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(August 12th, 2024) - Robbie MacEwen finds himself in a position he knows all too well.
For the second year in a row, the 33-year-old Prince Edward Island star enters the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series season finale with a mathematical chance to win the championship - one that is still a bit of a long shot.
Statistically, MacEwen has trumped all 2023 results this season - two poles, three podiums, and four top five finishes in addition to leading 67 laps. Despite upping his game, he enters the finale once again needing some luck to swing his way. In 2023, MacEwen sat second in points and trailed Dylan Gosbee by twenty-seven (27) points. This year, MacEwen is third in points, 22 markers behind Cory Hall and 19 behind Ashton Tucker.
“We are consistent, I guess,” MacEwen joked. “It feels good to be in position for another year. I feel we improved on a lot of the small areas we struggled with last year. We’re happy with where we are at, and just to have a shot at the championship again is huge for myself and the whole team.”
A plumber by day, MacEwen’s rise to the top followed a classic path many other P.E.I. drivers have traveled. The MacEwen name is synonymous with racing, and a young Robbie turned his first laps in an Enduro car before moving into the stock car ranks. It’s been 10 years since MacEwen notched his second Modified championship at Oyster Bed Speedway - which was the premier division at the track at the time - which was followed by a full fledged Super Late Model effort.
A quick prodigy, MacEwen was propelled into the spotlight with a podium run during the 2015 running of the IWK 250. MacEwen and the 40 team became known for shining in big races, while being well known for consistency - over the last decade, he has earned 20+ podium finishes, including many in marquee events, while just three of those have been victories.
However, a full-time effort was never in the cards for the 40 team until the dawn of the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series. The structure and shorter schedule enabled MacEwen to run for a points championship - and in year one, MacEwen drove to a runner-up position in final standings.
“This championship would be a dream come true,” Robbie said. “We never really had the chance to run for points in Super Late Models until the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series started. We are just fortunate enough to be able to run all six races and be in contention two years in a row. This series means a lot to me and my team, and it would be a dream come true for sure.”
His claim to being Mr. Consistency is bolstered by his top 10 streak on the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series. Robbie has finished in the top 10 in every race in series history - that’s 11 straight races - and he looks to wrap up two consecutive seasons with this stat on August 17th. This streak, earning his first Easy-Kleen SLMS victory, and having a shot at the championship all weigh heavy in the back of driver #40’s mind.
“Honestly, I think I’m more nervous about keeping this top ten streak alive. That’s quite a feat for myself and the team,” Robbie noted. “There’s always pressure on us drivers, but maybe a little more when you throw the points into it.”
“Mentally, I just need to race that track [Speedway 660] a little bit better than I have. Thinking of Cory and Ashton, I always say racing is 80% luck so we just need luck on our side going into Saturday.”
Being the top P.E.I. driver throughout the season, Robbie has carried the torch one season after Dylan Gosbee won the first P.E.I. championship in decades while MacEwen made it a one-two punch up front. This year, P.E.I. drivers have yet to win a single feature.
“I think we have a lot of really good drivers and teams on the island, so it’s shocking to me that no one has won a race from the island. If anyone can do it, I think it’s our team. There are a lot of diehard race fans from this team, and I hope a lot of them are pulling for us to get the championship and get an island car into victory lane.”
Week in and week out, the #40 team is one of the biggest groups at the track. Robbie credited his team for much of his success all season, and vowed one wild celebration should they be able to complete the upset, while promising to leave it all on the line.
“I really think we have the best team out there. If we can win this thing, we are going to celebrate and we are going to party hard. I’m going to do whatever it takes. I’m not that guy to wreck someone - I don’t recall ever doing it - but if it means I’m going to have to use the bumper, I’ll have to do it or else I’ll have a disappointed team. Whatever it takes, I’m going to have to make it happen.”
With so much at stake, Robbie noted fans will not want to miss this race with high stakes and excitement on tap.
“I think the fans are in for one heck of a race, and they won’t be sitting in their seats for the final ten laps, that's all I’ve got to say. It’s going to be a wild one. If we’re in contention, we’ve got to do whatever it takes to put us in position. If we have to use the chrome horn, we have to do it.”
The ReCar 150 presented by Wonder Auto & Tire on Saturday August 17th at Speedway 660 will be round six of six on the 2024 Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series calendar. Action will get underway at 4pm with heat races for the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series.
As race day nears, fans are encouraged to stay tuned to social media for breaking news as it happens! The Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series can be found on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @SLMSeries. Also be sure to check out our official website at SLMS.ca.
For more information on the ReCar 150 presented by Wonder Auto & Tire, check out Speedway 660 on Facebook, and online at speedway660.com.
About the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series
The Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series is Atlantic Canada’s newest stock car racing series. Formed in Fall of 2022 through a partnership between Oyster Bed Speedway, Petty International Raceway, and Speedway 660, the Easy-Kleen Super Late Model Series contests a six-race schedule with some of North America’s top racing talents. The 2024 season will mark the second season of competition. Fans can find more info online at SLMS.ca, or through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X at @SLMSeries.
About Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems
Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems Ltd. has been manufacturing high pressure wash systems since 1982. Over 100,000 companies spanning various fields in both the commercial and industrial sectors are utilizing our machines for their everyday cleaning needs. Easy-Kleen is dedicated to continuing to build the world’s most heavy duty, hardworking, reliable, and efficient high pressure cleaning systems. Our machines are known by our customers to last decades, with many units performing for over 25 years. Visit EasyKleen.com to learn more about the products and services offered by Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems.
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