MIKE ROMANO HAS A PERFECT NIGHT

GRANBY, August 16, 1997 -- Rain showers held off long enough to allow american driver Mike Romano, 1994 champion at Autodrome Granby, to have a perfect night last Friday. This was a second win for the driver of the Bicknell/Transport Dion- ƒquipements Colpron. The other finals, postponed because of the rain, will be held during next FridayŐs program.

After triumphing over Mario Lajoie and Luke Plante during the second preliminary race, Romano had a tough job ahead of him in the 30-lap modified feature. Sixth at the start, Romano had a diffucult time in the first part of the confrontation when Hugues Mercier of Victoriaville took the lead in the fourth lap and refused to give away too easily. Romano fiercely battled it out during 14 laps before winning ahead of Mercier who finished in sixth place.

Romano had the best on Steve Paine, champion title holder and Alain Boisvert, at the wheel of his Olsen/Auto Hebdo-Valvoline who made the most spectacular comeback in this final after starting in 18th position. Todd Stone and Dominic Dufault were also among the top five.

Dave Camara had to quit due to mechanical problems while Marco Potvin of Sorel finished 11th after a forced halt in the pit. Nonetheless, Potvin climbs back to second position in the MolsonŐs cumulative standings. However, three more programs are scheduled and he is still 138 points behind Paine. He is the one who had won the other prelimunary race.

The rain

The rain is what interrupted the final in the Sportsman class. After only four laps, the cars were stopped because of the slippery track. Thus, there are 16 laps remaining in this final which will be held next Friday night.

Earlier in the evening, Gerry Patenaude and Robin David triumphed during the preliminary races. David lead the pack when the race was stopped. Winners of the preliminaries in other categories were: Daniel BŽlanger (Late Models) and Jocelyn Cordeau (Tourism). Seven finals are therefore scheduled in next Friday eveningŐs program.