In the October 7th edition of Spencer Lewis’ Short Track Notebook, we continue our preview of this weekend’s Autumn Colours Classic mega-event at Peterborough Speedway. The October 11th, 12th and 13th gathering will draw cars and drivers from across Ontario, and we’ve taken the chance to update you on a few fan favourites, including Jason Shaw, Adam Quarrie, Randy Rusnell, Gord Shepherd, Nick Kozak, Justin Jones, Jesse Kennedy and Mike Bentley.
The Pro Late Model roster for this weekend’s Autumn Colours Classic just keeps getting better, with two more high profile competitors filing entry for their chance to qualify for the 113-lap A Main. Multi-time Flamboro Speedway champion – and former ‘Classic’ winner Jason Shaw has confirmed he will be in attendance, competing in a two-car effort with his sophomore son Dale. The Guelph, ON veteran was joined on the list of new arrivals by front-running Delaware Speedway star Adam Quarrie. Quarrie, of Dorchester, ON, will be making his first career trip to the Autumn Colours Classic. The two join a talent-laden entry list already comprised of some of the biggest names in Ontario Late Model competition, including defending race winner Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley, 2013 Delaware champion Jamie Cox, 2013 Great Canadian Race winner Matt Pritiko, 2013 Flamboro champion Shawn Chenoweth and 2012 ‘Classic’ podium finisher Brad Corcoran. Gate times and ticket prices for the October 11th, 12th and 13th mega-event can be found at www.PeterboroughSpeedway.com
Sunset Speedway Super Stock champion Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell (above, by Thompson Photography) has announced he will be in action at the Autumn Colours Classic this weekend, in search of his first career ‘Classic’ win in 50-lap Thunder Car competition. The Cambridge, ON driver is riding a wave of momentum after triumphing at Sunset’s Velocity event last weekend, and will enter Peterborough Speedway as a heavy favourite to win. ‘The Rocket’ will compete alongside a laundry list of talented Thunder Car competitors from across Ontario, including Peterborough championship contender Matt Spence, Chase for the Colours winner John Baker Jr., Garry Reynolds Memorial winner Travis Hallyburton, defending ‘Classic’ winner Smokin’ Joe Adams and former Barrie Speedway champion ‘The Deuce’ Dave Doucette. Marketing support for Rusnell’s weekend courtesy of McCordick Glove and Safety, Spira Fire Protection, Truck Trans Inc., Dream Devon Rex Cats, Marvin Freiburger & Sons Truck Repair, Thor Contracting and Cournoyea’s Poodles.
Laird International Raceway front runner Nick Kozak has announced he will make the 7+ hour haul from Sault Ste. Marie to Peterborough Speedway this weekend, to make his first OSCAAR Modified Tour start of 2013. Kozak earned the 2013 Laird Raceway championship in the Open Wheel Modified division, and will join OWM pilots Justin Jones and Dustin Jackson in representing the Northern Ontario facility at the 21st annual Autumn Colours Classic.
2-time Delaware Great Canadian Race winner Jesse Kennedy has added his name to the Ltd. Late Model roster for this weekend’s event. The Southwold, ON driver will campaign a car for Peterborough stalwart Larry Crowe. ‘The Big Game Hunter’ joins a growing fraternity of drivers racing double-duty at the ‘Classic’, as he will also compete with his family-owned Super Late Model in the 50-lap OSCAAR tour event. 2013 will mark Kennedy’s first career 75-lap Ltd. Late Model start, and will pit the veteran against a ‘murderer’s row’ of talent including defending race winner Dwayne Baker, 2013 Barrie champion Gord Shepherd, 2013 Sauble champion Scott McTeer, Sunset Speedway standout Andy Kamrath and 2013 Flamboro titlist Shawn Chenoweth.
Here’s our video preview with defending Autumn Colours Classic Pro Late Model champion Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley (above, by Dan Craik). The Guelph, ON driver will enter October 11th, 12th and 13th’s event looking to become the first driver in history to repeat as a PLM winner. ‘Lights Out’ is looking to close out his 2013 season in style, after capturing his first career Sunset Speedway weekly championship 2-weeks ago. Bentley talks about his season, the competitive nature of the Autumn Colours Classic and what it will take to repeat as a ‘Classic’ champion. Click here for Bentley’s video preview and be sure to follow Mike on Twitter @MikeBentley51.
We also recently had a chance to speak with 2013 Barrie Speedway champion Gord ‘The Smoke’ Shepherd (above, by Dan Craik) about the upcoming Autumn Colours Classic. The Oro-Station, ON driver has filed entry for both the 75-lap Ltd. Late Model race as well as the 113-lap Pro Late Model contest. ‘The Smoke’ enters Peterborough on the strength of 9 feature wins at Barrie this season, and will look to earn his first career ‘Classic’ championship. Click here for the video preview.
Follow Spencer Lewis on Twitter @itsspencerlewis
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