OPENING NIGHT: TAKE TWO!

May 6 , 2009

John Houghton

Delaware Speedway PR

This Friday night is expected to be one to remember at Delaware Speedway!  After a week off courtesy of Mother Nature,  the competitors have had one more opportunity to ensure they are extra prepared for opening night.  Friday’s event is not only of the historic debut of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, but also the first J.B.M. Autoleasing Triple Crown event for the APC Late Models.

The J.B.M. Autoleasing Triple Crown events will play an important role for competitors in the APC Late Model division in 2009.  The 50-lap race is divided into two 25-lap sections each counting towards their NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points.  The finish at the end of 50-laps counts towards Delaware Speedway Championship points and a special J.B.M. Autoleasing points system.  The J.B.M. Autoleasing Championship is valued at a staggering $11,000!  The race also features the first set of time trials for the APC Late Models of the year.  “PISTOL” Pete Vanderwyst (#7) of St. Thomas currently holds the track record in the division, a record that has stood since The Great Canadian Race on September  1, 2006.  “SHOWTIME” Steve Robblee (#28) of Dorchester is the defending champion in the class, and if the number and calibre of APC Late Models in the infield during last week’s rainout are any indicator, he will have his work cut out for him if he wishes to repeat!

The POWERADE Open-Wheel Modifieds will also be taking to the track for their opening event of the season on Friday.  Mark Watson (#20) of St. Thomas was the champion last season, but will not be attempting to defend that title as he has moved into the APC Late Model class.  His jump means there will not be a repeat champion in the class this season and opens to door for any number of new challengers.

The Demar Aggregates Trucks also hit the track on Friday.  Paul Fothergill (#9) of London was the champion in 2008, but has since been trying his hand at the Transmission Direct Enduro class.  In the most recent event, the champion put up a good fight against many of the established top runners in that division.  As was the case with the POWERADE Open-Wheel Modifieds, his transfer means there will be a new truck champion in 2009.

Jesse’s Journey will be back on hand this Friday as well after last week’s rainout.  At 7:00 pm fans and drivers will have the opportunity to make a donation and take a walk around the speedway to add to the “Walk Across Canada in a Day” totals from that program.  Jesse’s Journey raises money in search of a cure for Duchenne Muscular Distrophy.

Spectator Gates open this Friday at 6:00 pm, “Toonie Hotdogs” run at the concession stand from 6:00-7:00 pm, the Jesse’s Journey walk is at 7:00 pm, time trials are scheduled for 7:30 pm, and the green flag will drop at 8:00 pm.  Don’t miss this Friday evening when Delaware Speedway returns to racing under the lights!  THE TRACK IS BACK!  ARE YOU READY?