SHELBURNE, ON- It’s been a trying 48 hours for Kevin Cornelius and the KDR Motorsports team. After discovering significant damage to the team’s only engine, it appeared as though Cornelius would be relegated to the role of spectator in Sunday’s opening round of the OSCAAR Super Late Model tour. However, thanks to the support of the racing community, Cornelius will be in the field for the 3rd annual Lucie Aylwin Memorial on May 18th.
“We thought we were dead in the water”, explains Cornelius when asked the severity of the issues.
“Towards the end of practice last Sunday, we noticed the car was starting to run hot and was dropping oil pressure”, continues the Super Late Model sophomore. “After checking everything over, we found the oil tank was low on oil, and assumed that was our issue. After speaking with our engine builder, he recommended we take a look at the oil filter”
“So, Thursday night, Grant Mitchell took the oil filter apart and found some very visible signs of wear in the filter. We knew then that we had a major problem and would have to pull the engine and send it to Gary at Leitch Performance Engines”
Almost immediately after word of the team’s issues leaked out, the phone began to ring, says Cornelius.
“It really is incredible. We were sitting around pouting, thinking we were down and out, and the racing community stepped in like they always do when a racer’s in trouble. Within minutes we had offers from Jesse Kennedy and Dwayne Baker, then the phone rings again and it’s [McColl Racing Enterprises head] Mike McColl”
“Mike [McColl] offered up his Pro Late Model to allow us a chance at earning some points on opening night”, continues Kevin. “We were amazed. I mean, we didn’t exactly need a reminder of why we do business with Mike and his team, but we certainly got one. I can’t say enough about the man. He builds the best cars, bar none, and is always there when you need him”
The team plans to be in their primary car for Round 2 of the OSCAAR Super Late Model tour at Kawartha Speedway on June 1st.
“We’re delivering our engine to Leitch Performance Engines on Friday”, says Cornelius. “Gary [Leitch] will assess the damage – hopefully it’s not too bad. Gary is, without question, the best at what he does. So we’re confident we’ll be ready with our primary car and motor on June 1st”
Cornelius’ 2014 season will open this Sunday May 18th at Sunset Speedway. The event is scheduled for a 6:00pm start. Gate times and ticket prices are available at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
KDR Motorsports proudly carries support from Halton Crushed Stone, Lee Sand & Gravel, Sandbox Tech Child Care, TripleCrete Ltd., Hanson Pipe & Precast, Alliston Transmission, Ed’s Automotive and MacMaster Pontiac Buick GMC.
Fans can follow the team on Twitter @KDR_Motorsports as they continue to ready themselves for their 2014 debut.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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