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Motor Sports News:
September 24, 2011- Fraserville, Ontario-
THOMSON
REBOUNDS AT SEASON
FINALE AT KAWARTHA
 Don
Thomson Jr in his #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge night started
out well, aiming for a podium finish. Lady Luck had a few challenges to throw
the Team’s way before the night would be over however.
After a tough run
at Riverside Speedway, Thomson as hoping to make a last race run in the 2011
Driver Points Championship. Practice for the team went well and Thomson
qualified a solid 6th. Thomson planned to waste no time when the
green flag dropped on the 250 lap event. Thomson’s car was fast, but was held
up on track by slower cars trapping him for a number of laps. A spin on lap 86
caught Thomson and he had to bring his car into the attention of his pit crew.
Crew Chief Mike Wallace assessed the damage, repaired what they could without
going a lap down to the leader and sent Thomson back out on the track.
Thomson plugged away, gaining track position and on the next few cautions, the
crew worked on the #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge to repair the
damage and correct the handling on the damaged race car.
By the half way
point, Thomson had worked his way back up through the field, still on the lead
lap, with a repaired car to 16th place. Thomson's stick-to-it attitude was
put to the test once again on lap 132 when another car got a little aggressive
and couldn’t recover, spinning Thomson. The pit crew once again when to work
to repair the fibreglass damage and sent him back out onto the track to lay
down more laps and gather more points. By lap 200 Thomson was challenging the
front runners in 7th place.
Thomson had one
more challenge to overcome on lap 202 when he was spun by another car. The
crew worked to patch up the fibreglass and Thomson set back out to run the
last 45 laps of the race to finish the 2011 season. Sitting in the 9th
spot, a late race caution set the finish of the race up for a green/white/
checkered finish. When the pack lined up for restart, Thomson gave it all he
had and made some spectacular moves around his competitors bringing his race
machine home in the 6th finishing place.
“This race was
pretty busy for our guys in the pits. They worked overtime to keep this #8
Farmers Feed Families Dodge in the race and they did a great job! We wanted to
end our season with a strong podium finish this weekend, but we just couldn’t
catch a break. I am proud of my team and want to thank the Hakonson’s for all
a great season. The people that we have met and the awareness we have created
with the Farmers Feed Families program has been awesome!”
Thomson and his
#8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge finished 5th
in the Driver Points Championship battle. He recorded 1 NCTS win and 5 top 5
finishes during the season. The Kawartha 250 will air on TSN on Saturday
October 15th with a special 90-minute show at 12:30 pm EST.
September 17, 2011-Antigonish, Nova Scotia-
HATHAWAY CONTINUES MOMENTUM AT RIVERSIDE
Jason Hathaway,
in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge
took his race machine to the fast high banked 1/3 mile oval at Riverside
Speedway hoping to continue the team’s momentum after his 2nd
place finish at Barrie Speedway the weekend before.
Hathaway’s car
practiced well. The cool weather however played havoc with his qualifying
effort posting an 11th place starting spot for the 300 lap race.
“Our car is
good and I’m pretty confident about our chances to rally towards the front
later today.” said Hathaway during the autograph session trackside
before the race.
When the green
flag dropped once again Hathaway wasted no time taking his car toward the
front. The Team took on fuel on lap 108 and turned Hathaway loose on the
field in the 3rd spot. A miscue on pit road pit put Hathaway a
lap down to the leaders on the Team’s tire stop on lap 144 As the race
unfolded, the field saw long green flag runs without cautions. This
prevented Hathaway from getting the lucky dog award and denied him the
opportunity to get back on the lead lap. That didn’t deter Hathaway as he
raced hard with the cars vying for every position on the track and earned a
hard fought 7th place finish in the field. This finish tightened
the point’s battle that has ensued between him and Jason White for the 8th
spot in the Drivers Points Championship.
“Our car was
great tonight, but with the green flags run and being down a lap it was hard
to get a run at the leaders. Our car was strong and we could have tangled up
at the very fornt for sure if we had been able to catch a caution. The fans
here are great every year and the exposure out here is amazing.” Said
Hathaway after the grueling 300 lap race.
Jason Hathaway
and his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge
will be back on track for the season finale on Saturday, September 24th
for the Kawartha 250 at the always exciting Kawartha Downs Speedway.
The Komatsu 300 will air on TSN on Saturday September 24th at
2:30 pm.
September 10, 2011-Barrie, Ontario-
SECOND PLACE FINISH FOR HATHAWAY AT BARRIE SPEEDWAY
Jason Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex
Brake Pads Dodge played an awesome game of strategy coupled with
some phenomenal driving to earn the Teams’ first podium of the 2011 NASCAR
Canadian Tire Series season.
This track has always been a favourite track of Hathaway’s and that was
evident in practice when he ran some awesome lap times, earning 2nd
place on the speed charts during practice. Hathaway went out early in the
qualifying order Saturday afternoon and recorded a mid pack 11th
place starting spot.
Hathaway wasn’t too fazed by his starting spot. “The car didn’t come in as
fast as we needed it to during qualifying, but I think we will be in good
shape heading into the race tonight.”
