Sunset Speedway May 18th Race Report – Spencer Lewis

Third-generation driver Billy Zardo (No. 46 Holmes on Homes/Hassel Automotive Chevrolet) utilized a last lap ‘bump and run’ on perennial Sunset contender Mike Bentley (No. 51 Lattitude Land Effects Chevrolet) to capture his first ever Late Model win on May 18th.

The Brampton, ON youngster led virtually every circuit of the 30-lap contest, surviving a pair of late-race restarts with Bentley pressuring to make a pass.

With 3 laps remaining, Zardo would relinquish the lead to Bentley, before re-capturing the point position in turn-3 of the final lap, after knocking Bentley out of the groove as the field prepared to exit turn-4 for the checkered flag.

“I was just trying to keep calm”, admitted ‘Z3’ in victory lane when asked about the final 3 laps, “I’ve got a great spotter and a great crew behind the wall. This was just our night to get it done”

“I knew this was going to be our night when we went out for practice this afternoon”, beamed the Brampton, ON driver.

“This class is so competitive – it’s so hard to run in the top-6 – to finally be here [in victory lane] is a dream come true. We worked our butts off on this car!”

Bentley would hold on for a runner-up finish, with Stompin’ Tom Walters, Scott Beatty and Bruce Rankin completing the top-5.

In Super Stock action, defending champion Randy Rusnell (No. 72 Thor Contracting/Marvin Freiburger & Sons Heavy Truck Repair Monte Carlo) extended his winning streak to 3, with a commanding performance, holding off 2011 champion Lane Zardo (No. 46 National Exhaust/Holmes on Homes Monte Carlo) for the victory.

Zardo, Dan Archibald, Dennis Cybalski and Paul Maltese would round out the top-5.

Graham Landscape Ltd. Mini Stock point leader Warren Paxton (No. 33 Georgina Auto Glass/Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood Civic) would notch his second feature win of the season to close out the show, making a highlight-reel late race pass of defending champion Eric Yorke (No. 51 J & D Tire Sales/McKeon Collision Nissan) and early-leader Steven Belanger (No. 9 Tire Depot Honda) for the victory.

Yorke would follow Paxton across the stripe, with Terry Clodd, Ben Melenhorst and Ken Townsend completing the top-5.

QUICK RESULTS
LATE MODELS
A MAIN:
1. Billy ‘Z3’ Zardo                                                Brampton, ON
2. Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley                               Guelph, ON
3. Stompin’ Tom Walters                            Bradford, ON
4. Scott Beatty                                            Barrie, ON
5. ‘The Hulkster’ Bruce Rankin                             Mississauga, ON

Heat 1: ‘The Frequent Flyer’ Sean Grosman               Golden Beach, FL
Heat 2: Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty                           Queensville, ON
Heat 3: Anthony Simone                                  Holland Landing, ON
Heat 4: Scott Beatty                                            Barrie, ON

SUPER STOCKS
A MAIN:
1. Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell                              Cambridge, ON
2. Lane Zardo                                              Brampton, ON
3. Dan Archibald                                           Innisfil, ON
4. Dennis Cybalski                                 Milton, ON
5. Paul Maltese                                            Alcona Beach, ON

Heat 1: Lane Zardo                                              Brampton, ON
Heat 2: ‘The Prodigy’ Cayden Lapcevich                  Grimsby, ON
Heat 3: Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell                              Cambridge, ON
Heat 4: ‘The Prodigy’ Cayden Lapcevich                  Grimsby, ON

MINI STOCKS
A MAIN:
1. Warren Paxton                                   Holland Landing, ON
2. Eric Yorke                                              Milton, ON
3. Terry Clodd                                             Holland Landing, ON
4. Ben Melenhorst                                  Stayner, ON
5. Ken Townsend                                            Oro-Medonte, ON

Heat 1: Ben Melenhorst                                  Stayner, ON
Heat 2: Warren Paxton                                   Holland Landing, ON
Heat 3: Ben Melenhorst                                  Stayner, ON
Heat 4: Eric Yorke                                              Milton, ON

By Spencer Lewis – After a 2012 season that didn’t see Stompin’ Tom Walters invade victory lane in weekly competition until late July, the Bradford, ON veteran wasted little time in locking up his first win of the 2013 season on May 11th.

The future Hall of Famer started deep  in the 19-car field, battling amongst rising stars Andy Kamrath (No. 35 Streamline Race Products/Allstar’s Ribs & Wings Ford) and Billy Zardo (No. 46 Holmes on Homes/National Exhaust Chevrolet) for much of the race’s early-going.

As Walters’ worked his way through the pack, fan favourite Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty (No. 19 LaRue’s Haulage/Carrott Express Chevrolet) and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series regular Kerry Micks (No. 40 Baker Performance Parts Chevrolet) were waging a side-by-side war for the lead that brought the fans to their feet.

Witty and Micks would race alongside one another for 15 laps, without touching, before ‘Bam Bam’ would finally clear the veteran utilizing Sunset’s patented outside groove.

Once clear of Micks, Witty would almost immediately feel the pressure from Walters (No. 47 Pro Floor Sanding & Refinishing/Knightworks Designs Ford) who had charged into the top-3 laps earlier, after slipping past protégé Sean Grosman.

In a virtual replay of his earlier battle with Micks, Witty would again choose the outside lane to try and hold off the hard charging Walters. The pair would battle tooth and nail through the final 10 laps, with Walters edging Witty at the line, then finally clearing the #19 on lap 26.

‘Bam Bam’ would settle for 2nd overall, with Micks, week 1 winner Mike Bentley and Grosman completing the top-5.

“We changed a few things after the first heat that just brought it to life”, explained Walters post-race. “It was a totally different car heading into the feature”

“This was an awesome race for the fans tonight. I hope they were pleased”, smiled the 30-time champion. “Side-by-side racing, no contact. We got lucky and made all the right moves. A couple guys got loose towards the end with their built motors, and we were able to capitalize using our crate [motor]”

When asked about his race with Witty, Tom was quick to credit the young Queensville, ON veteran “You gotta hand it to Jason and his guys. They got wrecked last week and didn’t take it to [McColl Racing Enterprises], they fixed it themselves, they worked hard and they did a great job. For the trouble they got into last week, I was surprised he came back as well as he did”

Walters, Witty and the rest of the division will be back in action for Week 3 on May 18th, with racing once again getting underway at 6:00pm.

Defending Super Stock champion Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell (No. 72 Thor Contracting/Spira Fire Protection Monte Carlo) notched his second win of the 2013 season, after overcoming rising star Paul Geniole Jr (No. 81 Priggen Automotive/Canadian Tire of Toronto Camaro) shortly before the 30-lap event’s halfway mark.

Sophomore star Cayden Lapcevich (No. 76 Tim Hortons/Troy Cove Marine Toyota)  would battle with Geniole for second spot, before assuming the runner-up position at the line. Geniole would hang on for third, while 2011 champion Lane Zardo and Matt Bentley completed the top-5.

2012 Flamboro Speedway champion Billy Schwartzenburg (No. 86 Spira Fire Protection/Chetty’s Hot Sauce Mustang) would overcome the mechanical issues that plagued him in Week 1, to win his first career Sunset feature. The Guelph, ON teenager would be followed across the line by title contender Warren Paxton, 2012 Sunset champion Eric Yorke, Ken Townsend and Terry Clodd.

