Peterborough, ON (June 17, 2017)- The APC Series made its annual trip to the track known as ‘Canada’s Toughest ⅓ Mile’, Peterborough Speedway, for the Hy-Grade Roofing 100 on June 17th.
While Mother Nature tested the teams, she was no challenge that could not be overcome. A full field of top Pro Late Model drivers were on hand and eager to do battle after the weather delay to start the day.
After the weather forced the cancellation of most of practice, a revised itinerary saw Bennett GM Pole Qualifying groups ordered based on current championship standings. The groups took to the track for five lap sessions with Brandon Watson setting quick time at a 13.369, barely missing his current series track record. Matt Pritiko and Chris Mitchell qualified second and third respectively.
After the pill draw it would be Josh Stade leading the field to the green silk with Brandon Watson alongside. Watson was looking to become the first driver in series history to three-peat after winning the opening two rounds at Sunset and Flamboro. As the field came to full song, Stade appeared slow and Watson took over the position. Stade would slow in front of the field coming to get lap two, causing Jamie Cox go through the infield grass and make an incredible save in his #22 as the caution came out.
On lap three Matt Pritiko advanced into the top three as Jason Parker was shuffled back to 6th after getting stuck on the high side. Lap 18 saw the defending series champion Andrew Gresel enter the top five as Shawn Chenoweth pressured from behind. On lap 26 the two drivers made significant contact while battling, however Gresel would hold the spot and the two would continue. Caution two came out on lap 39 as Dan McHattie spun in turn two as smoke and sparks flew from under his #71. It appeared as though the car had a flat tire but McHattie would retire from the race, raising questions about perhaps more significant issues underneath.
On lap 46, Shawn Chenoweth entered the top five for the first time and began to work the drivers ahead. 59 laps into the Hy-Grade Roofing 100 the #22m of Chris Mitchell passed Matt Pritiko for second, as just one lap later Pritiko slowed in front of several cars, causing a stack-up. As a result of the stack up, JR Fitzpatrick sustained significant front end damage. Fitzpatrick would then lose control in turn three and smack the outside wall. One lap after the restart Andrew Gresel moved Chris Mitchell and drove into the second position. 71 laps into the race the caution would be displayed as Treyten Lapcevich went up the track and slowed. Before the race restarted Shawn Chenoweth and Kelly Balson entered the infield and would not return as they suffered mechanical issues.
On lap 76 the fifth and final caution came out as Rick Burbridge was turned around in turn two. All cars missed the spun blue deuce and he would resume the race. Shawn McGlynn moved into the second position on lap 77 and worked to close the gap to race leader Brandon Watson. Willie Reyns entered the top five on lap 81 after starting towards the rear of the field. Brandon Watson would go on to score his third straight win over Shawn McGlynn and Andrew Gresel.
The next event for the APC Series is Saturday, July 1st at the Delaware Speedway located just outside of London, Ontario. The tour will enjoy an off week before the big Canada Day celebration as teams and drivers prepare to embark on the half-mile. The 100-lap main event will be capped off by a fireworks display to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our country. The event will start at 6:00pm and advance tickets are available on www.delawarespeedway.com
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