STAYNER, ON- Short track specialist Dwayne Baker will make his first ever appearance in the province of Quebec this Saturday, June 13th, as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series invades Autodrome Chaudiere for the ‘Budweiser 300’.
A multi-time Late Model champion at Barrie Speedway and Sunset Speedway, Baker will look to rely on his short track prowess in his 2015 debut with NCATS on the tight confines of Autodrome Chaudiere’s quarter-mile.
“From everything I’ve seen about the track, I think it fits right into my driving style,” says Baker. “I enjoy getting up on the wheel and racing the track. It seems like Chaudiere is the sort of place that will test you as a driver – which our whole team is excited about”
“These cars are so much different from a Late Model,” continues ‘The Bully’. “They’re a lot heavier and the races are a lot longer – so the way you conserve your equipment is a lot different. You don’t have nearly as much brake in these cars as you do a Late Model, and when you’re running on a quarter-mile bullring you have to be really careful not to use your stuff up early”
Although Baker has yet to lay eyes on Autodrome Chaudiere, he’s not intimidated by the concept of adapting on the fly come Saturday afternoon.
“I’ve never been to the track in person – but I’ve seen a few photos online. It reminds me a bit of Barrie Speedway,” explains the 2-time Autumn Colours Classic champion. “I’m comfortable on tight tracks, so hopefully we can catch a feel for it early and get our car on pace with everyone else”
“I’m not uncomfortable racing at new facilities. It doesn’t bother me to unload at a track I’ve never seen before. I think it’s going to test us and I look forward to seeing where we stack up”
Chaudiere will mark the first of three events on Baker’s 2015 series schedule – and the veteran hopes to establish himself amongst the series veterans early.
“We’re not racing for points, so we’re really only focused on one thing – and that’s winning the race,” says Baker with a smile. “We’ll do our best to put the practice sessions to good use, qualify well and then get ready to work. 300-laps on a quarter mile can seem like forever when you’re boxed in and getting banged around. So, hopefully, we can get up front early and keep all four corners on the car.”
Dwayne Baker’s 2015 season is made possible thanks to 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.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
Discussion about this post