Four races are in the books for the 2012 edition of the OSCAAR Super Late Models tour, with three different drivers, Brandon Watson (2), Jesse Kennedy, and George Wilson, taking the checkers so far. Saturday marks a non-points event for the ‘Supers’ as they invade the Varney Speedway Motorplex looking to break the North American ¼-mile paved oval track record of 11.9 seconds. If any of the drivers in attendance tonight can break the record tonight, or the fastest to do so, they will be crowned the fastest Super Late Model in North America.
The format for the Super Late Model portion of the evening is quite simple. Each driver will have two qualifying laps to lay down their fastest time after the afternoon practice sessions. If any of the drivers can break the aforementioned record, they will receive an additional payout of $100 on the evening. The fastest driver to break the record will bring home an additional $500, plus the initial $100. In all, there is the possibility for one driver to bring home over $1000 once the dust settles. Although the possibility of breaking the record certainly exists, many of the OSCAAR Super Late Model drivers are inexperienced on this tight, high-banked oval. There are no guarantees as to how the night will unfold, but it is certain that each driver in attendance will be pushing their equipment to the limit with intention of being named the fastest Super Late Model driver in North America.
The qualifying session will set the field for a 25-lap mini feature event, half the distance of the traditional 50-lap events. Saturday’s pint-sized feature is a test for OSCAAR officials to receive feedback from drivers as to whether or not a full point’s event at Varney could be added to the schedule for 2013. Super Late Models have not run at Varney since the mid-1980’s in the days of Don Biederman and Junior Hanley’s dominance of the division, prior to the formation of OSCAAR. Regardless of the outcome, the Supers are excited to return to an Ontario short track hotbed.
So far this season there has been no shortage of action on the track, specifically at the front of the field. Todd Campbell showed that Crate Motors can be competitive in the Super Late Model series as he finished fourth at Sauble and nearly earned the runner-up spot. Campbell may be at an advantage at Varney on Saturday if he can get on the gas quicker exiting the corners. The Guelph, ON native may be one of the favourites to send the record tumbling.
Tyler Hawn is getting back on his feet after motor trouble last month prior to the event at Barrie Speedway. Hawn will attempt to lay down the quick time in the #42 Fox’s Bakery/Hosking Racing Engines Corvette on Saturday evening.
After suffering a broken rocker arm in each of the last two events, Jesse Kennedy would love to turn his luck around at Varney with the title of North America’s fastest Super Late Model. Kennedy was forced to race his Pro Late Model at Sauble last weekend, but will be back in his Super for Varney if everything went according to plan for the team over the past week.
Half the excitement Saturday will be to see who rolls through the gate to vie for the prized title. The tight, close-quarter’s racing should be as exciting as any OSCAAR event in the province. The ’Supers’ will accompany the OSCAAR Modifieds who are slated for a 30-lap feature. Pit gates open at 3:30pm before a 7pm green flag.
By Clayton Johns
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