By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

There are some names that are synonymous with the best known shows in the world of motorsports.  Daytona, Talladegaand the annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – at Peterborough Speedway.  2012 marks the 20^th edition of the province’s largest race event and with more than a half a dozen different divisions fighting it out on the tight 3^rd of a mile bullring over the 3 day event – October 5^th, 6^th and 7^th – the biggest names in the sport will have their eyes on the prize.  Over its 2 decade history, fans have identified Autumn Colours as their must-see late season racing experience.

Using last year’s car counts as their template, track officials are again expecting a huge turnout that will likely overflow the pit area.  In 2011, more than 25 Pro Late Model teams were in attendance, including race winner and newly crowned 8 time Kawartha Speedway track champion Dan McHattie, as well as NASCAR Canadian Tire Series star and part-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver JR Fitzpatrick. Omemee,Ontario’s Chris Mitchell is expected to return, with hopes of a second consecutive Limited Late Model win, but hometown favourite Bryan Sudsbury will be strong after capturing the point crown.  After clinching his first Kawartha Speedway championship, last year’s Mini Stock winner Daryl Fice would love to post back-to-back Autumn Colours victories on his racing resume, but will battle a strong field including 2012 Peterborough Speedway point champion Tyler Junkin.  In the Thunder Car pits, defending race winner Rick Walt – the 2012 Barrie Speedway champion – will face some stiff competition from a number of runners, includingCanadianTireMotorsportParkchamp John Baker Jr. and first-time Kawartha Thunder Car king Matt Spence.  Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter JP Josiasse says this event is always a strong draw for drivers and fans.

“There are 3 tracks within about a 45 minute drive of each other, so that already gives us a pretty deep talent pool,” said Josiasse.  “At this time of the year, almost all the other tracks have wrapped-up their seasons and the drivers want to take one more kick at the can before hanging up their helmets and driving suits for the year.  The camping area at the track has been booked solid for more than a month, but there will still be activity at the track around the clock over the 3 day event.  We usually turn the area around the speedway into its own little village and our concession stands will even be serving breakfast all 3 days.”

Josiasse went on to say that the pit area at the track will be open Thursday night (October 4^th) for any teams interested in claiming a weekend spot.  Pit gates open all 3 days at 10:00.  Friday, October 5^th, practice rounds start at 1:00 and racing at 6:00.  Saturday, October 6^th, practice begins at 1:00 and racing at 3:30.  Sunday, October 7^th is a full day of feature race action beginning at12:30.

For more information on the 20^th Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – October 5^th, 6^th and 7^th at Peterborough Speedway, see www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Thunder Car track champion John Baker Jr. will be chasing the Limited Late Model win in the Freeman Motorsports #23 October 5^th, 6^th and 7^th during Peterborough Speedway’s 20^th Annual Autumn Colours Classic.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654