PICTON, Ont. (July 5, 2016) – Andrew Hennessy continued his hot streak in to July with his fourth win of the season in Canadian Modified competition during Brighton Speedway’s Canada Day Mid-Season championships on Saturday, July 2. The win was the fourth in the last six starts and in eight overall this season for the Picton, Ont. pilot.
The latest win came on a pass with two laps to go following the only caution of the race with five laps remaining in the 40-lap main event. The extra distance and double points win made the victory that much sweeter, Hennessy said.
“I think those mean more because they’re more laps and there’s double points on the line. You look towards the bigger races and winning them,” Hennessy said. “You know you have the extra laps to get the job done. After 40 laps, if you have the car to get it done, you should be able to.”
The driver of the RJ Equipment Rentals/Drew Harrison Haulage/Ontario Trucking News No.87 did just that after starting eighth following the revenge redraw. The race was a snapshot of the larger season picture for Hennessy, who has been excellent coming from the rear of the field this season, his usual starting area due to the track’s handicap process.
“I don’t feel like I’ve been patient at all. Some of it is luck and some of it is being in the right place at the right time. I think that has a lot to do it with it,” Hennessy commented, adding the level of respect conveyed on the track so far this season has impressed him.
The success through the first half of the season has been most striking considering Hennessy entered the season as a wild card. It was clear he would be a top contender, but even he didn’t know what to expect from his newly acquired Larry Shaw-built car.
“I thought the car was good, but you have to race it to know exactly what you have,” Hennessy said. “I’m happy with it. I think it’s pretty cool to come in with a car you don’t know anything about and run as well as I have. The car just works so well and it’s so much different than the other car.”
Despite his early success, Hennessy refuses to become complacent. He and his team continue to adapt to the ever-changing track conditions and work to be in win contention each night.
“We had the setup bang on, but we just started changing some stuff because we’re getting in to the hotter temperatures. The sun’s out longer so the track’s starting to dry out a little more,” explained the Picton native.
Hennessy currently holds a 130-point advantage in the championship standings over fellow Picton native Kraig Handley. He admits last week was the first time he looked at the standings this year, but it doesn’t affect his preparation. Hennessy knows he has to push for a win every time he’s on the track because of the still competition
“I am paying attention to it now, but I’m not going to change the way I approach anything,” Hennessy said firmly. “You pretty much have to be first, second or third to not get too far from behind.”
Hennessy will look to increase his lead atop the division and earn win number five when he resumes action on July 9 for his ninth race of the season, the second of five events this month. Racing start at 7:00pm and more information is available at www.brightonspeedway.com.
SEASON STATS
Andrew Hennessy 2016 Season: 8 Starts – 4 Wins, 8 Top-5s, 8 Top-10s
HENNESSY MEDIA LINKS
Facebook: facebook.com/AndrewHennessy87
Schedule: www.brightonspeedway.ca/schedule.
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.
Prepared By Clayton Johns Media
Photo Attachment: Andrew Hennessy races Kraig Handley during the 40-lap Canada Day Mid-Season championship for the Canadian Modifieds at Brighton Speedway. (Rod Henderson photo).
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