July 4, 2005. Sean Stafford and the #42 LE Walker Transport Chevrolet team got off to a strong start for round number four of the CASCAR Super Series at Barrie Speedway on the Canada Day Long weekend.
The crew had prepared a strong car, and Stafford was able to maneuver the LE Walker Chevrolet into the 10th starting spot, a good effort. "The car felt pretty good right away and we were just hoping to follow along at the start and then see how things played out" said the driver afterwards. "Too bad it didn't work out that way."
Stafford would be forced to make a pit stop during the first caution period of the 300 lap event as the temperature was hitting 260 degrees. The team tried to cool the engine, but the stop put Sean and the LE Walker Chevy back in the heavy traffic, and the line of fire.
With the asphalt surface coming breaking apart all weekend, Barrie Speedway was a one groove track and even the slightest variation of the racing line would cause the car to slide. Sean was involved in contact with others and the crew removed plenty of fiberglass body work.
Even with all of the circumstances working against the LE Walker team, they had a fast race car. "When we were ahead of Mark Dilley (the eventual race winner) and away from the traffic we were just as fast as he was" said Stafford. "I had no problem staying ahead of him after a restart".
However the 300 lap main event would conclude with a torn up race car and the LE Walker Chevrolet team credited with an 18th place finish. "After looking so good it went away quickly" said Sean after the race. "It's too bad it really can be a fun track to drive, but not today".
During the race veteran LE Walker team member and tire changer Adam Smith of Ancaster was injured, suffering burns to his right hand while trying to make repairs. He is resting at McMaster Medical Centre in Hamilton and while he is uncomfortable, the prognosis is optimistic and Smith hopes to be back with the team soon.
Next up for the CASCAR Super Series competitors will return to road racing as one of the top attractions as part of the Toronto Molson Indy weekend. This temporary street circuit has been the sight of great CASCAR racing every year since 1999.
For more information on Mid America Motorsports and the CASCAR Super series log onto www.cascar.ca and watch all of the races on Rogers Sportsnet.
This release prepared by Todd Lewis, TL Sports & Entertainment, tandt@pathcom.com
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