Post Race Update # 24 Oct 22, 2011

#22 - Wade Watson, #81 - Samantha Shaw
#86 - Billy Schwartzenburg, #88 - Mark Dennis

Three weeks after the original scheduled start date for the Oktoberfest Classic weekend at Flamboro Speedway, the Spira - Grant’s Automotive Team were more than ready to get the show on the road. Unfavourable fall weather was not cooperating with track promoters and since it was
possibly the last race of the year for the Spira Team, there were mixed emotions about the long off season ahead, from excitement of rebuilding the cars to disappointment about the routine schedule being broken by a long cold winter. During the three week delay, driver of the #22 Stag Shop Ford, Wade Watson, spent four days in the hospital with pneumonia and although Wade was released over a week ago, he was still not in the best shape but was determined to get behind the wheel since he had
qualified for the pole position as well as wanting the 100 show up points that the track tacked on to the regular season if the cars ran the event.

Although there was no rain in the forecast as the team headed south to Flamboro Speedway, it was bitterly cold and they made sure they packed plenty of winter clothing for the trip. With the cars set up from the last practice session before the last cancellation due to rain, all four drivers were pretty happy with the handling despite the cold and greasy track. Billy had a slight loose condition in the #86-Guelph Wish Fund for Children Ford and Samantha had the opposite condition with a small push from the centre off in her #81-Lucas Oil Mustang. After a “B” feature was run, to add those that did not qualify for the event the first weekend, 33 cars lined up for their shortened 28 lap feature in honour of Abel Castelien who passed away last week at the young age of 56. Able was an avid racer and ran the #28 for many years at Flamboro Speedway before heading to the dirt track at Ohsweken Speedway.

Wade took up his position on the pole while Billy lined up 4th, Samantha 12th and Mark in 17th. The #28 of Dale Shaw took over the lead on the first lap and while Wade was desperately trying to regain it on the 2nd, pushed the car past its limit and spun out in front of the field somehow avoiding contact with the 31 cars running behind him. Billy moved up to 3rd for the restart as Samantha gained five positions into7th and Mark gained one position to restart 16th. After another caution shortly thereafter, the field started to string out around the track and it was obvious that the #28 had them covered as he started to lap cars at the back of the field. At just past the half way mark, another caution
was out due to cars getting together in turn three, bringing the field back together for a restart with the #28 leading the way. Billy was still in the top ten, despite developing a loose condition when he gone on the throttle he restarted 6th. Samantha was in 15th followed by Mark in 17th and Wade who was still on the lead lap, making his way back up through the field in 21st. The remaining 13 laps were under green and other than the four cars that had their positions displayed on the scoreboard, it was almost
impossible to determine who was running where due to the long green flag run with 33 cars who were strung out around the entire track. It was well after the checkered flag and the cars were loaded in the trailer before the team found out their final finishing positions. Billy lead the team by finishing 7th despite his ill handling car, Samantha had a clean run and almost made it into the top 10 by finishing 11th, Mark 13th and Wade managed to work his way from the back of the field to finish 18th. All four cars were unloaded into the shop with no damage to them and that was an added bonus to finish off the year. There is one more event scheduled at Flamboro Speedway for next weekend, however it is not known at this time who if any of the Spira cars will be in attendance for the Frost
Fest event. Ken Spira is anxious to tear into the cars and get them ready for the 2012 season as he is once again scheduled to work with Hooker Brothers Racing from Chatham Ontario as they return to New Smyrna Speedway - Florida for the month of February. The team is working on their year end “Thank You” plaques for the many sponsors that played a big role in making 2011 a successful season and we will keep you informed of further developments in our racing program. We
wish to thank each and everyone of you that helped make our 2011 a huge success.