GUELPH, ON- With three consecutive victories in his pocket – including two in extended-distance action – Sunset Speedway Super Stock standout Matt Bentley will be a driver to keep an eye on at this weekend’s ‘Velocity 250’.
“My dad always says that it’s harder to stay on a streak than it is to get on one. I think he might have a point,” shrugs the second-generation racer with a laugh. “This weekend, we’re not too worried about what we’ve done over the past month. We’re more focused on how we can get this thing to the front, because there are going to be a lot of good teams looking to keep us from another win”
The Sunset Speedway regular finished 3rd in championship points this season at the Innisfil, ON facility, and hopes to have a chance at defending his home turf in Sunday’s 50-lap A Main.
“The Velocity is a Crown Jewel that seems to bring the best out of everyone,” explains Bentley. “The same guys that are tough to beat on any given Saturday are going to be even tougher to beat this weekend. Everyone wants this win – and they’re willing to put in the same work that we are to get it. We’re going to be tested this weekend, without question”
When asked what style he’s likely to implement on Sunday afternoon, Bentley admits it may remain a race-day decision.
“It’s tough to put together a strategy for an [extended] distance race at Sunset,” says the multi-time feature winner.
“You almost want to assume that you’re going to get a couple late-race yellows, but the way things have been going the last two seasons, that hasn’t always been the case. There’s definitely a need to conserve our equipment, but I don’t wanna hang back and wait for a caution that never comes”
“Our car is pretty good at staying together on long runs,” continues Bentley. “We don’t normally have a problem with it falling off late in a race. So, we’re hoping to get up front early and stay ahead of any wrecks that might pop up. I’m sure guys like Cayden [Lapcevich] and [Murray] Grubb will be up there too – so we’ll be working right from the opening lap”
The Guelph, ON native explains that, while his team has laid claim to a number of prestigious victories this season, the Velocity 250 is in a completely different category.
“This is a big race – and it’s one that I would love to put my name on,” explains the 2015 Canadian Nationals winner. “People remember this weekend all season long, and it would be an honour to be the Velocity champion until next September.”
For more information on this weekend’s 2-day Velocity 250 event, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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