Prepared By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing
A solid finish in CASCAR’s special appearance at the Molson Indy was all Doug Brown was hoping for when the Super Series teams took to the track following Sunday’s CHAMP Car Series race in Toronto.
The Brantford competitor got his wish by piloting his NAPA/Autopro-sponsored Monte Carlo to a solid 10th-place finish in the 36-lap chase through the temporary road course circuit at Exhibition Place.
Brown started 18th following a disappointing time trial but maintained a steady determined pace from the drop of the green flag to save on tire wear. With just 3 laps remaining, he was within striking distance of 10th place and took the position from road course racing specialist Mark Swain on the final lap.
“Our game plan was to run consistent lap times and hope some of the front runners would be forced to make pit stops for tires. I guess our strategy worked,” an elated driver remarked following the race.
With the strong performance Brown has now moved to 17th place in the seasonal points and is now just 38 points out of 12th and 81short of his preseason target of 10th place in the overall standings.
Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert captured the ATTO 100 in his Power Water Ford Taurus taking the lead from Series leader Don Thomson in the Home Hardware Monte Carlo on lap 29. Peter Gibbons of Stouffville edged his Canadian Tire Monte Carlo past Thomson on the final lap to claim second spot.
The event was the seventh appearance of CASCAR teams at the Molson Indy Toronto and was viewed by a large portion of the estimated crowd of 71,000 who stayed following the CHAMP Car featured show to watch the most entertaining race on the weekend calendar.
Western Trip Now A Consideration:
Does this change Doug Brown’s plan for staying home during the Super Series tour to Western Canada?
“It’s got us thinking seriously of making that trip, especially with the “position” we’re now in,” Doug responded as he pondered the possibility. “With the qualifying races for each of the Calgary and Vernon events factored into the championship race, that’s four points events we desperately need, especially to position ourselves for next season. A lot will depend on how we can fair in obtaining some extra funding”
That “position” Doug was referring to is the impression companies will be looking at when teams go out in search for sponsors next season.
With prospects of further developments within the NASCAR/CASCAR Strategic Alliance that was formed prior to this season and one that will have a dramatic impact on the marketability of teams in the series, the swing west is a venture a lot of teams have already committed to and certainly one the #10 team will have to make in looking to the future.
With some tentative transportation considerations already in the making, don’t be too surprised to see the NAPA/Autopro team heading west shortly.
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