Steckly qualifying on July 2 at Barrie Speedway

The CASCAR Super Series returned to the Barrie Speedway for the first time since 1995. Last year the speedway underwent a significant upgrade and was reconfigured into a 3/8 mile tri-oval.

On Saturday, July 2, the Super Series competitors had 2 practice sessions to gain knowledge of the track and to prepare for qualifying. Despite having only one days experience at the track, the 22 Racing team was able to qualify the Lewis Motor Sales/ Erb Group Pontiac Grand Prix in 8th position which was the best starting position for Scott Steckly so far in the 2005 season.

The Dodge Charger 300 went off on Sunday at 2:00 with perfect weather and packed grandstands. On the drop of the green flag, Scott seen his good starting position slip away as he was caught on the outside and lost 5 positions until he could drop down to the bottom grove. Running the lower line would be the story of the day at Barrie. It was a frustrating day for all the front runners as the slower traffic, running the inside line would hold up the faster cars. Scott was having his challenges moving up through the field, but a 2 tire pit stop during a caution at lap 125, gave Scott the edge he needed to make his move to the front. During the pit stop the team removed the hood of the car to alleviate an overheating problem with the car. When racing resumed Steckly was moving up through the field until CASCAR black flagged him, forcing Scott to return to the pits and re-install the hood. Apparently, CASCAR rules do not permit teams to remove your hood unless you have front end damage. Steckly was forced to pit under green flag racing to replace the hood and by the time he got back to racing he was 2 laps down to the leaders. Replacing the hood was short lived as shortly thereafter, as the short track racing took its toll, as the entire front end, hood and fenders were smashed off the #22 Lewis Motor Sales/ Erb Group Pontiac. In the end Steckly brought the car home in 8th place.

Next up in the CASCAR Super Series is the Toronto Molson Indy road course on July 9. http://www.molsonindy.com/toronto/index.php

In the drive for the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Championship, the 22 Race team is proudly sponsored by: The Erb Group of Companies, International Truck and Engine Dealers: ALTRUCK, Lewis and Metro; Thermo King of Eastern Canada, CPL Systems, AW Millwrights, D.H. Jutzi Limited, Commercial Babcock, Classy Collectibles, Twin City Graphics, Filtakleen, Duplicolor, Mr. Transmission (Guelph), and Stratford Motor Products.