BOWMANVILLE, ON – Jason Hathaway, in his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge was looking forward to getting back to the oval tracks this weekend in hopes of redeeming the team after a disappointing race at I-CAR two weeks ago.
The car practiced well, posting a 5th place on the speed charts at the first oval track of the 2012 schedule. Hathaway tuned on his racing machine to get it comfortable for the long 200-lap event.
“We have done some testing with our oval car and I think what we have been learning will help us here tonight. Vortex Brake Pads is the presenting sponsor for tonight’s race and it is great to see some of our customers here,” Hathaway said after practice on Saturday afternoon.
The team also hosted some special guests; Alan Smith and James Eaton who were the lucky bidders for a “Day at the Races” with the E.H.R team during an auction at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of York Gala held last November.
Hathaway posted a wicked qualifying time and lined his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge up in the 6th starting spot at the 1/2-mile oval. The beginning of the race was plagued by cautions, but Hathaway used them to his advantage working his way up to the front. By lap 16 he was running in the 3rd spot and working into his rhythm.
A long green flag run before the halfway point saw Hathaway’s car tightened up and Hathaway had to back out of the throttle and wait for a caution to make some adjustments to the car. Caution flew on lap 117 and Crew Chief Craig Masters brought Hathaway down pit road for tires and a chassis adjustment. The over the wall crew did a great job and helped Hathaway to pick up two spots coming off of pit road!
Just pass the 150 lap mark, Hathaway turned up the heat and made a run for the end. He ran hard, chasing down the 6th and 7th place cars. Hathaway made a great move going through Corner 2 with five laps to go and pulling into 5th. Hathaway put some distance between himself and the 6th place car and recorded the team’s first top 5 of the 3-race-old season.
Hathaway was proud of his team and their finish. “This was a great finish tonight. We raced hard, adjusted on the car and the guys had a great tire stop that really helped us. Our Hauler driver and spotter Phil wasn’t able to be here tonight and we are all thinking about him. Hopefully he is feeling better soon! This as a great night with Vortex here and all of our family, my daughters and our friends to celebrate Father’s Day weekend!”
The Clarington 200 Presented by Vortex Brake Pads will air on TSN on Sunday June 24 at 1pm EST and the will premiere on RDS2 Wednesday July 22th at 10pm EST.
The E.H.R. team will be right back at it this coming weekend at Delaware Speedway on Saturday, June 23, for the EMCO 200 presented by Niagara Plumbing Supply and McKeough Supply.
Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking and King Brewery.
About Snap-on Tools: Snap-on Tools is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers in the marine, power sports and aviation industries. Visit www.snapon.com
About Rockstar Energy Drink: “ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars!
About Vortex Brake Pads: Vortex Brake Pads is a proud Canadian company, manufacturing the highest quality aftermarket brake pads for all automotive segments. Vortex products are well researched, proven in on track and off track testing and are produced in a high quality manufacturing environment. For more information visit www.vortexbrakepads.com
From Jamie Hakonson (jamie@team3red.com)
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