FRASERVILLE, ON – Doug Brown's quest for another top-ten finish in the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series came to an abrupt end just three laps short of the checkered flag last Sunday at Kawartha Speedway.
Once again he became the victim of a late race crash when he and Appin, Ontario's Jason Hathaway tangled in turn two on lap 248 of the 250-lap season finale. The two competitors were battling for the eighth position in the event with no real pressure from those in their pursuit. Brown's Haldex Dodge was heavily damaged in the tangle while Hathaway escaped to finish 11th.
The incident also marked the fourth time this season that accidents have taken the Brantford driver out of a potential top-ten run before the finish.
"It sure hasn't been our year'" the generally contained driver commented following the race. "I'm not sure what goes through their minds but there have been a small handful of drivers this season who seem to lack patients and common sense. If they can't get around you, they'll drive through you to gain a few positions. We were both virtually assured top ten finishes until that move."
Despite the ending results, Brown was quick to put the episode aside and began discussing his plans for next season, almost relieved the season was over.
"This season sure wasn't what we expected it would be before the season began. We had some high expectations but with the late arrival of series information including the schedule, we weren't as prepared to start the season as we would have liked to have been. We also had some sponsorship commitments that didn't get formalized until just weeks before the season opener and that may have contributed to our slow start. And some of those incidents that happened on the track didn't help our cause either," he added.
"But we are confident things will be quite different come 2008. We have already started the planning process for next season and met with our title sponsor Haldex who have been not only been very supportive this year, but have indicated they will be back next season."
The team has also received several inquiries from businesses not already involved with the team.
"Yeah, there is no doubt that NASCAR and the all round calibre of competitors in this series has raised the profile of our sport as has the long-term commitment of Canadian Tire and the coverage provided by TSN, Doug added with a smile.
HB Motorsports is pleased to have Haldex Limited as its Title Sponsor with NAPA Autopro supporting team programs through its role of Major Associate Sponsor role. Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines; Strodes BBQ & Deli; and BrentZone Graphics are also valued members of our Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Prepared by Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // HB Motorsports
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