Opening Round of Qualifying Kicks off the 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic
The event billed as the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing brings the province’s biggest names to Peterborough Speedway for the 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – on Canada’s Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval.
Friday, October 10th, the first round of qualifying took to the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City with drivers in 6 of the weekend’s divisions looking to secure the best possible starting spot for Sunday’s main events. Pro Late Model teams were first to hit the track, with former Autumn Colours Classic champion Dan McHattie and Gord Shepherd sharing a pair of preliminary rounds. Kevin Strutt, Casey Cavanaugh, 2014 track champion Ryan Babin, 2013 title holder Ryan Oosterholt and Andy Kamrath split a handful of Mini Stock heats.
With their 2014 series championship to be decided during the running of the weekend’s events, Brent McLean, Gary McLean and Gary Elliott each took an OSCAAR Modified qualifier. OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model teams practiced, but their opening rounds are scheduled to be part of Saturday’s line-up.
Opening night action concluded with Joe Adams, Brandon McConnell and Shawn Chenoweth earning wins in a trio of Thunder Car heats. Rick Walt, Jason Witty and 2014 track champion Ryan Kimball shared the Limited Late Model heats. Sean Kennedy, Griffin Powell and Malcolm “Pops” MacDonald each won a 4Fun division qualifier to close-out the opening night of Autumn Colours Classic action.
Bullring Bullet Points: The day’s racing was largely incident free, with only 3 car wreck on the opening lap of the 3rd OSCAAR Modified qualifier and some rough driving throughout the field during the final 4Fun heat race causing tempers to flare…The night’s 50/50 draw winner left the track with a $588.00 payday.
Action continues Saturday, October 11th with the second round of qualifying for the Pro Late Model, Thunder Car, OSCAAR Modified, Limited Late Model, Mini Stock and 4Fun divisions. The Hurricane Midgets will run their heat race and feature events. Pit gates open at 10:00, with practice rounds getting underway at 12:30 and racing starting at 3:30.
