Bill O’Harra dominated the Moi Perry Spring Service Renegade Truck series, winning both heats and the feature. The wins didn’t come easy as the 07 truck of Jack Dallon tried hard for the win, but he settled for second place in all three races. An inverted start in Heat 2 wasn’t even enough to keep O’Harra from victory as he pulled to the low side of 2012 Champion Andy McCann for the lead. O’Harra started pole in the feature, but Dallon kept close on his tale, bumping the race leader when opportunities arose and attempts to overtake on both the high and low sides were fruitless, giving O’Harra a perfect record on opening night.

For the first time in a number of years, Thunder Cars returned to Peterborough Speedway. Donny Beatty was able to fend off CASCAR veteran Bryan Cathcart and last year’s Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car champion Matt Spence. Ross Evans was able to do the same in Heat 2, though Spence was ready to take over should the 6x car slip up. Cathcart managed to keep a prying Spence at bay in the feature while Evans tried to get around Spence. In the end, Cathcart made his first visit to Peterborough Speedway’s Dart Heating and Cooling Victory Lane for the first time since his CASCAR victory 15 years ago. Post Race Tech inspection led to Ross Evans being disqualified from the nights finish.

It was Chris Mitchell’s night in the Vanguard Self Storage Late Models, taking the win in Heat 1, fending off Craig Graham and 2012 Champion Bryan Sudsbury. Jack Horner took the checkered flag in Heat 2 with Graham and Mitchell close behind. Sitting pole in the feature meant Mitchell had Graham beside him in the number 2 slot off the start. Graham kept the pressure on the leader, but Mitchell held a steady line and drove his #22 late model to victory.

The Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stocks were dominated by Ryan Oosterholt, taking two heat wins and the feature. 2012 Champion Tyler Junkin took home the win in Heat 2, trailed just behind Kevin Strutt for a second place finish in in Heat 4, and briefly held the lead in the feature before wrecking while trying to get through lapped traffic. Oosterholt started the feature on pole, but Junkin was immediately chasing him down. The pair weaved around lapped traffic until they came upon a set of cars running two-wide and unwilling to set their own chase for position aside to let the leaders by. As Oosterholt got caught behind a slower car, Junkin found an opening and took the lead, only to have his opening close with a screeching halt on the front straight. As the debris settled, it was clear Junkin was done for the night, opening the door for Oosterholt and Farm Brothers Racing teammate Chris Molders to take first and second.

The Ontario Legends Series paid a visit to the 1/3 mile oval as well, with Nick Ledson opening with a win in in Heat 1 and closing with victory in the feature. In Heat 2, Andy Warbutton rose from a 6^th place starting position to victory. It looked like Fred Jordon would run pole from start to finish, but a bump from Bill Mason sent him to the pits, opening the door for Warbutton to jump past Duane Cinnamon on the restart. 81 was able to hold onto the lead from green to checkered in Heat 3 while Warbutton did the same in Heat 4. In the feature, it didn’t take Ledson long to find an opening on the low side of Adam Cuthbertson to take the lead. The pair battled it out for the lead on several restarts, but Ledson held him off while Wes Cuthbertson filled the third position.

Racing returns to Peterborough Speedway May 25.

Fans can expect an exciting calendar of events at the tight bull ring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the LiftlockCity.  The thrills will start in the pit area with the return of the Thunder Cars – featuring 2012 Kawartha champion Matt Spence and fan favourite Dan Price – for the first time since 2006 and extend all the way around the track.  New drivers are expected in each division, including the father and son team of Craig and Brandt Graham of Orono, Ontario in the Late Model and Mini Stock divisions respectively.  Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter JP Josiasse says the holiday weekend lid-lifter is a great way to show the crowd what they’ll be able to expect throughout the year.

“To say that I’m excited about this season would be an understatement,” said Josiasse with a broad smile.  “I’m taking calls, receiving e-mail and fax messages in the office morning, noon and night.  Registration forms are coming in the mail, being dropped-off in person and arriving by courier daily.  We’re expecting strong numbers in each class, but won’t have the actual car counts confirmed until we start lining-up the qualifying events on opening night.”