QUICK RESULTS
LATE MODELS
A MAIN:
1) Stompin’ Tom Walters    Bradford, ON
2) Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty    Queensville, ON
3) Kerry Micks     Mount Albert, ON
4) Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley   Guelph, ON
5) ‘The Frequent Flyer’ Sean Grosman  Golden Beach, FL

Heat 1: Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley   Guelph, ON
Heat 2: Kerry Micks     Mount Albert, ON
Heat 3: Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty    Queensville, ON
Heat 4: Stompin’ Tom Walters    Bradford, ON

SUPER STOCKS
A MAIN:
1) Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell   Cambridge, ON
2) ‘The Prodigy’ Cayden Lapcevich   Grimsby, ON
3) Paul Geniole Jr.     Keswick, ON
4) Lane Zardo     Brampton, ON
5) Matt Bentley     Guelph, ON

Heat 1: Lane Zardo     Brampton, ON
Heat 2: ‘The Prodigy’ Cayden Lapcevich   Grimsby, ON
Heat 3: Lane Zardo     Brampton, ON
Heat 4: Paul Maltese     Alcona Beach, ON

MINI STOCKS
A MAIN:
1) Billy Schwartzenburg    Guelph, ON
2) Warren Paxton     Holland Landing, ON
3) Eric Yorke     Milton, ON
4) Ken Townsend     Oro-Medonte, ON
5) Terry Clodd     Holland Landing, ON

Heat 1: Samantha Shaw     Guelph, ON
Heat 2: Eric Yorke     Milton, ON
Heat 3: Samantha Shaw     Guelph, ON
Heat 4: Billy Schwartzenburg    Guelph, ON

By Spencer Lewis - Sunset Speedway kicked off the 2013 season in front of a spectacular crowd on a beautiful May 4^th evening. The grandstands were full, as was the pit paddock, with Sunset’s headline Limited Late Model division treating the fans to one of the best opening night events the speedway’s seen in recent history.

Guelph, ON’s Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley (No. 51 Latitude Land Effects Chevrolet) spent the entirety of the afternoon atop the practice charts, and rattled off a pair of heat race victories en route to top-qualifier honours. The 2012 winner of Sunset’s ‘crown jewel’ Velocity 250 event, Bentley entered into the evening’s A Main a heavy favourite for the victory.

Starting alongside 7-time track champion ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (No. 11 Morrow Electric/Contractor Rental Supply Chevrolet), Bentley would waste little time propelling himself to the front, overtaking Morrow by the time the field crossed the stripe on lap-2.

From there, Bentley would open up a commanding lead – through a number of late race restarts – to hold off Morrow and defending track champion Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 Knightworks Designs/Pro Floor Sanding & Refinishing Ford).

“We couldn’t be happier. After 2 heat wins and a feature like that – we’re stoked” beamed Bentley in victory lane.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, responded Bentley when asked about any off-season changes to his McColl Racing Enterprises chassis, “We came out strong. This is a great way to start the season.”

When asked about his late-race restarts with Morrow, Bentley smiled and nodded, “Those restarts are tricky. I had to pull a few tricks out of my sleeve to keep the lead”

With a pair of heat race victories and a feature triumph, ‘Lights Out’ will carry the unofficial points lead into week 2 of the Sunset season on May 11^th.

In Super Stock action, 2012 Sunset champion Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell (No. 72 Spira Fire Protection/Marvin Freiburger & Sons Truck Repair Monte Carlo) turned in an evening every bit as dominant as Mike Bentley. The Cambridge, ON star took down a pair of qualifying heat race victories, before overcoming a tremendous side-by-side battle with 17-year old fan favourite Lane Zardo (No. 46 Holmes on Homes/National Exhaust Monte Carlo) for the feature win.

Warren Paxton crossed the stripe in third, in Graham Landscape Limited Mini Stock action, but after a discrepancy in tech removed on-track winner Ryan Oosterholt and teammate Chris Mulders from the final rundown, the Holland Landing, ON veteran walked out with the feature win trophy. Paxton managed a pair of runner-up finishes in both of his heat races, and confirmed in his post-race interview that he will be looking for a track championship in 2013.

QUICK RESULTS

LIMITED LATE MODEL

A Main:

1)    Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley                                                             Guelph, ON

2)    Stompin’ Tom Walters                                                                   Bradford, ON

3)    ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow                                                 Anten Mills, ON

4)    Scott Beatty                                                                                       Barrie, ON

5)    ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker                                                             Stayner, ON

SUPER STOCK

A Main:

1)    Randy ‘The Rocket’ Rusnell                                                         Cambridge, ON

2)    ‘Young’ Lane Zardo                                                                         Brampton, ON

3)    ‘The Prodigy’ Cayden Lapcevich                                                                Grimsby, ON

4)    Matt Bentley                                                                                     Guelph, ON

5)    Paul Maltese                                                                                      Alcona Beach, ON

MINI STOCK

A Main:

1)    Warren Paxton                                                                                 Holland Landing, ON

2)    Ben Melenhorst                                                                                               Stayner, ON

3)    Ken Townsend                                                                                  Barrie, ON

4)    Nicole Podewils                                                                                                Barrie, ON

5)    Terry Clodd                                                                                         Holland Landing, ON

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Ontario Oval Exclusive

Sunset Speedway opened its 2013 racing campaign with a full card of action including mini stock, super stock, and the track’s featured limited late model division. A solid turn out of cars combined with a warm weather evening provided an excellent setting to start to the season.

Limited Late Model

Mike Bentley (#51 Latitude Land Effects Chevrolet SS) was perfect on opening night, cruising to a win in the 35-lap A-main feature. Back-to-back heat wins put Bentley on the outside of the front row for the feature event, with 7-time champion Chris Morrow (#11 Morrow Electric Chevrolet SS) holding down the top spot after his pair of heat wins.

Bentley took the lead from Morrow after a three lap battle to start the race saw him use the high line to his advantage.

Caution flew for the second time on lap eight when Anthony Simone (#95 Chevrolet SS) appeared to have something go wrong in the right front of the car. Simone stopped just short of contact with the turn one wall and had been running fourth at the time. The incident ended Simone’s Sunset debut.

Bentley toyed with Morrow on the final two restarts, including the final one of the night on lap 10. From that point on, Bentley cruised to his first win of the year, starting the season where he ended at the 2012 Autumn Colours Classic.

Defending division champion Tom Walters (#47 Barrie Pro Floor Ford Mustang) battled Morrow for second spot for nearly 15 laps before eventually taking the spot. The battle between the two, however, allowed Bentley to pull away and take the win.

Scott Beatty (#88 Impala SS) made an impressive move on Andy Kamrath (#35 AM Roofing /All Star Wings Ford Mustang) for the fourth spot early in the race after starting eighth, and would hold down the spot right to the checkered flag.

Dwayne Baker (#48 Centennical Chrysler Dodge Charger) rounded out the top-five in his Sunset return following a 2012 championship season at Barrie Speedway.

Kerry Micks (#40 Baker Performance Ford), Kamrath, Taylor Holdaway (#41 Downing Roofing Ford Fusion), Billy Zardo III (#46 Holmes on Homes Impala SS), and Sean Grosman (#29 Landing Strip Chevrolet SS) rounded out the top-ten.

