ORO, ON - Barrie Speedway debuted its brand new one third mile tri-oval configuration April 17th as drivers from all divisions took to the new asphalt for the season's first practice session.
PHOTO: Tom Walters heads through the tri-oval as he gets a feel for the new track.
Teams spent the day searching for the right setup, with some teams clearly having more success than others. A few drivers found the fast way around the track in a big hurry, while we had a few wasted little time in getting up close and personal with the turn 4 wall. If early indications hold true this new facility should find some great side by side battles with the wider track and the increased banking.
PHOTO: Late Model rookie Joey McColm takes his first laps at Barrie Speedway.
"I really like it -- you can drive the car right into turn 3 using very little braking. We've only had to make some minor adjustments from last year's set up. I was very happy with the car for the first time out" commented Steve Quesnelle, last years Late Model runner-up and 2003 Late Model champion.
"I'm very interested to see the two lane action once a good amount of rubber is down. We need to change some gear ratios but at least I have a starting point to build from" stated veteran Ontario short track star Mark Gordon, who says he plans on returning at least a couple times this season.
PHOTO: Rob James steps up from Thunder Car to Late Model
"Its definitely different from the old Barrie -- guys are really gonna have to find their marks going into turns 1 and 4 especially. It's pretty tight out there -- the action should be great in the early weeks" said track newcomer Joey McColm.
"I think the most important thing I found out there was where you set the car going into turn 4. A lower line meant for a better exit. I was contemplating starting scratch for the first few weeks 'til I get a feel for this place, but with the way the car handled and our increasingly better lap times I think I'll fair just fine out there" remarked Rob James who is making the jump from the Thunder Car ranks to compete in the Late Model division full time in 2005."
"Its a faster track most definitely should make for better racing once the rubber gets layed down out there. I was having a little trouble in turn 1 -- guys are really gonna have to work to find their marks out there" said 2001 Barrie Speedway Thunder Car champion Frank Davey. Frank is returning to Barrie with the sponsorship of Shepherd Trucking on board.
One driver who seemed to have no problem with the set up was defending Late Model champion John Gaunt who ran lap times in the low 15s before blistering off a 14'9 late in the session. Not everyone was as lucky though with the 48 of Dwayne Baker as well as the 47 of Stompin' Tom Walters having brief encounters with the wall between turns 1 and 2.
All in all the reviews seemed very favorable and drivers will have to remain patient while they chase down the best setups for their rides. It promises to be a very exciting season at the new Barrie Speedway! The season opener is slated for April 30 with the green flag dropping at 7pm.
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