Fumerton Captivates, Poole Notches 2^nd Feature

But Baker and Walters Feud Steals The Show

Spencer Lewis - July 30, 2011

When fans think of the Sunset Speedway Limited Late Model division, two of the names that instantly spring to mind are Stompin’ Tom Walters and ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker. Both are veterans that have won championships across the province, both have proven themselves to be at the top of their game, both have reputations as hard-nosed competitors and on July 30^th their rivalry that has sizzled for years came to a boil.

The 30-lap tilt provided fans with a number of stories to follow, with the Walters and Baker drama not unfurling into after the halfway point. Early on, every soul in attendance set their eyes on former Super Stock champion Ernie Fumerton.

The Alliston, ON veteran – still in search of his first career Limited Late Model victory – took the lead on lap 1 and proceeded to put together perhaps the finest run of his career. After dueling with Bruce Rankin (No. 55 B&B Decals/Rankin’s Automotive Chevrolet) early on, Fumerton would captivate the imaginations of fans and competitors alike, appearing brilliant in his ability to withhold numerous charges from sophomore Sean Grosman (No. 29 Stompin’ Tom Motorsports/Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club Chevrolet) and rising star Taylor Holdaway.

The real life Cinderella story would continue, even as the field slowed for the lap 18 caution that changed the face of the race – and perhaps the 2011 points championship. While battling for the 9^th position, point leader Dwayne Baker (No. 48 Zancor Custom Homes/Clearview Heating Chevrolet) and defending champion Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises/Pro Floor Sanding & Refinishing Chevrolet) made contact exiting turn-4. The result would see Baker careening down the front straightaway backwards, before making contact with the inside retaining wall, virtually destroying the entire rear-end of his car. After a few tense moments, Baker fired up his wounded ride and limped towards Walters’, who had parked his undamaged car on the front straightaway with the rest of the field. Then, without notice, Baker gunned his motor, slamming into the front-end of Walters’ stationary ride to a deafening chorus of mixed cheers and boos from the crowd.

After a short round of trading verbal barbs, Walters’ eased his car back to his pit pad under his own power, while Baker would require the assistance of the Graves Towing personnel.

Once the lengthy clean-up was complete, it was time to resume the remaining 12 laps of the A Main and see if Fumerton would be able to hang on to his lead and complete his first career victory.

As Fumerton hit the restart stripe in turn-3, Rob Poole (No. 45 VisserFarms.ca/Reliable Waste Management Chevrolet) immediately began to pressure Grosman for second. ‘The Professional’ would complete his pass on lap 20, with only 10 laps remaining for him to reign in Fumerton.

Fumerton, sensing Poole’s onslaught, appeared ready and willing to race defensively, protecting his lead at all costs. However, as the ‘5 laps remaining’ signal was displayed to the field, Poole slipped past for the lead, bringing with him Mike Bentley and Kevin Cornelius one lap later.

As the checkered flag flew, Innisfil, ON’s Rob Poole captured the second win of his 2011 season, with Bentley, Cornelius, Fumerton and Grosman rounding out the top-5. Even as Poole slowed on the back-straightaway to begin his hard-earned victory lap, the crowd jumped to its feet to salute Ernie Fumerton on a job well done as the veteran cruised along the front-stretch for his cool down lap.

“Hats off to Ernie, he had an AWESOME run”, exclaimed Poole in victory lane “I almost felt bad passing him, because I know he really wants a win badly, but…I wanted another win badly too”

When asked if he could pinpoint one factor that’s been the difference maker in his successful 2011 campaign, Poole instantly replied “Patience behind the wheel”

“I can’t even begin to thank my whole crew enough. They work so hard on this car. Can you believe this? We won 2 features in 1 year!” smiled Poole as he pointed to his dedicated team of supporters.

Third generation competitor Lane Zardo (No. 46 National Exhaust/Holmes on Homes Monte Carlo) entered the 30-lap Super Stock A Main on the heels of a pair of qualifying heat wins, in search of his first ever Sunset Super Stock victory. Veteran Randy Rusnell entered the event having won the previous 3 A Mains contested at Sunset, and looked to further solidify his lead in the championship standings with his record 4^th straight victory.

Both drivers would roll off the grid from outside the top-10, allowing Matt Bentley (No. 21 Gary Bentley Motorsports/Thring Race Car Fabrication Nova) to control much of the event’s early-goings after taking control of the lead on lap 4 from teenaged sophomore Paul Geniolle Jr.

After carving through the 20-car field, Zardo would finally pull to Bentley’s back bumper on lap 15. Two laps spent looking inside set the stage for Zardo to pull off a brilliant crossover maneuver off turn-2, capturing the top spot on lap 19.

Once clear of Bentley, Zardo would open up his lead, with a late race challenge coming from Rusnell on lap 27 that was expertly defended, handing the 15-year old fan favourite the first win of his 2011 season.