With a reputation for being a high action, high caution event at the tight ¼
mile oval, Crew Chief Craig Masters and his driver knew they needed to get
to the front in the early going to stay out of trouble and have their
equipment in one piece for the end of the race. Hathaway didn’t waste a
single lap making his move on the inside of his competitors going into the
first corner on the first green flag lap of the Wild Wing 300.
In a race laden with some 12 caution periods, Hathaway used each one to
gain potions. Bringing his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy
Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge to the attention of his over the wall
crew, Hathaway took on fuel and the crew made a chassis adjustment to keep
up with the changing racetrack. Going out 12th in the running
order, Hathaway put the hammer down and worked his way up to the 6th
spot. The crew made another strategic pit stop on lap 127 and Hathaway put
on a driving school taking his car towards the front again.
Hathaway took command of the race on lap 177 and lead for 48 laps.
The handling of the car tightened up so Hathaway dropped back to 4th
and brought the car into the pits for a splash of fuel and another chassis
adjustment on lap 248. On the restart, the racey #02 car spun Hathaway.
Hathaway gathered his car back up and got back at it starting from the 8th
spot. He battled the #17 car for a number of laps and pulled into the 6th
spot. A late race caution with only 3 laps to go set the field up for a
green, white, checkered finish. Hathaway re-started amongst the lead pack
including his teammate #8 Don Thomson Jr and the two E.H.R teammates battled
it out down to the very end. Hathaway crossed the line with a fabulous 2nd
place finish.
A pumped up Hathaway was proud of his team. “I have to first of all thank
Snap-on Tools, Rockstar and Vortex and all of our sponsors for sticking with
us these last few races. We have been working hard, but have had some really
bad luck and it feels so good to finally break free of that. We have
Napoleon here tonight at the track to share this with us and we are so
excited!! Thanks to my Crew Chief Craig, who ran an awesome race and my
crew for getting me in and out of the pits every time without fail. Barrie
always promises some great racing and tonight was no exception. The fans got
a great show and we thank them for coming out to see us!”
Jason Hathaway and his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex
Brake Pads Dodge will be back on track Saturday, September 17thfor
the Komatsu 300 Presented by Wilson Equipment on the fast and Hathaway
favourite Riverside Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The Wild Wing 300
from Barrie Speedway will air on TSN on Saturday September 17 at 12:30 pm.
at 1 pm.
Barrie, Ontario- September 10, 2011-
TOP 5 FOR THOMSON HELPS CHAMPIONSHIP
CHASE AT BARRIE
Don Thomson Jr in his
#8 Famers Feed Families Dodge had an awesome run at the Wild
Wing 300 at Barrie Speedway, keeping the Championship battle alive for the
team.
During practice Thomson
laid down some impressive laps and was 4th fastest on the speed
charts.
“We tested here a few weeks back getting ready for this race and the car
feels pretty good today. She is sporty and we are looking forward to a
great night!” said Thomson after the practice session.
Qualifying for the #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge went very
well posting an outside the first row starting position alongside the #22
of Scott Steckly, who the team is battling in the 2011 Points
Championship.
The field of cars took the green for the 300 lap event under the
lights of the tight 1/3 mile race track and the Team’s game plan was to
ride around the track and save their equipment for the end of the grueling
race. Thomson and Steckly in the lead pack broke away from the field a
bit and recorded laps. A number of cautions on the track actually
tightened up the pack on re starts, but Thomson’s Dodge handled well and
he held off the competition with ease!
Crew Chief Matt Vanderwal brought the race car to the attention of
their pit crew on lap 173 for fuel and left side tires. The crew did an
awesome job and Thomson went back out in the 10th place. With
new tires and fuel, Thomson set his sights on the front runners, working
his way through lap cars to get back up to the 4th place with
50 laps to go.
A late race battle broke out between the #8 FFF Dodge and
the #02 and the crowd was treated to a real door to door jockey for
position; with Thomson earning the 2nd place running spot. The
battle continued right up to the very end when spots were swapped back and
forth amongst the lead pack cars including his teammate Jason Hathaway,.
Thomson finished an awesome and hard fought 4th place.
“This was a great points night for us tonight. The crowd definitely
got a show on the track! With those left side tires and some fuel the car
handled pretty good and the racing was pretty intense. After our last
stop the handling on the car was awesome and we were able to really race!
It was fun racing Jay down to the end! ” said a proud Thomson during the
post race NASCAR technical inspection.
Thomson and his #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge will be
back on track Saturday, September 17th for the Komatsu 300
Presented by Wilson Equipment at the high banks of Riverside Speedway
International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The Wild Wing 300 from
Barrie will air on TSN on Saturday September 17th at 12:30 pm.
Montreal, Quebec- August 20, 2011
REAR END SPOILS GREAT FINISH FOR HATHAWAY
Jason Hathaway and this Ed Hakonson Racing
prepared #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads
Dodge had another top 5 run going until the rear end let go on his
race machine with only 6 laps to go in front of a sold out crowd in
Montreal.
Hathaway and his team took their road
course race car to the world famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the Island
of Montreal with high hopes to finish the last road course of the year off
in typical #3 car fashion! Practice on Thursday afternoon and qualifying
proved tough for all the teams as thunderstorms and heavy rain hampered the
Teams’ practice efforts.