The ‘feel good’ story of the night belonged to Jason Witty (#19 Chevrolet SS). The Sunset regular Witty was collected in an unfortunate wreck on the first lap of his first heat of 2013 after Gary Elliott (#36 Quaker State Chevrolet SS) touched the wall on the front straightaway.

Witty’s crew thrashed to have to car start the feature, albeit without any nose to the car. While Witty would have preferred the car had gone home in one piece, the silver lining is the car does not need a new front clip.

Super Stock

Randy Rusnell (#72 Monte Carlo SS) led every lap of the 30-lap Super Stock feature en route to his opening night victory. The defending track champion completed the hat-trick in the division’s main event after two decisive heat victories as well.

Rusnell was challenged throughout the race by Lane Zardo (#46 Monte Carlo SS) and Cayden Lapcevich (#76 Toyota Camry), and especially so on a restart with five laps remaining. Zardo held the outside line with Rusnell for two full laps, with Lapcevich knocking at the back bumper of each driver multiple times, before Rusnell eventually took the spot.

Matt Bentley (#21 Chevrolet Nova) and Paul Maltese (#28 Monte Carlo SS) dueled for the fourth spot throughout the night, holding off Paul Geniole Jr. (#81 Nova SS) for the final top-five spots.

Dan Archibald (#07 Monte Carlo SS), Kevin Albers (#27 Camaro SS), Steven Wilson (#71 Monte Carlo SS), and Donnie Munce (#1 Camaro SS) completed the top-five.

Mini Stock

Peterborough Speedway mini stock regular Ryan Oosterholt (#07) was the on-track winner in the 25-lap A-main followed by teammate Chris Mulders (#99), but Warren Paxton (#33) was declared the winner following technical inspection.

Oosterholt and Mulders were both disqualified following technical inspection for illegal motor compression. As a result, the Sunset regular Paxton was declared the winner.

Ben Melenhorst (#26) and Ken Townsend (#21) initially rounded out the top-five, but would move up to second and third positions, respectively when all was finished.

Veteran Billy Schwartzenburg (#86) won both of his heat races and started on the pole for the feature event. Schwartzenburg jumped out to an early lead before pulling pit side with trouble on lap three to end his night and eliminate his chance for a hat-trick.

Defending champion Eric Yorke (#51) appeared to run in to trouble midway through the race as well. Yorke was running inside the top-five before falling back through the field to finish outside the top-ten.

UNOFFICIAL Results – Sunset Speedway (May 4, 2013)

Limited Late Models

Feature: 1. #51 Mike Bentley, 2. #47 Tom Walters, 3. #11 Chris Morrow, 4. #88 Scott Beatty, 5. #48 Dwayne Baker, 6. #40 Kerry Micks, 7. #35 Andy Kamrath, 8. #41 Taylor Holdaway, 9. #46 Billy Zardo III, 10. #29 Sean Grosman, 11. #49 Frank Davey, 12. #21 Dario Capirchio, 13. #36 Gary Elliott, 14. #55 Bruce Rankin, 15. #77 Herb Walters, 16. #00 Brian Wilson Jr. (DNF), 17. #19 Jason Witty (DNF), 18. #10 Ernie Fumerton (DNF), 19. #95 Anthony Simone (DNF).

Heat Winners: #11 Chris Morrow (2), #51 Mike Bentley (2)

Super Stock

Feature: 1. #72 Randy Rusnell, 2. #46 Lane Zardo, 3. #76 Cayden Lapcevich, 4. #21 Matt Bentley, 5. #28 Paul Maltese, 6. #81 Paul Geniole Jr., 7. #07 Dan Archibald, 8. #27 Kevin Albers, 9. #71 Steven Wilson, 10. #1 Donnie Munce, 11. #25 Nicole Johnston, 12. #82 Nick Tooley, 13. #10 Dennis Cybalski (DNF), 14. #48 Coltin Everingham (DNF), 15. #11 Kent Constable (DNF).

Heat Winners: #46 Lane Zardo, #28 Paul Maltese, #72 Randy Rusnell (2)

Mini Stock

Feature: 1. #33 Warren Paxton, 2. #26 Ben Melenhorst, 3. #21 Ken Townsend (Incomplete Results)

Heat Winners: #51 Eric Yorke, #26 Ben Melenhorst, #86 Billy Schwartzenburg (2), #06 Chris Free (2) (Rookie Heat)

Photos by Eric Uprichard / www.SpeedwayPhoto.ca

By Eric Uprichard for OntarioOval.com – This year’s 250 lap extravaganza is in the books as Sunset Speedway puts the brakes on another great season. The third annual year end invitational drew an impressive number of cars, upwards of 160, as well great crowd considering the less than stellar weather forecast. The rain did hold off despite the meteorologists calling for a little precipitation. This year’s lineup included the Ontario Pro Challenge, OSCAAR Modifieds, OSCAAR Super Late Models, Mini Stocks, Super Stocks and Limited Late Models.

Feature racing kicked off on Saturday night with the Ontario Pro Challenge. Tim Norris in the no.88 Lucas Oil machine took top honors en route to his second championship in as many years. Dennis Thomson, Ken Nicholson would round out the top three.

The very cool OSCAAR Mod’s took to the main stage early Sunday for their 30 lap feature. When the over anxious drivers were able to settle down and put the caution flag away, the dust settled with one of the most accomplished modified drivers in Ontario Gary Maclean crossing the finish line first, followed by Dave Terry and Brent Maclean. The win is Maclean’s second win at Sunset this season.

The afternoon kept on flowing with the familiar sounds of the Mini Stocks. The action started on lap one with four wide action! This year’s event drew championship caliber from all over Ontario. Kawartha Speedway’s Brad Martin and his Dodge Neon took the checkered followed by Sauble Speedway’s Cory Young and Barrie Speedway’s Justin Holmes.

Lined up along the back straight awaiting their chance to hit the high banks were the Super Stocks. Like the Mini Stocks, top caliber drivers have been attracted to the invitational since its formation. Starting on pole was 2012 Sunset Speedway track champion Randy Rusnell. The former Flamboro Speedway champion was fresh off a point’s battle with Nick Roth just one week ago. Rusnell pulled out to an early lead and was on a mission. After an extensive green flag run, Roth was given his shot at redemption on a couple restarts on lap 48. The newly crowned champion proved difficult to pass and lead all 50 laps. Roth finished a familiar second in front of Sauble Speedway’s Joe Adams.

The Limited Late Models were up next for their Sunday afternoon drive. Saturday’s qualifying heats saw thirty time champion Tom Walters, up-and-coming star Mike Bentley and Andy Kamrath in a three way tie for the top spot. Twenty seven cars took the green flag for the 75 lap ‘A’ Main. The first thirty laps were extremely exciting as Tom Walters and Chris Morrow ran door handle to door handle for twenty of them. Like the Super Stock ‘A’ Main, the Sunset Speedway regular Late Model top runners were where they ran all year. Mike Bentley made it interesting as he came all the way from the back of the pack in under fifty laps to make a late race pass for the win. Tom Walters and Taylor Holdaway rounded out the top three.

