Sunset Speedway News
Walters and Witty Visit Sunset Victory Lane in Action Packed August 28th Event
By Spencer Lewis
Fox’s Bakery & Deli night at Sunset Speedway brought packed pits, capacity crowds and a pair of bonus features held over from the previous Saturday.
The evening was kick-started with the first of two Tim-BR Mart Super Stock A Mains. Queensville, ON veteran – and current Super Stock point leader – Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson charged from the 18th starting position, passing an incredibly impressive Paul Maltese (No. 23 Graham Contracting & Landscaping Monte Carlo) after a highlight reel 6-lap battle that captured the full attention of both the fans in the stands as well as the litany of crew members lined up along pit road.
Maltese would rally back to pressure Donaldson in the closing laps, but would not be able to find the power to match the point leader.
In victory lane, Donaldson was quick to explain, “It’s a little different when the sun’s out like this. The track gets slippery and you just have to be a little more patient than usual”
The second make-up feature saw the CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Models attack the Sunset 3/8 mile for a 30-lap affair.
Point leader Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) would capture his second win in a row, further expanding his points lead over 7-time Sunset champion Chris Morrow.
When asked how he felt his victory affected his championship aspirations, Walters laughed, “We’re not even going to worry about that yet. There’s still alot of races to go, so we’re just going to concentrate on winning”
Walters closed by informing his fans and competitors that he would be debuting a brand new McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet during the Labour Day doubleshot.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks were next on the A Main docket, and a compelling field of 24 cars did not disappoint.
Their 25-lap A Main saw Nicole Podewils dominate her way to her second victory in as many weeks, utilizing a smooth brand of car control and impressive navigation through lapped traffic to set sail on the first winning streak of her Mini Stock career.
Podewils was dogged in the waning laps of the race by Rookie of the Year contender Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan), though the second generation star would run out of laps, eventually settling for a hard earned runner up result. Nick Brown, defending champion Doug Butler and Kevin Vande Beek would complete the top-5.
An exhilarated Podewils was all smiles upon climbing from her winning ride, exclaiming, “This is absolutely the greatest feeling ever. I mean, we’ve worked so hard on this car, and to come out and win two in a row is just luck. I’m absolutely amazed”
“It means the world to me, to come out here and compete with [guys like Paxton, Clodd and Butler], this is so incredible”, replied Podewils when asked what it meant to her to visit victory lane twice in a row.
Heading into the second Super Stock A Main of the evening, Kyle Donaldson was looking for his fourth checkered flag of the evening, after capturing the first A Main of the night, in addition to a pair of qualifying heat races.
However, Donaldson would line up alongside over 20 of the top Super Stock pilots in the province, who were more than willing to keep ‘Wheely’ out of the winner’s circle.
The race’s first 12 laps were highlighted by an intense battle between rising stars ‘Kid Ruckus’ Ryan Semple (No. 64 Lucas Oil/Anderson Sheet Metal Camaro) and ‘The Strut’ Mike Weeda (No. 6 Blue Giant/Humberview Farms Chevelle).
Both youngsters would spend time at the front of the field, before taking a backseat to a surging Chance Isherwood (No. 35 Mr. Sub @ Yonge & Little Impala). The Utopia, ON native would build up an impressive lead, working his way through lapped traffic as the race remained green.
As Isherwood worked to put more asphalt between himself and his competitors, a contingent of some of the division’s most impressive drivers were wading their way through traffic in search of the sophomore driver’s rear bumper.
Defending track champion would pull alongside Isherwood with only 9 laps remaining, assuming control of the lead after a brief battle down the back straightaway.
Davey would pull away, followed closely by Maltese and Donaldson to capture his second win of the 2010 season.
After the victory lane celebrations concluded, Davey explained, “This is the result of alot of homework and alot of dedication. Larry [Ellis] helped me out some more, and we’ve finally hit on something with this car”
“I have to thank all of my crew and family, especially after the way our night started. We were caught up in one of the wrecks in the first A Main earlier, and hurt the car pretty much front to back. My crew busted their butts all night and worked on everything, but we’ll likely still have to tear everything apart before next Saturday”
The Ltd. Late Models retook the track for the final race of the evening, and the blossoming rivalry between 26-time champion Stompin’ Tom Walters and Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty (No. 19 Toronto Bearing/Matco Tools Chevrolet) saw another chapter played out in front of the Sunset faithful.
