PICTON, Ont. – May 31, 2016 – Andrew Hennessy concluded the month of May in the most spectacular way possible last Saturday night at Brighton Speedway. The Picton, Ont. pilot drove his No.87 RJ Equipment Rentals/Drew Harrison Haulage/Ontario Trucking News Canadian Modified to his first victory of the season with a thrilling final corner pass.
The win was significant considering Hennessy recovered from a broken rear axle in his heat race. Hennessy ran third behind leader Kraig Handley and Dan Ferguson with three laps remaining in the 30-lap event before making his charge to the front and taking the lead off turn four on the final lap.
“I was all over Ferguson and once he moved up top, and I saw Handley was up top, I thought I had a pretty good shot at catching him,” Hennessy said. “I kind of think the last five laps is when it turned on. I turned my best lap on lap 29.”
The win bookends an impressive opening month for Hennessy who has also claimed two runner-up finishes. The victory also marks his first triumph in his new Shaw-built racecar. Through three races, Hennessy has noticed a more responsive, better-balanced feel to his new ride from the previous car, which has helped avoid some early season woes.
“I didn’t expect a bad start, but I expected a few growing pains. I expected to be fighting for a top-five for the first few weeks instead of challenging for wins. I really didn’t expect that,” Hennessy said of the opening month. “We got it bang on right away.”
Following the win, Hennessy claimed the point lead in the Bainer’s OilGARD Canadian Modified division by just five markers over Ferguson, foreshadowing a championship battle that once again won’t likely be decided until September.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it came right down to the final night again. I don’t really care right now,” Hennessy admitted. “I don’t want to get wrapped up in points racing in the first month.”
While the win was special on its own, it had a little extra meaning. Hennessy won two days following his five-year-old step-son Tyson’s first win in the Brighton Speedway Kart Klub during his first race on Thursday night.
“I’m not really an emotional person, but when he did his victory lap, that almost made me tear up. I’m usually pretty rough and I would never want anybody to see that, but I would admit it for him,” Hennessy stated.
“I hope he and I can do that more often. His win is more special. I’m still excited for my car, but that’s what it’s all about – your family,” Hennessy added.
Hennessy’s quest to defend his Canadian Modified title will continue with a busy month of June. His No.87 will be in action for four consecutive weeks at Brighton Speedway. For detailed event information, visit www.brightonspeedway.com.
Andrew Hennessy’s 2016 Canadian Modified season at Brighton Speedway is supported by a number of dedicated sponsors, including: RJ Equipment Rentals, Drew Harrison Haulage, Ontario Trucking News, Custom Automotive, A-can Home Improvements, Needle In A Haystack, KD Transmission, Brian Jewel Roofing, Mohawk Wholesale, Benson Auto Parts, Vanzuylen Tire Picton, Main Stop Gas Bar, Rapid Rad, and Bill and Jim Broad.
Follow Andrew Hennessy’s 2016 season on Facebook by ‘Liking’ his official page at facebook.com/AndrewHennessy87. For a complete copy of Andrew’s schedule, visit www.brightonspeedway.ca/schedule.
Prepared By Clayton Johns Media
Photo Attachment: Andrew Hennessy drives his No.87 RJ Equipment Rentals/Drew Harrison Haulage Canadian Modified off turn two at Brighton Speedway. (Dale Calnan/Image Factor Media photo).
-30-
