The series once again will kick off at Sunset Speedway, on the Sunday of the Victoria Day long weekend. Following the season opening race, OSCAAR will join Kawartha Speedway’s three weekly divisions to kick off their 2012 schedule on Friday, June 1.

Two weeks later, OSCAAR makes its return to Barrie Speedway for a Saturday night show on June 16. Following that, Super Late Model racing will once again invade Sunset Speedway on the Canada Day Weekend, this year on Saturday, June 30.

OSCAAR will then make its inaugural trip to Varney Speedway located in Durham, Ontario for promotional, non-points event on Saturday, July 14. The race will be run alongside Varney’s regular Saturday night show. OSCAAR inaugural event at Varney will also see the Outlaws make an attempt to break the North America ¼ mile track record of 11.9 seconds. This event will test the fast ¼ mile feasibility of hosting an OSCAAR feature event in 2013. The event will consist of 10-12 cars running heat races and a shortened feature.

The following week the Super Late Models will make their only trip of the year to Mosport Speedway on Saturday, July 21. This weekend is a busy one for racing enthusiasts as the Mosport Road Course is hosting the Gran Prix of Mosport. Last year Colin Braun was a spectator of the OSCAAR event, and has expressed an interest in competing with the Outlaws in 2012.

With the focus on keeping a consistent schedule, the second half of the 2012 campaign remains the same as 2011.

The Super Late Models will spend the Civic holiday weekend at Peterborough Speedway with a 50 lap feature on Saturday, August 4.

The 13th Annual Don Biederman Memorial will once again be at Kawartha Speedway, with the 2012 edition occurring on Friday, August 10. The 75-lap Don Biederman Memorial will be the only race on the 2012 schedule extending beyond the usual 50 laps.

OSCAAR will return to the Delaware Speedway on Friday, August 24 for 50 laps at the ½-mile oval just outside of London, Ontario.

OSCAAR will take up residence Labour Day weekend at Peterborough Speedway on Saturday, September 1 for its second event there in 2012.

The third and final trip to Sunset Speedway will be on Sunday, September 23 as part of the track’s Velocity 250 weekend and OSCAAR will once again be running a 50-lap feature. The 2011 event was an instant OSCAAR classic as Rob Clarke narrowly defeated Glenn Watson on a last lap pass.

As it has become a staple on the OSCAAR tour, the final event of 2012 will be a two-day event at Peterborough Speedway for the Autumn Colours Classic. Glenn Watson will attempt to defend his 2011 Autumn Colours Championship when Thanksgiving roles around in 2012.

While the 2012 edition of the OSCAAR Super Late Models remains similar to that of 2011, there will be one significant addition. The newly created OSCAAR Outlaw Modified Series will act as a support system for the Super Late Models and will run alongside them at seven events, including the Super Late Models stop at Varney Speedway.

2012 promises to be an exciting year with several new drivers already registered to contend for the Rookie-of-the-Year title and the entire field set to take a run at the OSCAAR Championship which has been held by Glenn Watson for the previous four seasons.

Stay tuned to OSCAAR.ca for news and updates leading to the start of the season. Be sure to stop by the OSCAAR booth at the 2012 Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Centre in Toronto from February 10-12.

By Clayton Johns

The night kicked off with the specialty awards as voted by the OSCAAR drivers in a closed ballot prior to the banquet.

Tyler Hawn won the most improved award sponsored by Matco Tools. Racing in his first full season with OSCAAR after a limited schedule in 2010, Hawn finished eighth in the points championship. Hawn was recognized for his hard work both at the track and away from the track, which he hopes will lead to his first OSCAAR feature race in 2012.

Lloyd Ritchie, driver of the ‘Orange Blossom Special’, won the Sportsman of the Year award presented by Knightworks Design. Ritchie, a previous winner of the award, finished third in the overall points standings in 2011 and won his first ever feature at Peterborough Speedway on September 3. Ritchie has always been one of the most respected drivers in the pit area and is a well-deserved recipient of the award.

Chris Burrows, also a rookie in 2011, won the hard-luck driver award. After having mechanical failures on multiple occasions, Burrows always made sure his car was prepared for the next event. With the award, Burrows won a new Outlaw body for his car from FLF race bodies who sponsored the award.

The best appearing car award was presented by Ontario Oval and Image Factor.com and was awarded to Shane Gowan and those in attendance were all in compliance. As stated by OSCAAR president Dave Gainforth, Gowan took the appearance of his #39 Lucas Oil Chevrolet to a whole new level. Gowan’s car is one of the best appearing cars anywhere in the province.

