FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -  May 20, 2012 – (Varney, ON) – Sophomore driver Jake ‘The Juicebox’ Ott (#60) of Ayr stole the lead from defending Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup champion Shawn McGlynn (#81) of Kitchener, with 30 laps to go at Varney Speedway Motorplex on Saturday night and held on to capture his first career with in the tour’s 2013 season opener.

The afternoon started with qualifying and McGlynn was able to post the fastest time, turning the ¼-mile high-banked oval in a track record time of 13.256 seconds, a full half of a second quicker than the existing track record. Tim ‘The Intimidator’ Tolten (#3) of Guelph, qualified second at his home track, with Josh Wood (#66) of London, and Ott also bettering the previous time trial mark. Amanda Connolly (#16) of Aurora, rounded out the top-five.

The top-five qualifiers all met on the front stretch to draw their starting positions during the Lucas Oil Fast Five draw, and everything shook out with Connolly on the pole, and Tolten joining her on the front row. Connolly led early before a lap 13 yellow flag slowed the field, and restarted the front duo in the same order on the restart. Contract ensued during the battle for the lead and the yellow flew again, with more contact under yellow. It knocked both cars from the event.

This turned the lead over to McGlynn who was forced to race Dan Prudhomme (#96) of Thamesford, for the top spot, and on lap 15 Prudhomme seized command, while all eyes were on freshman driver Paul Fothergill (#33) of Dorchester, who had moved from ninth on the grid to second and was on the hunt for the lead. Fothergill passed McGlynn and then was able to get Prudhomme on a subsequent restart to show the way at lap 54. McGlynn was still on the charge and on lap 63 tapped Forthergill before he and Ott drove past. Wood was also able to get past before Fothergill got into the back of him and turned him around second both of them to the back.

Ott was on the charge, and passed the second and third-place cars on the outside before setting the sights on the leader, McGlynn. On the next restart, Jake continued to run well on the high side and moved to the head of the pack. He would survive a pair of restarts in the late going to nail down is first Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup feature win, holding off McGlynn and Prudhomme, who finished third.

In victory lane Ott spoke about his maiden voyage to Lucas Oil Victory Lane, “The car was good in the beginning, and we really wanted to pace ourselves and have lots left at the end, but the pace was very fast. We might have made our night when we were able to takes second and third on the outside. On the restart I was trying to hang back and get a good run, and then we got a good jump. He wasn’t able to run the outside as well as we were. We worked hard and are a lot smarter about our own program after the offseason, and this is a great way to start the year.”

McGlynn admitted that he had a second-place car, “Jake ran me hard into turn three on that last restart and was able to get us. We were spinning the tires late in the trace, and got a few lucky breaks to get up to the front, but weren’t able to pass anyone under green. This is still a good way to start the season, and we’re proud of setting a new track record in qualifying.”

After taking a year off from the tour, Prudhomme’s return to the series resulted in a solid finish, “We were on old tires and our car was still really good. We got into the lead and if it had stayed green at that point we were in great shape, but we were never as good after we lost the lead. We unloaded fast and have a competitive car, and while I wasn’t really a fan of this place early in the night, I’m beginning to like it now.”

Doug Cathcart (#48) of Ottawa, stayed out of trouble and posted a solid fourth-place, while Chad McGlynn (#18) of Kitchener, rounded out the top-five.

Race #1 Results – Varney Speedway – 1. Ott, 2. S. McGlynn, 3. Prudhomme, 4. Cathcart, 5. C. McGlynn.

Standings after 1 of 8 events – 1. McGlynn (104 points), 2. Ott (103), 3. Prudhomme (97), 4. Wood (95), 5. Cathcart (94).

The chase for the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup will continue on Saturday June eight, as the tour makes their return to Sauble Speedway. The tough ¼-mile

For more information on the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series, Varney Speedway, or Sauble Speedway, please visit www.lucasoilsportsmancup.com, www.varneyspeedwaymotorplex.com, www.saublespeedway.ca, or contact Series Director Dave Alexander at dalexand@sympatico.ca.

Release and Photos by Jamie Maudsley and www.maudsleymotorsports.com.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – Varney, ON – Brent McLean (#7 Home Building Centre of Bowmanville/Pro FX Signs/RN Manufacturing Chevrolet) capitalized on a last lap mishap involving race leader Gary McLean (#8 McLean Industrial Design Chevrolet) and Davey Terry (#14 Wasteco/Castrol Canada/Brennan Haulage Toyota) to earn his second OSCAAR Modified win and first Rick Woolner Memorial win in the 14^th running of the annual 50-lap event at Varney Speedway Motorplex. The modified sophomore from Conn, ON held down the second spot for the entire race from the same starting position before leading the final two laps of a green-white-checkered finish. The win for McLean comes on a night that saw the mercury drop to four degrees centigrade at the conclusion of the feature and stands as the biggest in his young modified career.

“Unfortunately Gary got taken out, but you never know when it’s over. We were going around taking the white flag…she wasn’t over. I’ll take it,” said McLean.

“I never raced with Rick, but I’ve heard a whole lot of stories about him. This means a whole lot to win the biggest race of the year. I can’t even describe (the feeling), because I’m still in the shell shock of winning this race.”

McLean originally jumped out to the lead on lap three past polesitter Ted Patterson (#48 Chevrolet), before surrendering to cousin Gary on lap five.

A caution on lap nine for Patterson who came to a stop at the base of turn three slowed the race for the first of four times.

On the ensuing restart, Gary McLean began the process of growing his lead to the tune of a full straightaway through the course of a 24 lap green flag run. At the half way point, Gary led Brent McLean and Terry across the stripe with Monty Kelly (#96k At a Glance Scree Printing/Kelly Racing Chevrolet) and Brian McLean (#47 Home Building Centre of Bowmanville/McLean Farms Chevrolet) rounding out the top-five.

That lead would be erased on lap 33 for the night’s second restart following a backstretch spin by Patterson, who appeared to be battling an entirely different machine in the feature than in the afternoon heats.

Gary McLean continued to display his power on the restart as he denied Brent McLean any opportunity for the lead. Terry made a strong bid for the second spot after restarting on the bottom, but could not pull even with the youngest McLean. Terry’s disadvantage appeared to be his glowing brake rotors that kept him from carrying all his speed in to the high banked corners.

The field fanned out single file for eight more laps before the third yellow on lap 41. Caution flew after John Harper (#79 Transaxle Parts/Briar Dri-Wall/Grisdale Racing Products Chevrolet) came to a stop in turn three. The race would be red flagged for a short period as paramedics attended to Harper, who complained of abdominal pain.

That red flag would ultimately be the cause of the final caution that came on lap 50. With temperatures so low, the glowing rotors of Terry’s #14 Camry began to cool and crack during the stoppage. On the lap 41 restart, Terry was forced to pull to the infield without any brakes. While Gary McLean continued to lead the field under green, Terry renewed the brakes by re-pumping the pedal. Attempting to return for the final laps, although several laps down, Terry retook the track.

As McLean passed beneath the white flag from the hand of starter Kyle Mackenzie, all looked to be in the clear for the previous 9-time winner of the Rick Woolner event. With only a handful of lapped cars standing between Gary McLean and a clean tenth title, disaster struck.

As Terry entered turn one for the final circuit with McLean on his outside, the brake rotors on the #14 shattered and sent Terry straight in to the left-rear quarter panel of the #8. Just half a lap from victory. McLean would be forced to restart as the last car on the lead lap in fifth for a green-white-checkered finish, while Terry would go off on the hook.

“This was the fastest Wasteco Camry that we’ve had all year. The brakes got overheated…from all the green flag runs we were having. Unfortunately we took out Gary and ruined his chances here at the Memorial. I feel terrible about it. I know what this race means to them and I feel really bad,” explained a clearly emotional Terry.

However, the modified veteran was quick to reassure the OSCAAR rookie contender.

“I guess the #14, he had a mechanical issue and he got up in to us,” said a disappointed Gary McLean. “The likes of Davey Terry, probably one of the top, in my books, up-and-comers in the place. The kid’s going to go and do good things. I knew instantly there was nothing he did wrong, that is wasn’t intentional.”

“I’m upset, but more because the race means so much to us…than what took place.”

The incident handed the lead to Brent McLean for the first time since lap five, who’s biggest challenge would come from teammate and uncle Brian Mclean. Brent would surmount that challenge to earn his first Rick Woolner Memorial win and second OSCAAR Modified win on the inaugural tour.

“It’s unbelievable that this crew puts up with me the driver and gets this car out there all the time. It’s fast,” said McLean. “Two McLeans on the front row is pretty sweet.”

Also benefitting from the late race incident was third place finished Brandon Crumbie (#72 Amsoil/California Dave’s Autobody Chevrolet). Crumbie had been running fifth before the turn one melee. The Beeton, ON driver also moved back to a share of the Rookie Points lead, alongside Terry, which he has not held since August 4.

