NCATS: PODIUM FINISH FOR DON THOMSON JR IN HOME HARDWARE CHEVY

Don Thomson Jr. and the entire Home Hardware team knew they would have to be at their best to secure a top finish at one of the most challenging short tracks on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) schedule, the tight 1/3 mile bullring known as Barrie Speedway. And despite setbacks due to other driver’s misfortune, Thomson was able to claim his second podium finish of the season.

As usual the Home Hardware Chevrolet was very quick during practice as Don Thomson Jr. was on top of the time sheets during both one hour sessions. “The car felt good, but you know me I’d always like a little more” he stated. “But the car is good and we should be fine for the race he added. Thomson would post the fourth quickest qualifying time and start from the outside of row two.

Through the early stages of the race, the drivers appeared to be keeping their cool. It’s easy to get into difficulty at a tight track like Barrie, but through the early stages of the race the drives appeared to be keeping their cool. How quickly things can change. Unfortunately Thomson would get caught up in an early incident between two other drivers. Fortunately the #4 car sustained no serious damage.

Following a pit stop for tires and fuel that shuffled the Home Hardware Chevy to the back of the field Thomson was again collected in other drivers incidents. “It’s all about survival” said the Home Hardware Chevy driver prior to the 300 lap main event. At this point Thomson decided to make a bold move. “I told the team that I wanted to stop for right side tires, and that I wasn’t stopping again”. The strategy worked.

The remainder of the race would be slowed often by caution periods. As the laps wound down Thomson and the Home Hardware Chevy were battling hammer and tong with the #17 car. The two drivers would swap the lead six separate times through the evening providing some of the most exciting and clean racing seen this year. “It was really some great racing” said Thomson afterwards. “Battling that close for that long is really exciting. Their team did a great job and I congratulate them. But for us to come to Barrie and get collected a couple of times, we’ve got to be happy with a third place finish.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will return to action with a swing through Western Canada beginning at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC on July 15th. The NCATS run a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. Each of the twelve races will also be broadcast on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment