Things are moving along very well on local tracks
Four types of racing show inspiring growth
At this time of the year, the media comes out with “top 10” lists of significant events that took place over the past 12 months. The following are items in the local racing world of note from 2019 that I believe will continue to grow in a positive manner:
OSCAAR’s Hot Rod division
Since 1990, OSCAAR (Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers) has presented both openwheel and full-bodied oval track cars, and in 2017 it tested the waters with a new class, vintage-bodied cars with crate engines and modern running gear. At first, the division almost drowned for lack of interest with only four or five cars at most races that opening year.
But that has all changed, and the Hot Rods have become very popular with drivers and fans alike. It appears the series will continue to prosper. Knightworks Design is the title sponsor for the division.
In 2019, there were 19 regulars, driving everything from Studebakers to Tri-Five Chevrolets, to Camaros, Mustangs and Barracudas of the Muscle Car era. And, for 2020, 40 teams have so far registered to compete at 16 events on six paved ovals in southern Ontario.
“The response from drivers and teams wanting to be a part of the series is overwhelming,” OSCAAR president Dave Gainforth said recently. “I personally never thought I would see this. I was hoping to have perhaps 15 to 18 cars a year. The fans love the division and the body styles bring back so many personal racing memories, and that is what I was hoping for when I first had this idea.”
Canadian Touring Car Championship
Created in 2006 to provide professional organization for Canada’s road racing community, the CTCC has competed in Ontario and Quebec over the years, but has now set its sights internationally with a two-day event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Something else new for the CTCC, which is presented by Pirelli, is each of its weekend events will be held at a different circuit — three in Ontario, two in Quebec and one in Ohio. The CTCC is comprised of four categories of race cars based on their original stock street version: the entry-level TC class with few modifications, the new TCR spec class, the GT Sport featuring advanced suspension and aerodynamics and the GT Cup for unlimited sports cars.
Flat Track Canada
Started as a regional series in 2013 for oval track dirt bikes, Flat Track Canada has grown to bring this popular sport under a common umbrella with up to 16 classes of bikes and ATVs competing. One big positive with this series is that there are no age restrictions, and children as young as four can compete.
Since its inception, Flat Track Canada has expanded its horizons to include regional and national sessions across Canada, continues to receive support from Calgary-based Parts Canada as its presenting sponsor, and also enjoys support from Harley-Davidson, Honda and Yamaha.
APC United Late Model Series
Before APC involvement, Late Model pavement racing in Ontario was disorganized with different rules and regulations at just about every track. But that all changed in 2015 when the Londonbased APC group organized this series with a single set of rules.
And it worked. The APC continues to grow, featuring 52 teams in 2019. For 2020, the series has already announced its upcoming schedule with 10 events at five tracks, including two each at Flamboro and Jukasa.