The weekend was headlined by the fastest Stock Cars in Ontario, the OSCAAR Super Late Models. Twenty six cars took the green flag, but the field was quickly diminished by all the early contact, including the hard hit off a restart when George Wilson smacked the inside retaining wall. The race continued to be plagued by cautions which took the flow out of the race. At lap fifty, Jeff Hanley was leading the pack, followed by Rob Clarke and Jesse Kennedy. J.R Fitzpatrick’s no. 27 Camaro finished fourth.

All results are unofficial. Please visit www.sunsetspeedway.ca for details.

Photos by Eric Uprichard / www.speedwayphoto.ca

By Eric Uprichard for OntarioOval.com – Sunset Speedway played host to the final round of the McColl Racing Enterprises Pro Series Sunday afternoon. This was a rescheduled rain out from a previous round and the weather could not have been any better. The fourth and final round of the invitational series drew over 21 cars in each of the three divisions, with the Late Models and Super Stocks filling all 24 spots.

Like the previous Wednesday night show, the Mini Stocks started the night off with their first round of qualifying along with the Super Stocks. The Late Models had to time trial into their event. Tom Walters was quickest with a 14.550 second lap around the high banked oval. Point’s leader Mike Bentley drew and mechanical black flag for what looked to be fuel leaking from the rear of the car. Bentley’s time would be thrown out and would have to start from the rear of the field; a tough spot to defend the points lead from.

The Mini Stock division saw the no. 44x of Daryl Fice leading the points going into the 35 lap event with last year’s Summer Shootout Champion Doug Butler a close second. The ultra-competitive division would eventually collect the point’s leader in the dying stages of the race. The no.10 of Doug Butler would take home the hardware for the night’s win and for the series championship.

Unofficial Mini Stock top three: Doug Butler, Tyler Johnston, Brandon McFerran.

Things got a little quicker with the Super Stocks on tap for their 50 lap main event. ‘The Rocket’ Randy Rusnell had a commanding lead going into the nights event over Nick Roth. Both Roth and Rusnell would have their share of problems throughout the affair. The night however belonged to Sauble Speedway regular ‘Smokin’ Joe Adams. Adams went flag to flag leading every lap and holding off the hard charging Matt Bentley. Randy Rusnell was crowned the MRE Super Stock champion.

Unofficial Super Stock top three: Joe Adams, Matt Bentley, Lane Zardo.

As you can very well imagine, everyone was waiting to see what would transpire on the track in the Late Model finale between heavy weights Mike Bentley and Tom Walters. The first two events were dominated by Tom Walters, but Mike Bentley came back strong in the third event to take the series points lead by only a slim margin over Walters. With Bentley having troubles in time trials, and Walters setting the pace with the quickest time but rolling an eight and inverting the field, things were setting up for an epic finish of the four race mini-series.

The main event of the evening started off quick. Both the 47 of Walters and the 51 of Bentley moved their way through the field with tremendous patience.  With the championship on the line, both drivers were set to do battle; and that they did. For several laps they fought back and forth swapping the second place position behind race leader Brandon Watson. Several late race cautions set up very tense restarts at the front of the field. With four laps to go Bentley’s night and championship effort would come to an end after being penalized for rough driving on the restart. Brandon Watson would hang on and hold off Walters for his first MRE Pro Late Model win of the year. Tom Walter’s would claim his 29^th championship title of his career with his second place finish.

Unofficial Late Model top three: Brandon Watson, Tom Walters, Jason Shaw.

By Cindy Lorenz – The ‘Hot August Night’ joint venture race with the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets and the Casey’s Midgets at Sunset Speedway (Ont) has been cancelled for tonight. Mother Nature has finally delivered a long overdue heavy rain for the region the past few days and more was expected today. Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget President Ken Lorenz said “I was really looking forward to this special race and the fans would have been in for a treat. Now we will work on a date for next season”.

Plans are in the works to reschedule this 1st time event in Canada in 2013. With both Club’s schedules already full for the remainder of this year, they are looking towards a date next year.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets will be at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday, August 18th. With five races remaining Darren McLennan, defending 2011 Champion still leads the points by 46 over Rob Neely in second. Mack DeMan is in 3rd by 6 points under Neely and James Gray is only 10 points below DeMan. The final 5 races will be exciting as these fierce competitors step up the pace with the 2012 Championship on the line.
******************30***************

For more information on the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets, contact Cindy Lorenz at clorenz74@yahoo.com

By Spencer Lewis - Sat. July 21, 2012, Innisfil, ON:  28-time champion Stompin’ Tom Walters captured the Limited Late Model feature at Sunset Speedway on July 21^st. The win would mark Walters’ first in 30-lap competition this season, after a pair of 75-lap triumphs as part of the McColl Racing Enterprises Pro Series.

Walters’ would wage war with early leader Ernie Fumerton mid-way through the race, finally clearing the former Super Stock champion shortly past the halfway mark.

3-time feature winner Mike Bentley would follow Walters’ to the line, with Walters’ teammate Sean Grosman completing the top-3.

In Super Stock competition, 16-year old defending champion Lane Zardo managed his second victory of 2012. The Brampton, ON high-school student’s trip to victory lane would be his first since the month of May, and would come on the heels of suffering blown engine only a week before.

Rob Krystal would open up the night’s feature competition with his first career Mini Stock win.

By Spencer Lewis – Innisfil, ON – Monday July 16, 2012: Guelph, ON’s Mike Bentley picked up his third victory of the 2012 campaign on July 14th, continuing his climb back into title contention after a disastrous early season.

Bentley would take control of the lead at lap-13, after early leader Keith Maiato was forced to bow out of competition with mechanical problems. From there, the former Gary Reynolds Memorial winner would shake off a brief challenge from defending track champion Kevin Cornelius to secure the victory.

“We made a couple of changes and adjustments before the heats that didn’t really work” explained Bentley in victory lane. “So we changed it back, and it was a rocket for the feature!”

The win would come on the heels of a solid runner-up performance in July 11th’s MRE Pro Series event.

“Can’t thank my crew enough, we had to switch a lot for [Wednesday’s] Pro Late Model race, and then change it back for tonight”

“I think we’ll be right there in contention for the points championship, the heat races are so important, Kevin [Cornelius] beat me twice tonight in the heat races tonight, that’s more points for him, so I need to stay close” continued the second-generation star.

Bentley would end his time in victory lane with a familiar proposal, “We’re always looking for sponsors, it’s a shame we don’t have any yet but anyone interested can email me at mike-bentley@hotmail.com”

In Super Stock competition, Cambridge, ON’s Randy Rusnell captured his third feature victory in seven days, leap-frogging from 5th to 3rd in the championship point standings as a result.

Pro Late Model veteran Steve Laking won the Mini Stock feature, in a guest appearance filling in for Spira Racing teammate Billy Schwartzenburg.

For more information Sunset Speedway please contact:
Linda Jones
Wide Open Motorsport Solutions/Sunset Speedway
(705) 730-4044
Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

By Clayton Johns for OntarioOval.com – Stroud, ON – Tom Walters put on a dominating performance at Sunset Speedway as the Innisfil, ON oval played host to round two of the McColl Racing Enterprises Pro Series. Walters lapped all but second place finisher Mike Bentley en route to his second win in as many starts as part of the MRE Series.  Walters took the lead on a lap nine restart after starting on the outside of Bentley and would never look back, leading every lap from that point on. Bentley stuck with the Bradford, ON native after a lap 16 restart, but once the pair got in to lapped traffic Walters pulled away for good. By lap 35, Walters led Bentley by nearly a full straightaway and said he was being told to pace himself with 40 to go.