The OSCAAR Modified teams have little turnaround time as they are back in action in just one week at Sunset International Speedway for their second and final visit of 2012 as part of the Velocity Weekend. Qualifying will take place on Saturday at the high-banked 1/3-mile oval in Innisfil, ON with the 30-lap feature event running Sunday. Full schedule to follow.

OSCAAR Modifieds Agates

Varney Speedway Motorplex – August 15, 2012

Results: 14^th Annual 50-lap Rick Woolner Memorial

1. #7 Brent McLean, 2. #47 Brian McLean, 3. #72 Brandon Crumbie, 4. #8 Gary McLean, 5. #96k Monty Kelly, 6. #31 Josh Gruntz (-1 lap), 7. #51 Adam Adams (-2 laps), 8. #48 Ted Patterson (-3 laps), 9. #14 Davey Terry (DNF – Brakes) (-7 laps), 10. #79 John Harper (DNF – injury) (-9 laps), 11. #1B Brad Pearsall (DNF – Front End) (-49 laps), 12. #22 Rob Fennema (DNS – Steering), 13. #99x Tim Burke (DNS – Engine).

UNOFFICIAL Championship Standings as of August 15, 2012

1. #8 Gary McLean 620 Points; 2. #7 Brent McLean 585; 3. #14 Davey Terry 531; 4. #72 Brandon Crumbie 522; 5. #99x Tim Burke 495; 6. #51 Adam Adams 477; 7. #31 Josh Gruntz 458; 8. #1B Brad Pearsall 436; 9. #47 Brian McLean 429; 10. #48 Ted Patterson 343; 11. #82 Justin Demelo 326; 12. #98 Steve Smith 317; 13. #65 Bill Burrows 314; 14. #79 John Harper 311; 15. #2 Matt Barton 288.; T-16. #19 Dean Scott 247; T-16. #96k Monty Kelly 247; 18. #1 Barry Newman 187; 19. #64b Chris Burrows 157; 20. #96 Larry Mackenzie 123; 21. #22 Rob Fennema 70; 22. #46 Darren Kearnan 68; 23. #63 David Burrows 58; 24. #77x Craig Stevenson 52; 25. #34 Joe Woods 48; 26. #3 Jamie Cox 43.

UNOFFICIAL Rookie-of-the-Year Standings

T-1. #14 Davey Terry 31 Points; T-1. #72 Brandon Crumbie 31; 3. #99x Tim Burke 30; 4. #31 Josh Gruntz 22; 5. #2 Matt Barton 10; 6. #96 Larry Mackenzie 4; 7. #77x Craig Stevenson 3.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) - The biggest race on the schedule for the OSCAAR Modifieds has a number of drivers excited to compete for the prestigious Woolner Memorial trophy in the 14^th running of the Rick Woolner Memorial at Varney Speedway Motorplex. Both veterans and rookies have had their moments in the spotlight so far in the OSCAAR season and Saturday night is sure to be more of the same. A handful of extra awards are up for grabs along with some additional money to add to the drivers’ payout that surely will call for the best racing of the series inaugural tour.

Gary McLean is a nine-time winner of the race and has already won 4 of 6 OSCAAR events this season. Driving Woolner’s former chassis Saturday’s event is McLean’s to lose. Gary will have no easy task winning tonight as uncle Brian McLean seeks to become the only other driver to win the memorial race twice. The eldest McLean has been banking his sticker tires over the past few races to allow him to put on four new tires for Saturday’s race. Meanwhile, cousin Brent McLean seeks for his first memorial win and second OSCAAR win of 2012. The three McLean’s swept the podium at Varney on July 14, and a repeat is well within the realm of possibilities.

Other former Varney regulars Monty Kelly, Steve Smith, and Ted Patterson will also be in strong contention to win as each showed flashes of brilliance in the first visit in July. Their experience could pay dividends in the series’ first extended feature of the season. The OSCAAR Modifieds will also run an extended 50-lap feature at Peterborough Speedway for the Autumn Colours Classic.

Modified rookies Davey Terry, Josh Gruntz, Tim Burke, and Brandon Crumbie will also look to build on the experience they gained earlier this year. Terry finished 4^th one month ago and is eager to get on the podium for the first time. Hampered by some bad luck over the last few events, Gruntz is looking to regain his early season form that saw him earn a podium finish at Barrie Speedway. Burke and Crumbie will also look to turn their luck around as the latter looks to hold off the former in the Rookie-of-the-Year standings.

As mentioned, additional money is on the line for the 14^th Woolner Memorial in the form of special awards. The Lawerence Industrial Top Qualifier following the double set of Klotz Synthetics Qualifying Heat races will go home with an extra $150.00. The Pro FX & Signs Halfway Bonus will earn the driver leading after lap 25 an additional $100.00. Independent Auto of Mount Forest will award $100.00 to the driver that leads the most laps, while the Bowmanville Home Building Centre Hard Charger (the driver advancing the most positions from their starting spot to their finishing spot) will earn $150.00. The final award, the RN Manufacturing Hard Luck driver, will go to the driver that OSCAAR Officials feel had the toughest night on or off the track who will have had the misfortune to gain an additional $200.00.

The 14^th Rick Woolner Memorial is scheduled to run Saturday, August 11 at the Varney Speedway Motorplex and under OSCAAR sanctioning for the first time. The pit gate opens at 3:00pm for competitors, and the spectator gate at 5:00pm before a 7:00pm green flag. Admission at the front gate is just $12 for a full night of racing featuring Varney’s regular street stock, four cylinder and trains.

The forecast for the area surrounding Mount Forest and Durham, ON is calling for rain. As a result, OSCAAR officials will be monitoring the forecast throughout the day as all efforts to run the race will be made. To stay up to date and get the news instantly, be sure to follow @OSCAARRacing on Twitter or ‘Like’ OSCAAR Racing on Facebook.

By Greg Calnan / OntarioOval.com - A name change to Varney Speedway Motorplex wasn’t the only item on the agenda for the Nuhn family when they purchased the 1/4 mile track near Durham, Ontario. In 2012, several touring series dates were added to the schedule to help spread the word about the fast, high banked oval.

One of the most anticipated dates on the calendar took place on Saturday, July 14th as OSCAAR rolled into town with a full points show for its new Modified division along with a non-points demonstration race for the Outlaw Super Late Models. A record 17 Modifieds were on hand for the event along with 7 Super Late Models.

A near capacity crowd filled the grandstands for both OSCAAR divisions along with regular Late Model, Street Stock and Stock 4 action. In the qualifying heats the biggest story came during the first Street Stock heat when the #18 of Billy Alderson rolled his Monte Carlo just past the starters stand. He would be uninjured and was able to return to competition later in the evening.

The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models qualified for their 25 lap feature through a time trial session. As an added bonus, extra money was on the line for any driver that could beat the North American 1/4 mile short track lap record for Super Late Models. The lap time of 11.095 set by Tony Strupp in 1994 at Slinger Speedway in Slinger, Wisconsin however would remain untouched after all 7 drivers completed their two lap qualifying session. Lloyd Ritchie would top the charts with a 12.316 second lap around Varney.

The first feature of the evening was the Stock 4 division. Dennis Cremasco claimed his first win of the season after a close battle with Brian Wilson. In the Street Stock feature it was Aaron Martin aboard his #29 Chevrolet going to victory lane while Cole Weber beat Mark Dixon to the line in Late Model competition.

The 30 lap OSCAAR Modified feature couldn’t have been written any better than what played out on the track as young Brent McLean bested point leader Gary McLean for his first career win in a Modified. Varney regulars swept the top three as Brian McLean completed the podium finish.

Lloyd Ritchie proved his fast lap in time trials was no fluke as he dominated the 25 lap OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model exhibition feature. He drove his #62 Orange Blossom Special to the win over Roy Passer and Bruce Gowland. In victory lane Ritchie expressed thanks to his family and crew and felt that a full Super Late Model show could be a possibility after what he had seen on the track.

For complete results and information visit www.varneyspeedwaymotorplex.com and www.oscaar.ca / www.modifieds.oscaar.ca.

Photos by Dale Calnan / ImageFactor.ca

By Clayton Johns – Four races are in the books for the 2012 edition of the OSCAAR Super Late Models tour, with three different drivers, Brandon Watson (2), Jesse Kennedy, and George Wilson, taking the checkers so far. Saturday marks a non-points event for the ‘Supers’ as they invade the Varney Speedway Motorplex looking to break the North American ¼-mile paved oval Super Late Model track record of 11.095 seconds set by Tony Strupp in June of 1994 at Slinger Speedway. If any of the drivers in attendance tonight can break the record tonight, or the fastest to do so, they will be crowned the fastest Super Late Model in North America.

