News
TRACKSIDE – January 2020
Happy 2020 everyone. Snow is on the ground, and I think we are all ready for some short track racing. I’m sure a lot of you will be heading south soon for some warmer temperatures and yes racing. Probably in a short few weeks to the Daytona Beach area. If you are, I’m envious. I’m seeing pics of race cars being built or refreshed and its exciting. Plans being made for the upcoming race season which is very exciting. It’s a really nice feeling. I’m sure, this year we are going to see racers coming back after a few years break or changing divisions and ones that are headed in a different direction this year, that we might not see at all or only one or two times. Kills me when we lose cars, but fully understand drivers have to do what they think best for them, and maybe new challenges. I think its going to be a very interesting and exciting year at Delaware Speedway for 2020, one I’m sure that will be very competitive! Lot of different Late Models, that I know of. I’m sure we can expect the same in the other divisions. If anybody has news of drivers from all divisions, please send it along to me at trackside@delawarespeedway.com. Would be great to get it out there to build fan and racer excitement for the upcoming season.
Always looking for storylines for each column, and late last year got a great suggestion from Kris Lawrence, Late Model and Bone Stock driver. He suggested finding and doing a feature on current 2nd and 3rd generation drivers. I was able to go through a few old programs and decided to list the generational drivers. I had no idea there were so many and I’m sure I have missed some. Delaware Speedway, being an older track, has a rich history of drivers and crews. In my humble opinion, no other track in Canada, is close, but I’m sure others would argue. But, how many tracks in Canada can say they have supplied a NASCAR Race Winner (Earl Ross) and a NASCAR Point Champion Crew Chief (Cole Pearn) plus other hugely talented drivers and crews.
Listed below is the list I have compiled so far:
Legend
(GF) Grandfather, (F) Father, (S) Son, (D) Daughter, (GS) Grandson
Current active drivers at Delaware Speedway noted in BOLD
List
Dave Lawrence (F), Kris Lawrence(S), Jo Lawrence(S)
Russ Urlin(F), Jon Urlin(S)
Manny Demelo(F), Justin Demelo(S)
Harvey Lennox(F), Rick Lennox(S)
Bill Rowse(F), Bill Rowse Jr(S)
Ron Lindsay(F), Scott Lindsay(S)
Vic Robblee (GF), Steve Robblee(F), Matt Robblee (S & GS)
Ron Sheridan(F), Jake Sheridan(S)
Stan Adams(F), Piper Adams(S)
Brad Jacques(F), Terry Jacques(S)
Manny Ferreira(F), Andrew Ferreira(S)
Wayne Pilkey(F), Samantha Pilkey(D)
Grant Manning(GF), Duane Manning(F), Lucas Manning(S)
Gary Zagorodny (F), Tom Zagorodny(S)
Randy Thompson(F), Lonny Thompson(S)
Steve Aubertin(F), Cooper Aubertin(S)
Lou Fucile(F), Shawn Fucile(S)
Mike Howard(F), Cassie Howard(D)
Dion Verhoeven(F), Brandon Verhoeven(S)
Jay Christie(F), D.J. Christie(S)
Mike Hrynuik(F), Mike Hrynuik Jr(S)
Ron Pearn(F), Cole Pearn(S)
Dave Mathers(F), Paul Mathers(S)
Jack Greedy(F), John Greedy(S)
Warren Coniam(F), Ryan Coniam(S)
Rick Coburn(F), Cody Coburn(S)
Dave Hosie(GF), David McCullough (GS), Derek McCullough(GS)
TIDBITS
-Former Street Stock driver Kevin Delong #17 will be returning to the Speedway, in the Late Model Division, with former Barrie area racer Terry Swan as car owner
-APC regular Patrick Freel #18, will be running full season at Delaware Speedway in 2020 Late Model
-Jamie Grover #33 Late Model will be running Delaware in 2020 as much as he can
-Bill Brekelmens, former V8 Stock, moving up to Super Stock in the #07
-Jamie Klumper #07, top runner in the Super Stock division, will move up to the Late Models in 2020, for a partial run. The car is the former Jay Doerr #43 from a few years ago.
-Rob Windis #29, in a former Dave McCullough Super Stock this year
-Bone Stock driver Shane Gibson #69 moving up to the V8 class this year
-Bob Miller #74 Late Model, returns after a year’s absence with a new Late Model
-multi time Truck Champion Tom Zagorodny #77, moving to the Late Model division in 2020
MEET THE DRIVER – STEVE ARRAND
Steve Arrand, former top runner in the V8 Class, will be running in the Late Model (picture above) division at Delaware in 2020.
Sponsors: Transport N Service, Arrand Insurance Solutions, Steelhead Food Co., Pine Valley Minute Lube, Pennzoil, Front Street Heat…. Canada’s Hot Sauce, After the Lounge
Kevin Delong Bob Miller
Jamie Grover Shane Gibson
REMINDER – DRIVER REGISTRATION: 2019 PRICES END JANUARY 31st. SAVE ON 2020 PRICING, REGISTER THIS WEEKEND.
Don’t Miss your opportunity to still get the Inaugural Delaware Speedway Calendars
Delaware Speedway 2020 Inaugural Calendars featuring the drivers you voted for. These can be ordered online at diane@delawarespeedway.com for $10. Get your orders in while they last!
See you in February as Trackside is now on a monthly publication during the off-season months. Until next issue, Bob, Steve
Any comment, suggestions, news, topics, welcome. Please feel free to contact me at trackside@DelawareSpeedway.com
TRACKSIDE – December 2019
Well, here we are, almost the end of 2019. The Holiday Season is upon us. Where did 2019 go? It just seems like yesterday that we were all in the pits for the first practice day. Many a great race has gone by since then. It was a super year. Certainly not without its controversies and arguments! But as usual, we all made it through. Some drivers had some pretty nasty wrecks which is always sad to see.
A tentative 2020 Schedule has been posted. Major changes with the race night moving to Saturday night. Pros & Cons from everybody I’m sure. I think it might just work out for most teams. Anybody have any comments on this? Send them along to trackside@delawarespeedway.com. I would really like to hear how drivers feel about this. As I say, I think it will be good.
Also, I would love to hear what all the Competitors have planned for 2020. Any new drivers, cars, etc. Any cars getting major upgrades? Please pass anything along so we can keep interest in the winter months on the Speedway and the Competitors.
From what I have seen so far, there are at least 5 new Late Models joining the ranks. Not sure on the other divisions yet. Also hoping to see more and more of the new Five Star Gen 6 Bodies in 2020. They look so good!
Any pics of your race vehicles would be greatly appreciated. As I say, I’m just trying to keep fan interest high all winter.
*On that note, I would like to sincerely thank every Competitor that helped us out with information, pictures, answering questions, etc, this past year. You have no idea how much it is appreciated. This is a new venture for me, kind of pushing me out of my comfort zone. I love writing the column, and hopefully it helps the Track, Fans and especially the Competitors. Big Thank You!
If you have any ideas on story lines or what you might wish to see in future columns, please let me know. I recently received a great suggestion from driver, Kris Lawrence on a storyline and I think it will be a good one in early 2020.
Here we have some memorable moments from 2019.
The Fearsome Foursome!! Controversial Combined Features – Totally a Fan Favorite though
Bone Stocks just being Bone Stocks – always fun Upsurge in the Late Model Car count – Fantastic to see
TIDBITS
Darrell Lake’s beautiful new Gen 6 Mustang Bodied Racecar – Heading back to Delaware – Welcome back!
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season and a great 2020 to all.
*LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT*
Don’t Miss your opportunity to still get the Inaugural Delaware Speedway Calendars
Delaware Speedway 2020 Inaugural Calendars featuring the drivers you voted for. These can be ordered online at diane@delawarespeedway.com for $10. Get your orders in while they last! A Great Christmas gift idea for that special race fan!
See you in January as Trackside is now on a monthly publication during the off-season months. Until next issue, Bob, Steve
Any comment, suggestions, news, topics, welcome. Please feel free to contact me at trackside@DelawareSpeedway.com
TRACKSIDE – November 2019
The Speedway has been shut down for over a month now and the Delaware Banquet has completed. Okay, lets get to back racing right now! I already miss it. It’s going to be a long winter. A fun season it was in 2019, competition was strong in most divisions, couple of divisions had car count issues, but what was there, was competitive. Hopefully as we move into the 2020 Season, this can maybe be rectified.
