(June 14, 2013) —-Representatives with OSCAAR Racing announced today that it has officially signed BLM (The Black Lodge Media Firm) as its Business Development and Advertising Agency of Record in Canada and the United States.

“We are very confident that this new relationship will provide our fans with new ways to connect with our series and drivers while generating new opportunities for our business partners to communicate with the growing fan base our series and drivers continue to be blessed with,” said David Gainforth, president and Spokesman for OSCAAR Racing.

Gainforth went on to explain that as Agency of Record, BLM will work closely with OSCAAR Racing and the teams and drivers within the series to manage and secure sponsorship development.

BLM, according to Gainforth, will also handle advertising and marketing campaigns, brand perception development, and overall business development to assist in the professional development of OSCAAR as a professional stock car racing series in Ontario, Canada.

“Developing new sponsorship opportunities, and securing a focused revenue growth strategy is a crucial approach we must take to further secure our place as a top tier Professional Racing Entertainment medium in Canada,” Gainforth said, before adding, “We are very focused on working closely with BLM as our new Agency of Record to achieve the aggressive goals we have set into place.”

Eric J. Gillespie, president and founder of BLM, pointed out that its focus is to deliver a complete business growth service of which OSCAAR Racing obtains volume profits through a complete and professional execution of what it calls “the Professional Sports Marketing Mix.”

Now that BLM is OSCAAR Racing’s core communications, advertising, and sponsorship sales agency, Gainforth revealed that OSCAAR plans to soon launch a new website with fan focused content, and a new OSCAARTV centre with full race reviews, highlights, and interactive fan features.

In addition, Gainforth said, OSCAAR Racing will have a new Sponsorship Marketplace coming this July, which will provide detailed statistics, data, demographics information, and open opportunity listings; for business partners and prospects interested in sponsoring the series and drivers.

About OSCAAR Racing

The Ontario Car Association of Asphalt Racers (OSCAAR) features both Outlaw Super Late Models and Modifieds, Ontario’s premiere stock car racing series.

The Outlaws have a unique body style and can boast the greatest horsepower of any Ontario stock car division. The unique Outlaw body style features a hood and nose combination which slopes to the ground on a steep angle, rear side panels which are flat and an alternative roof style.

Perhaps the oldest form of racing in Ontario is the Modifieds and OSCAAR is proud to carry on the tradition at a professional level. The excitement of open wheel racing keeps fans on the edge of their seats until the checkered flag falls. The OSCAAR Modifieds are the fastest open wheel cars in the province, and is where the future of professional racing stars hone their craft. With 450 HP of ground pounding excitement on the short tracks of Ontario, the OSCAAR Modifieds is the series you don’t want to miss.

“This is my hometrack, this is where I started,” said Watson. “The experience on the track definitely paid off for me tonight.”

Watson bounced back from early trouble as the Stayner, Ont. driver nearly missed his first Klotz Qualifying heat race of the night with a loose battery cable. The 20-year-old, however, would have two solid finishes before drawing the pole for the 50-lap feature.

Wasting little time, Watson grabbed the lead on lap two after a hard-fought side-by-side battle with Derrick Tiemersa (No. 7 Wayfreight Chevrolet). The two drivers would run nose to tail for the entire 50-lap event.

“It’s definitely tough out there,” explained Watson. “Derrick gave me a run, but he ran me clean. Lapped cars played a big factor tonight. Derrick always has a good car, but he’s run very clean against me the last couple of weeks.”

It looked as though Tiemersma would have the chance to duck beneath Watson several times in the early stages of the race, but the defending champion fended off the veteran.

The only yellow flag of the night came at lap 25 after Watson and Tiemersma had broken away from the rest of the field. Rob Clarke (No. 49 London Mechanical Chevrolet) spun off turn four on to the front stretch grass while Brandon Vanderwel (No. 97 Shoreline Stone Chevrolet) spun simultaneously in turn two. No other drivers were involved in the incident.

The restart gave ample opportunity to rookie Kevin Cornelius (No. 17 Halton Crushed Stone Pontiac), who had been running third, to rejoin the top pair. Tyler Hawn (No. 42 Belford Haulage Chevrolet) restarted fourth with another rookie in Andrew Gresel (No. 81 Sauble Falls Trailer Park Ford) holding down the fifth spot.

Watson did falter on the restart, jumping back out front after another battle with Tiemersma.

Hawn got the worst of the restart as he was pinned to the outside line and forced back to the sixth spot. Gresel took full advantage of his inside track position to take the fourth spot and only laps later stole the third spot from Cornelius.

The top trio of Watson, Tiemersma, and Gresel would pace the field over the final 20 laps, running nose-to-tail for the remainder of the race. Gresel looked to make the hardest charge in the closing laps, but a loose car on corner exit held the No. 81 to the third spot.

Tiemersa threw everything he had at Watson in the closing laps, but wasn’t able to squeeze by.

“We had a good car. I think I was a bit faster than Brandon,” said Tiemersma,” but I would have had to rough him up a bit to beat him and I don’t drive like that.”

“It was a good race. I was on his bumper and it gave him an honest win. All of the changes we’ve made to the car are working so we’re happy coming out of Barrie with a straight racecar.”

