July 14, 2010. It’s been one month since Calgary’s Jarrad Whissell and the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team last competed in the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. But since then the excitement has been building for their debut on the streets of Exhibition Place this Saturday afternoon during the Toronto Indy weekend.
This is the first time the NASCAR Canadian Tire series has been part of the schedule at the Toronto Indy and Whissell is excited to participate in the inaugural event. “This race weekend has a great history and the track layout should make for very exciting racing” said the driver. “The long Lakeshore straightaway leading into the tight right hand turn three will be especially interesting to watch” he added.
The month long layoff has allowed the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team the opportunity to repair their damaged race car from the last event. “We had some trouble at the last event” explained Whissell. “I got the car out of shape, we went off course and touched the wall, but the real problem was a small fire that occurred. Not only did we have to replace parts but all of the wires along with all the plastic and rubber pieces have been replaced as a precaution” he concluded.
Despite the setback Whissell is optimistic about this weekend. “Bill Burns did a great job putting the car back together and before we had our troubles the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford was fast and very well balanced. We’ll definitely be good right from the start this weekend” said the enthusiastic driver.
Though it will be his first time on the eleven turn temporary street circuit in Toronto that is surrounded by concrete barriers Whissell looks forward to the challenge. “I’ve raced at Trois Rivieres so I understand the walls around you” said the driver. “I’ve also watched some video of old CASCAR series races to help get a feel of what to expect” he added.
This weekend’s race will also be broadcast live on TSN and TSN HD, a first for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. “I think everyone is very excited about this event being live from coast to coast” said Whissell. “It really shows that NASCAR has grown this series very quickly and the demand is there to see the races live” he added.
The #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team is raising funds for research into a cure for Multiple Sclerosis this season. Support of that cause also goes beyond the race team explained the driver. “Each year Whissell Contracting holds a BBQ for employees and their families. This year we set up a dunk tank and the proceeds raised are also going to help MS research” explained Jarred Whissell.
Whissell not only set up the dunk tank, but participated. “Yes I got dunked a few times and even though the temperature was about 17C it was worth it” smiled Whissell. “I also have to thank the three companies that matched all the money we raised for MS, Lafarge, Renfrew Insurance and Mike Vail Trucking. It helped bring our total to $900 and of course half of our winnings this weekend also go to the cause. Fans can go to our website www.jarradwhissell.com to help out too” he added.
The five NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course events are a part of some of the largest race weekends in
Attached Photo: #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford heading out onto the track at Mosport International Raceway.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
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