@J_R_Fitzpatrick • @OSCAARRacing • AYR, ON. (September 2, 2015) – JR Fitzpatrick turned in an impressive second-place finish in the Don Biederman Memorial for the Dickies OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model series presented by London Recreational Racing.
Fitzpatrick started fifth for the 50-lap main event, but raced to third before the first lap was completed. The No.84 Meineke Car Care / Transaxle Parts was then in the catbird seat for a battle for the lead between series point leader Kevin Cornelius and Glenn Watson. After Cornelius took the lead, Fitzpatrick took to battling Watson for second
“It was almost like a repeat of Sunset with Glenn Watson. We were side-by-side for about five laps and Kevin (Cornelius) just drove away. Kevin was gone by a straightaway,” explained Fitzpatrick. “We ended up catching him and got right to his tail at the end there.”
Despite Cornelius’ nearly full straightaway lead, Fitzpatrick began to reel in the undefeated No.17.
“My biggest problem is on the straightaways, from the start-finish line on. I keep getting pulled three car lengths, it seems, but our car is just rolling the middle of the corner so well right now,” Fitzpatrick said.
The race ran caution-free and although Fitzpatrick was able to catch Cornelius, he was unable to complete the pass for the lead. A caution would certainly have helped Fitzpatrick, in both track position and the opportunity to cool the tires.
“I think the way our car was rolling the corners we could have put up a good fight with him. Driving that hard for 25 or 30 laps to get to him, I think I used my tires up,” Fitzpatrick said. “I got to his mirror and got loose a couple of times and the crate motor is all about momentum and I lost that momentum. I just ran out of time.”
Fitzpatrick is content knowing he likely had the faster car, but simply lacked the track position to earn his first OSCAAR victory.
“I had no complaints with my car at all. I think if I had another 30 or 40 horsepower I could keep the speed a little greater beyond the start-finish line. My car is just perfect. It’s awesome to drive,” Fitzpatrick said.
The team now shifts its focus to Peterborough Speedway for the tour’s next event on Saturday, September 5, where Fitzpatrick was only a couple of laps away from his first victory earlier in August.
“I think we’ve made the car better. If the car drives like it did at Flamboro, it’s definitely more comfortable, more stable (than in past races). We’re just improving all the time,” Fitzpatrick said.
Another strong finish at Peterborough would go a long way to helping Fitzpatrick maintain the second spot in the overall championship standings.
“We’re finally in second in points so I’m going to try and stay ahead of those two or three guys I’m battling for second with.”
Complete event information for the September 5 race at Peterborough Speedway is available at www.oscaar.ca and www.peterboroughspeedway.com.
Follow JR Fitzpatrick’s inaugural OSCAAR Super Late Model season on social media by ‘Liking’ his official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FitrzpatrickJR and by following @J_R_Fitzpatrick on Twitter.
JR Fitzpatrick’s 2015 OSCAAR Super Late Model season is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors, including: Meineke Car Care, Transaxle Heavy Truck & Trailer Parts, Cambridge Rigging, Equipment Express, Jenco Equipment, Bert, McColl Racing Enterprises, Creative Edge Signs, Wix Filters, Permatex, Driven Steering Wheels, Spray Nine, Deon Racecars, Clayton Johns Media and ImageFactor.ca Motorsport Designs.
Media Contact: Clayton Johns Media claytonjohns@hotmail.com
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