Showing posts with label Jason Witty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Witty. Show all posts
Monday, June 06, 2011
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
'The Professional' Ends Drought, Returns To Sunset Speedway Victory Lane For The First Time In Over A Year
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
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
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
'Bam Bam' Lowers The Boom For First Win of 2010- Sunset Speedway Race Report June 5th
Queensville Veteran Makes First Trip To Victory Lane After String of Bad Luck
Spencer Lewis
Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty has long been regarded as one of Sunset’s brightest young stars. The 11-year veteran began in the track’s Super Stock (then Thunder Car) division, and climbed the racing ladder all the way to the premiere Ltd. Late Model class. The first 3 weeks of the season saw Witty succumb to everything from on-track contact to a broken driveshaft. However, on June 5th, the Queensville, ON pilot seemed determined to make up for lady luck’s abandonment.
The Tim-BR Mart Super Stocks kicked the night’s feature action off. Their 30-lap A Main promised competitive racing, as 4 different drivers went to victory lane during qualifying.
Points leader, and 4x 2010 A-Main winner, Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson (No. 53 Planet Recovery Co./Custom Steering Chevrolet) would start from the tail of the field. With a stacked pack in front of his Monte Carlo, the Queensville, ON veteran would have a long way to go, before reaching the lead.
At the drop of the green, ‘The Upgrade’ Rick Walt (No. 99 Classic Pro Tube/The Frame Shop Chevrolet) would spend a handful of laps in the lead, before being usurped by defending track champion Flyin’ Frank Davey (No. 49 Grass Pro Plus/Bradford Print Shoppe Chevrolet), who utilized a phenomenal run off of turn-2 to take control at the front of the field.
Davey would battle polesitter Edward Cole (No. 27 Brian Rogers Trucking/TTK Tool Chevrolet) for much of the event’s first half, with both drivers looking to multiple lines in an effort to gain the upper end.
Cole would eventually take the top spot, with Davey settling into the runner up position. Though, as the leads battled, Donaldson and Sunset return-ee Matt Bentley (No. 21 Thring Race Car Fabrication/Gary Bentley Motorsports Chevrolet) were strong-arming their way to the front from their starting positions at the field’s rear.
Donaldson would reach Cole first, running side by side with the veteran for a number of laps. Meanwhile, a trio of cars made up of Davey, Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Sergio’s Pizza/Innisfil Garden Supply Chevrolet) and Bentley battled for the top-5’s remaining three spots.
As the laps ticked away, ‘Wheely’ slowly gained sole control of the lead, eventually putting nearly an entire straightaway between himself and his nearest challenger.
At the checkered, it was Kyle Donaldson notching win number 5, followed by Edward Cole, Davey, Bentley and Courneyea.
In victory lane, a visibly exhausted Donaldson lamented, “This one was definitely tougher than the last few, but you’ve got to catch your breaks when you can”
When asked of his trademark composure, ‘Wheely’ explained, “You’ve certainly got to have patience when dealing with a field of this calibre. If you don’t have patience when racing against a talented group, things can go bad in a hurry”
Donaldson continued, “Howie [Eden] and the boys certainly have that number 27 running nicely. Edward [Cole] gave me a great run. The 21 [of Matt Bentley] also had a great run tonight. It wasn’t easy getting past either of those guys”
As Donaldson returned to his winning ride, points lead intact, and headed to post-race technical inspection, it was time for the 30-lap CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Model A-Main.
While Sunset’s top division has been wide open in terms of competition so far in 2010, June 5th was very much all about Jason Witty.
‘Bam Bam’ would enjoy time at the top of the speed charts in practice, and while he struggled with a pair of qualifying heat runs, it was clear the young veteran would be tough to topple on this night.
With Witty’s recent string of bad luck resulting in a spate of less than desirable finishes, the Queensville, ON pilot’s percentage allotted for an inside Row 2 starting position.
Witty (No. 19 Matco Tools/Larue’s Haulage Chevrolet) would take full advantage of the front pack starting spot, leapfrogging into the lead before the completion of the first lap.
From there, the perennial contender would flex his muscle, at times expanding his lead to a near full straightaway.
Much of the event’s excitement would come from watching points leader ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Douglas Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) and 2x winner Brandon Watson (No. 9 Smart Exchange Propane/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) work, seemingly in tandem, their way from the tail end of the 17 car field.
The twosome would infiltrate the top-5 at the lap 11 mark, after the race’s first caution for a Jamie Horner spin (No. 14 Horner Chassis & Automotive Chevrolet).