Hathaway started in the 22nd
spot in the extensive field of competitors on Saturday morning. The sun was
shining and the car was handling well. Hathaway wasted no time moving his
way to the front and on a single lap moved up 3 spots. Hathaway’s #3
Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge worked
through the technical and tight track and was recording fast lap times as he
knocked positions off one by one. Hathaway was the only driver lap after lap
that was moving up positions and making his way up the running order.
An accident in the tricky hairpin turn
track caught Hathaway and he fell back in the running order to 30th.
This didn’t deter him and with little damage on his car he worked his way
back up the 11th spot in the running order and was again making
huge gains on the leaders. With only 6 laps to go, he felt the rear end
give way in his car. Hathaway limped his car off into a runoff area where
he would stay until the finish of the race.
“We had a great car today, it handled
really well and we were super competitive. We battled back after the
accident we got caught in in the hairpin and the car was feeling awesome.
When the rear-end let go my heart sank. Such a letdown, for what looked like
was going to be a great finish for this team this weekend! We will get our
group together here and get ready for the three last races of the season.
Our team is strong; we will battle back for sure! “said Hathaway after the
conclusion of the race on Saturday morning.
Hathaway and his team will be looking
forward to the next event on the schedule September 10, 2011 at Barrie
Speedway for the Wild Wing 300 as the tight 1/3 mile oval. A replay of the
live coverage of the NAPA Autopro 100 will air on Thursday August 25th
on TSN2 at 3:30 pm.
Montreal, Quebec- August 20, 2011
THOMSON BATTLES BACK IN FARMERS FEED FAMILES
DODGE
 Don
Thomson Jr and his #8 Famers Feed Families Dodge battled
back to a respective finish in the NAPA Autopro 100 at the Circuit Gilles
Villeneuve this past weekend.
Practice was a tough for the Teams as
the skies opened up and released thunderstorms and rain showers just as
the cars were hitting the track on Thursday afternoon for their sole
practice of the weekend. Without that important track time in practice,
qualifying was a struggle for the team as they recorded a 16th
place starting spot.
With his winning attitude the team wasn’t
nervous about the job that laid in front of Thomson on Saturday morning.
They knew we would make his way to the front in the 23 lap race. With
sunny skies and a pretty good handling racecar, Thomson set his sights and
starting making his way to the front as soon as the green flag dropped for
the main event. He was running in the 10th spot on lap 10 when
he got into an altercation with another car and suffered front end body
damage. Thomson brought the car into the attention of the E.H.R. crew and
got back out on the race track to gain some more spots. Starting from the
31st spot on the re start Thomson laid the hammer down and in 4
laps had worked his way back up to the 14th spot. Thomson
would hold off challenges for the remaining laps and solidified a 14th
place finish.
“The car was good this weekend. The
crowd here is awesome and we love the support we get from the Quebec
fans!! It is too bad that we got tangled up with some of the guys that
just race the road courses. We are in the championship battle and this
finish today put a dent in our changes! We have 3 oval races left and we
will be all out gunning for that top spot!” said a frustrated Thomson
after the race on Saturday.
Thomson and his #8 Farmers Feed
Families Dodge will have a few weeks off before starting a three
week run of oval tracks in Ontario and Nova Scotia to finish up the
season. The next race will be at Barrie Speedway on the tight 1/3 mile
oval on September 10th. A replay of the live coverage of the
NAPA Autopro 100 will air on Thursday August 25th on TSN2
August 7,
2011- Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
HATHAWAY MAKES IT THROUGH RAIN SOAKED RACE
Jason
Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Vortex Brakes Pads/Rockstar Energy
Drink Dodge had to battle through a rain storm this weekend at the 10
turn road course at Trois-Rivieres.
With his right hand still in a fiberglass cast for his high speed crash at
Mosport International Raceway in June, Hathaway elected to start at the tail
end of the starting field of 33 drivers of the main event on Sunday afternoon.
The rain that had threaten to dampen the day’s activities Sunday morning
finally started about 1 hour before the race and changed the race from a dry
track to a wet track. The NCTS racers have limited experience on wet race
tracks and so the cars were brought into the pits to put on grooved rain
tires. The 42 lap race got underway in heavy rain conditions and Hathaway
laid back to stay out of the spray of cars in front of him. With limited
visibility on the track he decided to bring his race car in to the attention
of his crew for additional rain gear and to clear the windshield. The track
was super wet and in many of the corners they were covered in large puddles
would fill the cars as they ran across them.
Just around the half way point, the rain lightened and allowed Hathaway a rare
opportunity in the wet conditions to make some clean passes without running
the chance of wrecking the car. The rain came down once again with 15 laps to
go and Hathaway relegated to sit back and play it safe. He finished a tough 26th
in the running order.
“That was a crazy race out there. You could not see 3 feet in front of you and
neither could the guy racing beside you so it was pretty dangerous out there.
Picture yourself on the 401 doing 100 kms/hour and having to turn right and
left with no windshield wipers or a defrosters in the pouring rain. That was
nuts, but we wanted to be safe and not hurt our car or any on else. We will be
ready for Montreal in a few weeks and show our stuff again.” Said a wet and
frustrated Hathaway after the race.
The next event for the Team will be 2 weeks away when they take to the
Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve on the beautiful shores of Montreal, for the
Autopro 100 August 20,2011. The race this weekend was live tape delayed
across the country on TSN on Sunday afternoon and will broadcast again on
Friday August 12 on TSN.
