Aumen Gets 2nd in Strawberry Cup

The Island Racemasters 44s team travelled to Western Speedway on June 14 to defend the Strawberry Cup. Driver Scott Aumen had been victorious in the 2 previous years, winning the venerable 44 year old monster trophy. This year the competition was looking for Aumen. It was the first race of the WILROC season for some. The Mid Island Engine powered 44s sprinter was straightened out after the crash in Williams Lake, but the team was concerned about how it would handle. Fourteen cars unloaded for the event.

As always Aumen was quick in qualifying, turning a very fast 4.12. We assumed it would hold up for fast time, but the 14 car took a page out of Aumen’s book, sliding around the corners for a 4.06 fast time.

The A dash was, as usual, a parade, with Aumen starting and finishing 3rd. Crew chief Dale Taylor and driver Aumen conversed and changes were made to the set-up for the A heat. Aumen lined up the ABC Recycling sponsored car in the 5th spot and worked his way up to 3rd at the finish. No surprises, no big moves.

The main event would be an interesting race. The Grant Signs decaled 44s started on the inside of row 3, which was not Aumen’s favourite side. He likes to go around cars on the outside so was hemmed in. The entire field stayed bunched together for the first few laps. On lap 3 the 14 car slipped by Aumen, but he regained the position 1 lap later. Tight racing ensued until lap 8 when the yellow flew. On the restart Aumen was quick to take advantage, passing the Barrett 42 on lap 10 then the Montgomery 33j one lap later. We were please that the rebuilt car was handling well and going to the front. The Yates 91 was leading, with Aumen trying everything to get by but to no avail. The 44s was all over the outside of the 91 for 8 laps, with the 33j and the 42 sprinters challenging. Montgomery was patient, saving his tires. On lap 18 he moved by Aumen to challenge Yates for the lead. The 4 frontrunners remained in a tight battle, never getting too far apart. Finally Montgomery overtook Yates for the lead on lap 30. Aumen was right behind him as Yates started to get loose. Aumen completed the pass on lap 31 and stayed on the 33j bumper for the remaining 9 laps. Barrett was coming hard and passed Yates on the last lap.

It was a very exciting race. The first 4 cars were very even and Aumen had to really work to get 2nd spot. The team was pleased with the result and learned from the evening. The wrecked race car of 2 weeks previous was fast.

So now we prepare for a return visit to Western Speedway on July 5th. We hope to see you there! Thanks again to all our sponsors who enable us to be competitive. Special thanks to Impact Visual Communications who are printing a new card to hand out to the fans. It will show the new colour scheme and list all of our corporate sponsors.

See you at the track!