There’s no doubt that Kawartha Speedway holds a special place in the heart of many drivers and fans. There were the days that threatened to see no more racing at Kawartha any longer – the threat passed through last year. Some played the last hurrah music for the 2013 event.
Well guess what? We’re back! The OSCAAR Hanover Holiday Modifieds will not only get one shot at Kawartha this summer – but two shots as Summer Rush presented by Knightworks Design takes off.
Last year marked the first trip for the modifieds to Kawartha after their 2012 trip got rained-out. Darren Kearnen picked up the win after passing Gary McLean for the lead on lap 10 of the 30 lap feature. It marked Kearnan’s first ever career OSCAAR Modified victory. Kearnen was not in attendance at Sunset Speedway for the season opener, but keep in mind that he may show his face this weekend as he ran a partial schedule in 2013.
Justin Demelo finished runner-up last year at Kawartha and also missed Sunset this year for the season opener. Demelo is a regular at Delaware Speedway in their late model divison so his focus is on those efforts. If Demelo shows his face, he could very well picked up his second career victory.
Rounding out the podium last year was Max Beyore. This run for Beyore is what made fans take notice of his ability behind the wheel as it marked his first ever podium finish. Since then, Beyore finished on the podium at Sunset Speedway’s Rick Woolner Memorial. Beyore was quick in the season opener at Sunset Speedway, though finished sixth after having to restart from the rear of the field late in the race.
Last year at Kawartha, spots fourth thru sixth belonged to Gary McLean, Brent McLean and Davey Terry. These three drivers have finished 1-2-3 in the past two season’s end of the year points. However, following the action earlier this month, the pair sit in the bottom half of the points. Each suffered bad luck at Sunset Speedway that saw their races end early to the surprise of many fans. Given that there’s only 15 races a season, each of them will be looking for a good run to turn their seas0ns around and mount their championship charge.
Chad Strawn started out the season on a positive note, though, as he won the 30-lap feature at Sunset Speedway for his first career OSCAAR Mod win. Strawn has been fast in each OSCAAR start and last year at Kawartha was no different as he picked up a heat victory before finishing seventh in the feature. Look for Strawn to contend for the win this year.
Shane Stickel started off his sophomore campaign on a great note with his best career finish of second at Sunset. Heading into Kawartha, Stickel will look to improve on the ninth place finish from last season.
Another driver looking for a stronger run this year is Matt Barton. Barton finsihed 10th in last year’s randition. However, Barton’s speed goes much beyond what that says as he finished top-three at Autumn Colors, and finished third in the season opener.
Ryan Dick is hoping the lessons learned last year will pay off this year. So far they are as Dick scored a fourth place finish at Sunset Speedway. Could Dick pick up his first Kawartha top 10 this weekend? Absolutely as he won a heat last season.
Dustin Jackson made OSCAAR history at Sunset Speedway, becoming the youngest heat winner in series history. The teenager hopes to continue his history making run this weekend at Kawartha following a fifth place finish in last week’s feature.
Branden Bullen went through a roller coaster last weekend at Sunset on his way to finishing seventh. You can only hope that Kawartha goes smoother for the sophomore competitor, but history may be against him following a 14th place finish last year.
Another driver that seemed to not be able to find any luck at Sunset Speedway is Bobby Tolton. Tolton had the worst luck last season of any driver so hopefully this weekend will be the start of good things for the second-generation driver.
Be sure to join us at Kawartha Speedway this weekend to take in some of the hottest action this summer has to offer. Along with the Modifieds, the OSCAAR Super Late Models and Hurricane Midgets will be present, while OSCAAR presents the first ever “Mini Stock Nationals”.
Pit gates open 8:30am
Main gates open 11:30am
Practice 12:00pm
Racing 2:30am
Pricing
Pit Pass 35.00 adult
15.00 kids 14 and younger
20.00 per person with a hot rod
Main Gate 25.00 adult
10.00 kids 12 and younger
60.00 family (2adults 2 kids)
