Danny O’Brien Lays Another Block in the Foundation Toward a 9th Brockville Speedway Championship
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
Consistency is the key toward clinching a championship winning season in the world of motorsports. It’s a fact that the best racers in the business have proven over the years. When it comes to DIRTcar small block modified racing – specifically at Brockville Ontario Speedway – Danny O’Brien has to be counted as the best of the best. The 41 year-old second generation speedster from Kingston, Ontario has dominated the track’s headline division, claiming 8 points titles since the 1993 season. His worst performance in the 2009 campaign has been a second place run Saturday, June 6th. With a ‘track’ record like that, O’Brien looks to be well on his way to yet another championship winning run.
A field of nineteen 358 mods signed-in to do battle at The BOS Saturday, June 13th. After finishing 2nd in the night’s second qualifying heat, O’Brien was set to take the green flag from 13th spot to begin the 30 lap main event. His dance partner was Bath, Ontario’s Todd Stewart – Brockville’s only other feature winner this year – and his brothers Pat and Tim started in the 2 rows ahead of him.
The pack slowed early, as Gage Morin came to a stop in turn 3 with just 2 laps in the books. Even at that point, O’Brien had already gained 4 positions from his initial starting spot. Working the bottom side of the track, he’d advanced to fifth by the 6th lap and was chasing leader Adam Moore when Chris King brought-out a yellow flag in turn 2 with 13 laps complete.
A lap 14 restart saw the driver of the #7 Star Global Warranty/1000 Islands RV Centre/Pat’s Radiator/Stover Bus Lines/103.7 BOB-FM/ Jackson’s Landscaping & Property Maintenance/Murdock’s Cement Finishing/Kendrick Racing Bicknell machine move around Moore’s #35 for the lead, while his brothers Pat and Tim assumed the 3rd and 4th spots respectively, with Stewart 5th. Ryan Poole, Steve Bilow and Chris King put the field back under the yellow flag with a 4th turn incident on the 16th circuit, with O’Brien still in command.
Pat O’Brien took to the outside of the track to claim second spot on lap 18, but his brother was charging through the lapped cars at breakneck speed and couldn’t be caught. Stewart moved into 4th as the lap counter clicked-off 22 trips around the 3/8th mile clay, but Danny O’Brien had nearly an entire straight-away lead. At the checkered flag, O’Brien had paced the pack to his 3rd win in 4 Brockville starts. His older brother Pat was second, while another strong run by Adam Moore earned him a 3rd place finish. Todd Stewart and Kyle Dingwall completed the top 5. As always, O’Brien was quick to praise his supporting cast in victory lane.
“I know it sounds like a broken record, but I couldn’t do anything without the help of the best crew there is,” said O’Brien. “They put in some long hours in the garage through the week; just to make sure we get things ready to be here. I’m also very lucky to have some fantastic sponsors. Everything that happens behind the scenes makes for a successful show on the racetrack. I drive the car and some people say it looks easy, but there’s a lot that goes on that not everyone sees.”
Global Warranty is based in London, Ontario and has been offering a variety of automotive and recreational vehicle warranty packages for more than 20 years, these warranties meet and exceed the needs of today’s drivers. They offer their warranty packages through your local automotive and RV dealer. Ask for details when making your purchase. Their 7 plans offer the ultimate in driving protection. For details, call 800.265.1519 or visit www.globalwarranty.com.
Kendrick Racing is a family run racing team, operating for more than 45 years and calls Merrittville Speedway their home-base. The team has campaigned cars for a number of drivers over the years, including Tim Jones, Scott George and Boyd McTavish. Tim Jones will run the Global Warranty car for Kendrick Racing at Merrittville Speedway and selected special events. Danny O’Brien will campaign the team’s cars at Brockville Ontario Speedway and selected tour stops. Todd Kendrick will run the team’s #55 car at Merrittville and Humberstone, with both drivers joining O’Brien when Brockville Ontario Speedway hosts a Global Warranty night Saturday, August 1st. Learn more about Kendrick Racing by visiting
www.kendrickracing.ca.
Contact:
Todd Kendrick: (Owner)
Rob Hanson (Web Site) rob.hanson@kendrickracing.com
Photo attachments: (Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)
#1). Danny O’Brien hikes a left-front Hoosier as his #7-Star Bicknell struts through Brockville’s second turn.
#2). O’Brien discusses race winning strategy with announcer Tim Baltz in victory lane.
#3). A young fan joins Danny O’Brien in Brockville’s winner’s circle to mark his 3rd triumph of 2009.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410 / 613.922.0654