The Inside Track Motorsport News Rookie-of-the-Year award and was given to #07 Todd Campbell. Campbell led the rookie points standings for the entire season. Campbell, however, is no rookie to racing after having won a track championship in a late model at Flamboro Speedway. Campbell finished fourth in the overall standings and finished in the top-ten in nine events.

The final specialty award was the OSCAAR appreciation award to Bill Passer, car owner of Gary, Roy, and Kyle Passer’s cars. Bill’s commitment to the series is demonstrated through bringing three cars to most races and as a sponsor of the series. Bill Passer is one of the most competitive people in all of racing and was very humble in receiving his award.

Six of OSCAAR’s primary sponsors were on hand to receive a special die-cast Outlaw Late Model to thank them for their support.

Bill Drinkwater was the first to receive an award on behalf of Matco Tools. Matco Tools was the sponsor of the Matco Tools Outlaw Shootout encompassing two 75-lap events at Kawartha and Delaware Speedways this past August.

Bill Passer also accepted a sponsor’s award on behalf of his company Jenco Equipment, one of OSCAAR’s longest standing sponsors and supporters.

Don and Kim Edwards, owners and founders of Knightworks Design, were on hand to receive their awards. Knightworks Design is one of the biggest supporters of OSCAAR racing as it designs and delivers all of the official OSCAAR racewear and is a contingency sponsor. Knightworks also provided the vehicle wraps for the OSCAAR Pacetruck and Souvenir Trailer in 2011, and for Brandon Watson’s #9.

Hoosier Racing Tire Canada’s Ron McKay was present to accept the award on behalf of the company. Hoosier is an official race tire of OSCAAR and provides superior customer service to each driver on a weekly basis.

Dave Franks of Dave Franks Photography accepted a sponsorship award for his commitment to the series by ensuring a photographer was present at each event in 2011.

South Shore Services also accepted an award for their sponsorship this year, which included being the title sponsor for the July 9 event at Sauble Speedway.

Other sponsors receiving awards that were unable to attend were Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabricating, JBM Auto Leasing, Grisdale Racing Products and Inside Track Motorsport News.

Finally, each of the drivers to finish in the top-ten in the championship points standings was recognized for their finish. Glenn Watson was presented with his championship ring for the fourth consecutive season as well as a special plaque courtesy of Dave Franks’ photography commemorating the 2011 season.

In addition, OSCAAR officials were awarded jackets recognizing their efforts throughout the 2011 season, a fantastic gesture by president Dave Gainforth.

With the close of the 2011 season, the focus shifts to 2012 which will begin with Annual General Meeting, also at the Best Western Milton, on January 8, 2012.

Stay tuned to www.oscaar.ca for the release of the 2012 tentative racing schedule in the coming days.

By Clayton Johns

Brandon Watson is the defending champion of the event and is keen on defending his title. The younger Watson posted five top-five finishes in seven events in 2011, including two second place finishes and a remarkable third place finish two weeks ago at Sunset Speedway. When asked about defending his title, Watson replied rather matter-of-factly, “we’ll be here for Autumn Colours.”

One driver to fly under the radar for much of his OSCAAR career has been John Owen. Owen will make his 19th Autumn Colours Classic start in the traditional red and black #2. Owen has never missed ‘the classic’. After one of his strongest outings ever one month ago at Peterborough with a second-place finish, Owen is very excited about taking to the track once again at Peterborough.

“I’ve been in all 19 Autumn Colours Classic (events). We won’t miss,” said Owen.

Meanwhile, Glenn Watson has unofficially been crowned the 2011 OSCAAR Champion, but the driver of the #22 machine is still hungry for another win. After sweeping the first half of the season, Watson is winless since July 23 at Mosport Speedway. He posted second place finishes to Jeff Hanley at Peterborough and Kawartha on July 30 and August 5, respectively. In addition, Watson narrowly missed his seventh win of the year at Sunset Speedway when Rob Clarke edged him out by mere inches on the final lap two weeks ago. While six wins may be enough to keep some content, for Watson, winning never gets old.

“We’ve been a while without a win now, so were hungry to get back there and try and get another ‘W’,” said Watson.

As previously mentioned, Todd Campbell has locked up the Rookie-of-the-Year title and has been Mr. Consistency all season long with 10 top-ten finishes in 11 starts this season. Campbell narrowly missed breaking in to the top-five on a few occasions this season and has his eyes set on the mark heading in to the final event.

“Our goal is to finish in the top-five and try to get a top-three finish. A top-three I would be pretty happy with,” explained the Guelph, Ontario native.

