Gary Elliott: Flamboro Speedway Sept. 6 2008 report

MILLGROVE, ON - Our crew had their work cut out for them after the APC 300 race at Delaware Speedway on the Labor Day weekend.  It took a few hours every night to get the car to where it was prior to wreck during the biggest race of the season.  Once the welding, fabricating and set was complete, the true test of workmanship, and whether the car was back to it’s competitive ways, would be put to the test at the track.

The first bit of luck was in the pre race draw for position. Picking #1 gave the team pole position in the qualifying heat.  The race was tight with the top 3 running nose to tail. One mistake, one loss of concentration would be all the cars behind would need to capitalize, but the Quaker State Monte Carlo showed dominance picking up the checker, our 5th win of 2008. It was obvious after warm ups, the car was very close to top running form.  The heat win verified that concern.

In the feature, starting from the 9th position would be a challenge. The field of cars was tough, producing a very competitive race. One aspect of close competition is the real chance of accidents.  The first happened on lap one.  Though not serious, it moved our team to 8th on the restart. The next caution happened immediately as the green flag came out. 

Four cars ahead of us were involved in a mix up coming off turn four.  We were fortunate to get out of the way. When the dust settled we were in fourth. The next run lasted four laps. Packed together, the train of eight cars ran bumper to bumper. Suddenly things went wild when the third place car, in an effort to get by second place, ran into the car in front taking them both out and bringing out the final yellow of the night.

Once again the Quaker State team had to make quick moves to stay out of the wreck. After the cars were sorted out, we found ourselves in 2nd place, behind leader Jeff Stewart.  The fans got a show with the top five cars battling for the lead.  At the finish line our team cheered as we brought the car home with a strong runner up position.

The efforts during the week by our team members, and help from fellow racers Ken Stenhouse and Linda Dean proved very satisfactory with the excellent performance of our car. The consistency over the second half of the season has moved us to 4th in the standings with four points nights remaining.

On Sunday we took our car to the Oakville Church of The Nazarene for a Rally Day event. Kids got to sit in the racecar and received autograph pictures.

This Saturday morning we will have our car on display at the Burlington United Way fund raiser, on Brant Street…later that evening it will be regular racing at Flamboro Speedway….then on Sunday Nonie and I will take our car to Central Gospel Church in St. Catharines for a special event with race cars the theme.

PHOTOS: The bike photo was provided by future Hall of Fame photographer Dave Franks ... The other 2 photos were taken on Sunday at the Oakville Church of he Nazarene

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From Elliott Racing