Oxford American Racer Three Stars
Waterbury, VT – The American Racer Three Star program will continue in 2016. The program is designed to recognize three teams in no particular order of performance that had outstanding races at ACT US Tour events. There are no specific criteria for deciding who might receive the award of a free American Racer Tire (value $125.00), but a special effort by a team, exceptional race, just plain old hard luck, or other accepted reason to give the award is used to decide the recipients.
The three stars are chosen by officials and winners will receive certificates for the use of a free American Racer tire at a future Tour race of their choosing during 2016.
The awarding of the stars does not allow for anybody in the top three to receive the recognition.
COMMENTARY:
OPS THREE STARS
100 LAPS
First, from everyone at ACT a big congratulations to three-time ACT Champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr. and the entire Bruce Bernhardt team for their Oxford 250 win!!!!! Next, a congratulations to every ACT team that was at Oxford on Saturday night. It was an excellent 100 lap stock car race, with a front-running battle that started early and finished late. The race up front with Scott Payea and Brad Babb was a treat for race fans, and then the laps with Eddie MacDonald joining the battle made for a great finish. The “flat tracks” at Beech Ridge and Oxford have both provided exciting competition, and the upcoming Fall Foliage 200 at Beech Ridge in September should be a great show for teams and fans.
ROWLAND ROBINSON, Jr., Steuben, ME— 28ME —After his impressive performance at Beech Ridge earlier in the month, apparently the Maine native is feeling comfortable at his Maine-based tracks. After pitting on lap 7 at Oxford for an adjustment, JR rallied for an impressive run through the field to finish seventh (7th). This was one of those times when many Robinson fans wanted a 150 lap race, as the 28ME was still looking strong after the 100 laps concluded. In the first race at OPS this year, it certainly looked like this team was positioned to take down a win, and they appear to have things headed in the right direction going into the 200 at Beech Ridge. Once again, congratulations to this family team from “Down East” for an outstanding performance at Oxford.
RYAN OLSEN, N. Haverhill, NH –61NH – This rookie driver has shown steady improvement throughout the season. His steady ride on Saturday night at the Oxford Plains Speedway was a statement of how much improvement this driver has made over the course of the 2016 season. Coming from a family of racers, Ryan has now established himself as very capable of running longer distance events. With the guidance of Joey Pole and Ryan’s dad Mike, the 2016 season looks to have a strong finish from Ryan. The Oxford 6th place finish is impressive because most of his career has been at the quarter mile, banked White Mountain Motorsports Park. The drive on Saturday night was steady and a solid performance for the Rookie. Congratulations to the 61NH team — well deserved.
EMILY PACKARD, E. Montpelier, VT –9ME – Emily is running a split schedule this year, but Oxford has always been a track she has been able to get around at very well. Last Saturday was no exception. Unfortunately, it was a struggle to keep coming back from either being caught up in a skirmish or having a spin, through no fault of her own. She continued to rally throughout the event and fought back from the rear to finish 8th. What was impressive is that if you are not running for points and are at the rear of the field, the perseverance to continue and finish with a respectable top ten is an accomplishment. Another of the Joey Pole development programs gave her a car capable of winning, but her finish after a difficult night was just as impressive. For sticking with it Emily Packard receives a Star of the Race award.
For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, or media@acttour.com, or visit acttour.com
Sources: ACT PR