Witty would, again, pull away on the restart, leaving the surging Morrow and Watson to sort out top-5 positioning with defending champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) and a very impressive Keith McLeod (No. 79 The LOOK Company/Paul’s Auto Body Dodge).
At the stripe, Witty would cross ¾ of a straightaway in front of Morrow, Watson, McLeod and Walters.
After climbing from his Matco Tools Chevrolet, an exuberant Witty was quick to praise his crew for their efforts in working through his weeks of bad luck.
“What happened was, we’ve had some real bad luck early on in this season, and these guys behind me absolutely killed themselves getting our car back together, and getting us back to where we need to be. I absolutely cannot thank these guys enough”
Witty would finish his time in victory lane with, “This is going to be a tough year. We’re a little low on sponsorship. But I want to thank those that support me. Matco Tools is here tonight. Larue’s Haulage, Toronto Bearings and Carrot Express, thanks for everything. And especially the fans, thanks guys!”
With 4 races complete on the 2010 schedule, the Owens Corning Mini Stock division has seen a trio of drivers welcomed to victory lane. Defending champion Doug Butler leads the charge with a pair of victories, while 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton and 2010 rookie contender Kevin Vande Beek have both collected a win.
Entering the nights 25-lap A-Main, both Butler and Paxton appeared poised to add another ‘W’ to their respective columns. Both drivers went 2 for 2 in their qualifying heat races, and both appeared to have exactly the right setup to conquer the track’s greasy conditions.
With points handicapping in full effect, Paxton, the points leader and Butler, 2nd in the standings, would start from the 18th and 17th position, respectively.
Andre Pepin (No. 91 SPM Racing Engines/Holden’s Electric Dodge) and ‘California’ Dave Crumbie (No. 63 California Dave’s Complete Auto Body/Carline of Alliston Honda) would each see time at the head of the pack through the race’s early going. As the field shuffled positions, a light mist began to sprinkle the track, complicating tire grip.
Shortly before the halfway mark, former winner Vande Beek (No. 51 Highland Collision Centre/Custom Steering Nissan) would assume control of the lead. However, his time at the front would be short-lived; As his Nissan 240sx would begin huffing plumes of smoke only laps after taking the lead. Eventually, the Aurora, ON rookie would be dealt the mechanical black flag – ending his tenure as leader.
As Vande Beek retired to the pits, Butler (No. 10 Lori Lafontaine Mortgages/RSA Autoparts Nissan) would slide into the top spot, with current points leader Paxton (No. 33 Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood/CB Services of Newmarket Honda) in tow.
Butler would begin to feel pressure from Paxton as the field received the 5-laps remaining signal. The 2009 Rookie of the Year would search high and low for a way past the leader, as the pair zig-zagged through heavy lapped traffic. Though, with only 2 laps remaining, Paxton’s Honda would suddenly veer to the right exiting turn-3. As Paxton spun wildly up the track, narrowly missing the turn-4 wall, the field once again fell under caution.
With only 2 laps remaining, and the rains intensifying, the call was made to end the A-Main at 23 laps. Handing the victory, his third of the 2010 season, to defending track champion Doug Butler.
Upon exiting his winning Nissan, Butler was quick to downplay the trickiness of the track’s condition after the light rain, “It really wasn’t too bad. I mean, it got a little wild up in the 3rd groove where nobody was running, but down in the bottom lanes I had no problem finding grip”
On the topic of lapped cars, Butler shrugged, “Even when the lapped traffic is running 2-wide in front of me, I don’t really mind. I mean, as long as they stay in their lane and don’t get into me, I’m alright with it. I have no problem going to the top to get around them.”
“I hope this division keeps getting better. Because, while everyone else is getting better, it pushes me to get better. It makes me want to be faster. It drives me to do my homework. So, please guys, keep pushing me, and keep racing clean”
Butler would close his interview by thanking his sponsors and family, including his father, Sunset Super Stock driver Rick Butler.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 3: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 4: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 6: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
B MAIN: “The King of Hearts” Brian Love Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Ken Donaldson Jr Queensville, ON
3) Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
4) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
5) Dan ‘The Bandit’ Britt Midhurst, ON
SUPER STOCK
HEAT 1: Ethan Courneyea Lefroy, ON
HEAT 2: ‘The Munster’ Donny Munce Barrie, ON
HEAT 3: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A MAIN
1) Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Edward Cole Sutton, ON
3) Flyin’ Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
4) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
5) Ethan Courneyea Lefroy, ON
LTD. LATE MODEL
HEAT 1: Brad Holden Midland, ON
HEAT 2: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
HEAT 3: Sean Cronan Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
A MAIN:
1) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty Queensville, ON
2) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
3) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
4) Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
5) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
Spencer Lewis
Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty has long been regarded as one of Sunset’s brightest young stars. The 11-year veteran began in the track’s Super Stock (then Thunder Car) division, and climbed the racing ladder all the way to the premiere Ltd. Late Model class. The first 3 weeks of the season saw Witty succumb to everything from on-track contact to a broken driveshaft. However, on June 5th, the Queensville, ON pilot seemed determined to make up for lady luck’s abandonment.
