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MCLENNAN WINS SEASON OPENER FOR THE LUCAS OIL CAN-AM MIDGETS

Darren McLennan, London, Ont., was the top of the class as he claimed the checkered flag for the season opener of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Sunset Speedway, (ON) on Sunday night of the Canadian Holiday weekend. Eighteen drivers were anxious to start the season as they had one practice and one race canceled by rain already in May.

Tom Kyle took the lead from the start with McLennan on his tail. A Lap 3 caution for a spinning Todd Cresswell in turn three opened the door for McLennan to take the lead in turn one for the restart. Kyle remained in second place followed by 2010 Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget Champion, Rob Neely, now in third. Daniel Bois and JR Fitzpatrick, a driver in the NASCAR Nationwide series, rounding out the top five. Lap 7 had Fitzpatrick spin in turn three and go to the rear of the field. Bois, Neely, Rookie Jeff Blackburn, and Michael McCann were now the top runners behind a very strong McLennan. Neely passed Bois on lap 10 and set his sights on McLennan, but he was stretching out his lead on the field.

Cresswell was not having the day go as planned, seizing a motor in his heat race, he borrowed the #82 car of James Gray for the feature race, and after his early spin was now in the top five. Gray was on his honeymoon, but his father, Wayne, brought the car to the track to support the Club. On Lap 14 a red flag was thrown as Mike Westwood rolled his car in turn three. After removing the wing, he returned to the track. The following lap Fitzpatrick went out with an overheated motor and David Balych had a tire and wheel come off before the restart. McCann went off with damage from contact with the rolled-over car of Westwood.

Neely was still chasing McLennan with Bois, Cresswell and Blackburn close behind on lap 20. Two laps later Neely exploded his motor and Cresswell was caught up in the oil of the aftermath taking him out of the race as well. This left McLennan with Bois on his back for the remaining three laps. Bois tried high and low but McLennan was not to be denied. Blackburn was third followed by Kyle and Westwood. After the race Blackburn was DQ'd for fuel and Westwood for weight.

A very excited McLennan thanked the fans for coming, but explained this was not the typical night of racing for the Can-Am Midgets. He thanked series sponsor Lucas Oil, his sponsors Brian's Service Center, Spencer Steel and Ace Radiator of London for all their continued support. He also thank his family for all their efforts every weekend.

Heats were won by Fitzpatrick and Neely. Fitzpatrick was DQ'd for weight after the heat.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets are off for one week and then return to Lake Erie Speedway in Erie, PA along with the Casey's Midgets. They expect 40 to 50 midgets to be in the pits for the second year of this joint venture.

Final finish for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Sunset Speedway was...1. DARREN MCLENNAN, 2..Daniel Bois, 3. Tom Kyle, 4. Rob Neely, 5. Todd Cresswell, 6. Earl Caine, 7. Michael McCann, 8. David Balych, 9. JR Fitzpatrick, 10. Justin Fraser (R), 11. Dave Hickson (R), 12. Mack DeMan, 13. Jeff Blackburn (R), 14. Mike Westwood. DNS..Craig Mackereth and Chris Bauman.

Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets Points as of May 22, 2011...DARREN MCLENNAN...180, 2. Daniel Bois...167, 3. Tom Kyle...160, 4. Rob Neely...157, 5. Todd Cresswell...141, 6. Earl Caine...135, tie, Michael McCann...135, 8. David Balych...128, 9. JR Fitzpatrick...120, 10. Justin Fraser (R)...117, 11. Dave Hickson (R)...113, 12. Mack DeMan...107, 13. Mike Westwood...55, 14. Craig Mackereth...53, 15. Jeff Blackburn...51, 16. Chris Bauman...50.