Up Next – SpeedWeekend 2011
This weekend is SpeedWeekend and everyone I know sure is excited. We are all excited because Canada’s most anticipated short-track racing weekend is almost here. We are hosting seven different divisions of racing and welcoming thousands of fans to Speedway 660. To say “we’re pumped” may be an understatement!
AutoValue 250
All of the best Pro Stock teams want to lay claim to the AutoValue 250 trophy and the winner’s share of the purse. They had better be ready because the competition is going to be fierce. It’s hard to name names for fear of leaving anyone out, but I can’t help but mention Johnny Clark.
Johnny won AutoValue 250 in 2007 and 2010 plus the last two Pro All Star Series races at Speedway 660. To say he likes this joint is definitely an understatement. Johnny Clark is determined to become the first back-to-back winner and first three time winner of the AutoValue 250.
But hold on just a minute. I am not quite ready to concede victory to Johnny and rename Speedway 660 Clarksville! He’ll be tough, he’ll be ready and he just may get it done, but there are lots of other drivers who are capable of winning the big race. Lonnie Sommerville is having a great season on the PASS tour. Like Clark, he is a two time winner of the AutoValue 250 (2006 & 2009) and like Johnny he wants the trophy for a third time. Other PASS drivers will be strong competitors as well.
Shawn Tucker won the Maritime Pro Stock Tour race here this year and is a former 250 winner (2004). Craig Slaunwhite, another former winner (2008), as well as Wayne Smith, John Flemming, Shawn Turple, Kent Vincent and Darren MacKinnon are all having strong seasons on the MPST and have the potential to win the AutoValue 250.
Speedway 660 fans will be cheering for our weekly O’Leary Auto Group Pro Stock drivers. Greg Fahey’s Rexall Rocket has been dominant in 2011 and has a legitimate shot at the 250. He won every point race this season and won our Pro Stock title for the third time in four years. The “Rocket-Man” also finished 2nd behind Tucker in the MPST race here.
One thing is for sure, there will be no shortage of competition when the green flag flies to start the AutoValue 250. Oh, forgive me for almost forgetting to mention that Jimmy Spencer is coming to SpeedWeekend. Everyone is looking forward to meeting Jimmy and watching him go up against some of North America’s best short-track racers!
Coastal Blending and Packaging 150
If you like Sportsman racing half as much as I do, you know all about the buzz generated around the big race on SpeedWeekend’s Saturday night. Our Martins Home Heating Sportsman division drivers will be out to defend their home black-top when they welcome the best teams in our region to compete against them.
The Coastal Blending and Packaging 150 is going to be a barn-burner. Glyn Nott won the recent Firecracker 150 and has rattled off two straight point race features. Matt Maillett won the Martins Home Heating Sportsman 100 earlier in the year. Ken MacKenzie is our point champ, for the 2nd year in a row, and would love to make it to Victory Lane in the 150.
There will be lots of other top Sportsman teams at Speedway 660 this weekend too. If you like door-to-door racing, make sure to take in the Coastal Blending and Packaging 150!
But Wait – There’s More!
In addition to Sportsman and Pro Stocks, we’ve got lots more SpeedWeekend action. On Saturday night the four cylinders and Legends will share the stage with the Sportsman teams. On Sunday the Hanwell Village Mart Bandoleros and RV World Street Stockers will be part of the show. And on Monday you’ll see the Enduros wrap up our 2011 season.
Saturday Night Heroes
Dana Hamm-Cameron, Tyler Seveck, Rick Cashol, Ken MacKenzie and Greg Fahey are my Saturday Night Heroes from last week. They are 2011 division champs at Speedway 660 and are to be congratulated on tremendous seasons.
Be Here for SpeedWeekend
I always have to remind myself how lucky we are to have a great racing facility in our back yard. Since 1994, Speedway 660 has provided all of us with lots of thrills and since 2001 has given us SpeedWeekend. So Get Ready, Get Set and Go to Speedway 660 for SpeedWeekend 2011. We’ll see you at the races.
Johnny Clark wants to become the first back-to-back and first three time AutoValue 250 winner. On Sunday evening we’ll see if Clark, who won in 2010 and 2007, can hoist the AutoValue 250 trophy for a third time.