The format for the Super Late Model portion of the evening is quite simple. Each driver will have two qualifying laps to lay down their fastest time after the afternoon practice sessions. If any of the drivers can break the aforementioned record, they will receive an additional payout of $100 on the evening. The fastest driver to break the record will bring home an additional $500, plus the initial $100. In all, there is the possibility for one driver to bring home over $1000 once the dust settles. Although the possibility of breaking the record certainly exists, many of the OSCAAR Super Late Model drivers are inexperienced on this tight, high-banked oval. There are no guarantees as to how the night will unfold, but it is certain that each driver in attendance will be pushing their equipment to the limit with intention of being named the fastest Super Late Model driver in North America.

The qualifying session will set the field for a 25-lap mini feature event, half the distance of the traditional 50-lap events. Saturday’s pint-sized feature is a test for OSCAAR officials to receive feedback from drivers as to whether or not a full point’s event at Varney could be added to the schedule for 2013. Super Late Models have not run at Varney since the mid-1980’s in the days of Don Biederman and Junior Hanley’s dominance of the division, prior to the formation of OSCAAR. Regardless of the outcome, the Supers are excited to return to an Ontario short track hotbed.

So far this season there has been no shortage of action on the track, specifically at the front of the field. Todd Campbell showed that Crate Motors can be competitive in the Super Late Model series as he finished fourth at Sauble and nearly earned the runner-up spot. Campbell may be at an advantage at Varney on Saturday if he can get on the gas quicker exiting the corners. The Guelph, ON native may be one of the favourites to send the record tumbling.

Tyler Hawn is getting back on his feet after motor trouble last month prior to the event at Barrie Speedway. Hawn will attempt to lay down the quick time in the #42 Fox’s Bakery/Hosking Racing Engines Corvette on Saturday evening.

After suffering a broken rocker arm in each of the last two events, Jesse Kennedy would love to turn his luck around at Varney with the title of North America’s fastest Super Late Model. Kennedy was forced to race his Pro Late Model at Sauble last weekend, but will be back in his Super for Varney if everything went according to plan for the team over the past week.

Half the excitement Saturday will be to see who rolls through the gate to vie for the prized title. The tight, close-quarter’s racing should be as exciting as any OSCAAR event in the province. The ’Supers’ will accompany the OSCAAR Modifieds who are slated for a 30-lap feature. Pit gates open at 3:30pm before a 7pm green flag.

By Cindy Lorenz – ‘Rookie’ Adrian Stahle captured his first ever Feature Win on Sunday afternoon at Varney Speedway (Ont) while defending Champion, Darren McLennan took the checkered flag on Saturday night at Sauble Speedway (Ont). Celebrating the long Canadian Holiday weekend, the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets held a double header at the two Ontario tracks. In their first return to Varney Speedway since the early 1990′s the fans were treated to some of the fastest times ever ran at this tight 1/4 mile oval running times in the low 12 second range. Taking the win on Sunday, Stahle became the 5th different winner in the six races ran so far in this 47th season for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets.

Stahle, celebrating his 18th birthday on Saturday, got congratulations from everyone at the drivers meeting and it was noted that Can-Am Official Albert Banyard, one of the founding members of the Can-Am Midget Racing Club will be 79 soon highlighting the range of membership in this Club. One of the requirements for a Rookie is to qualify in 2 heat races before being moved into the regular handicapping order and Stahle did this through his heat race on Saturday, finishing 5th. Starting outside pole, Stahle finished 4th in that feature and hoped the stars would line up for Sunday’s race. The celebration continued Sunday afternoon as Stahle took the lead on lap one and held it for all 25 laps, going to Victory Lane for his first time. After thanking his Mom and Dad, Stahle said “I want to thank car owner Craig Mackereth, the Mackereth family, Crown Steering and Brake, and the DeMan family for all their support for my first year in a TQ Midget. I’m new at this but I really want to thank, series sponsor Lucas Oil, W.S. Bell Cartage, Glenco Automotive, Can-Am Steel Products, Paragon Colission Centers, and RCM Racing Equipment.”

At the drop of the green, pole setter Jeff Blackburn took the field into turn one with Stahle in hot pursuit. Coming out of turn three Stahle took over the lead. Tom Kyle was third with Todd Cresswell on his tail and McLennan in fifth spot. The first caution came out on lap four as Rob Divenanzo and James Gray spun. At the restart Earl Caine spun, tightening up the field again at the restart. Stahle remained in the lead as Blackburn now had Rob Neely come from his 8th starting spot into third. Two laps later Neely was now in second place and began his charge toward the leader. Blackburn held third with Kyle and McLennan close behind.

With 10 laps in, Caine slide into the back wall bringing out the final caution, taking him out of the race. Stahle had a strong restart and stretched the lead. Neely made a hard charge as a blanket could be thrown over Blackburn, Kyle and McLennan. Kyle began to fade and Mack DeMan joined the top five. Neely turned up the power but the race belonged to the Rookie. Stahle took the checkered flag followed by Neely, Blackburn, McLennan, and DeMan. Heats were won by Neely and Gray.

Final finish for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Varney Speedway on July 1st was…..1. ADRIAN STAHLE, 2. Rob Neely, 3. Jeff Blackburn, 4. Darren McLennan, 5. Mack DeMan, 6. James Gray, 7. Tom Kyle, 8. Corey Moesker, 9. Todd Cresswell, 10. Chris Holman, 11. David Balych, 12. Adam Walsh, 13. Chris Bauman, 14. Rob DiVenanzo, 15. Earl Caine. DNS..Dave Hickson and Corey Hickson.

MCLENNAN WINS WITH LUCAS OIL CAN-AM MIDGETS AT SAUBLE SPEEDWAY

Darren McLennan took his first win of the season passing Jeff Blackburn with 5 laps to go as the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets raced to a packed house at Sauble Speedway on Saturday night. The win also brought McLennan, defending Champion with the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets back to the point’s lead from Corey Moesker.

Starting fifth in this 25 lap feature McLennan was on a mission. Jeff Blackburn had pole and took the lead from the drop of the green flag. Adrian Stahle held on to second with David Balych third. McLennan passed Balych for the third spot on the next lap followed by Rob Neely. By lap 8 McLennan got around Stahle for 2nd place. Neely was now in fourth and Mack DeMan rounded out the top five. By half way McLennan was now on the back of Blackburn but he wouldn’t leave an open spot for McLennan. The only caution came out on lap 13 as Tom Kyle spun in turn 3.

Blackburn shot out to the lead at the restart but couldn’t shake McLennan. Two laps later Adam Walsh, traveling from his home of Vancouver, BC, to race this weekend went out with a broken throttle cable. With 5 laps to go McLennan found an opening and made the pass as DeMan also followed to take over second place. McLennan went to Victory Lane with DeMan in second, Blackburn third, Stahle fourth and Neely fifth.

Accepting the checkered flag McLennan said “We haven’t had the best finishes the past few weeks but it all came together tonight. I want to thank my dad and brother for all their help as well as Lucas Oil, Husqvarna, Brian’s Service Center, Contact Welding Supplies and Awesome Racewear.”
Heats were won by Blackburn and McLennan.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets head west to the small ‘Bull Ring’ of Grand Bend Speedway on Saturday, July 7th.

Final finish for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets at Sauble Speedway on June 30th was…1. DARREN MCLENNAN, 2. Mack DeMan, 3. Jeff Blackburn, 4. Adrian Stahle, 5. Rob Neely, 6. Todd Cresswell, 7. Corey Moesker, 8. David Balych, 9. James Gray, 10. Chris Holman, 11. Chris Bauman, 12. Tom Kyle, 13. Dave Hickson, 14. Rob DiVenanzo, 15. Earl Caine, 16. Adam Walsh, 17. Chris Ralph, 18. Corey Hickson. DNS Mike Westwood.

Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets ‘Unofficial’ Top Fifteen in Points as of July 1, 2012…1. DARREN MCLENNAN…964, 2. Rob Neely…961, 3. Mack DeMan…925, 4. James Gray…915, 5. Corey Moesker…913, 6. Todd Cresswell, 7. Adrian Stahle…824, 8. Jeff Blackburn…821, 9. David Balych…803, 10. Tom Kyle…800, 11. Chris Holman…765, 12. Chris Bauman…698, 13. Rob DiVenanzo…621, 14. Earl Caine…366, 15. Dave McKnight Jr…353

Photo by Eric Uprichard / www.SpeedwayPhoto.ca

By Randy Spencer for OntarioOval.com – NASCAR Canadian Tire drivers Scott Steckly and Mark Dilley were on hand Sunday afternoon for the first annual 75 lap Canadian Showdown at Varney Speedway. They were also joined by the Lucas Oil Can AM TQ Midgets for an exciting afternoon of racing action at Canada’s fastest 1/4 mile paved oval.

