|
|
 |
|
|
|
Eddie Disappointed
with Finish at the Banknorth 250 |
Eddie MacDonald knew he had the
car to compete and possibly win the world-famous Banknorth 250 at
Oxford Plains Speedway but a questionable penalty cost a lap and the
possibility of a victory.
The race, formerly known as the Oxford 250, attracted 97 drivers for
a chance to win the 34th annual richest short track purse in the
country. With Nextel drivers Terry Labonte and Kevin Lepage among
the hopefuls, the starting grid was narrowed to 44 entries through a
series of heats, consolation races, and last chance qualifiers. Pro
Stocks formerly raced this event but this year Late Models were the
featured cars.
Eddie, a Busch East Series competitor, has also been competing in
the Late Model division at Oxford this season, hoping his
familiarity with the track would be a benefit for the race and it
paid off. The Rowley hot-shoe won his heat thereby guaranteeing a
starting spot. With a stellar field of accomplished drivers ready to
take the green flag for the grueling 250 laps around the
three-eighths of a mile oval, Eddie started in the fourth position.
For over 100 laps Eddie cruised in the top four then took the lead
for seven laps on lap 133. When the caution flag flew on lap 140,
Eddie brought the car to the pits for service. It was at this time
officials held the car for a one-lap penalty for allegedly passing
the pace car on pit road while going to his pit. The pace car was on
the track at the time. By the time the frustrated driver returned to
the track, he had to restart in the back and was promptly spun by a
car behind causing another lost lap.
“We had such a great car it is really disappointing for us to lose
the chance to win because of a call like that. After winning the
heat, we knew we had something for the field. The handling was
fantastic thanks to Rollie (LaChance) and we knew we just had to be
there at the end to have a shot at the win,” said the frustrated
driver after the race. “Then, of course, when we started in the back
we got taken out losing another lap. We tried to get the laps back
but it just didn’t happen.”
Despite being down multiple laps, Eddie thrilled the huge crowd as
he did in the Late Model Governor’s Cup at Lee USA Speedway in April
with three-wide passing all the way around the track. Eddie was
scored in the 23rd position. He will compete next in the
Busch East Series race at Adirondack
International Speedway on July 28 in the car owned by Rob Grimm.
Eddie had a great run going in the same car at Thompson until he was
dumped with four laps to go.
Eddie is pleased to be back in the seat of the Grimm Construction
Chevy saying, “I am excited that we have another opportunity to
drive the car again for Rob. We know what it is capable of after the
run at Thompson. Hopefully we will have a better finish this time.”
|
|
