May 20, 2012 – Bowmanville, Ontario – Jason Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge took to the renovated 2.5 mile road course at the newly named Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Vortex Brake Pads 200 this weekend. With the Teams’ primary sponsor on board as the title sponsor of the race, Hathaway and his E.H R. Team 3 Red machine came well prepared from the Team shop in Stouffville and were looking forward to a great race day.
The weekend brought with it some great racing weather with temperatures in the mid 20’s, unlike last season’s race when rain dampened the on track activities. It was at this race in 2011 that Hathaway had a rear brake line sliced during the event and crashed hard into the corner 2 tire wall at high speed. Hathaway suffered a broken wrist and thumb that hurt his driving abilities for most of the season.
“It was good to get back here and test during the off season. It helped to work through that 2nd corner and shake the car down. We are looking forward to a great weekend, with Vortex Brake Pads here as the title sponsor and starting the 2012 race season off at a road course it should be exciting.” Said Hathaway when the team arrived to check out the renovated facility.
The car practiced well and Hathaway was comfortable with his car. Practice Saturday morning put Hathaway 7th on the speed charts overall and landed him in the fast group of cars for the 30 minute qualifying session later that day.
Hathaway put in a great qualifying effort and recorded the team’s best qualifying effort amongst some of the country’s best road race talent, qualifying 6th.
The 27 car field took the green flag Sunday afternoon and the action got started early. Hathaway wrangled through the road course and was sitting in the 2nd spot when caution came out on lap 18 of the 51 lap event. Under the direction of Crew Chief Craig Masters and Car Chief Gary Mead, the E.H.R/T3R pit crew went to work fuelling the car and doing an awesome 4 tire stop. Hathaway headed back out onto the track in the 12th spot, but had no problem making way back towards the front. By lap 30, he was 9th and by lap 38 had made some awesome passes through corners 5a and 5b to make his way into the 7th spot.
Hathaway earned his 6th place making a great move on road course veteran Robin Buck on lap 47 coming onto the front straight away. Hathaway held onto the spot to cross the finish line with a great 6th place finish.
“This was a great way to start the season off.” said Hathaway after climbing out of his car. The facility looks great and the crowd was like nothing we have seen at this track before! We want to thank our sponsor Vortex Brake Pads for sponsoring the race today and it was great to see all of our customers and VIPS in the suite today! The fans got to see a great race and we are pretty excited about our 2012 season.”
Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drink, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon BBQs & 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
