TD Banknorth 250 - 7/22/07 - 23rd


 

Photos by Chris Roy

Eddie Disappointed with Finish at the Banknorth 250

Eddie MacDonald knew he had the car to compete and possibly win the world-famous Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway but a questionable penalty cost a lap and the possibility of a victory.

The race, formerly known as the Oxford 250, attracted 97 drivers for a chance to win the 34th annual richest short track purse in the country. With Nextel drivers Terry Labonte and Kevin Lepage among the hopefuls, the starting grid was narrowed to 44 entries through a series of heats, consolation races, and last chance qualifiers. Pro Stocks formerly raced this event but this year Late Models were the featured cars.

Eddie, a Busch East Series competitor, has also been competing in the Late Model division at Oxford this season, hoping his familiarity with the track would be a benefit for the race and it paid off. The Rowley hot-shoe won his heat thereby guaranteeing a starting spot. With a stellar field of accomplished drivers ready to take the green flag for the grueling 250 laps around the three-eighths of a mile oval, Eddie started in the fourth position.

For over 100 laps Eddie cruised in the top four then took the lead for seven laps on lap 133. When the caution flag flew on lap 140, Eddie brought the car to the pits for service. It was at this time officials held the car for a one-lap penalty for allegedly passing the pace car on pit road while going to his pit. The pace car was on the track at the time. By the time the frustrated driver returned to the track, he had to restart in the back and was promptly spun by a car behind causing another lost lap.

“We had such a great car it is really disappointing for us to lose the chance to win because of a call like that. After winning the heat, we knew we had something for the field. The handling was fantastic thanks to Rollie (LaChance) and we knew we just had to be there at the end to have a shot at the win,” said the frustrated driver after the race. “Then, of course, when we started in the back we got taken out losing another lap. We tried to get the laps back but it just didn’t happen.”

Despite being down multiple laps, Eddie thrilled the huge crowd as he did in the Late Model Governor’s Cup at Lee USA Speedway in April with three-wide passing all the way around the track. Eddie was scored in the 23rd position. He will compete next in the Busch East Series race at Adirondack International Speedway on July 28 in the car owned by Rob Grimm. Eddie had a great run going in the same car at Thompson until he was dumped with four laps to go.

Eddie is pleased to be back in the seat of the Grimm Construction Chevy saying, “I am excited that we have another opportunity to drive the car again for Rob. We know what it is capable of after the run at Thompson. Hopefully we will have a better finish this time.”

Media Contact: Jennifer MacDonald - jennymac29@hotmail.com