“I did near the end. The spotter was telling me ‘slow down, slow down’. We were starting to pace ourselves petty good (near the end).”

The race started off on a low note as the red flag would fly one lap in to the event when polesitter Kent Nuhn got loose exiting turn two and couldn’t get in to the gas exiting the corner. Chris Morrow ploughed in to the rear of Nuhn’s #09. Collected in the mess beneath the backstretch scoreboard were Morrow, Brandon Watson, Matt Box, Sean Grosman, and Sean Cronan. Box was the only driver able to escape with damage minimal enough to allow him a finish in the 75-lap affair.

“I guess the guy out front was getting really sideways there and took up the whole track. Unfortunately the guy in front of me checked up, got in to him then a guy got in to me. It just didn’t end to well for us,” said Watson of the incident.

“I just felt somebody clip my rear-end a little bit, and really never felt too much of anything. I didn’t see it, just turned to the inside as quick as possible and didn’t get involved,” said race winner Tom Walters.

When the field got back to racing it was Jamie Cox’s #22 and Jason Shaw’s #82 pacing the field. The two would run side-by-side for several laps before a lap 8 caution for Scott Gibson as the #88 had spun in turn four. On the ensuing restart, with Shaw leading the field on the inside line, both Cox and Shaw would spin on the frontstretch as Shaw touched the #22. The entire field managed to escape without contact, with the exception of David Elliot who suffered cosmetic damage to the nose of the car as the field checked up.

With the leaders restarting at the rear, Bentley would assume the throne with Walters to his outside. Walters quickly pounced on the outside groove and moved passed Bentley entering turn one, making some contact with the #51.

The race would be slowed for the fourth and final time with 14 complete as Gibson went around in a déjà vu incident in turn four. The final restart of the night would yield Bentley his best chance to challenge for the lead for the final 51 laps.

Walters appeared to be threatened by the encroaching Bentley as he put his car three-wide on the bottom of the track to pass two lapped cars with just 27 in the books. With that move made, Walters never looked back.

On lap 58, Walters lapped fifth place Cox and six laps later had tracked down the #05 of Brad Corcoran.  Jason Parker fell one lap off the pace on lap 69, leaving only Walters and Bentley on the lead lap for the final five trips past the stripe.

“I don’t know what to think of that. My spotter came on and told me I had some room, then he came on and said the leader was five lengths behind me,” explained an impressed Parker. “Tom’s got this place figured out. He’s got a good car and he runs well.”

Bentley would never get the chance to challenge as Walters led by a full straightaway. However, Bentley felt that had there been a late race restart he could have made his move on the 28-time champion.

“The car was really good. Walters on the outside of me when we restarted (on lap eight) and drove me pretty hard and I think knocked the tow out. After that the car was pretty tight, but I think we would ae had something for him,” said Bentley who has two wins this season at Sunset. “Dealing with the lapped traffic was pretty difficult, it plays a part definitely.”

In the Super Stock feature, Randy Rusnell would take his #72 Monte Carlo to victory lane for the second time in the Series after taking the lead from defending Sunset track champion Lane Zardo on lap 22. Rusnell opened up a considerable 10 car length lead over the teenager and felt as though he could have handled whatever the #46 through at him.

“Things are coming to life with this car. I gotta thank my wife, I gotta thank my crew. These guys have worked feverishly on this thing,” explained Rusnell.  “We make little adjustments on this thing, we try to keep getting it better and better. We made an adjustment on it tonight and it woke the car up. I think it showed out on the track.”

“I figured once I got out front we had enough car to fend anybody off that was gonna pose a challenge for us,” said Rusnell who has now won the first two of four rounds as part of the MRE Pro Series.

Multi-time Sunset winner in 2012 Herb Walters started on the pole, but faded to third early on in the event after Rusnell bullied his way to the second spot as he raced three-wide on the bottom of the track. Rusnell would hold off Zardo on three consecutive restarts with under 50 laps remaining to take the win. Matt Mullholland and Shawn Chenoweth battled for the final two spots in the top five with Matt Bentley for much of the night, but it was ultimately Mullholland’s #8, Chenoweth’s #89 edging Bentley’s #21.

Doug Butler continued his dominance of the mini-stock division as he won the 35-lap A-main for back-to-back victories in the MRE Pro Series.  Butler started seventh in the field, but made his move to the front of the field early on and secured the lead from Gary Jones’ #74. Butler was able to maneuvre his #10 entry around the high side passing a number of lapped cars to keep pace of Jones.

“It felt pretty good. We went through a lot of laps, everything got hot. Basically I was just pushing it every single lap and I just try and keep my rhythm every turn,” said Butler. “I totally winged (the feature setup) on a guess. I put on some tires I haven’t used in a year so I didn’t know if they were hard.”

Butler never had to battle with defending Autumn Colours Classic champion Darryl Fice’s #44 as the Oshawa, ON native fell to the rear before mounting a charge that would see him end up in the fourth spot behind the #36 of Corey Jones. The #86x of Billy Schwartzenberg rounded out the top-five. The race was slowed twice for spins by #81 Samantha Shaw on lap 3 and #67 Branden Bullen with 9 complete.

Results: MRE Pro Series Round 2 at Sunset Int’l Speedway

Pro Late Model Results
1. #47 Tom Walters; 2. #51 Mike Bentley; 3. #8 Jason Parker; 4. #05 Brad Corcoran; 5. #22 Jaime Cox; 6. #44 Steve Laking; 7. #82 Jason Shaw; 8. #10 Gord Shepherd; 9. #35 Andy Kamrath; 10. #55 Bruce Rankin; 11. #37 David Elliot; 12. #36 Gary Elliot; 13. #48 Dwayne Baker; 14. #27 Mat Box; 15. #46 Billy Zardo; 16. #41 Taylor Holdaway; 17. #24 Nick Goetz; 18. #74 Trevor Monaghan; 19. #88 Scott Gibson; 20. #09 Kent Nuhn; 21. #11 Chris Morrow; 22. #9 Brandon Watson; 23. #84 Sean Cronan; 24. #29 Sean Grosman; 25. #33 Jeff Lancaster.

Time Trial Results:
1. #47 Tom Walters (14.180 secondss); 2. #51 Mike Bentley (14.396); 3. #82 Jason Shaw (14.416); 4. #9 Brandon Watson (14.463); 5. #22 Jamie Cox (14.493); 6. #Chris Morrow (14.576); 7. #09 Kent Nuhn (14.619); 8. #44 Steve Laking (14.633); 9. #37 David Elliot (14.641); 10. #84 Sean Cronan (14.674); 11. #10 Gord Shepherd (14.684); 12. #29 Sean Grosman (14.690); 13. #8 Jason Parker (14.705); 14. #33 Ron Lancaster (14.713); 15. #48 Dwayne Baker (14.753); 16. #27 Mat Box (14.775); 17. #35 Andy Kamrath (14.785); 18. #88 Scott Gibson (14.845); 19. #36 Gary Elliot (14.864); 20. #05 Brad Corcoran (14.907); 21. #24 Nick Goetz (15.018); 22. #46 Billy Zardo (15.080); 23. #41 Taylor Holdaway (15.240); 24. #74 Trevor Monaghan (15.241); 25. #55 Bruce Rankin (N/A).

