet on Opening Night
By Spencer Lewis
Brandon Watson’s name is often brought up when the topic of up-and-coming prospects is brought up amongst insiders and fans. After all, the 17-year old has made winning Late Model – and Limited Late Model – features his business for the past 2 seasons. Though on Saturday night, Watson ensured his name would be mentioned by insiders and fans for a different reason, as the Stayner, ON native etched his name into the record books as the first CGC Sheetrock Limited Late Model pilot to claim a feature victory at the new Sunset Speedway.
The night’s feature action got underway with a 25-lap A Main for the Owens Corning Mini Stocks. The distinction of top qualifier went to 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton (No. 33 CB Services of Newmarket/JF Kitching & Son Honda), though it was defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 South Barrie Collision/RSA Auto Parts Nissan) who would assume the lead early on.
Butler would carry the lead before being slowed behind a lapped car, providing an opening for former Sauble Speedway Mini Stock champion (now Sunset Speedway full-timer) Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith (No. 06 speedysmith.com Dodge) who would pace Butler by up to 2 car lengths until he was struck down by a right front flat tire, forcing his retirement on lap 22 – only 3 laps from victory.
On the ensuing restart, Butler would open up a 3 car length on eventual runner-up Terry Clodd (No. 34 shipcanada.ca/Barrie Tire Shaving Honda) to capture the victory, completing his Night 1 hat trick in the process.
Afterwards, Butler was quick to admit that, although the track had undergone some serious changes, his winning ride was still very much the same. “This is the same car from last year, I made it a little safer for the new configuration, but performance-wise it’s the exact same.” When asked about his mid-race battle with Smith, Butler added “I’ve raced [Mike] at every other track in the province, and I know he pushes his car just as hard as I push mine. I definitely don’t think either one of us could have pushed any harder tonight though, that was alot of fun.”
Before retiring to tech lane, Butler would make his 2010 intentions clear, “I’m looking for the ultimate follow up to a championship season, I want nothing more than to defend my title”.
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stock division would take to the track next, with a 30-lap affair that looked to be a hotly contested affair between the 2 top qualifiers from the evening’s heat races – former Sunset Speedway Invitational victor “The Deuce” Dave Doucette (No. 44 ATV Landscaping/Xtreme Auto Machine Chrysler) and 2009 Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car Champion Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson (No. 53 Planet Recovery/Custom Steering Chevrolet).
Defending track champion Flyin’ Frank Davey (No. 49 Barney’s Auto Electric/Bradford Print Shoppe Chevrolet) would lead early on, before handing the top spot to rising star Jason Elliott (No. 22 Woodward Service Center/Simcoe Auto Recyclers Chevrolet) just before the race’s midway mark.
A pair of cautions would mar the otherwise fluid event – both scored at lap 18 – as Doucette and Davey would tangle with slower cars in separate incidents, resulting in a major loss of track position and a major injection of sheet metal damage for both of the early night favourites.
As Davey and Doucette were struggling, Donaldson made his entrance into the spotlight, squeaking past Elliott to take the race lead off of turn-2, setting off a 5-star battle between the pair that would bring the appreciative crowd to their feet on more than one occasion. The battling leaders would break away from the rest of the pack, as Elliott looked for grip on the high-side of the race track while “Wheely” would run a combination of different lines to find the bite necessary to hold on to the lead.
As the checkered flag flew, it was Donaldson leading Elliott, Mark Adams (No. 51 Rankin’s Auto/Racin’ Stuff Chevrolet), rookie “Doomsday” Danny Archibald (Steve’s Towing/Weld It Creations Chevrolet) and Paul Maltese (No. 28 Presto Appliance & Repair Chevrolet) across the stripe.
In victory lane, the former Sunset Speedway champion was quick to praise his adversary as well as the new facility. “Wow, what can I say, this is just a phenomenal place to race” gushed “Wheely” upon exiting his car. “That was a great battle, Jason’s clearly a talented guy, and I’m sure this whole group is going to get alot tougher to beat as the season goes”. Donaldson would go on to thank his sponsors and crew, before heading to post-race technical inspection.
As the Super Stocks cleared the track, the stars and cars of the CGC Sheetrock Limited Late Model division took their place under the lights, prepared to send the crowd home happy with a scheduled 30-lap A Main.
While the field entered turn-4 for the green flag, all eyes were on young veteran Jason “Bam Bam” Witty who, after winning both of his qualifying heat races, was looking to seal his first ever hat trick in his 11-year racing career.
Multi-time Sunset Speedway track champion “Mr. Excitement” Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Douglas Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) would lead early on, appearing dominant for the first 15 laps of the feature. As the field picked up the crossed flags – indicating the event’s halfway point – Witty began to pressure Morrow, searching high and low for a way past the 2008 track champion.
As the field slowed for a lap 19 caution, Morrow’s car inexplicably shut off on the backstretch, requiring the aid of Sunset’s official wrecker service Graves Towing to simply make his way to pit road, unceremoniously ending his evening after leading from the opening circuit.
After Morrow’s departure, Witty (No. 19 Larue’s Haulage/Matco Tools Chevrolet) assumed the lead on the ensuing restart, and would break away from the pack with defending Autumn Colours Classic champion Brandon Watson (No. 9 OK Tire/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) in hot pursuit.
The chess match played out quite calmly until the final 3 laps of the race, when Witty’s left side tires would catch the curb in turn-4, slowing his momentum and allowing the hard-charging Watson to pull directly to the back bumper of the leading number 19.
Things would go from interesting to compelling on the next lap, as entering turn 1, Watson would bump the rear-end of Witty’s Chevrolet, nudging the leader out of the racing groove, scooting underneath to snatch the lead for the first time all night. Witty would return the favour with a bump of his own entering the final turn, though it would not be enough to unseat Watson, who would capture his first feature victory of the 2010 season. Completing the top-5 would be Witty, Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma, Dwayne Baker and “The Professional” Rob Poole.
“I didn’t really notice too much of a difference in terms of how you have to drive the car, to be honest” confessed Watson when asked to compare the old configuration to the way Sunset is presently. “It’s real good to come back. Those last couple laps were crazy. I knew Jason was fast and that was just good racing getting by him”. When the topic of plans for the full 2010 season arose, Watson was non-committal, but did assure the Sunset faithful that he would return to Sunset the following weekend for the season opener for the OSCAAR Super Late Models, hinting that he will possibly return with his Limited Late Model to follow up on his opening night success.
After clearing post-race technical inspection, Witty was pleased with his runner-up finish and offered no ill will towards Watson for the late-race bump and run. “That was a heartbreaker for sure, man. But it was alot of fun. Just one of those racing deals, one of those fun racing deals” smiled the likeable Queensville, ON native. “There’s definitely no hard feelings towards Brandon. After the bump in turn 1, we were both a little squirrely and it was anyone’s race. This gives us alot to build on, and we’re real confident heading into the rest of the season”.
When asked how he was able to get an understanding for the new configuration without the steep learning curve that has affected some of the track’s most prominent drivers, Witty was quick to shrug it off, admitting “It’s just half luck and half experience to be able to adjust. But we’re definitely happy with it”.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Mike Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 6: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
B MAIN: Ryan Eberschlag Penetanguishene, ON
A MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
3) Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 2: “The Deuce” Dave Doucette Angus, ON
HEAT 3: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: “The Deuce” Dave Doucette Angus, ON
A MAIN:
1) Kyle “Wheely: Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Jason Elliott Angus, ON
3) Mark Adams Burlington, ON
LIMITED LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
HEAT 2: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
HEAT 3: Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma Newmarket, ON
A MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
3) Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma Newmarket, ON
LEFTOVERS
-Opening night was not without mechanical misfortune for some. Marshall Pender (Mini Stock), Dave Case (Super Stock), Ryan Semple (Super Stock) and Kyle Baker (Ltd. Late Model) all experienced difficulty in practice and were not able to compete on opening night.
-Former Sunset Speedway Ltd. Late Model title contender “The Real Deal” Jeff Walt announced his return on Saturday night. The Hawkestone, ON product will likely have his new ride ready for Sunset’s grand opening on May 22nd.
-2008 Sunset Speedway Ltd Late Model champion “Mr. Excitement” Chris Morrow announced he will make his OSCAAR Super Late Model debut on May 23rd for car owner John Mombourquette.
By Spencer Lewis
Brandon Watson’s name is often brought up when the topic of up-and-coming prospects is brought up amongst insiders and fans. After all, the 17-year old has made winning Late Model – and Limited Late Model – features his business for the past 2 seasons. Though on Saturday night, Watson ensured his name would be mentioned by insiders and fans for a different reason, as the Stayner, ON native etched his name into the record books as the first CGC Sheetrock Limited Late Model pilot to claim a feature victory at the new Sunset Speedway.
