By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Stroud, Ont. – Gary McLean (#8 McLean Industrial Design Chevrolet) led the final 18 laps of the North Toronto Auctions 30 to earn his first victory of 2013 on the OSCAAR Modified tour.

McLean took the lead from Matt Barton (#2 MDB Racecars Chevrolet) on a lap 12 restart, and never looked back.

“I love this track. The guys did a super good job of making the car fast,” said Gary McLean. “We didn’t have any practice (before today).”

A pair of heat race wins earned McLean the top-qualifier spot for the redraw process, where he pulled the pole starting position.

Barton, who started third, took the lead from McLean on a lap six restart, using a power move on the outside line of the speedway. He would lead for six laps, until another caution with 12 in the books would put the pair side-by-side once again.

“We were kind of hoping that if we finished mid-pack we would be okay,” said Barton. “We’ll take this. I said on the radio during one caution ‘do you realise we just led laps?’. They told me to get my head back in to the game.”

The difference may have been McLean’s four fresh Hoosiers for the feature, while Barton bolted his on at the start of the night.

The first caution of the night came on lap five when Bobby Tolton (#13 Eloquip/Engines From Hal/Amsoil/California Dave’s Chevrolet) spun in turn one. Tolton had trouble with that end of the race track all night, spinning twice in turn two through the heat races.

It was on this restart that Barton got the better of McLean for the lead.

Caution would fly again on lap 10 as Tolton went around on the backstretch. He would park his car for the night, frustrated by a multitude of different problems. Tolton battled high engine temperatures and a temperamental rad hose all night long.

The race would run green for the final twenty laps. McLean took the lead on lap 12 from Barton, eventually running away, despite an impressive attempt from Barton to retake the lead.

The real battle would be for the second spot between Barton, Davey Terry (#14 Wasteco/Brennan Haulage Toyota) and Brent McLean (#7 Bowmanville Home Building Centre/Pro FX Signs Chevrolet).

The trio engaged in a 15-lap battle for the final two spots on the podium. Barton held down the second spot over Brent McLean with Terry in third. The group approached lap traffic with ten to go. Brent moved to the outside of Barton with a lapped car in sight, pinching the #2 down behind the slower car.

“Gary and I saved our tires for the feature and it sure paid off in the last ten laps,” said Brent McLean. “I used the lapped car as a pic. That’s what you’ve got to do. When they make a mistake, you’ve got to capitalize right away or the opportunity’s gone.”

“Brent just did a better job reading it than me,” said Barton.

“It’s great to see these guys putting on a challenge,” said Gary McLean. “We’re doing it for fun, that’s the whole deal. Hopefully we can get another half-dozen or so of those guys every week.”

Barton would be forced back to third, but was able to fend off Terry for the remaining five laps to earn the final spot on the podium. David McCullough (#39M Oaks Auto Chevrolet) rounded out the top-five.

Despite a strong run in both heat races, Lane Zardo (#34 Chevrolet) would suffer a DNF in his first OSCAAR modified start, ending his day with five laps remaining.

Heat race winners included Gary McLean (2), Matt Barton, and DaveyTerry.

The OSCAAR Modified tour is back in action in a month’s time at Barrie Speedway on June 15, and will be joined by the OSCAAR Super Late Models.

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News and Notes

Despite making a long haul from Southwestern Ontario, Rob Fennema (#22 Dodge) was unable to start a heat race or the feature due to a malfunctioning starter. Fennema was the only driver to compete with a Dodge engine and, as a result, no other driver had the required part.

Ryan Dick attempted his first career OSCAAR Modified start on Sunday as well. Unfortunately for the #88 team, it didn’t go as planned as he hit the inside wall in his second heat, damaging the left front suspension.

A number of cars are expected to be ready for round two of the 2013 tour, including Chuck Marsh, Max Beyore, Mike Ford, Mike Westwood, Steve Smith, Monty Kelly, and Brian McLean.

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Results: North Toronto Auctions 30 (Sunset Speedway  – May 19, 2013) (Starting Position in Parentheses)

1. #8 Gary McLean (1); 2. #7 Brent McLean (6); 3. #2 Matt Barton (2); 4. #14 Davey Terry (3); 5. #39M David McCullough (7); 6. #11 Dave Osborne (5); 7. #19 Dean Scott (9); 8. #67jr Branden Bullen (10); 9. #34 Lane Zardo (4)(DNF); 10. #13 Bobby Tolton (8)(DNF); 11. #88 Ryan Dick (DNS); 12. #22 Rob Fennema (DNS).

The OSCAAR Modified tour is presented throughout Ontario by a number of dedicated sponsors, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.

Photos by Eric Uprichard / www.SpeedwayPhoto.ca

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Just one year ago, the OSCAAR Modified tour was preparing for its first ever race at Sunset Speedway. Twelve months later, the tour has grown immensely. Over the course of one season, the series demonstrated its competitive nature to fans all across the province. Three races have been added to this year’s schedule, which has grown to 15 races at seven different tracks.

Sunset will host the modified tour on five separate occasions, including this weekend’s season opener. Gary McLean won both races there last season. He narrowly edged Barry Newman to start the season, and outdueled Davey Terry last September for a Velocity weekend victory. McLean won eight races in total a season ago. McLean would go on to win the inaugural championship and has to be considered a championship favourite again.

Some of Gary’s top competition in 2012 came from relatives Brian and Brent McLean. Uncle Brian won one race at Peterborough last season, while Cousin Brent swept both races at the trio’s former home track of Varney Speedway. Both drivers should be at the front this Sunday.

Davey Terry turned in a trio of impressive performances to end his rookie campaign last year, en route to a rookie-of-the-year title. Terry’s second place finish at Sunset last September was his highest finish. If the #14 Wasteco team can pick up where they left off last October, they will be a title threat and in contention for a win this season.

Terry will be joined by fellow sophomores Matt Barton, Tim Burke, and Josh Gruntz throughout the season. Barton, Burke, and Gruntz all showed significant promise last season and should benefit substantially from the seat time they gained last season. Look for them to finish in the top-five throughout the year.

A number of other drivers are expected to compete for victories this season when they are in attendance. Barry Newman, Justin Demelo, and Steve Smith were all top competitors last year. Newman and Demelo both finished second at least once last season, while Smith was the only driver not named ‘McLean’ to win a feature.

Everybody continues to chase the #8, but the veteran will be in tough this weekend and throughout the year as everybody else seeks a win. The OSCAAR Modifieds will be joined by the OSCAAR Super Late Models and Can-Am TQ Midgets. Spectator gates open at 4:30pm on Sunday May 19, with the first green flag set to fly at 6pm. The pit gate opens at 12:30pm for competitors.

