SAUBLE BEACH, ON- For the first time in 2015, former OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour champion Andrew Gresel is planning to make a series appearance at Sunset Speedway. This weekend’s ‘Velocity 250’ will mark Gresel’s second start of the 2015 season with the cross-province tour, as his Sauble Falls Racing team sets their sights on their first Super Late Model victory at the Innisfil, ON facility.
Last month, Gresel visited Sunset victory lane in his Pro Late Model under the APC United Late Model Series banner. When asked about that performance, Gresel admits it gave his family-run operation a much-needed change in perspective when it comes to the tricky 1/3-mile.
“For a long time there, it felt like Sunset was a total ‘no fly’ zone for us,” offers Gresel. “We just couldn’t get the hang of it. Couldn’t figure it out. And, the harder we worked, the worse it seemed to get. We were excelling at other tracks and just drowning at Sunset. It got more than a little frustrating”
“The APC [Series] win breathed a lot of life into our Sunset program,” continues the 9-time OSCAAR event winner. “It let us know that we were making some ground on finding the quick way around that track. If we can do it with our Pro Late Model, there’s no reason to think we can’t do it again in our Super Late Model. This weekend, I have more confidence going into Sunset than I ever have before”
When asked about possible competition this weekend, Gresel indicates that Kevin Cornelius – with six tour wins this season – will likely be a formidable foe at Sunset.
“I think Kevin [Cornelius] is the guy we all have our eyes on,” shrugs the Sauble Beach, ON resident. “His team has had an incredible season, so now it’s up to us as his competition to figure out a way to beat him”
“I can’t speak for the others on this roster, but I know that my guys don’t mind that at all,” adds Gresel. “We just see it as a challenge. Everyone on this tour has some phenomenal equipment, and going heads up with them is always the perfect way to test where you’re at as a unit”
One year removed from his 2014 OSCAAR championship, Gresel is quick to point out that his mindset entering Sunset’s Crown Jewel event is far different this time season.
“The last time we were at Sunset in a Super Late Model, we were looking to sew up a championship,” explains Gresel. “The vibe before the Velocity 250 last season was a lot different than it is this time around. This year, we’re not racing for points or anything else. Our only job is to unload and get this thing to victory lane”
“Nice and simple. That’s my kind of day,” adds the soft-spoken veteran with a smile. “With nothing to distract us, I think we should have enough to give these guys a run for their money.”
For more information on this weekend’s Velocity 250, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Andrew Gresel’s 2015 efforts are supported by Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park, London Recreational, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, HY-Grade Roofing, Have1.com and Raden Givari of eHomes.
Follow the team on Twitter @SaubleFalls81 and be sure to visit the Andrew Gresel Sauble Falls Facebook page.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
Discussion about this post