Witty, after picking up a disappointing DNF in the first A Main of the evening, wasted little time in storming to the front, snatching the lead on only the second circuit of the 30-lap event.
‘Bam Bam’ would soon find himself dogged by a trio of the province’s best in Walters, Morrow and 1x 2010 winner Tony ‘The Gun’ Tiemersma. The young veteran put on a masterful performance, holding his competition at bay until contact between Witty and Walters with 10 laps remaining sent the number 19 sliding up the track and out of the lead in turn-4.
Witty would recover quickly, finding a phenomenal run off of the corner that sent him rocketing down the front straightaway as though he’d been shot from a cannon, retaking the lead from Walters entering turn-1.
A lap 23 caution would bunch the field up for a final time, allowing Walters a golden opportunity to snatch the top spot from Witty, and capture his third victory in a row.
Witty would beat Walters on the restart, but would be unable to shake the veteran from his rear bumper through the final 8 laps, culminating in a last lap challenge from Walters that saw Witty hang on to the lead – and victory – by mere inches at the start-finish line. Tiemersma, Morrow and ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker rounded out the top-5.
“This whole race was just a mad scramble right from the green. I can’t even walk you through this one, because I’m sure there’s alot that I’ve already forgotten. What a crazy race” sighed a visible exhausted Witty in victory lane.
“Our early DNF was definitely driver error. I let the car get too hot and it cost us.”
“I knew Tom was there all along. I was ready for that final caution, and it played out the way I thought it would. I knew if I kicked loose on that last lap Tom would have me, so I’m just happy that the car hooked up and we were able to finish clean. That was alot of fun” smiled the personable veteran surrounded by a mix of crew, family and well wishers.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: ‘Gipper’ Dave Glaze - Angus, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Mr. White Walls’ Nick Brown - Keswick, ON
HEAT 3: Kevin Vande Beek - Aurora, ON
HEAT 4: Nicole Podewils - Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Nicole Podewils - Barrie, ON
2) Ken Donaldson Jr. - Queensville, ON
3) ‘Mr. White Walls’ Nick Brown - Keswick, ON
4) Doug Butler - New Lowell, ON
5) Kevin Vande Beek - Aurora, ON
SUPER STOCK
HEAT 1: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson - Queensville, ON
HEAT 2: Flyin’ Frank Davey - River Drive Park, ON
HEAT 3: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson - Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: Paul Maltese - Alcona Beach, ON
A MAIN:
1) Flyin’ Frank Davey - River Drive Park, ON
2) Paul Maltese - Alcona Beach, ON
3) Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson - Queensville, ON
4) Chance Isherwood - Utopia, ON
5) Matt Bentley - Acton, ON
LTD. LATE MODEL
HEAT 1: Stompin’ Tom Walters - Bradford, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow - Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 3: ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker - Stayner, ON
HEAT 4: Dario Capirchio - Gilford, ON
A MAIN:
1) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty - Queensville, ON
2) Stompin’ Tom Walters - Bradford, ON
3) Tony ‘The Gun’ Tiemersma - Newmarket, ON
4) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow - Anten Mills, ON
5) ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker - Stayner, ONStompin’ Tom Triumphs in Rough Outing to Capture Points Lead
By Spencer Lewis
August 14th saw both the point’s standings and racing action heat up as the 2010 campaign nears the homestretch.
The CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Models brought a near capacity field of 23 cars to start their 30 lap A-Main. The first 10 laps saw a trio of up-and-comers spend time at the front of the pack, with Brandon Crumbie (No. 63 California Dave’s Complete Auto Body Dodge), third generation star Kyle Baker (No. 18 Unitec Welding Supply/St. Onge Recreation Dodge) and Rookie of the Year contender Brad Holden (No. 97 SPM Racing Engines/Holden Electric Dodge) swapped the lead a number of times, as the pack settled itself out through the event’s early stages.
3-time Sunset Speedway Super Stock champion Rob Poole (No. 45 AGNAV GPS Systems/R.A Electrical Chevrolet) reached the battle for the lead at lap 12, and made short work of the Mopar trio, easing his way into the lead, bringing with him 7-time division champion ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Douglas Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet).