Gresel’s podium finish marks the first of his young OSCAAR career.
“It’s a great feeling to finish in the top-five with a brand-new racecar,” said Gresel. “Barrie Speedway’s tough to get around. We learned a lot today. We just need to spend some more time here and I know we can make it a lot better.”

Glenn Watson (No. 22) had perhaps the most impressive run on the night. The Barrie, Ont. pilot was involved in an incident in his first heat of the night that caused heavy cosmetic damage to the front of the car.

Glenn returned for his second heat before starting eighth in the A-main event. Battling all night from his eighth starting position, Glenn moved his way to the fourth spot, but the top trio would ultimately prove to be too strong.

Cornelius earned his first top-five finish of the year after falling just short on opening night. The fifth-place finish is marks the Shelburne, Ont. driver’s second top-ten finish to start his OSCAAR rookie year.

The race was not short on excitement as the 20-car field raced clean and smooth for the entire 50 laps.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour returns to action on Saturday June 29 and Sunday June 30 at Sunset Speedway for the two-day Don Biederman Memorial. The weekend event feature back-to-back 50-lap features for the OSCAAR Super Late Models, who will be joined by the OSCAAR Modifieds as well.

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Results – Barrie Speedway 50-lap Feature (Starting Position in Parentheses).

1. 9 Brandon Watson (1); 2. 7 Derrick Tiemersa (2); 3. 81 Andrew Gresel (5); 4. 22 Glenn Watson (8); 5. 17 Kevin Cornelius (4); 6. 42 Tyler Hawn (4); 7. 2 John Owen (10); 8. 83 Ian Bourque (9); 9. 45 Rob Poole (7); 10. 40P Charlie Gallant (13); 11. 05 Brad Corcoran (12); 12. 8 Sean Cronan (14); 13. 13 Gary Passer (6); 14. 10 Jesse Kennedy (17); 15. 49 Rob Clarke (20); 16. 97 Brandon Vanderwel (16); 17. 63 Henry Hagen (15); 18. 67 Rob Reimer (18); 19. 23 Paul Milligan (11); 20. 98 Mike Hilliard (DNS).

Qualifying Heat winners: 49 Rob Clarke; 7 Derrick Tiemersma; 22 Glenn Watson; 17 Kevin Cornelius; 81 Andrew Gresel (2).

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Dan Little’s OSCAAR Album

Watch OSCAAR TV Video’s

Andrew Gresel (No. 81) will debut a brand new Hamke-built Super Late Model tomorrow night at Barrie. Gresel tested this afternoon at Sauble Speedway, nearby his hometown of Hepworth, Ont., in preparation for tomorrow night’s race. Here is a look at Gresel’s car prior to today’s test at ‘The Beach’.

Charlie Gallant (No. 40P) is expected to return to action after a pair of tough wrecks to start the season. The veteran driver out of Pefferlaw, Ont. worked hard to have the car race ready two weeks ago in anticipation of the series’ visit to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Gallant, however, had to wait like the rest of the field but should be back in action Saturday night.

Shane Gowan (No. 39) will make his first OSCAAR start in over a full calendar year tomorrow night after George Wilson drove his Lucas Oil-sponsored machine in the season opener. Gowan earned a couple of heat race wins during his 2011 rookie season, but remains in search of his first feature victory. What may give the sophomore driver a slight edge is his experience on tight, narrow racetracks after several years of racing at Flamboro Speedway.

Ian Bourque (No .83) will also make his season debut as was announced earlier this week. Bourque has run several partial schedules with OSCAAR in the past before pursuing full-time competition in Barrie Speedway’s Limited Late Model division. He will enter the night as the only driver on the OSCAAR roster with a win at Barrie in 2013, but whether he leaves that way remains to be seen. Bourque has received sponsorship for the OSCAAR portion of his schedule from Muskoka Community Mobility Transportation, Bourque Transmission Services, RB Graffix, and Barrie Speedway’s Garry Reynolds Memorial.

After the only OSCAAR Super Late Model event at CTMP was washed out earlier this month, Don Thomson Jr.’s (No. 4) return to the series was also delayed. Thomson was set to race a car originally built by Len Couvillon and prepared out of Fitzpatrick Motorsports before Mother Nature intervened. Thomson’s schedule for the rest of the OSCAAR season remains undetermined, but an appearance at the Biederman Memorial has not been ruled out. The Hamilton, Ont. driver does intend to make the start at his former home track, Flamboro Speedway, on July 20. Here is our look at his finished ride, sporting his classic #4.

Paul Law (No. 72), who originally intended to make his first appearance of the season two weeks ago at CTMP, will not make the trip to Barrie from his home in nearby Orangeville. Law explained earlier this week that despite the car being in race-ready condition, his Midas of Orangeville business is too busy at the moment in order to take the time to race. He did however confirm he would be in attendance for the two-night Don Biederman Memorial on June 29 & June 30.

George Wilson (No. 77) stated in a conversation earlier this week he intends to make the long haul from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. with his Port City Racecars-built chassis for both nights of the Don Biederman Memorial later this month. While Wilson has chosen to forgo a full schedule to spend more time with his children, he will compete in OSCAAR’s biggest event of the season.

