TORBAY, N.L. — It was a war of attrition, but a part-time driver came out the other side of it with the biggest win of the season and perhaps his career.
Torbay’s Dean Martin powered his No. 2 through the field to take the checkered flag to capture the 2019 Eastbound 150 at Eastbound International Speedway on Saturday evening.
He was one of the four fastest cars all day and took advantage of some misfortune for several of the drivers to win the race.
“I didn’t get a chance to run a full schedule this year because of work, but winning this is incredible,’’ he said.
“My team, my friends and family have been so supportive and that is why I am here right now,’’ he added noting he ran just four events but the jubilation on his face was evident as he climbed out of his car to celebrate in winner’s circle.
Going into the race, the championship for NASCAR Division I had already been decided.
Wayne Walsh (No. 99) has secured his third straight NASCAR Division I title and will be heading to Charlotte, N.C. for to attend the championship banquet at the Hall of Fame.
His consistency all season led to the title and he is looking forward to the event.
“I am looking forward to the trip,’’ said the man known by drivers as the “Flamin’ Bayman.”
“They know how to party down there,’’ Walsh said.
The biggest event of the weekend was in the Sun Life Financial Bandolero division as two drivers were literally deadlocked heading into the final race of the year.
Nicolas Codner (No 54) and Joey Arsenault (No. 3) have been neck and neck all season, exchanging wins and vaulting to the top of the driver’s standings.
When the dust settled on this division, it was Arsenault who emerged as the champion following a victory in the main final, narrowly edging out Codner for the title.
The Hanlon Realty US Legends division was wrapped up by Michael Neary who has dominated races for nearly two entire seasons. His MNR No. 23 has been stout during his domination but is being pushed hard by Gavin Anstey (No. 85) who has been hot on his heels as he sits just 30 points back.
Neary lost his first race in two seasons when his teammate from the Maritime Circuit Michael Cormier of Grand Barachois, N.B. edged him by inches at the line for the win.
Kevin Lane (No. 96) in the Atlantic Dodge Dealers Hobby Stock division has dominated 2019 and has claimed the NASCAR Division II title.
That domination continued on Saturday as he powered his black hobby stock machine to the front and stayed there to put an exclamation point in the championship.
He finished two car lengths ahead of his teammate and main rival Cody Lake (No. 09)
