   |
 |
|
 |
|
|
DOUBLE FEATURES ON O’TOOLS NIGHT
May 22, 2009 John Houghton
It was a busy O'Tools Rent or Buy night on Friday for the drivers of the POWERADE Modified, Delaware Super Stock and Demar Aggregates truck classes. A series of rainouts had set the stage for a double features nightfor the three classes and would give fans a chance to see some of their favourite drivers and divisions in full force for the first time this season.
The Demar Aggregates Trucks were the first division up on the racing card. Derek Clarke (#7) of Strathroy would lead the opening lap of the even before being passed by Sid McDonald (#33) of London. Caution would come out on lap nine for a spin involving Michael Thompson (#9) of Dorchester. Several laps after the restart, McDonald was passed by his team truck, defending champion Paul Fothergill (#88) of London. The yellow flag would fly once again on lap seventeen for a spin in turn one with Michelle Koricina (#99) of Ailsa Craig. Within one lap of the restart Jeff Showler (#56) of Mt. Elgin was able to pass McDonald to move into second position behind Fothergill. One lap later, on lap nineteen, McDonalds truck would get sideways off turn two and come across traffic collecting and nearly rolling Jordan Dupuis (#75) of Lasalle. In the first turn following the restart Showler was able to pass Fothergill’s #88 on the inside. He would hang on to be the first feature race winner of the year in the Demar Aggregates Trucks. Devon Bloemendal (#01) of Delaware would make his way to second, with Justin Demello (#82) of London in third.
“It feels great to be in this victory circle,” said Showler in victory lane. “I can’t believe I got past Paul [Fothergill]. His #88 was really strong tonight. On the restart I don’t know what happened, we just got around him, it was really good.
In the second Demar Aggregates truck race later in the evening, McDonald would again find himself up front again fending off challenges from Jeff Showler’s #56. Team Ultimate Sandblasting would get the last word on the evening with all three Ultimate Sandblasting entries earning podium spots. McDonald would win the event, Justin Demello (#82) of London would finish second, Paul Fothergill (#88) of London finished third. Jeff Showler finished in fourth position.
“We had a rough night to start,” said McDonald in victory lane. “I want to thank my guys, things really came alive at the end.”
The first Delaware Super Stock race of the evening got off to a rough start. A crash on the first lap of the event involved defending champion Ray Morneau (#98) of Windsor and Andrew Perkins (#3) of London. On the restart, Jason Lidster (#11) of St. Thomas was able to get around Stephen Richmond (#24) of Appin to take the lead. Later while battling for third position, Richmond would be involved in a spin with Jeremiah Rabideau (#51) of Glencoe. Several laps later another spin sent second place runner Darrell Lake (#77) of London spinning after contact with Jeremy Reid (#76) of Kerwood. The race was won by Jason Lidster (#11) of St. Thomas, second was Jeremy Reid of Kerwood, third was Rob Windis (#22) of Strathroy.
“The last time I won a feature, O’Tools was the sponsor of the night,” said Lidster in victory lane. “I have some issues with my car, I wish I didn’t have to tell you that. We just hung on for that one”.
“I knew he wasn’t going to go good,” said Prudhomme in victory lane. “I just shot out there [and made the pass]. I thought I might have had a flat!”
The POWERADE Open Wheel Modifieds first race of the evening was led early on by John Saunders (#70) of London. Saunders led the opening laps before being passed by Barry Newman (#1) of Springfield. Three laps later Saunders would spin in turn three bringing out the yellow flag. The event was by Barry Newman (#1), second was Jamie Cox (#3) of Dorchester and third was Darrell Limon (#54) of Watford.
“That feels good, I didn’t know if I would get it,” said Newman in victory lane. “I had a lot of pressure from Jamie [Cox] which is one of the best drivers around here. I just hoped he couldn’t get to me. I want to dedicate this race to Raph Laur, Mike’s dad who passed away about a month and a half ago.”
The second race of the night for the POWERADE Modifieds saw Paul Shipway (#88) of Ailsa Craig out front early. Shipway would move on to win the caution free race. Second was David McCullough (#39) of Glencoe and third was Jamie Cox (#3) of Dorchester.
“We had some bad luck in the first feature,” said Shipway in victory lane. “I knew we had to put the hammer down because once those guys [behind] me got straightened out I knew they would be fast. Luckily we got to take off and take it easy.”
The evening wrapped up with the first Transmission Direct Enduro Challenge of the year. After a fierce battle with Derek McCullough (#38) of Glencoe, Jim Fergusson (#06) of Essex found himself solidly in the lead. On lap 21 of the 35 lap race Fergusson suffered a mechanical failure and pulled into the infield. David McCullough (#39) of Glencoe inherited the lead, but was passed by Dave Goertz (#15) of Arkona on lap 26. Goertz, who was also the winner of the previous Saturday’s Transmission Direct Enduro would move on to win the Challenge event. Steve Book (#64) of Brantford finished second, McCullough finished third.
“It’s a lot of fun coming out here and racing on a Friday night,” said Goertz in victory lane. “We just love to get out here and race!”
The next race event at Delaware Speedway is Friday, May 29 sponsored by Phone Guide. Racing will feature the APC Late Models, Delaware Super Stocks, Demar Aggregates Trucks and wrap up with a wild race of Ultimate Sandblasting & Coating Chaos Cars under the lights. Gates open at 6:00 pm, racing starts at 8:00 pm.
Photos / Video Captures Courtesy: Checkered Flag Media |
 |
 |
Jeremiah Rabideau (#51) of Glencoe would start in the first position for the second Delaware Super Stock feature of the night. Rabideau was having a solid run out front until on lap 19 under caution his right rear tire went flat. Rabideau valiantly tried to hang onto the lead position, but was overpowered by Dan Prudhomme (#2) of Ingersoll who would go on to win the event, and Jason Lidster (#11) of St. Thomas who would finish second. Third was Shawn Hewitt (#67) of St. Thomas.
