FORMER CHAMPION CROUCH LOOKS FORWARD TO ACT’S SANAIR STOP

Courtesy Marjorie Mulligan Fay

St. Pie, Qc - Robbie Crouch, former American Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion is excited for the return of ACT to Sanair Super Speedway. Crouch, better known as the “Tampa Tornado” set records during his racing career which continue to challenge current ACT competitors, even though he hasn’t raced since the 1990’s. He clinched a total of six championships during his career, but five time champion Jean-Paul Cyr is closing in on that impressive record. The ACT Late Models and Tiger Sportsman Series will make the voyage to the St-Pie, Quebec track for the “La Mega Classique” on Sat/Sun, July 8th and 9th.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Crouch relocated to Vermont and found success racing in New England. “Everyone loves racing at Thunder Road but Sanair is so different. It’s not like the usual bullrings we raced.” Crouch captured two victories at the 7/8th mile speedplant in 1985 and 1988 but is haunted by the losses he was served at the speedway. "I remember the losses more then I remember the wins because they were some of the toughest of my entire career.”

The former champion recalled, “I was leading the Stock Car Connection event at Sanair and Butch Miller was dumping water on the track. I caught the water in the tri-oval and wrecked. There have been numerous times there that I should have won, but as luck would have it, I didn’t.” He added, “To win at Sanair is special just because the track is so different than anything we had ever been to.”

Unlike previous trips to the Quebec track, Crouch will return to his favorite track as a fan. “When we raced Sanair, it took our Tour to a whole new level. It can do the same for this group of guys too.” They have nice cars and the racing should be great.”

When asked to pick a favorite for the two-day event he was quick to choose the one driver challenging his records. “Based on what I’ve seen, I think Jean-Paul Cyr will be tough to beat, he seems to step up at the big races.” Crouch continued, “I wouldn’t count out Rich Lowery or Brent Dragon though because they seem to be running well.”

Crouch stated that the drivers should have a great time racing at Sanair, “It’s a fast track, especially on the backstretch heading into the tri-oval.” On August 6, 1982, Crouch set a 17.464s lap record at the Quebec speedway; however Crouch anticipates that the current race cars will have no problem exceeding that lap time. “These cars are going to put on a great show, anyone who hasn’t been to Sanair will just have to wait ‘til they see the track, it’s really something special.”