July 27, 2011-
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
HATHAWAY FINISHES
WESTERN SWING ON A HIGH NOTE
Jason Hathaway, in his #3 Snap on
Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brakes Pads Dodge finished his 2nd
race of the western swing back in true familiar form by recording a top 10 at
the Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway.
Returning to one of his favourite
tracks Hathaway was confident that they could start the last half of the 2011
schedule with a strong finish at Saskatoon.
Practice went well for the Team as
they cruised to a steady 6th place on the speed charts heading into
the afternoon qualifying session. Hathaway’s car was a little loose in the
short 2 lap qualifying effort, but posted a 9th place starting
spot.
“We really like this track and we
usually run well here. There are 2 lanes so there is some great side by side
racing. I think this would be a good night for our team.” Hathaway said
after qualifying.
The 250 lap race at the fast 2 lane
wide track always promises some great side by side racing and the Teams did
not disappoint this Wednesday night. Only 10 laps in the event the leaders
bunched up and everyone checked up causing damage to a number of cars
including Hathaway’s race machine. Crew Chief Craig Masters used his resources
around the outside of the track to have a good look at Hathaway’s car without
bringing him into the pits. That call paid off in spades as Hathaway dug in
and fought a great door to door battle with fellow team–mate Don Thomson for
the 4th position. Their battle went back and forth until lap 50
when the caution flew on the track for a 2nd time.
On the restart Hathaway made an
awesome move and put his car to the outside lane where it worked well and
pulled into the 3rd spot. A little bump and run by the #02 car
relegated Hathaway back a few positions to the 5th spot.
The Team took fuel on lap 186 and took
the lead on the restart of the race on lap 204. Earning 5 bonus points in the
driver standings Hathaway fought off the hard charging #7. Hathaway came to
the attention of his crew for the last time on lap 176 for right side tires to
take him to the end. As the final laps wore down the tires went away and
Hathaway muscled his car to a great 6th place finish.
“This was a great chance
to for us to shake the bad luck we have been having the last little bit. It
feels good to bring the car home with a top 10 finish. The damage we suffered
at the beginning of the race turned out to be minor and that was good luck! I
am proud of our Team for sticking together the last few trying weeks. Our
sponsors have been great and have supported us and we really appreciate their
enthusiasm. It was a packed house here tonight, another sold out race for us
and we love coming here.” Said Hathaway after the race.
The next event for the
Team is 10 days away at the road course of Trois Riveries, Quebec, August 5th,
6th and 7th. The Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 will air
on TSN on Saturday, August 6 at 1 pm EST.
July 27, 2011-
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-
THOMSON ENDS WESTERN
SWING ON THE PODIUM
After a
top 10 finish at Vernon last weekend, Thomson in his #8 Farmers Feed
Families Dodge finished off the 2 race western swing with a 3rd
place finish at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway just outside of Saskatoon.
Thomson did well in
practice and posted another top 5 qualifying effort. When the race got
underway Thomson raced side by side with his team-mate Jason Hathaway in his
#3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge as they
put on a great show for the sold out crowd. Thomson and Hathaway switched
positions back and forth until Hathaway came in for fuel on lap 87. Thomson
kept the pressure on and challenged for the lead a number of times, but got
caught up in lap traffic.
Thomson brought
his race machine into the attention of his crew on lap 174 for right side
tires and blended back into the field in the 8th place. As the laps
wound down Thomson charged for the front and made some aggressive passes to
line his team up for a great finish. Once again Thomson and Hathaway found
each other on the track and another great battle ensued between them.
The caution came
out on lap 240 involving a car in front of the Thomson while he was running in
the 4th spot. This moved him up to the 3rd spot for the
re start. In his true relentless driving style Thomson got up on the wheel
and held off challenges from a racy group behind him bringing his race machine
home in the 3rd place!
Thomson
summarized his night as the Team took his car to the mandatory post race
technical inspection. “I wasn’t too happy with my car when the race started,
but Matt and the guys worked on it with adjustments and tires and we got the
job done. We are pretty happy to bring our Farmers Feed Families Dodge to
Saskatchewan and give the crowd a great night of racing. What a show they saw
tonight.”
The #8 FFF
Dodge’s next race will be at the road course track at Trois-Riveries, Quebec
August 5th, 6th and 7th. The Velocity
Prairie Thunder 250 will air on August 6th at 1 pm EST on TSN.
Vernon,
British Columbia- July 23, 2011
THOMSON POSTS TOP 10
AT MOTOPLEX
-
Coming off of a solid finish at the Honda Indy Toronto, Don Thomson Jr in his
#8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge posted another great finish at
the Cruising the Dub A & W 300 at Motoplex in Vernon, BC.
Thomson posted a
4th place qualifying effort, which put the team in a great position
for the start of the fast paced 300 lap event.
In the early
going Thomson held his own and fended off a number of challenges for
position. Thomson came in for left side tires and fuel under the direction of
Crew Chief Matt Vanderwal on lap 157 and worked his way back up into the 4th
place in the running order. The name of the game was to save his equipment for
the end and have something to challenge for the lead with as the final laps
wound down.
