The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
SLAUNWHITE
The win was long overdue for Slaunwhite, who last visited victory lane Aug. 27, 2016, at the Cummins 150 at Petty Raceway in New Brunswick. He now has nine career victories.
“I got that first win in front of one of my main sponsors, Presidential Ventilation Systems," he said. "Their whole staff was in the stands watching. It brought all that great emotion that I've had winning races back at 40 years of age. Not thinking that I was going to be able to get the job done again."
The following week at Riverside Speedway, Slaunwhite started a winning streak. He took the Wilson Equipment Twin 75s and is the owner of two consecutive wins for the first time in his career.
“I went into Riverside with the same mentality: I'm going there to win the race," he said. "I haven't been able to do that in a very, very long time. My rookie season in 2008 was the last time I had that much confidence going into a race.
“Holding the checkered flag at the iconic track was great. It's one that has eluded me for a long time.”
POINTS TITLE ON THE LINE
Slaunwhite is full of confidence as the season winds down. He trails Cole Butcher by one point (1,251-1,250) in the drivers' point standings. Jarret Butcher, Cole's brother, is 33 points back, while Nicholas Naugle is also in the hunt at 44 points behind.
He has never really challenged for the points title. His best finish was third in 2018. The thought of racing for the crown this late in the season is a thrill for the veteran driver.
“Cole and I are separated by one point and on the track, that's half a position,” Slaunwhite said. “I've never been this close to a title. It's going to be a lot of fun.”
Two races remain on the schedule, the IWK 250 (Sept. 11 at Riverside) and the Atlantic Oliver Tire (Sept. 25 at Scotia Speedworld). The Cummins 150, postponed on Aug. 28, has yet to be rescheduled but is expected to be held.
Slaunwhite can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Fury and push for a third straight win at the IWK 250.
“It has put the excitement back in the game, given me confidence, the team confidence,” Slaunwhite said. “I haven't had this much fun racing since my rookie season in 2008. We're riding a big high right now.”