July 26, 2013- Parity has been the name of the game so far in 2013 for the OSCAAR Modified tour as six races have yielded five different winners. After Gary McLean (No.8) won eight races in 2012, the veteran driver has faced a much tougher cast of characters than one season ago.
Gary found victory lane on opening night this season, since then cousin Brent McLean (No.7) has taken the checkers twice while Jamie Cox (No.3), Justin Demelo (No.82), and David McCullough (No.39M) have also won. This weekend the series searches for its fourth different winner at Sunset this season.
While Gary may not have dominated victory lane, he has remained in the conversation for a championship. Despite a rough night two as part of the Biederman Memorial weekend last time at Sunset, the Conn, Ont. driver is just five points back of the championship lead. A second-place finish at Sauble has lit a fire under a team which expects nothing less than victory from itself each and every time out of the box. Expect an ultra-aggressive team to get to the front in a hurry come feature time.
Meanwhile, Brent McLean is not so quietly having his best season to date. The current points leader finished third two weeks ago at Sauble and already has one win at Sunset this season. Eager to get another, Brent is sure to be in the hunt for a feature win once the lights come on Saturday night. Look for the second-generation driver to be aggressive in the heats to ensure a solid starting spot.
Sophomore driver Davey Terry (No.14) brought home a fifth-place result at Sauble after a hard wreck at Sunset on June 30. Terry’s car was strong despite running with some of the mangled parts from the wreck, but has everything replaced for Saturday’s event. It’s clear to many the Erin, Ont. driver’s first win is not far away and Terry has as good a chance as any to get it here at Sunset.
Dave Osborne (No.11) had his career-best finish with OSCAAR at Sauble, a fourth-place result. The strong run vaulted Osborne in to the top spot in the rookie standings, which he hopes to hold down with another strong run this weekend. Osborne’s current position is more impressive when considering he missed an event at Delaware Speedway to tend to his Friday night duties at Ohsweken Speedway.
Shane Stickel (No.39) adopted his new paint scheme at Sauble courtesy Creative Edge graphics. Stickel suffered a DNF due to an overheating motor, but ran well prior to the mechanical issue and in his two starts at Sunset, including a pair of top-tens. Look for Stickel to be in the conversation for the money lap.
Bobby Tolton (No.13) has all but sewn up the series’ Hard Luck award this season. The family run team has battled every issue possible, including an ignition box problem last time out. The rookie driver can take comfort in the top-five run he had going at Sunset on June 30 before a last lap incident stole his solid performance. Tolton is sure to rebound with a top-ten finish this weekend with the help of his father, Tim Tolton, at his disposal. Tim will compete with the Pro-4 modified division Saturday night.
Max Beyore (No.91N) will make his first career OSCAAR Modified tour start on Saturday night. Max will have the help of brother Mike, who will return to the Super Late Model tour this weekend as well. Saturday night will mark Max’s first night in active competition since competing weekly in Kawartha Speedway’s Late Model division in 2012.
Racing gets underway Saturday night at 6:45pm, with spectator gates opening at approximately 5:00pm. Fans will be able to partake in a 30 minute on-track autograph session with drivers beginning at 5:50pm. Pit gates open at 1:30pm for competitors.
By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)
The OSCAAR Modified 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.
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