“This was definitely the most fun win of my career” beamed a visibly exhausted Zardo

“I have to give all the credit in the world to Matt Bentley. We’re friends off the track and the only reason we touched while racing for the lead is because neither of us wanted to give an inch” continued the popular sophomore

“We were hooked up right off the trailer this afternoon. But I had to work for this win. It was a blessing.

When asked of his ability to perform on the track’s outside lane, Zardo noted “Early on in the season we had the car set up to run the inside, but even then I preferred running up top. I just like it better on the outside”

In Mini Stock action, former Four Fun competitor Rory Collett (No. 86 Grass Pro Plus/Dave’s Muffler Shop Honda) picked up his first ever win in a wildly entertaining green to checkered race. Collett battled with Sunset newcomer Eric Yorke for much of the race, stealing the lead away from the former Flamboro Speedway regular on lap 18 and cruising to victory.

QUICK RESULTS

LIMITED LATE MODEL

HEAT 1: ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker                                         Stayner, ON

HEAT 2: ‘Hollywood’ Taylor Holdaway                                   Orillia, ON

HEAT 3: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow                                 Anten Mills, ON

HEAT 4: Kevin Cornelius                                                         Orangeville, ON

A Main:

1)      ‘The Professional’ Rob Poole                                      Innisfil, ON

2)      Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley                                           Acton, ON

3)      Kevin Cornelius                                                           Orangeville, ON

4)      Ernie Fumerton                                                            Alliston, ON

5)      Sean Grosman                                                             Golden Beach, FL

SUPER STOCK

HEAT 1: Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell                                      Cambridge, ON

HEAT 2: Lane Zardo                                                                Brampton, ON

HEAT 3: Paul Geniolle Jr.                                                        Keswick, ON

HEAT 4: Lane Zardo                                                                Brampton, ON

A Main:

1)      Lane Zardo                                                                  Brampton, ON

2)      Matt Bentley                                                               Guelph, ON

3)      Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell                                        Cambridge, ON

4)      Paul Maltese                                                               Alcona Beach, ON

5)      ‘The Deuce’ Dave Doucette                                        Angus, ON

MINI STOCK

HEAT 1: Terry Clodd                                                                Holland Landing, ON

HEAT 2: Rory Collett                                                               Holland Landing, ON

HEAT 3: Terry Clodd                                                                Holland Landing, ON

HEAT 4: Dan ‘The Bandit’ Britt                                               Midhurst, ON

A Main:

1)      Rory Collett                                                                 Holland Landing, ON

2)      Eric Yorke                                                                    Milton, ON

3)      Nicole Podewils                                                          Barrie, ON

4)      Dan ‘The Bandit’ Britt                                                 Midhurst, ON

5)      Rob Krystal                                                                  Holland Landing, ON

‘Mr. Excitement’ Reverses Fortune, Grabs First Win of 2011

Spencer Lewis - July 23, 2011

7-time Sunset Speedway champion Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Contractor Rental Supply Chevrolet) shook off weeks of poor fortune for his first trip to victory lane in 2011 Saturday evening.

The Anten Mills, ON veteran slipped past early leader Sean Grosman (No. 29 Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club/Stompin’ Tom Motorsports Chevrolet) only 2 laps after the event’s first caution on lap 6 that saw Rookie of the Year contender Billy ‘Z3’ Zardo make contact with early-season dominator Kevin Cornelius while battling for position, resulting in the latter cracking the turn-4 wall.

Morrow would hold on to his lead through a lap 11 caution for a Mike Wietzes spin, and though defending champion Tom Walters appeared to be closing late in the race, Morrow would not once appear in danger of relinquishing his lead through the final 19 laps.

“It feels really good to be here”, beamed Morrow in victory lane “that monkey on my back was getting heavy”

“After all Tom [Walters] has done here over the years, one thing I know is that I’ll always get a clean race from him, I wasn’t worried about him being behind me”

When asked to comment on the disappointment of losing the race lead and possible win a week prior, Morrow explained “Last week certainly was a tough pill to swallow. I thought I’d be here [in victory lane] last Saturday, but we’ve made up for it. I suppose a little controversy never hurt anyone”

In Super Stock competition, fan favourite Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell (No. 72 Spira Fire Protection/Travis Industrial Maintenance Le Mans) secured his third victory in as many starts, vaulting the Sunset rookie to the top of the championship point standings.

Rusnell dispatched early leader ‘Doomsday’ Dan Archibald on lap 6 and never looked back, at times leading by an entire straightaway over the rest of the field.

After climbing the fence, checkered flag in hand, as a salute to the fans, Rusnell exclaimed “This one was for Dale Earnhardt!”

“We didn’t change a thing when it came to the set-up. This car is on rails!” smiled the personable 6-time Flamboro Speedway champion.

