September 21st, 2009
Chris Ross is looking forward to Saturday’s return to the site of his biggest career victory.
Chris Ross celebrates his 2008 Castrol UMP Late Model Shootout victory. (James MacDonald Apex One file photo).
The Wallaceburg native made history last September by becoming the first Canadian to win South Buxton Raceway’s Castrol UMP Late Model Shootout.
And it’s not just Ross who is excited about going for a second straight victory in the Castrol UMP Late Models division in the 2009 Shootout.
“I get asked just about every day if I’m coming back,” he smiled.
“It’s nice to race at home. It’s good for my sponsors and all of the people who support me. It’s a chance for them to get to see me race at home … not everyone can make it down to Ohio.”
Ross is in his third year of racing on the Late Model circuit in Ohio, predominately at Eldora and Oakshade.
“It’s been OK,” he said of his 2009 season.
“I’m making most of the shows (’A’ Mains) now, so I really feel I’m continuing to progress.
“I just haven’t had the finishes I’d hoped for,” Ross said.
His first and only feature win this season came this past Saturday in an Ontario Dirt Late Model show at Brighton Speedway. He finished second in series points to Greg Oakes.
The 29-year-old feels his program is headed in the right direction.
“We’re getting closer and closer to our first win over there,” he said.
Ross said the biggest obstacle racing against the big name drivers in the States is his lack of experience.
“Seat time’s the difference,” he said. “I don’t get half the track time they (Americans) do. I’m lucky to do 30 shows a year … they’re doing 50-60, so it’s hard to compete against them.”
Ross raced twice at South Buxton this year, as he finished second to Jim Dale Jr. in the UMP Late Model Summer Sizzler on Aug. 1. He also raced on Aug. 22 but decided to park the car early in the feature because of track conditions.
He’s confident that track conditions for the Shootout will be as good as last year’s show.
“I’m used to running on dry surfaces (in Ohio) but I’ve got experience here when it’s tacky,” said Ross, who swept the 2003 Late Model points title and championship race.
“If it’s a tacky track, that puts guys like Andrew (Reaume) and Brad (Authier) ahead of me.
“But as long as it’s raceable … that’s all you can ask for.”
Ross would naturally be thrilled to become the first back-to-back Shootout winner but he’s not putting any extra pressure on himself.
“It was hard enough to win the first time, let alone two in a row,” he smiled.
“Absolutely, it would be a great accomplishment to win again, but I have to treat it like just another race.”
Pit Notes
- The Late Model class is down one car as Jim Dale Jr., the winner of the UMP Late Model Summer Sizzler, will only be running his Modified car in the Shootout.
Chatham’s Joe Field and Brian Ruhlman, of Clarklake, Mich., are expected to be the only double-duty drivers. Jon Henry, of Ada, Ohio, who finished second to both Ross and Ruhlman is last year’s ‘A’ Mains, will be bringing his Late Model but is uncertain whether he’ll run his Modified.
- A clarification of the payout has been posted under the Shootout/Blowout icon. American drivers will be paid in U.S. funds and Canadian drivers will be paid in Canadian funds.
- Despite the slow economy, South Buxton Raceway is pleased at how many several local businesses have shown their support for the Shootout with sponsorship packages.
Division Sponsors - Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants; Advantage Warehouse.
Gold Sponsors - Clarke Drainage Contractors Ltd.
Silver Sponsors - Schinkel’s Gourmet Meats; Country View Golf Course; Brownie’s Catering; Kent Farm Supplies Limited; Deer Run Golf Course; Westside Performance Plus; M. Pearce Trucking; Scotiabank
Bronze Sponsors - Imperial Auto Body; One Stop Auto Parts; Canada Business Services; Corr-Pak.
Special Sponsors - Outhouse Image & Design; Country 92.9 FM/630 AM CFCO.
Links to these sponsors can be found by clicking on 2009 Sponsor Honour Roll under the Shootout icon.
- Fans who wish to camp in the South Buxton Raceway parking lot are advised the gates will be open at 8 a.m. Saturday. Camping spots are located along the grassline on the north side of the parking lot. It is raw camping (no water or electrical hookups).
- Chris Ross will be George Brooks’ special guest on Pit Pass this Friday at 6:40 p.m. and Saturday at 10:40 a.m.
- South Buxton public relations director Mike Bennett is one of the guests on Race Time Radio this week, promoting the Shootout with hosts Joe Chisholm and Bob Sanders. A repeat of Monday’s live show can be heard anytime on RTR’s web site: www.racetimeradio.com