Over twenty cars were either per-registered or stated their intent to appear but another race at the Peterborough Speedway may have contributed in part to the lower car count. Nonetheless some great talent was on hand. Gary Elliott, the Iron Man returned to Varney for the first time in over 10 years. Last time he raced the track was quite different and he was racing with the Canadian Vintage Modifieds at that time. Scott Steckly was at Varney for the first time since 1993. Steckly is the reigning NCATS champion and was joined by fellow NCATS driver and owner of Sunset Speedway, Mark Dilley.

The Late Models ran double qualifying heats with Dan Wright winning two and single victories going to Jason Tremble and Cole Weber. The Can Am Midgets had two heats with Rob Neely and James Gray coming out victorious. The TQ’s were aiming to beat the Guinness World Book of Records mark for the fastest 1/4 mile paved oval lap time which is 11.9 seconds. Corey Moesker was timed at 12.1 so he was close but that was the quickest reported. The cars lined up on the front stretch for an autograph session prior to the feature races.

Fifteen cars would take the green for the Can Am Midget feature race. A race last night at Sauble and some mishaps in the warm up session saw a few cars retire for the afternoon prior to the feature. Jeff Blackburn and Adrian Stahle were on the pole and the Midgets put on there usual amazing and fast paced show. Stahle, Neely and Blackburn battled for the entire race but when the checkered flag flew the winner was yesterday’s birthday boy, Adrian Stahle.

Marc Jacobs and Mark Dilley sat on the pole for the 75 lap Late Model Invitational. Heading down the front stretch the cars took the green but immediately the two front cars got tangled with each other and Jacobs seemed to get the worst of it. A couple of early caution laps and by lap four Jacobs car came to a halt up against the front stretch wall and was taken off on the hook. Cole Weber was the new leader and he led until lap 14 when the 71 car of Dan Wright got by and built up a half a straight lead. Jason Tremble and Mark Dilley both took their cars to the pits only to return shortly thereafter. By this point Cole Weber had re-taken the lead but Dan Wright went on the aggressive and pounded hard into the corners locking up the brakes and left Weber no choice but to back off. Jason Tremble had returned and was stuck in the middle of the pack between Wright and Weber. Weber did all he could to get by and the starter threw the black flag at the 34 car and he backed off letting Weber go by. But by that point it was too little too late and Wright was able to hold off the pack and the checkers flew giving Sauble Speedway’s Dan Wright a perfect 3 for 3 afternoon, winning his two heats and the 75 lap feature.

A great, fast paced and exciting afternoon of racing came to a close. Thanks to Kent Nuhn and Jody Buschlen for your great hospitality and a good time once again. Make plans to come out to Canada’s fastest 1/4 mile paved oval this Saturday July 7th for a 7pm green flag start. Their regular show of 4 Fun cars, Stock 4′s, Street Stocks, Limited Late Models and the always exciting trains as well as a PIT STOP CHALLENGE!!!

Photos by Larissa Spencer

Results (scored finish, not official)

Late Model Heat #1: #71 Dan Wright, #94 Mark Dixon, #36 Gary Elliott,
#89 Mark Dilley, #1 Jaxson Jacobs

Late Model Heat #2: #34 Jason Tremble, #11 Cole Weber, #22 Scott Steckly, #8 Marc Jacobs, #77 Alvin McNicol

Late Model Heat #3: #71 Dan Wright, #36 Gary Elliott, #89 Mark Dilley, #94 Mark Dixon, #1 Jaxson Jacobs

Late Model Heat #4: #11 Cole Weber, #34 Jason Tremble, #22 Scott Steckly, #8 Marc Jacobs, #77 Alvin McNicol

Late Model 75 lap Feature: #71 Dan Wright, #11 Cole Weber, #89 Mark Dilley, #36 Gary Elliott, #22 Scott Steckly, #94 Mark Dixon, #77 Alvin McNicol, #34 Jason Tremble, #8 Marc Jacobs, #1 Jaxson Jacobs

Can Am Midget Heat #1: #74 Rob Neely, #48 Darren McLennan, #3 Todd Cresswell, #44 Tom Kyle, #7 Jeff Blackburn, #14 Rob DiVenanzo, #22 Chris Bauman

Can Am Midget Heat #2: #82 James Gray, #49 , #39 Corey Moesker, #40 Mack Deman, #43 Adrian Stahle, #16 Chris Holman

Can Am Midget Feature: #43 Adrian Stahle, #74 Rob Neely, #7 Jeff Blackburn, #48 Darren McLennan, #40 Mack Deman, #82 James Gray, #44 Tom Kyle, #39 Corey Moesker, #3 Todd Creswell, #16 Chris Holman, #12 David Balych, #49, #22 Chris Bauman, #14 Rob DiVenanzo, #69 Earl Caine (DNF)

Photos by Eric Uprichard / www.SpeedwayPhoto.ca

By Jody Buschlen, Track Announcer, Varney Speedway Motorplex – In what became a tumultuous season that was filled with questions as to the future of Varney Speedway, the 2011 came to a close last year with the announcement that the Province’s fastest 1/4 Asphalt Oval had indeed been sold and that definite changes were on the horizon for the new year. Race fans got their first glimpse as to what those changes might look like this season; as well as the folks who plan on making sure they stay the course; as the Varney Speedway Motorplex roared back to life for 2012.

This past holiday long weekend saw three straight nights of action on the highbanks as the 2012 season came to life on Friday night. Last season, Varney reintroduced Enduro racing to the Speedway and the success of Friday’s event appears to be proof that bigger things will be expected for the next two Enduro events in 2012. Approximately thirty cars lined up for the three hour test of nerves and stamina on a course that saw drivers navigating around barriers, pylons and an added chicane on the back stretch. After a sweltering night behind the wheel and well over three hundred laps run during the timed event, Owen Sound’s Britton Lundy picked up the win.

Holiday Long Weekends mean two nights of action at Varney with regular racing Saturday and Invitational Racing on Sunday. Saturday night kicked off the “official” start to the season with regular racing for Stock 4, Street Stocks, Late Models and, new to the schedule this year, Four For Fun.

Four For Fun is brand new class at Varney Speedway Motorplex. Big things are expected from this entry level division designed to entice new racers; young or older; to try stock car racing in an affordable and competitive environment. Last year’s Women’s Challenge Champion, #84 Andrea Parsons, picked up the Feature race win on Saturday and on Sunday, #09 Britton Lundy backed up his Friday night Enduro win with a Four For Fun Feature race win.

The Domtel Networks Stock 4′s were back in action on opening weekend and, after a season that left Varney veteran #51 Clark Hartman scratching his head, a brand new car helped the multi-time Stock 4 Champ to a dominating weekend. Hartman visited Victory Lane five times winning all three heats and both features he participated in. Hartman was able to take the lead early in each race and never give it up as the “sweep” left the competition wondering if the T.H. Custom Auto Nissan could ever be stopped. Last year’s defending Stock 4 champ, #14 Brian Wilson was able to keep close on both nights, as was Sauble Speedway regular #34 Lance Hotchkiss but, ultimately neither one had enough to mount a serious challenge on this night.

Back for 2012, the Chalmer’s Fuels Street Stocks were an impressive sign of what is to come this year at the Motorplex. Saturday night’s feature race saw the #29 of Aaron Martin back in victory lane after a hard fought battle with Street Stock sophomore sensation #18 Billy Alderson Jr.. On Sunday, after an unfortunate miscue that saw Flamboro Speedway regular Derek Jackson black flagged after his window net came down during the heat, The visiting stocker stormed back in the feature after duelling with Martin to pick up his first feature race of his career. Perhaps Jackson may have found a new home for his black Monte Carlo.

2011 started with so much promise for #89 Tommy Robb and his Durham Rona Revolution Racing Impala but, an early season tangle slowed the momentum of the young gun and had him playing catch-up all season long. After a massive rebuild over the winter, Robb and his team were ready for opening night in the 94.5 The Bull Late Model division at the Motorplex. Robb was able to take charge of the Late Model feature early and, despite some intense action behind him and a couple restarts to go along with it, Robb hung on for the win. In Victory Lane, Robb was certain to give credit where credit is due, thanking his family and crew as well as serving notice that he is laying an early claim to this year’s late Model title. The season is young but Robb, after Saturday Night’s win, is brimming with confidence. The late Models did not run on Sunday.

The highlight of Sunday’s race card was the season opener for the Lucas Oil Ontario Sportsmen Series. Time trials determined the starting order but, after a random draw that saw the top five qualifiers pull for starting positions, it was Varney Speedway Veteran and Ontario Sportsmen “rookie” Tim Tolton who drew top spot.