Track officials have scheduled special Fan Appreciation Nights, presented by Pepsi – with toonie spectator grandstand admission – for June 1^st, July 20^th and August 17^th.  The Country 105 sponsored Mid-Summer Shootout – with extended distance feature races for the 5 regular divisions – is on the calendar for Saturday, July 13^th.  As always, racing wraps-up for the year with the Lucas Oil Products Autumn Colours Classic.  This year’s edition – the 21^st annual – is booked for Friday, Saturday and Sunday – October 11^th through 13^th and promises fans and competitors from one end of the province to the other an action-packed thrill ride.

In addition to the 5 regular divisions, fans will also see the OSCAAR Super Late Models, OSCAAR Modifieds and the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series during the 2013 agenda.  Follow Peterborough Speedway on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to bookmark www.peterboroughspeedway.com to keep up with the latest news throughout the year.

Get ready for the ultimate in short-track motorsports excitement, starting with the Country 105 season opener – featuring free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th at Peterborough Speedway.

For the first time since 2006, the tight bullring west of the LiftlockCity will feature the popular class and track owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says the move has kept everyone busy getting things prepared for the Victoria Day Weekend lid-lifter.

“We’ve had a number of drivers commit to running the season with us,” said Josiasse.  “First on that list would be 2012 Kawartha track champion Matt Spence of Bailieboro.  It’ll actually be a homecoming for Matt, who began his career running here.  The pack will also include Omemee’s Craig Scott and although it’s hard to predict the actual numbers until opening night, I think we’ll have a strong Thunder Car field throughout out the year.”

Peterborough Speedway’s team is doing everything they can to make the new season one of the best in the history of the track.  Their most recent coup is the introduction of Paul Davis Systems as the sponsor of the Thunder Car division.  The restoration specialists – with locations across the country, including Paul Davis Systems of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes – at 4 Loop Line in Omemee offers disaster, fire and flood refurbishment services for property owners and insurance professionals.  Learn more by visiting www.pds.ca or calling 705.799.7777.  Area manager Ralph Gottschalk is looking forward to being part of the upcoming agenda.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to make our name known to even more people,” said Gottschalk.  “Whenever a Thunder Car takes a lap at the track this year, there’ll be a Paul Davis Systems banner across the top of the windshield.  That will help create even more awareness to the services we offer.”

In addition to lending their nation-wide brand to the return of the Thunder Cars, Paul Davis Systems will also take on the responsibilities of the track’s official clean-up crew.  The race night team needs to be prepared for almost anything and being ready to roll the minute the yellow flag flies is great news for the race teams and fans and should keep down-time to a minimum.

Country 105 presents Peterborough Speedway’s 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th.  Gates open at 4:00, with racing starting at 6:00.  Fans can follow the track on Facebook and Twitter and look to www.peterboroughspeedway.com for the latest news and schedule information.

While he originally used sheet metal from a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass on his ride, Price – a long-time classic automobile aficionado – chose to combine his passions to start the 2009 season, with a body from a 1955 Pontiac on the Thunder Car.  By the end of 2011, those panels were starting to show some battle scars and were replaced with 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air components to start the 2012 session.  Price says it’s almost a full-time job keeping the car on the track.

“In school, they teach you to look where you want to go while driving.  I think a lot of the other drivers wanted to go into the side of my car,” said Price with a laugh.  “Over the first couple of years with the Pontiac body panels on the car, we were collected in some of the hardest crashes in my career.  In many cases, I got caught-up in someone else’s issue, but 1955 fenders and doors aren’t that easy to find, so I needed to change the body at the start of last year.”

Over the years, the 36 year-old Hydro One lineman has raced Mini Stocks, Challenger/Limited Late Models, Late Models and Super Lates at just about every paved speedway in the province.  Recently, he’s tried his hand at dirt track Endurance events at venues in Ontario and New YorkState.  Price – who enjoys tinkering with hot rods, dirt biking and skiing in his spare time – says he likes the cars, the people and the family involvement that comes with short track racing.

“My wife Erin and daughter Cambrie come with me almost every time and every where I race,” said Price.  “My brother Donovan runs with the Ontario Legends Series and I’ve met so many great people over the years.  It’s a big thrill to see someone else race in my car; especially if they’re faster than I am.  No matter where I go, just coming through the pit gates gives me butterflies and I hope that feeling never goes away.”

Like every driver, Dan Price has a racing ‘bucket list’ and would like to see an event at Eldora; just as a fan.  As a competitor, he hopes to some day turn a few laps at New Smyrna (Florida), Kalamazoo (Michigan) and a wide range of other circuits.  In a perfect world, he’d like to see the pavement tracks band together – much like dirt tracks have – to create a more uniform set of rules that would allow drivers to travel a little more.  He would also like to see cars go through more detailed pre and post race technical inspections.

