Peterborough, ON- Nearly every speedway in the province has concluded the regular season portion of their schedules and now it’s time to roll out the red carpet for the battle that has become known as the Super Bowl of Stockcar Racing. The 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – takes centre stage October 10, 11 and 12 at Peterborough Speedway.
In 2013, more than 300 different teams – in close to ten divisions – signed-in to tackle the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road west of the Liftlock City, hoping to add ‘Autumn Colours Classic Champion’ to their racing resume. Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says a strong turn-out for the fall finale is the culmination of a solid season.
“We had a great year all around and this will be the icing on the cake,” said Josiasse. “People plan their annual vacation time to be here and Autumn Colours has long been the ‘must attend event’ for drivers, race teams and fans. The haulers start lining-up early to get the prime pit area parking spots and that’s usually when things get rolling for the entire weekend. Put that many racecar drivers in one spot for an entire weekend and there’ll be highlights on and off the track.”
A pair of home track heroes used last year’s Autumn Colours Classic wins to fuel their success in 2014. Ryan Babin took the Mini Stock title and on August 30, he was named the division’s track point champion. James Townsend raced a car put together at the last minute to a ‘Colours’ victory and Saturday, September 6 he steered his Mini Stock to a second place finish during Flamboro Speedway’s Memorial Race Weekend.
In the OSCAAR pit area, Andrew Gresel and Gary McLean wheeled their way to 2013 Autumn Colours Classic wins and while each driver leads their respective division’s point standings, Thanksgiving Weekend success on Canada’s Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval could translate to a season championship. Gresel is in the hunt for a second consecutive ACC win to pave the way to his first Super Late Model crown, with McLean searching for his third triumph that will allow him to remain the only OSCAAR Modified champion the young division has known.
After starting their personal win streaks in 2012, Dwayne Baker and Mike Bentley are looking for three victories in a row in the Late Model and Pro Late Model fields respectively, with Randy Rusnell hoping to become a back-to-back Autumn Colours Classic Thunder Car victor. Drivers from all divisions will have the chance to test their equipment during the open practice session Saturday, September 13 starting at 9:00.
Make your plans now to catch the Super Bowl of Stock Racing at Peterborough Speedway’s 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – October 10, 11 and 12. Pit gates open daily at 10:00. See www.peterboroughspeedway.com for details and click the ‘Autumn Colours’ tab.
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Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
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