For Immediate Release
Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets
Grand Bend Speedway, Ont.
August 25, 2012
by Cindy Lorenz
MCLENNAN WINS AT GRAND BEND, TOPS IN TIGHT POINT'S BATTLE
Defending 2011 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion, Darren McLennan, entered Victory Lane for the third time this season with a strong win at Grand Bend Speedway on Saturday night. This London, Ont. driver captured both races at his 'home track' in 2012 to the delight of all the TQ#48 fans in the grandstands. The point's battle in this highly competitive series went from Rob Neely's win last week at Flamboro Speedway and a 6 point lead over McLennan to McLennan's win at Grand Bend Speedway Saturday night and now a 7 point lead over Neely. With only three races remaining to crown the 47th Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion, both McLennan and Neely, 2010 Champion, have turned up the heat in pursuit of this coveted trophy. Mack DeMan and James Gray, third and fourth in points, are still in striking distance of the top prize.
Accepting the 'Winner's Trophy', McLennan thanked his Dad and brother for giving him a great car. "I would like to thank my longtime sponsors Husqvarna, Brian's Service Center, Contact Welding Supplies and Awesome Racewear for always supporting me. I especially want to thank Lucas Oil, sponsor of the Can-Am Midget series. It is an honour to run under the Lucas Oil name", said McLennan.
Polesetter Tom Kyle, another local favorite, took the lead at the drop of the green flag. Jeff Blackburn and Corey Moesker followed close behind. Chris Bauman and McLennan rounded the top five. Setting a blistering pace in the low 11 second range at this tight 'Bull Ring', Kyle had one of his best starts this season until lap 7 when his throttle cable broke putting him into the infield. Blackburn became the new leader at the restart with Moesker in second and McLennan now in third. Adrian Stahle was now fourth and Neely, coming from his 10th place start was now in the top five.
One lap later Moesker brushed the wall coming out of turn two bringing out the caution and taking him out of the race. Going back to green, Blackburn kept the lead with McLennan now in hot pursuit of the point. Stahle was third, Neely fourth and DeMan rounded the top five. Two laps later McLennan made a great pass on Blackburn and motored to the front and opened up a five car lead. Blackburn, Stahle, Neely and DeMan ran lap after lap in a tight cluster. On lap 16 Blackburn got loose and Stahle, Neely, DeMan and James Gray all gained a spot. One lap later Gray spun bring out the caution putting him to the rear for the restart. McLennan shot to the front and had a ten car lead over the field as Stahle and Neely battled side by side for another 5 laps. With three laps to go Neely found an opening and moved into second place. DeMan also went around Stahle with 2 to go. Neely poured on the heat but McLennan stayed on the point to the checkered flag. DeMan was third, Stahle fourth and Blackburn battled back to finish in the top five.
Heats were won by Gray and McLennan.
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets travel north September 1st and 2nd to Sauble Speedway, Ont. for a doubleheader on the long holiday weekend. The final race of the 2012 season and the crowning the 2012 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion will be at Flamboro Speedway on September 22nd.
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget finish at Grand Bend Speedway on August 25, 2012 was...1.DARREN MCLENNAN, 2. Rob Neely, 3. Mack DeMan, 4. Adrian Stahle, 5. Jeff Blackburn, 6. Chris Holman, 7. Todd Cresswell, 8. James Gray, 9. Chris Bauman, 10. Dave Hickson, 11. Carey Hickson, 12. Corey Moesker, 13. Tom Kyle.
The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Top Ten in Points as of August 25, 2012...1. DARREN MCLENNAN...2068, 2. Rob Neely...2061, 3. Mack DeMan...2031, 4. James Gray...1971, 5. Corey Moesker...1835, 6. Chris Holman...1802, 7. Adrian Stahle...1779, 8. Jeff Blackburn...1759, 9. Todd Cresswell...1724, 10. Tom Kyle...1571.
For more information on the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets, contact Cindy Lorenz at clorenz74@yahoo.com
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