By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
PORT HOPE, ON - The fat lady may very well be warming-up in the wings, but Willie Reyns will do anything he can to silence her song. The Port Hope, Ontario racer – last year’s track champion in Kawartha Speedway’s Better Carpet Thunder Car division – would like nothing better than to accept the same accolades when the 2009 season-ending awards are handed-out, but with just 2 events remaining on this year’s schedule he knows it is a task that could be easier said than done.
After doing everything short of winning a race during his rookie season, Reyns escaped the traditional sophomore jinx in 2008 and finished every event in the top 5, with five wins on the way to the thunder car championship. He was also named the track’s most exciting driver in an on-line fan ballot. While he hasn’t slumped this season, he feels the other drivers in the field may have stepped-up their programs in an effort to be more competitive.
“Just like last year, we started the season with a win, but the #57 and #63 teams have been right there every week too,” said Reyns. Kyle (Donaldson) is a former limited late model champion and he’s having the type of season we did last year, so it explains why he’s leading the points. John Baker was even strong while running a partial schedule a few years ago. That doesn’t mean we’ve given up hopes of another title. In fact, we’ll do everything we can to keep either of those guys from taking our seat at the champion’s table.”
Kawartha Speedway’s thunder car division has offered some of the best racing on the track during the 2009 season. A recent 50 lap feature event had only 1 yellow flag and gave fans an excellent show – with 3 and 4 wide racing throughout the pack. It’s that kind of action that keeps the crowds coming back and makes it exciting for the drivers as well.
“We race hard and we race clean,” Reyns continued. “I think we’re all aware of what it takes to get these cars to the track on a weekly basis. Nearly everyone – the drivers and the crew members – have full-time jobs. Racing is a hobby and we do it because its fun. When I got on my roof earlier in the year, we spent a lot of time in the shop making sure the car was ready to race. It may not have been as ‘pretty’ as it was at the start of the season, but we’re back in full form now.”
Willie Reyns Kawartha Speedway efforts are proudly supported by Cobourg Development Services, Boundy Roofing, Appleman Carstar Collision Service, Kelly’s Homelike Inn and Canadian Industrial Services Electrical Contracting. For updates on his 2009 season, see www.reynsracing87.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Willie Reyns picked-up the win in his Better Carpet Thunder Car heat race and finished 2nd in the feature Friday, September 4th at Kawartha Speedway.
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