|
Poirier Beats Student for Fifth Win in Thrilling Three Car Battle at Brockville
By MIKE MALLETT
BROCKVILLE, ONT – For much of the 2008 racing season Steve Poirier has been working with young driver Michael Parent. Poirier has taught him many things about driving and setup. On Saturday night those tips got Parent close to his first career win, but it was the teacher that came out on top.
“I’ve been helping Michael (Parent) a little bit with his setup,” stated Poirier after the win. “He was good tonight but I think my car was a little bit better. I want to see him get a win but I needed the win tonight too.”
Poirier, of St. Mathieu de Beloeil, QC., earned $2,000 in 25-lap A-Main from Northwood 2 Construction and Lasalle Motorsports. It was his fifth Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint victory of the year and his first since June 22 at Cornwall.
The win did add to Poirier’s point lead in both the overall tour standings and the SMAC Magazine Canadian Invasion series.
Poirier started the race from the outside of row number five. He patiently worked the top of the speedway to move inside the top five on lap five.
At the midway point he was right beyond the lead pair of Parent and Rick Wilson. He waited for the right moment to make his charge for the lead. That moment came with two laps to go.
At the checkered it was Poirier winning over his protégé Parent. Wilson, of Joyceville, Ont., brought his No.42w home in third.
Justin Barger was the winner the last time the Empire Super Sprints visited Brockville, this time he came home in fourth. Jeff Cook, of Antwerp, N.Y., brought his Rt. 37 Building Supply Maxim across the finish line in fifth.
*****
GREEN IS OUT: Parent, of Granby, QC., took the lead at the green flag after starting on the front row of the event. He beat Anthony Cain to the top of turn one to take assume command of the race.
MOVING UP EARLY: Parent was the leader when the caution came out on lap five for April Wilson. She stopped on the front straightaway. By this point, Poirier was already inside the top five.
THREE CAR RACE: When racing resumed, Parent maintained the top position. By the midway he had caught the slower cars at the back of the field and he had Wilson and Poirier knocking on the door.
The mad scramble for the lead started on lap 15 when Wilson was able so slide by Parent on the low side of turns three and four. He then went back to the top in turns one and two opening the bottom for Parent.
Parent, in a Fisher powered Eagle, was able to take the lead back on lap 19 as he got back to the bottom and drove by Wilson coming off of turn two. While this battle was occurring, Poirier was looking for his chance to get by.
“I was able to pass a lot of cars before the first yellow,” commented Poirier. “Once I got behind them I knew I had a good car. I followed them for a few laps just waiting for my opportunity.”
PASSING THE STUDENT: Poirier’s opportunity arose on lap 24; Poirier was able to drive by Parent is his AMB Moteurs powered J&J on the top of turns one and two to take the lead. Parent tried to get back by him on the inside but he was unable to regain the top position.
“I tried for a couple of laps to get by Michael (Parent) on the bottom,” said Poirer. “I couldn’t get a run off the bottom so I went back to the outside. I tried to be a little smoother on the throttle and I was able to not spin the tires on the top and take the lead.”
BEST YET: Parent’s second place was his best of the 2008 racing season and it came after he battled with two drivers who are at the top of their game.
“I’m very happy with my second place finish,” said Parent. “Steve (Poirier) has taught me a lot this year on how to setup the car and I have to thank him for that. A second is good for me. The teacher has to get you sometimes.”
RACE WITH RICK: Parent and Wilson battled for numerous laps with Parent getting the better of him at the checkered flag. It was a much needed confidence boost for the 19-year-old pilot.
“I was pretty sure that I was going to be able to get back by Rick (Wilson),” said Parent. “I knew if I showed him my nose he would spin the tires on the top. It worked and I got the lead back, but I couldn’t hold off Steve (Poirier).”
HOMETOWN GUY: Local favorite, Wilson, of Joyceville, Ont., piloted his No. 42w to a third place finish. Wilson started the feature from the outside of third row and battled for the lead for much of the event.
“I love the fans here at Brockville and I’m glad we put on a good show for them,” stated Wilson. “Steve (Poirier) is a good racer and always races you clean. He’s tough to beat.”
PIT NOTES: 22 cars entered into competition with Poirier, Lance Yonge and Chuck Hebing winning the heat race events. The dash was won by Poirier. A full crowd was on hand for the second of three visits by the ESS. The final one comes on October 18 in a challenge event with the Southern Ontario Sprints.
RACE RESULTS (8/16/08)
Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Northwood 2 Construction/Lasalle Motorsports A-Main (25 laps): Steve Poirier ($2,000), Michael Parent, Rick Wilson, Justin Barger, Jeff Cook, Jared Zimbardi, Lance Yonge, Kevin Job, Anthony Cain, Alain Bergeron, Brian McDonald, Tommy Wickham, Tim Kelly, Chuck Hebing, Doug Emery, Bubby Kerrick, Normand Beaudreault, Chris Jones, Lee Ladouceur, Justin Harris, April Wilson, DNS – Daniel Lampron.
Lap Leaders: Parent 1-14, Wilson 15-18, Parent 19-23, Poirier 24-25.
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 1 (10 laps): Steve Poirier, Justin Barger, Lee Ladouceur, Anthony Cain, Tim Kelly, Tommy Wickham
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 2 (10 laps): Lance Yonge, Rick Wilson, Doug Emery, Bubby Kerrick, Alain Bergeron
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 3 (10 laps): Chuck Hebing, Jeff Cook, Michael Parent, Jared Zimbardi, Brian McDonald, April Wilson
730 Truck Stop/Walt’s Hobby Dash (4 laps): Steve Poirier, Rick Wilson, Justin Barger, Chuck Hebing, Lance Yonge, Jeff Cook
|
|
