Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – July 27, 2011 – 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.
Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.
For additional information please contact:
Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 Red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com
Photo: Autograph session at ACMS
