7/10/2012
Wayne Helliwell Jr
Luck "leaks" out...
With the exception of a 30th place finish at Oxford Plains Speedway in the month of June Wayne Helliwell Jr. hasn’t finished worse than 6th in all but one of his 21 events in the 2012 racing season. Headed into Lee USA Speedway’s double feature night Helliwell was a mere 2 points out of the point lead for the 2012 small block supermodified championship. Unfortunately that number would go in the wrong direction; Helliwell's luck would run out.
Double features were in order as a rainout two weeks prior prevented the feature from being run. Starting from the 11th position in feature number one; it would only take 2 laps before disaster would strike. While trying to avoid two other competitors skirmish Helliwell was hit in the side of the his Scherbon Consolidated Inc, Witkum Brothers Flooring 21 machine by fellow competitor Ricky Wolf. The hit forced him pit side as the crew worked franticly to repair the car only to find a damaged leaking radiator. Unable to correct the problem Helliwell never made it back out and collected his first DNF of the season at Lee USA Speedway; finishing a disappointing 15th place.
The night did not end there or get better for the Witkum brothers team; as repeated attempts to patch the leaking radiator were unsuccessful. Fellow competitors offered their spare radiators to no avail. "Supermodifieds are a custom built car, said Helliwell. Because each car is built slightly different most teams us a custom fitted radiator... Nobody had spare that would fit"
With the team unable stop the leak; Helliwell never made the starting grid of the second feature. He was credited with back to back 15th place finishes.
“It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating, said Helliwell. “it sucks to sit here and basically watch our championship hopes come to an end. I felt like we were just getting going, we are coming off a win and started to turn the corner… We’ll get it fixed and be back next week. We’ll keep fighting.”
Helliwell will be back in action next Friday night at Lee USA Speedway; for more information go to:http://leeusaspeedway.com/
Our 2012 Proud Partners ~ Scherbon Consolidated Inc / Locke Crane Service / Westford Glass / Witkum Flooring / Harrington Brothers Paving
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Photo by: Eric LaFleche/VFL Photos
Article Credit: Jason Lubin
Submitted By: Jason Lubin