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News & Notes

Sunday marks the second annual Lucie Aylwin Memorial at Sunset for the OSCAAR Super Late Models. Lucie was among the victims of the Elliott Lake mall collapse last May. Lucie was described by many as a kind-hearted soul who would take the time to talk to anybody, doing so with a smile on her face. The memorial race was initiated by her fiancé Gary Gendron, who was a member of George Wilson’s racing crew for the past few seasons. As Gendron explained, Lucie never felt she was above anybody and as a social worker, was always happy to help in any way she could. Gendron has created a brand new trophy to be awarded for the first time this weekend. Brandon Watson won the first memorial race in Lucie’s honour.

Canadian recording artist Lucas Rogerson will perform his rendition of O’Canada this Sunday to open the 2013 OSCAAR Racing season. Rogerson is a long-time member of the Settlers Creek band and is in the process of beginning a new solo career. His first solo album, ‘Streetlights’, is set to release next Wednesday, May 22. It will be available on iTunes and can be pre-ordered now.

OSCAAR Modified driver Davey Terry has been instrumental in the process of having Rogerson perform this evening. Despite the friendship, Rogerson has never been to a stock car race. “I’m expecting excitement. I’m excited to see the cars. I never realised how much thought goes in to the cars. I’m excited to see the crowd,” he said. You can check out the duo’s promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ADsrZThXnDk

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Six days remain until the OSCAAR Modified tour kicks off its sophomore season at Sunset Speedway. The 30-lap feature at the Innisfil, Ont. facility will mark the beginning of what is expected to be a highly competitive campaign. The series has quickly become a fan-favourite with many drivers competing for victory on any given night. The level of competition is only expected to rise in 2013 as a number of drivers have gained valuable experience through one season.

With less than a week remaining until engines fire, here are six things to watch for on the OSCAAR Modified tour this year.

6) Schedule Battle

After a 12-race campaign on the inaugural tour, drivers will face 15 events at 7 different tracks all across the province. Like the Super Late Model tour, the Modifieds will visit Sunset Speedway for five feature events. The series will also make stops at Flamboro Speedway for the first time, both on July 20 and on October 5, as part of the Oktoberfest Classic weekend.

However, the key to the championship will be the driver who can survive the dog days of summer. Starting on July 13 at Sauble Speedway, the series will see action on six consecutive weekends. The drivers who can remain clean and consistent will have the best shot at the season ending hardware.

5) Impressive Rookie Class

As many as 11 new drivers could see action this season, with at least half of those committed to 75% of the schedule or more. Reigning Canadian Vintage Modified champion Shane Stickel will compete in 2013 in a new Troyer-built modified, sporting his familiar #39, as well as former mini stock and late model competitor Bobby Tolton, who will drive car #13.

While he is expected to miss the first event of the season, former NASCAR Canadian Tire Series crew chief is expected to make his debut at Barrie Speedway, piloting a new chassis from 2Kwik chassis from Kluth Motorsports.

Third generation driver Branden Bullen, son of former OSCAAR competitor Phil, will be behind the wheel of car #67jr for the start of the season. Bullen debuted his car at the Fast and Furious Motorsports Show in Bowmanville, Ont. in early April and has tested the car since then.

Veteran open-wheel enthusiast Mike Westwood will drive car #91 this season and should be competitive to start the year. Factor in former Kawartha Speeway late model regular Max Beyore will drive car #91N this season, a brand new Jeff Hanley-built modified. Beyore should be considered a favourite for the Rookie-of-the-Year title.

Dave Osbourne made one appearance last season at the Autumn Colours Classic. Osbourne will wheel car #11 in all Saturday and Sunday events this year. Osbourne is a full-time employee of dirt track Ohsweken Speedway, which runs on Friday nights, and will not compete in Friday night events at Delaware Speedway as a result.

Other drivers who are expected to make modified debuts in 2013 are Mike Ford (#04), Albert Traves (#17), Ryan Dick (#88D), Tommy Robb (#88), and Jessica Spicer (#89).

4) Second-Year Surprises

A number of drivers from the inaugural rookie class have stepped up their programs over the off season with the hopes of taking home a checkered flag at some point this season. Last season’s rookie-of-the-year Davey Terry (#14 Wasteco Camry) will feature a new paint scheme to start the season, along with several upgrades under the hood. Terry came dangerously close to wins at Sunset and Kawartha near the end of last season, and will look to continue where he left off.

Matt Barton (#2 MDB Racecars Chevrolet) has committed to the first six races of the season, with a part schedule for the remainder of the year. Barton will also debut a new scheme to his mod, as well as an upgraded engine package.

Josh Gruntz’s (#31 Maple Key Landscape Chevrolet) 2012 best appearing car has received a makeover this off season and should bring an even more competitive car to the track each week. Gruntz routinely finished in the top-ten last year and should challenge for top-five this season.

Tim Burke (#99 Lynval Contracting Chevrolet) should emerge as a favourite this season. Burke was the recipient of bad luck on multiple occasions last season, but routinely finished near the front when lady luck was on his side. Burke should be among the series’ best this season.

Brandon Crumbie (#72) is the only regular rookie competitor from the 2012 season that will not return for the upcoming season.

3) New Winners

Last season, just four different drivers tasted victory, and only two drivers were able to win multiple times. Gary McLean (#8 McLean Industrial Design Chevrolet) dominated the tour with eight wins. Cousin Brent McLean (#7 Bowmanville Home Hardware Chevrolet) earned two victories, including the Woolner Memorial, while his Uncle Brian McLean (#47 Bowmanville Home Hardware Chevrolet) notched a win at Peterborough in August. Steve Smith (#98 Bert’s Service Centre/Becker Bros Towing Chevrolet) was the only driver not named ‘McLean’ to win in 2012, taking checkers at Sauble Speedway.

While each of those four drivers remain heavy favourites to win on any given night, a multitude of other drivers have thrown their name in to the mix. Terry, Burke, and Barton could find victory lane this year, along with rookies Beyore, Stickel, and Westwood, among others.

That list has yet to include former Delaware Speedway weekly regulars Justin Demelo (#82 EMCO Waterworks Chevrolet), David McCullough (#39M Oaks Auto Chevrolet), and Barry Newman (#1 Vipond Fire Protection Chevrolet). Factor in veteran Monty Kelly (#96k At a Glance Printing Chevrolet) and it’s easy to see why victory will be difficult to claim on any given night.

2) Extra Distance Features

The series will run extra distance, 50-lap features on three occasions this season. The most prestigious event on the schedule remains the 15^th annual Rick Woolner Memorial. The event has grown to two-days, September 14 and 15, wrapping up with a 50-lap feature on Sunday afternoon. Drivers will time trial on Saturday evening to determine their place in one of two heats. Odd number qualifiers will be in one heat while even numbers will fall in heat two. The top two qualifiers will lock themselves in to the front row for the feature, but must start their heat races to maintain position. The results of the heats will set the field for a 25-lap mini-feature later in the evening. Those final results will set the field for the 50-lap feature on Sunday afternoon.

