Everything You Need to Know About OSCAAR: History, Divisions & Champions
For over 30 years, the Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers (OSCAAR) has been central to Ontario’s stock car racing scene, delivering thrilling events that keep fans coming back. Since 1990, each season’s lineup has promised edge-of-your-seat action on the province’s finest tracks. Now, with a new partnership with the United Racing Series starting in 2023, OSCAAR is set to elevate its schedule even further, offering an expanded and diverse range of exciting racing events across Ontario.
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About OSCAAR
OSCAAR hit the tracks in 1990 and quickly became a big deal in Ontario’s racing world. It’s not just about fast cars – OSCAAR has built a community where drivers can show off their skills and fans can get up close to the action. Over the years, OSCAAR has seen many changes, but it’s always kept its focus on great racing and supporting local talent.
OSCAAR Racing Divisions
OSCAAR Modified Series
Lauch: 2012
Car Specifications: 450 horsepower asphalt modified stock cars
Champions: Gary McLean, TJ Edwards
The Modified Series kicked off in 2012 and brought a new level of speed to Ontario’s tracks. These cars pack a punch with 450 horsepower engines, making them the fastest open-wheel racers in the province. Drivers like Gary McLean, who won five championships in a row from 2012 to 2016, have become legends in the series. More recently, TJ Edwards claimed the 2021 championship, showing that new talent is always rising to the top.
OSCAAR Hot Rod Series
Launch: 2017
Features: Vintage-bodied cars with modern running gear (1952-1974)
Fan Favourites: Tyler Hawn, Steve Book
Launched in 2017, the Hot Rod Series is where old meets new. These cars look like they’re straight out of the 1950s to 1970s, but they’ve got modern engines under the hood. Fans love seeing cars that look like the ones their grandparents might have driven, racing at high speeds. Tyler Hawn dominated the early years, winning three championships in a row from 2017 to 2019. Steve Book took the title in 2021, proving that the competition is always fierce.
OSCAAR Pro Sprint Series
Start: 2016
Car Specifications: 1/4 scale sprint style cars powered by 440cc snowmobile engines
Racing Dynamics: Lightweight cars with high-speed capabilities
Since 2016, the Pro Sprint Series has been proving that size doesn’t matter in racing. These little cars, only a quarter of the size of a regular race car, are powered by 440cc snowmobile engines. They might be small, but they’re mighty fast, hitting speeds up to 100 mph. Drivers like Daniel Hawn, who won back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019, have shown that these tiny racers can provide big thrills.
Past Events and Results
Recent races have kept fans on the edge of their seats. At Brighton Speedway in August 2022, Steve Book slid his way to victory in a nail-biting finish. Over at Peterborough Speedway in July 2022, Andy Kamrath showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, taking the checkered flag in the Modified Series. These races aren’t just about who wins – they’re about the battles all through the field that keep fans cheering lap after lap.
Latest OSCAAR Standings and Statistics
As of the latest update, the battle for the top spot in both the Modified and Hot Rod Series has been intense. In the OSCAAR Modifieds, drivers like TJ Edwards, Andy Kamrath, and Jason Keen have been trading paint and swapping positions at the top of the leaderboard. The Hot Rod Series has seen Steve Book, Tyler Hawn, and Amanda Balson fighting it out for supremacy.
OSCAAR also recognizes up-and-coming talent with the Living Lighting Rookie of the Year award. In 2021, TJ Edwards took this honour in the Modifieds, while Trevor Thompson claimed it in the Hot Rods. The John Harper Hard Charger Award, which goes to the driver who improves their position the most during races, has been a point of pride for many racers.
Top OSCAAR Drivers and Their Results
OSCAAR has been home to some of Ontario’s best racing talent. In the Modified Series, A.J. Emms (car #14) from Orillia has been a consistent front-runner, backed by sponsors like BAE Environmental and Bromley Automotive. Kelly Balson, driving the #B10 car out of Bowmanville, has also been turning heads with support from London Recreational Racing.
In the Hot Rods, keep an eye on Cole Weber in the #9 1968 AMC Ambassador and Jesse Kennedy piloting the #10K 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle. These drivers, along with many others, represent the diverse and talented field that makes OSCAAR racing so exciting.
OSCAAR’s Sponsors and Partners
The racing wouldn’t be possible without the support of key sponsors. American Racer provides the tires that keep these cars gripping the track. Grisdale Racing Products supplies parts that help teams stay competitive. Knightworks Design makes sure the cars look as good as they perform. These sponsors, along with many others, are the unsung heroes that keep the wheels turning in Ontario’s racing scene.
