Race fans are excited about the Auto Value 250 on SpeedWeekend, but before Sunday’s big Pro Stock race, they will be treated to an amazing Sportsman race. The Coastal Blending and Packaging 150 will cap off a full night of racing action, beginning at 7PM on SpeedWeekend Saturday.
Four drivers are expected to run both the 150 and 250 this weekend. Defending Coastal Blending and Packaging 150 winner Lonnie Sommerville, who also has two Auto Value 250 wins, will run both races. Dave O’Blenis, who finished 2nd in the Auto Value 250 last year and was crowned Speedway 660’s A.L. Gullison Disaster Kleenup Pro Stock champ last Saturday, has also registered for both races. Ken MacKenzie, winner of the recent Martin’s Home Heating Firecracker Sportsman 150, is also expected to suit-up for both races. In addition Steve Halpin, third place finisher in the 2011 Auto Value 250 is expected to run both the 150 and 250 events.
Lonnie Sommerville, defending Coastal Blending and Packaging Sportsman 150 winner, has confirmed he will run both big races on SpeedWeekend. Sommerville, a two-time Auto Value 250 winner, will join Dave O’Blenis, Ken MacKenzie and Steve Halpin who are also expected to see double duty.
“The Coastal Blending and Packaging 150 gets over-shadowed by the Auto Value 250, but that SpeedWeekend Sportsman race is one of the most challenging events of the year” said O’Blenis. “We’ve got a pretty good car and have really got something to prove after finishing second to Kenny in the Firecracker.”
Glyn Nott, who is riding high after winning Speedway 660’s Martins Home Heating Sportsman Championship last Saturday, is also one of the favourites heading into the race. Nott enjoys the longer races and has had a lot of success in them over the years.
“Everything went our way last week and after thirteen years we finally captured that elusive Sportsman title, but this is another week and another challenge” said Nott. “Dave, Kenny and Lonnie are all experienced Pro Stock drivers, with strong Sportsman resumes, so they’ll be tough, but so will the visiting drivers and our own Speedway 660 Sportsman teams.”
Over thirty Sportsman drivers are expected to attempt to qualify for the Coastal Blending and Packaging 150. Sportsman racing is a fan favourite in Atlantic Canada. The cars are not as powerful as the Pro Stocks and harder to muscle through the turns, but Sportsman racing has always been intense and exciting for race fans.
