Mack DeMan was the class of the field for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets’ first race of their 47th season at Flamboro Speedway (Ont.). Starting 3rd after qualifying with a win in his heat race, DeMan took the lead on lap 7 from Chris Holman and walked away from the field.
Thanking sponsors, Lucas Oil, Crown Steering and Brake and DeMan Construction, the very excited DeMan said “this ones for Mom for Mother’s Day’!” He also said the results indicated all the hard work put in by Andy Mackereth, Craig Mackereth and his Dad, Peter. He also wanted to thank fellow competitor Wayne Gray with all his help on the car. “That is what is so unique about this Club, all the help everyone gives you.”
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets run 750cc Suzuki and Kawasaki motors and have 3 different weight classes depending on the motor used. DeMan picked up the win with a Suzuki running lap times of 14.8 seconds.
Defending Champion Darren McLennan running a Kawasaki Super Stock motor at the heavier weight class ran competitively and finished second followed by James Gray in a Suzuki. . Supermodied driver and two time champion with the Can-Am Midgets, Dave McKnight Jr. drove TQ #20 for owner David Balych and finished 4th. Balych rounded out the top five. McKnight said he was ‘missing 4 more cylinders’ but really enjoyed the night seeing old friends. He said the Club has changed over the years since he ran as a regular and advanced in many areas. He’d like to race a few more shows if he finds the time with his Supermodified schedule.
Holman took the green at the start with Jeff Blackburn on the outside. DeMan wasted no time moving up to second place with McKnight and Balych close behind. McLennan took over the 5th spot. Blackburn began to fade as Holman managed to hold off DeMan for a few more laps. On lap 6 DeMan powered around Holman to take the lead with McKnight in 3rd. DeMan began to open his lead as McLennan took over the second spot. Blackburn held on to third for 4 more laps until he got shuffled back as Gray, McKnight and Balych all passed him on lap 14.
The first and only caution came out as Mike Westwood spun in turn one on lap 17. At the restart DeMan shot out to the front and had a 10 car lead over McLennan. Gray was close behind with McKnight and Balych having a great run. The checkered flag came out on lap 25 for the win for DeMan followed by McLennan, Gray, McKnight and Balych.
Heats were won by Blackburn and DeMan. The “B” race was won by Todd Cresswell.
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets will be at Sunset Speedway (Ont.) next Sunday, May 20th for the Canadian Holiday weekend.
Final finish for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Flamboro Speedway is…1. MACK DEMAN, 2, Darren McLennan, 3, James Gray, 4, Dave McKnight Jr., 5, David Balych, 6, Greg Smulders, 7, Chris Holman, 8, Rob Neely, 9, Jeff Blackburn, 10, Corey Moesker, 11, Barry Dunn, 12, Todd Cresswell, 13, Andy Mackereth, 14, Tom Kyle, 15, Chris Bauman, 16, Mike Westwood, 17, Dave Hickson, 18, Earl Caine, 19, Adrian Stahle (R), 20, Rob DiVenanzo.
Unofficial points for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets as of May 12, 2012…1. MACK DEMAN…180, 2. Darren McLennan…167, 3…James Gray…156, 4. Dave McKnight Jr….149, 5. David Balych…143, 6. Greg Smulders…140, 7. Chris Holman…135, 8. Jeff Blackburn…130, 9. Rob Neely…128, 10. Barry Dunn…118, 11. Corey Moesker…115, 12. Todd Cresswell…107, 13. Andy Mackereth…103, 14. Tom Kyle…99, 15. Chris Bauman…95, 16. Mike Westwood…91, 17. Dave Hickson…88, 18. Earl Caine…85, 19. Adrian Stahle (R)…82, 20. Rob DiVenanzo…79.
From Cindy Lorenz
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