Tolton led Sunday’s 100 lap feature event for the first 20 laps but started to fade and was soon in the pits for repairs. Tolton would return to finish but, the remainder of the race became a fierce battle between the Sportsmen veteran #40 Jay Doerr and series rookie #88 Jake ‘Juicebox’ Ott. Another series rookie, #16 Amanda Connolly was steadily working through traffic in an impressive debut run but could never get close enough to the leaders to contend. Another fine run was by the #66 of Josh Wood who, by benefit of some fine driving and some lapped traffic, was able to run with the leaders and with two-to go, Wood was running a close third. This one would come down to a two-pony race however and after a most impressive rookie drive, Ott would settle for second place as Jay Doerr hung on for the win.

Varney Speedway Motorplex is in it’s 43rd year of operation providing Ontario Race Fans with some of the most exciting racing action in the province. Always affordable family entertainment, always competitive and, always edge-of-your-seat action, Varney delivers each and every Saturday night throughout the race season. This year, many special events have been added to the schedule for the odd Friday night as well as the Sundays of long weekends. In addition, touring series that have not seen the track in over a decade are returning to competition this year. The Ontario Vintage Modifeds, the Can Am Midgets and the OSCARR Late Models and Modifieds; just to name a few; will be returning for event this year. Fans will want to mark Sunday July 1st on their calendars when the Motorplex will host the “Canadian Showdown”, a 75 lap Late Model Invitational that has already confirmed Ontario’s Stock Car Iron Man Gary Elliot, Canadian Tire Nascar Series driver Mark Dilley and, defending Canadian Tire Nascar Series Champion Scott Steckly for the starting grid. This is a race you won’t want to miss!

For more information on scheduling, admission, rules and complete race results and standings, visit www.varneymotorspeedway.com

Results

4 FOR FUN – FEATURE – INVITE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 09 Britton Lundy – 50.00
2 1 84 Andrea Parsons – 50.00

4 FOR FUN – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 84 Andrea Parsons – 20.00
2 2 09 Britton Lundy – 19.00

STOCK 4 – FEATURE – INVITE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 51 Clark Hartman Waterloo , On 50.00
2 2 34 Lance Hotchkiss Durham , On 50.00
3 9 86 Nick Clarke Mount Forest, On 50.00
4 5 35 Tim Tolton Guelph , On 50.00
5 14 15 Will Davies Barrie , On 50.00
6 6 91 Bruce Moran Brampton , On 50.00
7 7 99 Craig Mclean Hanover , On 50.00
8 10 4 Zach Pendergast , On 50.00
9 3 14 Brian Wilson Rockwood , On 50.00
10 4 13 Bobby Tolton Guelph , On 50.00
11 12 9 Tessa Cremasco Arthur , On 50.00
12 8 73 Scott Schlueter Milverton , On 50.00
13 11 8 Nick Way – 0.00 DNS
14 13 92 Jessie Way Orangeville , On 0.00 DNS

STOCK 4 – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 51 Clark Hartman Waterloo , On 0.00
2 11 34 Lance Hotchkiss Durham , On 0.00
3 2 14 Brian Wilson Rockwood , On 0.00
4 10 13 Bobby Tolton Guelph , On 0.00
5 3 35 Tim Tolton Guelph , On 0.00
6 5 91 Bruce Moran Brampton , On 0.00
7 6 99 Craig Mclean Hanover , On 0.00
8 8 73 Scott Schlueter Milverton , On 0.00
9 9 86 Nick Clarke Mount Forest, On 0.00
10 12 4 Zach Pendergast , On 0.00
11 13 8 Nick Way – 0.00
12 4 9 Tessa Cremasco Arthur , On 0.00
13 7 92 Jessie Way Orangville , On 0.00
14 14 15 Will Davies Barrie , On 0.00

STREET STOCK – FEATURE – INVITE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 7 2 Derek Jackson – 50.00
2 3 5 Dave Gray Hanover , On 50.00
3 4 44 Larry Anderson Holstein , On 50.00
4 1 29 Aaron Martin , On 50.00
5 5 77 Alyssa Mcnicol Exeter , On 50.00
6 2 18 Billy Alderson Mount Forerst, On 50.00
7 6 07 Thomas Wood Huron Park, On 50.00

STREET STOCK – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 7 29 Aaron Martin , On 0.00
2 6 18 Billy Alderson Mount Forerst, On 0.00
3 1 5 Dave Gray Hanover , On 0.00
4 4 44 Larry Anderson Holstein , On 0.00
5 2 77 Alyssa Mcnicol Exeter , On 0.00
6 3 07 Thomas Wood Huron Park, On 0.00
7 5 2 Derek Jackson – 0.00
RACE RESULTS MAY 19TH 2012
4 FOR FUN – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 3 84 Andrea Parsons – 50.00
2 2 09 Britton Lundy – 49.00
3 1 23 Dwayne Jansen , On 48.00

4 FOR FUN – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 23 Dwayne Jansen , On 20.00
2 1 09 Britton Lundy – 19.00
3 3 84 Andrea Parsons – 0.00

4 FOR FUN – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 3 09 Britton Lundy – 20.00
2 2 23 Dwayne Jansen , On 19.00
3 1 84 Andrea Parsons – 0.00

STOCK 4 – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 51 Clark Hartman Waterloo , On 50.00
2 4 14 Brian Wilson Rockwood , On 49.00
3 3 35 Tim Tolton Guelph , On 48.00
4 5 9 Tessa Cremasco Arthur , On 47.00
5 12 86 Nick Clarke Mount Forest, On 46.00
6 2 36 Corry Young – 45.00
7 7 91 Bruce Moran Brampton , On 44.00
8 8 99 Craig Mclean Hanover , On 43.00
9 10 73 Scott Schlueter Milverton , On 42.00
10 11 8 Nick Way – 41.00
11 6 92 Jessie Way Orangville , On 40.00
12 9 79 Ryan Cullen Owen Sound, On 39.00

STOCK 4 – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 1 51 Clark Hartman Waterloo , On 20.00
2 4 36 Corry Young – 19.00
3 6 35 Tim Tolton Guelph , On 18.00
4 2 14 Brian Wilson Rockwood , On 17.00
5 7 9 Tessa Cremasco Arthur , On 16.00
6 8 92 Jessie Way Orangville , On 15.00
7 3 91 Bruce Moran Brampton , On 14.00
8 5 99 Craig Mclean Hanover , On 13.00
9 9 79 Ryan Cullen Owen Sound, On 12.00
10 10 73 Scott Schlueter Milverton , On 11.00
11 11 8 Nick Way – 10.00
12 12 86 Nick Clarke Mount Forest, On 0.00

STOCK 4 – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 3 51 Clark Hartman Waterloo , On 20.00
2 11 14 Brian Wilson Rockwood , On 19.00
3 5 91 Bruce Moran Brampton , On 18.00
4 6 36 Corry Young – 17.00
5 12 99 Craig Mclean Hanover , On 16.00
6 1 35 Tim Tolton Guelph , On 15.00
7 9 9 Tessa Cremasco Arthur , On 14.00
8 4 92 Jessie Way Orangville , On 13.00
9 2 79 Ryan Cullen Owen Sound, On 12.00
10 10 73 Scott Schlueter Milverton , On 11.00
11 8 8 Nick Way – 0.00
12 7 86 Nick Clarke Mount Forest, On 0.00
STREET STOCK – FEATURE
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 3 29 Aaron Martin , On 50.00
2 1 18 Billy Alderson Mount Forerst, On 49.00
3 2 07 Thomas Wood Huron Park, On 48.00
4 4 06 Bill Keill Durham , On 47.00
5 5 5 Dave Gray Hanover , On 46.00
6 6 44 Larry Anderson Holstein , On 45.00
7 7 77 Alyssa Mcnicol Exeter , On 44.00
8 8 31 Dean Duvall Clifford , On 0.00 DNS
9 9 99 James Hunt Hanover , On 0.00 DNS
10 10 82 Adam Mckeown Hanover , On 0.00 DNS

STREET STOCK – HEAT 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 2 18 Billy Alderson Mount Forerst, On 20.00
2 3 07 Thomas Wood Huron Park, On 19.00
3 1 29 Aaron Martin , On 18.00
4 4 06 Bill Keill Durham , On 17.00
5 5 5 Dave Gray Hanover , On 16.00
6 6 44 Larry Anderson Holstein , On 15.00
7 7 77 Alyssa Mcnicol Exeter , On 14.00
8 8 31 Dean Duvall Clifford , On 0.00 DNS
9 9 99 James Hunt Hanover , On 0.00 DNS
10 10 82 Adam Mckeown Hanover , On 0.00 DNS

STREET STOCK – HEAT 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 4 29 Aaron Martin , On 20.00
2 2 18 Billy Alderson Mount Forerst, On 19.00
3 8 07 Thomas Wood Huron Park, On 18.00
4 5 06 Bill Keill Durham , On 17.00
5 1 5 Dave Gray Hanover , On 16.00
6 3 44 Larry Anderson Holstein , On 15.00
7 9 77 Alyssa Mcnicol Exeter , On 14.00
8 10 31 Dean Duvall Clifford , On 13.00
9 7 99 James Hunt Hanover , On 12.00
10 6 82

(Varney, ON) – During the 2011 offseason, driver Jay Doerr (#43) of London and his car owner and father Doug Doerr sold the team’s two-time championship winning car to Phil McCarthy.  McCarthy is keeping Doerr in the car for the 2012 season, and the defending series champ picked up where he left off, scoring a ‘perfect’ afternoon during the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series’ inaugural race on the ¼-mile high banks of Varney Speedway Motorplex.
 
