PETERBOROUGH, ON – The turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing can wait. Motorsports fans are giving thanks for the 20th Annual Edition of the Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – October 5th, 6th and 7th at Peterborough Speedway. It’s a late season racing experience, labelled by fans across the province as the year’s must-see event. Track owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says the area around the tight, 1/3rd mile oval turns into its own little community during the 3 day extravaganza.
“Even when the cars aren’t on the track, there’ll be something going on around the clock,” said Josiasse. “The camping area has been booked for over a month and everyone has a great time. We have more than a half a dozen different divisions running throughout the entire weekend. Some people will come for a day or 2, but the real diehards – those who are here every year – roll in Friday morning and unless they need to restock their supplies, don’t leave until the final checkered flag Sunday night.”
Although the pit gates don’t officially open until 10:00 Friday morning, track officials are on hand Thursday night to allow teams to search out the prime pit area parking spots. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter were buzzing about drivers lining-up as early as 10:30 Wednesday morning, looking to grab one of the limited number of stalls with the concrete pads. Josiasse says its part of the routine for the Autumn Colours’ regulars.
“I’m used to it, so it really doesn’t faze me anymore,” said the track’s head honcho. “Most years, there are so many race teams in the pits; we have to put some of them in the parking lot. Once the racing gets underway, you’d almost need a shoehorn to find a spot to sit in the grandstands.”
Capturing an Autumn Colours Classic main event win isn’t just another checkered flag. It could very well be the moment that defines your motorsports career. Just ask Nick Lees, Chris Mitchell, Daryl Fice, Tyler Hendricks, Dan McHattie or Rick Walt. They’re just some of the names who found their way to victory lane during the 2011 edition of the event.
For early arrivals, the concessions stands at Peterborough Speedway will be serving breakfast all 3 days. Pit gates open all 3 days at 10:00. Friday, October 5th, practice rounds start at 1:00 and racing at 6:00. Saturday, October 6th, practice begins at 1:00 and racing at 3:30. Sunday, October 7th is a full day of feature race action beginning at 12:30.
For more information on the 20th Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – October 5th, 6th and 7th at Peterborough Speedway, see www.peterboroughspeedway.com.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
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