`Let me tell you something, we`re back in the championship hunt here, and if I win my 5^th straight championship, at the end of the season I will burn the tires of this car like you`ve never seen before”

Rusnell then turned his attention to the fans and his fellow competitors, ``I just want to thank the fans. The support here is fantastic and without all you fans, us drivers are just out here driving in circles. We love this place. We haul all the way from Cambridge every week because the racing here is awesome”

`The Rocket` closed out his time in victory lane by informing the fans that he will be representing Sunset at Sauble Speedway`s upcoming Dash for Cash event on Wednesday July 27^th.

The Mini Stock division closed out the evening`s action, with Holland Landing, ON driver Warren Paxton (No. 33 Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood/Georgina Auto Glass Honda) waxing the field for the third straight week.

``We moved some weight around in the car this week, and she really seemed to respond to it`` explained the well-spoken 4^th year competitor.

``I had some troubles in the heat race when a steering column broke. It wasn`t as a result of contact with another driver or anything, it`s just a result of pushing things as far as they`ll go. But I can`t thank Terry Clodd enough, the classy guy that he is, without his help and spare parts we wouldn`t be racing tonight``

When asked how his then 2-race winning streak affected his pre-race preparations, Paxton smiled ``All afternoon long your stomach`s in knots, I really wanted to keep this streak going. I`m just happy I`m back here, I can`t thank my crew enough``

Walters’ Avenges Saturday DNF with Sunday Afternoon Pro Late Model Win

Spencer Lewis - July 10, 2011

28-time champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises/Pro Floor Hardwood Sanding & Refinishing Chevrolet) overcame a disappointing start to his double-shot weekend, capping off Sunset’s first 75-lap Pro Late Model event of 2011 with a trip to victory lane.

The Bradford, ON veteran utilized a combination of a strong qualifying effort and a lucky inversion to start inside row 2, snatching the lead from pole-sitter Bruce Rankin (No. 55 Rankin’s Auto/B&B Decals Chevrolet) by the time the field had put a single lap on the leaderboard.

Walters, the defending Limited Late Model champion, would pace the field for the first 14 laps, before giving way to former ALSTAR Late Model Tour champ Jason Shaw (No. 82 Shaw Motorsports/Waverdale Fleet Service Ford) on lap 15.

“It was pushing a little today, but if we coasted in slow, it was fine” explained Walters when asked about his car’s performance early in the event.

Stompin’ Tom would reclaim the top spot on lap 30, after several laps spent pressuring the rear bumper of Shaw’s Ford.

From there, the two leaders would stage a high speed cat and mouse game as they wove their way through lapped traffic. Shaw remained planted at Walters’ back bumper through much of the race’s second half, appearing to close in on Walters shortly before the 10-lap remaining mark. Though as the field hit the front straightaway for lap 65, Shaw’s once constant pressure began to taper off, allowing Walters to pull to a 5-car length lead by the time the white flag was displayed.

At the checkered, Walters would snag his second victory of the season, followed by Shaw, Gord ‘The Smoke’ Shepherd, Brad Corcoran and Steve Laking.

“We were hoping to just ride for a while and let [Walters] burn his tires off, but it actually ended up working out the opposite” shrugged Shaw when asked about the final 10 laps

“It started going away with about 15 laps to go. I’m not sure, maybe we’re just carrying too much weight for these tires. Either way, we had a great time and we’ll be back for the next race in August”

After climbing from his winning ride, a visibly exhausted Walters was more than willing to put the previous evening’s disappointment behind him, “This car was awesome today. Last night, we couldn’t figure it out. We ended up changing a ton of stuff before realizing it was a distributor problem”

“We practiced on old tires and bolted on the new rubber for the feature and it worked out just great” beamed Walters

Walters also clarified that any win is impossible without his dedicated crew, “I can’t thank these guys behind me enough. All we have to do is feed ‘em and give ‘em beer and they’re ready to go. And there’s a 60 ouncer in the trailer for one of them tonight that we’re going to give away after this win!”

When asked about his disappointing final laps in Sunset’s June 12^th Shootout Event, Walters smiled, “In our last extended distance race – that was all my fault. We got into a slower car while we were putting him a lap down and got sent to the back. So today, I made sure to stay clear of them!”

Sunset’s next Pro Late Model 75 takes to the track August 21^st along with the Canadian Vintage Modifieds and Lucas Oil Can Am Midgets.

QUICK RESULTS

PRO LATE MODELS

Heat 1: Jason Shaw                                                                  Guelph, ON

Heat 2: Gary Elliott                                                                   Waterdown, ON

Heat 3: Brad Corcoran                                                 Milton, ON

Heat 4: ‘The Delaware Dancer’ Shaun McWhirter                    Mount Forest, ON

A Main:

1)      Stompin’ Tom Walters                                      Bradford, ON

2)      Jason Shaw                                                                  Guelph, ON

3)      Gord ‘The Smoke’ Shepherd                                        Oro Station, ON

4)      Brad Corcoran                                                             Milton, ON

5)      Steve Laking                                                                Kitchener, ON