STAYNER, ON- Fresh off of four straight top-10 finishes – highlighted by a pair of top-5 performances – in his first two weeks of regular season competition, defending Sunset Speedway Late Model champion Dwayne Baker is ready for May 17th’s 75-lap Spring Velocity Invitational.
“We’ve been happy with our car the last two Saturdays – but I know that we can be better,” offers Baker. “Our aim is to keep improving every time we roll out of the hauler. No matter how well we run, there’s always something we can do better”
The 2-time Autumn Colours Classic winner has found himself in contention in each of Sunset Speedway’s first two nights of the 2015 season, and currently finds himself second in division points after four feature events.
“It’s hard to be mad at the results we’ve had when you think of just how good the competition is,” explains the former NASCAR Whelen All American Series Provincial Champion. “When you’re starting 28-cars every night, to finish in the top-10 and top-5 every time out is a big accomplishment. But, at the same time, we come to the speedway every Saturday with one goal on our mind – and that’s winning”
For Baker, much of the team’s continuous improvement begins at the family-run team’s Stayner, ON race shop where his Crew Chief – and son – Kyle prepares Dwayne’s No. 48 for competition each week.
“We’ve been trying a few different things as far as the setup is concerned, and Kyle and the guys have been working hard to get us to where we need to be,” says ‘The Bully’. “Our car has been close every night and I’m looking forward to getting out and bringing home a win for these guys”
With Sunset’s first 75-lap event of the season mere days away, Baker is confident his team will have the right formula to fight their way to victory lane.
“I think we have as good of a chance as anyone this weekend,” shrugs the veteran with a smile. “Our long run program has been really good the last few years. I prefer the longer races. For me, 75-laps is the perfect distance. I like to be able to come out, find my rhythm and get a feel for the car”
“Invitationals at Sunset always seem to bring out the best competition around. I’m not sure it can get any tougher than what we have here every Saturday, but we’ll find out”
The fan-favourite closes by offering an explanation as to just why victories at Sunset are held in such esteem.
“Wins here mean a lot because they’re not easy to earn. If you can come out here and get 3 or 4 in a season you know that you’re doing great. I’m not sure there’s another track in the country running Late Models that will make you work as hard for a win.”
Details for Sunset Speedway’s Spring Velocity weekend are available at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Baker’s 2015 season will carry marketing support from Zancor Custom Homes, G.D. Coates Used Car Superstore, McGunegill Engine Performance, Four Valley’s Excavating, Clearview Heating & Cooling, Baker Performance Parts and Nisco National Leasing.
Fans can stay up to date with Dwayne and the rest of the team by visiting the official Dwayne Baker Racing page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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