Despite his best intentions, Mike Beyore (No. 54) will have to wait another two weeks to make his season debut. The Whitby, Ont. driver has been itching to get to the track, but this week was diagnosed with pneumonia and has spent part of the week in hospital fighting the illness. Beyore has assured he will make a full recovery and has every intention of making the trip to Sunset for the Biederman duel 50-lap races.

Spectator gates open at 5:00pm for tomorrow night’s event at Barrie Speedway. Fans will be able to take part in an on-track autograph session from 5:45pm to 6:15pm before the first green flag at 6:30pm.

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Directions: Barrie Speedway is located on the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte between Barrie and Orillia just off of Highway 11, 10 minutes north of Barrie and 10 minutes south of Orillia.

Directions from Barrie: Hwy 400 North, follow Hwy 11 North to the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte, Turn Right – Track 1km on the right side.

Directions from Orillia: Hwy 11 South to the 7th Line of Oro-Medonte, take the overpass back to Hwy 11 North to the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte, Turn Right – Track 1km on the right side.

For more information, visit www.barriespeedway.com.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

One year ago, Jesse Kennedy (No. 10) entered OSCAAR as a rookie Super Late Model driver with a ton of Pro Late Model experience. The Oneida Nation, Ont. driver surprised many, including himself, last season at Barrie when he passed Brandon Watson (No. 9) late in the 50-lap feature to earn his first OSCAAR victory. Kennedy ran third for most of the 2013 season opener at Sunset Speedway before a mechanical failure with five laps to go handed him an undeserved DNF. Look for Kennedy to get rolling this weekend.

Multi-time OSCAAR champion Glenn Watson (No.22) is a former Barrie Speedway Late Model regular and always enjoys returning to his old stomping grounds. Glenn finished second to open the season at Sunset, but is still looking to end a 14 race winless streak. Barrie provides an excellent opportunity for the hometown driver to grab the points lead and his first win of the season.

Brandon Watson opened his season with a victory at Sunset Speedway. He was strong last year at Barrie, finishing second to the aforementioned Kennedy. Brandon will need another top-five finish to maintain his spot at the top of the championship standings as he continues his title defense. A win would extend a streak of four consecutive victories, dating back to the Sunset Velocity 50 on September 23, 2012.

Tyler Hawn (No. 42) also has deep roots at Barrie Speedway. Hawn struggled to adjust to his new chassis on opening night, but battled through the carnage to an 11th-place finish. Hawn will look to find the top-ten again tonight as he did for much of his rookie season in 2011. Hawn will spend the morning promoting the race at Fox’s Bakery in Barrie from 10am to 12:30pm.

Current Barrie Late Model regular Ian Bourque (No. 83) will make his first OSCAAR start of the season. Bourque ran a partial schedule with OSCAAR for several seasons before returning to Barrie fulltime in 2013. Bourque already has one feature victory this year.

Brandon Vanderwel (No. 97) makes his return to OSCAAR tonight after a year absence due to a hand injury. Vanderwel has partnered with Protect the Children to help raise awareness against childhood abuse. He will have honourary pit crew members tonight as part of the program.

Mike Beyore (No. 54) is hoping to make his season debut on Saturday night as well, but is currently battling illness. Beyore hopes to fend of the bug in time to race at the tight 1/3-mile oval. Beyore’s Jeff Hanley-prepared car is in race-ready condition.

Andrew Gresel (No. 81) will finally be able to debut his brand-new chassis on Saturday as he searches for his first OSCAAR top-five finish. The team was prepared to unload the new Hamke-built car at CTMP on June 1, but the car was kept in the shop another two weeks due to rain. The Hepworth, Ont. driver competed in his template body Pro Late Model to open the season after delays preparing the final Outlaw-bodied car.

Gresel will battle fellow rookies Kevin Cornelius (No. 17) and Sean Cronan (No. 8) for the top spot amongst newcomers at Barrie. Cronan also has considerable experience at Barrie, and may hold the advantage among rookies entering round two. Cronan will hope to get his first feature finish in a Super Late Model following a disappointing DNF to open the season. Cornelius will be hungry for a top-five finish after falling just short at Sunset.

Spectator gates open at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 15 ahead of a 6:30pm green flag. The OSCAAR Super Late Models and OSCAAR Modifieds are the only two divisions on hand and will take part in an on-track autograph session with fans from 5:45pm to 6:15pm prior to the first race of the night.

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Directions: Barrie Speedway is located on the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte between Barrie and Orillia just off of Highway 11, 10 minutes north of Barrie and 10 minutes south of Orillia.

Directions from Barrie: Hwy 400 North, follow Hwy 11 North to the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte, Turn Right – Track 1km on the right side.

Directions from Orillia: Hwy 11 South to the 7th Line of Oro-Medonte, take the overpass back to Hwy 11 North to the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte, Turn Right – Track 1km on the right side.

For more information, visit www.barriespeedway.com.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

As part of the partnership, Vanderwel will host children at from shelters nearby various race tracks throughout the province as part of his race team for each of the 11 remaining events on the 2013 schedule. The family, siblings, or children who attend the OSCAAR race as part of Vanderwel’s crew will receive a team crew shirt, a photo with the entire team, and all expenses paid for the evening. In association with OSCAAR, the guests will also give the ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ command to drivers prior to the 50-lap feature event.

