FERGUS (February 5, 2016) – The 2016 season is already in top gear for the Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds. The club continues to prepare for their 50th anniversary season and the off-season has produced big news thus far. Lucas Oil Products returns for their 12th consecutive year as the title sponsor for the club.
“It’s such an honor to have a company like Lucas Oil return year after year to support this club and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board again for out 50th anniversary season,” said series president Dave Trendell.
The 2016 schedule is finalized and will see the club will travel to five racetracks across Ontario over a 15-race schedule. The season kicks off with the club’s lone date at Sunset Speedway near Innisfil, ON on May 14. The series visits Flamboro Speedway nine times in 2016, including the championship finale on September 24. Delaware Speedway hosts the CVM on June 10 and on July 15 for the Mid-Season championship. Sauble Speedway will also play host twice during the 50th anniversary season, including a Canada Day special on July 1. The Canadian Vintage Modifieds visit Full Throttle Motor Speedway, near Durham, ON, on June 4 for their only opportunity to tackle the high-banked ¼-mile bullring in 2016.
The winter months have allowed a number of drivers to retool for the upcoming campaign with several drivers gearing up to chase a coveted championship to mark the 50th anniversary of the club.
Jason Keen enters the season as a 3-time and defending champion and has won 5 of the last 6 titles, Keen has been without a doubt the most dominant driver the Vintage Modifieds have seen since the days of Ray Hughes, Steve Lyons and David Elliott. Keen has switched to a crate motor under the hood of his No.18 for the 2016 season in hopes of continued domination.
If 2015 is any indication, expect Steve Trendell to among the front runners for the 2016 championship. In 12 races last season, Trendell never finished outside the top-five, earned five podium finishes and one feature win. Trendell and his team have been working in the shop to improve their No.57 car in hopes of cashing in on an elusive championship in his 14th season with the club.
Brian Atkinson is one of the oldest competitors on the club but don’t let that fool you. Atkinson is one of the biggest threats to win when he rolls into the pits with his No.92. It’s unknown yet if Atkinson is committed to the full season but he will be in the hunt for wins at every race he attends.
Young pilot Cassidy March showed incredible progress throughout each race in 2015. The highlight to March’s season came at Sunset Speedway when he picked up the first victory of his young career and the first victory for car owner Rob Clark in his 25 years in the division. With a full off-season to comb over the car and put any personal touches on the No.25, March could very well win his first feature in 2016.
The 2015 season was a complete disaster for Darren Dryden and his No.12 team. He was riddled with engine problems early in the season, which prematurely ended his 2015 campaign. The team has installed a crate to battle for wins and a championship.
After taking a one-year hiatus due to work commitments and the birth of his first child, Mike Williams and MGD Racing will be back in full force in 2016 with a “crate” motor bolted into the No.7 car.
The 2015 season was a breakout year for TJ Marshall, who partnered with 4-time series champion Steve Lyons. The duo picked up an impressive five wins, including a mid-season streak of four in a row. With an entire winter to add to their newfound success, the No.15 team should be a top contender in 2016.
A pair of new drivers will join the club for their rookie season in 2016. Jeremy Barton is a welcome addition to the roster after purchasing the complete outfit of the Rick Schurr-owned No.36 team. The Barton family does have some deep roots with the Canadian Vintage Modifieds to lean on during the transition.
Derek Jackson has purchased Ben Charbonneau’s No.2 to compete for the 2016 season. Jackson previously competed in Flamboro’s Pure Stock class.
For more information on the Canadian Vintage Modifieds 2016 season, including the series’ 50th anniversary season reunion on April 2, 2016, please visit www.vintagemods.com.
Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds 2016 Schedule
May 14 – Sunset Speedway
May 21 – Flamboro Speedway
June 4 – Full Throttle Motor Speedway
June 10 – Delaware Speedway
June 25 – Flamboro Speedway
July 1 – Sauble Speedway
July 9 – Flamboro Speedway
July 15 – Delaware Speedway (Mid-Season Championship)
July 30 – Flamboro Speedway
August 13 – Flamboro Speedway
August 20 – Sauble Speedway
August 27 – Flamboro Speedway
September 3 – Flamboro Speedway (Corn Roast)
September 17 – Flamboro Speedway
September 24 – Flamboro Speedway
The Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds 2016 season is presented by a number of dedicated sponsors, including: Lucas Oil Products, Creative Edge Signs & Graphics, MacMaster Buick GMC, Georgetown Printing, Flamboro Machine Shop, Oakville Trailers & Auto Service, Wiersma Trucking, Grisdale Racing Products , B&B Decals, Oktane Productions, Oakville Auto & Diesel Machine Shop and Clayton Johns Media.
Media Contact: Clayton Johns Media
With files from Steve Trendell
