Smooth Sailing Through the First Day of the Autumn Colours Classic

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

Branded as the ‘Largest Race Event in the Province’, the opening day of the 20th Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – at Peterborough Speedway certainly lived-up to its advance billing.  A stuck throttle that caused the #11 Limited Late Model of Jason Legge ride the 3rd turn retaining wall and leave the park during pre-race practice was the only serious incident of the day.  The dejected driver took a mandatory ride back to his pit with rescue personnel, but was uninjured.  The Sauble Speedway regular had his Autumn Colours’ experience end before taking a single lap of green flag action.  Other than that, Friday’s action saw only a couple of minor incidents and some excellent side-by-side racing during the weekend’s first round of qualifying.

The upstart Renegade Truck division came to the line first for their 8 lap qualifying event, won by Jeff Remington.  Andrew Gresel, Gord Shepherd and Ryan Kimball each laid claim to a Pro Late Model opening duel.  Will Davies, Casey Cavanaugh, Justin Bierworth and Alex Lees shared the Mini Stock preliminary rounds, with Brian Strawn and Justin DiMelo capturing the Open Wheel Modified heats.

Andy McCann captured the second Renegade Truck qualifier, with Dan Archibald, Lane Zardo, Paul Maltese and Nick Roth taking the checkered flags in Thunder Car action.  The Limited Late Model heat races went to Thane Hallyburton, Gord Shepherd, Chris Mitchell and Scott McTeer.  Andy McCann made it to victory lane again, winning the 12 lap Renegade Truck feature over Tiffany VandeBelt, Gary Tryon and Jeff Remington.  Friday’s action came to a close with Ryan Oosterholt and Chris Mulders grabbing the 4 Fun qualifying rounds.

What is your favourite Classic Autumn Colour?  After running near the front of the pack during the night’s 4th and final Limited Late Model heat race, Sunset Speedway point champion dropped off the pace.  His #47 machine suffered a blown engine, forcing the team to head back to their Queensville, Ontario shop to pick-up a back-up car to finish the weekend...An uncharacteristic solo spin coming off the  second turn left defending Pro Late Model winner and 2012 Kawartha champion Dan McHattie under the car making some late night changes, while other drivers were swapping war stories with friends and rivals...Forced to miss the entire afternoon’s practice session because of work commitments, Bryan Mercer – the 3rd place finisher in Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model standings – still managed a 3rd place effort in his Pro Late Model qualifying heat...As is common with the Autumn Colours Classic, the Peterborough Speedway pit area was filled to overflowing, forcing officials to use a nearby field for the excess...The weekend’s first 50/50 draw paid $500 to a race fan who had made the trip from Elliott Lake, Ontario.

Action continues Saturday, October 6th, with practice beginning at 1:00 and racing at 3:30.  Sunday, October 7th, all divisions will stage their feature events, with racing starting at 12:30.  Pit gates will open at 10:00 each day.  For complete details on the 20th Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – be sure to see www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Dwayne Baker (#48) and Chris Ferguson run some Pro Late Model practice laps prior to the first night of action during the 20th Annual Autumn Colours Classic – Friday, October 5th – at Peterborough Speedway.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
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