Following his initiative with Protect the Children, Vanderwel has also teamed with MyFM Radio Network as well. MyFM has donated 60 seconds of daily ad space for the duration of the summer, on each of its 13 radio stations province-wide, to promote the team’s goals and partnership. The ad will also feature any and all corporate partners who sponsor the No. 97 throughout the season. The advertising space is valued at $10,000.

So far, Vanderwel has secured sponsorship for this season from Shoreline Stone and Garden Centre, Moore Dry Bulk, Harry James Group, Marca Pizza & Pasta, and Kawartha Rock Quarries.

The Port Elgin, Ont. driver last competed with OSCAAR as a rookie in 2011, is preparing for his sophomore season after missing all of the 2012 season due to injury. The former ALSTAR series driver has high hopes for his return to the series.

“My goal would be to finish in the top five,” said Vanderwel. “I would have raced last year, but I had a hand injury.”

Vanderwel severed his pinky finger from his right hand in an accident and was forced to remain in a cast for three months after reconstructive surgery.

When he returns to action, Vanderwel will try to improve on his seventh-place finish in the championship standings in 2011, but is in need of a crew chief in order to do so.

“I love to drive. I’m just not very good with the setup,” said Vanderwel. “I need somebody behind me. A good race team needs a foundation and a crew chief is part of that.”

Vanderwel emphasized his crew chief is a paid position.

“I think I have decent enough equipment to get in to the top-five. I need the knowledge and the guys behind me to get there,” he said. “There are some pretty big names. To be in the top-five would be a pretty decent night considering the field.”

Vanderwel will make his return to the series at Barrie Speedway on June 15. That will be his only tune-up prior to the dual 50-lap features for the Don Biederman Memorial on June 29 and 30, which Vanderwel sees as a positive addition to the tour.

“It’s a great idea. It’s a little bit like hockey where you have seven games to determine who wins,” explained Vanderwel. “One night might be good for one guy, one night might be good for another. When you combine the points, I think it’s pretty cool. I’m excited for it.”

Vanderwel would like to thank each of the sponsors who have signed on for the 2013 OSCAAR Super Late Model season. Additionally, Vanderwel would like to send special thanks to all of his crew members, including Dave Taylor, Mark Eliot, Randy Bates, Burt Buckton, and Garit Bott.

Individuals or businesses interested in joining Vanderwel Racing’s partnership with Protect the Children and MyFM can contact Brandon Vanderwel via email at bvanderwel@shorelinestone.ca. Individuals interested in the crew chief position can contact Vanderwel at the same address.

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About Protect The Children: Protect the Children was started in 2011 by Carrie Kent and Tania Van Narmen. With a mission to change societal attitudes towards childhood abuse, Protect the Children hopes to assist children everywhere through education and support, starting right here in Ontario. For more information, visit www.protectthechildren.net and www.myinnocencelost.net.

About MyFM Radio: MyFM Radio has 13 local radio stations across Ontario, with two new stations in Alliston and Orangeville in development. MyFM Radio is owned and operated by My Broadcasting Corporation, Ontario’s Local Broadcast Company. For more information, visit www.myfmradio.ca.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Heavy thunderstorms are expected to hit Bowmanville and a large surrounding area in the evening and continue in to the night.

The event has been cancelled without a makeup date at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The race has not been rescheduled due to the limited number of available dates remaining on the OSCAAR schedule throughout the rest of the season.

As a result of the cancellation, the OSCAAR Super Late Model tour will not see action on a ½-mile track in 2013. The series schedule will now be a 12 race chase for the championship.

Eleven races remain on the 2013 Super Late Model tour. The next race is at Barrie Speedway on Saturday, June 15 where the OSCAAR Super Late Models will be joined by the OSCAAR Modified tour for each series’ second race of the season.

The cancellation comes as a blessing in disguise for a pair of drivers, including Mike Beyore (No. 54) and Todd Campbell (No. 07). Beyore announced yesterday he would have to miss the series only trip to his former home track due to unforeseen circumstances preparing the car, delaying his season debut in the process. He will make his first start at Barrie in two weeks.

Campbell was also expecting to miss the series’ second event of the season. The 2011 Super Late Model rookie-of-the-year is in the process of acquiring a new motor to replace the GM Crate Motor he has raced since his rookie year.

The cancellation does, however, delay the return of J.R. Fitzpatrick and Don Thomson Jr. to OSCAAR. The duo will not be able to attend the June 15 date at Barrie due to a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race.

For schedule information regarding the next event at Barrie Speedway, stay tuned to OSCAAR.ca.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

CTMP’s ½-mile, low-banked oval is very different from the fast, high-banked 1/3-mile at Sunset Speedway where the season opened. Sunset’s five year-old surface is significantly more tire friendly than the bumpy, rough asphalt that will be on display come race time Saturday night. Fifty laps may not seem long, but tire preservation certainly will play a factor in the closing laps.

After one event, this season looks a lot like the last as Brandon Watson (#9) won on opening night for the second consecutive year. However, Saturday’s Midas of Orangeville 50 brings a completely different challenge on a drastically different race track.