Lloyd Ritchie will look to duplicate the efforts that led to his first ever OSCAAR feature win in the series’ last visit to Peterborough Speedway on September 3. Ritchie’s tenth place finish two weeks ago was less than ideal and Ritchie hopes to end the year with the #62 ‘Orange Blossom Special’ on the podium.

There certainly will be no shortage of talent on hand come Saturday afternoon and it will come from what is expected to be a full field of twenty or more cars. While the OSCAAR action will be fantastic, the other seven divisions in action will also keep the adrenaline flowing throughout the day. Don’t miss the final stock car racing event in Ontario this season featuring Ontario’s top touring series. For a full schedule of events please log on to www.peterboroughspeedway.com

By Clayton Johns

OSCAAR Schedule of Events

Friday – Rotating Practice every ten minutes from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Saturday – OSCAAR Practice from 12:40pm-12:50pm and 2:00pm-2:10pm.

First set of Heat Races at 3:30. Second set of Heat Races at 7:00pm.

Sunday – Racing Starts at 12:30pm, OSCAAR 50-lap feature scheduled for 3:10pm.

*All times are subject to change.

The points standings are extremely tight with just three races remaining. Glenn Watson leads Wayne Isaacs by a large margin at the top of the standings. Isaacs, however, sits just 105 points ahead of rookie Todd Campbell, a difference Campbell could overcome with three solid performances to finish the campaign. Jeff Dunford has rebounded from an unfortunate start to his year. The 2010 runner-up sits just 39 points back of Campbell in fourth.

Lloyd Ritchie has put in a good showing after some bad luck throughout the season. The ‘Orange Blossom Special’ is always one of the top contenders and was in strong contention for the win at Delaware Speedway when he ran out of fuel with five laps remaining. Look for a strong return performance from the #62 at Peterborough.

The Inside Track Motorsport News Rookie-of-the-Year standings are just as tight. Brandon Vanderwel has resurged since the mid-point of the season. Barring major complications, Todd Campbell has locked up the title, but that hasn’t stopped Vanderwel from improving each and every week.

Said Vanderwel, “I’m looking forward to it I think the car’s coming along. (Crew Chief) Tony is really getting the car dialled in. I’m becoming one with the car now. I think you might see us more and more in the top five.”

Tyler Hawn has been another strong rookie this season. Hawn had a strong finish at Delaware last week. Currently sitting seventh in the points, one of Hawn’s toughest competitors has been Vanderwel all season. Look for more of the same strong, clean racing between the two on Saturday night.

After missing three races mid-season, Dave Taylor has made a strong return with a top-ten finish at Kawartha and a third place finish at Delaware on August 19. Taylor has been one of the strongest competitors all season and his patience have been the reason for his success. If he continues, he will be rewarded on Saturday night at Peterborough.

The first event of the year at Peterborough Speedway on July 30 provided plenty of action as Jeff Hanley out-duelled Glenn Watson for the victory. The tight .333 mile oval means action is always fierce and there is no room to hide. Be sure to take in all the hard racing action…Outlaw Style!

By Clayton Johns

Schedule of Events – Peterborough Speedway Saturday, September 3, 2011

Pit Gates Open 2:00pm

OSCAAR Tech Opens 2:30pm

OSCAAR Practice 3:00- 3:30pm

Other Divisions Practice 3:30- 3:50pm

OSCAAR Practice 3:50- 4:10pm

Other Divisions Practice 4:10-4:30pm

Final OSCAAR Practice 4:30- 4:50pm

Tech Closes 5:00pm

OSCAAR Drivers Meeting 5:20pm

Racing Starts 6:00pm

Bob’s story begins with his father-in-law at various stock car tracks around Ontario as a spectator in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. A resident of Peterborough, Ontario, it was in 1984 that Bob decided to begin his own racing career at Westgate Speedway (now Peterborough Speedway) in the challenger division.

“I got involved in racing in 1984. I had been to the races with my father-in-law and I knew I would like to try racing myself,” explains Finnegan.

Bob went on to explain he ran in the weekly series without any sponsors, paying any expenses out-of-pocket. This led to some financial problems and resulted in the end of his racing career at the end of the 1985 season. It may have only been a short two year stint in racing, but it did not come without success.

“My car was #26 and I won the Pepsi Challenge Feature,” said Bob with a cheerful smile of his success in one of the top races for the division at the time.