For his 2013 season at Peterborough Speedway, his Thunder Car will carry sponsor support from Langille’s Scrap, Desjardins Financial – Ajax, Hy-Hope Farm Market and Golf Course and A & T Mechanical, with promotional assistance by Clarke Motorsports Communications.  In the garage and at the track, maintenance will be handled by the driver, with his wife, daughter and brother Donovan, as well as friend James Wills.

Fans can follow Dan Price on Facebook or Twitter @danpriceracing. Prospective sponsors interested in joining the #09 team should e-mail Topgearwfo@live.com.

The new campaign at Peterborough Speedway kicks-off as Country 105 presents the 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday May 18^th.  Pit gates open at 2:00. Spectator gates at 4:00, with racing at 6:00.  For complete schedule details and the latest news, see www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

This year’s winter months were especially busy for owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse and his team at Canada’s Toughest 1/3^rd Mile Oval.  The return of the Thunder Car class meant updating a rulebook and registering drivers.  There will also be new runners in other classes, making for an exciting time of year for the tight bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the LiftlockCity.  Even with all the changes, some things will remain the same.  The promotional team is very pleased to announce the return of Vanguard Self Storage as the title sponsor for the Late Model division.

“We’re thrilled to have Vanguard Self Storage back with us for 2013,” said Josiasse.  “A solid support program is as important for the speedway as it is for the drivers who race here.  Our Late Model field could have as many as 10 new drivers this year.  That will make for some exhilarating battles on a week-to-week basis and a championship chase that could go right down to the final night of the year.”

Located at 1604 Chemong Road in Peterborough, Vanguard Self Storage has offered area residents modern, safe, clean and convenient storage units, with sizes to suit everyone’s needs since 2008.  For more information, visit www.vanguardselfstorage.ca or call 705.741.2002.  Company vice president Bert Grant says everyone at Vanguard Self Storage is looking forward to the new season and being part of the Peterborough Speedway program.

“The staff and I are eager for the year to get rolling,” said Grant.  “We’re happy to return as the Late Model division’s sponsor for a second consecutive season and wish all drivers the best of luck throughout the year.”

Country 105 presents Peterborough Speedway’s 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th.  Gates open at 4:00, with racing starting at 6:00.  Fans can follow the track on Facebook and Twitter and look to www.peterboroughspeedway.com for the latest news and schedule information.

“Kid’s Race is all about accepting our loved ones with autism,” said Fougere.  “We couldn’t ask for a better place in the Kawartha’s to host our special event.  The wonderful people at Peterborough Speedway have opened their doors and more importantly, their hearts to our cause.”

Kid’s Race was started in 2010 as an idea to create a new platform for autism research and awareness.  It wasn’t too long after speaking with – and working alongside track owners, officials, drivers, crews and fans that a common bond was formed.  Everyone associated with the event quickly realized that passion, dedication, family and a love for what they do is something everyone shared.  Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says the Autism Awareness Night is an informative and educational event for everyone who comes through the gates.

“Our drivers, teams, crew members, sponsors and fans are quick to throw their support behind a worthwhile cause,” said Josiasse.  “Even if a member of your family hasn’t been affected by autism, you probably know someone who has and whatever we can do to help the Canadian National Autism Foundation is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

On track action for Saturday, July 6^th at Peterborough Speedway will feature Battlefield Four Fun, Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stock, Moi Parry Spring Service Renegade Truck and Vanguard Self Storage Late Model divisions.  In addition, the Ontario Legends will make one of their 7 visits to the track during 2013 and there will also be kid’s rides.  A meet and greet with the drivers is also scheduled from 6:00 to 7:00.  Pit gates will open at 3:00, with the spectator grandstands unlocked at 5:00.

To learn more about Kid’s Race, visit www.kidsrace.ca or call 888.977.RACE (7223).  The Canadian National Autism Foundation web-site is www.cnaf.net.

“They’ve been an advertiser in our weekly magazine for a number of years, so they’re obviously a strong supporter of what we do,” said Josiasse.  “It will be great to welcome the team from the local branch of Attersley Tire to Peterborough Speedway for an amazing night of action, topped-off with a 100 lapper for the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup.”