The pair of veterans would bring the fans to their feet, running side-by-side for a number of laps before a lap 22 caution, for a Brandon Crumbie spin, bunched the field back up. The ensuing restart would see Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises/South Simcoe Special Olympics Chevrolet), who came into the night only a single marker behind Morrow for the points lead, pull alongside Morrow to take a run at the top spot.
With Morrow running the second groove of the race track, Walters tucked alongside Morrow’s Chevrolet exiting turn-4. As the pair of legends rocketed down the straightaway, Walters again pulled inside Morrow, as the battle dove into turn-1. With track real estate shrinking and neither driver willing to lift or give an inch, contact was made, sending Morrow up the race track, with Walters moving down the backstretch in sole control of the lead.
A final caution for a scary incident involving Ernie Fumerton (No. 10 Coves of Keswick Chevrolet), Lambert Yake (No. 12 Pontiac) and a host of other cars in the middle of the pack, slowed the action for the final time. As the field came back to the green flag, Morrow would restart in the third position, on the back bumper of Walters.
With fans and crew members alike waiting to see if Morrow would repay Walters for the earlier contact, the field was brought back up to full speed without incident. Walters would hold off a late race charge from Poole, capturing his second victory of the 2010 season, his crucial win bringing with it the lead in the uber-close Points Standings. Poole, Morrow, Holden and the debuting Chris Mitchell (No. 22x Dent Dynamics/HeGotTrucks.ca Chevrolet) would complete the top-5.
Upon climbing from his McColl Racing Enterprises sponsored Chevrolet, Walters was met with an equal chorus of cheers and jeers from the capacity Sunset Speedway crowd. When asked about the contact with Morrow that led to the 26-time champion taking over the lead, Walters smiled, “We went side-by-side in turn-4, and I had a run on the inside of him until he pinched me down. So I came back alongside him down the straightaway here, and I saw him turn and look at me 3 or 4 times, once I’m up next to him…I ain’t lifting…that’s just the way it goes”
The Bradford, ON veteran would add, “We’ve got a brand new McColl car down in the pits that we were testing this afternoon. If these boys want to try and wreck the car we’re running now, I have the new one ready to go”
On the topic of Walters’ ride coming alive in recent weeks, the defending champion explained, “This is a McColl house car. So for the first 5 weeks they wanted to make changes to experiment each week. But these last 4 Saturdays they’ve allowed us to just leave our setup along, and the car has been a flat out rocket ship”
The Tim-BR Mart Super Stock division welcomed its Points Leader Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Co. Monte Carlo) back to victory lane after an action filled drive from the 18th position.
Donaldson would capture the lead with only 5 laps remaining, after slipping by Steve Lang (No. 57 Pain is Pleasure Tattooing/Rebel Automotive Monte Carlo). Lang, who had led 22 of the first 23 laps, slipped up the track entering the first turn, upon taking the 5-to-go signal, allowing for Donaldson and pursuer Paul Maltese (No. 28 Graham Contracting & Landscaping/Presto Appliance and Repair Monte Carlo) to slip past.
Maltese would give ‘Wheely’ a scare after a lap 27 restart, but would ultimately fall just short of snatching his first victory of the season. The Alcona Beach, ON resident would settle for the runner-up position, with pole sitter Donny Brandon (No. 00 Simcoe Auto Recyclers/Woodward Service Centre Monte Carlo), Lang and sophomore ‘5 Second Delay’ Jay Cutting (No. 18 Wellington Brewery/The Dizzy Gastro Sports Pub Malibu) rounding out the top-5.
Defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 Jeff’s Towing/Homeworks Certified Home Inspections Nissan) would pick up his second victory in the month of August in the Owens Corning Mini Stock division, but not without a very impressive run from former Outlaw Mini Stock mainstay Rob Gibson Jr (No. 3 Honda).
Gibson, a track regular since his Four Fun debut in 2004, would utilize every available racing line in search for his first Sunset A-Main victory in 2 years. The likeable underdog would open up a half straightaway lead at times, but would fall to second once Butler powered past on lap 20.
The 2009 Autumn Colours Classic winner would rocket home to victory lane, further padding the points lead he’s enjoyed since the beginning of the 2010 season. Gibson, Ken Donaldson Jr (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan), Terry Clodd (No. 34 ShipCanada.ca/Rosstech Automotive Honda) and ‘Gipper’ Dave Glaze (No. 13 Simcoe Auto Recyclers/AKN Automotive Ford) would follow Butler across the stripe.
QUICK RESULTS
LIMITED LATE MODEL
HEAT 1: ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole - Cookstown, ON
HEAT 2: Brandon Watson - Stayner, ON
HEAT 3: Stompin’ Tom Walters - Bradford, ON
HEAT 4: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow - Anten Mills, ON
A MAIN:
1) Stompin’ Tom Walters - Bradford, ON
2) ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole - Cookstown, ON
3) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow - Anten Mills, ON
4) Brad Holden - Midland, ON
5) Chris Mitchell - Peterborough, ON
SUPER STOCK
HEAT 1: Flyin’ Frank Davey -River Drive Park, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Too Quick’ Kenny Britt - Midhurst, 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) Paul Maltese - Alcona Beach, ON
3) ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon - Barrie, ON
4) Steve Lang - Caledon East, ON
5) ‘5 Second Delay’ Jay Cutting - Holland Landing, ON
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Nicole Podewils - Barrie, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Vande Beek - Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Terry Clodd - Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 4: Rob Gibson Jr. - Barrie, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Vande Beek - Aurora, ON
A MAIN:
1) Doug Butler - New Lowell, ON
2) Rob Gibson Jr. - Barrie, ON
3) Ken Donaldson Jr. - Queensville, ON
4) Terry Clodd - Holland Landing, ON
5) ‘Gipper’ Dave Glaze - Angus, ONJuly 17 2010
`The Professional` Ends Drought, Returns To Victory Lane For First Time In Over A Year
By Spencer Lewis
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
July 10 2010
Isherwood Breaks Streak; Watson Notches Win Number Three
Spencer Lewis
With summer heating up and mid-season approaching, drivers in all three of Sunset’s home-track divisions are beginning to put together the necessary hot streaks to take a run at the coveted 2010 championship.
By the time the lights went out on July 10th, the Sunset faithful welcomed a points leader back to victory lane, witnessed an underdog’s defeat of a giant and discovered the next generation of one of the track’s most competitive divisions.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks kicked off the action on Canadian Tire night, bringing a field of 23 cars to the 3/8ths mile for their 25-lap A Main.
Defending race winner Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) found himself starting mid-pack, allowing for a pair of fresh faces to share time in the limelight whilst pacing the talent-laden field.
Former Super Stock competitor Dean Curry (No. 09 Dinsmore Auto Wreckers/Two Chicks with Eggs Dodge) would spend time at the front through the first 7 laps, though a train of Nissan 240sxs including defending track champion Doug Butler, Ben Melenhorst and the aforementioned Ken Donaldson Jr., was quickly cutting its way through the pack en route to Curry’s back bumper.
Melenhorst (No. 26 The Tire Guys Nissan) would become the first of the trio to storm the gate, and would carry the lead for a single lap, before Donaldson slipped by, immediately working towards a 3-car length lead.
As Donaldson stretched his lead, a phenomenal battle began to heat up in his rearview, pitting Butler (No. 10 RSA Auto Parts/Jeff’s Towing Nissan) and familiar foe Warren Paxton (No. 33 CB Services of Newmarket/Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood Honda).
Paxton would gain the upper hand, and as the curtain fell for the Mini Stocks, Donaldson collected his second win in as many starts, followed by Paxton, Butler, Terry Clodd (No. 34 ShipCanada.ca/Rosstech Automotive Honda) and Ben Melenhorst.
When questioned about his winning ride’s setup for the evening, Donaldson explained, “The track conditions were almost identical between last Saturday and tonight. We went with pretty much the exact same setup, and it just worked really well”
The second-generation wheelman continued, “We went back to the shop and watched the tape from my win last week, because I still felt as though I had alot to learn. I sat down with [younger brother and Super Stock points leader] Kyle and he explained that I’m still not showing enough patience. So I definitely tried to implement that into my gameplan tonight”
As the oldest of the Donaldson brothers set the first winning streak of his career in motion, his younger brother looked to extend the longest in his decade of competition.
Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Co. Monte Carlo) entered the evening on a 7-race Sunset Speedway winning streak, looking for his incredible 8th straight home-track victory.
By virtue of being the division’s points leader, Donaldson would depart from the 18th starting position, behind one of the most talented assemblies of talent the speedway has seen all season.