While he could no longer afford to race, Bob had been bit with the speed bug and needed to stay in racing in some shape or form. In 1986, he began flagging at Westgate Speedway, a decision that led to a long and successful career in Canadian short track motorsports. Just as he was on the race track, Bob was instantly successful as a track official.

Explained Finnegan, “I started flagging at Westgate Speedway on corner one and the next year I worked line-up and the back stretch. The following year I went to the starter stand (as an assistant) for a few years and then I became the starter.”

From then on Bob has never looked back and now holds one of the premier positions in the province’s top touring series. Bob admits, however, that OSCAAR found him, not vice versa.

“I was approached by the OSCAAR president to do the starting for their series.”

In addition to OSCAAR, Bob remained loyal to his home Peterborough Speedway and was also the official starter for the now extinct ALSTAR touring late model series. Current OSCAAR race director Mike Charest also worked with the ALSTAR series alongside Bob for several years. Bob was also an official at the much younger Kawartha Speedway, prior to the track closing for a year in 2003.

Like any profession or pastime, there are memories and friends created that last a lifetime. For Bob, one of his most memorable moments comes from his short time at Kawartha Speedway.

“One of my most memorable flagging experiences was when I was the starter at Kawartha Speedway and a driver was forced up on to the wall. The car hit the starter’s stand, causing it to almost fall completely over. Only a single strap was holding it up. That was definitely something I will never forget,” explained Bob. Due to its unique setup within the confines of a one-mile horse track, the starter stand at Kawartha Speedway is temporary and held down by straps rather than being anchored by concrete.

While that event tops Bob’s list, there are memories away from his home tracks. As in life, some of the greatest moments are created on the road and away from your common surroundings.

“Another memorable flagging experience was when Jeff Dunford’s throttle got stuck wide open on the back stretch at Flamborough Speedway,” said Bob of the massive crash at the short Hamilton area oval. “There are many, many more moments.”

With a career that is now in its 25th and final season, Bob certainly has seen the sport evolve over the years and explains there is one significant difference.

“The car counts have definitely decreased.”

However, help appears to be on the way in the name of technology. With the development of the Crate Motor, racing costs are slowly being lowered in an attempt to raise car counts. The efforts appear to be paying off. OSCAAR saw the arrival of 25 Super Late Models for the running of the 12th annual Don Biederman Memorial at Kawartha Speedway on August 5, and another 22 cars at the Matco Tools Outlaw Shootout at Delaware Speedway on August 19. OSCAAR competitor Jeff Hanley explained at a recent event that the effects of the new technology are already being seen.

Said Hanley, “I run the crate motor because racing is getting very costly and we need to find some way to cut costs to try and get new blood in to this series. We have five crate motors racing here tonight. A couple of guys wouldn’t be here without it.”

While the technology has changed over the years, the principles remain the same and Bob has mastered the understanding of stock car racing. And while that certainly is the job, it’s the friends that are made and the people met that keep bringing us back to the track. Bob certainly has been no different.

“I have met a lot of great people in the racing field over the last 25 years of flagging.”

Like any great veteran of his trade, Bob is passing the torch to a younger generation. For the past season, Bob has been training Kyle Mackenzie to take over his post in the 2012 OSCAAR season. Still in his early twenties, Kyle admits there remains much to learn, but that Finnegan has certainly set him down the right path, teaching him critical lessons.

“(Bob told me) if you’re the man in the (starter) stand you have to be the one the drivers look up at and trust that you have control of the situation, that I have their safety in mind at all times,”explained Mackenzie. “We all know they are the fastest asphalt cars in southern Ontario so things happen quickly and race breaking decisions are made in seconds.”

He may be retiring as an official, but that doesn’t mean Bob won’t be found around southern Ontario short tracks for years to come.

“I’m sure I will still have some indirect contact in racing,” said Finnegan tongue-in-cheek.

OSCAAR would like to thank Bob for his dedicated service to the series for so many years and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavours.

By Clayton Johns

Dave Taylor returns this weekend after taking a break for two events to repair his Outlaw after an accident at Sunset on July 2nd. Taylor has slipped to tenth in the championship standings from the third position that he held for four consecutive weeks. Taylor has been fast all year, so expect for of the same from the black and green #51 at Peterborough.

Wayne Isaacs will have to bring out his backup car this week, powered by a crate motor after the power plant on his Chevrolet Impala blew up at Mosport last weekend. Isaacs will be quick nonetheless and will challenge for a win at a track that suits his driving style.

Glenn Watson will look to keep his Outlaw in victory lane for the seventh consecutive race. Watson is the only winner thus far in the OSCAAR season. The rest of the field will have some serious work to do in order to catch the #22 this weekend.

