On the second to last Friday night of the 2009 race season, Kawartha Speedway promoter and general manager Derek Lynch made an announcement at the pre-race driver’s meeting that raised eyebrows all through the crowd. For 2010 – the track’s 10th Anniversary – the popular Fraserville, Ontario oval would offer a 10 race schedule. With an eye on the economy and a concern to make things cost effective for the racers, officials took what they considered to be the best possible path.
“Racers at our level do this for fun – it’s their hobby. Some people go bowling, play baseball or hockey. Short track racers drive fast cars,” said Lynch. “Racing is just more expensive than the hobbies most people have. We want to do everything we can to guarantee a full field for our fans and came to the decision that a 10 race schedule was the best way to do it. While some people were sceptical at first, the response has been very positive. New drivers are coming out and there are some others who are returning to the fold.”
Another bonus of this year’s schedule is the opportunity to make-up any rainouts. In previous seasons, if a show was cancelled because of rain, there was no way to make it up. For 2010, every attempt will be made to ensure each class runs their full 10 events. Its great news for the fans and something even more exciting for the drivers.
“Sometimes, a track championship can be decided by just a few points,” added Lynch. “By getting everyone a chance to run the full schedule, we’re giving drivers in every division the chance to earn as many points as possible. With a trip to the second annual ACT Tour Invitational available to our late model champion, a margin of maybe 3 or 4 points could make all the difference.”
Heading into the new season, 2 of the track’s 3 weekly divisions could be in line for a new champion. Mike Wallace, the past champ in the newly renamed Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks has jumped to a late model ride. Kyle Donaldson, who earned the 2009 crown in the Better Carpet Thunder Car class, has yet to confirm his plans for 2010. Multi time and defending NAPA Auto Parts Late Model champion Dan McHattie will be back, with his sights set on a return trip to the Magic Mile in Loudon, New Hampshire in September.
Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary season starts with an open practice session Friday, May 28th. The full schedule – including the 2010 edition of the Summer Sizzler, July 9th – is available now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
#1). Dave Waite (#25on) and Kelly Wood battle in NAPA Auto Parts Late Model action during Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season.
#2). Norm Mayhew (#60) and Kyle Donaldson fight for a spot during Better Carpet Thunder Car racing.
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
0 comments:
Post a Comment