BOWMANVILLE, ON August 30, 2015-Hathaway has raced in each and every of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races since its inception and this weekend marked another historic event for Hathaway and his team. In a deep, talented field of competitors Hathaway came away from the Series’ final road course of the 2015 season with his first ever road course victory.
The weekend started off well with a top 10 effort in first practice on Saturday. However, half way through second practice Hathaway reported an engine issue and the team elected to change their power plant before qualifying his #3 Muskoka Aircraft Centre/HGC Chevrolet in the 10th position.
Hathaway started in 10th and he and his team put their plan into play. Crew Chief Craig Masters brought Hathaway down pit road for fuel on lap 9, followed up by a 4 tire stop. The boys did a great job on pit road, but Hathaway got held up coming out of the its and came out deep in the field of 28 cars. Hathaway had to get up on the wheel and make his way to the front of the running order. Hathaway perseverance paid off and with 10 laps to go he was up to the 4th spot.
Caution came out on lap 43 and the #3 Muskoka Aircraft Centre /HGC Chevrolet was running in 3rd and in a great position for the restart. Hathaway had an awesome restart, pulling into 2nd place and on lap 49 made a great pass to take over the lead spot and never looked back, bringing home his first ever road course win.
Overcome with emotion, Hathaway brought his race machine into victory lane after taking a victory lap around the 2.459 mile road course.
“This is a pretty special win for our team today. We tried to put ourselves in a position to there at the end of the race and today it worked in our favour. I figured we might come out with 2nd or 3rd place, but we got a chance to take the lead and we took it. When we got the lead I focused on each corner and shift and headed for the checkered flag. Thanks to Muskoka Aircraft Centre for jumping on board this weekend and helping us out. Ed & Hiedi Hakonson have been behind us every race and we can’t thank them enough. I am happy we were able to share this will all of our families here this weekend as well. They allow us to do what we love!”
With the win today, Hathaway is 9 points back from the points lead and tied for 2nd place in the Championship battle headed into the last race in 3 weeks’ time at Kawartha Speedway September 19.
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The Pinty’s Presents The Clarington 200 will air on TSN on Saturday September 5th at noon and on RDS2 on Friday September 25th at 7pm.
T3R/ EHR is proud to be partnered with Muskoka Aircraft Centre, Fast Eddie Racewear, Brake-Works, The Harman Group, Praxair and Choko Motorsports.
Fans can keep up with Jason and the rest of T3R/EHR at their Ed Hakonson Racing page on Facebook, on Twitter @JasonHathaway3 or @EHRT3R Instagram jasonhathaway3 and are encouraged to visit their official webpage www.Team3Red.com for all updates on the 2015 season.
