Gary McLean dominates OSCAAR Modified feature at Kawartha Speedway

Coming off a disappointing performance in the season opener at Sunset Speedway, Gary McLean would dominate the 25-lap OSCAAR Hanover Holiday Modified feature at Kawartha Speedway.

The first heat didn’t start off well for Gary Elliott as he had to pull off the track due to a fuel leak. The caution would fly when Jessica Spicer stalled in turn four in her first modified start. Under the caution, Bobby Tolton pulled off the track due to mechanical problems. Max Beyore picked up the win ahead of Brian McLean and Branden Bullen.

The caution also flew in the second heat when Drew Stieler spun while racing alongside with John Harper in turn four. Gary McLean picked up the win ahead of Davey Terry, Dustin Jackson, Tommy Dick, Stieler, Mike Westwood and Harper.

The caution also flew in the final heat due to Terry Baker leaking fluid and not listening to the black-flag. Justin Demelo picked up the win ahead of Ryan Dick, Brent McLean, Shane Stickel and Chad Strawn.

When it came feature time, Branden Bullen would start pole ahead of Gary McLean, Max Beyore, Ryan Dick, Davey Terry, Brian McLean, Justin Demelo, Bobby Tolton, Shane Stickel, Brent McLean, Drew Stieler, Dustin Jackson, Tommy Robb, Chad Strawn, Mike Westwood, John Harper, Gary Elliott, Terry Baker and Jessica Spicer.

Gary McLean made his presence known quickly, taking the lead on the opening lap ahead of Bullen and Beyore before the caution flew for Baker going around. On the restart, McLean got the advantage ahead while Beyore moved into second, leaving Bullen to battle with Terry for third. However, the caution flew once again for Tolton stopping in turn one. With two laps in the books, Gary McLean led Beyore, Bullen, Terry, Demelo, Dick, Brian McLean, Stickel, Brent McLean, Jackson, Stieler, Strawn, Westwood, Harper, Elliott, Baker, Spicer and Robb.

Gary McLean got another good start, keeping the lead ahead of Beyore as Bullen and Terry battled for third. Terry would clear Bullen for third, bringing Demelo along with him. The race would go relatively calm and string out single-file till lap nine when the third caution flew for Stieler going arould while racing with Robb. Stieler would be done for the afternoon as he was leaking fluid. Nine laps in the books, Gary McLean led Beyore, Terry, Demelo, Bullen, Dick, Brian McLean, Brent McLean, Stickel, Westwood, Strawn, Jackson, Harper, Baker, Robb, Elliott, Spicer and Tolton.

It’d be a smooth restart with Gary McLean jumping out ahead of Terry as Beyore slipped back to third, followed by Demelo, Bullen, Brian McLean, Dick and Brent McLean while Stickel and Westwood raced for ninth. Westwood would get by Stickel, and just in time as Strawn would get into Stickel, resulting in Stickel going around. Harper would then have no where to go, running over the front end of Stickel’s car, bending the left front rim and some other suspension parts. Spicer would also spin in trying to avoid the accident.

Another restart gone smoothly with Gary McLean jumping out in front again ahead of Terry and Beyore. Beyore would then slip back to fourth as Demelo got by him for the fouth caution for Bullen spinning Brian McLean. The restart would come with nine laps to go, as Gary McLean jumped out in front again, while the action took place behind him as Demelo made contact with Terry, resulting in Terry going for the spin in turn four. With eight laps to go, Gary McLean led Beyore, Dick, Brent McLean, Robb, Baker, Jackson, Elliott, Strawn, Brian McLean, Harper, Bullen, Terry and Demelo.

Gary McLean would get a good restart and go on to take the victory as he goes for his third straight championship. Max Beyore finished second, followed by Terry Baker, Ryan Dick, Tommy Robb, Brent McLean, Chad Strawn, Davey Terry, Justin Demelo, Dustin Jackson, Brian McLean, John Harper and Branden Bullen.

About the Author

Ashley McCubbin

Joining OnPitRoad.com mid-2013 season, Ashley McCubbin is now the Managing Editor and contributes to each racing division as needed. Since studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ashley has published articles on a couple of different websites, while serving as a public relations representative for different short track teams. Born in North York, Ontario, Ashley currently lives in Bradford, Ontario and spends her weekend at the local short tracks in the area. She has spent her entire life at the short track level, falling in love with the sport at the age of five. Beyond her love of short track racing, she also has grown an interest for both NASCAR and the IndyCar Racing Series. She also enjoys taking photos and working on websites, while playing a couple rounds of Candy Crush afterwards.

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