July 25th, 2012 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan- After posting 3 podium finishes in as many races, Jason Hathaway in his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge had his streak come to a heartbreaking end at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
After practice the team was sitting 6th on the speed charts. With a tight qualifying field, Hathaway qualified 9th.
“We are starting 9th, but the car is good and we have 250 laps to save our stuff and we will be there at the end at the front at the end.” Said Hathaway after qualifying.
Once the green flag was dropped, as with previous races, it didn’t take Hathaway long to make his way up through the field.
Crew Chief Craig Masters called Hathaway down pit road for fuel and a chassis adjustment on lap 77 that improved Hathaway’s car and set him up for a long green flag run.
On lap 131, Hathaway brought his race machine down pit road for right side tires. The crew did a great job and sent him out 3rd in the running order.
Hathaway set his focus on the lead and earned 2nd on lap 145. With a superb re start by Hathaway he challenged for the lead and pulled into the top spot on lap 161.
Hathaway earned valuable points for leading the field and pulled away from the second and third place cars.
The awesome string of finishes came to a grinding halt for the team when on the re-start on lap 195, Hathaway felt something break in the rear end of his car.
Hathaway was relegated to the pits to the attention of his crew where they diagnosed a broken suspension part. He finished a heart breaking 21st. Although the race did not turn out the way the Team wanted Hathaway did maintain his 5th spot in the Championship points battle.
Hathaway was disappointed with the finish, but excited about the team’s momentum. “We had a wicked car tonight and I was comfortable with the car out front leading. A finish like this is hard for our team. We found something in the last 3 races and to have the western swing end like this is heartbreaking. I am so proud of my guys though. They give me all they have each weekend. We have shown just how strong our team is this season and that we are in the hunt up front. We will be back up front again.”
The Team will have a weekend off before their next event August 4 & 5 at the GP3R in Trois Rivieres, Quebec.
The Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 from Saskatoon will air on TSN2 on Saturday August 4th at 6:30PM Eastern.
Fans can follow the Team in a number of ways; the Team website www.team3red.com, or “Like” the Team on Facebook at team3red.edhakonsonracing and on Twitter @ehrt3r and @jasonhathaway3.
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 and King Brewery.
About Snap-on Tools: Snap-on Tools is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers in the marine, power sports and aviation industries. Visit www.snapon.com
About Rockstar Energy Drink: “ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars!
About Vortex Brake Pads: Vortex Brake Pads is a proud Canadian company, manufacturing the highest quality aftermarket brake pads for all automotive segments. Vortex products are well researched, proven in on track and off track testing and are produced in a high quality manufacturing environment. For more information visit www.vortexbrakepads.com
For additional information please contact: Jamie Hakonson @905-642-1010 or jamie@team3red.com
