BUDDIES BLOGS - Jim Clarke

Jim’s Journey’s

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

June 29, 2009  

 

Sometimes, having a full-time job can get in the way of chasing racing.  When I get my work schedule, it determines the events I’m able to get to and the ones that I’ll have to miss.  There are also times when work causes me to get behind in my writing jobs.  Last week was one of those times, but after a 3 day break from my time clock obligations, I think I’m finally getting caught-up.

 

Friday, June 26th:  Kawartha Speedway

 

It was another great night at my regular stomping grounds.  Our 3 weekly divisions were in action – with the Ontario Legends Series on hand as well.  The biggest concern on the night was weather.  Twice during the rotating practise sessions, rain hit the speedway.  One downpour occurred while the legend cars were on the track.  The rain came-up so quickly that Kevin Foisey lost control of his #55 machine and made hard contact with the turn 3 wall, sidelining his efforts for the night. 

 

Kawartha feature event winners included Dan McHattie in the NAPA Auto Parts Late Models, Kyle Donaldson in the Better Carpet Thunder Cars and Jason Juriga in the Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stocks.  Paul DeJong took the Ontario Legends Series main event.

 

Kawartha klips:  Track general manager/promoter Derek Lynch had his ACT late model at the track for a few laps during the night’s practise sessions.

 

Coming up at Kawartha – the American-Canadian Tour Summer Sizzler 200 – Sunday, July 12th.  Full details and information on ordering advance tickets can be found at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

 

Saturday, June 27th:  Brockville Ontario Speedway

 

Just as I’m at Kawartha most Friday nights, Saturday evenings I can usually be found at Brockville Speedway.  This year, I’m doing some public relations work for Danny O’Brien and supplying stories to the web-site www.kendrickracing.ca.  The fact that Dan is having another great year certainly makes for some easy writing.

 

With few of the other Saturday night tracks cancelling earlier in the day, Brockville ’s numbers swelled to 23 DIRTcar small block modified machines and 25 sportsman teams.  The 358’s were supposed to be joined by 2007 Mr. DIRTcar champion Mario Clair, but the team’s hauler encountered 3 flat tires on the way to the track.  They were added as a provisional starter to the tail-end of the feature, but never did materialize.

 

Brockville ’s Matt ‘ Hollywood ’ Billings took the win in the sportsman modified feature and was followed across the line by Dave Wilgosh, Randy Earl, Shane Pecore and Dylan Evoy.  Picton , Ontario ’s Adam Turner was 7th, with Doug O’Blenis of Deseronto 15th.  The sportsman feature was marred by a 5 car crash in turn 3.  Kingston ’s Jessica Power – who won her first sportsman qualifying event earlier in the night – spun to avoid another car and was hit by at least 3 other cars.  She sent me an e-mail Monday morning via Facebook to say her car would be back together before she would.  She suffered a broken shoulder blade in the crash and will be sidelined for a few weeks.

 

The modified feature was another Danny O’Brien benefit show.  Coming from a 13th place starting spot, he worked his way past early race leader Bill Gill to pick-up his 4th win of 2009.  Jason Riddell, Brian McDonald and Mike Adderley completed the top 5.  Bath , Ontario ’s Todd Stewart was 6th.  Stewart and O’Brien’s older brother Pat are the only other drivers to visit Brockville ’s DIRTcar small block modified victory lane in 2009.

 

Brockville bits:  Autodrome Drummond rained-out at 2:00 Saturday afternoon, resulting in Michel Chicoine, Fred Gamache and Gino Clair joining the modified field.  Steve Savoie and Steve Bernier bolstered the sportsman ranks.

 

Coming up at Brockville – the Coca-Cola/BOB-FM Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series big block tour – Thursday, July 9th.  Time trials start at 6:30 .  Details can be found at www.brockvillespeedway.com.

 

This weekend:  Back to Kawartha and Brockville Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.

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Jim's Journey - June 29, 2009

Jim's Journey - June 14, 2009

Jim's Journey - June 7, 2009

Jim's Journey - May 31, 2009

 

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