The Tim-BR Mart Super Stocks kicked the night’s feature action off. Their 30-lap A Main promised competitive racing, as 4 different drivers went to victory lane during qualifying.
Points leader, and 4x 2010 A-Main winner, Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson (No. 53 Planet Recovery Co./Custom Steering Chevrolet) would start from the tail of the field. With a stacked pack in front of his Monte Carlo, the Queensville, ON veteran would have a long way to go, before reaching the lead.
At the drop of the green, ‘The Upgrade’ Rick Walt (No. 99 Classic Pro Tube/The Frame Shop Chevrolet) would spend a handful of laps in the lead, before being usurped by defending track champion Flyin’ Frank Davey (No. 49 Grass Pro Plus/Bradford Print Shoppe Chevrolet), who utilized a phenomenal run off of turn-2 to take control at the front of the field.
Davey would battle polesitter Edward Cole (No. 27 Brian Rogers Trucking/TTK Tool Chevrolet) for much of the event’s first half, with both drivers looking to multiple lines in an effort to gain the upper end.
Cole would eventually take the top spot, with Davey settling into the runner up position. Though, as the leads battled, Donaldson and Sunset return-ee Matt Bentley (No. 21 Thring Race Car Fabrication/Gary Bentley Motorsports Chevrolet) were strong-arming their way to the front from their starting positions at the field’s rear.
Donaldson would reach Cole first, running side by side with the veteran for a number of laps. Meanwhile, a trio of cars made up of Davey, Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Sergio’s Pizza/Innisfil Garden Supply Chevrolet) and Bentley battled for the top-5’s remaining three spots.
As the laps ticked away, ‘Wheely’ slowly gained sole control of the lead, eventually putting nearly an entire straightaway between himself and his nearest challenger.
At the checkered, it was Kyle Donaldson notching win number 5, followed by Edward Cole, Davey, Bentley and Courneyea.
In victory lane, a visibly exhausted Donaldson lamented, “This one was definitely tougher than the last few, but you’ve got to catch your breaks when you can”
When asked of his trademark composure, ‘Wheely’ explained, “You’ve certainly got to have patience when dealing with a field of this calibre. If you don’t have patience when racing against a talented group, things can go bad in a hurry”
Donaldson continued, “Howie [Eden] and the boys certainly have that number 27 running nicely. Edward [Cole] gave me a great run. The 21 [of Matt Bentley] also had a great run tonight. It wasn’t easy getting past either of those guys”
As Donaldson returned to his winning ride, points lead intact, and headed to post-race technical inspection, it was time for the 30-lap CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Model A-Main.
While Sunset’s top division has been wide open in terms of competition so far in 2010, June 5th was very much all about Jason Witty.
‘Bam Bam’ would enjoy time at the top of the speed charts in practice, and while he struggled with a pair of qualifying heat runs, it was clear the young veteran would be tough to topple on this night.
With Witty’s recent string of bad luck resulting in a spate of less than desirable finishes, the Queensville, ON pilot’s percentage allotted for an inside Row 2 starting position.
Witty (No. 19 Matco Tools/Larue’s Haulage Chevrolet) would take full advantage of the front pack starting spot, leapfrogging into the lead before the completion of the first lap.
From there, the perennial contender would flex his muscle, at times expanding his lead to a near full straightaway.
Much of the event’s excitement would come from watching points leader ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Douglas Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) and 2x winner Brandon Watson (No. 9 Smart Exchange Propane/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) work, seemingly in tandem, their way from the tail end of the 17 car field.
The twosome would infiltrate the top-5 at the lap 11 mark, after the race’s first caution for a Jamie Horner spin (No. 14 Horner Chassis & Automotive Chevrolet).
Witty would, again, pull away on the restart, leaving the surging Morrow and Watson to sort out top-5 positioning with defending champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) and a very impressive Keith McLeod (No. 79 The LOOK Company/Paul’s Auto Body Dodge).
