RICK @ the RACES ( 2/3/4/5 Aug 2013)
2 Aug Mohawk International Raceway (NY)
3 Aug Brockville Ontario Speedway
4 Aug Cornwall Motor Speedway (Ont)
5 Aug Merrittville Speedway (Ont)
After another work week where I clocked up over 60 hours, I was really glad when Friday came around. It was the start of the Ontario , August ‘Long Weekend’, and as well as the statutory holiday Monday, I had booked Tuesday off work as well. This gave me four days off, and hopefully I’d get four days of racing.
On Friday I got away from work at 6-15 pm and after dashing home for a quick wash and change,
I was over in the U.S.A at the Mohawk International Raceway fifteen minutes before start time.
It turned out to be a night that would give us some different faces in Victory Lane. Zach Aubertine managed to hold off a late challenge by Carey Terrance to take the Modified checkers.
In the Sportsman division, we got a first time winner when Brad Winters took the Victory.
Alan Peters won in The Pro Stocks,
Dan Ferguson in the Mod Lites and Randy Whiting in the Bandits.
I had a morning of relaxation on Saturday before heading down Hwy 401 to the Brockville Ontario Speedway for the evening show. Just like the M.I.R Modified race I’d witnessed the night before, we had a different winner. After many years of trying Andy Lloyd got his first career win.
It was a strange night, where black storm clouds hovered around us throughout, but it never actually rained.
There were two Sportsman Features on the card, as we were playing ‘catch up’ , after rain had shortened the previous weeks program. First Feature was won by Shane Pecore and the second by Dylan Evoy.
There were also two Features for the Rookies and Rookie Sportsman.
The Mod Lites had been added to this weeks show and long distance traveller, Paul Klager from the St Catherines (Ont) was the winner.
The last two races of the night, were the second Features for both Rookie divisions.
With a busy weekend ahead of me, I chose to miss these, and get on my way home. I must admit, I regret doing this, as I missed Jasmine David getting her first Rookie Sportsman victory.
Once again the weather forecast for the Cornwall, (Ont) area on Sunday was disappointing and sure enough we found our self battling against the elements again. As usual I was at the track early and was sitting up there in the tower, a 3-00 pm when the rain began. Luckily, it was only a short shower, and by start time the track had dried up.
The weather was very unsettled and the program was pushed through as quick as possible. It was the Canadian Nationals for Modifieds, plus a regular show, so there was plenty to get in. Just as the Modified heats were coming to an end, we had another light shower, and after a brief delay, the racing was able to resume.
The big race for Modifieds was a 100 lapper and had to come under red flag conditions on three separate occasions for rollovers. Each of the victims were a top liners , first there was Laurent Ladouceur on turn three and four, then Carey Terrance on the end of the front stretch, followed by Chris Raabe on the first turn.
Once things settled down Mario Clair took control, and fought off challenges from second placed Luke Whitteker, and Brian McDonald who came in third. Local favorites Corey Wheeler and Dave Bissonnette took victories respectively in the Sportsman and Pro Stocks.
Young Scott McGill got his first win in the Ministocks.
We managed to beat the rain and the racing was over at around 11-00 pm .
There was no lay in for me on the Holiday Monday, as I had quite a bit of traveling to do for my fourth and final event of the weekend. The Big Block Modifieds were having a SUPER DIRT SERIES race at the Merrittville Speedway, near to Niagara Falls, and that was my destination.
Over the years this August Holiday event has had a regular spot on my agenda, and I was looking forward to it. I left home in Cornwall (Ont) just after 9-00 am, and with the minimum of stops or delays on route, I was in Niagara Falls at 3-00 pm. With the crazy hours I’ve been doing at work lately , and this busy four day schedule of races, I decided not to sleep in the HHR, but to book in to a Motel. I stayed at the Blackstone Inn, a motel I’ve used many times over the years. After dumping my stuff off in the room, I took off for the track, just a 15 minute drive down Lundy Lane.
One of the things I enjoy about this annual event, is the Pasta and Meat Ball supper they organize before the races, and as usual , it hit the spot !
When the racing got under way, I took up my position on the center between turn three and four. Merrittville has to be one of my favorite tracks for picture taking, because you can get real close to the action and get some great shots.
Early running in the 100 lap Super Dirt Race was made by last years winner, Mike Bowman who was eventually over hauled by Matt Sheppard. As the race drew closer to the checkers, Danny Johnson ( in a small block) closed in with Brett Hearn on his tail.
That’s the way they finished, as Matt Sheppard added yet another win to his impressive tally.
With the racing over , I returned to my motel and got myself well rested for the night. As mentioned at the start, I’d booked the Tuesday off work as a vacation day, so there was was no rush to get home. I decided, to avoid the possible delays around Toronto, and return to Cornwall via the USA side of Lake Ontario. After plenty of stops along the way I got home about 7-30 pm that night..