Entering this year's Super DIRT Week, Joey Ladouceur had a 13-point lead and with the countless hours that his race team put into their shop in Alexandria, a good strong run would only solidify Ladouceur's bid for a second Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock championship. Ladouceur first claimed the crown back in the 2004 season and has been close so many times to duplicating that feet in recent years.
The weekend started out well for Ladouceur, as he was near the top of the leader board in opening practice, despite narrowly avoiding a wreck in hot laps as a wreck unfolded right in front of his Coffrage 20-20, Mr. Radiator Auto Service, Fence Depot, Glengarry Truck Centre. Minimax Transportation, Stinger X Chassis. Ladouceur limped away with minimal damage to his left fender in an incident that could have been much worse.
In time trials, Ladouceur posted the second fastest speed in time trials on Saturday. Before they could pack up for the day, Ladouceur's car had to go through the routine tech inspection that happens during every DIRTcar Pro Stock event. Confident that the car would pass inspection, just as it has at every other DIRTcar series race, Ladouceur was shocked to learn that the DIRTcar officials discovered a problem with his carburetor, especially after it had gone through DIRTcar tech on more then one occasion this season.
"We were very thorough in making sure this car was legal, just as we always have. We used the same carburetor at the series race at Mohawk and it passed through a very extensive tech inspection easily. We honestly had no idea there was an issue. Even the DIRTcar official apologized to us for not informing all DIRTcar tech officials of the proper tech procedures", says Ladouceur after hearing that his second fastest time was being disallowed.
Now having to start scratch in the non-qualifiers race on Sunday morning, Ladouceur looked to put the situation behind him and concentrate on the task at hand. When the checkered flag flew to end the last chance race, Ladouceur knew he had a fast car, it was just a matter of track position and how fast he can work his way through traffic.
As expected, at the drop of the green flag, Ladouceur stormed through the field, passing 17 cars in the first 10 laps before dropping out with a broken right front shock. Ladouceur was credited with a disappointing 24th place effort, as he easily had a top five car most of the weekend.
"I think this is probably the best car we have ever had here at Syracuse", claims Ladouceur. "It is just such shame that everything went the way it did. I think we were the fastest car on the track early in the race, and this car felt very comfortable to drive. I have to thank Frank, Tristan, Sebastian, Corey, and all the crew and all of our wives for letting us do this. We have been working on this stuff for two weeks straight preparing for this race".
This coming weekend, Ladouceur will end the 2010 season at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. As bad as last weekend was at Syracuse, Ladouceur hopes to repeat his last performance at Brockville, a win just one year ago to wrap up and otherwise terrific season. Ladouceur currently sits 23 points back of the current points leader.
"We aren't going to worry about the points now", says Ladouceur. "We are going to put our heads down and go for the win. "If we can do that, then we have done our part, and what ever happens to the other cars is out of our control".
Regardless of the outcome of this weekend's events at Brockville, Ladouceur and his team have had a remarkable season.
For more information on Joey Ladouceur, please check out our website, www.joey92.com.
By Craig Revelle – Finish Line Web Design / photo courtesy Rick Young
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