The 2019 Delaware Banquet was a huge success. Probably the largest crowd in a couple of years. Emcee, Jamie Maudsley, gave a great tribute to the late Jared Doxtator a peer and friend at the beginning of the program. Several drivers commented on Jared as being there to greet them with a smile at trackside for an interview, following up on an incident and to get the first words in victory lane. Most of the drivers that spoke had grown up with Jared their entire race career. A heartfelt speech by his good friend, Trevor Collver, moved the crowd. It was nice to see Tim and Carolyn Doxtator, Jared’s Mother & Father at the Banquet as they received the first ever Voice of Delaware Speedway Award and to hear firsthand the wonderful impact that Jared has had on the race family and Delaware Speedway. Russ Urlin gave a heartfelt speech about the future of racing at Delaware Speedway. All in all, it was a proud night for everyone that is part of the Delaware Speedway family. A delicious Buffett and dancing afterwards made for an all-around great evening. Thanks goes out to Delaware Speedway for organizing such a great celebratory event.
2019 Bone Stock 2019 Trucks 2019 V8 Stocks
2019 Super Stocks 2019 Late Models
Many awards were given out, in celebration of the 2019 Season as listed below:
Awards
In Memoriam Jared Doxtator
Voice of Delaware Speedway Award to Tim and Carolyn Doxtator
2019 Rookie of the Year:
Bone Stock: Eric Martin #42
Trucks: Austin Gauld #18
V8 Stocks: Bill Brekelmans #07
Super Stocks: Derek Moesker #51
Late Model: Gary Adriaensen #55
2019 Class Champions:
Bone Stocks: Kris Lawrence #50
Trucks: Jacob Campbell #44
V8 Stocks: Barry Watson #45
Super Stocks: Andrew Ferreira #9
Late Models: Jo Lawrence #78
Employee(s) of the Year:
Angie and Scott Mackey
Best Appearing Car:
Kathleen Green #16 Super Stock
Most Improved Driver:
Jason Lidster #11 Late Model
Most Sportsmanlike Driver:
Derek Moesker #51 Super Stock
Harborne/Lawrence Spirit of Racing Award:
Jaden Chapman #13 Late Model
2019 Division Sponsors & Partners Award:
Mike McColl Racing
Doxtator Property Maintenance
Demar Aggregates
Discounted Autoparts Delivery and Supply
Transaxle Parts
2019 Delaware Speedway Partners Award:
APC: Luke Ramsay
Carstar: Don Morton
Global Warranty: Roy Neufert
Exeter Toyota: Justine Frayne-Steenstra
Case N ’Drum Oi
TIDBITS
– Delaware Speedway finalized 2020 Season schedule should be out very shortly. Stay tuned…..
– Some minor rule changes in a couple divisions, on the horizon for 2020 to help encourage drivers from other tracks to appear at Delaware Speedway
– Looks like Super Stock driver Brittany Beatty, might be hanging up her helmet as her car, trailer, everything is up for sale. I hope not, as she was very competitive this year
-Lot of cars changing hands right now also
-Looks like David McCullough has a Late Model in his race shop now, after he sold his older Super Stock #39, reportedly to Rob Windis
-Scuttlebutt from the Banquet, has a former Truck Division champ, making a jump to the Late models in 2020
-Congratulations to Delaware Speedway’s, Jake Sheridan #52 on his great 12th place finish on his first ever appearance at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville for their big All-American Weekend
– Donald Reinhardt Jr, may be running Delaware Late models next year, with racing great, Wayne Keeling part of the team. With Wayne on board, he should do vey well
– Great to see Stephen Richmond returning to Delaware Late Model for 2020 season
*Remembering two great Delaware Speedway Supermodified drivers; Norm Mackereth #40 & Bill “Flipper” Rowse #24, who both passed away recently. Great memories of them both!
Don’t Miss your opportunity to still get the Inaugural Delaware Speedway Calendars
Delaware Speedway 2020 Inaugural Calendars featuring the drivers you voted for. These can be ordered online at diane@delawarespeedway.com for $10. Get your orders in while they last! A Great Christmas gift idea for that special race fan!
