Prepared By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing
It will be an unfamiliar track that Doug Brown and his team faces this weekend as they venture to Barrie Speedway for the “Dodge Charger300” –race number 4 on the CASCAR Super Series schedule.
The track was reconfigured over the winter from a tight paper clip-shaped ¼-mile oval into an unusual ¾-mile tri–oval.
Regardless of its shape, it will be the Brantford racing veteran’s first visit to the speedway since he joined the Super Series ranks on a full-time basis three years ago.
Adding to the challenge, is the team’s need to get their programs back on track after coming off a devastating race two weeks ago at the Mosport road course in which Doug completed just six of the scheduled 51 laps around the 2.5 mile circuit. Engine problems resulting from debris through the radiator of his NAPA/Autopro Monte Carlo ended his afternoon early.
He’s hoping his fortunes will change for the Canada Day Weekend special.
“We have to have better luck than the luck we’ve been having so far this season,” Doug remarked when asked about the Barrie race. “I know some teams have already practiced on the new racing surface and the reports aren’t all that encouraging. Some of those who have been testing at Barrie feel the track may cause some problems so it could make for an interesting race. We just hope we can find the right set-up during Saturday’s practice sessions and get ourselves a good starting position for Sunday’s main event.”
For this event, the Brantford-based team will again be reverting to its Sportsman engine having experienced oil pressure problems with its primary engine on opening day at Delaware and again during practice sessions for the Mosport race.
“We’ll continue to use the Sportsman engine until we’re satisfied the problems with the primary engine are resolved,” Doug added in discussing his team’s strategy.
As for the balance of the season, he is confident of achieving some top-ten and even top five runs once the engine issues are resolved. The team is currently mired in 20th place, a long way from their original goal.
“It will be a battle to finish in the top fifteen standing-wise in the seasonal points especially when you consider the teams heading west in late July for events in Calgary and Vernon (4 point’s races). But at this time there is just no way we can see making that trek,” Doug added in looking down the road. “We’re still certain we can put together some strong runs in August through mid September that we can build upon for the future.
Following this weekend, Doug will hop into his road course car for CASCAR’s annual appearance during the July 8th through 10th Molson Indy special in Toronto.
For additional information on Brown Auto Racing, see www.dougbrown.net or contact Doug Brown at (519) 752-9531.
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