By Doug Townsend
Varney On- Under sunny skies, cool temperatures and in front of an overwhelming crowd, young Bobby Tolton from Guelph did what close to 50 others had attempted to do -- win the inaugural Sprint Into Spring 200 and a beautiful turnkey 360 Winged Sprint car valued at $35,000, at Full Throttle Motor Speedway on Saturday.
The win did not come easy as Tolton had to overcome issues with his car in the first 90 lap heat knowing he and his car had to perform better in the second 90 lap heat in order to have a starting spot for the 20 lap sprint.
In the interview after the race Tolton admits he went into heat one with the wrong attitude and used up his tires way to early trying to race everyone.
In the second 90 lap heat he came out with the attitude to keep his car out of trouble and take his time to work to the front and it paid off winning the second heat. In the feature Bobby Tolton would start 15th in the field of 20 cars and after getting hung up behind a stopped van off the green was able to work his way towards the front. With five laps to go he was able to make his way around the second place running car and set his sights on the leader #51 Derek Musker. With just three laps to go Tolton was able to take advantage of some snow on the track in corner one and get underneath the #51 car to finally take the lead and hang on for the checker to win the biggest pay day of his young racing career.
As this race was the kick off to the 2015 race season in Ontario and since nothing like this had ever been tried before, it brought fans from across the province to the highbanks south of Durham. Car loads came in from the St. Catherines and Welland areas over to the London area and up as far as North Bay. Also because of its unique time and style of race, it also attracted a fan following, not only coast to coast in Canada, but even NASCAR racer Michael Waltrip tweeted about the race on Saturday. Fans and racers where asked to bring a donation for the local Food Banks and they did, close to three pickup truck loads where taken out of the Leslie Ford F150 ready to drop off at the Food Banks in Durham and Mount Forest.
This race and its prize were the brain child of Full Throttle Motor Speedway owner Gord Bennett, as he and his staff prepare to establish the highbank oval just south of Durham into a regional entertainment destination.
Full Throttle Speedway (formerly Varney Speedway) was opened in 1970 with Gord Bennett being only the fourth owner taking over May 1 last year. People will see many changes and upgrades again to the speedway this year with the biggest being a total redesign of the infield to allow for more shows to be brought in.
This year you will see the regular home grown Friday night racing action along with the second Saturday of each month being a Super Saturday with many of the provinces touring series coming in. Also in July the Ontario Truck and Tractor Pullers will be in for a two day show then the Case IH Ultimate Rodeo Tour makes a two day stop in August.
For complete details go to the website www.fullthrottlemotorspeedway.com.