With the majority of the Tim-BR Mart Super Stock division’s perennial contenders being faced with the daunting task of manoeuvring their way through the pack, the early stages of the event were wide open for a number of talented prospects.
Enter Chance Isherwood. The Utopia, ON upstart made his Sunset debut several weeks into the 2010 season, coming off of a 2009 campaign that saw the former Kawartha Speedway Mini Stock champion sit on the sidelines as a result of a lack of sponsorship dollars.
At the drop of the green, Isherwood wasted little time capitalizing on his front pack starting position, as he relieved early leader Ryan Semple (No. 64 Lucas Oil/Anderson Sheet Metal Camaro) of his post only 3 laps into the 30-lap A Main.
In weeks past, Donaldson has been able to utilize a slick gameplan of bobbing and weaving around his adversaries, utilizing caution periods to ensure the field is unable to pull too far away from the #53’s front bumper.
However, this evening was much different, as early contact with Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Sergio’s Pizza/Simcoe Barge & Break Wall Nova) left Donaldson looking as though he was missing a step or two in comparison to the weeks gone by.
As ‘Wheely’ struggled, Isherwood excelled. The sophomore Super Stock driver had worked to a half-straightaway lead by the halfway mark, almost doubling the feat as the field received the ‘2 laps to go’ signal.
Just as Donaldson had made his way to the 6th position – mere inches outside of the top-5 – Isherwood crossed the start line, unopposed, for the biggest win of his young career; Edward Cole, Flyin’ Frank Davey, Matt Bentley and ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon completed the fast five.
In victory lane, almost overcome with emotion, Isherwood made one thing clear, “This is absolutely incredible to win like this. This is for my crew, my sponsors, my friends, everyone that’s supported me and all of the fans. Thank you!”
When asked his thoughts heading into the night’s event, Isherwood admitted, “We weren’t too sure the car was even going to be competitive tonight. We were just out to make some laps and pick up points, to be honest. But then I got to the lead, then all of a sudden I’m in lapped traffic, passing cars”
“Kyle Donaldson is the fastest car in the province. And this is the toughest division in the province. So to be here right now is pretty amazing. You know, everyone underestimates us boys from Utopia, but we’re here now. Hopefully everyone is taking notice, because we’re going right back to the front”
Still reeling from Isherwood’s surprising breakthrough win, the jam-packed stands still had enough energy left to welcome the CGC Sheetrock Ltd. Late Models to cap the evening off with a 30-lap A Main.
Already in 2010, the entire province has had an eye on Sunset’s marquee division, as it has proven itself to be undoubtedly one of the deepest talent pools in Late Model racing.
Entering the evening on a bit of a losing streak, Stayner, ON teenager Brandon Watson was in need of a healthy performance. Although the third generation star is currently leading the Sunset points battle, his performances away from his home-track have been wrought with mechanical breakdowns and on-track altercations.
A stark contrast to the Super Stock’s caution-free affair only minutes earlier, the early goings of the Ltd. Late Model A-Main were plagued by a rash of caution periods.
After a trio of cautions, Rookie of the Year contender and Super Stock graduate Brad Holden (No. 97 Holden Electric/Midland Super Lube Dodge) would make his way past fellow first year pilot Sean Grosman (No. 29 Carlisle Customz/Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club Chevrolet) to pace the field up until the half-way mark.
One lap removed from the mid-race point, Holden would see his lead snuffed out by 3-time Super Stock champion ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole (No. 45 Alliston Auto Sales/AG-NAV GPS Precision Navigation Chevrolet).
With Poole beginning to pull away from the rest of the field, yet another caution would rear its ugly head, bringing runner-up Brandon Watson (No. 9 Smart Exchange Propane/Ken MacKinnon Construction Chevrolet) to Poole’s outside, and handing the teenager an ideal opportunity to notch his third victory of the 2010 season.
One picture-perfect restart later, Watson found himself clear of Poole, beginning to open up his lead with 1/3rd of the race remaining.
As the laps ticked by, Watson would find defending track champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) beginning to loom in his rearview mirrow. Unfortunately for Walters, time would run out before a proper challenge could be mounted.
With the checkered flag waving, Watson lead Walters, Poole, Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty and Keith McLeod across the stripe.