At the stripe, Witty would cross ¾ of a straightaway in front of Morrow, Watson, McLeod and Walters.
After climbing from his Matco Tools Chevrolet, an exuberant Witty was quick to praise his crew for their efforts in working through his weeks of bad luck.
“What happened was, we’ve had some real bad luck early on in this season, and these guys behind me absolutely killed themselves getting our car back together, and getting us back to where we need to be. I absolutely cannot thank these guys enough”
Witty would finish his time in victory lane with, “This is going to be a tough year. We’re a little low on sponsorship. But I want to thank those that support me. Matco Tools is here tonight. Larue’s Haulage, Toronto Bearings and Carrot Express, thanks for everything. And especially the fans, thanks guys!”
With 4 races complete on the 2010 schedule, the Owens Corning Mini Stock division has seen a trio of drivers welcomed to victory lane. Defending champion Doug Butler leads the charge with a pair of victories, while 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton and 2010 rookie contender Kevin Vande Beek have both collected a win.
Entering the nights 25-lap A-Main, both Butler and Paxton appeared poised to add another ‘W’ to their respective columns. Both drivers went 2 for 2 in their qualifying heat races, and both appeared to have exactly the right setup to conquer the track’s greasy conditions.
With points handicapping in full effect, Paxton, the points leader and Butler, 2nd in the standings, would start from the 18th and 17th position, respectively.
Andre Pepin (No. 91 SPM Racing Engines/Holden’s Electric Dodge) and ‘California’ Dave Crumbie (No. 63 California Dave’s Complete Auto Body/Carline of Alliston Honda) would each see time at the head of the pack through the race’s early going. As the field shuffled positions, a light mist began to sprinkle the track, complicating tire grip.
Shortly before the halfway mark, former winner Vande Beek (No. 51 Highland Collision Centre/Custom Steering Nissan) would assume control of the lead. However, his time at the front would be short-lived; As his Nissan 240sx would begin huffing plumes of smoke only laps after taking the lead. Eventually, the Aurora, ON rookie would be dealt the mechanical black flag – ending his tenure as leader.
As Vande Beek retired to the pits, Butler (No. 10 Lori Lafontaine Mortgages/RSA Autoparts Nissan) would slide into the top spot, with current points leader Paxton (No. 33 Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood/CB Services of Newmarket Honda) in tow.
Butler would begin to feel pressure from Paxton as the field received the 5-laps remaining signal. The 2009 Rookie of the Year would search high and low for a way past the leader, as the pair zig-zagged through heavy lapped traffic. Though, with only 2 laps remaining, Paxton’s Honda would suddenly veer to the right exiting turn-3. As Paxton spun wildly up the track, narrowly missing the turn-4 wall, the field once again fell under caution.
With only 2 laps remaining, and the rains intensifying, the call was made to end the A-Main at 23 laps. Handing the victory, his third of the 2010 season, to defending track champion Doug Butler.
Upon exiting his winning Nissan, Butler was quick to downplay the trickiness of the track’s condition after the light rain, “It really wasn’t too bad. I mean, it got a little wild up in the 3rd groove where nobody was running, but down in the bottom lanes I had no problem finding grip”
On the topic of lapped cars, Butler shrugged, “Even when the lapped traffic is running 2-wide in front of me, I don’t really mind. I mean, as long as they stay in their lane and don’t get into me, I’m alright with it. I have no problem going to the top to get around them.”
“I hope this division keeps getting better. Because, while everyone else is getting better, it pushes me to get better. It makes me want to be faster. It drives me to do my homework. So, please guys, keep pushing me, and keep racing clean”
Butler would close his interview by thanking his sponsors and family, including his father, Sunset Super Stock driver Rick Butler.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 3: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 4: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 6: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
B MAIN: “The King of Hearts” Brian Love Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Ken Donaldson Jr Queensville, ON
3) Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
4) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
5) Dan ‘The Bandit’ Britt Midhurst, ON
SUPER STOCK
HEAT 1: Ethan Courneyea Lefroy, ON
HEAT 2: ‘The Munster’ Donny Munce Barrie, ON
HEAT 3: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A MAIN
1) Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Edward Cole Sutton, ON
3) Flyin’ Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
4) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
5) Ethan Courneyea Lefroy, ON
LTD. LATE MODEL
HEAT 1: Brad Holden Midland, ON
HEAT 2: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
HEAT 3: Sean Cronan Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
A MAIN:
1) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty Queensville, ON
2) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
3) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
4) Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
5) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
Monday, May 17, 2010
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.
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