September 10, 2011 – Barrie, Ontario – 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.
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.
Click here to listen to Jason’s post-race interview.
For additional Information please contact:
Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE HAMILTON
