4/8/2014
Ray Parent
Title Contender
To say that Ray Parent is excited about contending for the 2014 American Canadian Tour championship is an understatement. The Tiverton, RI pilot has been race ready almost since the New Year rang in.
With a host of positive changes to the Team and welcoming back major sponsor Amtrol a few weeks ago, Parent is full speed ahead on chasing the title.
“We’ve never been this prepared before”, stated Parent. “We have basically been race ready for weeks. With the trade show events we do for Amtrol it makes us get things done a lot faster…”
Parent’s excitement about the upcoming season starts with a dedicated crew chief allowing him more time to focus on what’s happening behind the wheel and not having to worry about making a decision on changes with the car.
In 2014 Steve Desmarais has been named crew chief for Parent. The former Thompson Motorsports Park pro stock competitor steps up his role after joining the Team in 2013. He will continue to work closely with longtime friend and spotter Kyle Marchand to better Parent's program.
“It’s something we tried at the end of last year”, stated Parent. “It really went better than I expected and totally changed my focus on the car. I think with people filling roles and knowing their jobs it will greatly improve our Team.”
Along with the Team changes Parent welcomed back West Warwick, RI based company Amtrol as primary sponsor to the 17RI. 2014 marks the third year with Amtrol on board; a company that Parent deals with on a daily basis.
“The relationship with Amtrol has been outstanding”, stated Parent. “It’s just a great fit for us and them. Through Dan Davies Sales I work with their products every day. The promotional events we have done because of the car have really worked well. Being able to display the car for Amtrol during trade shows and events is a really great tool to help them; it also helps grow the [racing] fan base.”
Parent’s outlook on the new racing season has never been better. “Everything is just in place”, stated Parent. “I’ve never started a racing season where everything was ready like this. You always think you are prepared for the season then find out the first week you really weren’t. This year being our fourth year with the tour, we have much better understanding of preparation... The Team, the [car] setup, equipment and sponsorship are all in place.”
Parent who tested with some of the newest changes to the American Canadian Tour rules, only brought more excitement to the upcoming season.
“The test went well”, stated Parent. "The series is on a new [American Racer] tire and different front shocks.So to have a chance before this weekend to try them out was a big plus; we learned some things that will carry over to not just this weekend but I think all year.”
This Sunday will mark round one of a nine races for the American Canadian Tour in 2014. When the Annual New Hampshire Governors Cup 150 takes place at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH.
Parent heads to the New Hampshire oval after a strong run one-year ago, where he lead a race high 78-laps before finishing fifth. He’s looking to better his finish with a victory as he contends for a title.
“We had a great run last year”, stated Parent. “We have as good a shot as anyone to take home a win and start the year off right. It’s a short schedule, every race counts. We are really looking forward to it.”
Next Event
What: New Hampshire Governors Cup 150
Where: Lee USA Speedway – Lee, NH
When: Sunday April 13, 2014 1:15pm
Ray and the Amtrol Racing Team would like to thank their proud partners in 2014: Amtrol • Carlin Combustion Technology • HydroLevel • Distinctive Auto Body • Phoenix Builders • Bayside Auto Center • Bobs Sea and Ski • Dan Davies Sales • Dominator Diesel • Five Star Bodies • Longacre Racing Products • Hedman Hedders • Ford Racing • Welded Media
Photo by: David W. Levesque
Article Credit: Jason Lubin / Welded Media
Submitted By: Jason Lubin