With Watson sitting on top of the standings entering race two, he stands a heavy favourite to win his second race of the season, and fourth in a row dating back to 2012. He finished a narrow second to George Wilson in this event last season, and was the runner-up to Glenn Watson two seasons ago. This may finally be his chance to get an elusive win at CTMP.

At least three drivers will make their OSCAAR season debuts on Saturday night, including. J.R. Fitzpatrick and Don Thomson Jr. who will drive cars #27 and #4, respectively. Fitzpatrick competed in two events last season in the Roy Passer-owned machine, earning a top-five in his first start. Fitzpatrick has completely rebuilt the car over the winter and should be a threat to win.

Thomson has one previous career OSCAAR start, which came at the 2005 Autumn Colours Classic. The former multi-time CASCAR champion won his only race eight years ago.

Brandon Vanderwel (#97) makes his first start in over a calendar year after taking a hiatus in 2012 due to a broken hand. Vanderwel has partnered with Protect the Children for the 2013 campaign and will have special guests

from the group with him at each race for the remainder of the year starting with Saturday in Bowmanville, Ont.

Rob Poole and Jesse Kennedy both ran well on opening night to start their sophomore seasons. Poole finished fourth in a revamped #45, his best career OSCAAR finish. He finished ninth at CTMP one year ago, but Poole will be looking for another top-five to maintain his spot near the top of the championship standings.

Meanwhile, Kennedy ran third for most of the evening before a flat tire and oil pressure issue in the final ten laps derailed his efforts for a top-five finish. Kennedy is expected to race in a back-up car this evening. He did the same one year ago as well after a mechanical failure in practice forced him to use his back-up piece.

The rookie race is only going to get tighter as the season wears on, with Andrew Gresel, Kevin Cornelius, and Sean Cronan all vying to be this year’s top newcomer honours. Cornelius was the top rookie in the opening race with a seventh place finish. The Shelburne, Ont. driver tested his McColl Racing Enterprises-built #17 at Delaware Speedway this week in preparation for this event.

Gresel will finally get behind the wheel of his Outlaw-bodied machine Saturday after being forced to pilot his template-body late model on opening night. Expect the #81 to be fast on its first time out of the box.

Cronan looked quick throughout his first night in a Super Late Model, competing for a heat race win early in the night. A mechanical problem, however, handed the team a DNF to start the year. Look for the #8 Terry Snyder-owned team to rebound with at least a top-ten result.

No preview can be complete without factoring veterans Glenn Watson, Derrick Tiemersma, and Rob Clarke in to the mix. Glenn ran the entirety of the season opening race in the top-five, before utilizing a late restart to dance around Tiemersma for the second spot. He won at CTMP two seasons ago and is hoping he can return to victory lane on Saturday for the first time in 14 races.

Tiemersma turned in an impressive performance to start the year, but would settle for third place despite running second most of the night. Tiemersma won at CTMP in 2007 and should be near the front again Saturday. Clarke was also strong in his debut, but surrendered his top-ten spot in the closing laps when the car lost power, ending his night with a DNF. His high-horsepower #49 is always a threat to win and Saturday is no different.

There is no clear favourite entering Saturday’s race, but there certainly is a ton of experience. CTMP is the only ½-mile track on the OSCAAR Super Late Model schedule in 2013, so Saturday is expected to be one of the most hotly contested races of the year.

Racing begins at 6pm on Saturday with the pit gate opening at 2:30pm for competitors (subject to change). Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 5pm.

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Notes

Early forecasts suggest a threat of thunderstorms on Saturday which could force the event to be cancelled. All efforts will be made to run the show as scheduled. In the event of a cancellation, this race will not be rescheduled.

Directions: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is located at 3233 Concession Road 10, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6.

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Starting from the pole, Brandon fended off multiple challenges from Derrick Tiemersma (#7 Wayfreight/Spira Chevrolet) and Uncle Glenn Watson (#22 Line-X/Race2way.ca/Rival Office Solutions Chevrolet) to begin the defense of his 2012 championship title.

“It was amazing. The crew did a great job to get the car here. It was great all night, right out of the trailer,” said Watson.

Brandon led by as much as two seconds over Tiemersma during a 32-lap green flag run from lap nine to 41.

Glenn Watson would finish second after using a final restart with eight laps remaining to get by second place runner Tiemersma, who would wind up third.

The 21-car field was slowed for caution six times, including two red flags. The first caution, and subsequent first red flag, came with just one lap complete as Rob Clarke (#49 London Mechanical/JBM Leasing/FLF Racecars Chevrolet) was turned on the backstretch by Shane Maginnis (#03 Budds GMC Chevrolet).

The two were running near the front of the field, and a number of drivers stacked up as a result, including Ethan Courneyea (#71c Jenco Equipment Chevrolet) who ended the incident with the front of his car resting on the hood of John Owen’s #2 (Owen Performance/DVR Masonry Chevrolet). The red flag was displayed as officials lifted Courneyea’s car from Owen’s front end. Both were able to continue.

Charlie Gallant (#40P South Shore Services Chevrolet) was also collected in the mess, his second set of misfortune on the evening, ending his night. Jim Bowman (#63 TMG Mortgages/Remax/Hanover Holidays Chevrolet) was tagged as well in the wreck and did continue before retiring on lap 21.

