Post by Jeff Kempton on Sept 19, 2013 13:50:37 GMT -4
With less than 48 hours to go before the final ACSSA race of the 2013 season, things are looking good. We have a great weather forecast, 16 cars confirmed, and another one still possible. The 2013 season has been a tough one for breakage; with at least four engine failures and other parts issues that have caused several racers to miss some of our events. Personal commitments, health issues and weather have also affected attendance. Despite this we have had solid numbers this year, and even set a new high of 25 cars at the Miramichi race.
The points chase remains hot going into our final race. Due to a very full program plus Rosa's accident (get well soon Rosa!) in PEI, both the semifinal and final rounds of Race 4 didn't get run off and will be completed this Saturday in Greenfield. With both the #1 and #2 guys in the points still in competition for the Race 4 crown that means that there are still 6 or 7 rounds of racing left to decide who the 2013 Season Champion will be. Of course Scott Sprague; while friends with both of these guys, really wants that Race Winner plaque, cheque, and especially that coveted red Winner's cap for himself, so don't count him out. Those two rounds in themselves will be fun to watch.
Heading into the Race 4 semifinals Kelly has 347 points to Mark's 307, but has a bye into the finals and could finish Race 4 as much as 85 points or as little as 17 points in the lead. With 85 points on the line for a four round race (not counting attendance points), that means that if Kelly maxes his points in Race 4 and Mark loses in the semis then Mark must win Race 5 and have Kelly go out in Round 1 in order to tie him. However; if Kelly doesn't win Race 4 or if Mark wins his semifinal matchup against Scott then the task of catching and passing Kelly becomes easier.
At 205 points Jeremy Keans' chances of passing Mark for second are very slim and only exist if Race 5 is a five round race, and Mark doesn't win any more rounds while Jeremy wins them all. Jeremy also needs to keep his eye on his mirror for Jack Keirstead, who's just over a round behind him in 4th with 182 points. One stumble by Jeremy and Jack is poised to take that 3rd spot away. Not to be forgotten is Scott Sprague, who is just over two rounds behind Jack and can still earn up to 45 points by winning Race 4. That would vault him past Jack to 4th place and position him an even 20 points behind Jeremy prior to the start of Race 5. Whew!
In addition to the above contenders there are also three other guys chasing a Top Five finish. Greg Nickerson, Scott Underhill and Alan Harper are all currently tied for 5th at 160 points, and each of them still has a good chance to move up by winning two rounds or more. Greg of course has two ACSSA championships in his portfolio and can never be counted out. Scott U has been having another strong year, and Alan has been enjoying a breakout season with the big blue Dodge, becoming a real threat in eliminations. If Scott S's performance in the remaining Race 4 rounds plus Race 5 comes up short, and if both Jack and Jeremy falter, these guys could all finish in the Top Five, and one could even finish as high as 3rd.
There you have it; a summary of all the drama in the points as best I can figure it out. EIGHT racers are poised to battle it out for the top three spots at season's end. While I'm pretty sure all the above is accurate please note that it's unofficial at present, and depending on how close the finish is, the ACSSA Executive will need to double and triple check the numbers before making it final. Also; if we get over 16 cars in Greenfield it becomes a five round race, and that changes everything!
It's certainly shaping up to be a real barn burner of a finale, and I for one can't wait. Whether you're a spectator or a fellow racer you'll want to be at Greenfield Dragway watching the action when these guys come to the line!