FRASERVILLE, ON – The biggest event on Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 schedule takes the green flag Friday, July 6th with the running of the 9th annual NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model Summer Sizzler. The 150 lap extravaganza – back in its current ‘triple 50’ format since 2010 – has seen some of the best known names in late model racing grace its victory lane.
Former NASCAR Canadian Tires Series pilot Dave Whitlock won the inaugural edition in 2004, with Kirk Hooker claiming the 2005 running. It was Georgetown, Ontario Jeff Hanley’s turn in 2006. From 2007 to 2009, the race – extended to a 200 lap distance – was an annual stop on the American-Canadian Tour schedule. Patrick Laperle collected back-to-back wins in first runs with the new set-up, with Brad Leighton taking the 2009 go-round. Chris Morrow and Bryan Mercer are the Summer Sizzler’s most recent winners. Kawartha General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says the race is an event everyone wants to win.
“With $3,000 waiting for the race winner, there’s no telling who might show-up to claim the big prize. Late Model drivers from other tracks can change their cars to fit our rule packages, but you never know who’s coming until they roll through the gate,” said Lynch. “Our regulars put on a great show at every event and they’re some of the best in the business. That makes the outsiders even more determined to take at shot at the hometown teams.”
Bowmanville, Ontario native Jamie Horner – who now calls Cambridge, Ontario home – is counting on a solid Summer Sizzler effort to turn around a 2012 season that’s off to a bit of a rocky start. Although her #14 Chevrolet Impala currently sits 8th in points, she knows things could be better for the Horner Chassis and Automotive machine.
“We’ve battled some mechanical issues – things that every team will go through from time-to-time,” said Horner, who graduated in 2011 from the Anthropology program at the University of Waterloo. “Finishing 6th a couple of weeks ago was a good place to start and we’ll work forward from there. A chance to pocket a big payday would be a real shot in the arm for our team, so we’ll make sure the car is ready for action.”
Kawartha Speedway has revised their schedule times for the July 6th Summer Sizzler. Gates will open at 2:00, with rotating practice sessions starting at 4:00. The night’s first green flag is at 7:00.
Kawartha klips: Extra distance races in all divisions are the highlight of Kawartha Speedway’s season. Following the Summer Sizzler, the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models run a 100 lapper Friday, August 17th. The Thunder Cars battle for 50 laps Friday, July 27th and August 24th, while the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks have 50 lappers Friday, July 20th – part of the annual Fan Appreciation Night – and again September 7th…The Richard Petty Driving Experience returns to the track Saturday and Sunday, July 14th and 15th. Information can be found at www.drivepetty.com/can-tour, or by calling 1.800.Be.Petty (1.800.237.3889)…View the complete track schedule and see the latest news at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Bowmanville, Ontario native Jamie Horner will be among the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model regulars running the Summer Sizzler – Friday, July 6th – at Kawartha Speedway.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410 / 613.922.0654
Discussion about this post