Brent McLean took the checkers last year, but this season brings a whole new ball game. Gary McLean has won the event nine times previous. Brian McLean has also won the event twice.

Extended 50-lap features will also run on August 17 at Delaware Speedway, and on October 13 at Peterborough Speedway as part of the Autumn Colours Classic. The Delaware event should prove to be one of the toughest races all year. The track’s rough surface will force drivers to fight the wheel much of the night and save their equipment for the end of the race. That’s certainly no easy task with an $800 pay cheque awaiting the winner.

1) Title Defense

As mentioned, Gary McLean was hands down the number one driver on the tour last season. McLean and his crew chief Greg Gibson form an impressive duo that is as well prepared as anybody anywhere in the business. If not for a couple of mechanical failures and some tough luck at the Woolner Memorial, the Conn, Ont. native could have taken 11 races last year. He finished outside the top-five just one time.

So how do you beat McLean? Start ahead of him. McLean was nearly perfect in 2012 once he held the lead, so drivers who hope to upset the veteran will have to start upfront or get there quickly. With added competition this year, it should be especially interesting to see how the defending champ starts next weekend.

Photos by Dan Little

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

After a long career as a crew chief, Chuck Marsh is getting back behind the wheel of a stock car. This time, Marsh will be behind the wheel of the #38 OSCAAR Modified for the duration of the 2013 season.

Marsh purchased a new brand-new 2quik chassis from Kluth Motorsports in New York in order to compete in the upcoming season, calling the piece ‘state of the art’.

The Peterborough, Ont. native has been part of the Ontario racing scene for over two decades. Marsh has worked with Super Late Model drivers Terry Robichaud, Mike Bricknell and acted as a crew chief in the CASCAR Super Series and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with the Ed Hackonson-owned Team 3 Red, Bryan Cathcart, and Pete Sheppard III.

He will nonetheless be a rookie contender on the OSCAAR Modified tour. Marsh prefers to view himself as an ‘old rookie’.

“I’m 49 years-old and I’ve done this all my life,” said Marsh. “I want to give it another kick at the can and see how it goes.”

Marsh is attempting to be ready for the season opening race at Sunset Speedway, but it is unlikely due to the number of changes required for his ride to be OSCAAR legal.

“I’m going to miss the first race” said Marsh, “because there are so many things that have to be changed when you bring a car from the US. After that, I plan to be at 99% of the races.”

Marsh says he became interested in the series last summer after attending a few races. The on-track action combined with a few behind-the-scenes discussions had him convinced.

“I went to two races. I went to Kawartha and spent some time with the points champion (Gary McLean) and learned how the cars work,” he said. “We had a car at home that worked, but decided to buy a brand new car and see how it works.”

Like many drivers entering the series, Marsh knows the competition will be stiff and is among the reasons he chose to get involved with OSCAAR.

“I think right now with the field of cars we’ve got, that’s going to be more of challenge than any track we face,” explained Marsh.

Marsh is excited for races at nearby Peterborough and Kawartha, but also for his first experience at Sunset Speedway, which is likely to take place during the double-header Biederman Memorial weekend.

Marsh opens to begin his OSCAAR Modified career at Barrie Speedway on June 15.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Former Delaware Speedway weekly modified regular David McCullough is moving to the OSCAAR Modified tour on a part-time basis for the 2013 season.

The open-wheel veteran is hoping to compete in as many as nine races in 2013, including the season opener in two weeks. McCullough hopes to be in attendance for all five races at Sunset Speedway, both trips to Delaware, while making stops at Sauble, Barrie, and potentially Kawartha.

“I really want to try Sunset and Kawartha,” said McCullough. “I’ve heard good things, that they’re nice and smooth. If I have a chance to do well, it’s probably at Delaware. I’ve got quite a bit of experience there.”

If McCullough can secure additional sponsorship, he will compete on the tour full-time. He will drive car #39M.

“I wanted to get this car back out there and run it,” explained McCullough. “I built it myself two years ago from scratch. I want to see it do well.”

McCullough competed with the OSCAAR tour at the 2012 Autumn Colours Classic, where he finished 14^th after getting collected in an accident.

The Glencoe, Ont. native has deep roots in open-wheel racing as his grandfather Dave Hosie competed on the ISMA SuperModified tour throughout the 1980s, and his mother, Kim, was the secretary treasurer of the Modified Racing Association (MRA), which merged with OSCAAR last season.

“It’s something I have to get used to again,” said McCullough. “I haven’t run a modified for a full-year in some time. It will be a bit of a learning curve for me as well getting back in to the swing of things.”

McCullough is hoping to get his car to Delaware this weekend to shake it down for the first after a long winter off-season.

The 2012 Delaware Enduro points champion is excited to compete against a number of quality new rookies, while renewing some old, friendly rivalries.

“There’s a lot of good guys coming in to the class,” said McCullough. “I’ve raced Gary McLean before and Justin Demelo. I’m looking forward to seeing how I stack up against them.”

Measuring up against the inaugural champion McLean and an always strong Demelo is a tall order, but McCullough is poised for the challenge.

“My goal is just to make it to as many races as we can,” said McCullough. “I’d like to have a few good finishes, maybe a few top-fives. We’re definitely going to aim high.”

Although most OSCAAR modified features are 30 laps in length, McCullough feels he will be able to use his Enduro experience to his benefit.

“I used to run races that were 250 laps. So, I’m always trying to save my equipment,” explained McCullough. “I don’t like to get too wound up and (try to) win the race on the first lap. That never seems to work out.”

McCullough will have an average haul of two hours to each event and plenty of time to think about car setup and composure en route to the track.

“I’m always trying to have a positive attitude,” he said. “We have some long rides to these racetracks so we’ll have plenty of time to talk strategy.”

So long as everything goes as planned, McCullough will be in attendance at Sunset Speedway on May 19 to kick off the OSCAAR Modified tour on Victoria Day weekend.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

The Inaugural OSCAAR Modified season saw an interesting group of modified newcomers compete for a rookie-of-the year title. Among them was former Ontario Legends and Hurricane Midgets driver Matt Barton. Competing in the series’ first ever season, Barton ran a partial schedule and is preparing for additional appearances in 2013.

Barton’s family-owned and sponsored #2 MDB Racecars Modified has undergone significant changes over the winter in hopes of getting the car in to the top-five on a weekly basis.

“I’ve built a new body for it,” said Barton. “We fixed the rear-end after it got bent at Autumn Colours. The front suspension except for one control arm is all different.”

The New Hamburg, Ont. native has also upgraded his engine package to a built motor from the previous Chevrolet 604 crate motor. After a test session last weekend at Delaware Speedway, he feels the car will pick up some time in 2013.

“Judging by the way it drove the other day, it does make more power now,” said Barton. “Our lap times were about the same, but we were on older tires. The track was really green (as well).”

