2008 Year in Review... From the cheap seats

Guest · 2008-10-16T14:00:19Z

Well kinda bored today and we need to start a new topic on this side of the board so wanted to talk a little local racing, more specifically my take on the 2008 year at BSW. Year started off a little shaky, but I think by the end of it all things really turned around quite nicely. The LLM had a really rough first month with lots of tangle ups and caution filled races, but after the Twin 40s in June when "The Gambler Reynolds" won a caution free 35 lapper on June 14, from that point on the drivers really seemed to get that wrecking wasnt what the fans wanted to see, and we were treated to some great action for the remainder of the year. That year ender won by Jongen was one of the best races I witnessed all year so that was a personal highlight in 2008 for me. #19 Keith McLeod broke through and captured a title, after being close a couple times from 99-04. #10 Gordie Shepherd had a very solid season and his best points finish as well, and showed he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009. Was a really tight finish behind those 2, with Lewis, Jongen, and the 69 of Al Inglis separated by just a scant 9 points for positions 3-5 . Of the 3, Inglis was the only one that didnt win a feature but showed some remarkable consistency all season long. Any one of these 3 cars could also contend for a title in 09 I feel, and I can see all 3 returning. The four division rookies were a bit of a story as Meyer, Cronan, Kyle Baker and Woodward all preformed admirably throughout the season and all had make noticed improvement by years end. Woodward was the only one that won a heat race, and I think would of been alot higher up in the standings but for a missed night and lending his car to Keith on another occasion. In the Thunders, Davey captured his 4th Barrie title and the racing was really good most of the season. There was some carnage for sure, but thats gonna happen anytime you start 24 cars per night at this tight and tricky of a track. As mentioned the count hovered around 24-25 cars most nights so getting lots of cars is not a bad problem to have. #2 Eddie Tremblay matched Shepherd's accomplishments and also recorded a career best 2nd place finish. Again rookies performances were a nice story in this division with Brandon, Isherwood, Denhollander, Slavish, and Munce. Slavish and Isherwood won features in their rookie year in New Gen cars so they shared that feat in common. I think we have 10-12 New Gens at the track now so its nice to see them catching on, reminds one of the great racing in the old challenger days of the mid 90s. Pure Stock A count was a little low I feel, but they put on some great races at the first of the year. A nasty mid season fued developed mid season between two teams so lets hope they all have got it out of there system for 2009 before someone could get seriouslly hurt. Brandon Crumbie won his first championship after 6 years in the division, and its been fun to see him progress as a driver. With him moving to LLM next year it should be a interesting battle again for rookie honors, as Crumbie will find some stiff competition in Brad Holden and possibly others for that honor. I would look for Ben Melenhorst to be in contention for the title in Pure Stock A next year as I really think he might of won it this past season but for a unfortunate DQ. The biggest story in the 2nd year Charger division was the performance of 14 year old phenom Billy Melenhorst, who won the points title in his rookie year. He and #21 Desi Walt had a truly great fight till the end, and both should be commended on fine seasons. Billy accomplished all this without winning a feature all season ,but did win many heat races so that stat is somewhat amusing. The only other time I can really think of that happening was in 2003 at Sunset, when Morrow captured the LLM title, also without winning a feature. There were 20 cars most nights in the 4cyl starter division so its good to see we got some new blood continuing to enter our sport in the Barrie area. As mentioned the year started off a little rough with issues like increased pricing, questionable on track calls, increased security,stadium liquor licence, and a seemingly unwillingness to listen to drivers and fans from the new track owners, but they did alot of good things as well like reinstating the Power Hour, new scoreboard, and more seating so I think we all should give them some positive recognition for that as well. Its really shaping up to be one of the more interesting off seasons in the local racing scene so it will be interesting to see whats in store for 2009. Well theres my take on things as they stand, do you guys agree or disagree with my views on the way the season went??? And if you disagree give it to me I can take it!!!!!!!!FLMAO Wow that was a long rant!!!!LOL Look forward to seeing you all at the banquet in a few weeks should be good times. That night will run into my b day on Nov 2nd, and yes feel free to buy me a beer or t...

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koda04

Oct 22, 2008 10:34 am

(@koda04)

Joined: 1 second ago

i would like to thank everyone for a great season and amazing shows,'
on and off the track
this year is a year to remember,
see y'all at the banquet 🙂

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blkflagagain

Oct 25, 2008 2:56 pm

(@blkflagagain)

Joined: 1 second ago

Just another thing I would like to see in 09 is the return of the OSCAAR Super Lates to Barrie. Beyond the fact this has always been my fav touring series to watch, the local interest would be there in spades with former Barrie track champs Glenn Watson, Ian Bourque, and now Dwayne Baker all competing in that series full time in 09. Add to that young Brandon Watson who I think you will find will be a regular runner in 09, and that could really draw the fans out in droves. Now one of the best in that series the 70 of Hanley had stated he will never race Barrie again after the 05 season finale, in which they ran the LLM feature and OSCAAR didnt get there show in due to inclement weather. I think with the ownership change Jeff might be willing to make the haul again( although I cant speak for him personally). If they are indeed comtemplating cancelling the July NCATS race, I would like to see OSCAAR race the Sunday of the long weekend in July, with a big $$ LLM invitational added to that show, that would simply an be awesome spectacle. Who else would like to see OSCAAR return in 09????

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Thayne

Oct 25, 2008 4:26 pm

(@barrie97ps)

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Joined: 20 years ago

I think it is good for the track but personally i think it is too small a track for my tastes...and hanley wld show if he was points racing!

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koda04

Oct 25, 2008 7:01 pm

(@koda04)

Joined: 1 second ago

i would love to see oscaar run again for sure!

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