TILLSONBURG, ON - Right off the top I will mention that next week, August 31 is the night Jamie Westman is gathering donations of tooth brushes, tooth paste, hotel size soaps and shampoos, reading and sun glasses. Glasses can be used but I think the tooth brushes should be new. Again, Jamie is traveling to Nicaragua with a group of doctors and nurses to give aid to the people of a very poor country. Certainly a nice thing to do and I know Jamie would appreciate any of the listed items you can donate.
On to the racing.
This week emphasis was put on making our starts professional looking just like the big boys. This is not the easiest thing to do with a group of kids but after enduring several false starts, things started to shape up in each division. I am sure this is a great example of short term pain for long term gain.
The cooler weather certainly was a relief and I would have to say we had a record crowd.
Welcome new members Johnny Miller and Colby Bennett. Both drivers are currently in the Beginner Division learning the ropes. Other then working on their starts, the beginners are doing a very nice job during the race night, giving the spectators some thrills without too much delay. As the season has progressed, this group has improved the most. When the points were added up, #9 Kassy Streng, from Tillsonburg, took first 1-1-1, #01 Jamie Hall, from Wilsonville, took second, 2-3-2, and #57 Bryson Green, from Ingersoll, was third, 3-4-3.
The juniors were up for another great night of racing. Best crash in this group had to be #52 Jacob Sheridan after winning the first heat. In the 25 lap main Sheridan was mid pack in a start when the caution came out after a botched start, and went outside a little too far trying to avoid the slowing kart in front of him. His right front rim grabbed the plywood sending the rear of his kart around in a clockwise spin that was quick enough that he landed facing the correct direction after doing a full 360. It looked like he was going to drive away but after a quick check of kart and driver, decided to call it a night. Expert Cody Coburn decided a couple weeks ago to take #48 Andrew Marshall, from Dorchester 5-1-1, under his wing and gave him some tips on the fastest lines around the track. Andrew must be a quick study because he was able to win both mains in a very competitive group. It was #8 Hannah Ferrell's, from Windham Center 2-2-2, and better result in the 10 lap sprint that was Andrew's undoing though as he was dropped to second by points. Third place goes to #20 DJ McRae, from London 4-3-3.
I took a lot of flak for how we brought these kids to the level they are currently at but the kids had a lot of fun along the way. They are all driving like accomplished seasoned racers at this point; it just drove the parents nuts along the way. Sorry about that but remember this when we start all over again next year.
The Senior's had Junior graduate move up this week as #51 Matt Anderson, from Ridgetown, finally wrapped up his Baseball Championship season (All Ontario I heard) and came back to racing. Anderson kind of got the fast track to the seniors but has proven to be a calm competent driver and will do fine with this group. A few weeks running the more consistent pace and he will be in the thick of things. Oddly, the Seniors don't run much faster than the Juniors but during a race they just never seem to make a mistake so passing amongst this group can be a real test of a drivers skill. #37 Scott Kelly had a rough start to the night as his engine fell off for the second time in as many weeks but they scrambled and got the mount fixed better this time and it held together for third overall going 7-2-2. #30 Josh Beecroft, from Ridgetown, has been on a tear lately and actually won the final 35 lap race after starting at the rear of the field. This was enough to take second with 4-3-1. #10 Blake Westman, from Aylmer, who has had an up and down year had his act together this week and walked away champ for the night with 1-1-3. I believe six of the eight racers have stood on the top block this year. Certainly a good sign of the depth of skill in the Senior Division.
The second best crash for the night was in the Expert class, but had nothing to do with the karts. We had a family friend who has drove ATV's a lot and even participated in a national magazine quad test, but was not prepared for a failed start and ended up hooking a kart and flipping the quad on its side. Can't say he was too happy with himself but the Quad can be fixed and other than some stiffness he will be fine. Funny how the racers tend to be the safest people in the building. This week #19 Cody Coburn, from Mt Brydges, busted up the Scott and Holly show and took second with 3-2-3. #1 Holly Porter, from Dorchester, had fastest qualifying time but finished 3rd after going 1-6-3. #34 Scott Chesterman, from Langton, found a fast way around the track that no one else discovered as he lapped most of the field and even found the time to wave as he past the 19 car on the back straight just to rub it in. Oh well, we will just have to go faster. #88 Devin Jarvis made a nice pass on me in the 30 lap main but left the door open for me to cut back under him. He is up to speed and in time will be another racer I can't catch. I can handle growing old but this growing slow stuff is bugging me. Even # 34D Dylan Chesterman laid down a faster time in trials than myself, in just his second race.
Hmmmmm
Thanks to Christine Ferrell for taking a bunch more great pictures that will surface at the banquet.
Next race August 31 2010, 7pm, see you there.
Group shot of our weight rule, Jr = little, Sr = Medium, Expert = Large, in order of size, Andrew Marshall, Josh Beecroft, Dave Chesterman
Release Prepared by # 7 Dave Chesterman
Chesterman Power Products
Tillsonburg Indoor MX
www.chesterman.ca
519-842-5977
