ACTON, ON- In the midst of an early-season hot streak, reigning Sunset Speedway Mini Stock champion will enter June 19th’s 35-lap Garry Reynolds Memorial as an early favourite to claim his first career ‘Memorial’ title.
‘The Astronaut’ has two victories in four weekly starts at Sunset, and closed out the first quarter of the season atop the speedway’s championship points standings. However, Friday night will mark a break from points racing for the third-generation star, as he sets his sights on the Reynolds Memorial purse and prestige.
“It’s so cool when events like this come to your home track,” remarks the likeable teenager. “Racing against guys that we don’t get to see very often is always a nice way to shake things up. We’re going to do everything in our power to lay down a good performance. We want to show everyone our very best – because no one wants to get run over at an Invitational at your home track”
After spending much of his early season in 25-lap contests, McFerran notes it will be a welcome change to go for 35-laps on Friday night.
“10 extra laps really doesn’t sound like much, but believe me it makes a difference,” explains the reigning division champion. “”We just have to free our car up to account for the extra laps and I need to adjust my approach a little and remember that I have some extra time to work”
“These cars don’t typically fall off much late in a run – but you definitely have to be careful not to heat your tires up in the first 10-laps”
Friday’s memorial will mark the first ‘Crown Jewel’ of McFerran’s 2015 schedule – a fact that the Acton, ON utilizes as additional motivation for the much talked about event.
“These are the kind of events that I get excited for,” smiles the former Flamboro Speedway Oktoberfest winner. “Big races are the ones that everyone tends to remember – and those are the races that our team gets extra motivated for. I’m not sure how many more years we have left in the Mini Stock division, but there’s a couple Crown Jewel events that I have on my list before I’m ready to move on. The Garry Reynolds Memorial is, without question, right near the top of that list”
“Everyone wants to win this race,” continues McFerran. “It had a ton of prestige at Barrie and I think it’s going to have a lot of the same feel to it at Sunset on Friday night. Any Memorial race is special – but that’s especially true when you get to honor a guy like Garry who spent so much of his time in this sport. It would be so cool to add our name to the list of winners of this event”
With weeks of impressive performances in his hip pocket, McFerran feels as though his family-owned No. 64 is as good as it has ever been.
“I feel that we’re really hitting our stride,” notes the well-spoken high-school student. “It’s hard to believe – but this car gets better every single time we hit the track with it. Tim [Ellas] and Dad have really dialed this car in to my liking. We’ve been wrenching on this car all week to make it even better – and I hope that we can make our way to the front on Friday.”
Brandon McFerran’s 2015 season is made possible thanks to the support of Peter D. Laird Transport, Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park, Road Ranger, East End Car Wash, B&B Towing, Creative Edge Graphics, Finish Line Painting & Restoration, DS McClure Farms, AMD Electric, Ultimate Finishes and Matalco.
To learn more about Brandon, visit the official Brandon McFerran Racing page on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter @BrandonMcFerran.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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