HAMILTON, ON- After focusing much of his attention on race cars of the open wheeled variety for the bulk of his career, short track veteran Terry Baker has discovered a reinvigorated passion for Late Model racing with the upstart APC United Late Model Series.
The Hamilton, ON native recently returned to his hometrack of Flamboro Speedway on July 1st, for the APC Series-sanctioned Canada Day 100. Baker charged from deep in the field, slipping through a number of mid-race altercations, to earn a season-high 12th place finish.
“This is great. I’m having a blast,” beamed Baker post-race. “I think this tour is the best thing that’s come down the pike in a long time in this province”
“I can’t remember seeing this level of talent in the same place at the same time on a regular basis,” continued the veteran in reference to the dozen-plus drivers with championship credentials that dot the APC Series roster. “I’ve been fortunate to have been around this sport a long time, and this tour has assembled some of the best fields I’ve ever seen”
Baker’s come-from-behind run at Flamboro came immediately after a miscalculation in regards to the proper gear selection for his No. 26 left him on the sidelines in Round 3 of the tour at Delaware Speedway.
“This was an awesome day for us,” said Baker. “When we signed in this morning – I said to my guys that if we could keep our nose clean and survive until halfway, then I would race like hell to make it to the checkered. For us, a top-15 finish in just our third race back – against a field like this one – feels a lot like a win”
“This program is getting better every week,” continued the former Pro-4 Modified standout. “I’m 49-years old and I feel like a rookie again. The game has changed a lot since the last time I was in a Late Model, but we’re picking things up every time we come off the race track. It’s a pleasure to race with these guys”
Although Baker’s July schedule will lead him to focus on his OSCAAR Modified entry, as well as a foray into Western New York at Holland Speedway, Baker insisted his family-owned team will return to the APC Series before the season is through.
“Our schedule is leaning towards doing more Modified stuff through the month of July, but I’ll absolutely be back with the tour a couple times before the end of the Summer,” explained the Baker Performance of Hamilton founder.
“If everything goes according to plan – I could absolutely see our team focusing more on our Late Model stuff next season. This tour is way too much fun to not be a part of.”
Terry Baker’s 2015 season is powered by Ohsweken Speedway, EPIC Racewear, Bryan’s Auction Center, JustJunk.com of Hamilton, Baker Performance of Hamilton, Permatex and NAPA Auto Parts.
Fans can keep up with Terry all season long by visiting the official Terry Baker Racing page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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