Drivers gear up for opening
Published Saturday May 16th, 2009
Speedway 660 | Last week's practice session provides early glimpse of cars to watch for in the 3 racing divisions
It's full speed ahead for the 16th season of Speedway 660.
The regular season begins a week from today, but already many of the drivers from the three competitive divisions - pro stock, sportsman and street stock - have run their cars at the track and are gearing up as they make sure their cars are in working order and making chassis adjustments in preparation for the season opener.
The practice session held last weekend allowed many of the drivers to make whatever adjustments that needed to be made. Tech Officials were also given the chance to look over some preliminary tech items on the cars in attendance.
The fastest lap times in the practice run were by the 2009 Ford Fusion driven by Matt Harris of Fredericton Junction in the Pro Stock Series. Derek Christie of Fredericton in his 2009 Ford Fusion had the fastest time in the sportsman series while Brian Fox of Burton posted the fastest lap time from the street stock series.
Aside from these drivers, Brian Gillespie of Nackawic, last year's sportsman champ, was out with his new pro stock car. Maritime Pro Stock Tour champ Shawn Tucker of Fredericton took advantage of practice putting in some laps with his pro stock car. Brent Wiggins of Fredericton, Myles Harris of Nasonworth, and Mike Kyle of Moncton were also sporting new rides last weekend, something to look for this year.
Last year's champion Greg Fahey of St. Stephen is coming off his first title in the pro stock division and is looking to repeat in the new season. Fahey has some tough competition to look out for in his rear-view. Former champion Glen Rasmussen of New Denmark only ran a limited schedule in 2008 but is back gunning for another title. Harris had a breakthrough year in 2008 posting a win along with several strong showings, and after the fastest times on practice day, he figures to make a strong case this season for the title.
Brad Mann of Glen Livet, N.B. is another driver to watch for. The former multi-champion at Speedway 660 is looking to reclaim glory in the pro stock division. Word at the track is he will be carrying a new number and paint scheme as a surprise for the Speedway 660 fans.
The sportsman title will go to a new champion this season. Last year's champion, Gillespie, has moved to pro stock. Contenders in sportsman includes last year's runner up Glyn Nott of Burton, looking to capture his first championship. St. George's Wade Harris looks primed to get back on top of the division standings while Christie looks to show well after coming off winning the 2008 rookie championship. He also had the fastest practice time last weekend.
Defending street stock hampion Rick Cashol of Saint John will be looking to repeat while doing double duty as his team purchased a sportsman car over the winter. The Cashol team is planning on running in both divisions this season. Last year's runner-up Matt Matheson of Geary had multiple strong showings last season so watch for Matheson to be in the fight for the 2009 title. Brian Fox of Burton finished fourth last year, was quick in practice and figures to be yet another potential 2009 champion.
The opening feature next Saturday is the Riverview Ford Classic beginning at 7 o'clock.
The MAX 1 Synthetic pro stock 100 features the race card on Saturday, May 30. Track owner Chris Johnston says look for cars from the Maritimes and New England to be in attendance for the first big pro stock event of they year at Speedway 660. Another big event is scheduled for June 13 when they run the Pro All Stars Series 200.
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