THIS TIME, STEVE POIRIER DID NOT LET THE OCCASION PASS BY AT AUTODROME GRANBY
Plagued by all kinds of mishaps since the beginning of the season, Steve Poirier, behind the wheel of his Teo/FM Industries, didn’t let the occasion pass by, last Friday night at Autodrome Granby as he registered his first win of the season in the Modified division. Poirier took advantage of a good starting position, second on the grid, and a very well prepared car to lead all the way in this 30-lap feature. Also, making their first appearance of the 2002 season, the Emprire Super Sprints were on hand for the Cage aux Sports evening. Seven times ESS champion, Mike Woodring had a perfect night to finally make his first visit of the season in the winner’s circle.
Poirier was never in trouble and always well in front in the race for the Carquest Auto Parts championship at Autodrome Granby. He was followed by David Hébert, Donald Scarborough, Martin Roy and Kayle Robidoux, last week winner. For Scarborough, it was his fifth consecutive presence on the podium after taking the green flag in the 13th place. Roy also had his best night so far this season.
Later on, David Hébert was excluded from the results due to an illegal gear ratio.
Because of the presence of the Empire Super Sprints, starting grids in all other classes were determined by the championship standings. In the Sportsman division, Alain Mathieu saw his effort to score his third straight victory go in smoke when with two laps remaining in this 20-lap feature, he was plagued by mechanical problems. Arnold Cross was the fisrt to cross the start/finish line followed by rookie Yannick Ledoux and Pierre Raymond who led during most part of the race. With a fourth place finish, Jocelyn Perreault did very well after taking the start 19th.
In the Late Models class, Stéphane Larivière, track champion for the past two seasons, became the first driver to visit the winner’s circle in three occasions this season. His victims were Richard Bertrand and Stéphane Ruel while in the 4 Cylinders class, Steve Bernier took the checkered flag.
At home
With seven victories at Autodrome Granby, Mike Woodring, the defending champion of the Empire Super Sprint, didn’t surprised the fans when he told them that he was feeling at home at this speedplant. Twelfth on the grid, Woodring made his way to the front and by lap 15, he was the leader. After that, he was never upset by the competition. Erin Crocker finished second followed by John Karklin Jr.
On lap 13 of this 20-lap feature, Jeff Vandusen was involved in a spectacular crash. While attempting to pass a slower car when he was leading, both cars touched and Vandusen hit the retaining wall. No injuries for him but a badly damaged car.
RESULTS
MODIFIED (30 laps): 1- 61P, Steve Poirier; 2- 87, David Hébert (dis); 3- 11VT, Donald Scarborough; 4- 90, Martin Roy; 5- 46, Kayle Robidoux; 6- 11, Réal Lafrance; 7- 39, Clément Therrien; 8- 22J, Gino Clair; 9- 3, Claude Brouillard : 10- 5, Mario Moreau; 11- 73, Alain Boisvert; 12- 4, Leon Gonyo; 13- 66B, Marco Potvin ; 14- 60, Jim Ryan; 15- 31, Richard Chauvin; 16- 11J, Jerry Pinnock Jr; 17- 21, Ian Bussière; 18- 66W, Wallace Stacey; 19- 78, Vince Quenneville Jr.; 20- 2, Luke Plante; 21- 24, Stéphane Michaud; 22- 91, Michel Pelletier ; 23- 66, Martin Gagné.