Pictures courtesy of Chis Culos
See you in December as trackside is now moving to a monthly publication during the off-season months. Until next issue, Bob, Steve
Any comment, suggestions, news, topic’s, welcome. Please feel free to contact me at trackside@DelawareSpeedway.com
TRACKSIDE – October 1, 2019
We are starting off this TRACKSIDE issue on an extremely sad note. As most of you may probably already know, Jared Doxtator, Delaware Announcer, passed away this past weekend, in his 42nd year. I didn’t know Jared as well as a lot of people, but I had seen and heard him at the track in previous years. This year I got to know him a little better as I got more involved with the speedway, behind the scenes. He was a dedicated announcer and thoroughly enjoyed what he did. He had many memories of races and could remember them like it was yesterday. We were just chatting Saturday night, after the races, about plans for 2020. I’m going to miss getting to know him better. Condolences go out to his family and many friends. Rest in Peace Jared. You will definitely be missed.
This past weekend was the last race program of the 2019 Delaware Speedway season. The 150 lap Open Invitational for 4-cylinder cars was first on the docket for the afternoon program. Having never seen a race quite like this before, but have to say really enjoyed it. With the staggered start of cars, based upon their qualifying times, it sure was interesting. The fast cars were 14-15 laps down before they even got on the track. The winners were the fast cars, but the program made most of the field competitive with a chance for a good finish. There was a mix of Bone Stocks, Mini Stocks & 4-cylinder Dirt Modifieds. The Dirt Modifieds were an interesting breed of race car. They were great to watch, as the flex and the twists in the cars coming off the corner, were very visible. They would make an interesting class on pavement, if you could get enough of them. To see the quicker cars, come from the back was really entertaining. Passing 2 – 3 cars at once, inside, outside, sometimes between!
In the 100 lap Late Model Open, a decent field of competitive cars, with a few newcomers added to the mix. The cautions were few but didn’t bother me that they were counted up until 5 laps to go. Kept the race from possibly becoming an Enduro!!! For some reason the race had a more relaxed feel to it than a lot of 100 lappers. Jake Sheridan certainly has a handle on the Delaware racetrack, but Gary Adriaensen certainly kept him honest. I really hope this becomes a Delaware Speedway late fall race in 2020. Nice way to end the season.
150 Winner West Bertozzi 4cyl dirt modified Branden Crumbie 4cyl Porsche Mini Stock Craig Cole #55 hard crash into front stretch wall
Picture from Chris Culos
TIDBITS
– It’s too bad the dirt modified of Chris Hebert #7, had engine problems in practice. That car was flying around the speedway a full second faster than the second place car. Chris is also a Delaware Speedway Late model driver
– Bill Brekelmans #07 and Shawn Fucile #1 Bone Stocks, had nice top 5 runs in the 150
– Regular Late Model runner Terry Jacques #21 had a great run in the 100-lap race. Qualified a strong 5th and ran near the front until the car lost the handling and became very loose
– Hope people took notice on the 2nd place runner in the 150. Branden Crumbie #64 Mini Stock Porsche. Not usually a car you see in oval track racing. Car was quick though, getting the runner up position
– West Bertozzi #9K was another strong runner in the 150, grabbing the win, making up 14 laps & getting to the front by lap 90
– What a move by Ray Morneau #03 late in the Late Model race to grab 3rd. Especially in a car that was hurting!
– Good run by non regular Patrick Freel #18 LM, in racing to a 4th place finish. Being from London, he would make a nice addition to the Friday night fields
– Nice to see veteran Shawn McGlynn #1 LM back at the track. Another driver, I would love to see back at Delaware on a regular basis again
-Shawn Ritchie #3 made his 2nd start this year at Delaware, but unfortunatly had contact with the backstretch wall. It will get better Shawn!
Don’t Miss your opportunity to pre-order you Inaugural Delaware Speedway Calendars
Delaware Speedway 2020 Inaugural Calendars featuring the drivers you voted for. These can be pre-order order online at diane@delawarespeedway.com for $15. Get your orders in while they last!
This will be the last weekly issue of TRACKSIDE for 2019. The next Issue will be early November 2019, where we will cover the 2019 Delaware Speedway Banquet. Over the winter, TRACKSIDE will be monthly.
Until next issue, Bob, Steve
Any comment, suggestions, news, topic’s, welcome. Please feel free to contact me at trackside@DelawareSpeedway.com