The OSCAAR Modifieds are less than a week away from their second race on the 2013 calendar. The series shifts this Saturday, June 15 to Barrie Speedway where defending champion Gary McLean (No. 8 McLean Industrial Design Chevrolet) will look to win his second consecutive race at the Oro Station, Ont. oval.
Despite the near one month layoff since the season opening race at Sunset Speedway on May 19, much has been happening behind the scenes. A number of drivers are preparing to make their season debut either this weekend at Barrie, or on June 21 at Delaware Speedway.
Brad Pearsall (No. 1B) will make his season debut this Saturday at Barrie. Pearsall ran the majority of the inaugural tour last season and has confirmed he will make the remaining 14 stops after missing the season opener.
Pearsall secured a new sponsor in Plaza Kia, located in Thornhill, Ont., which has allowed him to run the full tour. Pearsall will also have sponsorship support from Ponderosa Nature Resort, Performance Signs, Syracuse National Car Show, Hwy.400 Transmission, Hosking Race Engines, Murfs Manufacturing, Scott Reinhart Trailer, KRP Vehicle Source, and Newmarket Rust Check
The Gilford, Ont.-based pilot enlisted the help of accomplished Ontario setup specialist Jeff Walt over the off-season and has made significant changes to his car as a whole, including a new graphics package.
“This year should be a much better year performance wise with (Walt’s) knowledge on our side,” said Pearsall in a recent email interview. “Performance Signs has done an outstanding job on the new colours this year.”
With his sponsorship in mind, Pearsall’s ‘Mod’ is being billed a Kia Optima, making him the first driver in OSCAAR history to drive a Kia.
Dave Osborne (No.11) will debut a new paint scheme this weekend at Barrie Speedway. Osborne has made two career starts with the OSCAAR Modified tour, including the 2012 Autumn Colours Classic.
Osborne finished a solid sixth on opening night at Sunset and is looking for his first top-five finish. He will face a tough task at Barrie with a stiff field of drivers along with a tight, narrow racetrack.
Osborne has received sponsorship support for this season from O’Neil Farm Equipment, Ohsweken Speedway, Lonewolf Fireworks, Breman Construction, Renway Fuels, The Bait Shop, and Case IH.
Michael Ford (No. 04) is in the process of finalizing his ride for this season. Ford is hoping to make his season debut at Barrie this weekend, but some issues securing last minute parts are holding back the team.
Ford purchased the chassis formerly driven by Super Late Model driver Charlie Gallant and has taken on the task of converting it to a modified over the course of the winter.
Mike Westwood (No. 91) is putting the finishing touches on his machine in preparation for his first start of 2013. Westwood is hoping to make his first start of the year at Barrie, but may be postponed until Delaware on June 21.
Here is the progress on the Milton, Ont. driver’s car as of last Sunday.
Chuck Marsh (No. 38) originally announced his intent for an OSCAAR Modified debut at Barrie after purchasing a chassis from Kluth Motorsports in New York. However, parts delays have also put the team behind schedule.
The team is without a radiator ahead of the event, but hopes to have the car in working form prior to the Delaware event. If a part can be secured, Marsh may make the trip to Barrie on Saturday.
Shane Stickel (No. 39) continues to progress on the Troyer chassis he purchased from NASCAR Whelen Modified driver Rob McCormick out of Calverton, NY.
Stickel stripped the car to a bare chassis and has painted it his familiar electric green. Stickel has publicly stated he will make his first OSCAAR start at Delware next week.
