Spira Racing – Post Race Update #2014-26 – August 9, 2014 Sauble-Sunset Speedways

Billy returned to Sauble Speedway after running the triple 20 lap features at Full Throttle Speedway the night before as Jake and Samantha headed to Sunset Speedway. Unfortunately, Jake’s father Wade, ended up back in the hospital with continued pneumonia issues and Mark Dennis was called upon to drive Jake and his car to Sunset Speedway. 

Sauble Speedway: The #86 team brought the car to Sauble with the setup they ran at Full Throttle Speedway and they were surprised that the car handled as good as it did during the practice sessions. The carburetor was adjusted for the flatter track thanks to Donald’s advice the previous night and only minor chassis adjustments were required. After an on track autograph session for the many fans in attendance, Billy lined up 2nd, beside the #36, for the first of two heat races. After advancing past the #36 for the lead, the #1 moved into the lead, putting Billy 2nd at the finish. Billy started 3rd in the second heat and after taking the lead for most of the race, it was again the #1, who took over near the end for his second win, with the #86 finishing 2nd. Billy started 6th in the 30 lap feature and got shuffled to the back early in the race, however with no place to go until the field sorted themselves out, he waited, and then started to make his way forward. It was the 10th lap by the time Billy was back closer to the front, where he ran side by side with the #36 for 3rd, behind the #1 and #17. The #1 car had obviously figured something out as he had both heat wins and was now pulling well ahead of the field. Billy took over 2nd just prior to ten laps remaining, however the #1 was well out front and not slowing down. Although Billy did close the gap to the leader as they completed the feature, it was the #1 with the win, followed by Billy 2nd. 

Sunset Speedway: Both the #81 & #88 Lucas Oil cars were slightly loose during the practice sessions, but both were easily corrected with tire stagger and pressure adjustments. Jake started 7th in the first heat and after less than a lap, the #72 lost an engine, oiling down the track and causing Jake to slide into the wall in turn 3, however he was able to pull away with minor body damage. Jake made his way up to 3rd on the 5th lap only to have engine trouble so he pulled into the infield, not finishing the race. The engine trouble was found to be a fuel delivery issue that the crew were able to easily correct. Sam started 3rd in her qualifying heat and quickly jumped out to the lead on the first lap. Current points leader, Brandon Mcferran in the #64 made it to Sam’s bumper just past halfway, and the 2 cars ran side by side for 3 laps with Sam taking the win. Jake lined up 9th in his consi and was able to gain 5 positions to finish 4th. Sam started 3rd in her Dash for cash and again was able to jump out to the lead early on, however after a battle with the #64 for 10 laps finished 2nd behind the #64. Samantha started 3rd and Jake 7th in the feature and after taking the green flag, the #81 got loose and slid up the track into the #48, the 2 cars got locked together and slammed the wall on the back straightaway, severely damaging both cars. The #48 was finished for the night but Sam was able to bring the car into the pits where the crew changed the right front wheel and pulled sheet metal away from the tires and Sam re-entered the race at the rear of the field and ended up wrestling the car home 13th. Jake was running well and holding his own in 8th position when the #51 got loose outside of him exiting turn 4, the young pilot turned down the track to avoid contact, but the “x” car was at his left rear quarter panel, and the result was the #88 spinning down the front stretch, bringing out the caution. Once Jake was finally able to get his car pointed in the right direction, he rejoined the fray and gained a few more positions to finish 12th. 

A huge thanks goes out to Mark Dennis and Dave Mast – who also heard the team was a bit short staffed and drove up to help. A get well soon wish goes out to Wade Watson, hopefully he will be back at the track very soon.