On lap 226, while
still on old right side tires Thomson was challenged for his 2nd
place position and ended up being spun holding off the challenge. Thomson
gathered his racing machine back up and came to the attention of his pit crew
for right side tires and to check for body damage. He went back out onto the
track in the 11th spot and got up on the wheel headed back towards
the front of the pack. He worked for every position, but unfortunately he
struggled with a loose race car as the laps wound down. He gave the crowd a
great show in a lap after lap battle with the #60 car and brought his car home
in the 6th finishing spot.
“We had a pretty
good car tonight. We were racing pretty hard with the #12 and the #60 in
particular and it was pretty awesome. That last set of tires we put on made
me wicked loose, but we did the best we could out there. It was a solid night
for this Farmers Feed Families team.” Said Thomson after the race.
The #8 FFF
Dodge’s next race will be the Velocity Prairie Thunder at Auto Clearing Motor
Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Wednesday July 27th , 2011.
The Cruisin’ the Dub A&W 300 will air on July 30 at 2 pm on TSN.
July 23, 2011- Vernon,
British Columbia-
EARLY RACE INCIDENT PUTS HATHAWAY OUT OF CONTENTION
On track
trouble dashed Hathaway’s ability to repeat his 2010 podium finish in his
#3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge on
Saturday at Motoplex in Vernon, British Columbia.
Hathaway
struggled with a tight race car in practice and qualifying, but managed to
post a respectable 11th place starting spot on the grid. The
Cruisin the Dub A & W 300, the first of two races in western Canada, got
underway on Saturday night at Motoplex just outside of Vernon, British
Columbia. The team was confident that they could adjust on the car and make
it handle better as the race got underway.
Hathaway started
to make his move to the front right off the drop of the green flag and by lap
40 of the gruelling 300 lap race Hathaway was up to 6th in the
running order. On the restart after a caution on lap 56, the Teams’ luck ran
out. Starting behind their team-mate Don Thomson Jr., on the outside line a
number of cars in front of the team-mates checked up and Hathaway swerved to
avoid Thomson. When he did he caught the rear of Thomson’s car and was shot
up into the wall. With front end damage, Hathaway quickly brought his car to
the attention of his team and they went to work on repairing the damage and
bent steering components. With some hard work and great determination they got
the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge
back out on to the track to pick up valuable driver points. The Team posted
an 18th place finish at the end of the night.
“This was a bad
break for our team tonight. The car was starting to work better and on that
re-start everyone bunched up and I was trying to stay clear of Donnie and not
hit him. Our team usually runs really well here and we were looking forward
to a great day.” Said a disappointed Hathaway.
The next race
for the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads
Dodge will be at Auto Clearing Motorspeedway in Saskatoon
Saskatchewan, Wednesday July 27th. The Cruising the Dub A & W 300 will be
broadcast on TSN on July 30th at 2 pm EST.
Toronto, Ontario- July 10,
2011
INJURED HATHAWAY RUNS STREETS OF TORONTO 100
As a precaution, after Jason Hathaway suffered a
fractured wrist and his hand in a cast from last race at Mosport
International Raceway, the team lined up veteran driver Kevin Dowler to be
on call should Hathaway decide to climb out of his race machine.
The Streets of Toronto 100 at the Honda Indy is always a fan favorite and
the teams didn’t disappoint the fans. Practice on Friday was quick paced
as Hathaway worked through the bumpy 11 turn temporary street course.
Hathaway practiced for only 4 laps before he switched seats with Dowler to
allow him to get comfortable in the car. Hathaway qualified the car in the
22nd position in a stout field of 33 competitors.
“Our qualifying effort is not typical of this team, but with my hand in
the cast we wanted to be strategic in our starting spot and get in the
best position time wise if we need to make a change during the race.” Said
Hathaway after qualifying on Friday.
The action got underway early as the green flag flew on the 36 lap main
event on Saturday afternoon. The cars were 4 wide doing into the first
turn. Despite his injury to his shifting hand Hathaway did a great job and
worked his way through the first lap congestion and moved up the 18th
running position in short order. Hathaway recorded 11 laps behind the
wheel, gathering valuable driver points, before handing the driving duties
over to Kevin Dowler. Dowler finished up the race with long green flag
runs posting a 20th place finishing spot.
“I had a lot of fun today. This team has a great race car and I was
honoured that they considered me to back them up when they needed some
help. Jason did an awesome job this weekend with his injury and I have to
give him so much credit. I can’t wait to see Jason back behind the wheel
of his cars out west.” Said Dowler after climbing out of the #3 Dodge.
Hathaway and his team will be looking forward to the annual 2 race western
swing for the Canadian Tire Series coming up in two weeks time beginning
at Motoplex in Vernon, BC for the Cruisin’ The Dub A&W 300 July 23rd. The
Streets of Toronto 100 will air on July 17th at 5 pm EST.
Check ou this video!
OntarioOval.com with NASCAR driver Jason Hathaway at Mosport Speedway
on Saturday, May 28th, 2011
|
Bowmanville, Ontario- June 26, 2011
TIRE WALL
ENDS HATHAWAY’S RUN AT VORTEX BRAKE PADS 200
Jason Hathaway and this Ed
Hakonson Racing prepared #3 Snap-on Tools/Vortex Brake Pads/Rockstar
Energy Drink Dodge had another top 5 run going until
Hathaway found himself in the corner 2 tire wall, ending his day.
Hathaway and his team took their road course race car to the first
of two back to back road course races in three weeks, this weekend
at the Vortex Brake Pads 200 at Mosport International Raceway. The
Saturday afternoon qualifying session was cancelled due to rain so
the starting grid was set by owner’s point standing, positioning
Hathaway in the 6th starting spot.
Hathaway got right to work with the drop of the green flag making a
pass for position entering the first turn of the 12 turn road
course. The crew brought the car into the pits to top up the fuel on
lap 14 and again on lap 15 for 4 brand new tires. With new rubber
and a tank of fuel Hathaway made his way up from 20th in
the running order after his pit stop back up the 8th
running position by lap 23. Hathaway continued to record fabulous
lap times and made some great on track passes positioning himself
inside the top 5 by lap 35. Caution came out on lap 38 of the 51
lap event. On the restart, Hathaway held his own going into corner 1
and on the entrance to corner 2 his brake pedal when to the floor as
he tried to slow down for the turn. With no brakes, Hathaway was on
a wild ride straight for the tire barrier. The impact ended his day
and relegated him to the 21st place finishing spot.
“We had a
great car today, it handled really well and we had a front running
car. I hit the brakes going into the corner and there wasn’t
anything there to slow me down. We found a broken brake line when we
got the car to the trailer after the race; disappointing for this
team. They work so hard and we were in line to reward them with a
great finish this afternoon.” Said a shaken Hathaway after the race.
Hathaway
and his team will be looking forward to the next event on the
schedule July 8th & 9th on the streets of
Toronto at the Honda Indy. The Vortex Brake Pads 200 will air on
TSN Saturday July 2nd at 1:30 pm EST.
Bowmanville, Ontario- June 26, 2011
ENGINE
TROUBLES CUT THOMSON’S DAY SHORT AT MOSPORT
-Don
Thomson Jr in his #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge had a top 3 finish
come to a grinding halt when they ran into engine trouble this
weekend at The Vortex Brake Pads 200.
Coming
off of the Team’s first win of the 2011 season at Delaware Speedway
two weeks ago, Don Thomson Jr. and his FFF team were set for a great
finish at the first of two back to back road course events on the
schedule. Rain on Saturday afternoon cancelled qualifying and the
field lined up base on owners point standings. Currently sitting in
2nd place in the owner points standings, positioned
Thomson on the outside of first row on the starting grid.
Off the
start of the 200 km race, Thomson’s car was good and he concentrated
on hitting his marks and getting into the rhythm of the road
course. Then on lap 8 of the 51 lap event while Thomson was on the
back straightway his motor started acting up and he pulled his race
car into a runoff area. The Team was forced to call it a day with a
disappointing 26th place finish.
“Our car
was strong here today and I was just riding around, enjoying myself
when something sounded wrong with our motor and I shut it down.
It’s a tough break for this team after coming off the win last race.
I hate it for the Hakonson’s and this whole company. We will be
ready for Toronto though! “ Said a disappointed Thomson after the
race.
The #8
FFF Dodge will be out to redeem themselves in two weeks time on the
streets of Toronto at the Honda Indy July 8th & 9th.
The Vortex Brake Pads 200 will air on Saturday July 2nd
at 1:30 pm EST on TSN.
June 12, 2011-Delaware, Ontario
TOP 10 FINISH FOR HATHAWAY AT DELAWARE
SPEEDWAY
Jason
Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Vortex Brakes Pads/Rockstar
Energy Drink Dodge had a great race and another opportunity to
podium, but had it slip from his hands in a late race altercation
Saturday night.
Returning
to his home track, Hathaway and his team were excited about
returning to Delaware Speedway. Practice went well for the team
posting a 6th place on the speed charts. Hathaway went on
to record a great qualifying effort landing a 5th place
starting spot in a field of 20 competitors.
“Our car
is in really great shape and comfortable. It has been the most
comfortable I have been in while here and we are really looking
forward to running tonight.” Hathaway said during the fan popular
trackside autograph session.
The name
of the game in the 200 lap Keystone Light 200 was to run constant lap
times and to save his car for the end of the race to pull the trigger
on a podium finish. The car ran great and Crew Chief Craig Masters
brought the car in for fuel just after the half way point and again
for right side tries on lap 153. That set Hathaway up for a great run
to the end of the race from the 4th spot. Hathaway kept
the pressure on the 3rd place car lap after lap
and exchanged the spot with him a few times before settling into 3rd.
With only 6 laps to go an aggressive push from the car behind him sent
Hathaway high up and out of the racing groove in corner 3 and 4.
Hathaway did a great job saving the car from hitting the wall hard,
but had to relinquish his top 3 running position trying to get his car
straight. Hathaway and his racing machine fell back to 8th,
where he would finish the race.
A
disappointed Hathaway reflected after the race. “Our car was great
all night and we were looking to race to a place on the podium this
weekend. The guy behind hit me hard and we almost wrote the car off
trying to keep it off the corner 4 wall. It’s a shame because we were
so close and we really wanted to bring home a win for our sponsors,
our team and the Hakonson family.”
The next
event for the team will be in 2 weeks time, June 26, for the Vortex
Brake Pads 200 at the road course at Mosport International Raceway.
This weekend’s race, the Keystone Light
200 from Delaware Speedway will air on TSN on June 26 at 1 pm.
