OPINION: Five Things I’m looking forward to in 2015

Being a Canadian racing fan, it gives me a different perspective than some of the American racing fans, with regards to getting to events and what the Canadian scene offers versus the American scene. So, in the interest of perspective, from myself to you, here are the five things that I am personally looking forward to in 2015.

Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

The event has only been on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule for two years, but both years the race has entertained audiences alike.

The inaugural event in 2013 featured a late race duel between Chase Elliott and Ty Dillon that ultimately resulted in Dillon wrecked and Elliott in victory lane. On top of that, you had Max Papis and Mike Skeen mad at each other for late race contact, as well. The race had everything that gets people involved in NASCAR – close racing, contact, passion and some fighting. It was a good introduction for the track to the schedule. It also marked Elliott’s first truck series win, and we know what the young man has gone on to do since.

This past year’s event was right up there in drama as it once again produced a late race battle, this time featuring German Quiroga and Ryan Blaney. The pair duoed the lead back and forth throughout the final three laps, with Blaney edging Quiroga at the line to leave the fans on the edge of their seats.

The only question I have to ask now is what will the 2015 verse of the race produce?

Honda Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place

Due to the PanAm Games, the race has been moved from July to June – which puts no damper in my sales or changes my viewpoint heading into the summer. Okay, so maybe it does as it will be a little cooler, perhaps, and anytime you can have less sweat it’s a good day.

Living in Bradford, Ontario, the city of Toronto is basically the closest major city. Now to see the cars on the very same streets that have I have either been driven on, or walked for the Canadian National Exhibition, is just surreal at first. I remember a Canadian Tire Series driver saying one year that “it’s the only time that you can speed on the streets of Toronto and get away with it”. The pure speed of an IndyCar live is just thrilling in itself, without even looking at the action that happens on pit road. So let’s just say that, personally, this is a fun event to be at. Beyond that, it’s this event that made me an IndyCar fan. The race isn’t too shabby of a race either with strategy in survival and making sure you’re at the front near the end plays a huge role. As long as there’s no rain this year, I will have a smile to share.

Though the Verizon IndyCar Series is only a small part of why I love this event. The other part – the Stadium Super Trucks. They made their debut in Toronto in 2013, and both years they have been put on a thrilling race. Between dueling close for the lead, to contact throughout the course and watching the drivers slide the corners and try to keep themselves under control, it marks a thrilling event to watch as a fan. Last year’s event on the Sunday was just picture perfect in watching Sheldon Creed and Robby Gordon duel for the lead in the closing laps, with Creed taking home the victory. Sheldon Creed – that’s a name to keep in your thoughts. The 16-year-old is certainly talented as he works his way up the racing ranks.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Barrie Speedway

This event is quickly become one of my favourites to attend every year, and there’s no secret why when you see the competition that the tight confines of Barrie Speedway produces with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The past two years have produced a pair of thrilling races that have involved contact and close racing en route to the finish – without witnessing someone being wrecked for the lead. To be able to witness respectful racing for the lead on a tight short track – perfect day in my world.

In 2013, Jason Hathaway outdueled D.J. Kennington and J.R. Fitzpatrick to take home the victory. All three drivers traded the lead among each other, with contact happening at each end. It reminded me of a deal where you push each other as hard as you can – without actually wrecking each other. Needless to say, it was a show that the fans were grateful for after having the race postponed from Saturday to Sunday.

In 2014, Hathaway once again took the victory – but in an even cooler fashion. This time, it was just Hathaway and Fitzpatrick dueling back and forth for the lead and they put on a show, racing side-by-side as hard as they could in an attempt to get the victory. Hathaway would grab the win, but only by mere inches at the line.

OSCAAR

This year marks the 25th anniversary for OSCAAR – the Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers. Officially the sanctioning body of the Super Late Models for 25 years, fans across Ontario have watched the series expand with a bunch of talented drivers taking their turn behind the wheel to see if they can tackle it. Though beyond the SLMs, they have also expanded to include the Hanover Holiday Modifieds for the past three years, as well as the newly formed OSCAAR Midgets heading into 2015. Both divisions of racing – Modifieds and Midgets – also produce stellar racing that has entertained fans across the province.

The three divisions as a whole make up some of the best racing that I have witnessed, in the form of pure speed and competition. I can name at least three races for each division off of the top of my head that ended in close racing, and produced stellar side-by-side battles. Anybody recall Rob Clarke vs Glenn Watson for the win at Sunset Speedway with the pair side-by-side at the line? This past season alone – Andrew Gresel and Kevin Cornelius dueled back and forth over the last 15 laps at Barrie Speedway for the victory, trading contact and passes with neither refusing to lose. Then looking at the Modifieds, you can’t forget the last lap pass that Cayden Lapcevich made to take the win at Sunset Speedway for his first career victory ahead of Davey Terry.

In celebration of the 25th year, I can assure that this year will be full of competition in each division with the list of talented drivers already signed up for the season ahead.

Pure Short Track Racing

When everybody looks towards a new season, they start thinking of NASCAR’s premiere three divisions, IndyCar, Stadium Super Trucks, Canadian Tire Series – official national/international divisions that entertain millions upon millions of fans. But in my heart, there’s something that’s even more pure – short track racing at it’s finest. Getting out to the local short track, taking in the action across all the divisions with contact, passing, side-by-side and passion – back to the roots of where everybody started. It’s where I spend the majority of my summer and I wouldn’t have it any other way as it’s some of the most fun that you can have. The drivers are just everyday people that you can talk to and become friends with, while watching them battle as hard as they can for some glory that night.

No matter what track you attend, make sure to attend at least one short track event this year. I can promise that once you see one event, you’ll want to see more – whether the same track or a different track. Get out there and support these places as without these places, we can’t grow the next batch of talent for years ahead.