Maritime Pro Stock Tour
Eddy Finishes Ninth at CAT 250 (Team Release)
Team Release – Photo by Speedshots.ca
The #72 Samuel Metals / Danas Collision Center CSN car was fast all day during practice as preparations were made for the 14th annual Atlantic CAT 250 on the Maritime Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. The race was the first after fellow racer and friend, Mike Stevens passed away unexpectedly following a crash in last week’s race in Prince Edward Island and Brad and team hoped for a great finish, in Mike’s memory.
Throughout practice, the pit crew was hard at work making minor tweaks and adjustments to the car in search of even faster times. In the final practice session, Brad set one of the fastest lap times, at 14:633 seconds.
After qualifying and the Dash for Cash, Brad lined up 7th for the main event and the team was proud of the top10 start. During the first half of the race, the speed of the car was evident as Brad quickly gained positions in the strong field of 27 cars. By lap 103, Brad moved up to 3rd place and showed no signs of slowing down. At lap 125, Brad pulled into the pits for the mandatory caution on lap 126.
The crew changed all four tires and added spring rubbers to a spring, and Brad headed back on track for the final 124 laps. “Going into the pits, we were all really optimistic, and looking forward to a great finish.” Charles Skinner, pit-crew member explains.
The team’s plan was to use four tires that Brad only used for 2 laps at the IWK 250 in practice. “Looking back we maybe should have run that second set of tires through another heat cycle on Saturday. When we put them on for the second half of the Cat 250 the sizes went crazy causing the car to lose its handling” says Team owner Dan Eddy.
“Had a very strong car for the first 125 (laps). Tires for the second half were old scuffs from the IWK250. The stagger went crazy.” Brad later tweeted from his Twitter account. Pulling into lap 150, Brad moved into 8th place. Lap 197 brought him down to 11th. Despite the issue with the tires, Brad did a great job holding his positioning and pulled off a top ten finish. “Brad and the Team had a great run in the Atlantic CAT 250 and we want to especially Thank Chris Duncan who drove in from Saint John to act as crew chief for the day. As in the IWK 250 we couldn’t have done it without Chris, great guy and a great addition to our Team.” Dan Eddy states.
“These are long, tough races and running up front all day and finishing in the top ten with zero damage is always a good result.” Says Team owner Eddy “We were ecstatic about the top-ten finish and even happier to be back on the track.” Skinner explains.
“A little disappointed with the second half of the race, but I was happy to be racing again.” Brad adds.
Looking ahead, the team is already making preparations for the Parts for Trucks 150 at Petty International Speedway on August 24, 2013, where Brad placed 2nd last year as a rookie. Brad hopes to improve his second place finish in 2012 by moving up just one more spot in this year’s International 150.
As always, Brad Eddy Racing would not be able to function without the generous support of its sponsors. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support including Samuel Metals / Danas Collision Center CSN / King Freight / Auto Port / Richard Jamieson Contracting / Dewalt Tools / Air Liquide / McLeod’s Safety and Dartmouth Metals and bottles.
“I race with Family and Friends out of my Grandfather’s garage, hauling a 24′ trailer with a rental truck. This is what racing is all about. I’d be willing to say we all have more fun than anybody out there when we’re in the shop, on the road, or at the track. Our team is a family and I’m thankful for everyone that helps me get to the track each and every week we go to compete. I will never give up on my dream of doing this for a living.” –Brad Eddy
