NCATS: Home Hardware Chevy Fourth at Mosport Speedway

August 10, 2008.  Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team had the quickest car during practice for round number eight of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series (NCATS) at Mosport Speedway.  As the team quickly found out having the horsepower is great, but having a smooth handling car also helps.

 

With qualifying washed out and the race postponed until Sunday afternoon Thomson would line up the Home Hardware Chevrolet on the outside of the front row by owner points.  Almost immediately after the green flag dropped he knew it could be a long afternoon.  “In the beginning it was one of the worst cars I’ve ever driven” assessed the driver afterwards.  “No explanation, I just couldn’t drive it, it was so tight”.

 

The team debated whether or not to make an early pit stop for changes but decided against the move.  “We didn’t’ want to put tires on that early and not have anything left for the end of the race so we decided to ride it out for a while”.  The strategy would take its toll for a while as the Home Hardware Chevrolet would lose several positions on the race track.

 

Shortly after halfway during a caution period the team made their scheduled stop for tires and made adjustments to the Home Hardware car.  Though they were down a lap they knew a strong finish was still possible with a better handling car and a little luck.  Both would come their way.

 

As the green flag racing resumed the Home Hardware Chevrolet was working much more to the liking of Thomson.  The race was also slowed by several yellow flag caution periods in the latter stages.  “We did get the free pass again and that helped us, it’s the second time this season it’s worked out for us” said the driver.

 

Back on the lead lap Thomson would battle hard to gain as many positions as possible before the conclusion.  The Home Hardware Chevrolet would move into the top-five and finish the afternoon in fourth position.  “To battle back for a fourth place finish, we’re pretty happy with it.  The Home Hardware guys really worked for this one”.

 

Don Thomson Jr. scored his fifth top-five finish of the season at Mosport Speedway and sits second in the overall driver standings. 

 

The 2008 NCATS schedule has expanded to thirteen events this year run on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada.  Teams will race next as the feature attraction at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres this coming Sunday August 17th.  You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN.  For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca

 

Photo:  Home Hardware Chevy at Mosport Speedway

Photo Credit:  Rod Andrews of www.canadianracer.com  

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment