So far this year at Sunset Speedway, three drivers have split the victories in the Late Model division – Chris Morrow, Jason Witty and Dwayne Baker. Last year, seven different drivers reached victory lane over the course of the season. So heading into the second half of the year, the chance is high that we will see more drivers add their name to the list considering the amount of talent within the division.
Now the big question is – who will be the next driver to reach victory lane not named Morrow, Witty or Baker?
Here are five drivers that have proven in the first six events this year that they are capable of winning.
Sean Cronan
While he may only have three top 10s so far this year, Sean Cronan is certainly a considered favourite. A veteran of late model competition, Cronan has been fast this year since returning to the seat of a limited late model after running OSCAAR last year. The only thing that has held Cronan back this year – bad luck. A blown motor in practice left him on the sidelines one night while a couple spins two weeks ago handed him a poor finish.
With the speed there showcased by the quickest time in Pro Late Model time trials on May 10th and a third place finish on May 24th, Cronan should be strong the second month of the year.
Tom Walters
While the beginning of the season has worked out as well as Tom Walters would’ve hoped, the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame member has begun to find his groove at Sunset Speedway the past couple of weeks. A 30-time Champion, Walters is one driver that each season is put on the list of ‘certain’ winners as his experience leads to knowing what it takes.
The past two events, Walters has posted a third and a second, leading the majority of the laps in the ladder. Expect Walters to lead more laps as we get into July and August with a win coming his way.
Nick Goetz
Making the switch to Sunset Speedway midway through last year, Nick Goetz has continued to grow as a driver and get stronger with each set of laps behind the wheel. Overcoming the learning curve of switching from Sauble to Sunset, Goetz is starting to find his groove.
Three weeks ago, the NG Motorsports driver put on a top-notch show with Tom Walters as the pair battled back and forth for the lead. If Goetz can avoid bad luck, his first feature win could happen.
Mike Bentley
Last year, Mike Bentley reached victory lane on multiple occasions on his way to winning the Late Model Championship. Now behind the wheel of a different car in 2014, Bentley has shown the same speed and ability, however has found a ton of bad luck. Multiple events this year Bentley’s night has been ended early whether due to incident or mechanical.
If Bentley can cure the bad luck, he has a good chance at getting to victory lane following a second place finish in the season opening Spring Derby 100.
Taylor Holdaway
Debuting a new chassis in 2014, Taylor Holdaway has looked solid this year so far with four top 10s to date so far this season, including a pair of fourth place finishes. As Holdaway continues to get used to what his car wants and gets stronger, expect him to find victory lane.
It’ll be huge when Holdaway does reach victory lane, though, as he failed to pick up a feature win in 2013 after winning late in the year in 2012.
Other names that come to mind are Scott Beatty, Billy Zardo and rookie Steve Wilson as potential winners so be sure to keep an eye on the action and see who does it first.
About the Author
RT @OnPitRoad_: .@cronanmotor and four others who could reach @Sunset_Speedway Late Model Victory Lane by @ladybug388 http://t.co/TqKxOBiL9W