BARRIE, ON- Sunset Speedway track promoter Mark Dilley has announced he will make his first career start at his own facility, as he has filed entry for the 100-lap Pro Late Model invitational scheduled for May 10th.
The Barrie, ON veteran – a 1994 CASCAR National champion – will pilot a car fielded by London-based McColl Racing Enterprises, in a rare Pro Late Model appearance.
“This is a deal that came together at the eleventh hour”, explains Dilley. “Mike [McColl], Rick [McColl] and the rest of the guys in London had a car and needed a driver. I’m honoured they considered me. I’ve practically lived at this joint for the past 6 years, but I’ve never had the chance to race at it”
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series star joins a laundry list of talent, all vying for the head-turning $5,000-to-win purse. Fellow NCATS regular Jason Hathaway, 2013 Delaware champion Jamie Cox, Flamboro legend Jason Shaw and defending Sunset titlist Mike Bentley are just a few of the drivers that have thrown their name in the hat for one of the first ‘Crown Jewels’ of the season.
“It’s awfully tough to come out and try to ‘moonlight’ as a Late Model driver against this caliber of competition”, says Dilley. “There’s an entry list of guys that run between 20 to 25 shows a year in these cars. We’re coming to win, but it’s not going to be an easy outing for us”
In addition to the APC 100 serving as a ‘throwback’ to Dilley’s Late Model roots, the car will also carry a pair of sentimental markings for the former short track standout.
“I’ll be racing this event in memory of my mother”, says Dilley. “We’ll have her name on the car for mother’s day, right next to my number 64. So it’s definitely going to be special for us”
When asked if his appearance at the APC 100 could lead to more Late Model starts this season, Dilley’s answer is as short as it is open-ended.
“Stay tuned”
The APC 100 is schedule for Saturday May 10th at 5:00pm with a raindate of May 11th. Gate times are available on the official www.SunsetSpeedway.ca
Fans can keep up with Mark via his @MarkDilley9 Twitter account.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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