Kammer having a torrid season on track

It's been a great year for Tim Kammer.
The Moose Jaw stock racer claimed the top prize in three of four feature races at King's Park Speedway in Regina.
He's looking at moving up to a higher classification.
And, as a bonus, no crashes - but don't jinx him.
"I've been having a very good year," said the veteran racer. "This would be my best season so far."
He said that the 25 years he's spent in the sport is as deserving of credit as anything else for his success this season.
"Just experience, I guess, more than anything. Just better feel for the car and a little more driving experience."
He also praises his crew, including his wife Renee and son Landon, as well as Gerald Halverson, who are invaluable to his success.
Kammer finished third in the points standing for the season, lower than might have been expected if he hadn't missed a few races.
The 42-year-old, who works as a machinist at CP Rail when he's not ripping up the track, competes in the street stock class of car. Drivers may only race in cars that can be purchased by the general public, with horsepower ranging from 350 to 400. But even that class can be financially demanding, especially if you want to win.
"The story of racing is: the more money you spend, the faster you go," said Kammer. "(In street stock) you can spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. If you go up in classes, it can be anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000."
Kammer notes that he built his car from scratch, including welding, tramission and engine work. But in addition to the financial cost, auto racing often features crashes and collisions, of which Kammer has had his share.
"I've rolled a couple different cars. About two years ago, I had a pretty bad crash in Regina," he said. "Our top speed is about 90 miles per hour at the end of the straightaway, and I got spun by another car and hit the wall head-on. That was probably one of the worst crashes I've had racing.
"Did some damage to the car and banged my shoulder up, but nothing too serious."
Kammer isn't the only Moose Jaw racer. Kevin Manz and Ian McLean compete in the Bomber class, while Terry Bender and Ian Clothier drive in the Pro IV class. Bender finished third in the points standings, while Clothier was fourth.
The competition in the province is certainly respectable, said Kammer, and there are several larger-scale events. An invitational race in Saskatoon earlier this year featured 40 cars.
"There's lots of competition. There's quite a few experienced racers out there."
But Kammer is looking to make the jump next year to a higher class of car, in which case he will race out of Saskatoon. The cars are faster, but they're also more expensive.
"It's going to be a pretty big jump, but I've got some major sponsors lined up which will help," he said. "When you get into the higher classes, the sponsorship comes a little easier sometimes."
Kammer will head to Medicine Hat this weekend for his final race of the season.

Taylor Lambert can be reached at 691-1260.