Most hockey players probably wouldn’t feel too comfortable behind the wheel on race track race, but that stereotype does not apply to rookie Soo Thunderbird rookie forward Harley Wardell and driving partner Conrad Jennings along with enduro team in the pits of Ben Appleton, Lucas Rosso, and Brandon Cognigni who will be competing in the Saturday, June 24th 2023 AIM Recycling Laird 100 Lap Enduro at Laird Raceway in Northern Ontario. Harley Wardell and his teammates didn’t grow up a racing fans, but they certainly developed an appreciation for the sport with the building of the car for this upcoming week’s race as a team as the foursome prepare the Ben’s Lawn Car Ford Escort for Saturday’s race.
Conrad has had a little experience behind the wheel of car while this will be Wardell’s first time behind the wheel of any type of one of these races. Harley who goes to St Mary’s College and Conrad who attends Korah Collegiate left school on their lunch to purchase the Ford Escort on Wednesday, June 14th to start preparing for this expecting short track race on June 24th at Laird Raceway. Pit crew, Ben Appleton, Lucas Rosso, and Brandon Cognigni also attend St Mary’s College. Wardell said “we chose this type of race because all of us be part of the race and it seems like a starting place to enjoy racing.”
Harley told Saultsports that “I am the only one in the group that currently plays hockey. I think I can transfer from hockey my quick reaction time, mental preparation/strength, physical strength and my ability to work under pressure in difficult situations. We have learned on how the different components on the vehicle work.
Fans can come out and enjoy an afternoon of racing for the 2023 AIM Recycling Laird 100 Lap Enduro on Saturday, June 24th with bus racing and lawn mower races included in the day’s events. Two lucky children will head home with a chance to win a children’s bike. Laird Raceway will offer special pricing for June 24th event with grandstand price of $10.00 for adults while adults over 75 and youth under 18 FREE. Pit costs will be $20.00. Pit gates will open at 11:00 a.m while grandstand gates opening at 1:00 p.m followed by the green flag dropping at 3:00 p.m for the 2023 AIM Recycling Laird 100 Lap Enduro.
Wardell would like to thank his dad, Darryl for helping us with the car and George Wilson has been a big help answering our questions.
When asked what the team needs to be successful, Wardell added, “a ton of beginners luck and preparation before the race!”
“I think it’s great seeing our sport garnering the attention of this younger generation, it’s filling our grandstands and now it’s beginning to fill our pits with new up and coming drivers. I am sure there is still many drivers on the fence wanting to do this and race at our local speedway but fear not knowing how to build a car. They shouldn’t be scared there is so many of us willing to assist and help out with whatever we can. Kotos to these five 17 year old’s for going four ways buying their car and putting it together with what I have been told no experience at all,” added Wilson.
