STAYNER, ON- Following a headline grabbing win in September 6th’s 125-lap Canadian Late Model Nationals, former Sunset Speedway Late Model champion ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker is set for a busy few weeks during the lauded Ontario Short Track Playoff Season.
Baker has struggled all season long behind the wheel of his familiar Baker Performance Parts No. 48, but demonstrated a change of form in his 125-lap triumph last weekend.
“We’ve had good cars all season, we just haven’t had any luck at all,” offered Baker when asked about his trying 2015 campaign. “We just needed something to go right. Before we went out for time trials, I knew we had a car that could compete. I knew that if I could save my stuff, and keep the tires on this car, we could have something that could race for the win”
The Stayner, ON veteran had previously visited victory lane in May’s APC United Late Model Series event at Sunset, during which he implemented a similar strategy of equipment preservation and patience.
“We figured we could use the same style that we did in the Spring,” explained Baker. “There are always guys that are real fast at the beginning of these things – that burn their stuff up in a hurry. We were fine with letting them go, because we knew that we would be there when it counts”
Baker was quick to credit his team for keeping him in contention, despite what has largely been one of the most frustrating seasons of Baker’s established Late Model career.
“I can’t say enough about my guys. They don’t get enough credit,” said ‘The Bully’ matter-of-factly. “This season has been tough on all of us. But, even when I talked about giving up, these guys never stopped working. No matter how we struggled, they didn’t cut a single shop night short. They’re the reason I’m standing here right now. This win wouldn’t have happened without them”
A multi-time winner in extended distance competition, Baker is often looked at as somewhat of a specialist in late-season marathon races. With a Canadian Nationals triumph in his back pocket, Baker will now set his sights on Sunset Speedway’s Velocity 250 on September 26th and 27th and Peterborough Speedway’s Autumn Colours Classic on October 9th, 10th and 11th.
“We always tend to do well in the late season events – so hopefully this is a sign of things to come,” smiled Baker. “We wanted to roll into the Playoff Season strong, and this win let us do that. There are some big races coming up, so hopefully we can keep our momentum going and get a few more wins before we’re all done.”
Dwayne Baker’s 2015 season is proudly supported by 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.
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