Carl Spiering (Jordan Station, Ont.) was another driver who didn't tinker much with his set-up or car Sunday, and he took home his second career Torco Race Fuels Pro Mod Ironman as a result. Spiering's '63 Corvette ran more like a bracket car through the elimination rounds. He clocked a 6.167 in his first round bye, a 6.222 in the quarterfinals against Harold Martin (West Bloomfield, Mich.), a 6.222 in the semifinals against Ed Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) and a 6.220 in the final against Shannon Jenkins of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

"We watched what everyone ran and knew we had to go in the low 20's to win this race," Spiering said. "We put three .22's in a row together, and I don't know if that has ever

ADVERTISEMENT

happened in Pro Modified. I've never seen a car run within a few thousandths in three straight rounds. It was like a bracket car."

Spiering was especially thrilled to take home the victory at his home track, Toronto Motorsports Park in front of a large contingent of his sponsor, Eaton Cutler-Hammer, guests and dignitaries.

"This is my home track and I've won a lot of races here," he said. "This is where I've tested and where I began racing in '86. Here I am, I finally got it here. It was pretty emotional because I have so many fans here that have watched me grow through this sport and get to this level. And with 1,000 Eaton people here. Coming through here was a big deal and a big boost for me."

Rob Atchison can relate. The London, Ontario resident had plenty of fans in attendance as well. Like Spiering, Atchison sent them home happy when he topped Jim Sickles (Caledonia, N.Y.) in the Funny Car final.