HAMPTON, ON- With 6 OSCAAR Super Late Model starts to his name, multi-time Peterborough Speedway champion Kelly Balson will return home for his first career appearance in a Super Late Model on August 2nd.
“It’s going to be a nice change to have a bit of a home track advantage for once”, Balson muses, “I’m quite comfortable with Peterborough Speedway. I’m comfortable with the groove there. I’m comfortable with the walls there. I know how much I can get out of my car there”
‘The Crowd Pleaser’ notes that preparing for his OSCAAR debut at his hometrack feels noticeably different than his previous 6 outings.
“This is as comfortable as I’ve ever been going to a tour event”, explains the former Autumn Colours Classic winner. “It’s a new feeling. There’s no guesswork. We know what we’re going to need setup wise. The fact that we’re not learning the track is going to make a significant difference when it comes to fine tuning our car”
When asked his strategy for the 50-lap event, Balson explains that he looks forward to utilizing the entire track when necessary.
“I think it’s a ridiculous notion that you can’t pass on the outside at Peterborough Speedway. It’s not impossible. Not by a longshot. It’s only impossible for those that don’t want to give it a go. If the opening is there, we’ll definitely take this car to the outside in an effort to improve our position”
“My team has raced at Peterborough Speedway for a long time”, continues Balson. “There’s no hidden secret to success there. You just have to know your limitations and take what you can get when you can get it”
Currently leading the Rookie of the Year standings, Balson expects to further distance himself from his fellow freshman with a strong performance on August 2nd.
“I expect to be a top-5 car all night at Peterborough. I expect this car to be just as fast as it’s been all year. I know our potential, I understand just how good this car can be. It can be a top-5 car. I expect to be in touch with the leaders on lap-50. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that going into 4 of the first 6 races”
The Hampton, ON driver will compete at Peterborough Speedway with the support of London Recreational Racing, Cochrane Automotive, BARKER, Shelley Taxidermy and Dan McHattie Racecars.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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