After climbing from his winning ride, surrounded by crew and family, Watson emphasized, “It’s really, really nice to be back in victory lane. After the bad luck we’ve been having, this is especially satisfying”
“I just want to thank my Dad [Tim Watson] for all the help with our clutch problems last Sunday at Peterborough Speedway. My whole crew has just been so great this season.”
When asked about the season-high 26 cars that started the event, Watson shrugged, “It was a little tougher tonight. Considering the size of the field, there was a little more traffic than what we’re used to dealing with here”
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
HEAT 6: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
B MAIN: ‘The King of Hearts’ Brian Love Barrie, ON
A MAIN:
1) Ken Donaldson Jr. Queensville, ON
2) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
3) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
4) Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
5) Ben Melenhorst Stayner, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Paul Maltese Innisfil, ON
HEAT 2: Matt Bentley Acton, ON
HEAT 3: Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A MAIN:
1) Chance Isherwood Utopia, ON
2) Edward Cole Sutton, ON
3) Flyin’ Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
4) Matt Bentley Acton, ON
5) ‘The Loon Ranger’ Donny Brandon Barrie, ON
LTD. LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: Brad Holden Midland, ON
HEAT 2: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 3: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
HEAT 4: Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Cornelius Orangeville, ON
HEAT 6: ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker Stayner, ON
B MAIN: Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
A MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
3) ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole Cookstown, ON
4) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty Queensville, ON
5) Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
Donaldson and Keen Break Through for First Wins of 2010
By Spencer Lewis
With both the McColl Racing Enterprises Ltd. Late Model and Stefko Racing Engines tours kicking off their seasons over the Canada Day weekend, the Owens Corning Mini Stocks and Canadian Vintage Modifieds were left to support the OSCAAR Super Late Models at Sunset on July 3rd. And what a show they put on.
The Mini Stocks kicked things off with a 25-lap affair that saw a new winner for the first time in almost a month. Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) rebounded from his involvement in an early race caution, to storm back through the field and collect the first victory of his young career.
Singhampton, ON veteran Dean Curry (No. 09 Dinsmore Auto Wreckers Dodge) paced the field early on, before succumbing to the pressure applied by defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 Jeff’s Towing/South Barrie Collision Nissan) at lap 8.
Butler would attempt to pull away from the field on the uber-slick surface, before being reeled in by Donaldson at lap 18.
The rookie powered by the Mini Stock powerhouse, leaving the field behind as he cleared Butler’s famous #10.
After a group photo with his family-run team, Donaldson was quick to explain the handling of the car was never an issue, despite the less than desirable track conditions, “Yah, the track was real slick tonight, but our car was fantastic all day. It was just really good all day long, it didn’t give me any problems”
When asked who has given him the most valuable advice so far, Donaldson quipped, “Without a doubt, the best pointers have come from my brother [Sunset Speedway Super Stock points leader Kyle Donaldson]”
Donaldson would close by thanking his entire crew, family and sponsors before pulling off to post-race inspection.
The Canadian Vintage Modified feature was far less dramatic, but every bit as compelling. Former Go-Karting and Cup Lite star Jason Keen (No. 18 Oakville Automotive Chevrolet) broke through for a dominating victory at a speedway he had never even seen until earlier in the afternoon.
The Oakville, ON driver was very impressive through qualifying, and snatched the lead from the pole position on the first lap, fending off all challengers for his first victory of 2010.
After exiting his winning ride, Keen was all smiles, exclaiming “This place is definitely one of my new favourite tracks. I love this place!”
Sunset Speedway is back in action this coming Saturday, with regular races for all 3 divisions starting at 6:30 pm. The track will also host a test session for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCK
HEAT 1: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Vande Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 4: Ken Donaldson Jr Queensville, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Vande Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 6: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
A MAIN:
1. Ken Donaldson Jr Queensville, ON
2. Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
3. Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
4. Nicole Podewils Barrie, ON
5. Dean Curry Singhampton, ON
CANADIAN VINTAGE MODIFIEDS
HEAT 1: Jason Keen Oakville, ON
HEAT 2: Phil Shaw Orangeville, ON
A MAIN:
1. Jason Keen Oakville, ON
2. Chris Milwain Holland Landing, ON
3. Phil Shaw Orangeville, ON
4. Steve Lyons Kitchener, ON
5. Patrick Ruelens Millgrove, ON