Super Stock Results
1. #72 Randy Rusnell; 2. #46 Lane Zardo; 3. #88 Herb Walters; 4. #8x Matt Mullholland; 5. #89 Shawn Chenoweth; 6. #21 Matt Bentley; 7. #73 Nick Troback; 8. #28 Paul Maltese; 9. #81 Paul Geniole Jr.; 10. #00x Joe Adams; 11. #10 Dennis Cybalski; 12. #34 Cayden Lapcevich; 13. #76 Shawn Arnott; 14. #51 Mark Adams; 15. #17 Nick Roth; 18. #36 Ken Grubb; 19. #27 Mark Fenton; 20. #20x Mike Hearty; 21. #11 Kent Constable; 22. #31 Kevin Gallant; 23. #00 Brian Wilson Jr.; 24. #69 Craig Scott; 25. #7x Dan McIvor; 26. #7 Donnie Brandon.

Heat Race Winners: #00x  Joe Adams, #72 Randy Rusnell, #88 Herb Walters, #10 Dennis Cybalski, #46 Lane Zardo, #28 Paul Maltese.

Mini Stock Results 
1. #10 Doug Butler; 2. #74 Gary Jones; 3. #36 Corey Jones; 4. #44 Darryl Fice; 5. #86x Billy Schwartzenberg; 6. #33 Warren Paxton; 7. #07T Alex Lees; 8. #37 Rob Hoskins; 9. #38 Brad Pearsall; 10. 381 Samantha Shaw; 11. #X Lance Foster; 12. #67 Branden Bullen; 13. #51 Eric Yorke; 14. #3 Rob Gibson; 15. #64x Brandon Crumbie; 16. #12 Eric Rainey; 17. #7 Barkley Rainey.

Heat Winners: Doug Butler, Corey Jones, Darryl Fice (2)

By Spencer Lewis – Innisfil, ON – Saturday July 7, 2012: In the midst of a season that has already seen Chris Morrow denied victory via contact with fellow competitors and freak mechanical breakdowns, July 7^th represented a much needed change of pace. After sustaining significant front end damage in an on-track incident at Kawartha Speedway the night before, Morrow’s team rolled into Sunset’s pit area after the evening’s practice sessions had already ended. Without the luxury of practice to test the newly repaired hotrod, ‘Mr. Excitement’ impressed through qualifying, winning a heat race and looking to be every bit as strong as his 7 track championships would indicate. Morrow would start the 30-lap A Main from third starting position, snatching the race lead from Dario Capirchio on a lap-10 restart. From there, Morrow would open up a half-straightaway lead for much of the event, before finding himself challenged late in the race by 2-time feature winner Mike Bentley. The pressure would peak on the final lap of the race, with Bentley pulling to Morrow’s rear bumper. Entering turn-3, Bentley would make contact with Morrow’s rear bumper, though the leader would avert possible catastrophe with a highlight reel save, holding on for his first win of 2012.

The Super Stock feature saw #72 Randy Rusnell take his second checkered flag of the year followed by #17 Nick Roth and #28 Paul Maltese.

Mini Stocks had part time competitor #79 Nicole Podewils (2011 Sunset Mini Stock Champion) picking up her first win of the season with #99 Rob Krystal and #3 Warren Paxton finishing second and third behind her.

For more information please contact:

Linda Jones

Sunset Speedway

(705) 792-6216

Cell (705) 730-4044

Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

By Clayton Johns

Stroud, ON – Brandon Watson (#9 Royal Distributing/Shear/Barrie Frame & Alignment/Knightworks Design Chevrolet) won the inaugural Lucie Aylwin Memorial Saturday night at Sunset Speedway, his second win in three events in his first full season in a Super Late Model. Watson took the lead on lap 18 from race leader Shawn Chenowth (#29 KR Communications/Transaxle Parts/London Recreational Chevrolet) and never looked back after finding grip on the highline of the race track and pulling away from the field. The Stayner, ON teen started in the fifth position and was paced to the green flag by first-time feature pole-sitter Charlie Gallant (#40P South Shore Services/East Point Marina/Pefferlaw Lawn Care Chevrolet). Watson said he felt his car was best up high and never felt he had to fight the car to keep it there.

“It was pretty good up there. Even when I was up there in the third lane at times,” said Watson. “My car was great, didn’t really get loose at all. It was fun out there tonight.”

Shawn Chenoweth jumped out to lead the opening lap after starting on the outside of the front row before the field was slowed on lap two as Quinn Misener (#5 Jenco Equipment Chevrolet) fell off the pace.

After starter Bob Finnegan turned the field loose once more, it was nine laps of green flag racing that saw Charlie Gallant move past Derrick Tiemersma (#7 Wayfreight/Spira Chevrolet) for the second spot, which Tiemersma had taken on lap two.

Two laps later, championship points leader Jesse Kennedy (#10 Quality Collision/Cameron Crane/Bev’s Auto/GRE Chevrolet) pulled pitside with a broken rocker arm. The team was unable to repair the damage without the necessary parts.

“We didn’t have any spares obviously. We probably could have pulled off a decent finish above the rest of the rookies,” said Kennedy. “It happens, you just try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Lap 11 brought out the second caution of the night as Tiemersma went around in turn two after he appeared to have been nudged by George Wilson. However, the evidence was inconclusive and Tiemersma was sent to the tail of the field alone.

“I got turned around and it was just a fight to get back up the front,” explained Tiemersma. “Then it was just guys not picking a lane. It was a rough show back there.”

It would take two attempts to get the field back up to speed after Dave Taylor (#51 Napa Auto Parts/Grosnor Cadillac), who made his 2012 debut, went around exiting turn four on the first try.

Two laps later with 14 complete, Tyler Hawn (#42 Backwoods Syrup/Hosking Race Engines/Fox’s Bakery Corvette) and Kyle Passer (#14 Jenco Equipment Chevrolet) got knotted up in turn one to bring out the fourth yellow of the night. When the field was back up to speed, Brandon Watson began to make his presence felt in the upper groove has he took the second spot from Gallant. Watson would then continue on the outside lane to pass Chenoweth for the lead on lap 18.

The fifth caution came with 20 complete when Misener spun towards the inside retaining wall in turn two. In an interesting choice, Watson chose to restart on the outside with Glenn Watson (#22 Rival Office Solutions/Race2way.ca/Williamson Uxbridge/TSS Top Shops Chevrolet), who had assumed the second position just prior to the yellow, to his left.

The race would then run green for 22 laps with Brandon Watson out front for each one. The real battle was for the second spot between the elder Watson and George Wilson (#77 Port City Racecars/Morollo Racing Engines/Let The Fur Fly Pet Salon Ford) as the #9 led by nearly ten car lengths.

