MATT MANSELL WINS THE INITIAL WILROC SPRINT CAR EVENT Langford, B. C.  May 16, 2009 Story Ross Rockett, Photos Barrie Goodwin      It was the official first event of 2009 for the WILROC Sprint Cars, WILROC Lites and the Old Time Racers Association (OTRA) at Western Speedway Saturday night. There was a good crowd on hand to witness these awesome open-wheel racing classes.  The OTRA had 17 cars qualifying with Rob Morneau setting fast time in his 1928 Ford.  All the races were close and competitive.  After 2 dashes and 2 heat races were completed,  16 cars started the 40 lap Main Event.  There were a couple of caution flags during the event, but when the checkered flag flew, it was Rob Morneau in first place, followed closely by Denis Morneau and Dean Gill.  What a nice colourful event for the fans in attendance.      The WILROC Lites were initially dominated by Deter Lejeune who won the Trophy Dash and both heat races.  The Main Event saw Darryl Morneau capture the win followed by fast qualifier Jesse Dardengo and then Deter Lejeune.      The WILROC Sprints had a very superb appearing field of cars.  In addition to the Vancouver Island racers, Merv Barcello was here from Edmonton and Richie Larson was here from Prince George to add to the competition.  Last  season’s WILROC Champion Scott Aumen began the evening by setting fast time.  Richie Larson won the B Dash and Randy Vincent  captured the A Dash.  Heat race winners were Duane Zeinstra and Matt Mansell.  When the 35 lap Main Event lined up, Richie Larson was unable to run as his engine was giving out problems.  After the green flag flew, it was fast, competitive racing. Guy Barrett and Scott Aumen were the only two cars unable to finish the event.  When the checkered flag flew, it was Matt Mansell in first position, followed by Duane Zeinstra, Rob Scott and Darren Yates.  What a great start for Matt in the initial WILROC Sprint Car event.  He was truly deserving in his victory as he performed exceptionally well throughout.      What a superb show these classes put on for the many spectators.  The next appearance for the OTRA and WILROC Series will be Saturday, June 13th at Western.  The Sprint Cars will be competing for the historic Strawberry Cup as well as the Jim/Lorraine Haslam Memorial Hall of Fame Trophy.  It is highly recommended that race fans should attend this superior event.  They will NOT be disappointed and will truly enjoy the action. OLD TIME RACERS ASSOCIATION CLASS (OTRA): FAST TIME:  #33 Rob Morneau  18:152 B TROPHY DASH:   Rich Bennett; Terry Cessford; Larry Joyce; Denis Morneau A TROPHY DASH: Bob Martin; Dan Morneau; James Campbell; Rob Morneau 1ST HEAT RACE: Ron Simpson; Hugh Glover; Kail Beck; Jesse Dardengo 2ND HEAT RACE: Denis Morneau; Dean Gill; Terry Cessford; Larry Joyce MAIN EVENT (40 laps): Rob Morneau; Denis Morneau; Dean Gill; Dan Morneau; Bob Martin   WILROC LITES: FAST TIME: #52 Jesse Dardengo  16:014 TROPHY DASH: Deter Lejeune; Wayde Heckford; Darryl Morneau; Jesse Dardengo 1ST HEAT RACE: Deter Lejeune; Darryl Morneau; Jesse Dardengo; Paul Verhagen 2ND HEAT RACE: Deter Lejeune; Darryl Morneau; Jesse Dardengo; Paul Verhagen MAIN EVENT (12 laps): Darryl Morneau; Jesse Dardengo; Deter Lejeune; Paul Verhagen   WILROC SPRINT CARS: FAST TIME:  #44 Scott Aumen  14:147 B TROPHY DASH: Richie Larson; Jesse Dardengo; Duane Zeinstra; Rob Scott A TROPHY DASH: Randy Vincent; Gerry Vantreight; Guy Barrett; Scott Aumen 1ST HEAT RACE: Duane Zeinstra; Gerry Vantreight; Darren Yates; Guy Barrett 2ND HEAT RACE: Matt Mansell; Scott Aumen; Randy Vincent; Rob Scott MAIN EVENT (35 laps): Matt Mansell; Duane Zeinstra; Rob Scott; Darren Yates; Randy Vincent