The second caution of the night came on lap four when Dwayne Baker (#48 Baker Performance Parts Ford) stopped in turn four with a flat right front tire.

Caution came out once more with nine complete for debris before 32 laps of consecutive green flag action. The top-five of Brandon Watson, Tiemersma, Jesse Kennedy (#10 Cameron Crane/Bev’s Auto/Quality Collision Ford), Glenn Watson, and Rob Poole (#45 Visser Farms/Alliston Auto Sales/RA Electrical Chevrolet) maintained their order for the duration of the run.

The real battle was for the seventh spot, between Clarke, Baker, and Maginnis. The trio ran nose to tail and side-by-side for much of the interval, until Maginnis spun in turn four with 41 laps complete. Maginnis appeared to have an oil line break, leading to the spin.

As a result, Maginnis laid oil all the way around the race track, forcing officials to red flag the race again while track crews cleaned up.

On the ensuing restart with ten to go, Brandon surprised many by choosing the outside line for the restart. He made it work to his advantage, despite having to try the restart twice after Tiemersma jumped early on the first attempt.

“I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do coming to the ‘double-up’ sign,” said Brandon. “My car was starting to get tight from the centre and off, so I thought I would be able to keep my momentum on the outside better.”

“The crew left it up to me. It’s a good thing I made the right decision,” joked Brandon.

Jesse Kennedy surrendered his third-place position just prior to the green to change a right-front tire that had gone soft.

The final caution with eight to go came as Gary Passer (#13 Jenco Equipment Chevrolet) got mixed up in turn four, but escaped unscathed. Kennedy ended his night with eight to go, after he lost oil pressure following the restart.

“I noticed just before we took the white the right-front seemed soft,” said Kennedy. “We lost oil pressure. Not sure what that’s about yet, but we’ll try to fix ‘er up and come back next time.”

Clarke would also fail to finish as he lost power under caution on the front stretch and was taken off on the hook.

Brandon chose the outside line for the final restart as well. Tiemersma appeared to spin the tires, allowing fourth-place runner Glenn Watson to make a pass for second on the outside.

Rookie Kevin Cornelius (#17 Halton Crushed Stone/Lee Sand & Gravel/Triplecrete Pontiac) had restarted third, but was pinched behind Tiemersma, falling to fourth. Dealing with a misfire throughout the night, the problem would rear its ugly head in the closing laps as Cornelius fell to seventh.

“On the last restart, I tried to dial some more front break in to it, but my adjuster jammed up, so I had a ton of rear-break going in to the turn on the high-side,” said Cornelius, “it just got away from me.”

Glenn Watson didn’t appear to have anything for nephew Brandon in the closing laps, as the twenty-year-old held on for the first victory of 2013.

Klotz Synthetics Qualifying Heat race winners were Brandon Watson (#9), Rob Clarke (#49), Shane Maginnis (#03), Jesse Kennedy (#10), Glenn Watson (#22), and Derrick Tiemersma (#7).

The OSCAAR Super Late Models are back in action in two weeks on Saturday June 1 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) for round two of the 2013 tour.

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News & Notes

After two wrecks on opening night, Charlie Gallant is expected to miss the series next event at CTMP on June 1.

Despite heavy body damage to start the year, Jim Bowman has said his team will return to action at CTMP, likely with a new body on the car.

After a strong showing in his first ever Super Late Model heat, Brent McLean missed the feature due to an oil pump issue that could not be resolved at the track.

George Wilson, driving for Shane Gowan to start the year, was pitside following the first caution due to a broken drive shaft. The team was able to repair it on pit road in order to finish the race, but three laps down.

Andrew Gresel ran a template body late model to start the season. His outlaw bodied car was not ready to start the season, but he has said it will be finished for CTMP. Cole Powell was the only other driver to run a template body.

Results: Lucie Aylwin Memorial 51 presented by North Toronto Auctions (Sunset Speedway – May 19, 2013) (Starting Position in parentheses)

1. #9 Brandon Watson (1); 2. #22 Glenn Watson (8); 3. #7 Derrick Tiemersma (2); 4. #48 Dwayne Baker (6); 5. #45 Rob Poole (10); 6. #07 Todd Campbell (9); 7. #17 Kevin Cornelius (12); 8. #2 John Owen (13); 9. #73 Cole Powell (16); 10. #00 Wayne Isaacs (21); 11. #42 Tyler Hawn (22); 12. #13 Gary Passer (7); 13. #81 Andrew Gresel (19); 14. #39 George Wilson (14); 15. #10 Jesse Kennedy (5)(DNF); 16. #49 Rob Clarke (3) (DNF); 17. #03 Shane Maginnis (4) (DNF); 18. #63 Jim Bowman (DNF) (18); 19. #71c Ethan Courneyea (20) (DNF); 20. #8 Sean Cronan (11) (DNF); 21. #40P Charlie Gallant (15)(DNF); 22. #15x Brent McLean (DNS); 23. #57 Craig Stevenson (DNS).

The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Click HERE for Dan Little’s Photo’s

Click HERE for video’s

Sunday marks the second annual Lucie Aylwin Memorial at Sunset Speedway. Lucie was among the victims of the Elliott Lake mall collapse last May. She is described by many as a kind-hearted soul who would take the time to talk to anybody, doing so with a smile on her face.