June 6, 2011- Mirabel, Quebec
FARMERS FEED FAMILIES DODGE CULTIVATES 3RD
PLACE FINISH AT ICAR
Don Thomson Jr. in his #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge had
a great weekend this past weekend at the inaugural event for the NASCAR
Canadian Tire Series at Circuit ICAR with a 3rd place podium
finish.
In practice Thomson fought a loose handling race car, but put in an
excellent effort to solidify an 8th place starting spot in
the field 27 cars.
“This is a tight race track and our car was loose through testing and
practice. I think we have it better now and the race tomorrow will be a
great one for the fans.” Said Thomson after qualifying.
The 30 lap main event got underway on Sunday afternoon under sunny
skies and with much anticipation as the drivers would be put through
their paces on the tight 15-turn flat road course configuration.
Knowing that attrition would play a role in the finish of the
race, veteran Thomson made his moves from the 8th place
starting spot up through the field. With only a few laps to go a series
of cautions flags came out and positioned Thomson in a key spot to push
through to a podium finish. The race finished under a green, white,
checkered finish and the #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge
came home an impressive 3rd place.
“This is a great a result for the Farmers Feed Families Dodge this
afternoon. This is a tricky track and the racing was great up front. I
am proud of our Team; it was also a great points day for us.” Said
Thomson while his car was in NASCAR post race technical inspection.
With this 3rd place finish, Thomson moved into 2nd
place in the points standings headed into the next event June 11 in the
Keystone Light 200 at Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario. The
Circuit ICAR race will air on TSN on June 12 at 11 am EST.
June 5, 2011- Mirabel, Quebec
FLAT TIRE DEFLATES HATHAWAY’S TOP 5
Jason Hathaway in
the #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge had a
top 5 finish slip out of his hands with only a few laps to go this weekend
at the inaugural event at Circuit ICAR north on Montreal.
Testing of his brand new Dodge went well for Hathaway on Friday afternoon.
Qualifying on the brand new track also went well for the team, recording a
10th place starting spot.
“This track keeps a driver busy for sure. You are constantly on the wheel.
For the first time here we are in a pretty good starting spot for the race
on Sunday.” said Hathaway after qualifying on Saturday.
The 30 lap event got underway Sunday afternoon and luckily the entire
field made it through the first corner of the first lap without incident.
Hathaway worked on finding the line around the track and improving his
rhythm around the 15 turn flat racing course. At several points during the
race he was running lap times in sync with the top 3 cars.
At the half way point Hathaway was in the 8th spot and working on passing
his team mate Don Thomson Jr. A full course caution brought out the yellow
flag with only three laps to go. Hathaway had a great restart pulling into
the 4th spot in the running order. Another caution came out right after
the restart and set up a finish under a green, white, checkered condition.
As Hathaway took the green flag he felt a left front tire going down.
Hathaway limped round the track and finished a disappointing 15th.
“We had a great finish in our hands this afternoon. That flat tire really
hurt us, we had a pretty steady car and we learned a lot this weekend
here. The final result didn’t do our run justice at all.” Said a
disappointed Hathaway.
The next event for the team will be the Keystone Light 200 at Delaware
Speedway on June 11, 2011. Delaware is where Hathaway made his mark in
racing and the team is excited to return to his home track.
The race from Circuit ICAR will air on TSN on June 12 at 11 am EST.
May 29, 2011-
Bowmanville, Ontario
HATHAWAY PERSEVERES IN DICKIES 200 PRESENTED BY VORTEX BRAKE PADS
Amidst troubles
with his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads
Dodge, NCTS driver Jason Hathaway persevered to bring home a hard
fought 6th place finish in the Dickies 200 presented by Vortex
Brake Pads at Mosport Speedway on Saturday night.
The first
event of the season got underway yesterday for the Ed Hakonson Racing/Team
3 Red race team with the season opened at Mosport International Raceway.
During practice the team adjusted on a loose handling race car and made
final preparations for the 200 lap race. Hathaway posted his best ever
Mosport qualifying effort during his 2 lap qualifying session with a 6th
place starting spot.
Trouble
started early in the 200 lap main event for Hathaway when he reported a
miss in the engine to the team’s Crew Chief Craig Masters. A long green
flag run did not allow Hathaway to bring his race machine to the attention
of his crew until lap 113 after being under powered and going 2 laps down
to the leaders, including team mate Don Thomson Jr.
After falling
back to 13th place with an ailing race car, Hathaway was given
a boost by his pit crew with a quick pit stop for right side tries and
fuel. Fresh rubber helped Hathaway and he made his way up to the 11th
running position.
With only 20
laps to go Hathaway was the recipient of the Lucky Dog Award and earned
his way back onto the lead lap. Hathaway made his way through traffic up
into the top 10 and into 7th place. A green white, checkered
finish gave Hathaway one last chance at gaining more track position and he
did just that, avoiding a last lap tangle coming home in 6th
place.
Hathaway was
excited by their finish to what started out as a tough race. “I am really
happy with our finish today.” Said Hathaway. “The guys did awesome in
the pits and Craig made some great calls on the car set up and
adjustments. Our team mate Don Thomson Jr is on the podium tonight in 3rd
place so this is a great way to open the season.”
