BOND HEAD, ON- One of the rising stars of the burgeoning OSCAAR Modified Tour, third-generation star Branden Bullen is eager to follow up on a strong 2013 campaign with what he hopes will be the biggest season of his young career.
“I feel as though our whole team turned a corner last season”, reflects Bullen, as he aides his father in the family’s race shop. “We’re a small budget team, and to run as well as we did against some of the bigger outfits was a pretty incredible feeling. My dad works so hard on our car, I’m happy I was able to bring him the finishes he deserves”.
In just his first full season of Open Wheel Modified competition, the 19-year old earned 10 top-10s and 3 top-5s in 11 starts. Bullen’s unflappable consistency was enough to crown him the tour’s 2013 Rookie of the Year.
“We entered 2013 with our sights set on earning Rookie of the Year”, explains Bullen. “After I found out how big the rookie class was, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But, hard work pays off. It took a little bit of luck, and a lot of preparation, but we got the job done”.
After moving up from the Sunset Mini Stock division in the latter part of 2012, Bullen has treated his new ride as ‘on the job training’.
“The Modified was the first car I’d ever raced with 8-cylinders. It was a huge adjustment, and there were nights where I felt as though I was never going to feel comfortable in it. But my dad coached me through it, and the more laps we put on the car, the more comfortable I felt. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad we stuck with it”.
As the 2014 season looms, the team has shifted focus to their first career victory, and a run at the tour championship.
“I feel as though I’ve grown as a driver in the last year”, states Bullen. “I’m able to give better feedback to my team and I’m able to assess situations on the track better. We came so close to our first win last season, I feel as though we’re ready for it in 2014. I’m confident in our program and I’m ready to take a run at our first championship”.
Branden will follow the entirety of the OSCAAR Modified Tour this season, travelling across the province, from London to Ottawa, with marketing support from Knightworks Designs. Sponsorship packages are still available by contacting Phil Bullen at (905)-960-4337.
Fans can keep up with Branden by visiting the brand new Branden Bullen Racing page on Facebook, or on Twitter @67BullenRacing.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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