Ok here is part 2. Expect the balance of the list and new additions to come later on this week.
#21 "Thunder Car Driver Extraordinare" Luke Gignac ------- a long time veteran of the Thunder division, Gignac has fallen victim in recent years to being "out bucked". The talented driver did still manage a B feature win at Fall Colors, so I dont think it comes down to skill in question for the gentle giant from Hillsdale rather than dollars, and being forced to run old equipment because of it. Luke did manage to start 9 of 12 features in 08, and I would expect that or more from him this coming season. Had a career best 3rd in points in 2004 but I would suspect Gignac would be happy being a top 15 car in this day and age.
#22 Jason Elliott ------- The title of Most Improved Driver was very fitting for the sophomore pilot in 08, with Jason recording 2 top 5s and 7 top 10s in 12 starts. Not enough proof?? Elliott would also record his first heat win at the midway point, and capped that off with a 3rd overall in he season ending Thunder Car Nationals, and an impressive 8th place in the season ending points. 2008 proved that Elliott and his sleek looking Chevy Monte Carlo SS are here to stay, and hes another driver I'll personally be keeping an eye on for that very factor. 100 percent he's coming back and could develop a friendly rivalery with good friend Brandon to see who comes out on top.
#24 Leonard Johnston ------ another of the guys that has made huge strides over the past few seasons. Leonard would capture a career best 5th in points in 2008, while hitting the podium 5 times in 12 starts. Did lose two feature victories in 2007 in the tech shed so technically still looking for his first feature win and that should provide the motivation for the talented Gravenhurst driver to 100 percent return in 09.
#25 Darcy Gribbon ------- had a bad wreck in a warm up at the 3/4 point of the season in his Dodge, and didnt hit the track after that. Limited to 7 of 12 starts in 09, I would expect if Darcy can find the parts to put in his unique looking ride, we might see him back competing at BSW. Did capture a feature win in 2007, and managed 4 top 10s in those 7 starts so that proves if given the chance the Dodge Diplomat has the potential to run in the top dozen cars on any night. At this point can forcast no better than 60/40 he returns.
#26 Shawn Murray --------- The 2006 Barrie Pure Stock Champion apparently has his new Dodge Avenger for sale after being limited to just a handful of starts in 2008. A member of the Gaunt NCATS crew, maybe the talented Murray plans on sticking that out for a couple years then making a return after Gaunt winds down his career. Admidst all the uncertainty I would only give it 25 percent chance he returns to nightly status at BSW.
#27 Don Munce -------- to be honest not a driver I have really had a chance to meet in the pits so I'm unfamiliar with any type of racing background he might have in the past. Drew the ire of some for being involved in seemingly endless wrecks in 08, lets hope the rookie learned valuble lessons on car control and knowing his place to start in the field when you tend to run a little slower than most. Did make 10 of 12 starts and finished 17th in points, proving he's capable of some good races from time to time. I would suspect another 100 percent returnee.
#35 Chance Isherwood -------- could quite possibly be the most talented of the young guns in the Thunder division, with a strong car and strong team to back him up. The 2007 Kawartha Pure Stock Champion had a few mechanical issues in the opening weeks, but rebounded nicely from that, recording a feature win and 4 top 5s on the season. Isherwood also won a few heats throughout the year and wound up 10th in the point standings. If not for the stellar rookie season of Brandon, and Chance's own misfortune he could of well won rookie honors in 08. Due to the impressive performance and Isherwood's willingness to just learn the car he could be a real contender in 2009, with a top 5 finish or possibly more in the forcast.
#42 Troy "Axle" Potts ------- The 2007 Rookie of the Year followed that up with a 9th in points, while also recording a career best 2nd in a feature on his sponsors night to boot. Still looking for that elusive feature win, I would suggest its 100 pecent Potts returns as his main sponsor is heavily involved at the track. Could possibly break through for a top 5 in points but if he could better the 7th place his rookie year brought about I think the sophmore driver would also consider that a sucessful season.
Looks good! I have to say that I like reading these sneak peaks as they're really insightful 🙂
good job dave, merry christmas to ya! i hate to say never but i was told by the doctor on monday that my racing days are done! i'll re-evaluate in the spring, but it's not looking very good.
good job dave, merry christmas to ya! i hate to say never but i was told by the doctor on monday that my racing days are done! i'll re-evaluate in the spring, but it's not looking very good.
8) 8) 8) 8)Graet job Dave!! Jim That is too bad You have the potental to be one of the great drivers-Racer out there!!Why don't you try to ajust your seat to put Lumbar supports or Have some kind of cushions around your seat some how and try that ,Just suggestions'.... 8) 8) 8)
i've been thinking of everything ............of course! its very expensive but a custom seat might work. i think randy lajoie from nascar has a company. if thats the ticket, i'd price one out.