Kawartha Speedway 2009 - It's the Final Countdown

FRASERVILLE, ON - They’ve been racing all season, but for drivers in Kawartha Speedway’s Better Carpet Thunder Car and Discount Car & Truck Rental Mini Stock divisions, it will all come down to a one race shootout.  There will be a run for all the marbles Friday, September 18th.

With the top 2 drivers in points – Dan McHattie and Brandon Watson – taking part in the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday, September 19th, the NAPA Auto Parts Late Model points were decided Friday, September 11th as McHattie earned his second consecutive crown.

Throughout the current campaign, Kyle Donaldson has held the hot hand in the thunder car division – but last season’s champion Willie Reyns and John Baker Jr. are still mathematically alive.  Reyns is 41 points behind, while Baker is 60 out of the top spot.  In the track’s 4 cylinder class, Mike Wallace has been all but assured of the title.  The 3rd generation racer from Peterborough, Ontario has been hotter than a firecracker lately and swept every race he entered during a recent show. 

2008 champion Jason Juriga is 38 markers in arrears, while ‘Too’ Moroney sits 111 points back.  Even though the title won’t be decided until the final checkered flag falls, many expect to see Wallace accept the hardware at the champion’s celebration come January.

Kawartha Speedway will host a 100 lap invitational event for the NAPA Auto Parts Late Models Friday, September 18th.  With the season’s points already decided, a battle for the $2,000 winner’s purse on the line means a huge car count is expected.  Also on the show will be the year’s final events for the Better Carpet Thunder Cars and Discount Car & Truck Rental Mini Stocks.  Gates open at 3:00, with racing at 7:00. 

The season concludes Saturday, September 26th as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wraps-up their 2009 campaign with the Z-Line Design 250 – presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario and Coca Cola.  In last year’s rain shortened event, Jason Hathaway scored the win while Scott Steckly wrapped-up his first series championship. 

This year’s race was scheduled to be the Canadian Tire Series debut for 2008 Mr. DIRTcar sportsman-modified champion Chris Raabe of Napanee, Ontario.  The 18 year-old, who recently clinched the track championships at Can Am Motorsports Park and Thunder Alley Speedway, has decided to focus his attention on earning back-to-back titles before moving along to a full-time asphalt program.

For a full schedule of events, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com. Tickets are available on-line through Ticket Break.  Kawartha Speedway is located near the intersections of highways 28, 35/115 and 7 – minutes from Peterborough, Ontario.

Story and Photos from Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

#1).  Peterborough’s Mike Wallace enjoys a comfortable – but not commanding – lead in Kawartha Speedway’s Discount Car & Truck Rentals Mini Stock points with just 1 race remaining.

#2).  Jason Hathaway will be looking for another win when the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series closes out the 2009 season Saturday, September 26th at Kawartha Speedway.