Willie Reyns Breaks From Tradition
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
After a successful 2007 season in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car class, Port Hope’s Willie Reyns had prepared himself for the traditional sophomore jinx. His first year of racing regularly at the 3/8th mile oval saw him earn the division’s rookie of the year and most improved driver awards, while finishing 4th in points. The only thing missing from the 24 year-old ironworker’s resume was a race win. Throughout history – in most sports, not just auto racing – a successful freshman campaign is followed-up by a less than spectacular second season. Reyns proved to be the exception to the rule.
It all began Friday, June 6th with the drop of the green flag that started Kawartha’s 2008 season. Reyns had a strong run that saw his #87 Boundy Roofing-Appleman Carstar-Canadian Industrial Services-Kelly’s Homelike Inn Monte Carlo wind-up in the winner’s circle on opening night. It was a scene that would be repeated a total of 5 times during the campaign. With weather playing a role in the track’s season throughout the year, Kawartha Speedway put just 9 shows in the record books and Reyns recorded a top 5 run in every event.
“I didn’t know how well we’d do. Our goal coming into the season was to get a feature race win and certainly accomplished that”, said the smiling driver at the final event of the season. “We have a great team and I knew we had the potential for an excellent season. The car is well-prepared and we’re ready every time we come to the track, but there are so many factors that come into play...its hard to tell what will happen”.
Kawartha Speedway celebrated their season with the 2008 award’s banquet Saturday, January 17th. Reyns collected the hardware for his Thunder Car track championship – as well as being named the most sportsmanlike driver in the division by his competitors. The icing on the cake for the likeable runner was being selected as the track’s most exciting driver, in a first-time fan ballot.
“It was quite a night, to say the least”, says Reyns. “I figured we’d get some votes in the on-line survey – maybe even end-up in the top 5, but to be honoured by the fans that way – I’m very thankful. The support we get from the fans is amazing and I hope they know how much I appreciate everything they do for me”.
Willie Reyns says his crew will take a few days off, and then get right back into the shop and resume working on the car with an eye on defending their ’08 title. Back to back championships are rare, but Willie Reyns has already shown the ability to break from tradition.
Photo attachment: supplied by team
Willie Reyns with his collection of hardware from the 2008 Kawartha Speedway banquet.
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