A tremendous crowd was on hand as the afternoon card started off with qualifying for the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup cars, and Doerr was fastest during time trials, turning the track in 13.782 seconds.  Rookie Joe Trafford (#70) of New Hamburg shocked the crowd by qualifying second in his first start in the series, followed by ‘The Intimidator’ Tim Tolten (#3) of Guelph, another freshman, Jamie ‘ The Juicebox’ Ott (#88) of Ayr, and Shawn McGlynn (#81) of Kitchener.
 
This year’s fast five format to set the starting lineup includes the Blast Floor Coatings challenge, saw Doerr decline the challenge, as he chose to draw for starting position, as opposed to trying to win the bonus from starting at the back.  He drew number five to start on the inside of the third row, while the bonus will grow for race number two.  Tolten drew the pole, with Ott alongside him on the front row, and Trafford and McGlynn taking up positions in row two.
 
 Tolton set a blistering pace during the early going, opening a lead of an entire straightaway at one point before the races first yellow flew, but it was rookie Amanda Connelly (#16) of Hampton who was on the move, climbing from sixth starting position into fourth, with McGlynn second, and Doerr in third.
 
Doerr was able to pass McGlynn on a subsequent restart, as Tolten started to have motor troubles, allowing Doerr to pull to the outside of the local hero.  Doerr poked his nose out front briefly, but Tolton fought back on the inside to sneak ahead.  Doerr wasn’t finished, and just a lap later he was able to capture the point on the high side on lap 26.
 
Ott was also on the move, climbing to second at the halfway point with McGlynn, Connelly, and Josh Wood (#66) of London, in tow.  Contact between McGlynn and Connelly cut down a tire on Amanda’s car, sending her to pit road and ending her shot at a podium, while McGlynn spun on a lap 68 restart, sending him to the rear of the pack.
 
Ott hounded Doerr during the closing stages, and had one great shot at getting the win as with only a few laps on the scoreboard the leader ran into some trouble with a lapped car.  Ott was able to pull alongside Doerr, but it was short lived as Jay pulled back in front, and won his first feature of the year.
 
Wood was able to slice his way from seventh on the grid to a solid third-place finish, while McGlynn rallied back to finish fourth.  Connelly recovered from her flat left front to round out the top-five in her series debut, and make history for the highest finish by a female competitor in a Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup event.
 
Doerr spoke about the tremendous start to his season, “It was great to get back up here to Varney.  The last time we were here was in a Dwarf Car in 1998, and it was career win number 43 for me, during Varney’s 43rd season and our car number for years and at Delaware in our Late Model is car number 43 – I guess the numbers just added up.  I took my time early, because I knew I had to save the right rear tire.  We got maximum points today, and this is a great way to defend our championship.  We came up on Wednesday and tested, and track owner Kent Nuhn helped us out a bit.  We were able to get everything sorted out and we were prepared today.  It was also nice to get Phil a win in his first start as a car owner.”
 
Ott was thrilled with his runner-up result, saying, “We ran a few 100 lap CRA Late Model races in the US last year, and I didn’t finish either of them, so my whole goal today was to finish.  We tested up here and I figured that we would have a fifth or sixth-place car, but it was a little better today.  I was worried, because 20 laps in the car started to make some odd noises, and I was worried we wouldn’t finish.  I took a shot at Jay when he got in lapped traffic, but I wanted to finish.  I sailed it in to turn three on the last lap, but Jay had a good smooth run at the end of the race and I couldn’t get to him.  Being the new guy in the series, I really wanted to make sure that I didn’t make any mistakes that cost anyone else, and I hope that we gained a little respect for running everyone clean.” 
 
Trafford finished sixth, with fellow rookie Steve Moore (#45) of Toronto, Mark Patrick (#12) of Delaware, Bob Merrifield (#43) of Belle River, and Kris Root (#69) of Delaware rounded out the top-ten.
 
The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series will be back in action at the newly renovated Delaware Speedway for round two of the seven race season on Friday June 15th.  The points battle should heat up at Delaware, a track very familiar to the top-four in the standings.  Doerr will return to his home track for his Late Model as the point leader by five markers over Ott, who has competed in the Delaware Super Stock division for three years before making the move to the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series.  Wood enters third in points, to a track where he cut his stock car teeth, in addition to picking up a win in 2011, while McGlynn competed in Sportsman cars on and off weekly for years at Delaware.
 
For more information on the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series, Varney Speedway Motorplex, or Delaware Speedway, please visit www.lucasoilsportsmancup.com, www.varneymotorspeedway.com, www.delawarespeedway.com, or contact Series Director Dave Alexander at dalexand@sympatico.ca.
 
Release and Photos by Jamie Maudsley and www.maudsleymotorsports.com.

By Randy Spencer – Varney Speedway Motorplex put the wraps on the opening of the 43rd season of racing in spectacular fashion Sunday afternoon. Three days of racing action concluded with a 100 lap feature race by the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series (LOSC) with last year’s champion Jay Doerr taking the checkered flag.

Action got under way shortly after 2pm with time trials for the LOSC. Each car got 2 laps and when all was said and done Jay Doerr had the fast time at 13.782. After that three “rookies” in the field completed three of the four other spots. Joe Trafford who previously raced Thunder Cars at Flamboro Speedway was second. Jake “Juice Box” Ott was third. Jake has raced Street Stock and Thunder Cars previously at Varney, Flamboro and Delaware and a Late Model a bit last year. Tim Tolton, a veteran racer at Varney has made his way into the LOSC series in a car that has a paint scheme very similar to his race hero Dale Earnhardt Sr. Rounding out the top 5 was a veteran, Shawn McGlynn. The former CASCAR and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver was the LOSC champion in 2008 and raced in the inaugural race in 2007.

Regular racing also took place as the new 4 Fun series was up first. This new series is still working at getting cars out and it was as the saying goes, a two horse race. Britton Lundy and Andrea Parsons traded some paint and actually made the race interesting at times but  it was Parsons picking up the heat win. Fourteen stock 4′s took the green for the qualifier. The #51 of Clark Hartman out of Waterloo was the big winner Saturday as he took the heat and feature. He started on the inside of the second row but found his way to the front quick. Lance Hotchkiss kept pace however and wasn’t going to let Hartman get out of his sites. An interesting battle was happening between a couple of Toltons…Tim and son Bobby. the two raced side by side for several laps. As the Hartman and Hotchkiss pulled away from the rest of the field, it was Hartman winning his third straight race taking the checkered flag. Seven cars took to the track for the Street Stock heat race. Derek Jackson, a visiting driver from Flamboro Speedway, was leading but quickly took the meatball flag and had to retire. Turned out his window net wasn’t properly fastened. The #28 of Karl Martin and #18 of Billy Alderson broke away and it was Martin taking the checkered flag.

An autograph session for the LOSC took place at intermission and it was time for the features. In the 4 Fun race, Britton Lundy and Andrea Parsons once again had an interesting race but Lundy wasn’t letting this one get away. Parsons won the heat earlier and the feature on Saturday night so was determined to get this one. But it wasn’t meant to be as Lundy claimed his first checkered flag win of 2012. The Stock 4 feature saw the two top cars of Hartman and Hotchkiss starting up front. Hartman was dominating early and was breaking away. A caution just past the half way point tightened the field but Hartman proved to be too much holding off the #34 and made it a perfect 4 for 4 weekend taking the checkers. In the Street Stock feature, #77 Alyssa McNicol and #44 Larry Anderson started on the pole. Karl Martin and Derek Jackson were running away putting on a great show. The #77 of McNicol made some contact with Jackson before spinning out bringing out the caution. Jackson came through ok and on the re-start and broke away from the rest of the pack and picked up the checkered flag. He was very happy to pickup the win, he’s had a fast car all year at Flamboro so good to see him get a win.

The LOSC made there way onto the track and there first race of 2012 was underway. The field was full of rookies with three starting up front after the top five made a draw at intermission. Tim Tolton was on the pole followed by Jake Ott, Joe Trafford and followed by Shawn McGlynn and defending champion Jay Doerr. The green flag dropped and the action got hot and heavy quick. Big cars on a small track always provides for lots of bumping and close door to door excitement. Tolton was running away early and actually put some space between himself and the second place car as well as lapped traffic playing a role in the race. A lengthy caution as some oil was dropped on the track tightened the field once again. The pole sitter Tolton seemed to have some overheating problems and eventually retired to the pits with some smoke evident from his car. On the re-start the #16 Amanda Connolly had a right front tire go pop and was off to the pits. The hot weather played havoc with some of the cars and several were having problems. As the cars came around to get the white flag Jay Doerr had made his way to the front and took the checkered flag followed by an impressive run by Jake Ott of Ayr who was in the car for the first time. Third place went to Josh Wood of London.

