SAUBLE BEACH, Ont. – August 30, 2016 – Andrew Gresel had a podium finish and a possible win stolen from him during last Saturday’s APC United Late Model Series race at Sunset Speedway.
Gresel, the current series point leader, was running third when the rear-end on his car broke on lap 71 and ended his day prematurely.
“There was a tick in the car all night. I was trying to figure out what was making a little bit of noise throughout practice and, sure enough, it was the rear-end breaking apart bit by bit,” explained a disappointed Gresel.
The Sauble Falls, Ont. driver was in contention for his fifth series win this season after setting fast time in Bennett GMC pole qualifying aboard his CUSW/Gallinger Ford/F1 Freight Systems No.81 Ford Fusion.
“It was good in qualifying. It was basically what we showed up with right off the trailer,” Gresel said. “The first 30 laps of the race it was a rocket.”
Gresel started second following the redraw for the top-five qualifiers and raced behind polesitter Matt Pritiko early in the 100-lap main event. Gresel was happy to occupy the second spot while keeping Pritiko within striking distance.
“I put a little bit of pressure on him earlier in the race. I probably could have passed him, but I didn’t push the car to make the pass,” Gresel said of his strategy. “I could tell he was driving his car really hard.”
Midway through the race Dale Shaw passed Gresel for second.
“Shaw was riding around pretty hard. He was right on our bumper as the rear-end got louder. I let him go and two laps after the rear-end went,” Gresel said.
The unfortunate DNF erased nearly half of Gresel’s point lead entering the ninth and final race of the season. He currently holds a 13-point advantage at the top of the standings.
Fortunately for Gresel, he will have three weeks to regroup and ensure the car is ready for the series finale at Delaware Speedway near London on September 17. Gresel has won all three starts he has made at Delaware this season.
“We’re going to Delaware for championship night and I’m pretty confident there,” Gresel said in anticipation of the championship showdown. “We’re going to go out and test it at Sauble to make sure everything is good. We have some time before the next race to make sure nothing is going to fall apart.”
Due to the extent of the rear-end damage, Gresel will not attend the final race of Delaware’s Krown Triple Crown Series on Saturday, September 3. He will next be in action at Delaware onSeptember 17 for the Great Canadian Race Weekend featuring the APC United Late Model Series. Event details are available at www.delawarespeedway.com.
SEASON STATS
Pro Late Model – 11 Starts: 5 Wins, 8 Top-5s, 10 Top-10s
Super Late Model – 2 Starts: 2 Wins, 2 Top-5s, 2 Top-10s
SAUBLE FALLS RACING MEDIA
Website: www.saublefallsracing.com
Facebook: facebook.com/saublefallsracing
Twitter: @SaubleFalls81
Andrew Gresel’s 2016 season is supported by several corporate sponsors, including: Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park, London Recreational, McRobert Fuels, Hy-Grade Roofing, F1 Freight Systems, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Gallinger Ford Lincoln, Castrol Canada, Pro Wraps, Brisk Spark Plugs, Barry’s Construction and Raden Givari at Ehomes.
Prepared By Clayton Johns Media
Photo attachment 1: Andrew Gresel races his No.81 Ford Fusion off turn two during Saturday’s APC United Late Model Series race at Sunset Speedway. (Thompson Photography photo).