Rookies Tyler Hawn and Todd Campbell will do battle again as they continue to fight for top spot in the Inside Track Rookie of the Year standings. Campbell has had the best of Hawn for five races this season, but Hawn finally broke through at Mosport, finishing one spot ahead of Campbell in the sixth position. Hawn will need to continue his success in order to make up group on Campbell.

Currently sitting fourth in the points is Jeff Dunford. Dunford season-high fourth place finish a week ago at Mosport has him headed in the right direction for a crucial portion of the schedule. A solid finish at Peterborough could help Dunford leap-frog Todd Campbell in to the third position.

Lloyd Ritchie looks to continue his success in the ‘Orange Blossom Special’. Ritchie has had a successful season on the track, with two second place finishes and two other top-five finishes. Unfortunately for Ritchie two blown motors have held him back, but the Port Elgin, Ontario native is quick off the truck every race and Saturday should prove to be no different.

Gary Passer will look to grab his first top-five finish of the season at Peterborough. Al Thomson drove for Passer at Mosport last weekend after he had prior business commitments. Passer, nonetheless, gains the points from a fifth place finish. Passer himself has yet to finish inside the top-five.

Shane Gowan and Chris Burrows look to further their rookie season’s in the right direction. Burrows is coming off of three straight eighth place finishes and is looking to improve this weekend at Peterborough. Meanwhile, Gowan continues to work the bugs out of his Outlaw, a car formerly driven by Stu Robinson Jr. Gowan finished a career-high tenth at Mosport and looks to improve upon the mark this weekend at Peterborough.

Jeff Hanley has dominated Peterborough Speedway in the past year, winning two of three events. Hanley, should he attend, will be in contention for a win as he was at Mosport one week ago prior to having issues with the fuel pump in his car.

Charlie Gallant returns to action after taking a break for two events. Gallant had to have his motor rebuilt after it broke at Sunset almost one month ago. Gallant has slipped to 16th in the OSCAAR standings, 143 points behind Chris Burrows.

John Owen is expected to make his first appearance of the OSCAAR season in his familiar black and red #2. Owen has been an OSCAAR regular and strong contender for several years. Expect nothing less from Owen this weekend.

The OSCAAR drivers will surely put on a show this weekend as they invade Peterborough Speedway. Be sure to take in all the action of the first of three stops to Peterborough Speedway. OSCAAR will run in addition to Peterborough’s regular line-up of racing, with the first green flag set to fly at 6pm.

By Clayton Johns

Schedule of Events – Peterborough Summer 50

Pit Gates open: 2:00 pm

Tech opens: 2:30 pm

OSCAAR Practice: 3:00 -3:30; 3:50 – 4:10; 4:30 -4:50

Tech closes: 5:15pm

Drivers/Crew Chief Meeting: 5:30

Racing Starts: 6:00pm

“We’re going to keep on trying to bring the best car we can every week and try and get the same result. That’s what we’re here to do,” said Watson.

Wayne Isaacs is a prime candidate to knock Watson out of Knightworks Design Victory Lane. Isaacs has finished all five events inside the top-five and sits second in the points standings heading to Mosport. The last two events have been Isaacs best with a third place finish at Sunset and a second place finish at Sauble. Perhaps this is the week Isaacs puts his #00 in Victory Lane.

Brandon Watson makes his fourth start this season in the OSCAAR series. Brandon, who has been running full time in the Jegs/CRA All-Star Tour in the United States, has posted two second place finishes as well as a third in the season opener. Watson has challenged his uncle Glenn each week, but has fallen just short all three times. One month ago at Mosport, Brandon provided the best challenge of the night in his #9 against Glenn, but ran out of laps to make a pass. An eager Brandon is certainly a top contender for a win Saturday evening.

Dave Taylor has enjoyed a successful return to OSCAAR. Taylor missed the event at Sauble Speedway due to mechanical difficulties following the July 2 event at Sunset Speedway. Taylor has slipped to seventh in the points from third and will certainly look to rebound with a good set-up to finish near the front at Mosport.

Todd Campbell has taken full advantage of his opportunities and has grabbed the third position in the points standings after finishing sixth at Sauble. Last time at Mosport, Campbell missed all of the practice sessions and the first set of heat races after suffering a flat tire on route to the track. Campbell still managed a ninth place finish, but is searching to better the mark with his first OSCAAR podium finish.

