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FLEMMING WINS FRASER TRIBUTE
HALIFAX, NS (2004 May 29) - John Flemming had a perfect race in round 2 of 11 for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld Saturday - almost. There was one thing missing as Flemming grabbed his second consecutive win on the series 2004 season: Scott Fraser, a fierce rival and friend of Flemming who lost his life in a snowmobile accident in March. The entire event was set aside to honour Fraser, a four-time champion and fan favourite. The Tribute was presented by Fraser's long-time local sponsor Atlantic Cat.

"Scottie and I rubbed fenders so many times here at Scotia Speedworld," said Flemming (Halifax), driver of the No. 97 Atlantic Dodge Dealers Intrepid. "It was hard to keep my concentration a couple of times in the race but then I just told myself to go get him."

The Flemming/Fraser battles were anticipated by fans as the odds were that sparks would fly, rather than not, any time the two got close to each other on the track.

"He was the guy to beat," said Flemming. "That's probably why we all tried so hard when he was around us on the track. He raised the bar for us in the late 90s when he won all those shows. We all had no choice but to get better. He was good for our sport. Him not being here is still tough to swallow."

Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB) finished second behind Flemming and Kent Vincent (Crapaud, PEI) was third. Gordie Ryan (Wellington) and George Koszkulics (New Glasgow) rounded out the top five. 27 teams entered the event.

Flemming battled with his racecar earlier in the day but perhaps the four hour rain delay for the race allowed his crew time to work out the problems.

"We didn't know what we had when we started the race," said Flemming. "We made changes after practice that would either work or make us worse. I knew in the first few laps they had worked."

Indeed, as Flemming advanced from his fifth-place start on the grid to the point by lap 11. He led by as much as three seconds in the late stages of the race. Tucker was the only other lap leader, starting on the pole and keeping the lead for the first 10 circuits.

Mike MacKenzie picked up his second Motor Mart Time Trial award in as many events by setting a fast time of 14.74 seconds around the 3/10-mile asphalt oval. Tucker grabbed the Dash qualifying race for the fastest nine racers from time trials. GM Goodwrench Service Heat Race winners were Scott Alexander (Dartmouth) and Wayne Smith (Timberlea).

Flemming will collect the Coast Tire Most Laps Led Award and the R&S Sign Design Halfway Award. George Koszkulics will get the Wonder Auto Centres Hard Charger Award. Jason Silliker was the top finishing rookie and as such earned the EIT Race Radio Rookie of the Race Award.

Phillip Barkhouse, Jr. honoured Fraser, his good friend and fellow competitor, by accepting the Pole Challenge, posted by Fraser's recent sponsor King Freight Lines and home track Scotia Speedworld. Barkhouse relinquished his fourth-place starting spot for the rear of the field and the chance to earn a $1,000 bonus if he won the race. He was guaranteed $20 per position gained. His 13th-place finish gets him a $280 bonus.

There were six cautions in the 100-lap feature race.

The Nova Automotive Hobby Stock 35-lap feature was won by defending class champion Larry Fisher. James Butler and Joey Webber were second and third.

The C&R Auto Supply Sportsman Series 50-lap feature saw Todd Tufts grab the checkers, followed by 2003 division champion James Graves. Shawn Turple was third.

Racing activities were precluded by a Tribute to Scott Fraser where over 1500 fans endured cold temperatures and rain for 35 minutes to remember their fallen hero. The Tribute included recollections from racers, tributes from NASCAR legend Buddy Baker, television personalities and King Racing team owner Rollie MacDonald, and recognition of numerous crew members who had supported Fraser's racing career. Scott Fraser's parents and brother were presented with a stirring portrait of Scott and also with a framed proclamation from the Nova Scotia government honouring Scott's contribution to the province.