Barton, nicknamed ‘scrappy’ by friends, competed in six races throughout his rookie season, and is already planning to add to that total in 2013. The 25 year-old pilot has entered his name for the first six races of 2013 and will go on a week-to-week basis for each event afterwards.

Just 95 kilometres from home, Barton is excited for a trip to Delaware. Barton feels he learned a lot in his two trips to the London-area half-mile last season and is better prepared for the June 21 date.

“I definitely learned the place is as tough to get around as people say it is,” explained Barton. “You can’t overdrive the corners. You can if you have enough brakes and tires to do that, but I don’t know if we do.”

Barton was in contention for top-five finishes in both 2012 events at Delaware, but got tangled in a pair of incidents which forced a finish outside the top-ten.

“We ran well there last year. We just didn’t get the finishes we wanted,” he said. “I like it because it’s close to home and friends and family can come out.”

Barton did come away with two top-five finishes in his rookie season. The first came in the second race of the year at Barrie Speedway, and in early July at Sauble Speedway. As a result, Barton is looking forward to returning to those facilities.

“Sauble, we have a bunch of friends up there. Barrie, for some reason I seem to like that place. I ran well there last year until my lack of talent ran out of tires,” laughed Barton.

Tire management will be a primary focus for Barton and his crew in 2013. The team felt better use of its tire inventory would have resulted in more finishes inside the top-five, and may have gotten them on to the podium.

“The way we handle our tires, as far as keeping our tire inventory fresher and in terms of not burning them up so quickly (needs to improve),” said Barton. “I have to do a better job behind the wheel.”

Regardless, Barton felt he made significant progress over the course of his inaugural campaign and the recent changes seem to have paid off early on.

“I was really pleased with our setup by the time we got to Autumn Colours,” said Barton. “The testing session went really well (at Delaware).”

Barton tends not to make any drastic changes to the car on a weekly basis, choosing to focus on his style behind the wheel as the biggest change from track-to-track.

After experiencing success in the top-five last season, Barton is aiming to be there more often in 2013, with hopes of sneaking on to the podium as well.

“We hate to carry expectations because then you go home disappointed” explained Barton, “but in the back of my mind, the expectation is to run top-five every night and the goal is to finish on the podium. I just want to do it once.”

Barton will have his first chance to step on to the podium in 2013 on May 19, when the OSCAAR Modified tour kicks off at Sunset Speedway.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – Open-wheel enthusiast Mike Westwood will pilot an OSCAAR Modified for the upcoming 2013 season after purchasing a Troyer chassis out of New Hampshire. Westwood is the latest driver to throw his name in to the hat of what will be one of the most competitive rookie classes anywhere in the province. The move to the series is a natural fit for the Milton, Ont. native who has spent the majority of his racing career in open-wheel cars, including dirt Mod Lites, Can-Am  Midgets, and, most recently, Hurricane Midgets.

“I love open-wheels,” explained Westwood. “I always loved the Whelen Modifieds and always wished they would have a series for them here. As soon as OSCAAR came out with this rules package, I bought two cars.”

The second car has since been bought by NASCAR Canadian Tire Series regular J.R. Fitzpatrick, who will also compete on the OSCAAR Modified tour in 2013.

Westwood is comfortable in moving to a much heavier OSCAAR modified. While his Hurricane Midget did not have a suspension, the fabrication shop owner has a history with full-size cars and suspensions as well from his time with dirt modifieds and Can-Am midgets.

With Westwood ready to tackle the car’s technical aspects, he is comfortable he can use his open-wheel experience to his advantage on the track. Specifically, Westwood is comfortable with side-by-side racing.

“Seventy per cent of my racing career has been in open-wheels, so I’m accustomed to being around open-wheels,” said Westwood. “It doesn’t bother me when somebody rubs up the side of me. I don’t think it will be much of a problem to transition to a bigger car.”

The bigger challenge for Westwood will be to make the most of his project under limited funding. Doing most of his work ‘in house’, he has attempted to use many of the original parts while updating the car to his liking.

“I kind of want to try and prove you can buy one of those cars out of the States and bring it up here, run it and be competitive without getting really expensive,” said Westwood. “I’ve used a lot of parts from the original suspension, but redesigned it to cut down on costs.”

After a few seasons running in multiple cars, Westwood is prepared to dedicate the majority of this season to his OSCAAR Modified. With an offer to race a dirt modified part-time there are still multiple events on the schedule he is sure not to miss.

“I’ve run Sunset a couple times in a Can-Am Midget and I absolutely love that track. I’m sure an OSCAAR Modified would be great there,” said Westwood. “I’m looking forward to going to Delaware. I’ve raced just about every track in Ontario in a race car except Delaware. I’ve never raced a full-size car there.”

While Westwood will be a rookie in 2013, he is not focused on running for a rookie-of-the-year title.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve even been able to be a rookie,” he said. “I never concentrate on that stuff or the points. I couldn’t care less if I win championships. I just want to win races. I probably get that from my dad.”

Westwood’s father, Larry, along with his uncle, Randy Fraser, compose the crew. The trio hopes to find success and a win in their first season aboard OSCAAR with their veteran wheelman at the helm.

“It’ll be the first year out with a new car. I’m sure it will take a little bit of time to get it dialed in,” said Westwood. “The priority is going to be top-five’s for sure.”

To that end, Westwood believes his calm demeanor and smooth style will also help keep him at the front of the field.

“Depends who you ask,” joked Westwood. “I’m usually pretty good on equipment. I don’t use up a lot of tires.”

“I’m known for being a hard driver, not a rough driver. I like to drive the car in deep. I’m all about corner speed.”

Westwood hopes to take that aggressive style in to action for the OSCAAR season opener at Sunset Speedway on May 19.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – Reigning Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modified champion Shane Stickel has announced he is joining the OSCAAR Modified tour for the 2013 season.

The Kitchener, ON native will be sporting his familiar #39 aboard a Troyer Chassis purchased from NASCAR Whelen Modified driver Rob McCormick out of Calverton, NY. Stickel’s campaign will be supported by MSD Machine Tool, Speedway Photo.ca, Shelane Properties, Paragon Collision Centre, MAC Contracting, Jungle Cat Designs, Huron Fasteners Inc., Creative Edge, and Abtech CAD/CAM.

The 23 year-old is excited to make the transition to a higher horsepower open-wheel car under OSCAAR sanctioning, and felt the timing was right for the jump.

“It’s still a new series and I don’t want to fall too far behind the guys that have started to race in it,” said Stickel.

Like any driver making a move to a new series, Stickel is expecting a host of challenges to go along with his new car. He believes the hardest part of the transition will be getting the car to perform up to his competitive standards.

“The Vintage modifieds are a way different car from a setup stand point,” said Stickel. “I have no experience with the kind of suspension components that are on an OSCAAR Modified. That’s going to be a huge learning curve on its own.”