The memorial race was initiated by her fiancé Gary Gendron, who was a member of George Wilson’s racing crew for the past few seasons. As Gendron explained, Lucie never felt she was above anybody and, as a social worker, was always happy and willing to help in any way she could. Gendron has created a brand new trophy to be awarded for the first time this weekend. Brandon Watson won the first memorial race in Lucie’s honour.

Reigning series champion Watson (#9) will compete at Autodrome Chaudière (QC) on Saturday before making a ten hour haul in order to be back at Sunset for the opener. The youngster won twice at Sunset last season, his former home track. Uncle Glenn Watson (#22) was shutout of victory lane last year despite seven wins in 2011. He’s especially hungry to get back there in 2013 and will come back with a vengeance.

Jesse Kennedy (#10) and Gary Passer (#13) both won races in 2012 and should be in tight competition for a top-ten finish Sunday evening. Kennedy battled mechanical failures at Sunset last year on a couple of occasions, but is hoping to have rectified those problems.

Shane Gowan (#39) returns to the tour after a one-year hiatus last season. Gowan destroyed the front-end of his car in the first heat of opening night in 2011. Evidently, the Lucas Oil team will hope to go home in one piece to start the year.

Tyler Hawn (#42) will debut a brand new car as well. The Oro Station, Ont. native is beyond excited to pilot the best equipment he has ever owned. Look for a new paint scheme this year on the Fox’s Bakery Camaro.

Let’s not forget about Rob Clarke (#49) either. Clarke is a five-time champion of the series who won at Delaware last year and Sunset two seasons ago. He will drive a car that has only been raced a half-dozen times and is almost sure to be near the front on opening night .

And what about 2007 champion Derrick Tiemersma (#7)? He will once again feature his traditional white paint scheme. With a championship under his belt, Tiemersma is more interested in finding victory lane this season.

Add Mike Beyore (#54) into the mix as he looks to solve his engine woes by returning to a McGunigill spec engine.

This season’s rookie class looks as though it will be the most competitive in recent years, and perhaps all time. Former Delaware Speedway regular Andrew Gresel is debuting a completely new car #81. Gresel competed at Daytona Int’l Speedway in February in the competitive ARCA series.

Kevin Cornelius’ #17 is the first ever Super Late Model to come from London, Ont.-based McColl Racing Enterprises. Cornelius knows his way around Sunset, as he was the 2011 Limited Late Model track champion. He should be in contention for a win on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sean Cronan will make his first OSCAAR start in car #8. Cronan was the 2011 McColl Summer Series champion at Sunset, so he will feel right at home in his first start. Cronan’s car is the same chassis formerly piloted by Jeff Dunford. Terry Snyder remains car owner.

With no clear favourite for the season opener, this Sunday is a race no OSCAAR fan should miss. Spectator gates open at 4:30pm, with the first green flag scheduled to fly at 6pm. Pit gates open at 12:30pm for competitors. The Super Late Models will be joined by the OSCAAR Modifieds and Can-Am TQ Midgets.

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News & Notes

Jeff Dunford has divested his part ownership of the Super Late Model he drove over the past number of seasons. Terry Snyder was the other part owner, buying Dunford out of his portion. Dunford, however, stressed it was not due to any disagreement between he and Snyder. “There were no problems between Terry and I. The decision was purely for financial reasons,” explained Dunford. “I want to thank my friends and competitors for everything over the last few years.” He also stressed he hopes to return to the series in the near future.

Canadian recording artist Lucas Rogerson will perform his rendition of O’Canada this Sunday to open the 2013 OSCAAR Racing season. Rogerson is a long-time member of the Settlers Creek band and is in the process of beginning a new solo career. His first solo album, ‘Streetlights’, is set to release next Wednesday, May 22. It will be available on iTunes and can be pre-ordered now. OSCAAR Modified driver Davey Terry has been instrumental in the process of having Rogerson perform this evening. Despite the friendship, Rogerson has never been to a stock car race. “I’m expecting excitement. I’m excited to see the cars. I never realised how much thought goes into the cars. I’m excited to see the crowd,” he said. You can check out the duo’s promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ADsrZThXnDk

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

With just ten days until the ‘Supers’ kick things off at Sunset on May 19, here are ten things to watch for in the upcoming season.

10. Sophomore Emergence

A number of drivers are expected to return from rookie campaigns with even stronger programs for their second year. The 2012 rookie-of-the-year Jesse Kennedy will debut a completely rebuilt chassis for opening day and is expected to compete for a championship. Kennedy won one race last season, at Barrie Speedway, and should be in contention every week if the bugs have been worked out.

Rob Poole will debut a brand new FLF Racecars body on his #45 entry for 2013. Poole examined every bolt on his car before preparing for the season and should be in top-five contention on a regular basis.

Jim Bowman is ready to begin fresh with a new chassis of his own for 2013. The veteran late model driver ventured to a Florida racing school over the winter, and feels he has drastically improved overall. Bowman will look to improve on his rookie campaign which was marred by bad luck.

Paul Law will also look to mind consistency in 2013 after a group of mechanical failures last season hurt his efforts. Law will likely look forward to an appearance at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway, his former home track. The Orangeville, Ont. driver is expected to pilot his Jeff Hanley-built chassis for the second consecutive season.

