Rob Becker gave a humbling speech at the recent Can-Am Stock/Super Stock banquet, and the 2007 champion made a point of thanking several in the group for his success.
“I wouldn’t be here today without the help of several in the series, ” said the Port Colborne resident. “I couldn’t have done this without my crew chief Tony Valerio of Welland. I also have to thank FJ Smith and Wally Clark. They always answered my questions and gave of their time. ”
Becker added that consistency played a big part in 2007.
“I really concentrated on doing the same over and over each race, ” he said. “And it worked. ”
Rob Becker is a full time engine assembler at ERD (Engine Research & Development) in Jordan Station, Ontario.
Driving his in-house ERD prepared 300-horsepower, 350 small-block 1987 Camaro, Becker won three of the 12 Can-Am events this year. The series featured a record 26 teams, and the season was highlighted with 40 cars competing in its annual Labor Day Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga. Becker took a pair of wins at Grand Bend, and one at Toronto Motorsports Park.
Three drivers were battling for second spot, and the tight points race was decided at the last event. But Chuck Nagy of Niagara Falls and Kirk Vanni of Binbrook tied for second with 21 points each, four points behind Becker. Brian Clayton of Port Perry was next with 19 points, and with 18 points, Hamilton’s Dave Comeau took fifth spot.
The popular Can-Am series, formed in 1996 for Ontario, New York and Michigan racers to compete, welcomed 12 new teams in 2007. Its 2008 schedule is presently in the works, and will be announced shortly.
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