Mention the name 'Junior' to a stockcar racing fan and depending on their age, they'll think you're referring to either hall of fame driver and car owner Robert 'Junior' Johnson or second generation superstar Dale Earnhardt Junior, winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup most popular driver award for 9 consecutive seasons. Although he's yet to achieve the same level of success as any of the drivers who share his name, Ken Donaldson Junior could be well on his way.

A busy work schedule can be either a blessing, or a curse. Omemee, Ontario's Craig Scott would love to be a regular runner in Kawartha Speedway's Better Carpet Thunder Car field, but his full-time position as Vice President of Operations for Hy-Tech Drilling places so many demands on his to-do list, he's only able to make it to the track a couple of times a year. The 59 year-old father of four – who got his first taste of the sport at the now defunct North Bay Speedway, a track once owned by pit crew member Gary Harling – says that even with a limited schedule, he still looks forward to the adrenalin rush that comes with running side-by-side with a trusted driver.

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Take a few moments to wander through the pit area at your favourite weekly racetrack and one thing is very evident.  The racers look younger year after year.  Drivers have more opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience and sharpen their talents in go karts and the track’s entry level divisions before taking a turn at the headline class.  Kawartha Speedway isn’t much different...except for one possible exception.  50 year-old Uxbridge, Ontario racer Bryan Watts says he’s looking to show everyone at the 3/8th mile Fraserville oval that ‘old guys rule’.  The Vice President of OE Quality Friction, makers of VORTEX Brake Pads could’ve started slowly like everyone else, but instead chose to get his feet wet running with the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Every racer looks for an edge. The certain elements that will help them get the most out of their abilities and equipment. No matter how many changes you make to the chassis, spring rate, suspension components or tire pressures, there is little that will help their overall performance as much as experience. Even though he’d been active at the controls of sportsman, super late model, OSCAAR, Flex-Mor Series and OSLR equipment since 1987, Earl Ireland faced a steep learning curve when he returned to the driver’s seat to start the 2010 season at Kawartha Speedway. The Peterborough, ON auto dealer may have struggled through his inaugural year in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division, but he found his niche and earned a seventh place finish in the final 2011 standings.