Lloyd Ritchie has survived two engine failures this season to sit eighth in the points. Ritchie fought his way to a fourth place finish at Sauble after starting last following a heat race mishap. Ritchie certainly has found success at Mosport in the past and is excellent at conserving tires at a track that wears tires very quickly. Look for Ritchie to better June result of fifth place at Mosport.

Gary Passer has been quietly rising up the OSCAAR standings and now sits sixth behind rookie Tyler Hawn. Passer had a strong car at Sauble Speedway and qualified seventh, and advanced to the fifth starting position through the heat races. Passer finished his previous Mosport outing in June in last place after suffering mechanical difficulties on lap three. Passer is looking for his first top-five finish of the season.

Tyler Hawn and Brandon Vanderwel have begun to put pressure on Todd Campbell in the Rookie of the Year Standings. Hawn and Vanderwel sit second and third, respectively, in the Inside Track Rookie-of-the-Year standings. Vanderwel looks to continue his success after a third place finish at Sauble Speedway. Tyler Hawn looks to improve upon his eleventh place Mosport finish, the only race in which he has finished outside the top-ten this season.

Jeff Dunford has been one of OSCAAR’s unluckiest driver’s so far this season. Dunford ran the season opener without breaks for forty laps, was involved in an accident that in which had no control at Kawartha, and lost the steering in his car with five laps remaining at Sauble two weeks ago. Despite the problems, Dunford has turned in other strong performances and sits fourth in the points. A strong end to the first half and a consistent second half will surely leave the #7T at the top of the standings.

Rookies Kyle Passer and Chris Burrows continue to improve throughout the season. Burrows has been consistent in the #64b over the past two races finishing in eighth both times after some early season problems. Kyle Passer continues his learning curve in the #14 and the teenager looks for his first top-ten finish in his fifth start this season as he sits in a three way tie for fourth place in the Rookie Standings with Chris Burrows and Shane Gowan.

Saturday’s race at the Bowmanville half-mile oval will surely be as exciting as the first event this season. OSCAAR joins Mosport’s pure-stock division and the Ontario Legend’s Series. The first green flag is scheduled to fly at 6pm with OSCAAR being the third set of heats and the final feature race of the night.

By Clayton Johns

Schedule of Events – Stefko Racing Engines 50 at Mosport Speedway (July 23).

Pit Gates open at 2:30pm

OSCAAR Tech opens at 3:00pm

OSCAAR Practice 3:30-5:15 (5x 5min sessions)

OSCAAR Tech closes 4:45pm

Drivers /Crew Chief meeting at 5:30

Racing starts at 6:00pm

Kennedy, from Oneida Nation, Ontario, will be driving the #10 Kerry’s Brothers Wholesalers/Cameron Crane and Riggers Ltd. Cadillac STS on Saturday. Kennedy has always wanted to be a part of OSCAAR and Super Late Model racing.

“I grew up watching the likes of Jr. Hanley and Don Beiderman plus several others. I guess I never really thought I would be in a situation to be part of this series as a young kid. So I am glad I am fortunate enough to do so.”

The tough competition presented by OSCAAR also attracted Kennedy to the series. Kennedy acknowledged that his crew would only benefit from the challenge of a transition and of the highly competitive series because of the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated since partnering with Jesse in 2006.

“Good competition brings your own team up. They know their jobs and do it well, so in short their routines and engagement involved in racing will only change for the better. You need to be at your best in the shop and on the track. If you take for granted the competition, you become slack and then you’re behind.”

OSCAAR regular Lloyd Ritchie has stated on numerous occasions that tires can make the difference in a Super Late Model race as OSCAAR only allows teams to have one new set of tires every race. However, Kennedy is used to conserving his tires. Delaware Speedway only allows its weekly drivers one new tire per week.

“Because of my history in long races, I have learned to manage my tires well” explained Kennedy.

Kennedy is excited not only for the upcoming Sauble race, but for several upcoming events, including OSCAAR’s return to his home track at Delaware.

“I love Sauble. I had fun there last time out for a Late Model invitational. Delaware of course because of how many laps I have had around there. I’m also excited to run Kawartha again. It has been since CASCAR racing that I’ve been there.”

For any rookie or newcomer there are transitional challenges and Kennedy will face those same challenges. While Kennedy will compete this season, it will be a learning curve for his first full season in 2012, which will be his rookie season, much the same way Tyler Hawn competed in select events last season prior to joining the tour full time in 2011. One of the challenges for Kennedy lies in converting his 2007 McColl Racing built late model in to an Outlaw Super Late Model. Switching to a new series also poses a certain road block. Racing in a weekly series allows drivers to familiarize themselves with one another and learn each others tendencies, but Kennedy is faced with learning an entirely new set of drivers.