Nonetheless, Stickel feels he may have an advantage over other newcomers to the series from full-bodied cars.

“The open-wheel experience (will help). I’ve only raced ovals for three years. Compared to a lot of the drivers out there, I’m still pretty new,” explained Stickel. “I’ve learned a ton … being that it’s an open-wheel car, how to race guys clean. It’s probably a natural fit for me to move on to this series.”

The overall task of taking on a new car, new series, and new set of competition has Stickel itching to pilot his new machine. So much so, the multi-time Waterloo Regional Karting Club champion has a tough time narrowing it down.

“What am I not looking forward to is a better question,” laughed Stickel. “I’m really looking forward to the OSCAAR series. I’ve heard it’s a great club and full of great people. To try and race a new car, that’s always exciting.”

Stickel is currently preparing to battle for a rookie-of-the-year title, one that will be nothing short of intense as more drivers continuously throw their name in the hat. Given Stickel picked up his ride late in the off-season, he cautions race fans not to panic if he is absent on opening day.

“To convert a chassis from the States takes a ton of work,” said Stickel. “I don’t know if I’ll be out for the first race, that’s still up in the air.”

Stickel intends to run a familiar vibrant paint scheme, similar to what he has run on his Vintage Modified for the previous three seasons.

“I’m a pretty meticulous guy. I like to keep my equipment nice,” said Stickel. “If anything, that’s why I might be a little bit late getting in. I don’t want to run something I’ve half-ass put together. I definitely want to do it right.”

For a driver in his early twenties, OSCAAR’s young core of drivers were among the factors considered in his search for a new racing home.

“I was the youngest person in the vintage modifieds,” said Stickel. “To see a series like this with a lot of people around my age, that can only mean things like friendship and getting along better at the track. I did miss that from go-karting.”

Despite the time constraints, Stickel will make every effort to be at Sunset Speedway for opening day on May 19. Sunset quickly became one of Stickel’s favourite tracks on the Vintage Modified tour and he hopes the success will translate to OSCAAR.

For more information on Shane Stickel and his crew, visit his website at www.shanestickel.com .

By OntarioOval.com – Spring is in the air and with it comes anticipation for the 2013 racing season. It’s the time of year when teams are putting the finishing touches on their cars and preparing for five months of non-stop action. The final stop before the cars hit the track will be Durham’s Fast & Furious Motorsports Show. Many Ontario short track teams will have their cars on display for the two day event which runs April 6^th & 7^th at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Centre in Bowmanville, Ontario.

This is the inaugural year for the show and already space has filled up quickly. Included to the exhibitors list are Brighton Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park as well as the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models and Modifieds series and one of their strongest supporters, Knightworks Design.

A good cross section of race cars will be on hand including Amanda Connolly and Kelly Balson who will both have their 2013 stock cars on display and will be helping to promote the upcoming season at Peterborough Speedway. From the OSCAAR ranks, 2012 Super Late Model Champion Brandon Watson will have his #9 on display. Brandon Bullens will be representing the OSCAAR Modifieds.

For dirt track racing fans the #11 Sprint Car of Jamie Turner will be on display along side the Ohsweken Speedway booth. There fans can pick up their 2013 pocket schedules, poster and calendars and learn more about reserved seating for the upcoming Northern Summer Nationals and World of Outlaws Sprint Car events that will feature three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart.  The #25 DIRTcar Pro Late Model of Greg Belyea will also be on hand to help promote the first ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series event at Brighton Speedway this June.

Also in attendance will be ImageFactor.ca Motorsport Designs & Photos. The designers and operators of www.OntarioOval.com will have a booth featuring all of their design services available to the motorsports market including websites, autograph cards and many other promotional products. They will be a part of the ‘dirt section’ of the show and will be announcing some new and exciting news to the Ontario dirt scene during the weekend.

The Fast & Furious Motorsports Show runs from 10am to 7pm on Saturday, April 6^th and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, April 7^th. Admission is just $5 per person while children 12 and under are free. There will be plenty of things to see for all motorsports enthusiasts from stock cars to motorcycles and everything in between. For directions and exhibitor information visit www.durhamfastandfurious.com.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Bobby Tolton is set to join the 2013 OSCAAR Modified tour for his first season behind the wheel of an open-wheel modified. Tolton has spent six of the last seven seasons between the mini stock and limited late model divisions at Varney Speedway.

Tolton, who also spent the 2007 season at Peterborough Speedway, has acquired a chassis that was piloted by Monty Kelly (#96k) throughout the inaugural OSCAAR modified season. Tolton will drive car #13.

“I know Monty Kelly personally. It was a good deal, so I decided to get in to it,” said Tolton.

When the opportunity arose to purchase the chassis from Kelly, the 21-year-old felt he could make OSCAAR his new home for racing.

“It’s a collection of the greatest drivers in the province. You get the best of the best and everyone’s respectful,” explained Tolton. “They race against each other with a lot of respect. That’s what I like.”

The Guelph, Ont., native has been involved in racing since childhood as his father Tim has raced in Ontario for over 25 years in classes from enduro to limited late model and now currently runs in the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup.

The rookie-of-the-year chase is expected to be equally as competitive in 2013 as it was in 2012 and Tolton will be among the contenders. He is no stranger to rookie titles either. Having got in to racing at the age of 13, the main inspiration behind his number, Tolton would go on to win the rookie-of-the year title in Varney’s mini stock division in 2005. The same honours would be given to Tolton again in 2008 as part of the limited late model division.

While adding another rookie title to his mantle is at the top of the priority list, Tolton is more interested in finishing races throughout the 15-race schedule.

“I’m just looking forward to being competitive on a nightly basis,” explained Tolton. “I’ve had a lot of hard luck in the last few years. I’m hoping to have a good run, and be there all the year.”

Despite having run at Varney for the majority of his young racing career, Tolton says he is excited to return to his home track in September for the Rick Woolner Memorial.

“I’ve never been on the new Varney in anything other than a mini stock, so it’s going to be all new to me,” said Tolton.

A number of the seven different tracks on the 2013 schedule will be all new to Tolton, but the young driver already has a few dates circled on his calendar.

“I’m excited to get on something I’ve never been on before, especially Delaware. I’ve never been on anything like that,” he said.

Tolton will look forward to an on-track battle with his Uncle Steve Smith, who was one of four different feature winners in 2012.

Tolton will operate his racing stable out of Fergus, Ont. for the duration of the summer and will enjoy support from crew members Todd Tolton and Caitie Fitzpatrick.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

With the offseason transition in full swing, the OSCAAR Modifieds continue to prepare for their sophomore season as Ontario’s youngest asphalt touring series with the announcement of the 2013 schedule. This season the tour expands to 15 races from 12 one year ago and will see the series visit eight different Ontario short-tracks across the province.