“I’m really
impressed with the way Jason dug deep and rallied with the engine problems
he had tonight. To come all the way back up to the front when he was deep
in the running order with only 20 laps to go was awesome.” Said Team owner
Ed Hakonson
The next race
for the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads
Dodge will be their inaugural appearance at the Circuit ICAR
located in Mirabel, Quebec, north of Montreal, Sunday June 5. The teams
will take to the 3.4 kilometre road course on Friday afternoon for
testing, Saturday for qualifying and main event on Sunday afternoon. The
Dickies 200 with be broadcast on TSN on June 4 at 1 pm.
May
29, 2011- Bowmanville, Ontario
THOMSON PODIUMS
IN FIRST RACE WITH E.H.R
New stable
mate to Jason Hathaway under the Ed Hakonson Racing banner, Don Thomson Jr,
took to the ½ mile oval at Mosport Speedway and reward his team with a
well run 3rd place finish.
After joining
the Ed Hakonson Racing team in January, Thomson was looking forward to
getting on track for the first race of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tries
Series season. The newly formed team qualified in the 9th place
starting spot for the Dickies 200 Presented by Vortex Brake Pads.
It did not
take long for Thomson to find his proven rhythm in his #8 Farmers
Feed Families Dodge on the track as we worked his way through the
pack up into the top 5. That was where he stayed with the exception of
stopping for fuel and tires just after the half way point.
A late race
tangle on the track under a green, white, checkered finish and some
awesome driving helped Thomson to secure a 3rd place finish.
Thomson was
very proud of the teams’ first outing. “The car was pretty good tonight
and we had a great battle up front to win this race. I want to thank my
crew and the Hakonson family for giving me a chance to come to the track
with great equipment and the support of a great group at E.H.R. I saw my
team mate Hathaway was having motor troubles, but I’m so impressed that he
battled back to a 6th place finish. What a night for E.H.R.”
The next race
for the #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge will be their
inaugural appearance at Circuit ICAR located in Mirabel, Quebec, north of
Montreal, Sunday June 5. The teams will take to the newly added 3.4
kilometre road course on Friday afternoon for testing, Saturday for
qualifying and main event on Sunday afternoon.
The Dickies
200 will air on TSN on June 4, 2011 at 1 pm.
May 23, 2011- Stouffville, Ontario
THOMSON Jr. TO PILOT ED HAKONSON RACING
FARMERS FEED FAMILIES DODGE IN 2011
Don will join his team mate Jason Hathaway
on the track for the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
Don Thomson Jr.
will pilot the #8 Farmers Feed Families Dodge Challenger for the
12 race schedule that will travel from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, taking
in 7 oval track events and 5 road course events including 2 street courses.
‘I’m really excited
about this opportunity to run alongside Jason under the Ed Hakonson Racing
banner this season. Ed and his family have given me a great opportunity and
we are looking forward to a great season for both of our teams.” said Thomson
Jr. at NASCAR practice on Thursday afternoon at Mosport Speedway.
Team owner Ed
Hakonson is anticipating great results from his 2 car stable this season.
“The addition of Donnie to our program is a great step for all of our teams.
He is a hard working person with a great work ethic both on and off the track.
We are looking forward to some wins this season for our family of teams.”
The 2011 season
opener will take place Saturday May 28 at Mosport International Raceway. The
very popular Driver Autograph session will be held on the front stretch of the
race track at 5:45 pm and the green flag will drop at 7 pm. This is a
favourite track of Thomson Jr’s, having won the Dickie’s 200 presented by
Vortex Brake Pads on the fast 1/2 mile oval in 2010.
Ed Hakonson
Racing is proud to partner with Farmers Feed Families, Snap-on Tools,
Castrol, Choko Authentic Apparel, Fast Eddie Racewear and Permatex.
See The Vortex Project Car
Come together
Click here or on photo to see the car build!
also
January 21, 2011- (Stouffville,
Ontario)
JASON
HATHAWAY & DON THOMSON JR TO APPEAR AT AUTOGRAPH SESSION
AT CME SHOW
Fans of Jason Hathaway, driver of the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar
Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge and fans of 7-time Canadian Champion Don
Thomson Jr. will get their chance to meet their favourite driver and get an
autograph this coming Saturday, January 22rd at the CME show in
Toronto.
Jason and Don will take a break
from Team preparations for the 2011 NASCAR Season to attend the autograph
session being held at the Canadian Motorsport Expo at the International Centre
at 6900 Airport Road in Toronto. The one hour Saturday autograph session will
take place on the stage in Hall 1 at 4:45 pm. The show will be open Friday 1 pm
to 8pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
Hathaway and #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar
Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge team are excited about the upcoming 2011
season after their 6th place finish in the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire
Series points battle.
EHR/T3R is proud to
be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drink, Vortex Brake Pads,
Napoleon Grills, Farmers Feed Families line of clothing, Castrol, Cathcart
Trucking, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Authentic Apparel and Praxair. For more
information on EHR/T3R check out the site at
www.team3red.com
The 2011 season is yet to start, but here are
a few photos from the Team3Red:
For more information
on the Team and our partners you can visit
www.team3red.com
or contact Jamie
Hakonson at905-642-1010 or
jamie@team3red.com.
To learn more about
the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series you can check out www.nascar.ca
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