The night’s feature action got underway with a 25-lap A Main for the Owens Corning Mini Stocks. The distinction of top qualifier went to 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton (No. 33 CB Services of Newmarket/JF Kitching & Son Honda), though it was defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 South Barrie Collision/RSA Auto Parts Nissan) who would assume the lead early on.
Butler would carry the lead before being slowed behind a lapped car, providing an opening for former Sauble Speedway Mini Stock champion (now Sunset Speedway full-timer) Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith (No. 06 speedysmith.com Dodge) who would pace Butler by up to 2 car lengths until he was struck down by a right front flat tire, forcing his retirement on lap 22 – only 3 laps from victory.
On the ensuing restart, Butler would open up a 3 car length on eventual runner-up Terry Clodd (No. 34 shipcanada.ca/Barrie Tire Shaving Honda) to capture the victory, completing his Night 1 hat trick in the process.
Afterwards, Butler was quick to admit that, although the track had undergone some serious changes, his winning ride was still very much the same. “This is the same car from last year, I made it a little safer for the new configuration, but performance-wise it’s the exact same.” When asked about his mid-race battle with Smith, Butler added “I’ve raced [Mike] at every other track in the province, and I know he pushes his car just as hard as I push mine. I definitely don’t think either one of us could have pushed any harder tonight though, that was alot of fun.”
Before retiring to tech lane, Butler would make his 2010 intentions clear, “I’m looking for the ultimate follow up to a championship season, I want nothing more than to defend my title”.
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stock division would take to the track next, with a 30-lap affair that looked to be a hotly contested affair between the 2 top qualifiers from the evening’s heat races – former Sunset Speedway Invitational victor “The Deuce” Dave Doucette (No. 44 ATV Landscaping/Xtreme Auto Machine Chrysler) and 2009 Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car Champion Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson (No. 53 Planet Recovery/Custom Steering Chevrolet).
Defending track champion Flyin’ Frank Davey (No. 49 Barney’s Auto Electric/Bradford Print Shoppe Chevrolet) would lead early on, before handing the top spot to rising star Jason Elliott (No. 22 Woodward Service Center/Simcoe Auto Recyclers Chevrolet) just before the race’s midway mark.
A pair of cautions would mar the otherwise fluid event – both scored at lap 18 – as Doucette and Davey would tangle with slower cars in separate incidents, resulting in a major loss of track position and a major injection of sheet metal damage for both of the early night favourites.
As Davey and Doucette were struggling, Donaldson made his entrance into the spotlight, squeaking past Elliott to take the race lead off of turn-2, setting off a 5-star battle between the pair that would bring the appreciative crowd to their feet on more than one occasion. The battling leaders would break away from the rest of the pack, as Elliott looked for grip on the high-side of the race track while “Wheely” would run a combination of different lines to find the bite necessary to hold on to the lead.
As the checkered flag flew, it was Donaldson leading Elliott, Mark Adams (No. 51 Rankin’s Auto/Racin’ Stuff Chevrolet), rookie “Doomsday” Danny Archibald (Steve’s Towing/Weld It Creations Chevrolet) and Paul Maltese (No. 28 Presto Appliance & Repair Chevrolet) across the stripe.
In victory lane, the former Sunset Speedway champion was quick to praise his adversary as well as the new facility. “Wow, what can I say, this is just a phenomenal place to race” gushed “Wheely” upon exiting his car. “That was a great battle, Jason’s clearly a talented guy, and I’m sure this whole group is going to get alot tougher to beat as the season goes”. Donaldson would go on to thank his sponsors and crew, before heading to post-race technical inspection.
As the Super Stocks cleared the track, the stars and cars of the CGC Sheetrock Limited Late Model division took their place under the lights, prepared to send the crowd home happy with a scheduled 30-lap A Main.
While the field entered turn-4 for the green flag, all eyes were on young veteran Jason “Bam Bam” Witty who, after winning both of his qualifying heat races, was looking to seal his first ever hat trick in his 11-year racing career.
Multi-time Sunset Speedway track champion “Mr. Excitement” Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Douglas Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) would lead early on, appearing dominant for the first 15 laps of the feature. As the field picked up the crossed flags – indicating the event’s halfway point – Witty began to pressure Morrow, searching high and low for a way past the 2008 track champion.
As the field slowed for a lap 19 caution, Morrow’s car inexplicably shut off on the backstretch, requiring the aid of Sunset’s official wrecker service Graves Towing to simply make his way to pit road, unceremoniously ending his evening after leading from the opening circuit.
