PLATTSVILLE, ON- As Shawn Chenoweth reaches the end of final preparations for this weekend’s Velocity 250 at Sunset Speedway, it’s clear just how much the Pro Late Model champion is anticipating returning to the OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had some unfinished business as far as OSCAAR goes”, explains Chenoweth. “My Dad and I have done the tour twice, and we really weren’t able to string together the kind of results that we expect from ourselves. We were getting out-dollared a little bit, and that hurt us big time”
Through his partnership with London Recreational Racing founder Mike Schmidt, Chenoweth has acquired a Jeff Hanley-built chassis, and has spent the better part of two months preparing it for his first Super Late Model race since September of 2012.
“I could sit here for hours and never come close to thanking Mike enough”, says Chenoweth. “That man is incredible, and I’m the luckiest guy in the industry to call him my friend and sponsor. Mike’s been with us every step of the way en route to getting this Super Late Model put together. I think we’re at the point now that he might be looking forward to it even more than I am”
A healthy field of Super Late Models is expected for the penultimate event on the OSCAAR schedule, and Chenoweth is hoping to find himself in the mix as soon as possible.
“We’re going to take the car out and shake it down before we even make it to Sunset this weekend”, states the veteran. “I want to make sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we’re good to go for Sunday. You always have to worry about mechanical gremlins when you’re strapping into a car for the first time. If something is going to break, I want to have the chance to fix it before raceday”
Although Sunday will mark Chenoweth’s first appearance in his London Recreational Racing-backed ride, it’s abundantly clear the former Autumn Colours Classic titlist is not looking for a slow introduction.
“I have all the respect in the world for the top guys on the OSCAAR tour”, says Chenoweth. “I think it’s going to take a lot of seat time and adjustments before we start taking wins away from guys like Gresel, Baker and Cornelius. But, I expect to be in the conversation before the end of the season”
Details for this weekend’s Velocity 250 can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Shawn Chenoweth’s 2014 season is made possible thanks to the support of London Recreational, Bennett GM, KR Communications, Midas of Orangeville, Castrol Edge, Transaxle Truck Parts, Hitman Hotrods, Wilson Ponds, Graybar, McColl Racing Enterprises, Innerkip Plumbing and Heating, ProWraps and Automotive Truck & Tire.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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