Danny O’Brien ‘Pockets’ 8th Brockville Speedway Victory
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
After finishing second in the Mr. DIRTcar small block modified championship standings for 2 years in a row – in 2007 to Mario Clair and in 2008 to Pete Bicknell – Danny O’Brien entered the current campaign with a checklist. Its the 41 year-old Kingston, Ontario racer’s 23 season behind the wheel and despite his success, he won’t be satisfied unless there is a Mr. DIRTcar championship trophy sitting on his mantle at the season’s end.
Saturday, August 15th, O’Brien wheeled his #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 to a season high 8th win in just 11 starts at his home turf of Brockville Ontario Speedway. Like many of his race winning runs, he came from deep in the pack – 13th – in a field of 20 starters and treated the crowd to an exciting 3 car battle with his brother Tim and early race leader Todd Stewart on his way to the checkered flag.
Joe Banks and Andy Lloyd brought the pack to the green flag, but the pace was quickly slowed when Bryan Rogers and Adam Moore came together in the 3rd turn. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ didn’t escape unscathed. The right-hand side of his machine sustained some sheet metal damage in the mishap. He shook the car down a little during the yellow flag laps, but sensing there was no serious damage took his place back in line.
Stewart, who had started 4th, used the outside lane to take the lead with 4 in the books. Two laps later, O’Brien had moved to 6th but the yellow flag was out again when Gage Morin, John Mulder and Jason Riddell collided in turn 4. The 30 lap feature was re-started with Stewart, Andy Lloyd, Bill Gill, Tim and Danny O’Brien making-up the fast 5.
Tim O’Brien got to second on the 8th lap and set-off in pursuit of Stewart. Danny got around his younger sibling as the lap counter clicked-off 10 complete and became Stewart’s next challenger. The trio engaged in a fierce, often 3-wide battle with the #7-Star taking control on lap 12. He struggled briefly with the lapped machines of Riddell and Steve Bilow, before taking to the extreme high side of the track for the remainder of the run. A couple of late race spins slowed the field, but couldn’t delay the inevitable result. Danny O’Brien found his way to Brockville’s victory lane with his brother Tim, Kyle Dingwall, Todd Stewart and Bill Gill rounding-out the top 5. In the winner’s circle, he thanked the crew, sponsors and fans for all their support.
“As a team, we’re even more focused on the big prize this year,” said O’Brien as he held his prized pooch ‘Tucker’ by his leash. “This has been an amazing season. We’ve been lucky and we’ve been good. It’ll all come together if we can finally get our name on the Mr. DIRTcar championship trophy.”
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. Learn more about Kendrick Racing by visiting
www.kendrickracing.ca.
Contact:
Danny O’Brien: 613.542.1361
Todd Kendrick: 519.871.7000
Rob Hanson (Kendrick racing website admin.) rhanson5@cogeco.ca
Photo attachments: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
#1). Danny O’Brien finds a fast way down the front stretch during his Brockville Ontario Speedway qualifying heat.
#2). He’s found his way to victory lane 8 times in 11 starts, but Danny O’Brien says he won’t be satisfied unless his season ends with a Mr. DIRTcar championship.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410 / 613.922.0654