That brought to an end of three great days of racing. Congratulations to Kent Nuhn & Sarah Lundy, the new owners of the track for a terrific opening weekend! All the hard work, changes and improvements you have made to the facility were great. Looks like it’s going to be an exciting season. Thanks to Kent Nuhn and track announcer Jody Buschlen for all your help and hospitality. Also thanks to OSS announcer Jamie Maudsley for all you do and mentioning Ontario Oval.

Results:

4 FOR FUN – FEATURE
1     09        Britton Lundy            
2    84        Andrea Parsons            

4 FOR FUN – HEAT     
1    84        Andrea Parsons            
2    09        Britton Lundy          

STOCK 4 – FEATURE
1     51        Clark Hartman          
2    34        Lance Hotchkiss      
3      86        Nick Clarke          
4    35        Tim Tolton          
5    15        Will Davies          
6     91        Bruce Moran           
7     99        Craig Mclean           
8     4        Zach Pendergast      
9     14        Brian Wilson          
10    13        Bobby Tolton          
11     9        Tessa Cremasco          
12     73        Scott Schlueter           
13     8        Tyler Martin      
14     92        Jessie Way       

STOCK 4 – HEAT
1     51        Clark Hartman       
2     34        Lance Hotchkiss       
3     14        Brian Wilson           
4     13        Bobby Tolton       
5     35        Tim Tolton       
6     91        Bruce Moran       
7     99        Craig Mclean       
8     73        Scott Schlueter       
9     86         Nick Clarke       
10     4        Zach Pendergast
11     8        Tyler Martin        
12     9        Tessa Cremasco       
13     92       Jessie Way       
14     15      Will Davies            

STREET STOCK – FEATURE
1     2        Derek Jackson        
2     5        Dave Gray           
3     44       Larry Anderson           
4     29       Aaron Martin            
5     77       Alyssa Mcnicol           
6     18       Billy Alderson           
7     07       Thomas Wood           

STREET STOCK – HEAT
1     29       Aaron Martin        
2     18       Billy Alderson           
3     5        Dave Gray            
4     44       Larry Anderson           
5     77       Alyssa Mcnicol           
6     07       Thomas Wood           
7     2        Derek Jackson         

LUCAS OIL SPORTSMAN CUP SERIES 100 LAP FEATURE
1    40          Jay Doerr
2    88         Jake Ott     
3    66          Josh Wood
4    81         Shawn McGlynn
5    16         Amanda Connolly
6    70          Joe Trafford
7    45          Steve Moore
8    12          Mark Patrick
9    43          Bob Merrifield
10  69          Kris Root
11  93          Jason Meyer
12  18          Chad McGlynn
13  48          Doug Cathcart
14   3          Tim Tolton
15   85         Mike Nelson

By Tommy Goudge (December 23, 2011) – One of the province’s most unique racing venues is now under new management. Kent Nuhn and his family officially became owners of the Varney Speedway on December 15. They have no shortage of ideas when it comes to expanding the profile of the high-banked quarter mile facility located near Durham, Ontario.

Kent Nuhn will celebrate his 26th birthday in a few weeks, but he’s already a racing veteran with parts of 6 seasons under his belt in the CASCAR and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. He scored a career-best 12th place finish in the NCATS standings in 2009, then went DIRT racing in 2010, competing in the Sportsman division at Merrittville Speedway. He and his family are focusing on racing closer to home now, and have big dreams for Varney, their local track.

“Short term what we’re doing is cleaning up the grounds, and trying to make it more professional,” Nuhn told OntarioOval.com earlier this week.
“Long term, we’re looking to make it a motorplex, so hopefully we can run four to five days a week. In the near future we’re hoping to put in an eighth-mile drag strip.”

He says they also have other plans in the works for renovations and additions to the facility, but can’t divulge what they are just yet.

A lot of plans for the 2012 season are already set. The weekly show will feature Late Models, All-Pro Modifieds, Street Stocks, two separate 4 cylinder divisions, and the always-popular Train Races on a regular basis.

“We’re going to run two different four cylinder classes – a ‘Four for Fun’ class, and basically a ‘Pro Four’ dual overhead cam 16 valve class,” said Nuhn. “No Thunder Cars, but we’re going to run Street Stocks, and bring in V6′s to run with the V8 Street Stocks as they are right now.”

Touring divisions are already lined up for next season, including the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, OSCAAR’s new Modified series, Ontario Pro Challenge, Hurricane Midgets, and possibly more.

“We’re looking at getting Vintage Modifieds back, and we’re hoping to have the Can-Am Midgets there next year as well,” Nuhn says.

OSCAAR and Varney will also stage a promo race for the Super Late Model division at the track sometime in 2012. The race will serve as a test session of sorts to determine the feasibility of running an event there in 2013 and beyond.

Many ideas are on the table right now, and nothing seems to be completely ruled out. Nuhn says one item up for discussion is which night the track might run it’s weekly program. The majority of Ontario’s asphalt short track venues run on Saturday nights, competing for some of the same fans and race teams.

“We’ve been talking it through, and we’re thinking we might try to switch nights if it will work. Saturday night is a pretty good night for Varney, so it’s tough to move a date that has been working for years. I don’t know, Friday night might work, and possibly Sunday.”

Nuhn’s time behind the wheel racing at a variety of different venues over the years will help him in his new role. He says his time on the road taught him a lot about professionalism, and relationships with sponsors. He plans to continue driving, but only when it doesn’t interfere with his work at Varney.

“I’m going to probably just do specials,” he says. “I’m mainly going to work at the track, and do some Late Model races on nights when we aren’t running. That way I’ll be at the track with my full focus on it.”

VARNEY MOTOR SPEEDWAY OWNERS

1970-1984: Kennedy Family

1985-87: Don Davidson

1988-96: Tom Donnely

1997-2000: Hamilton Family

2001-11: McLellan Family

By OntarioOval.com – On Saturday night, June 18th, Varney Motor Speedway was finally able to get a good forecast for the evenings races. A great crowd was on hand to see some fast side-by-side action in the stock car divisions as well as some carnage in the Train races.

In the All-Pro Modifieds an early crash on the frontstretch by #1 Ted Patterson and problems under the hood for #4 Aaron McLean left the door wide open for #36 Les Eccles to drive to victory lane for the first time in several seasons. The win came 10 years to the night of his first career Modified win in 2001 on Fathers Day weekend. McLean was the winner of heat #1 while Patterson took the honours in heat #2.

Tempers flared in the Limited Late Model division on this night as #89 Tommy Robb and #18 Steve Smith battled it out in the heats and during the feature race. Smith found himself facing the wrong way in heat #2 and that led to some tight racing with Robb in the feature. While the two swapped places back and forth it allowed #61 Jason Ritchie to drive away and capture his first career Late Model win. Kent Nuhn was the winner of heat #1 while Mark Dixon in his first race aboard the ‘Green Machine’ #14 won heat #2.

The Super Street Stock feature came down to a good old fashion short track showdown between #77 Rob Brown and #83 Scott Way. The two made slight contact numerous times as Way charged hard on the bottom while Brown held the top line. Brown was able to make the upper groove work and took the win over May in a thrilling finish at the line. Heat wins went to Way in qualifier #1 while Lance Sullivan took the heat #2 win.

A very similar finish was seen in the Street Stock feature as #26 Tanya McDougall fought off several charges by #02 Randy Zettler for the win. The two would each have a heat race win on the night with McDougall claiming heat #1 and Zettler taking the heat #2 checkers.

The largest field of the night was in the Stock 4 division and the extra cars created a traffic jam on the first lap as several cars tangled and left a few parts scattered on the track. When things finally settled down it was #14 Brian Wilson taking the win in a close finish over #86 Nick Clarke and #88 Billy Lovell. Qualifier wins went to Lovell in heats #1 and 3 while Clarke won heat #2 and Wilson grabbed the heat #4 win.

In the Varney Train races all was quiet during the first trip around the 1/4 mile track as the #503 led by Ryan Morrison took the win, however when their final event of the evening took to the track things got interesting. Late in the race the #6 Train led by David Poole lost control down the backstretch and rolled violently to a halt in corner three. All drivers walked away uninjured, but the carnage would mark the end of the race. The checkered flag would go to the #38 Train led by Steve Schnurr.

Racing resumes at Varney Motor Speedway next Saturday night, June 25th at 7pm and will feature a visit by the Ontario Pro Challenge Series. Joining them will be the Limited Late Models, Super Street Stocks, Street Stocks and Stock 4 divisions. For more information visit www.varneymotorspeedway.com.

