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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-08-25, Page 1414—THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Aug. 25, 2004 Sports Local father and son micro -sprint team hits the dirt track with wheels spinning By Jason Middleton Expositor Staff A father and son micro - sprint racing team from Seaforth is tearing up the track this summer as a former two- time All -Ontario go-kart racer and his son hit the road. Even though it's been 20 years since Brad Duff has raced, the feeling is still there for him as he and his son Dana hit the road as the Black Shadow Racing team. "One you do something like that you get that feeling," Brad says. "If you go back some many years later, you can still get that feeling. It's kind of neat." Brad says that he has always been a fan of motorsports, which he watches on Sunday afternoons and occasionally on a racing television network. But last year, it was an afternoon Brad spent on the internet that got him interested in the sport he competed in 20 years ago. He asked his wife if she'd be interested in going to see the final race of the year at London's Wonderland Speedway. After a little thought and a little encouragement from his father, Brad decided to get back into micro -sprinting. "It took a lot of thinking and I thought I'd do it for myself," says Brad. Brad and his father looked at a micro -sprint car and purchased it late last year. On Saturdays morning during the winter, Brad and Don worked on the kart getting it ready for the racing season. "Every weekend that I was off (we would work on it). He'd be here almost before I'd get out of bed," says Brad. By watching his father and grandfather work on the kart, Brad's 16 -year-old son Dana became interested in the sport. Jason Middleton photo Dana (left) and Brad Duff sit beside their Number 49 micro - sprint car. The duo started racing ewer this season as part of their own Black Shadow Racing team. So when the racing season began. Dana and Brad hit the track. At first, Brad explained to Dana to concentrate on the basics of racing - being fast and aggressive. But Dana says the hardest part is "not to hit anyone." Brad and Dana say that they aren't sure where they are in the standing because "we really haven't focused on that. It's a learning curve for Dana." Dana says that this racing experience is teaching him the in's and out's of driving. Even Friday this season, Brad is racing at the Wonderland Speedway in London and every Saturday Dana is racing at a race track near Brantford. When they drive, Brad and Dana have to have a roll cage, wear a helmet, a five-part safety harness, a fire-resistant suit, gloves and arm restraints. The micro -sprint cars they race are powered by a 440 cc snowmobile engine which could reach speeds close to 160 km/h. The races can sec competitors aged anywhere from 15 to "before retirement" says Brad. He explained that now that he's a little older the feeling his body has after the race is a little bumpy. "It's a little different being older - you feel the bumps and bruises a little more," he says. Opening Soon!! Sept 7th 1' MACDOIVALD AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE Full Automotive Repair Centre Licensed Mechanics Kevin MacDonald & Brian MacDonald Cali Now to Book Appointments 50 Railway St., Seaforth 527-0967 KIDS DAY AT THE RACES! Sunday August 29, 2004 ' 1:OOpm-4:OOpm At the park beside the grandstand Bring the whole family to Clinton Raceway for lots of fun and excitment! mitcst, Games and 1'rizl'! All games and rides are FREE for children! •e► —Moonlight Madness Thursday Sept. 2, 4-8pm I'i-.� J J .�— - : / J , • AS\'''°- . SY`e • Wheel f •1 f X11 \• Print 10, Special Diuo•ds 1 RillMee. Set. 8:30.5:00 '•1 Hours Clee•d sue4eyt www.huroo-ri4ge.ee.ce 565-2122 1.1/4 mi. Wnt•ef Zurich :— Cos a join the fa1"1 74101 In•ow ti. R. RAIL MIEN North of N1ry.1$4 uron ACRES "Grrerthorot plan( idge ANY ice Jason Middleton photo Donna Beuerman, of Seaforth, throws a bowl during a game at the Art Finlayson Memorial tournament last Wednesday. More than 100 bowlers took part in the tournamen which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the club in its present location. Lawn Bowling club hosts anniversary tournament Seaforth Lawn Bowling The Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club had reason to celebrate last Wednesday at the 75th anniversary of the club in its present location. Sun shades, patio furniture, umbrellas and good weather made for a festive day at the 25th anniversary double draw tournament of the "Art Finlayson Memorial." Draw master Neil Beuerman welcomed over 100 bowlers and Mary Finlayson gave greetings on behalf of her family and thanked everyone. First prize went to Bill Baxter and Maureen Thompson of London Fairmont Club. Also with three wins were Dennis and Shirley Schmidt of Goderich, lim and Sue Robb, of Sarnia and Joe Murphy and partner 3f Heritage Greens, Kitchener, Ed and Edna Braithwaite of Sarnia, Rick Wood, Brenda Empey and Neil Beuerman of Seaforth and Jane Hog and Audrey McKinley of Clinton. High two -game winners were Bob Thompson nd Doris Hackney of Exeter. Brett Finlayson and Diane March ticd. To celebrate this special day, Donna Beuerman made two large cakes decorated for the occasion and served them mid-afternoon to all present. In out-of-town tournaments two trebles teams competed at Heritage Greens in Kitchener, Saturday as one entry and won third prize. Players were Rick Wood, Shirley Schmidt, Jack and Marie Muir and Neil and Donna Beuerman. On Sunday, Jack and Marie Muir won first at the Hillier tournament in Stratford. Congratulations are in order for the ladies fours team from District 4 for winning the gold medal in the Canadian Championships held at Stanley Park bowling Club in Vancouver. The rink consisted of Joanne Bugler (skip), Gloria McFalls (vice), Diane Terry (2nd), all of Exeter and Carol Carter (lead) of the Seaforth club. by hi* Finlayson .r t ...on the first ever OFFICIAL 2005 MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAT MAP! We are excited to help you make your mark on this new map for exposure to literally thousands of visitors in 20051 • Participate by Including your business in the 'one and onlr Official Map which includes precise location detail and extra information In a colourful presentation to help visitors enjoy our area. It's the only map they'll need when you shit Murata MEM DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS POPULAR PRODUCT FOR ONE, LOW AFFORDABLE PRICE! To get all the details and to book your space, contact your advertising consultant today! The deadline for maximum exposure to our potential visitors, is: Beptember 30, 2004 1.50 CP LL NOW!