It may have been hot, humid and sticky but those conditions were the perfect compliment to the on-track excitement as Kawartha Speedway hosted the 2010 edition of Fan Appreciation Night – presented by Earl Ireland Auto Sales –July 16.
The NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models were the first to take to the 3/8 mile oval for a pair of 10 lap qualifying heats. Chris Morrow and defending track champion Dan McHattie shared the checkered flags. Chad Strawn and 2007 champ Steve Mayhew each made trips to victory lane during the Better Carpet Thunder Car prelims, while Dwight Lavoie and current point leader Mike Nelson shared the first rounds of Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock action.
Semi features were next on the bill as Dwight Brown, Steve Mayhew and Tyler Junkin found their way to the winner’s circle following late model, thunder car and mini stock track time. Tim Burke, Dan Price and Daryl Fice made it to the feature race starting grid following their performance in the night’s consolation rounds.
A 50 lap Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock feature was the first order of business once the main events headed trackside. Tyler Junkin and Jack Horner paced the field of 27 starters to the green and there were 7 laps complete before the action was slowed for a front stretch jingle with Daryl Fice and Brian Bassett.
From the ensuing restart, the capacity crowd was treated to some excellent racing throughout the pack until the yellow was displayed again for a turn 2 mishap between Mason Racine and Neil Hannah with 35 circuits in the books. ‘Too’ Moroney, who had once enjoyed a healthy half track advantage now had a full field of ‘4 bangers’ glued to his back bumper – and only 15 laps to hold them off.
Michael Batchelor’s early strong run had been slowed by mechanical woes and Moroney’s major competition was now Dwight Lavoie and Mike Nelson. The #2 Honda proved to be ‘too’ much for his rivals, picking-up his second win of the year. Steven Slot and Tyler Junkin completed the top five.
The Better Carpet Thunder Cars came to the line nearly 20 strong, with Dave Haywood and Jamie Wagar heading the way. There was solid fender to fender action all through the field and the show was almost caution free. Dan Price spun in turn four, but the leaders had already taken the white flag. 2008 track champion Willie Reyns came from his sixth starting spot for the win under the yellow and checkered flags, followed by a strong effort from Andy Ford. Chad Strawn, Steve and Norm Mayhew finished-out the fast five.
The night wrapped-up with the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model main event. Earl Ireland and Cale Bailey brought the 24 starters to the line, but the pace was slowed early as Brandon Mowat and J.P. Josiasse made contact in turn 2. Both drivers were able to continue after quick work by their crews, but the yellow was back a short time later as Bailey, Darragh Moroney, Ryan Kimball, Dan McHattie and Tim Fernandes brought the field to a crawl at the exit of turn 2. McHattie was unable to answer the bell when the green flag reappeared.
A final caution period on lap 16 for a spin by Ireland, Dwight Brown and Mowat couldn’t delay the inevitable result as Chris Morrow recorded his second 2010 win. His #11 Chevrolet was chased across the line by Larry Jackson, Bryan Mercer, Jamie Horner and Vic Parsons.
Kawartha klips: Brandon Mowat, Vic Parsons and Paul Pierek each made their first starts in the late model division. Mowat was returning after a layoff of a couple of years. Ageless veteran Parsons says he’ll be running a limited schedule, while Pierek was shaking-down a former CASCAR Super Series ride after running with the Ontario Legends Series just a week ago. Collin Welsh made it 3-for-3 by winning the Holiday Ford Race for Charity.
Track officials continue to scour the schedules looking for a make-up date for the Summer Sizzler that was postponed July 9, July 23 the Ontario Legends Series will make another stop at the popular Fraserville oval. There will also be a 50 lap invitational event for the thunder car division on the schedule.
Photo: ‘Too’ Moroney celebrates after capturing the 50 lap Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rentals main event at Kawartha Speedway.
Photo attachment: Heather Wiebe www.adrianmediaservices.com
Release Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
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