CASCAR: BROWN ENJOYS SEASON OPENER

Fourth Place Finish at Barrie

Brantford’s Doug Brown enjoyed his best ever weekend in CASCAR Super Series competition with a determined fourth place finish in the “GO-RACING.CA 300” at Barrie Speedway on Monday afternoon.

The NAPA Autopro driver, by virtue of his qualifying time, started his Monte Carlo on the front row along side five-time and defending series champion Don Thomson of Ayr, Ontario and ran side by side with the Home Hardware driver through the first four laps before falling into second place in the 250-lap chase.

He held that position for several laps until the leaders began catching slower traffic where Thomson gained the upper hand. Brown got trapped on the high side of the tight 1/3rd-mile allowing DJ Kennington, Kerry Micks, JR Fitzpatrick, Brad Graham and Mark Dilley to take advantage in forming a freight train-like charge to get by.

Following a series of caution breaks and subsequent pit stops, Doug remained in contention and appeared to be poised for a strong run to the finish before getting involved in a number of near disastrous incidents on the tight racing surface.

Despite a late pit stop under caution to remove some badly damaged body parts, he managed to return to the track without losing a lap and continued his pursuit with only a handful of laps remaining. A subsequent caution with only three laps remaining prevented any further charge to catch the leaders.

Despite his fourth-place finish, the veteran competitor was pleased with the way his car and crew performed and simply summed up his result by stating, ”Now that’s really what short track racing as all about”, referring to the battering his car, and those of many other experienced throughout the hard fought event.

In Saturday’s qualifying Doug posted fast time of 14:349 and looked as though he might have earned his first pole position until Thomson posted a time of 14:313 to earn the honours.

In his qualifying heat, Brown was in good shape to win the 50-lap dash but with only three laps remaining, Mt. Albert’s Kerry Micks give him a tap between corners one and two and providing the momentum to charge into the lead.

Scott Steckly of Milverton in his Erb Group Dodge Charger earned his first ever Super Series victory by out distancing Don Thomson and JR Fitzpatrick for the win.

The Super Series teams now head to Autodrome St. Eustache, north of Montreal, on June 10th for event number 2 in the eleven race series.

Prepared By: Ken Spencer