Quinn Misener will also face a tough task in his second season behind the wheel of a full-bodied stock car. The former motocross expert will again drive out of the Passer Racing stable.

9. Competitive Rookie Class

With no disrespect to previous rookie classes, the 2013 group is developing to be one of the toughest in recent memory. Former Late Model champions Andrew Gresel, Kevin Cornelius, and Sean Cronan will duel with J.R. Fitzpatrick and Rob Gibson for top rookie honours this season. With each driver at the wheel of a well-prepared race car, it’s anybody’s guess as to who will emerge with the crown.

Gresel and Cornelius will both boast brand new chassis, while Cronan will be featured in an expertly crafted Terry Snyder entry. Fitzpatrick is expected to compete in as many as ten events, while Gibson will compete as often as possible, but likely on a part-time basis.

8. Repeat Winners

If the OSCAAR field is half as competitive as it is expected to be, it will be very difficult for a driver to multiple races this year. George Wilson and Brandon Watson were the only repeat winners last season, but Wilson is not expected to compete this year. Watson, meanwhile, has publicly stated he may miss a couple of races this season.

That leaves a long list of drivers that will be looking to get back in to victory lane this year, or in to OSCAAR victory lane for the first time. Glenn Watson and Derrick Tiemersma were both shut out of the winner’s circle last year, so both are eager to taste victory again. And what about veterans Jeff Hanley and Rob Clarke, both of which won a race in 2012? Over 15 drivers are considered to be legitimate contenders for a win on any night. The list could go on, but I haven’t the space to do so.

7. Tighter Heat Races

Many drivers took some time to get used to the new points system introduced to the field last season. What many may have come to realise is the increased importance on qualifying well in heat races under the new format. The new system awards 60 points to the race winner, 57 to the second place finisher, decreasing by one point per position through the remainder of the field. Points are also awarded for heat race finishes. Heat race winners are awarded seven points with each subsequent position receiving one fewer point. All drivers are guaranteed one point for starting a heat, or 20 points for starting the feature.

In evaluating the new system, many drivers realised a number of points can be made up in the championship standings through heat races as well as the feature event. Essentially, positions in heat races are just as valuable as in a feature race. Expect drivers to compete that much harder for heat positions this year.

6. Adjusting to Circumstance

The dog days of summer through July and August bring some of the hottest days in the year. And some cool nights. Drivers are forced to practice and often run heat races on loose, greasy race tracks and take a guess on evening setups when the track tightens up. With the schedule spread over the course of six months, each race throws a new set of conditions at the drivers on tour.

Most drivers keep extensive notebooks, but are often forced to deviate from their game plan to accommodate the ever-changing conditions. Often drivers can be extremely fast in practice, but lose the car come feature time. The reverse is also true, especially when drivers bolt on four fresh Hoosier tires for feature time. Regardless, the top championship contenders will have to master the technique. With the number of experienced and talented drivers in the field, most will be able to draw on previous experience for situational conditions.

5. Sunset Prevalence

Five races are scheduled to run at Sunset Speedway in 2013, including the two-race Don Biederman Memorial. For a driver to win the points championship there is no doubt he will have to be competitive and consistent at the Innisfil, Ont. 1/3-mile.

4. New Format Don Biederman Memorial

The 15th annual Don Biederman Memorial will have a new look come Canada Day weekend. The most prestigious race on the OSCAAR schedule will change from its traditional 75-lap feature format, switching instead to two complete race nights, with each featuring a 50-lap feature, on June 29 and 30. While an exact formula has not yet been worked out, results will be combined from both nights of racing to determine the 2013 Biederman winner. Since the race is so popular, expect to see a large and talented field for both nights.

3. Kawartha Return

The OSCAAR Super Late Models and OSCAAR Modifieds will host one of only two races in 2013 at Kawartha Speedway. OSCAAR will revive the Fraserville, Ont. facility on August 11 from its dormant state, as the track will not host weekly racing in 2013. The only other race to be held there will be hosted by the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Many drivers have championed OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth for ensuring a return to the popular high-banked track. Look for a maximum car count at this event as drivers try to make the most of their only chance to run Kawartha in 2013.

2. Triple Crown Winner

Brandon Watson won two of the three legs of OSCAAR’s unofficial Triple Crown last season. Watson took the Biederman Memorial and Autumn Colours classic, but fell just shy of a win at Sunset’s Velocity event. No driver has won the trio of races in a single season, but if somebody is capable of getting on a roll late in the year, it may be possible with a bit of luck thrown in the mix. And yes, I know, this directly contradicts what I said about repeat winners. But it can still happen.

1. New Champion

With Brandon Watson expected to miss races in 2013, it is unlikely he will be able to repeat as champion. That opens the door for a new or returning champion and the chase is as wide open as ever. All of the names mentioned in this report are in the mix – and then some. There is no driver entering the season as the heavy favourite. This year’s champion will likely have to be as consistent as ever, which means he’ll finish inside the top-ten in almost every race. No small task for any driver in the field. Only time will tell who is crowned champion on Thanksgiving weekend following the Autumn Colours Classic.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)