SHEDIAC, NB (September 4, 2008) - The cars and stars of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour will be at Centre for Speed this Saturday to pick up where they left off August 3 when rain halted the Lucas Oil 150. The only difference between then and now is what was a then hotly contested series with four races to go - is now a pressure cooker with just two races remaining to decide the 2008 championship, rookie of the year and numerous other bonus programs.
Series point leader Wayne Smith. the inaugural series champ, is hot-to-trot to claim his second series title and second-place point runner Lonnie Sommerville, the '07 series EIT Race Radio Rookie of the Year is just as eager to claim his first title. Only 23 points separate the top two now; only 24 points separated the top two August 3.
Third-place Shawn Turple, the '05 series top rookie, was runner-up to '07 champ Shawn Tucker - and if the saying "you have to lose one to make you want one enough to win it" holds true then Turple could end up at the top of the standings before all is said and done in the last two races of the '08 season. Turple is just 24 markers behind Sommerville.
Tucker and Kent Vincent round out the top five in the series standings with both having mathematical chances to move to the top spot - but would need the top three to have difficulties in order to get there - not out of the question especially considering both of the last two events are extended length features where strategy, reliability and luck play an even bigger role.
Sixth-place Craig Slaunwhite is the top contender for the '08 rookie title, holding a 42-point lead over Jonathan Hicken.
When rain halted the August 3 event the series had already completed its time trials and three of four heat races. When the green flag falls Saturday they will run the last heat race and the Lucas Oil 150 - for which Turple will start from the pole, flanked by Tucker, and followed by Hicken - all winners of qualifying heat races run August 3.
Sportsman division heats and a 50-lap feature will also be on the race card. The Lucas Oil 150 will be run in two segments with a 10-minute break on or about the midway point of the race.
Rain-out tickets from August 3 will be exchanged for free admission to this event. Fans are asked to present their ticket stubs from the rained out date to the Ticket Booth for an exchange ticket for the day. Those wishing to purchase tickets for the Lucas Oil 150 can do so in advance at Race Time in Moncton's Champlain Mall, and at the gate on race day.
The racing starts Saturday at 4 p.m.
The CARQUEST Tour season finale - the Parts for Trucks 200 - is next Saturday September 13 at Scotia Speedworld, near Halifax, NS.
About the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited and features an annual series at five venues in the three Maritime Provinces of Canada. Former champions include John Flemming (2002, 2003, 2006), Shawn Tucker (2004, 2007), Wayne Smith (2001) and Rollie MacDonald (2005). For more information, call 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com.
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From Joan Roue
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