Jean Paul Cyr Wins Final Segment of the 48th Annual Milk Bowl
- 9 Nov 2010
The K&N sponsored Milton, Vermont, resident won the final segment of the 48th Annual Milk Bowl run at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, Vermont. Winning the last segment of the "toughest short track race in America," credited Cyr with a 17th place finish in the overall three-segment race. "At least we won the last segment," said Cyr. "I think we're getting really close with the car now, we have a good baseline set up. It's too bad we had a flat in the second segment because I thought we were positioned okay after the first (segment)."
The field of cars was reversed for segment two. Mid-race Cyr encountered a flat tire that saw him retire into the pit area for the remainder of the second segment.
"I think we had a good enough car where we could've gotten to the front in the second segment, seeing what happened in the third segment," he said. "All the same, I just as soon win the money in the third segment. Cyr's win earned the team $50 for each lap he led plus a $500 bonus for leading at the halfway mark. "What makes the Milk Bowl interesting and fun for fans, is that you qualify by time trials, and then by 50-lap heat races, making it very competitive to qualify," explains Cyr. "The Milk Bowl consists of three 50-lap segments. The field is inverted after the first and second race. For example, the winner of segment one, starts last in segment two. The short amount of time between segments makes it difficult to make adjustments. And, there is one short race (other models), between each Milk Bowl segment." 2010 has been a "building" year for Cyr Motorsports and they will be first to admit that they have experienced more than their fair share of disappointments over the course of a long season. "After coming off of a Thunder Road Track Championship, this year was challenging and disappointing," remarked Cyr candidly. "I started off the year driving for a great family. Unfortunately lack of funding made it hard to compete at the level needed to truly be competitive. So, half-way through the seasons, and after four years of driving for other teams, I made the decision to start my own team again." The exceptionally competitive American-Canadian Tour (ACT) consists of approximately 10-14 races held on tracks throughout New England, New York, and Quebec. The Tour is unique in that the tracks have been adapted to ACT rules, and drivers are often racing against "local favorites," at their own tracks. Many tour races are every bit as difficult to quality for as the Milk Bowl, with 35-50 cars typically be vying for 30 starting positions. "Overall, I'd have to say we had moderately successful year," said Cyr. "We are putting all the key pieces together and looking forward to a good next year. We purchased a new car from McColl Racing Enterprises out of Ontario, and our new crew chief is Brian Latuche, who was instrumental in Brad Leighton's K&N Series Championships." "I've always enjoyed using K&N products, even before the sponsorship. Then, I had the opportunity to meet Bob Harris, at the PRI Show. K&N's reputation is unequalled, and I jumped at the chance to have a relationship with K&N. I use K&N air filters, oil filters, engine breathers, and vents." "I'm really happy with the team and what they did, this year," Cyr added. "We had a well thought out plan and stuck to it." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