Of the 15 events scheduled to take place from May to October 2013, 11 will be run in conjunction with the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models. The season will be action filled with little room for error as the series runs their full schedule over the course of 22 weeks. The 2013 campaign is composed of three extra-distance, 50-lap features along with 11 30-lap features, and a lone 25-lap contest.

“It took a bit longer than expected to get everything finalised,” said OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth. “The end result will be well worth the wait. OSCAAR fans are going to be treated to great Super Late Model and Modified racing action at their favourite track throughout the entire summer.”

The season opens once again at Sunset International Speedway with a 30-lap feature for the Modifieds. Defending champion Gary McLean won the 2012 opener at Sunset following a spectacular battle with Barry Newman. Sunset will be a key piece to the championship puzzle in 2013 as the Modifieds visit the Innisfil, Ont. facility for five feature events.

Following a month-long layoff, drivers will have to be well prepared for three consecutive weekends of racing, including four feature events. The series returns to Barrie Speedway on June 15, alongside the Super Late Models, for another 30 lap feature.

Six days later, the modified contingent will travel to Delaware Speedway in Southwestern Ontario near London. The third event on the 2013 calendar marks the first of two stops on the year for the tour.

A week later, the series returns to action for a pair of weekend events at Sunset on June 29 and 30 as part of the OSCAAR Super Late Model Don Biederman Memorial Weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday night will see complete qualifying and 30-lap feature formats. Both races will be full points events.

A two-week break will allow drivers to rebuild and prepare for six consecutive weeks starting on July 13 at Sauble Speedway. Steve Smith won the 2012 edition at ‘the beach’ and was the only driver on the inaugural tour not named ‘McLean’ to win a feature event.

The series makes its first ever trip to Flamboro Speedway on July 20 to tackle the tight confines of Hamilton’s Asphalt Arena. One week later, the drivers return to Sunset for another 30-lap feature on July 27.

A trip to Peterborough Speedway for the Chase for the Colours on August 3 kicks off an action-packed month. The event will set the front row for the 21^st annual Autumn Colours Classic back at Peterborough on Thanksgiving weekend and will be the first of two stops at Peterborough.

The following Sunday, the series will be back in the Peterborough-area for an exclusive OSCAAR stop at Kawartha Speedway on August 11. Alongside the OSCAAR Super Late Models, the Modifieds will run a 25-lap feature in what is currently the only event on Kawartha’s 2013 schedule.

A short five-day turnaround will have the series back in action for the second stop at Delaware Speedway on August 16 and 17. The modifieds will run time trials and qualifying heats on Friday night alongside the ISMA Super Modifieds before a 50-lap, $800 to win feature on Saturday.

The scene then shifts to the Ontario short track ‘post-season’ for the remaining four events. The series will make its only stop in Durham, Ont. at Varney Speedway Motorplex for the 15^th running of the Rick Woolner Memorial. Brent McLean won his first memorial event at his former home track in 2012 and will attempt to defend the title at Varney’s season-ending event. The event expands to a two-day format in 2013 with time trials and qualifying heats on Saturday and the 50-lap feature on Sunday.

A final stop at Sunset for the Velocity weekend on September 28 and 29 will also see a two-day format. Qualifying heats will take place on Saturday before a 30-lap feature on Sunday.

One week later, the OSCAAR Modifieds will join Flamboro Speedway’s Oktoberfest for a one-day show on October 5. The modified portion of the weekend will be run under OSCAAR sanctioning for the first time in the event’s history.

The season will conclude once again at Peterborough Speedway as part of the 21^st annual Autumn Colours Classic on October 11, 12, and 13. The second OSCAAR Modified champion will be crowned at the conclusion of a 50-lap feature event.

The extensive schedule is expected to bring in a group of new talent for the series as well as increase car counts.

“If OSCAAR fans thought 2012 was entertaining, wait until they see what’s in store for them in 2013,” said Gainforth.

The OSCAAR Modified season gets underway unofficially at the Mega Speed show at the International Centre in Toronto, Ont. from March 22-24. Cars, drivers, officials, and series merchandise will all be on hand at the OSCAAR booth.

Marketing opportunities are still available with the OSCAAR Modifieds for the 2013 season. Contact Dave Gainforth by email at oscaargainforth@gmail.com for more information.

2013 OSCAAR Modified Schedule

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Coming in to the inaugural OSCAAR Modified season, there was a consensus amongst Ontario racing enthusiasts that Gary McLean (#8 McLean Industrial Design/McLean Farms Chevrolet) would be one of the top contenders for the series’ first championship. McLean never disappointed in 2012, winning eight races on the way to the OSCAAR Championship.

McLean started off the season in an intense battle with Barry Newman at Sunset Speedway, but outlasted ‘The Bear’ to a win in the inaugural race.

A month later at Barrie Speedway, McLean led every one of the 30 laps in the event after starting on the pole to claim his second win in as many races.

McLean continued his dominance at the Chase for the Colours on Canada Day, Peterborough Speedway’s qualification event for its year-end spectacle, the Autumn Colours Classic. McLean had to return from a wreck in the second heat of the day and felt it wasn’t the only obstacle the team had to overcome on a hot July day.

“It was a lot more slick then what were used to. Typically when we come to Peterborough, it’s in the fall, it’s cold. Some nights it’s even snowing,” said McLean.

The series would get a different winner a couple of weeks later at Sauble Speedway when Steve Smith claimed a victory. McLean suffered a flat tire while leading early on and they got in to contact as he came through the field that ended his night. McLean would finish 13^th at the Beach, his only finish in 2012 outside the top-five.

Another week later, McLean was back at his old stomping grounds and the Varney Speedway Motorplex, where he finished second for the first-time of the season to cousin Brent McLean. Nonetheless, Gary continued to distance himself in the championship standings heading in to the final race of the second half.

Gary closed out the first half with a win at Delaware Speedway in an event in conjunction with the ISMA Super Modifieds. Dueling once again with Newman and Justin Demelo, Gary emerged the victor on a track he had not recently run.

Two weeks later, the series returned to Peterborough where Gary was firmly in control and looking for another race win before contact and a spin with cousin Brent sent both drivers to the tail of the field, handing the win to another relative, Brian McLean.  While Gary was disappointed at the day’s events, he ultimately walked away with a fourth-place finish.

Hungry to get back in the winner’s circle, Gary did not disappoint in the final race of August, as he won at Delaware to sweep the pair of events. Gary had a tough battle with Newman and Demelo once again, but sat patiently until a lap 15 restart to steal the lead and the win.

Next on the schedule was the series’ most prestigious event, the Rick Woolner Memorial at Varney. The 50-lap event is typically considered the premiere event for modifieds in the province and Gary was looking to claim victory in the event for the 10^th time. Gary was in control of the race heading to the white flag. As he entered turn one to the outside of lapped car Davey Terry, disaster struck as the brake rotors exploded on Terry’s car, sending the #8 for a spin. The spin would force him to restart at the tail of the field with just one lap remaining, taking him out of contention. He would go on to finish fourth while Cousin Brent would claim the victory.

