CASCAR: Rough run for Vanderwyst at Cayuga
7 June 2000
ST. THOMAS, ON - In 1999, Pete Vanderwyst enjoyed good luck en route to his
runner-up finish in the CASCAR Castrol Super Series East points chase. This
season has opened up with the same strong runs that characterized the Loctite
Chevrolet driver’s ’99 season, but the good fortune has definitely been
lacking.
On Sunday afternoon, at Cayuga Speedway, Vanderwyst was among the field
of 38 starters who took part in the Ford Quality Care 250 at the 5/8-mile
speedway. Feeling strong after winning the ‘Fast Qualifiers’ heat race in the
morning, Vanderwyst lined up 11th for the 250 lap feature.
The St. Thomas, ON native was enjoying a solid run, and climbed to as
high as third place, before his tires started to ‘go away’ and he dropped a few
positions. While attempting to allow another driver to pass, Vanderwyst was
tagged in the rear and was sent spinning into the concrete wall at the top of
the third turn.
Replacing damaged front suspension components and installing a new
brake
line cost the Loctite team precious time in the pits. Vanderwyst returned to
the race but was out of contention and finished 28th, 44 laps behind race
winner Al Turner. For Vanderwyst and his team, it was a disappointing result
considering they completed all but four laps during the entire ’99 season.
“I was extremely happy with the car for a long time. But the CASCAR
tire
rules dictate that we can only change one tire under caution... and we had a
couple going away in a hurry. It really limits what you can do with the car.
But we started near the front and were happy with our qualifying effort. We ran
well in the Fast Qualifier race and won it in convincing style.
“In the big race, it was going well, but it just got looser as the day
went on. Just past halfway, there was a driver behind me who was quicker. I was
trying to wave him through when he nicked me and brought me around. It wasn’t
intentional, but it hurt the car pretty good. I’ve been in his spot before; we
all make mistakes. It broke the front tie-rod ball joint and tore off a brake
line. After the guys fixed that, it was just for fun.”
Although the result wasn’t what he wanted, Vanderwyst understands that
tough outings are part of the sport. “Until this race at Cayuga, I can’t
remember the last time when we actually got passed on the track. The only guys
I didn’t pass on the track were Peter Gibbons and Don Thomson. But then the
tires went off and we started to fall back a bit. We’re going to have to figure
out why that happened. But when you look at things so far, we’ve had a quick
car but the results haven’t been there. So many things have been very positive,
it’s just that the finishes aren’t indicative of the way we’ve performed. I’ve
been calling around today trying to buy some luck, but so far, nobody’s selling
any.”
Loctite Notes: In what has become a tradition in recent years, Loctite again
hosted a hospitality tent for its customers and friends, at the CASCAR race at
Cayuga Speedway. Located behind the main grandstand, the Loctite hospitality
area was very busy throughout the day and featured one of the Loctite
Chevrolets. Although the one-day Cayuga show made for a hectic day at the
track, Vanderwyst was able to visit the tent and mingle with the Loctite
guests. “They had another huge group of Loctite people and guests at Cayuga
again. It turned out really well. The time constraints meant that I couldn’t
spend as much time in the tent with everyone, but it was fun, nonetheless. I
always get a big kick out of signing the autographs and meeting everyone who
plays such a big part in supporting our racing program.”
Race Report: For the second race in a row, Al Turner made the trip to victory
lane following the 250th lap. The Barrie, ON racer took the lead from defending
Eastern champion Don Thomson Jr. and held off a spirited charge by National
champion Peter Gibbons over the final 20 laps. Former road racer Robin Buck
took third for the best CASCAR oval finish of his career.