4/24/2013
Wayne Helliwell Jr
Looking to Rebound
The start of the 2013 American Canadian Tour season did not go well for the reigning series champion Wayne Helliwell Jr. and the Bruce Bernhardt owned EKeys-4-Cars, Unique Ford Fusion Team. Helliwell fought an ill handling 27NH machine to a uncharacteristic 14th place finish. The first finish outside the top 10 in series competition since May 20th, 2012.
The opening round kicked off the season at a familiar venue for the Dover, NH pilot as they headed to Helliwell’s home track of Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH. With high hopes for putting a full race together Helliwell was looking for a win in a race that has eluded him throughout his career.
He would roll from the 5th position in the Governor’s Cup 150 starting line up. Helliwell remained among the top five for the first 80 laps. Struggling with the handling he found himself fading only to get some unwanted help in turn 4 and become a caution with 30 to go. After pitting for minor adjustments Helliwell began his march to get as many positions back as possible crossing the line 14th overall.
“Am I disappointed in where we finished, sure… But I’m just glad the car came home in one piece. Because really I destroyed the car at least 4 times and just managed not to hit anything."
Between bringing the car home in piece and finding some things wrong with it, Helliwell feels confident that they are on right path moving forward. “We found a couple of issues with car that were off. They aided in how loose it got. It’s time to go to work, we have some catching up to do...”
The Pelham, NH based Team will look to do just that this weekend as the series heads north to the famed Thunder Road Speedbowl and the annual Merchants Bank 150. A track in which Helliwell took two second place finishes out of last year.
“We have a decent program for there. This being only a four tire race will make things interesting for sure. We are looking forward to getting back there."
More information about the Merchants Bank 150 can be found at http://www.acttour.com/ or http://www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com/.
What: The Merchants Bank 150
Where: Thunder Road Speedbowl
When: Sunday April, 28th
Post Time: 1:00PM
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Leif Tillotson Photo
Article Credit: Jason Lubin / Welded Media
Submitted By: Jason Lubin