New Partnership with United Racing Series
In 2023, OSCAAR formed a strategic alliance with the United Racing Series. This partnership aims to bring new opportunities and improvements to the racing series, enhancing its appeal and competitiveness. As part of this transition, OSCAAR has moved to a new series website, offering better access to information and resources for fans and participants.
United Racing Series Overview
The United Racing Series burst onto the scene in 2015 with the APC United Late Model Series. Since then, it’s grown to include several different types of racing, all with the goal of showcasing the best talent Ontario has to offer. They’re all about creating races that are exciting to watch and competitive to drive in.
Divisions under United Racing Series
With the new partnership, fans can now enjoy four main types of racing:
- Late Models: These are the big, powerful stock cars that are the cornerstone of North American racing.
- Super Stocks: A step below Late Models, these cars provide great racing at a more affordable level.
- Open Wheel Modifieds: The evolution of OSCAAR’s Modified Series, these unique-looking cars are all about speed.
- Hot Rods: Carrying on OSCAAR’s tradition, these vintage-style racers continue to be a fan favourite.
Tracks and Records
The United Racing Series brings the action to tracks all over Ontario:
Active tracks:
- Brighton Speedway: A 1/3 mile clay oval that provides thrilling dirt track action.
- Delaware Speedway: A historic 1/2 mile paved oval where speeds can reach over 140 mph in the straights.
- Flamboro Speedway: A tricky 1/3 mile paved oval known for close racing.
- Full Throttle Motor Speedway: A tight 1/4 mile paved oval that tests drivers’ skills.
- Peterborough Speedway: Another 1/3 mile paved oval known for its high banks and fast racing.
- Sauble Speedway: A 1/4 mile paved oval near the shores of Lake Huron.
- Sunset Speedway: A 1/3 mile paved oval that’s been a fixture of Ontario racing for decades.
Each track has its own records and standout performances. At Delaware Speedway, for example, Connor Pritiko set the Late Model record with a blistering lap of 17.928 seconds in September 2022. Over at Sunset Speedway, Brandon Watson holds the Late Model record with a 14.037-second lap, set back in May 2018.
Track Records for Late Models
| Track | Record Time | Date Set | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Speedway | 17.928 | Sept 24, 2022 | Connor Pritiko |
| Sunset Speedway | 14.037 | May 20, 2018 | Brandon Watson |
| Flamboro Speedway | 14.855 | June 2, 2018 | Brandon Watson |
| Peterborough Speedway | 13.189 | June 18, 2022 | JR Fitzpatrick |
APC Series All-Time Wins Leaders
| Rank | Driver | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon Watson | 19 |
| 2 | J.R. Fitzpatrick | 11 |
| 3 | Andrew Gresel | 7 |
| 4 | Kyle Steckly | 7 |
| 5 | Jo Lawrence | 5 |
When it comes to all-time greats in Ontario stock car racing, a few names stand out:
- Brandon Watson leads the pack in the Late Model division with an incredible 19 career wins.
- J.R. Fitzpatrick isn’t far behind with 11 wins to his name.
- In the Modified division, Gary McLean’s five consecutive championships from 2012-2016 set a standard that’s yet to be matched.
- Shae Gemmell holds the record for most career top 5 finishes at 31, showing incredible consistency over his career.
Upcoming Racing Schedule and Events
The 2024 season is packed with action from May to October. It all kicks off on May 18th at Sunset Speedway with the season opener for the APC Series. Key events to watch out for include:
- The APC Series events at Delaware Speedway on June 30th and September 7th, which often draw big crowds.
- The Hot Rod and Modified doubleheader at Sauble Speedway on August 17th, always a fan favorite.
- The season finale for all divisions at Peterborough Speedway on October 12th, where championships are often decided.
The Best of 2024 Season
Looking at the 2024 season so far, some standout performances have already emerged:
- Kyle Steckly has been dominant in the APC Series, securing three wins in the first six races and leading the points standings.
- Blair Wickett and Jo Lawrence are hot on Steckly’s heels, sitting second and third in points respectively.
- In the Hot Rod division, Tyler Hawn and Steve Book have been trading wins, setting up an exciting championship battle.
What’s Next?
As OSCAAR joins forces with the United Racing Series, Ontario stock car racing is entering a thrilling new phase. Fans can expect more intense competition, rising stars, and the ongoing evolution of a sport that has excited Ontarians for over three decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan of OSCAAR or new to the excitement of short-track racing, now is the perfect time to get involved. From the roar of engines to the smell of burning rubber, Ontario’s stock car racing scene is ready to welcome you. Check the OSCAAR racing schedule, pick a race, choose a driver to cheer for, and get ready for some of the best racing action Canada has to offer. For more details and updates, don’t forget to explore Canadian racing classifieds.