Sunset News and Notes: Late Models and Super Stocks return to action

After a week off to catch their breaths, the Sauble Falls Tent and Trailer Late Models and Super Stocks are back this weekend at Sunset Speedway, ready to put on a full show for all the fans in attendance. The first month for both divisions has been filled with great racing that has saw familiar faces reach victory lane while keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.

Sauble Falls Tent and Trailer Late Models

Two weeks ago, Jason Witty pulled off his second straight victory of the season with a late-race pass on Tom Walters. So far this year, Witty has been a roll as he has yet to finish off the podium in the five events (Spring Derby, Pro Late Model special and three Super Series rounds). Guaranteed to start 12th as the previous feature winner, keep an eye on ‘Bam Bam’ as he works his way through the field in the 50 lap feature.

The 2014 season hasn’t started like Tom Walters would’ve hoped as he scored his first top-five finish two weeks ago when he finished to Witty. However, don’t that fool you as the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame winner is always tough at the Innisfil, Ontario track and will find his way to feature victory lane this year.

Another driver that has been plagued with bad luck so far this year till last week is Scott Beatty. Beatty scored his first top-five finish (third) two weeks ago. Even though he did not reach feature victory lane last year, Beatty was fast over the course of the entire season so it should be no surprise that his program is starting to come together.

Two weeks ago, Sean Cronan did not see any racing action due to a blown motor in practice. Heading into this weekend, Cronan is looking to rebound as he started off the Super Series with a sixth in the Spring Derby, followed by a fourth and a third place finish.

Super Stocks

Two weeks ago, Randy Rusnell headed back to the victory lane for the first time since being crowned the champion in 2013. Heading into this year searching for his third-straight championship, Rusnell will be tough to beat as it looks as though the No. 72 team is getting the ‘Rocket’ back on his rails with how quick he was.

Despite the speed that Rusnell has shown, everybody has their eyes on Cayden Lapcevich as the young star has come out strong this year with a pair of wins and a pair of third place finishes. With each passing season, Lapcevich continues to gain more experience and that experience could lead to lots of success this year.

Each weekend so far his year, the top-three finishers have been Rusnell, Lapcevich…and Zardo. Lane Zardo has a win and a pair of runner-ups in the three Super Series events so far thus year. The 18-year-old will be looking to get to victory lane this weekend after coming close the last two weeks.

Nick Tooley picked up his first ever checkered flag with a victory in the consi two weeks ago. With one feature top-10 under his belt so far thus year, expect Tooley to continue to improve each week and string together some solid finishes.

Graham Landscape Mini Stocks

This past weekend, Brandon McFerran scored his second straight feature victory in dramatic fashion with a last lap pass as Myles Tyson and Ben Melenhorst made contact while racing for the lead. McFerran came into this year stating that he wanted his first career Mini Stock Championship and given the speed that his No. 64 Mustang has, the 15-year-old could possibly accomplish that goal at season’s end.

In the same breath, be sure to watch Myles Tyson and Ben Melenhorst this weekend. They’ll both be looking to capture the victory as Melenhorst looks become the sixth different feature winner this season. Tyson already has a win – but in a different car. Tyson debuted his new ride this past weekend and after stating that it was ‘faster’ than his previous one, the field has been put on quick notice.

Rookie Jordan Howse is growing into a solid driver quickly this season as he scored a third place finish this past weekend for his second top-five finish of the 2014 season.  Each year, Mini Stock competition always produces a new face in victory lane and perhaps Howse is the next new face that we’ll get to see.

After getting caught up in a wreck together, rookie Lauren Halliday and sophomore Kendra Adams will be looking to post some solid finishes this weekend.  Both ladies have been solid so far this year in showing speed and being top-10 contenders. If they can avoid trouble this weekend, look for the trend to continue.

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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