Video interviews can be viewed here: http://www.ontariooval.com/?cat=56. A complete photo gallery will be available in the coming days. Photos courtesy Dale Calnan / ImageFactor.ca

By OntarioOval.com – With spring just around the corner many tracks are finalizing their 2011 plans. The latest facility to release its schedule is the Varney Motor Speedway in Durham, Ontario. The fast 1/4 mile bullring will kick off an action packed card on Victoria Day Weekend – May 21st & 22nd - and will continue until September 24th for the season ending Fall Classic.

Competitors will also note rules changes posted on the Varney Motor Speedway website for all divisions.

For more information on the 2011 schedule or rule changes visit www.varneymotorspeedway.com.

Ken and Joan McLellan owners of Varney Motor Speedway wish to announce the hiring of Doug Townsend as the new General Manager of Varney Motor Speedway effective immediately.

Doug is no stranger to Varney Motor Speedway having worked in most every role at the speedway over the past 10 years, and most recently as Track Promoter in 2009 before deciding to step down for the 2010 season.

In Doug’s new role he will oversee the overall operation of the speedway and have final say in all issues at the track allowing Ken and Joan to enjoy some more time watching the races instead of working. 

Management TEAM In Place At Varney
Running a Speedway is not a one person job and for that reason I have put together a core group of employees to help deal with some of the decision making along the way.  This working group has been active now for close to a month and we will be able to release a tentative 2011 schedule along with the rule packages for 2011 within the next week.  We have made some bold changes for 2011 in the look and feel of some of  the racing aspects at Varney and I look forward to sharing those with you over the next few weeks, so check back often for updates!

The management group consists of Steve Arndt – Race Director, Steve Greguol – Track Promoter, Shirley Person – Head Scorer, Jody Buschlen – Announcer, Bill Clarke – Tech.

Should you have any questions concerns ideas or feedback we would love to hear from you, feel free to contact any of the management group or email me directly at gmvms@xplornet.ca 

Doug Townsend
General Manager
Varney Motor Speedway

This past Saturday night, Varney Motor Speedway took a moment to recognize the efforts put forth by our Canadian Armed Forces as well as remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For the third year in a row, members of the Canadian military stationed at CFB Borden made the trip from the Alliston, Ontario base in armored vehicles to give the race fans a personal connection to our troops. With on track pre-race activities completed, the armored vehicles were moved behind the grandstands for the fans to explore and the thunder in the skies was soon joined by the rumble of motors as all six of the speedway’s regular racing divisions came to life.

It’s been a long haul this season for All Pro Modified driver #34 Terry Pardy of Mt. Forest who has been amongst the front runners all year long but unable to reach the checkers first. After running upfront all race long, a late caution put victory in jeopardy. Pardy started on the outside of the front row for the All Pro feature race with #27 Les Eccles of Conn sitting on the pole. From the drop of the green, pardy would assume the lead in turn two, passing Eccles on the outside. Following Pardy into second place, #4 Brian McLean of Conn latched on to Pardy’s back bumper and the two would stay nose-to-tail through the first half of the race. Blazing his way through the pack, #8 Gary McLean of Conn worked himself into the third position but was not able to gain on the leaders as easily as he hoped. The equalizer for G. Mclean occured when #65 Chris Burrows of Ayton spun on the backstretch bringing out the caution and bunching the field up for the restart. Pardy and B. Mclean would line up on the front row with G.McLean ready to contend for the lead. When the green dropped, Pardy would gain the upper hand coming out of turn two. Battling for second, B. Mclean and G. Mclean came together on the back straightaway. B. Mclean would spin to the bottom of the track as G. McLean was able to contiue on. The second yellow flag came out as a result and, more importantly, send both McLeans to the back of the pack for the restart. Once again, Pardy would take command at the drop of the green and build up a comfortable lead over the field. Determined to make a run for the front, G. McLean and B. McLean were able to claw their way back to second and third respectively but, that would be as close as they would get to the leader as Terry Pardy would hang on for his first feature race win of the year. Finishing fourth was #1 Ted Patterson of Mt. Forest and Eccles rounded out the top five. Heat races were won earlier in the night by G. McLean and B. McLean.

The Stock 4 feature race saw #55 Dave Gray Jr. of Hanover and #73 Scott Schlueter of Milverton start on the front row but, entering the first turn after taking the green, #19 Dennis Cremasco of Arthur and #28 Luke Freeman of Meaford rocketed up into the top two spots. A little further back on the field, #88 Bob Tolton of Guelph and #38 Sherry Smart of Hanover made contact in turn three while racing in the top five. The end result sent Smart’s car spinning into #51 Clark Hartman of Waterloo who had been steadily working his way up into the top five. The yellow flag came out and all three drivers were sent to the back for the restart. Once again, Cremasco would take command of the race as #86 Nick Clarke of Mt. Forest, Freeman, #7 Charles Embro of Hanover and #35 Tim Tolton of Guelph all battled for the second spot. Cremasco would benefit from this multi-car feud and build up a near full straightaway advantage as he cruised on to his second feature race win in the last three weeks. Clarke held off T. Tolton for second while Hartman muscled his way back to fourth. B. Tolton rounded out the top five. Qualifying heat races were won by Clarke, #75 Scott Mast of Cambridge, B. Tolton and Hartman.

Saturday’s Street Stock feature saw #19 Brian Wilson of Rockwood take the lead from outside the front row and never look back. Five laps into the race, #93 Bill Cole of Hanover closed in on Wilson’s back bumper but, could not make the pass. Cole would fade in the late stages, falling back to two car lengths as Wilson rolled on to the win. Cole finished second with #99 Rob Brown of Priceville, #06 Bill Keill of Chatsworth and #58 Kyle Fox of Hanover rounding out the top five. heat races were won by Wilson and Cole.

Super Street Stock action saw a fantastic three car battle for the lead. Side by side for several laps, #84 Lance Sullivan of Fergus and #61 Chad Eden of Varney exchanged the lead at the start/finish line every lap. All the while, #83 Scott Way of Fergus stayed right on the tail of the two lead cars waiting for an opportunity to make a challenge for the front. Eden would eventually get by Sullivan to take the lead and Way would also make a pass to put himself into the second spot. Eden would soar out front to claim his second straight feature race win in as many weeks. Way settled for second with Sullivan third and #85 Matt Clarke of Mt. Forest fourth. Both heat races were won by Scott Way.

The Late Model feature was highlighted by the battle up front as #81 Chris Van Dusen of Guelph and #12 Justin McLellan of Mt. Forest took off from the pack in the early laps. Van Dusen would hold a comfortable lead through the first half but, nearing the midway point of the race, McLellan would latch on to the race leader and begin to go to work. Jetting to the inside out of turn four, McLellan would try for several laps to take the lead but, Van Dusen was able to pull away down the straightaways. Van Dusen would also pick up on McLellan’s favorite spot to pass and take the inside lane away over the remaining laps to hold off the Late Model front runner and pick up the win. McLellan would have to settle for second while #63 Jim Bowman of Alma, #85 Jeff Lotspeich of Rockwood and #09 kent Nuhn of Williamsford rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by McLellan and Van Dusen.

Other action on the track saw members of the Canadian Armed Forces pilot a train to a third place finish as The Redneck Special took the Trains feature race win. This weekend, regular racing highlights the night with the ever popular ‘Kids Rides’ at intermission. For more information on what is going on at the provinces fastest 1/4 mile asphalt oval, visit the seepdway online at www.varneymotorspeedway.com

Jody Buschlen – Track Announcer/Varney Motor Speedway

Race results for Saturday, August 21, 2010

Stock 4

1.  #19 Dennis Cremasco – Arthur
2.  #86 Nick Clarke – Mt. Forest
3. #35 Tim Tolton – Guelph
4.  #51 Clark Hartman – Waterloo
5. #88 Bob Tolton – Guelph

Street Stock

1. #19 Brian Wilson – Rockwood
2. #93 Bill Cole – Hanover
3. #99 Rob Brown – Priceville
4. #06 Bill Keill – Chatsworth
5. #58 Kyle Fox – Hanover

Super Street Stock

1. #61 Chad Eden – Varney
2. #83 Scott Way – Fergus
3. #84 lance Sullivan – Fergus
4. #85 Matt Clarke – Mt Forest
5.

Late Model

1. #81 Chris van Dusen – Guelph
2. #12 Justin McLellan – Mt Forest
3. #63 Jim Bowman – Alma
4. #85 Jeff Lotspeitch – Rockwood
5. #09 Kent Nuhn – Williamsford

All Pro Modified

1. #34 Terry Pardy – Mt Forest
2. #8 Gary Mclean – Conn
3. #4 Brian McLean – Conn
4. #1 Ted Patterson – Mt. Forest
5. #27 Les Eccles – Conn