FRASERVILLE, ON – Drivers in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car division have formed a unique bond. Heading into action Friday, August 17, 20 different teams have taken at least one green flag during the current campaign. With just three events remaining on the schedule – including this week’s double point paying show – the battle for the season championship is one of the tightest in the history of the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th miler.
The top four drivers in the standings are just 67 points apart and there has been only one repeat winner in the field. Back-to-back victories by Oshawa’s John Baker Jr. made headlines but even a clean sweep in the remaining events won’t likely put him in contention for the title. On the strength of an opening night win – his first at Kawartha – Matt Spence holds the top spot, with another first-time winner, Howie Crowe just 27 points behind. Steve Mayhew, the 2007 Thunder Car track champion follows Crowe by 28 markers, while Dan Price is 12 points off Mayhew’s back bumper.
Consistency has been the key to Mayhew’s 2012 season. Although winless thus far, the veteran wheelman from Cobourg is regularly a top five finisher. With a background in what is now the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and laps on nearly every paved oval in the province, Steve Mayhew is easily the most experienced racer in any of Kawartha Speedway’s three regular divisions. While a number of drivers with his know-how might be close to retiring from the sport, the driver of the #14 Mayhew Auto/Mayhew Graphics/Benson Auto Parts machine says he has no plans to slow down.
“Every green flag is a new race, so I guess that means I’m just getting started,” said Mayhew with a smile. “I’m still having fun and the car is running well enough to stay in the championship hunt, so why would I want to call it a career. I don’t play golf and I’m more comfortable at the racetrack than almost anywhere else, so chances are good they’ll have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming.”
Kawartha Speedway has joined forces with Capital City Speedway in Stittsville, ON, for a two-race Thunder Car mini series. The 50-lap feature events will be staged Friday, August 24, at Kawartha and Saturday, September 8, at Capital City. In addition to the regular race purse, drivers who run both races will be eligible for point fund bonus money of $250 for 1st and $150 for 2nd. Every driver who starts each of the two races will pocket an extra $100.
Fans can always find the latest track news and details on the 2012 schedule at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
From Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
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