The money is always nice, but it’s more about the shiny trophy you get to display in your shop.  The prestige that comes with the win and the line on your resume saying you’ve captured the most sought after prize Ontario short-track asphalt stock car racing has to offer.  Winning the Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway is an accomplishment drivers in close to 10 different divisions hope to claim every year.

To enhance the Autumn Colours experience and give drivers from different tracks some extra time on the tight 1/3^rd mile layout, officials will host 2 different Chase for the Colours qualifying events.  The winner of each extra distance show will earn the inside front row starting spot for their respective feature races during the annual Thanksgiving Weekend extravaganza.  Track owner/promoter JP Josiasse says the pole qualifying format – presented by Lucas Oil Products – is a popular experience for race teams and fans.

“Drivers love to get track time, especially when they’re coming into a highly competitive show like Autumn Colours,” said Josiasse.  “Peterborough Speedway is a tricky layout and can be a bit intimidating the first time you race here.  The chance to add some extra pages to your set-up notebook will help even the most experienced racer.”

The first Chase for the Colours pole qualifying show is Sunday, June 30^th and features a 75 lapper for the Late Models, as well as 25 lap Four Fun, 30 lap Mini Stock and 40 lap Thunder car main events.  Pit gates will open at 11:00, with spectator admission at 1:00 and racing at 2:30.  Saturday, August 3^rd a 50 lap OSCAAR Super Late Model and 30 lap OSCAAR Modified feature will be the highlight events for the touring ‘Chase’ format.  Pit gates open at 2:00, with grandstand admission at 4:00.  Racing begins at the regular 6:00.  The show will also include action for the Four Fun, Mini Stock and Renegade Truck divisions.

“The Autumn Colours Classic is easily one of the most important events on the annual motorsports landscape; evident by the fact that close to 230 different teams registered for the 2012 edition,” said Josiasse.  “Everyone who rolls through the pit gates has the same chance to drive away with the big prize, but claiming the pole position starting spot for the main event after winning one of the ‘Chase’ qualifiers could provide the motivation a team needs to make it to the winner’s circle.”