Shawn Chenoweth appeared to be losing time to the leaders as he fell towards the middle of the top-ten and was passed by Gallant and Jeff Hanley (#70 Raylene Racing Toyota) as they moved ahead to complete the top-five. Chenoweth would come to a stop against the wall in turn four on lap 42 as the team experienced a multitude of different problems to the suspension that would end their night eight laps shy of the goal.

Three tries were needed to get the field back up to speed after the long green flag run. The first attempt was snuffed out when Tiemersma got touched by Taylor out of turn four to send both drivers to the back. The second result was not much different than the first as Gallant and Jeff Dunford (#7T Castrol Canada/Malcolm Wallace Auto Repair Chevrolet) both spun entering turn three after the field had taken the green. Both drivers would start at the tail of the field after running in the fifth and seventh position, respectively.

Brandon Watson continued to get the best jump off the restart, using the second groove to his advantage. His lead was earased on lap 45 when Kyle Passer spun in turn four as well as Gallant who did so to avoid.

Three more attempts were needed before the final five laps could be completed. The first restart was waved off when OSCAAR officials ruled Watson had jumped the start. The second attempt would end Glenn Watson’s night as the four-time champ suffered a flat right-front tire entering turn three on the ensuing lap. The Barrie, ON native would finish on the lead lap in the eighth spot.

Nephew Brandon survived a number of attacks by George Wilson throughout the final five laps to hold on for his second win of the year with Wilson and Hanley round out the podium. Watson and Wilson have battled for a podium position in each race thus far and, despite a mishap at Barrie, both drivers have a mutual respect for one another.

“You’re always worried when you’ve got the #77 behind you. He ran a great race, he ran me clean there. My crew did a great job getting the car ready,” said Watson.

“I’m flattered to be able to run with him. We had a little mishap there at Barrie and I was a little flustered over it all. Brandon came up and talked to me,” explained Wilson.  “It made for two race cars going home on the trailer because I don’t think they would have.  I could have really pushed it, but I wasn’t going to touch his door because I don’t want him hitting me.”

The Saturday evening event at the Innisfil, ON oval was the inaugural Lucie Aylwin memorial. Lucie Aylwin was the fiancé of Gary Gendron, a member of George Wilson’s team, who was tragically killed in the horrifying collapse of the Algo Centre in Elliot Lake, ON on June 23, 2012. A moment of silence was held prior to the race with Gary on track alongside OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth, Sunset Speedway promoter Mark Dilley, and Sunset track announcer Spencer Lewis.

Klotz Synthetics qualifying heat races were won by George Wilson, Jeff Hanley, Charlie Gallant, Todd Campbell, Jeff Dunford, and Shawn Chenoweth.

Results: Saturday June 30, 2012 – Sunset Speedway (starting position in parentheses)

1. #9 Brandon Watson (5); 2. #77 George Wilson (3); 3. #70 Jeff Hanley (6); 4. #13 Gary Passer (18); 5. #51 Dave Taylor (16); 6. #07 Todd Campbell (12); 7. #40P Charlie Gallant (1); 8. #22 Glenn Watson (9); 9. #7 Derrick Tiemersma (4); 10. #64b Chris Burrows (14); 11. #45 Rob Poole (17); 12. #7T Jeff Dunford (7); 13. #77x Craig Stevenson (20); 14. #63 Jim Bowman (23); 15. #14 Kyle Passer (19); 16. #29 Shawn Chenoweth (2); 17. #42 Tyler Hawn (21); 18. #72 Paul Law (8); 19. #5 Quinn Misener (22); 20. #83 Ian Bourque (11); 21. #10 Jesse Kennedy (10); 22. #18 Bruce Gowland (13); 23. #27 Roy Passer (15); 24. #54 Mike Beyore (24) (DNS).

Unofficial Points Standings as of June 30 – Sunset Speedway

1. #9 Brandon Watson 214 Points; 2. #7 Derrick Tiemersma 197; 3. #10 Jesse Kennedy 188; 4. #40P Charlie Gallant 186; 5. #22 Glenn Watson 185; 6. #07 Todd Campbell 176; 7. #45 Rob Poole 169; 8. #7T Jeff Dunford 166; 9. #83 Ian Bourque 162; 10. #77 George Wilson 151; 11. #14 Kyle Passer 147; 12. #63 Jim Bowman 142; 13. #5 Quinn Misener 139; 14. #13 Gary Passer 138; 15. #72 Paul Law 134; 16. #54 Mike Beyore 133; 17. #49 Rob Clarke 118; 18. #29 Shawn Chenoweth 116; 19. #04 Rudy Oppersma 99; 20. #42 Tyler Hawn 95; 21. #27 Roy Passer 92; 22. #98 Mike Hilliard 82; 23. #18 Bruce Gowland 77; 24. #70 Jeff Hanley 69; 25. #05 Brad Corcoran 61; 26. #51 Dave Taylor 59; 27. #64b Chris Burrows 56; 28. #77x Craig Stevenson 49; 29. #81 Frank Tulipano 45.

Stroud, ON – Brandon Watson (#9 Shear/Royal Distributing/Knightworks Design/Barrie Frame and Alignment Impala SS) won his second OSCAAR Super Late Model race of 2012 and third of his career at Sunset International Speedway on Saturday night. The teenager from Stayner, ON took the lead on lap 18 from Shawn Chenoweth after starting inside the third row in the fifth position. Watson chose to restart in the outside lane as the leader on seven consecutive restarts after assuming the lead. The pilot of the #9 survived a number of challenges from a host of competitors including George Wilson (#77 Port City Race Cars/Monollo Racing Engines Fusion) and Glenn Watson (#22 Rival Office Solutions/Race2way.ca).  Watson explained that the higher line was simply the quicker for his car.

“It was pretty good up there. Even in the third lane when I was up there a few times. Yeah there was a lot of grip out there, my car didn’t really get loose at all,” said Watson.

The win comes in the inaugural Lucie Aylwin memorial presented by Rival Office Solutions. Lucie Aylwin was the fiancé of George Wilson’s crew member Gary Gendran and was tragically killed in the mall collapse at Elliot Lake, ON earlier in the week. A moment of silence was held prior to the race in honour of Lucie as Gary was on hand to honour his fallen partner.

Brandon Watson now assumes the points lead for the first time in his first full season on the OSCAAR Super Late Model tour, as he unofficially leads Derrick Tiemersma by 17 markers.

Klotz Synthetics qualifying heats were won by George Wilson, Jeff Hanley, Charlie Gallant, Todd Campbell, Jeff Dunford, and Shawn Chenoweth.

The OSCAAR Super Late Models are back in action in exactly one week time on July 7 at Sauble Speedway.

Full race report to be released Monday July 2, 2012.

Results: Sunset Speedway – June 30, 2012 (Starting Position in parentheses)

1. #9 Brandon Watson (5); 2. #77 George Wilson (3); 3. #70 Jeff Hanley (6); 4. #13 Gary Passer (18); 5. #51 Dave Taylor (16); 6. #07 Todd Campbell (12); 7. #40P Charlie Gallant (1); 8. #22 Glenn Watson (9); 9. #7 Derrick Tiemersma (4); 10. #64b Chris Burrows (14); 11. #45 Rob Poole (17); 12. #7T Jeff Dunford (7); 13. #77x Craig Stevenson (20); 14. #63 Jim Bowman (23); 15. #14 Kyle Passer (19); 16. #29 Shawn Chenoweth (2); 17. #42 Tyler Hawn (21); 18. #72 Paul Law (8); 19. #5 Quinn Misener (22); 20. #83 Ian Bourque (11); 21. #10 Jesse Kennedy (10); 22. #18 Bruce Gowland (13); 23. #27 Roy Passer (15); 24. #54 Mike Beyore (24) (DNS).