“I think learning the other driver’s habits and driving techniques (will be the biggest challenge). There will be some challenging set up stuff as we slowly convert our car to a full blown Outlaw. I need some time to organize and prepare for my rookie campaign next season” said Kennedy.

OSCAAR is Ontario’s top touring series and is excited to add another strong competitor to one of the most competitive fields of cars in Canada. This Saturday, July 9 at Sauble Speedway promises a show you won’t want to miss as Jesse Kennedy makes his OSCAAR debut. The field of Outlaws will try to oust Glenn Watson from Knightworks Design victory lane after he has won the first four feature events to start the season. Racing begins at 7:00pm.

By Clayton Johns

The Series’ point’s leader and defending champion Glenn Watson has enjoyed unprecedented success sweeping the first quarter of the season with wins at Sunset, Kawartha, and Mosport. Barring mechanical difficulties, the #22 will be a strong contender as he looks to duplicate his opening day win at Sunset.

Brandon Watson has had strong finishes in both of his appearances this season. In his first outing, here at Sunset, Watson led the first 35 laps of the race before surrendering the lead to fix a tire. Look for Watson to have another strong top-five run this evening.

Currently sitting second in the points, Wayne Isaacs has had a successful start to the season after three consecutive top-five finishes. Isaacs battled hard with Lloyd Ritchie for nearly twenty laps at Mosport two weeks ago to ensure a solid finish. Look for more of the same out of the #00 this evening.

Dave Taylor’s return to OSCAAR is in full swing and the past champion currently sits third in the points. Taylor finished his first two events in the top-five before a sixth place finish at Mosport. Taylor has been a model for consistency thus far in this young season, so look for him to battle for his first victory of 2011 this season.

Lloyd Ritchie has enjoyed success this season after getting his bad luck out of the way in the first event at Sunset. The ‘Orange Blossom Special’ had a second place finish at Kawartha and finished fifth two weeks ago at Mosport after being unable to start the season opener at Sunset due to engine troubles. Look for Ritchie to continue his success and finish on the podium at one of his better tracks.

Jeff Dunford looks to right his ship after some bad luck to start the season. Dunford lost his breaks ten laps in to the Sunset feature, was involved in an unfortunate crash at Kawartha, and had radiator difficulties at Mosport. Dunford finished seventh at Mosport and is hungry for a top-five. Keep an eye for a hard charging #7T come feature time.

Todd Campbell and Tyler Hawn look to continue successful rookie seasons. Campbell currently sits fourth in the points after two top-fives and a top-ten finish. Look for Campbell to put his #07 Chevrolet on the podium Saturday evening. Hawn currently sits sixth in the series standings and is chasing his first top-five finish which is surely the team’s goal at Sunset tonight after mechanical difficulties caused him to finish eleventh at Mosport.

Gary Passer will look to crack the top-ten once again after mechanical difficulties forced him to retire early on lap 6 at Mosport and finish in the fifteenth position. Passer finished his first two events of the season in the top-ten, eighth and seventh respectively.

Charlie Gallant deserves a helping hand from lady luck after bad luck in each of his three starts to begin his 2011 campaign. Gallant was forced to end his night early at Sunset on May 22 with mechanical difficulties. On June 3 at Kawartha, Gallant was involved in an incident after Dave Taylor cut a tire that caused substantial front and rear damage, at least cosmetically. After the rear end broke two weeks ago at Mosport on lap 26, Gallant could certainly use a hand to boost him up the standings from his current tenth position. As it was at Mosport, Gallant’s goal is surely to “finish the race” for the first time this season. A top-five finish would be a bonus for the #40P team.

Saturday’s event at Sunset International Speedway surely will not disappoint. In this same event one year ago, a lap two crash in turn one took out half of the field, leaving only nine cars to finish the race. The remaining nine put on an amazing show with the lead swapping multiple times and a little extra ‘rubbin’s racing’ attitude. More of the same racing appears to be in store this evening after a hard fought first quarter to the season.

Saturday OSCAAR joins the Ontario Pro Challenge and Canadian Vintage Modified touring series’ as it begins the second quarter of the season. With three races down many questions remain. Can anybody solve Glenn Watson? When will Dave Taylor put his Impala back in Victory Lane? Can a rookie steal the show and win? With so many uncertainties, good, hard racing is a guarantee with the Outlaws. OSCAAR will run in the third set of heats this evening. The first green flag of the evening is set to fly at 5:30pm.

