Crédit photo : Don Simpson
Raabe fends of Quebec invasion to get the win.
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Chris Raabe of Alexandria, Ontario started the season off as he finished last year, with a win. Raabe the 358 defending champion, fended off some of the best Quebec drivers who made the short drive down to Airborne Park Speedway as their local track was rained out.
During the heat races, Chris explains: "that the car was just not set up for running out the lower groove and conceded that car needs some changes if we were going to have any chance against David Hébert, Mario Clair or Steve Bernier which all had good heat race results."
Mario Clair. Photo credit: Don Simpson
Chris along with father Mike discussed what changes were needed to make the car more competitive and made the necessary changes.
Chris started 12th in Egglefield Ford 358-Modified feature as Mario Clair and David Hebert took the green flag.
The two Quebecers dueled for the lead for over ten laps while Chris slowly picked his way through traffic. By lap twenty Raabe in the 01 was in striking distances and on lap twenty-six he took over the lead and drove home to victory with Hebert coming in second followed by Steve Bernard in third.
Photo credit: Don Simpson
In the Sportsman division local veteran, Bucko Branham Branham fended off a last-minute charge from Martin Pelletier to inch out the victory. Branham dominated most of the caution-filled race, but by lap 20 out 25, Pelletier had closed the gap. For the next four laps, the 92 Pelletier car was all over Branham.
Michael Richard, Bucko Branham et Martin Pelletier. Photo credit: Don Simpson
On the final lap, in turn, four Pelletier pulled alongside the 20 car of Branham allowing the two to race down the main straight but the cagey old veteran Branham crossed the line .262 seconds ahead of the young Quebecer to capture the win.
Bucko Branham. Photo credit: Don Simpson
Mario Clair. Photo credit: Don Simpson
Chris along with father Mike discussed what changes were needed to make the car more competitive and made the necessary changes.
Chris started 12th in Egglefield Ford 358-Modified feature as Mario Clair and David Hebert took the green flag.
The two Quebecers dueled for the lead for over ten laps while Chris slowly picked his way through traffic. By lap twenty Raabe in the 01 was in striking distances and on lap twenty-six he took over the lead and drove home to victory with Hebert coming in second followed by Steve Bernard in third.
Photo credit: Don Simpson
In the Sportsman division local veteran, Bucko Branham Branham fended off a last-minute charge from Martin Pelletier to inch out the victory. Branham dominated most of the caution-filled race, but by lap 20 out 25, Pelletier had closed the gap. For the next four laps, the 92 Pelletier car was all over Branham.
Michael Richard, Bucko Branham et Martin Pelletier. Photo credit: Don Simpson
On the final lap, in turn, four Pelletier pulled alongside the 20 car of Branham allowing the two to race down the main straight but the cagey old veteran Branham crossed the line .262 seconds ahead of the young Quebecer to capture the win.
Bucko Branham. Photo credit: Don Simpson