By Clayton Johns – Round three of the OSCAAR Super Late Models tour sees the series return to Sunset Speedway for the second time this season. Brandon Watson and rookie-of-the-year contender Jesse Kennedy have both found victory lane this season, but a number of drivers have had success thus far.

Kennedy surprised both himself and fans with a power move to the outside on lap 39 that would lead him to a win at Barrie Speedway. ‘The Big Game Hunter’ is currently leading the overall OSCAAR championship standings as well as the rookie point standings, something that has not occurred since Glenn Watson’s rookie season. Kennedy finished fourth in the season opener and will look for a podium finish to stay on top of the standings as he sits just one marker ahead of Brandon Watson.

Brandon Watson has been very strong in his first full season in an OSCAAR Super Late Model, earning a win at Sunset and the runner-up spot at Barrie despite leading 35 laps. Watson and his team are hungry to get their first victory lane photo of the season after their unconventional season-opening win. Along with Kennedy, Watson may have an edge over the field after turning extra laps on the Stroud, ON oval as part of the MRE Pro Series Open Late Model event back on May 27. Watson would love to get his third OSCAAR win at his home track, especially after what the team considered a disappointing 2^nd-place finish.

Following a season away from the track, Derrick Tiemersma has not suffered any with two events in the books. The Newmarket, Ontario native finished third in the season opener and fifth at Barrie after an opening lap mishap that sent him to the back of the field. Tiemersma was strong in the Sunset opener and will certainly be threat to celebrate Canada Day weekend in victory lane at the end of fifty laps.

By this time in 2011, Glenn Watson had already completed a hat-trick of OSCAAR feature wins. The season hasn’t opened with the same success for the Barrie, ON native.  Watson suffered a DNF in the opener, but now sits fourth in the OSCAAR standings after a fourth place finish at Barrie. The four-time defending champion sits 16 points back of Kennedy for the points lead and has been able to do so by winning three of four qualifying heats so far. Watson dominated Sunset Speedway in 2011 as he won two of three events, making the #22 team a threat for a win as always.

2011 Inside Track Rookie-of-the-Year Todd Campbell has been consistent thus far, but has not seen the early success from one year ago. Campbell has finished 11^th and 8^th, but has not been able to crack the top-five as he hopes to do on a nightly basis. Campbell has become more familiar with Sunset Speedway over the past two seasons and if the #07 Camaro can stay clean at Sunset, he will be a threat to get his first OSCAAR top-five finish.

Shawn Chenoweth made his 2012 Super Late Model debut at Barrie Speedway and finished 12^th. The late-model veteran has been racing at Sunset’s super stock division on off-nights and as a result, Chenoweth is considered a favourite for Saturday’s fifty-lap feature event.

After an extensive motocross career, Quinn Misener has jumped in to an OSCAAR Super Late Model in his first season in a stock car. It is without saying the transition is not easy.

“There’s a lot more thinking involved. In motocross, there a lot more space,” explained Misener. “It’s crazy and hard to explain,” he said of the transition.

The Innisfil, ON teenager is the nephew of drivers Roy and Gary Passer. Misener’s first race resulted in a 21^st-place finish, but the youngster rocketed to a ninth-place finish at Barrie Speedway. He’ll be sure to bring his A-game this evening at his hometown track.

Following his rookie season, Tyler Hawn has not had lady luck on his side thus far. In the opening heat race of the year, Hawn suffered damage to the driver-side door of his #42 Corvette, but managed to work his way back to a 13^th-place finish in the opener at Sunset. Hawn’s team was hard at work over the off-season and is sporting a new paint job, all in an attempt to finish in the top-five in OSCAAR points.

“Fifth in the points is the ultimate (goal), but a feature or heat win would be nice,” explained Hawn.

That goal took a blow after Hawn was unable to compete at his home Barrie Speedway when he broke a motor-fitting in a mid-week practice. Look for Hawn to be aggressive tonight to get back in to the tight points battle atop the standings.

Racing action gets underway Saturday evening at 6:30pm with the pit gate opening at 12-noon. The spectator gates will open at 5pm for an exciting night of action that also features the Canadian Vintage Modifieds and Ontario Pro Challenge Series on Rival Office Solutions Inc. night at Sunset Speedway. The 50-lap main event for the Super Late Models will be exciting as always as a number of drivers fight for the top of the standings.

Please join representatives from the South Simcoe Police, the Ford Motor Company, Panasonic Canada, D&R Electronics Company, Sunset Speedway and TLS Fleet Management Services on Wednesday June 13th at 11:00 am for the launch of the new Ford Police Interceptors at Sunset Speedway, 6918 Yonge Street in Innisfil.  The South Simcoe Police is one of the first police services in Canada to put both the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility into active service.

The new vehicles have many purpose-built features and are available with standard and exclusive all-wheel drive for optimized traction and control which is paired efficient powertrain packages that provide more performance and better fuel economy.  With experts predicting fuel prices are headed for record highs this year, the fuel efficiency for the new Ford Police Interceptors has the potential to help police services reduce their fuel bills.  Ford Engineers have tuned the all-new Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility models to save fuel even when they are standing still, with no sacrifice to performance.

“The city and highway fuel economy ratings for the new Police Interceptors have increased by an impressive 25% over the retired Crown Victoria”, according to David Shuttleworth, Assistant Product Marketing Manager with Ford Motor Company of Canada.

The vehicle will also feature upgraded technology which will improve the safety of police officers.  Enhanced emergency lighting and warning equipment will be added to the new cars and one of the vehicles will feature the latest Panasonic computer tablet and an in-car camera video system for evaluation.  The new tablet is smaller and more compact than traditional mobile work stations and will allow it to be positioned in the vehicle, outside the air bag deployment zone.

The South Simcoe Police recently entered into an agreement with TLS Fleet Management to provide vehicle leasing & cost effective fleet management services customized to significantly reduce South Simcoe’s fleet expenses. TLS is providing the South Simcoe Police with very attractive finance rates which will ultimately save the ratepayers thousands of dollars moving forward.  “We are actively looking for ways to be more effective and efficient” notes Chief Rick Beazley. “Our partnership with TLS Fleet Management is just one example”

Sunset Speedway has been kind enough to offer their facilities and racetrack for the event.  Media partners will have the opportunity to drive the new police vehicles in a controlled environment on one of Canada’s best 1/3 mile, high banked oval track following the official launch.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  In the unlikely event of inclement weather, Sunset Speedway has indoor facilities to showcase the vehicles.

Due to the anticipated response, event organizers are asking members of the media wishing to drive the vehicles to pre-register to help facilitate scheduling.  Please contact Ian Fenik at ian.fenik@southsimcoepolice.ca to express interest.  Drivers will be required to produce a valid drivers licence and sign a waiver the morning of the event.

The South Simcoe Police Service is committed to “Moving Forward Together” with our corporate partners.

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