The annual Toronto Motorama show once again marked the official kickoff of the Southern Ontario Pro 4 Modified racing season. Interest in the class has been incredible this year – open-wheel modifieds on pavement at a reasonable cost continue to attract racers both young and old. It’s not just the lower cost of purchasing a car that’s appealing, but also the reduced expenses of operating one throughout the season. Tire usage, fuel, travel, and general maintenance all play into the overall affordability of Pro 4 racing.
Season 3 of the Southern Ontario Pro 4s rebuilding effort is shaping up to be an exciting year. BCW Lumber and Plywood Brantford return as the series sponsor for 2025. The philosophy of keeping racing fun, fast, and competitive has really caught on. With a strong focus on cost control and equalization rules, Pro 4 is alive and well in Ontario.
The “stepping stone” class will see three former karters enter their first full Pro 4 season. Brodie Gibson of Waterloo will be driving an American-built car from Florida’s Outlaw series, joining his dad Jessie on the track. Brodie raced karts on paved tracks across Ontario, and we’re excited to see this father-son duo compete together. Good luck to both!
Jayden Pokupec, grandson of Stan Pokupec – one of the original members of the Ontario Pro 4 club back in the 1970s – will also be trying his hand in the class. With karting experience under his belt and his grandfather’s coaching behind him, Jayden is set to do well. Welcome aboard, Jayden – and above all, have fun!
Coming out of the dirt karting scene at Ohsweken, 15-year-old Riley Mercer will pilot another Pro 4 Outlaw car from Florida. Though new to paved tracks, Riley has been turning impressive times at Flamboro Speedway. He’s also expected to race Sprint Cars at Ohsweken this year. Riley is proudly sponsored by Jim Bray Trailers of Brantford. Jim Bray’s name is synonymous with Canadian racing – he raced in NASCAR back in the ’60s and remains actively involved in the sport. Riley says, “Thank you to Jim Bray for your support and leadership!”
Also on board for 2025 is Glen Morrison, who will debut a unique offset engine car, much like the legendary supermodifieds from Oswego, NY. Glen’s been working hard on his new engine setup, and we look forward to seeing the car hit the track this season. Good luck, Glen – and have fun!
New car owner-driver Dave Miller is also working toward getting his car on track this year, aiming to make a mid-season debut. Best of luck, Dave – we’ll be cheering you on!
New for 2025: The iconic #00 of Brad Maitland will return with a freshly built car sporting a retro Pinto body, reminiscent of the pavement pounders of the 1970s. It’s a sweet-looking ride, and Brad can’t wait to let that Pinto giddy-up and go! Fabricator and racer Shean Carey has been building the body, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the finished product. Shean himself will debut a new car as well – Fireball #5 – featuring a Honda engine, and it’s nearly ready for its first race on opening night at Flamboro, May 17th.
We’re thrilled to welcome this exciting new crop of drivers – young and… let’s say, “seasoned”!
Of course, many fan-favorite regulars are back as well. Mark Lucas (#63) will return – watching Mark in a Pro 4 is always a treat. He can run any line on the track and make it work. Drivers often say, “If you see #63 in your mirror… too late, he’s already passed you!”
Veteran racer Cliff Hodgkinson of Baby Gorilla Racing also returns, bringing more seat time across Canada and the USA than most drivers combined. Cliff’s ability to dive deep into corners and find the smallest of gaps is legendary. His dad, Dave, was also a top-tier Pro 4 driver back in the day. When asked how he knew when to brake at the end of a straightaway, Dave famously replied, “When I see God.” Cliff’s wife, Kelly, also races in the series and earned Rookie of the Year honors last season for her stellar performance.
Josh Fera is another name to watch. A few seasons into his Pro 4 career, Josh drives the sleek black #96 open-wheel mod with his dad Rob. Always well-prepared, Josh finished 5th in points in 2024 and is poised for a breakthrough season. Expect to see him in the winner’s circle!
The 2025 Southern Ontario Pro 4 schedule includes 10 races – eight at Flamboro Speedway, and one each at Sauble Beach and Sunset Speedway.
We’ve had unbelievable support from our sponsors, including returning names like:
– Strodes BBQ & Deli (Brantford)
– GENTIC (Brantford)
– Jim Bray Trailers (Brantford)
– PENCAR Truck & Car Rental (Brantford)
– TEGS Tools (Hamilton)
– Jack Greedy (Bolton)
– Tiger Towing (Brampton)
New for 2025 :
– NAPA Auto Parts (Brantford)
– Sierra Excavating Enterprises Inc. (Brantford)
– OKB Our Kitchens (Brantford)
– Gibson Property Maintenance (Kitchener/Waterloo)
– CW Piano Movers (Toronto)
– Trusted Car Care (Kitchener)
The Southern Ontario Pro 4 Modifieds say a heartfelt thank you to all our supporters! To the spectators, volunteers, first responders, and everyone who supports racing at the track – we thank you. And when the Pro 4s come to your local speedway, stop by the pits, say hello to our drivers, and let us show our appreciation in person. See you at the track! For more information contact kenmercer55@gmail.com
