PETERBOROUGH, ON- Former Autumn Colours Classic champion ‘Handsome’ Chris Mitchell will make his 2015 season debut this Saturday, May 23rd when the APC United Late Model Series presented by Grisdale Racing Products hosts their inaugural event at Sunset Speedway.
“I can’t remember ever being this nervous for a Late Model race,” smiles the personable veteran in his Peterborough-area race shop. “The excitement level surrounding this tour isn’t quite like anything I’ve ever experienced before – it feels like every person in the province is buzzing over this race”
“It’s definitely going to be a lot different than a weekly show at Peterborough Speedway,” says Mitchell when asked about the talent-level associated with the upstart tour. “This season is going to feel like racing in a Crown Jewel event every weekend. There are literally 15 teams on this roster that could win at any given race without anyone batting an eye”
The series’ time-trial format eliminates the risk-reward factor that is often found in qualifying heat races. For Mitchell, the change in qualifying comes with its own set of pressures.
“You can’t count on a lucky qualifying draw on this tour. There are no opportunities to advance yourself into a good starting spot for the feature after a 10-lap dash. This is two laps on the clock. Just you and your car. All eyes on you – waiting to see where you stack up against the best drivers in the province”
“I don’t think there will be more than a tenth of a second between positions,” continues Mitchell. “That’s how tight this field is going to be”
When asked about his program for Sunset, Mitchell is honest when detailing his past struggles at the Innisfil, ON 3/8 mile.
“Sunset hasn’t been my best track in the past,” admits the veteran. “But, in our defense, we don’t have the same number of laps there that a lot of teams in the Ltd. Late Model division do”
“It’s a tough place to walk into to try and steal a win away from the locals,” continues Mitchell. “This new tour – with a tire compound that’s brand new to a lot of drivers – is going to put us on a far more level playing field”
“I have the utmost confidence in our equipment and the guidance we’ve received from Mike McColl and everyone else from McColl Racing Enterprises. We just need to worry about getting this car into the show. Once we’re in, and we can settle down with some decent laps, it will be just like any other race.”
Fans can keep up with Mitchell on race day – and throughout the 2015 season – by visiting his official Chris Mitchell Racing page on Facebook or by following on Twitter @DentDynamics22.
Marketing support for Chris Mitchell’s 2015 season is provided by Dent Dynamics, Earl Ireland Auto Sales, Klotz Canada, SRP Electric, Triben Media and Rockstar Energy Drink.
Details for Saturday’s inaugural 100-lap event can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
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