By Clayton Johns

Schedule of Events – Celebrate the Nations Colors 50 (July 2 – Sunset International Speedway)

Pit Gates open at 12:30 pm

OSCAAR Tech 12:45pm- 4:30pm

OSCAAR practice 2:00pm- 2:30pm

OSCAAR practice 3:30pm- 3:45pm

OSCAAR practice 4:20pm-4:40pm

Spectator Gates opens at 4:30pm

Mandatory driver / crew chief meeting 5:15pm

Racing starts at 5:30pm.

Order of the night is Ontario Pro Challenge, Canadian Vintage Modifed, and OSCAAR

OSCAAR returns to action on Saturday, June 18 at Mosport Speedway for the third of twelve events on the 2011 schedule for the Inside Track Motorsports Publications 50. The Mosport event marks the first of two events at the Bowmanville half-mile oval, with the other taking place July 23. Inside Track Motorsports is the official title sponsor of the event. “We’re excited to support OSCAAR and the efforts of the series’ racers, officials and sponsors,” said David Inside Track Motorsport News publisher David Weber. “When we launched Inside Track in 1997, OSCAAR was one of our first official partnership relationships and we’re happy to be reporting on, and still be associated with, this exciting series. We hope everyone has a great night at Mosport and we look forward to covering the event in our next issue.”  Several drivers will look to continue their success in the quest for the 2011 OSCAAR championship crown and with extra prize money on the line courtesy of Inside Track, the action surely will not disappoint.

Lloyd Ritchie will look to return to action with a strong finish after a successful outing at Kawartha Speedway where he finished in second. Ritchie suffered some poor luck early in the season at Sunset when engine trouble prevented him from competing in the first event of the year. Ritchie looks to be successful in his ‘Orange Blossom Special’ under the lights on Saturday night.

“I just want to have a good steady run and stay out of the trouble” stated Ritchie about the upcoming race.

Jeff Dunford and Charlie Gallant will both look to rebound from unfortunate circumstances in both of the first two events. Dunford drove the final forty laps of the feature race at Sunset on opening night without any brakes. Two weeks later at Kawartha, Dunford was involved in a lap 34 spin involving Charlie Gallant and Dave Taylor, but Dunford described the damage as mostly ‘cosmetic’. Gallant also had difficulties at Sunset and was unable to complete the event and suffered a similar fate when he was involved the aforementioned accident at Kawartha. Mosport offers an opportunity to regain some ground in the 2011 points race.

Glenn Watson attempts to continue his perfect start to the season after winning at both Sunset and Kawartha. Watson has stated on numerous occasions he has to constantly improve his car in order to compete with the talented field. Watson will be without a doubt the car to catch come feature time Saturday night.

Returning driver Dave Taylor has started his season off with two top-five finishes and surely aims to continue the streak and potentially put the car in victory lane. Taylor has been happy with his car so far this season, but has also said “more work on the car” is necessary in order for a win to occur. Whether or not the hard work pays off will be seen at Mosport.

Todd Campbell’s rookie-of-the-year chase has taken off well with Campbell posting two sixth place finishes to start the season. Intending to run a full schedule, Campbell’s success lies in repetitions and much practice as continues to familiarize himself with his Outlaw. Look for Campbell to break in to the top-five in his first OSCAAR visit to Mosport.

Wayne Isaacs finished in the top-five of both events with fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively. Tyler Hawn looks to better his career-high eighth place finish at Kawartha and Hawn certainly has all the tools to put his #42 Chevrolet up front.

Last year’s Mosport events were won by Jeff Hanley and Derrick Tiemersma, with Hanley winning the spring race and Tiemersma taking the summer event.

The pit gates open at 2:30pm with practice for OSCAAR beginning at 3:30pm. Final OSCAAR practice takes place at 5:00pm and will be followed by a 5:30pm driver and crew chief meeting. The first green flag is scheduled to drop at 6:00pm. OSCAAR will take the green flag in the third set of heats following Mosport’s pure stock division and the Ontario Legends. Anticipation is high for the Mosport event as many drivers have finished their off-season preparations and are ready to race. The racing is guaranteed excitement with Ontario’s fastest show on asphalt.

Schedule of Events:

Pit gates open at 2:30 pm

OSCAAR tech opens at 3:00pm

First OSCAAR practice is at 3:30pm

Practice continues to rotate until final practice at 5:00pm

OSCAAR tech will close at 5:00pm

Mandatory driver and crew chief meeting at 5:30pm

First green flag at 6:00pm

By Clayton Johns