After Morrow’s departure, Witty (No. 19 Larue’s Haulage/Matco Tools Chevrolet) assumed the lead on the ensuing restart, and would break away from the pack with defending Autumn Colours Classic champion Brandon Watson (No. 9 OK Tire/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) in hot pursuit.
The chess match played out quite calmly until the final 3 laps of the race, when Witty’s left side tires would catch the curb in turn-4, slowing his momentum and allowing the hard-charging Watson to pull directly to the back bumper of the leading number 19.
Things would go from interesting to compelling on the next lap, as entering turn 1, Watson would bump the rear-end of Witty’s Chevrolet, nudging the leader out of the racing groove, scooting underneath to snatch the lead for the first time all night. Witty would return the favour with a bump of his own entering the final turn, though it would not be enough to unseat Watson, who would capture his first feature victory of the 2010 season. Completing the top-5 would be Witty, Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma, Dwayne Baker and “The Professional” Rob Poole.
“I didn’t really notice too much of a difference in terms of how you have to drive the car, to be honest” confessed Watson when asked to compare the old configuration to the way Sunset is presently. “It’s real good to come back. Those last couple laps were crazy. I knew Jason was fast and that was just good racing getting by him”. When the topic of plans for the full 2010 season arose, Watson was non-committal, but did assure the Sunset faithful that he would return to Sunset the following weekend for the season opener for the OSCAAR Super Late Models, hinting that he will possibly return with his Limited Late Model to follow up on his opening night success.
After clearing post-race technical inspection, Witty was pleased with his runner-up finish and offered no ill will towards Watson for the late-race bump and run. “That was a heartbreaker for sure, man. But it was alot of fun. Just one of those racing deals, one of those fun racing deals” smiled the likeable Queensville, ON native. “There’s definitely no hard feelings towards Brandon. After the bump in turn 1, we were both a little squirrely and it was anyone’s race. This gives us alot to build on, and we’re real confident heading into the rest of the season”.
When asked how he was able to get an understanding for the new configuration without the steep learning curve that has affected some of the track’s most prominent drivers, Witty was quick to shrug it off, admitting “It’s just half luck and half experience to be able to adjust. But we’re definitely happy with it”.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Mike Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 6: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
B MAIN: Ryan Eberschlag Penetanguishene, ON
A MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
3) Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 2: “The Deuce” Dave Doucette Angus, ON
HEAT 3: Kyle “Wheely” Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: “The Deuce” Dave Doucette Angus, ON
A MAIN:
1) Kyle “Wheely: Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Jason Elliott Angus, ON
3) Mark Adams Burlington, ON
LIMITED LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
HEAT 2: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
HEAT 3: Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma Newmarket, ON
A MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) Jason “Bam Bam” Witty Queensville, ON
3) Tony “The Gun” Tiemersma Newmarket, ON
LEFTOVERS
-Opening night was not without mechanical misfortune for some. Marshall Pender (Mini Stock), Dave Case (Super Stock), Ryan Semple (Super Stock) and Kyle Baker (Ltd. Late Model) all experienced difficulty in practice and were not able to compete on opening night.
-Former Sunset Speedway Ltd. Late Model title contender “The Real Deal” Jeff Walt announced his return on Saturday night. The Hawkestone, ON product will likely have his new ride ready for Sunset’s grand opening on May 22nd.
-2008 Sunset Speedway Ltd Late Model champion “Mr. Excitement” Chris Morrow announced he will make his OSCAAR Super Late Model debut on May 23rd for car owner John Mombourquette.
Stompin' Tom Walters To Call Peterborough Speedway Home....For Now
Stompin' Tom Walters announced today his plans of competing in the first 3 events in the Limited Late Model division at Peterborough Speedway in 2009. The Barrie, ON driver will join Peterborough regulars Amanda Connolly and 2008 division champion Larry Crowe Jr. as well as Mosport Speedway standout 'JBJ' John Baker Jr and former OSCAAR competitor Dave Horner.
Walters has confirmed he will be working with the same team that helped lead him to a historic 25th championship one season ago, led by Crew Chief Ken Donaldson. However, Stompin' Tom has yet to divulge wether he will be campaigning for a 26th championship in 2009, and if so, at which speedway.
Walters has confirmed he will be working with the same team that helped lead him to a historic 25th championship one season ago, led by Crew Chief Ken Donaldson. However, Stompin' Tom has yet to divulge wether he will be campaigning for a 26th championship in 2009, and if so, at which speedway.
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