Long hours of hard work and dedication behind the scenes will almost always translate to success on the racetrack once the green flag flies. For the 3 teams who make-up Farm Bro Racing – competing regularly at Peterborough Speedway – before they can even think of rolling through the main gate at the pit area to unload their racecars, they need to drop off the potatoes.

On a typical Saturday night at Canada’s Toughest 3^rd of a Mile Paved Oval, Christopher Mulders – who shares the #46 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series ride with former Mini Stock champion Ryan Babin – Tyler Betts, runner-up in last year’s Late Model standings and 2015 4Fun division titlist Ryan Oosterholt bring bags of spuds to the track concession stands, where they are cut into French fries. Mulders says the potatoes are from CN Produce, a business he operates with his brother Nick.

“Once opening night is taken care of, the rest of the season just falls into place,” said Mulders. “We usually drop off a fresh supply when the teams come to the track for the Thursday night practice sessions. For Fan Appreciation Nights, the Super Bowl of stock car racing – the annual Autumn Colours Classic – we stock them all. It’s a pretty big order, but we can tackle the task.”

Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says that whenever and wherever possible, the track works with area vendors and suppliers for products and services. Hamburger and hot dog buns are brought-in fresh every week from a local bakery. Track vehicles are maintained and lettered by area shops, with special event tickets, programs and schedules printed in the Kawartha region. When faced with a buying decision, one of the first things track officials do is check the track-side advertising board and then look to see if there is a sponsor on any of the teams in the field who could possibly provide the needed item.

“We’re asking people to support the racetrack, so its only fair that we put some of our money back into the community,” said Josiasse. “The sponsorship of our weekly racing divisions drives traffic to local businesses like Dart Heating & Air Conditioning, Paul Davis Systems, Earl Ireland Auto Sales, Battlefield Equipment Rental and new this year, Jiffy Lube. Having the Farm Bro guys supply the potatoes for our fresh-cut fries and also bringing 3 cars with pit crews, families and fans is a real shot in the arm for everyone associated with the speedway.”

Action at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City begins with the 2016 edition of the Country 105 Season Opener – featuring free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 21^st.

Up to the minute news is always available at www.peterboroughspeedway.com, by liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter. You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone.