Quaker State Team Returns To Sunset Speedway
August 8th Race #18
It was a beautiful evening for racing. The grandstands were full for the 3rd annual Family Faith Night event. Every division had strong car counts, including the Late Model division; that our Quaker State Impala would compete in for the first time at Sunset Speedway in 2015. Sunset is now a NASCAR sanctioned facility.
Prior to going to the races we needed to get a number put on our race car. Our graphic designer Creative Edge installed a new number on the car for this race.
Once finished in Kitchener I headed to my cousins place in Cookstown. Tom and Kim are race fans and Tom and I finished preparing our car, then he cleaned our trailer and truck so we would look awesome pulling into NASCAR’s Sunset Speedway.
At the track, Lloyd and I set up our pits and prepared for 2 sessions of practice. We were very happy with how well our car hancled. Very few changes were needed for time trials and our first 35 lap feature.
After hot laps, the intermission provided time for Lloyd and I to go to the VIP tent where our two sponsors of Family Faith Night were located. I was able to explain to the guests our 47 year history in racing, our 42 years with Quaker State and how I was able to compete and apply my faith to this great sport of racing.
We decided to start at the back of the field since this was our first time here this year. All the teams were in the NASCAR point’s battle, so starting last seemed appropriate, but with 27 very fast cars and us starting 27th meant we would have to try to get moving fairly quickly and stay out of trouble.
In our first 25 lap race we managed to pass 12 cars bringing us to 15th at the checker and we were very happy with that, an accomplishment considering how fast and competitive this track is. The second feature was not so lucky for us.
We started at the back for the second 35 lap feature. The race was filled with cautions and we avoided a few and were moving well through the field. Then on about lap 10 a pile up on the back chute got us in trouble when I spun to avoid the cars in front but got hit hard in the front, the impact taking out our radiator.
Watching from the infield, not the way we wanted. Good news is the damage wasn’t severe. We will be ready for our next race Saturday at Sauble Speedway.
Up Next – Sauble Speedway
One of my favorite track events is “Fan Appreciation Day. We get to meet the fans and give them an autograph and a picture of them with me and the car.
