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Despite the rains on Saturday, Speedway 660 managed to get their season finale in Points racing done on Sunday. The racing was wild and furious and the competition was extremely keen and in the end, three champions were crowned. They were Brian Fox, a second year competitor who dethroned perennial Street Stock champion Rick Cashol, John Rankin, a veteran of several years in Sportsman, and Greg Fahey, the only repeat champion in Pro Stock. There are a couple of stories behind the stories though, so I’m going to spend a few minutes with them.
Brian MacNaughton used to be a powerhouse in Sportsman ranks until two years ago, when he made the jump to Pro Stock. Since then, life on the track has not been as kind to the likeable Lower Coverdale (outskirts of Moncton) native. In his rookie season, he captured “Rookie of the Year” honours at Speedway 660, but not a whole lot in the wins column.
When the 2009 season began, hopes were high for a banner season, and maybe a run at the championship. This was not to be for several reasons, mostly, a car that just wouldn’t handle. Last week, the car was finally dialed in and Flyin’ Brian was poised to win his first feature of the year, when the car in front of him locked up, leaving Brian no place to go but into him. This caused a chain reaction, as accidents often do, and when the smoke cleared, it looked as if Brian’s season was over.
MacNaughton and crew worked all week, bringing the car to life once more, and come to life it did. The car was awesome !!! Brian could put the car on the inside, outside, three wide, it didn’t matter. Brian swept all three races last Sunday, winning the prestigious “Grand Slam” award in the process.
In the Street Stock ranks, a young fellow by the name of Richard Hartley has been running. More often than not, you’d see him at or near the end of the pack, as he patiently watched and learned. Last Sunday, he decided to find out what he could do. Well, he found out in a hurry, sweeping all three Street Stock events, to also win the “Grand Slam” award.
This coming weekend, all roads lead to Speedway 660 for Speedweekend. This event draws cars from all over the Maritimes and other tracks don’t even try to run against this event. The IWK 250 at Riverside is the only other uncontested event at the present time. Major features are held in each class over the three days and begins with a “FREE” cornboil Friday night and ends with a 200 lap Enduro race on Monday. Saturday the first of two “BIG” races take place, with the running of the O’Leary Pontiac Excitement 150, for Sportsman. Sunday evening is highlighted by the Peterbilt 250 for Pro Stocks.
The Peterbilt 250 always draws several US competitors and usually at least one NASCAR star or semi retired star is on hand to compete. This year, Sterling Marlin will be there and racing in the 250. Travis Kittleson, Kirk Thibeau, Travis Benjamin and Johnny Clark, are all slated to be there as well.
This year this race is also the crowning leg of the Carquest Pro Stock Tour’s “Triple Crown” Wayne Smith won the IWK 250, and Lonnie Sommerville captured the Atlantic Cat. Who will win the Peterbilt? The answer will be known on Sunday evening. Take a trip to the Geary woods (just outside Oromocto) and see it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
The Racing Spectator’s “Driver of the Year” voting has commenced. There were a huge number of nominees this year so a preliminary vote is ongoing until September 15th. After that, the final ballot will run until September 30th.
It’s hard to believe that September is here already, but there is still lots of excellent racing at the tracks, so come out and join us. You’ll be glad you did !!!
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