STAYNER, ON- Autumn Colours Classic pole sitter Rick Walt will pilot an entry fielded by 2-time event winner Dwayne Baker in October 11th’s ‘Crown Jewel’ event at Peterborough Speedway. Walt, a former ‘Classic’ winner in the Thunder Car division, will enter the 75-Lap Ltd. Late Model affair in hopes of tallying the biggest victory of his burgeoning career.
The multi-generation driver will lead the field to green on Sunday afternoon by virtue of winning Peterborough’s ‘Chase for the Colours’ qualifying event in late-August.
“Qualifying on the pole for ‘the Classic’ was a huge accomplishment for our team,” explains Walt in reference to his ‘Chase’ triumph.
“As soon as we were locked in, we started doing everything in our power to put together the best program possible for the event,” continues the former Barrie Speedway standout. “I want to give our team the best chance possible at winning this event. And, when the opportunity presented itself to team with Dwayne and his guys, it was a no brainer”
Baker – and his family-owned Baker Performance Parts team – won the event in 2013 and 2014, and will play car owner at the three-day spectacle for the first time this weekend.
“Anytime the 48 team pulls into a pit area, it’s impossible not to consider them threats for the win,” says Walt.
“Having the chance to work with Dwayne, Kyle and everyone else associated with their program is a huge asset. Dwayne’s won this event twice, so there’s no question that he knows how to get the job done against the very best competition out there. We’re starting up front – and I intend on doing everything in my power to stay there”
For Baker, the decision to work with ‘The Upgrade’ is the latest step in a rash of recent developments that have seen the Stayner, ON veteran express interest in short track ventures beyond the driver’s seat.
“I’m not sure Rick gets enough credit for what he can do behind the wheel of a racecar,” opines the former Sunset Speedway Late Model champion.
“I think he would stand a pretty good chance of winning this race no matter what ride he was in,” adds Baker. “We’re all looking forward to working with him and his guys this weekend and seeing just exactly we can do to get him his first ‘Classic’ win in a Late Model”
“I can see our team doing more of this in the future,” continues ‘The Bully’. “I’m not sure how many more seasons I have left behind the wheel, but I think I’ll always have an interest in working with emerging talent like Nick Ledson and Rick Walt”
“These guys are the future and they’re incredibly talented. Rick’s had a great season so far – and we’re going to give him the best car that we can in hopes of helping him finish his season in victory lane.”
For more information on the Autumn Colours Classic, visit www.PeterboroughSpeedway.com.
Rick Walt’s 2015 efforts are made possible thanks to the continued support of Cindy Snow ReMax, Rust Check Canada, Eisses Pumping Services, Jim Wilson Chevrolet of Orillia, Oro Collision, Simone Autosport, HOTC, Walt Fab, Seaton Structures, Pizzaville, Redline Graphics and Apparel, Innovative Plumbing Solutions, Red Castle Performance, and Trackside Innovations.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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