2008-07-18--RACERECAP

JUMPIN’ JEREMIAH GOES TO VICTORY LANE

July 18, 2008

John Houghton

The reason they call him Jumpin' Jeremiah. “Jumpin’” Jeremiah Rabideau won his first ever Peterbilt of Ontario Super Stock Feature race Friday evening at Delaware Speedway. DJ DeJesus started from the first position and led the opening laps of the event. Behind him a near crash took place involving Jason Meyer (#93) of Courtland and Jens Peters (#66) of London. Both drivers limped their way back to the pits and avoided a caution. Rabideau worked his way up to third position with Dan Bugg (#71) running second. Rabideau made a pass on Bugg on the back straightaway and brought Kris Lawrence with him to third position. Soon after Rabideau mounted a charge on DeJesus and was able to secure the position on the front straightaway. A late caution would tighten the field up as Ray Morneau (#98) of Windsor tangled with Darrell Lake (#77) of London in turn one. On the restart Rabideau proved to be the dominant driver pulling away. Kris Lawrence also showed his strength, making a move for second position on DeJesus on the back straightway. Rabideau took the win with Lawrence finishing a career-best second. Third was Don Dadson (#1) from Union. In victory lane Jumpin’ Jeremiah lived up to his name by creating a new victory tradition: leaping from the roof of his car and landing flat on the hood.

“It came to life all of a sudden. It was really tight before,” said Rabidau in victory lane. “I didn’t want to jump the [last restart] too much, but I wasn’t going to wait around. It was nice not having anyone in front of me. It was enjoyable!”

The Challenger Motor Freight Truck feature race was won by Tom Zagorodny (#77) of London. On the first lap of the race the caution flew as Kathleen Hosang (#16) of Zurich hit the wall coming off turn two. The crash also collected Chad Rijnen (#33) of London. On the restart Derek Clark (#7) of London led the opening laps before being passed by Gary Adriaensen (#97) of London. Zagorody was already on the march passing previous leader Clark and then Adriaensen for the lead. Meanwhile Randy Thompson (#1) of Dorchester quickly made his way to second. Zagorodny and Randy Thompson (#1) of Dorchester dueled throughout the race. At one point Thompson had almost completed a pass in turn two but the yellow flag came out for a crash in turn one involving Jeff Showler (#56) of Mt. Elgin and Steve Lovie (#41) of Dutton. The restart provided another chance for Thompson who was unable to take advantage. Zagorodny won the event followed by Thompson. Third was Paul Fothergill (#9) of London. At the finish line Darrell Porter (#8) of Dorchester and Jeff Showler tangled ending with Showler hitting the front straightaway wall.

“I’d like to thank my Dad and Thompson painting for helping out,” said Zagorodny in victory lane. “I think he [Randy Thompson] helped me at the end [on the restart].”

The APC Late Model Feature race was won by Rocket Ron Sheridan (#52) of Mt. Brydges. Sheridan managed to work himself out to a significant lead as Steve Robblee (#28) of Dorchester battled with Scott Lindsay (#20) of St. Marys. The caution came out early as Rick Emery (#14) of Ruscom hit the outside wall on the front straightway. On the restart the running order was Sheridan, Kirk Hooker (#38) of Chatham, Lindsay, Robblee. Lindsay and Robblee eventually made their way around Hooker. Sheridan again found himself with a significant lead out front. As the race wore on Robblee was able to get around Lindsay. With three laps to go a spin on the back stretch involving Simon Wild (#06) of Ingersoll brought out the yellow and tightened up the field. Sheridan proved to be the dominant car holding off Robblee for the win. Third was Scott Lindsay (#20).

“We got lucky on the draw and started on the pole. I’m sorry that it probably wasn’t the best race for the fans. I’m just so proud of my crew.”

Sheridan’s car was heavily damaged in a crash the week before.

Also of note was Jesse Kennedy (#10) of Southwold’s sixth place finish. Kennedy was involved in a heat race incident with Rick Emery (#14) of Ruscom that left tempers flaring. Kennedy’s crew managed to get a hold of Jonathan Urlin (#4) of London’s regular car to use in the feature.

The next race event at Delaware Speedway is the Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds and special 50-lap features for the APC Late Models and POWERADE Open-Wheel Modifieds. The event is Friday, July 25. Gates open at 6:00 PM, time trials are at 7:30 PM, racing starts at 8:00 PM.