Howie Crowe Clinches CTMP Speedway Thunder Car Title

Bowmanville, ON- The anticipation of an on-track championship clash between friends was dampened by a relentless rain Saturday, July 27th at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway.

Howie Crowe of the Alderville First Nation rolled into action at the half mile oval north of Bowmanville, Ontario with less than a 10 point advantage over his unofficial team mate Ken Donaldson Jr. and didn’t need to turn a lap to earn the Bob’s Towing Thunder Car title during the track’s abbreviated 2013 campaign. Despite the best efforts of speedway officials, consistent showers saw the driver of the #28 Crowe Brothers Roofing/Trail’s End/Custom Steering/Mayhew Graphics/Clarke Motorsports Communications Monte Carlo clinch the point championship with the car sitting inside the hauler.

“In a perfect world, we would have been locked in a door-to-door battle for the checkered flag with Junior coming off the fourth turn,” said Crowe. “The fact that we barely ran a lap on the track because of the rain is enough to tell you this is far from a perfect world. With the track closing, it was already an emotional night for everyone. In some ways, I’m happy to be the final Thunder Car point champion in the venue’s history, while at the same time, it’s sad to see the last chapter in another great Canadian race track.”

Howie Crowe and the Donaldson family have formed a special bond over the past couple of seasons. The car that won this year’s top honours is the same piece he steered to second place in the 2012 standings at Kawartha. A year before that, Ken Donaldson Jr. wheeled the ride to the championship and rookie of the year award at the Fraserville 3/8th mile speedplant. Crowe says that despite trying to beat him on the race track, the team has been a big help when it comes to taking his program to the next level.

“The car has my name, number and sponsors but it’s as much a ‘Donaldson’ car as the #03 and #53,” said Crowe. “They’ve given me open access to their set-up notes and are always there to help. Ken Sr. and Kyle have an amazing history here (at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway) and I wouldn’t have even come close to enjoying the success I’ve had in the last couple of years without their help.”

Howie Crowe and the Crowe Brothers Roofing race team would like to take their fans and friends for their support and encouragement throughout the 2013 season.