July 12, 2013- Open-wheel modifieds have only raced at Sauble Speedway once under OSCAAR sanctioning, but one race was enough to leave drivers and fans eager to return.
Steve Smith (No.98) became the third different winner on tour with his win at the ‘Beach’ last year. Smith, however, is only running in select events this season, and was not expected to compete at the time of publication. As a result, the second ever OSCAAR Modified Sauble winner will be crowned this evening.
For the first time in series history, Gary McLean (No.8 McLean Industrial Design) is not the championship points leader. Brent McLean (No.7 Bowmanville Home Building Centre) is the current series frontrunner after a pair of wins in the first five races of the season along with two runner-up results. Brent’s only finish outside the top pair came at Delaware Speedway three weeks ago.
After a dominating 2012 season, Gary has not had the cards fall in to place in the same manner to start 2013. After winning the season opener at Sunset Speedway, Gary finished second at Barrie, third at Delaware, and finished off the podium in both nights of the doubleheader weekend at Sunset Speedway. Gary was involved in a lap one wreck on night two and finished outside the top-ten which gave the point lead to Brent.
Look for the cousins from Conn, Ont. to duel at the front of the field again this weekend. Brent was strong last season with a second-place finish, while Gary has years of experience at Sauble to draw on from touring days with the MRA (Modified Racing Association).
Last season’s rookie-of-the-year, Davey Terry (No.14 Wasteco), suffered the worst of the lap one wreck on night two at Sunset as he hammered the inside wall on the front-stretch. The team has spent the last two weeks rebuilding the car’s front-end and Terry is beyond hungry for his first win. The young driver from Erin, Ont. is on the cusp of his first trip to Knightworks Design victory lane and could be the car to beat at Sauble, especially if he starts the 30-lap A-Main at the front.
Rookie drivers Bobby Tolton (No.13 Amsoil) and Dave Osborne (No.11 O’Neil’s Farm Equipment) have made it clear they will go right to the wire in determining this year’s top rookie pilot. Tolton currently holds a one point edge over Osborne in the rookie standings, with Osborne having missed one race. Tolton has overcome overheating and clutch problems and would have earned his first top-five at Sunset if not for a last lap incident. Osborne, meanwhile, continues to improve the handling on his car and will look for his first top-five this evening.
Shane Stickel (No.39 MSD Machine Tool) will debut a brand new look on his Troyer modified this weekend, courtesy of Creative Edge. Stickel impressed many his OSCAAR debut at Sunset two weeks ago, earning seventh- and fifth-place finishes on back-to-back nights. A former go-kart star, the Kitchener, Ont.-based driver is eager to get on the podium for the first time this weekend.
One-third of the way through the 15-race campaign, the OSCAAR tour has seen four different winners. Only two will be in attendance Saturday (Gary and Brent McLean) offering an excellent opportunity for somebody new to steal a victory on the competitive tour. The OSCAAR Modifieds are joined by Sauble Junior Late Models, and the OSCAAR Super Late Models, who will headline the show. Spectator gates open at 5:00pm, prior to a 7:00pm green flag. An on-track fan autograph session will take place from 6:15pm-6:45pm.
Tickets: Admission to Saturday night’s event at Sauble Speedway is just $18. Spectator gates open at 5:00pm and seating is on a first come, first served basis. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE with adult accompaniment.
Directions: Sauble Speedway is located on Bruce County Road 14, 2.5km south of Sauble Beach. For full directions, visit: http://saublespeedway.ca/race-fan-information/directions-to-the-speedway/
Accommodations: Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park is offering a special deal to OSCAAR teams and fans this weekend. Sauble Falls will waive the registration fee to any campers who say they are camping as part of the OSCAAR race weekend. Sauble Falls also offers shuttle service to and from the racetrack. To reserve a camp site, call (519) 422-1322.
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)/ OSCAAR Media and Public Relations
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