With a store at 677 Crown Drive in Peterborough – as well as locations in Port Perry and Oshawa – Attersley Tire offers a full line of passenger car, light truck, commercial and farm tires.  You’ll also find a selection of wheels and rims for all vehicles.  Attersley Tire provides 24 hour roadside assistance with a fully-stocked fleet of vehicles to take care of any need and keep down-time to a minimum.  Call 800.860.5486 anytime of the day or night.  Area store manager Logan Shearer says he and his team are looking forward to their night at the track.

“We’ve always had some solid customer feedback from our program ads, so we figured it was time to get involved a little more and when the event sponsorship opportunity came along, it was the perfect chance,” said Shearer.  “Motorsport supporters are very loyal to the brands, products and services they’ve have a positive experience with and spending the night taking in a great night of racing at Peterborough Speedway is a terrific way to build the Attersley Tire name.  J.P. and his people have some big plans in store for the 2013 season.  We’re excited to be part of the team and welcome our customers and friends to Attersley Tire night at the speedway Saturday, August 10^th.

After finishing 4^th in championship points and earning a popular first career trip to the winner’s circle during the 2012 campaign, Amanda Connolly will have the hometown crowd in her corner when the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup pack rolls into the bullring west of the Liftlock City.  In addition to the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, the Saturday, August 10^th show will also include Battlefield Equipment Rental Four Fun, Moi Parry Spring Service Renegade Trucks, Thunder Cars, Hurricane Midgets and King of the Hill.  Pit gates open at 2:00; spectator grandstands are unlocked at 5:00 with the first green flag at 6:00.

Follow Peterborough Speedway on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to bookmark www.peterboroughspeedway.com to keep up with the latest news throughout the year.

He may not have turned a lap on the racetrack since midway through the 2011 season, but Craig Graham was never far from the sport.  The 40 year old father of 2 spent last year mentoring his son Brandt during his first year of action in Kawartha Speedway’s Mini Stock class.  The youngster was obviously paying attention to his father’s tutelage, as he finished 8^th in the final point standings and was named the division’s rookie of the year.

“I don’t know how much I taught him, but he must have been listening when we talked,” said Craig Graham when asked to describe his son’s early career stock car racing success.  “Every time he strapped into the car, the crew and I told Brandt the most important part of racing was to have fun.  He picked-up some useful racing skills while running with the KDKC and was able to apply them to what he did with the Mini Stock.  Everyone was very pleased with the results he was able to achieve last season.”

As they head into the new campaign at the tricky 1/3^rd of a mile bullring west of the LiftlockCity, the Graham Racing team of Dad and the Lad is both excited and tense.  Getting one car ready for the action can be stressful enough, but the preparing a pair of championship calibre teams takes some long hours in the garage and a dedicated crew to organize the Late Model and Mini Stock machines for battle.  Even though they’re always willing to welcome new crew members into the fold, Graham is confident in the team’s ability to do the job.

“My father-in-law Marten Rottine has a real passion for working on the racecars,” said the Fixed Operations Manager at Clarington Hyundai in Bowmanville.  “Without Marten, there’s no way that Brandt and I would be racing anywhere.  He works about 5 days a week year-round on the cars, tow vehicles and trailers.  We’ve been able to put together a great team of Mark Rottine, Blair Graham and my father, Ian.  These guys have been with me since the beginning and I appreciate their help in the shop and at the track.  Now that we’ll be running both cars on a regular basis, the work has doubled so we’ve recruited some new people.”

During the 2012 season – where Brandt Graham was named Kawartha Speedway’s Mini Stock rookie of the year – the 15 year-old ClarkeHigh School student admitted a desire to run head-to-head against his father on the speedway.  While that day may still be on the horizon, for now the youngster will be content to park beside his Dad in the pits at Peterborough.  To help his team, the sophomore speedster has brought in classmate Josh Ullrich to lend a hand on his car.

For the 2013 season, the #98 and #12B Graham Racing team will be supported by P.J. Larkin Salvage, Hot Rod Swag, Motorhead Canada and SJM Improvements, with promotional assistance from Clarke Motorsports Communications.  The team is always interested in hearing from prospective sponsors for their attack on the Vanguard Self Storage Late Model and Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stock divisions at Peterborough Speedway.  Contact Craig Graham at graham.98@hotmail.com or look for the team’s Facebook page at Graham 98 Racing.

