Eddie MacDonald Wins ACT 100 in Sunny Florida
While Eddie Mac’s hometown of Rowley, Mass. is battling blizzards and freezing temperatures, “The Outlaw” heated up the half mile oval at New Smyrna Speedway to win the ACT 100. Twenty six cars took the green flag to kick off three nights of American Canadian Tour races as part of the World Series of Asphalt Racing at the legendary track. Eddie Mac and the MacDonald Motorsports team led the caution free event from green flag to checker flag run in less than thirty four minutes.
“This is really exciting to come down here and get the win,” said Eddie Mac. “The car was fast from the first practice on and we knew we had something for the competition. Everyone worked hard on the car this winter to get it ready to be part of this and all the effort paid off. Rollie and I used a set-up from another track and it worked to perfection. I am so proud and thankful of all the people involved to make this happen. ”
The #17ma Hancock Electric Late Model posted the fastest times in both practices (19.773 sec. and 19.361 sec.). The Freddy Peterson owned Chevy started ninth in the first of three qualifying heats and scored a +7 rating after finishing the heat in second place, good enough to start on the pole for the race. The heats were run before the K&N Pro Series East race with the ACT 100 taking the green flag immediately afterward.
“We were in a great position and the car just took off. Alex Labbe stayed close but I was able to keep in front by a few car lengths. Did I mention the car was fast? Who knew the race would go the distance without a caution? It was good in some ways but it definitely had an effect with the lapped traffic. It was tough to get by because guys were racing side by side and did not want to get lapped. These guys worked hard all winter getting their cars ready and wanted to race. I don’t blame them. I don’t think the next two nights will be caution free,” said Eddie Mac.
At the halfway mark, Canadian great Patrick Laperle made his charge from his starting 14th position to the back bumper of “The Outlaw.” “You just knew Patrick, Wayne (Helliwell), Joey (Pole) and a few others would make a charge and it turned out to be Laperle. The last half of the race we both had to deal with lapped traffic and it all depended where you had to pass whether you could gain or lose separation. With about ten to go I was able to get some separation to get the win. I am sure the next two nights are going to be a lot tougher.”
Monday and Tuesday night’s races are for the title of champion of the American Racer Challenge Cup. Twenty-seven teams will compete both nights with the team with the lowest combined finishes crowned champion. Each night’s winner will be rewarded with a portion of the $35,000 purse. Both races will be 100 laps and the events will be covered by Speed 51 and FanChoiceTV on your computer starting at 7:30 pm.
“Winning tonight is a great start but we really want to run well to win the American Challenge Cup for all the people responsible for us getting here,” said Eddie Mac. “Our car owners Sheila and Freddie Peterson and Scott and Kenny Thompson from Hancock Electric have been great. None of this would be possible without them. Our K&N team owner Rob Grimm has be supportive of our ACT racing and Rollie and I really appreciate it. Of course, our crew back at the shop and at the track is terrific. Hopefully we can bring home the win. Let’s race!”
Sources: Eddie MacDonald PR