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20 - Theanadian Champion, Fdiday, Octoberi1S, 1999 Upgrada, Sala end Servic iatil, Sot.up.lhoualahhe Hom and Small Buainsea1 CoPmpr Intemet Access, web Site Hostlng and Design On-Site Service www.gensys.on.ca 875-3428. Milton auto racer fires on ail cylinders this season By STEVE LeBLANO The Champi .on Finally, it ail camne togeth- er for Brad Corcoran. The Milton auto racer, who's been battling in the late models division for about a decade now, recently wrapped up a break- thruugh season. His succesa - which shoulti pave the way tu bigger and better things, namely a future in CAS- CAR - came on twu fronts. First and furemust was a seasun series points race victury at Bowmanville's MoSport. Corcoran won a career high four feature races, of a possible 13, andi finisheti in the top three every weekend - with the exception of the last, when hie had his only crash of the year and gave up some breathing room hetwcen himnself and the runner-up. "It's realiy competitive. You can't miss a night without losing ground," said the 28-year-old, who this year drove a Monte Carlo. "I'd neyer been able to put a whole season together hefore. Lt was great. Everything went picture perfect." Aided'by a skiilcd pit crew mun by fellow Miltonian Dave Robertson, Corcoran also gained exposure at newly-opened Kawartha (near Peterborough) - which challenges racers with a 24 degree banked uval. The local driver grabbed the attention of peers and prospective sponsors by taking the checkered flag in the track' s inaugural race six weeks agu. Recalled Corcoran, "There was a big wreck on the very first lap. 1 deked around it and from there it was smooth sailing. There was a big field andi lots of excitemnent for that lirst race. Lt was great to win Succeas would continue tu shine his way - as hce won the next twu feature races as weli. With only six shortened Kawartha - Corcoran woulJt surely have captured the pointa race tille had one beà V àvail- able for the taking. The Milton racing team'a next challenge, now that the season ia over, will be to secure serious sponsorship for next year. That is, if they hope to make the jump to CASCAR. Right now they receive help from Ellis Race Cara, Quaker State, Johnny's Auto Centre and UAP - but don't have that one major financial backer necessary su get tu the next level. "'We've heard different figures about CASCAR. Some say it takes $1 50,000 tu race it and others say it's $300,000," explained Robertson. "We want tu get in about five races next year, but that takes money. Any way you look at it, racing isn't cheap." Second overtime defeat in as many road *ris for Merchants Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Driver Brad Corcoran (left> end pi crew chief Dave Robertson dlspiay the season sertes points race tlle they won recentiy ai MoSport. By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion Sudden death has been living up to its naine - as least for the Merchants. For the second time in six nights Saturday, Milton was vanquisheti in overtime. Their 4-3 ioss - number two in a row on the road - came againat Bramnpton, who've been struggling su far this season but remain tough to beat in front of the hometown crowd. The West Conference leaders did make it somewhat easy for them, heading into the gaine minus four regu- Ians anti telivering a rallier lethargic performance. "We played pretty bad," saiti tearo owner Brad Grant. "Lt was probably ur worst onting Ibis season. Huwever, it was ur fourth gamne of the week and thse guys were tired." 'Mec 9-2 Merchants - who before st night wcre four points ahead of Georgetown and Hamilton - were leas than haif a mJinute away from earning their first season stalemate when Capitals' Brandon Dawe buried hi s second of the ni ght past Luc Lamothe. Milton's goalie faced his stiffest test tu date, kicking out 46 shots including nearly two dozen in the second stanza. Counterpait Danny Goulti saw only about haif as much work. He was beaten once in each regulation period. Scoring wcre Richard Peveriey, Ryan Rasmussen and Ian Malcolm - who finished the week off with eight goals andi now leatis the team with 13. Veteran Mike Wheelihan drew two assists while single helpers went tu Rob Martin, Jeff Petherick and ese. MERCHANTS on page 23 s, .à làEUVix 'e K(NUCKLES SPORT SHo'p la a ploudi aponsor of MiltonWlnier Hawà, Hocy!! ~18 Thompto Rd. ,Undi #69 MM &1n c7422 L--------------------------- ----------- ---