QUEENSVILLE, ON- Extended-distance expert Jason Witty has thrown his name in the ring for Sunset Speedway’s 125-lap ‘Canadian Limited Late Model Championship’, on Thursday, September 18th.
The second-generation star is excited to bounce back after a strong performance in Sunset’s 100-lap Championship Night event was spoiled by a fuel pickup problem late in the going.
“Saturday night felt like a punch in the stomach”, admits Witty. “In my opinion, we were the fastest car on the property and got hit with a mechanical bug”
“It’s no fun at all, and it’s a tough pill to swallow but it’s all part of the sport. We’re back in the shop now and replacing the entire fuel system to make sure that we’re in prime condition for Thursday’s show”
‘Bam Bam’ is no stranger to success in 75-lap events, and realizes that with the extra distance comes added pressure to preserve equipment.
“I just want to make it to lap-100, and then go to work”, offers the young veteran. “You typically see a change in your car around lap-40 or so. Once that happens, we just have to ride and converse until lap-100”
“It’s all about saving our tires and brakes”, continues Witty. “It’s tough to do with the built motor. The longer distance events almost always give the advantage to the crate motors. They don’t burn stuff up as quick, so they’re able to have a little more car left when the laps really start to count”
The 125-lap contest – worth $2600 to the winner – is expected to draw top-tier competition from across Ontario. With all the added talent in the mix, Witty is well aware of the value a good starting position carries.
“Thursday is a time trial event, which is definitely good news for this team. We’ve qualified extremely well this season in single car runs, and we’ll need that on the 18th. There’s going to be champions from across Ontario all gunning for the same spots, a good starting position is going to make all the difference”
With the stinging frustration of Saturday’s letdown still fresh in his mind, the oft-positive Witty is quick to put a spin on his disappointment.
“I’ve learned from every DNF I’ve ever had, and I learned a long time ago that the fastest car doesn’t always win. We’re more motivated now than ever, because it definitely feels like we had one taken from us. This car was great on Saturday night, but I feel like there’s even more left in it”
“Thursday is the opening round of the Playoff Season. There are some big events on the horizon, and I feel as though we have as good a chance as anyone to go out and win a few of them”
Details for Thursday’s event can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Jason Witty’s 2014 campaign is made possible thanks to the support of Larue’s Haulage, Carrot Express, Speedy Auto Machine, Queensville Sod and Matco Tools. Additional packages are available, and prospective partners can contact Jason by email at info@jasonwittyrealty.com.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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