GREENE — While veterans like Billy Childs Jr. and Bryce Mains are piling up the wins and top-five finishes this year in their quest for a Street Stock championship at Oxford, one slightly less-experienced driver is working hard to secure his first trophy in the highly competitive division.

For 23-year-old Andrew Breton of Greene, that quest has been an uphill battle. In his third full season, Breton sits eighth in overall points, with nine top-10 finishes in his first nine starts. He’s quick, he’s consistent, and now, he’s right on the cusp of that first podium finish.

“I think we’re getting pretty close in the last few weeks,” Breton said. “We’ve made some significant changes to the car, so I’m still getting used to how it handles. We just need to keep working at it, and I’m confident we’ll get that trophy.”

In 2015, Breton finished fifth in the final points rundown. Last year, competition was more intense and he wound up ninth when all was said and done. This season, the big guns (Childs, Mains and Matt Dufault) have made a trip to the podium much more difficult. It can be done — it just takes a tighter focus.

“These guys have been competing in this type of car for years,” Breton explained. “They’re pretty fast every week, but I honestly feel like we’re making good gains. Those veterans didn’t get that fast overnight.”

Some fans may think finishing sixth through 10th each week might be frustrating. Breton says while that may be partly true, you have to run against the best to learn and improve.

“I’m just glad to be getting this experience against those guys,” he said. “They are all good racers; I just try to learn from them whenever I can. When possible, I try to follow them and study their lines so I can improve. It feels good to race hard and clean against the best as I learn.”

Breton has a few key individuals integral to the success of his racing efforts. This three-man team handles all the maintenance work during the week, works hard to adjust the chassis to changing track conditions and tries to get the best possible finishes every time out.

“My father, Todd, plays a huge role in my program,” Breton said. “Without him, we wouldn’t be doing this. What’s great is that it’s something he and I can do together that we both really enjoy. He’s been around the sport his entire life, and I sure appreciate all he does for me.

“I also have my best friend, Dustin Damon, who is there every week without fail to help out. Another good friend, Tyson Jordan, sets up my race car when it’s at the track. He has a ton of driving and chassis knowledge, so his years of experience are a big help to me.”

Jordan is one of those few drivers with detailed knowledge about chassis dynamics and overall setups. In recent weeks, he’s been serving as crew chief for former Street Stock champion Calvin Rose Jr. as he learns the ropes of Super Late Model racing.

“Andrew is good at working on the car mechanically,” Jordan said. “He’s also a very talented driver, and I enjoy working with him. We’ve been doing a lot of testing this year, trying different things with the setup to get him comfortable with his car.

“It’s been a little hard to find that right balance, but we’ve made some big changes recently and I think we’re headed in the right direction. I’m hoping he can wheel it into Victory Lane in the coming weeks.”

While this race team may be smaller than most in personnel, they make up for it in marketing partners. Fans realize it takes financial support to keep a race team on track, and Breton is appreciative of the fine companies on board the No. 33 entry in 2017.

“We’re fortunate to have Don Thibodeau of Don & Sons Construction on board this year,” Breton said. “We appreciate his support a great deal. We also have Small Wonders Child Care, in Turner; D&D Mechanical, also of Turner; and Mike McMaster, of McMaster Racing Engines. He provides the best and most reliable horsepower any driver could ever want.”

As the 2017 season quickly draws to a close, Breton plans to keep pursuing that first trophy. And for next year, the goal remains the same. There is work to be done, things to learn and podiums to fill.

“For now, we’ll focus on getting a little more speed and getting that elusive first trophy,” he added. “Whenever that happens, we’re planning to compete again at Oxford in 2018. I’m not sure if we’ll stick with the Monte Carlo again, or go with the fourth-generation Camaro. 

“Either way, Dad and I will keep working away at it again next year, and having fun while we do.”

pwhipple@sunjournal.com

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