Clearly devastated at the result following the race, McLean knew that there was no intention on the part of Terry to wreck him intentionally.

“I knew instantly there was nothing he did wrong, that is wasn’t intentional,” said McLean.

With three races in the next four weekends, Gary had little time to dwell on the memorial. The team responded with three consecutive wins at Sunset, Kawartha Speedway, and Peterborough’s Autumn Colours Classic to claim wins six through eight.

“Autumn Colours is my favourite place to come for the year end race. What a way to finish off the championship,” said McLean at Peterborough. “Like every time, you gotta thank the crew. This thing was a rocket. We started off the truck pretty good, made a few adjustments in practice, and then we never practiced after that. The thing was that good. Crew Chief Greg Gibson leads the crew, phenomenal job all the time.”

For a team that won eight races and finished 11 races in the top-five, a championship was more than well deserved. Gary McLean proved to be the class of the field throughout the entire year with a dedicated propelling the entire team to the inaugural championship.

With the OSCAAR banquet in the books, McLean has officially been crowned the 2012 champion and received all of the accompanying hardware. The team is already in the process of preparing for 2013, however the OSCAAR Modified tour and its officials would like to congratulate Gary McLean once again for his 2012 championship season.

Photos by Dan Little

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

Markham, ON – OSCAAR Racing held its annual year-end awards banquet on Saturday at the Holiday Inn Markham to honour its 2012 champions and specialty award winners. The Super Late Model and Modified division drivers were recognized for their accomplishments in front of the largest gathering in OSCAAR history with over 250 drivers, crew members, and fans in attendance.

Gary McLean was officially crowned the inaugural OSCAAR Modified champion, taking home a brand-new championship trophy and ring. McLean finished outside the top-ten just one time in 2012, and won eight different events on the 12 event schedule. McLean was quick to thank crew chief Greg Gibson and the rest of his crew for the success. McLean was presented with a championship Hoosier Racing Tire jacket as well.

Brandon Watson officially received his first Super Late Model championship trophy and ring following a season in which he won three races. The season marked the first time Watson ran full-time on the tour. Brandon thanked his father and Crew Chief Tim Watson as well as his family, crew, and sponsors for their support. Brandon also received a commemorative plaque courtesy of Dave Franks Photos for his Don Biederman Memorial victory in September and a Hoosier Racing Tire champion’s jacket.

Knightworks Design sponsored the championships for both drivers, who will receive a complete car graphics package as well as 12 custom crew shirts and hats for the 2013 season.

OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth honoured each of the contingency sponsors in attendance for their support, including Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, South Shore Services, Jenco Equipment, Dave Franks Photos, and Race2way.ca. Each sponsor received a commemorative die-cast Outlaw Super Late Model, customized with the sponsor’s logo on the hood.

Gainforth also recognized the contributions of the OSCAAR staff and officials in 2012, who were each presented with a personalized travel bag.

A number of specialty awards were handed out to drivers of both divisions, all of which were decided by vote of the drivers of the respective divisions.

The first specialty award to be handed out was the Hard Luck driver award. The Super Late Model award went to rookie driver Rob Poole (#45 Visser Farms Chevrolet) who suffered through a number of mechanical failures in his first season but persevered to complete all but one race on the schedule. As the recipient of the award, Poole receives a new Outlaw body for his car in 2013 courtesy of Finishline Fabrication (FLF Racecars).

The Hard Luck award in the modified division went to Brad Pearsall (#1B Ponderosa Nature Resort/Performance Signs Chevrolet). Pearsall endured a mountain of engine trouble throughout the season, but continued to support the series throughout. For his troubles, Pearsall is also the recipient of a $500 gift certificate to the Racer’s Edge.

Next on tap were the Most Improved Driver awards. The Super Late Model award went to Charlie Gallant (#40P South Shore Services/East Point Marina Chevrolet) who finished tied for fourth in the overall championship standings. Gallant acquired the 2011 championship chassis from Glenn Watson to improve his operation in 2012. Gallant did just that as he earned his first feature win at Peterborough Speedway in early September.

The inaugural Most Improved Driver award in the modified division went to Davey Terry (#14 Wasteco/Brennan Haulage Toyota). Terry began the year running just inside the top-ten, but by season’s end was competing for the top step on the podium. With two runner-up finishes at Sunset Speedway’s Velocity weekend and at Kawartha Speedway it was clear Terry and his team made great improvements over the course of the five month season.

The Best Appearing Car awards were presented to Brandon Watson in the Super Late Model divison and Josh Gruntz in the modified division. Both drivers maintained immaculately prepared racecars both in terms of appearance and performance at each event on tour. As a result of their dedication to appearance, both drivers will receive 250 professionally customized and designed hero cards courtesy of ImageFactor.ca.

Both Inside Track Rookie-of-the-Year drivers were honoured for their accomplishments in 2012 with a special trophy. Super Late Model driver Jesse Kennedy (#10 Cameron Crane/Bev’s Auto Body/Quality Collision Chevrolet) had clinched the rookie title following the Don Biederman Memorial with one race still remaining on the schedule. Kennedy experienced a roller-coaster season, but proved to be a contender every night, winning at Barrie Speedway in June.

Davey Terry was recognized as the modified Inside Track Rookie-of-the-Year. Terry led the rookie standings throughout the entire second half of the season and was presented with a commemorative plaque for his title courtesy of Dave Frank’s photography.

The final specialty award was the Sportsman-of-the-Year, given to Todd Campbell (#07 Campbell Sanitation/Remax Deb Olender Chevrolet) in the Super Late Model class for his constant positive attitude both on and off the track, as well as his constructive additions to the series. Campbell, the 2011 Rookie-of-the-Year, earned his first top-five finish in 2012 at Sauble Speedway.

The Sportsman-of-the-Year award in the modified division went to Josh Gruntz, his second specialty award of the night. Gruntz was selected by his peers as a driver constantly exhibiting a positive attitude and encouraging a co-operative union between the drivers of the newly formed series.  As a rookie to modified racing, Gruntz was always welcome to assistance from veteran drivers and remained one of the cleanest racing drivers on tour from start to finish.

Each driver finishing in the top-ten in the championship standings for each division was honoured with a customized commemorative banner. Brent McLean was presented with a commemorative plaque for his win at the Rick Woolner Memorial.

The 2012 banquet officially brings one of the most exciting and successful OSCAAR season’s to a close. The next event on the OSCAAR calendar is the annual Rules Meeting on December 9, also at the Holiday Inn Markham. Please see www.oscaar.ca for more details.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – With just one season of open-wheel modified racing under his belt, Brent McLean (#7 Bowmanville Home Building Centre/Pro FX Signs/RN Manufacturing/McLean Farms Chevrolet) proved to be one of the most talented drivers on the inaugural OSCAAR Modified tour. In his sophomore season, McLean was always in contention for a win and rarely finished outside the top-five.

His impressive season started with a third-place finish, behind cousin Gary McLean and veteran modified racer Barry Newman, in the series’ inaugural race at Sunset Speedway.

Looking to build on the momentum two weeks later at Barrie, Brent was collected in a wreck early on in the race, forcing him to a 13^th-place finish and his only DNF on the season.

Brent was back in the top-ten on Canada Day at Peterborough Speedway’s Chase for the Colours event with a seventh-place finish.

Brent nearly pulled off his first victory of the season at Sauble Speedway, but had to settle for second when ‘the enforcer’ Steve Smith nailed his car to the bottom grove to steal the win and become the second different victor on the tour.

A week later in the series’ first trip to Varney Speedway Motorplex, Brent’s former home track, he grabbed the lead early on in the 30-lap feature and held off cousin Gary to claim his first OSCAAR feature win. Brent celebrated the victory with an elaborate victory lane celebration, but gave all the credit to a hard working team.

“This is such a team booster. You couldn’t ask for a better team. My dad and a number of guys on this crew, that’s what makes this car go fast,” said the young driver from Conn, ON. “Nobody works harder than these McLeans on these race cars. Week after week, it’s tear down, strip apart, put back together.”

Podium finishes at Delaware and Peterborough in mid-August had McLean in the title hunt just over the half-way hurdle. A seventh-place finish at Delaware to end the month put McLean another half-dozen points behind Uncle Gary entering September, but the highlight of his season was still to come.

At the 2012 edition of Varney Speedway’s famed Rick Woolner Memorial, run for the first time under OSCAAR sanctioning, Brent sat in second place as the white flag flew in the 50-lap event. But when the brake rotors exploded on Davey Terry’s car, taking out race leader Gary McLean in the process, the race lead was handed over to Brent. And with just a green-checkered finish, Brent took home the victory ahead of Uncle Brian McLean, just the fifth different winner in the event’s history.

“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,” said an ecstatic McLean after jumping on the roof of his Troyer-built machine. “I can’t even describe (the feeling), because I’m still in the shell shock of winning this race.”

The win came as the first of four races in consecutive weekends after a series pushed the season back in to September. Brent finished third at Sunset to cousin Gary and rookie-of-the-year Davey Terry. That was followed-up by a fourth place finish in the series’ only stop at Kawartha Speedway.

In the final event of the year at the Autumn Colours Classic, Brent hoped to return to victory lane at Peterborough as he did in July. Brent and his team game close, but fell one spot short as cousin Gary wrapped up the season with a win. But it was a 1-2-3 McLean podium for the second time in the season as uncle Brian finished third.

“My car was loose. I was driving that car for all I had. But, a McLean 1-2-3, what can you say?” said the young driver from Conn, ON following the final event of the season.

In his sophomore year, McLean ended the season with two wins, second most of any driver on the tour. He earned a total of 11 top-ten finishes (his only finish outside was the DNF at Barrie), including nine top-five finishes. McLean proved himself to be one of the biggest up-and-comers in Ontario racing as his 785 points were good enough for second in the championship standings.

The OSCAAR Modified tour and all its officials would like to congratulate Brent McLean on his 2012 achievements. Brent McLean will receive acknowledgement of his second-place finish at the 2012 OSCAAR awards banquet on Saturday November 24 at the Holiday Inn in Markham, ON.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – After an extended absence from the Ontario racing scene, Davey Terry (#14 Wasteco/Brennan Haulage/Keeler Electric Toyota) had very few growing pains in his move to a Troyer Modified in 2012. The native of Erin, ON had previous racing experience in a mini stock before moving up to the high horsepower open-wheeled division for the inaugural season. Terry, under the guidance of his father Peter Terry as his crew chief, had just two DNFs and finished every other race inside the top-ten.

Terry started the season with a ninth place finish in the inaugural race for the series at Sunset Speedway. He was collected in an early wreck at Barrie Speedway that ended his night, handing him an 11^th-place finish, his only result in 2012 outside the top-ten.

The team battled through the adversity to have the car prepared for Peterborough Speedway’s Chase for the Colours on Canada Day. They were back inside the top-ten with an eighth-place finish, putting the team on a role through the rest of July.

Sauble Speedway was the sight of Terry’s first top-five finish as he rallied from a mid-pack starting position to finish fourth at the beach. He earned the same result at Varney Speedway on July 14^th to make it two in a row inside the top-five.

A trio of sixth-place finishes in August had Terry in control of the Rookie-of-the-Year points lead, but closely followed by Tim Burke. The two trips to Delaware Speedway were a learning experience for the rookie who had never run at the historic London-area oval.

“(I’m) still trying to figure out the track. It’s just one of the things about being a rookie,” said Terry of Delaware. “Just more laps here would help a lot.”

Excited to return to the tight confines at Varney Speedway for the Rick Woolner Memorial after a successful first run in July, Terry was running well until the very last lap. As Gary McLean came to take the white flag, Terry was on the inside prepared to go down one lap. When the pair entered turn one, the front brake rotors on the #14 exploded, sending Terry up the track and in to the side of race leader McLean. McLean would spin to the top of turn two, and would be forced to restart at the tail end of the field, ending his bid for a tenth straight Woolner Memorial win.

“Unfortunately we took out Gary and ruined his chances 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 following the race.

“The likes of Davey Terry, probably one of the top, in my books, up-and-comers in the place,” said a disappointed Gary McLean following the mid-September race. “I knew instantly there was nothing he did wrong, that it wasn’t intentional.”

Terry would rebound from the incident at Varney with a second-place finish to McLean at Sunset Speedway’s Velocity weekend. Terry held the lead for a moment, before surrendering to McLean in the dying laps, but nonetheless happy for a clean race.

“I almost had him. We were getting in to each other, but that was just good racing,” said Terry. “This is exactly what we needed after last week and getting in to Gary.”

It was more of the same for Terry at Kawartha Speedway one week later as he earned his second podium finish in as many weeks, finishing to second to McLean once again.

That set the stage for the OSCAAR Modifieds’ debut at the 20^th Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway. Hoping to end the season with his first win, Terry would have to settle for his fifth and final top-five finish on the campaign in fifth-place.

While he fell just shy of winning his first race, Terry accomplished his goal of winning the 2012 Rookie-of-the-Year title. The team is hoping to earn that first win in Terry’s sophomore season in 2013.

“I think I’m happier than Gary is winning the championship,” said Terry following the race. “We exceeded every goal we had at the beginning of the season. It’s been such a great year. I’ve met a lot of great people. I can’t wait for next year.”

The OSCAAR Modified tour and its officials would like to congratulate Davey Terry on his Rookie-of-the-Year title and 3^rd-place finish in the overall championship standings.