Time is running out for Johnny Clark, the defending Pro All Star Series North champion, and he knows it.

Clark, a six-time PASS North champ from Hallowell, goes into the PASS 400 Weekend at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in fourth place in the Super Late Models, the circuit’s top division, trailing leader Cassius Clark of Farmington by 45 points.

“Mathematically we’re still in the hunt,” Clark said. “We’ve come back from a deficit before, but this is a big one.”

After the SouthernMaine-Motors.com 300 on Sunday, only two race dates remain.

Rain washed out last weekend’s PASS North 150-lap race at White Mountain Motor Speedpark in North Woodstock, N.H. It was rescheduled for Sept. 22.

PASS North will holds its finale Sept. 28-29 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

A full starting grid of 33 cars is expected for Sunday’s SLM feature, which means a 64-point swing between finishing first and last.

The last time out, Clark was 16th among 20 cars in a rain-shortened PASS North race at Stafford Speedway in Connecticut.

“We’re either really good or we’re really bad,” Clark said.

Clark not only has to contend with the regulars but must deal with the drivers who compete each week in the Pro Series division at Beech Ridge.

“We’re going for broke,” he said. “A mediocre run isn’t going to help us.”

The racing weekend begins Thursday night with races in the entry-level divisions from Beech Ridge and Oxford Plains.

“It’s kind of a mid-week show for the entry-level drivers,” said the Beech Ridge owner, Andy Cusack. “It gives them a chance to race more laps for more money than usual.”

Friday will be a practice day. Qualifying heats will be held Sunday.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at:

pbetit@pressherald.com

Twitter: PaulBetitPPH

 

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