Father & Son Battle for the Win in Calgary, Canada!

                                    By Carrie Benson 8/30/04

            Big Sky Pro-Racing Association made its inaugural trip to Race City Speedway in Calgary, Alberta to race their second race of the year on Saturday, August 28th. Eight Rocky Mountain Pro-Stocks, along with 85 fans, made the trip up on the Friendship Trail between the Flathead Valley and Calgary. Race City’s owners, officials and fans warmly welcomed BSPRA with a crowd of 1600 coming to see the racing on the half mile track. 

            There were some troubles early on as Brad Lee, #3 Pro-Stock, blew his engine during hot-lapping and was done for the night. Carl Nordberg, #6, also had some troubles and had to make a parts run to get a new fuel pump. With the pits in the infield, fans could see the activity surrounding Nordberg’s car as all the members of BSPRA tried to get the #6 car running. Nordberg missed the time-trials, but was ready for the heat.  

            Jarred Burland, #43, had the fast time of the night, with an 18.37 on the half-mile track, with a top speed of 123.9 MPH on the back stretch starting him in the back for the trophy dash. Also in the dash were Chuck Morigeau #8, Tracy Burland #7, and Wade Shepard #4. There was some contact between T. Burland and Shepard on the first lap but clean racing from then on with #8 Morigeau holding off #43 Jarred Burland for the win. It was Morigeau’s first win with BSPRA.

             With the heat came some more troubles with the cars. T. Burland #7 took the lead early and held off the charging pack for his first win with BSPRA. Nordberg pulled off on lap 3 with engine trouble, got back out later in the race, but was able to only complete a couple more laps before returning to the pits. Lynn Olsen #40 had been running will until lap 4 when he lost the right front rotor and had to pit. Olsen was able to get it fixed and was back for the main. On lap 8, Jarred Burland got out of the grove and hit a rough spot on the track on turn 2 causing him to spin into the grass and he had to go the back of the pack. Jarred was able to work his way back, ending up 2^nd to his dad Tracy’s 1^st place finish.

             The 40 lap main event rounded out the night at Race City Speedway and the fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation as the green flag was thrown. The safety crew also saluted the drivers with a thumbs up as they came down the back stretch. As this was the last race of BSPRA’s season, the drivers were also racing for the last chance to get yearly points.

  After a lot of activity in the pits, all 7 cars started the main. On lap 3, Nordberg was back to the pits. Fans could tell that he was done for the night because of the lack of activity around his car. They were informed that all of the mechanics were out on the track trying to win the race.

             Wade Shepard, #4, was looking strong, jumping out to the early lead. Unfortunately, Shepard was also going to have some bad luck. They were racing hard and close coming out of turn 4 on lap 6 when Shepard’s left rear axle broke and sent him hard into the front wall. Tracy Burland was close behind him and brushed the wall after he avoided hitting Shepard’s car.  Jarred Burland was also in the mix and spun, but avoided any contact with Shepard or the wall. Upon the restart, it was a major battle between father and son, Tracy and Jarred Burland. With Tracy leading at the restart, he was able to hold off Jarred as they started to pull away from the rest of the pack. Chuck Morigeau, #8 was maintaining third. On lap 17 Josh Burland, #16 spun causing the 2^nd yellow of the race. Josh went into the pits a couple of laps later with transmission problems.  

            After the yellow, the pack was bunched back up for the restart. Tracy and Jarred were still battling, with Jarred trying his hardest to get around Tracy. Fans thought that the father had the advantage, having more experience, but Jarred proved them wrong. As Tracy got loose on lap 24, Jarred took advantage and was able to make it around into first. The rest of the main went smoothly, with Jarred Burland #43, taking the win, Tracy Burland #7 in second, and Chuck Morigeau #8 hanging in for third.

             All race fans were invited to the pits after the races for a special BBQ, hosted by Bill Olson of Community Banks. Olson showed everyone some Montana hospitality as he cooked up burgers, beans and corn for racers and fans. Drivers also had photos to sign and hand out to fans.

             With the race done, the points then had to be figured. Jarred Burland ended the season first with132 points. Brad Lee, who was second in points after racing in Ephrata, ended up last for the after the blown motor and not being able to run in Calgary. The rest of the drivers battled for points, with only 17 points separating 2^nd and 5^th.  

            Also running on Saturday at Race City Speedway were the Baby Grands, miniature 2/3 scale replicas of NASCAR stock cars, and the mini-stock.

             Race City Speedway was very impressed with BSPRA and there is talk of having two races for the 2005 season. If you are interested in finding out more about Big Sky Pro-Racing Association or the Friendship Trail, BSPRA will be having a meeting on Thursday September 2^nd, 7:00 p.m. at Plum Creek. For more information visit our web site at www.bigskyracing.net.

 RESULTS:

 Fast time of the night: Jarred Burland 18.37

 Trophy Dash: 1) Chuck Morigeau #8, 2) Jarred Burland #43, 3) Tracy Burland #7, 4) Wade Shepard #4 

Heat: 1) T. Burland, 2) Jarred Burland, 3) Shepard, 4) Morigeau, 5) Josh Burland #16, 6) Carl Nordberg #6, 7) Lynn Olsen #40

 Main: 1) Jarred Burland, 2) T. Burland, 3) Morigeau, 4) Olsen, 5) Josh Burland, 6) Shepard, 7) Nordberg

 YEAR-END POINT STANDINGS: 1) Jarred Burland 132 points, 2) Tracy Burland 118, 3) Chuck Morigeau 116, 4) Wade Shepard 104, 5) Carl Nordberg 101, 6) Josh Burland 93, 7) Lynn Olsen 85, 8) Brad Lee 60