2011 Sunset Speedway Late Model Preview: Walters, Morrow, Witty and More
By: Ashley McCubbin, as it appears at http://newsfromthepits , 5/3/2011

Every weekend at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario, it seems apparent that the Late Model division shines the brightest at times as fans like the speed and level of competition brought to the table. Last year saw a variety of different winners throughout the year, though in the end, it was a past champion claiming the crown as Tom Walters did it.

Going into this season, it would seem as though Tom Walters would be the favourite, considering  how he is a 28-time Late Model Champion, with the majority of those championships coming at Sunset. Walters also proved his talent across the board in comparing all Late Model drivers as he won the McColl Racing Limited Late Model Touring Series Championship so a lot of people would have him at the top of their list.

Looking beyond Walters, other considerations are obviously available as this is one of the most competitive divisions at Sunset Speedway. In a poll done to get an idea on what people were thinking, 17% said Tom Walters while Chris Morrow led with 42% of the vote, followed by Jason Witty with 33% of the votes.

Chris Morrow is an obvious second choice behind Walters as he is an 8-time Late Model Champion, including last year at Kawartha Speedway. Morrow competed at both Kawartha Speedway and Sunset Speedway last year, running Kawartha Friday nights and Sunset Saturday nights, which saw him have success at both. While he won the championship at Kawartha, he finished second in points at Sunset Speedway. He also won multiple races on the way to the finish, winning the most races last year of any drivers. He was always competiting for top 10s week-in-week-out, though some bad nights bit him in the end. With the announcement coming at the end of the year that he’d be only competing at Sunset Speedway this year, one has to wonder if that will benefit him as his focus will be on one track.

While Morrow and Walters have lots of experience, Jason Witty enters this picture with fewer years under his belt. Don’t let that fool you as Witty is a multi-race winner and is always a threat to win every weekend. Last year saw him finish fifth in points so maybe have already asked the question whether this is the year he steps up or not.

Beyond those three, many looked towards the 18-year old sensation Brandon Watson, though he won’t be competiting at Sunset Speedway full time this year. Watson made the announcement at the beginning of this year that he would be competiting in the JEGS CRA Racing Series south of the border. He added that he will run some races at Sunset Speedway and other Canadian tracks, though his focus is on that series. Watson ran his first race of the series on April 23rd where he qualified 11th and finished ninth. The next race for Watson is on May 14th at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schereville, Indiana.

One driver who worked his way in to the top five rather quietly and isn’t thought to be a top contender is Dwayne Baker, who finished fourth in points. Baker ran up front each week, finishing in the top five on many occasions. If he can avoid trouble and win some races, will he be able to lock down the championship?

Another option for the victory would be Rob Poole, who is a past Thunder Car Champion under Sunset Speedway’s old configuration. This year marks Poole’s 11th season racing overall and fifth season in the Late Model division. Poole is known for being up front, contending for the wins, though was bit by a lot of bad luck last year with mechanical issues and wrecks, dropping them to a 13th place finish in points. If Poole can avoid the bad luck, will he be able to step up to the plate?

Another Sunset Speedway driver to watch will be Kevin Cornelius, who purchased Walters’ winning car at the end of last season. As Cornelius gets more laps under his belt with the new car, will be able to repeat Walters winning ways?

Speaking of the Walters clan, you best keep your eye on Walters’ teammate Sean Grossman who returns for his sophomore season. The Florida Native has chosen to once again make the trip from Florida each week to compete against Sunset’s best. He finished the year with a win late in the season, so he is definitely a driver to watch as he finds his groove.

Lastly in looking at Sunset Speedway competitors, you got to watch Tony Tiemersma as he already has a win under his belt with the season opener at Peterborough Speedway. He may not be there every week, though he is one to watch for wins.

While most of the focus tends to be on weekly competitors from last year, there is also a whole new crop of drivers entering the picture at Sunset Speedway this year.

Flamboro Speedway Super Stock Competitor Billy Zardo makes the jump to Sunset Speedway to join his brother, though instead of running Super Stocks will make his debut in a Late Model. Last year, he finished fourth in Flamboro’s Thunder Car points and with the success the Zardos are known for, it’d be no surprise if he brings more to the table.

Keith Maiato makes his return to Sunset Speedway this year after spending a couple of years at Barrie Speedwa. Maiato is known as a tough competitor and will be one to watch after finished fifth in points last year at Barrie.

Sauble Speedway competitor Jason Parker looks to be making the switch to Sunset Speedway after being one of their top contenders so it could be fun to watch to see if he repeats his success at a new track.

Beyond those mentioned, there is another whole host of drivers who will be competiting for wins week-in-week-out. The only thing that can be guaranteed with this division is that the racing will be tough, hard-fought and some of the best racing seen at the short track level.

Update 5-4-2011 12:53pm EST: Found out that Jason Parker will be running full-time at Sauble and only the M.R.E. Shootout events at Sunset Speedway so you can take him out of the equasion.