Peterborough Speedway gets rolling for the year as Country 105 presents the 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th.  For full schedule details and the latest news, visit www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

To enhance the Autumn Colours experience and give drivers from different tracks some extra time on the tight 1/3^rd mile layout, officials will host 2 different Chase for the Colours qualifying events.  The winner of each extra distance show will earn the inside front row starting spot for their respective feature races during the annual Thanksgiving Weekend extravaganza.  Track owner/promoter JP Josiasse says the pole qualifying format – presented by Lucas Oil Products – is a popular experience for race teams and fans.

“Drivers love to get track time, especially when they’re coming into a highly competitive show like Autumn Colours,” said Josiasse.  “Peterborough Speedway is a tricky layout and can be a bit intimidating the first time you race here.  The chance to add some extra pages to your set-up notebook will help even the most experienced racer.”

The first Chase for the Colours pole qualifying show is Sunday, June 30^th and features a 75 lapper for the Late Models, as well as 25 lap Four Fun, 30 lap Mini Stock and 40 lap Thunder car main events.  Pit gates will open at 11:00, with spectator admission at 1:00 and racing at 2:30.  Saturday, August 3^rd a 50 lap OSCAAR Super Late Model and 30 lap OSCAAR Modified feature will be the highlight events for the touring ‘Chase’ format.  Pit gates open at 2:00, with grandstand admission at 4:00.  Racing begins at the regular 6:00.  The show will also include action for the Four Fun, Mini Stock and Renegade Truck divisions.

“The Autumn Colours Classic is easily one of the most important events on the annual motorsports landscape; evident by the fact that close to 230 different teams registered for the 2012 edition,” said Josiasse.  “Everyone who rolls through the pit gates has the same chance to drive away with the big prize, but claiming the pole position starting spot for the main event after winning one of the ‘Chase’ qualifiers could provide the motivation a team needs to make it to the winner’s circle.”

“Knowing when and where you’re going to run for the year can often be the final puzzle piece that needs to fit when it comes to signing a sponsor,” said Josiasse.  “Financial and product backing is an important part of short track racing and we’ve always been committed to giving our teams every possible advantage in that department.”

The year’s first green flag, presented by Country 105 – with free spectator grandstand admission – has been scheduled for Saturday, May 18^th but teams will have 3 chances to hit the track to fine-tune their equipment before the opening night.  A practice session has been booked for a 12:00 start Saturday, May 11^th with additional warm-up rounds planned to begin at 4:00 Tuesday and Thursday, May 14^th and 16^th.

With the Thunder Car division returning to the bullring on Mount Pleasant Road west of Peterborough for the first time since 2006 and new teams joining the ranks in the speedway’s other divisions, fans have already filled the internet forums with pre-season chatter that has track management excited about what’s in store for the next round of weekly wars.

“I’ve been responding to voicemail and e-mail messages since we waived the final checkered flag at Autumn Colours,” said Josiasse.  “Drivers are looking for changes to the rule book and asking to have registration forms sent.  It’s an exciting time of year, but we won’t actually know who’s coming until the opening night.”

For 2013, weekly racing at Peterborough Speedway will include Thunder Cars, Battlefield Four Fun, Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stocks, Moi Parry Spring Service Renegade Trucks and Vanguard Self Storage Late Models.  OSCAAR Super Late Model fans will have 2 regular season chances to see their favourites – on August 3^rd and August 24^th – with the upstart OSCAAR Modifieds on the bill for the first of the 2 events.

The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup tour will run a 100 lapper Saturday, August 10^th.  Other special divisions on the calendar will include the Ontario Legends, Hurricane Midgets and TQ Midgets.  Peterborough Speedway’s highlight event of the year is the 21^st annual Autumn Colours Classic, October 11^th, 12^th and 13^th with battles in nearly every asphalt racing division in the province, including OSCAAR Super Late Models, Open Wheeled Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Hurricane Midgets and the track’s 5 regular classes.

Fans can get details of the full 2013 schedule, including the Fan Appreciation Nights with toonie grandstand admission – June 1^st, July 20^th and August 17^th – during the Durham Fast and Furious Motorsports Expo – Saturday and Sunday, April 6^th and 7^th – at the Grant B. Rickard Recreation Centre, 2440 Highway 2 in Bowmanville.

Follow Peterborough Speedway on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to bookmark www.peterboroughspeedway.com to keep up with the latest news throughout the year.