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2015 Tillsonburg Outlaws

Sept. 26 2015

Tillsonburg and Ohsweken Outlaws wrap up season at Coyote Raceway.

2015 was the first ever combined club Series.

Coyote Raceway was the host track.

The Series was sponsored by Smale Powder Coat of Mossley ON.

Track history: After a test race in 2014, it was decided that the track needed to be bigger and the track was totally changed for 2015. The high banking was maintained but the wood wall was removed and track enlarged. It took a while for the crew to figure out just how much water the track could and would take. Initially the track would tear up during the race program. By the third event the prepped track would stay smooth and we kept increasing the water applied. What was unexpected was just how much water the track needed. In Tillsonburg, 300 gallons each week is enough. Coyote needs 4000 gallons. That’s 13 times more water to make it through the night. We dried up ditches and wells trying to get water last minute during the early season races but by year end we had things figured out and had the best race surface yet at the Fall Classic Enduro. Track records fell in 3 of the 4 classes which is a sure sign the conditions were good.

Why did we run a combined Ohsweken-Tillsonburg series at the new track?

It has been argued that the smaller Indoor Track in Tillsonburg is intimidating for racers used to racing bigger outside tracks and the Coyote track gave everyone an equal opportunity to show what they could do with no home turf advantage.

Here is how it went down.

The Beginner Division had 3 different winners over the 4 races with #81 Chase Cameron winning two. Sadly he missed a night which took him out of the series. Props have to go out to him for racing and winning the Enduro with a cast on his recently broken arm. #16 Aubry Smith/ Woodstock won the Series over 07x Easton Longthorne(2^nd)/Innerkip and # 44 Jayden Dunn(3^rd)/Tillsonburg.

The Junior Division also had 3 different race winners with only Tom Pellizzari doubling up. The final race shuffled the standings somewhat and it was #45 Nick Sheridan/Mt Brydges in 1^st by a very slim margin. That’s all it takes though which #5 Tom Pellizzari/Tillsonburg in 2^nd. #14 Paige Smith/Woodstock was able to take 3^rd for her efforts.

The Senior Division were never able to knock #55 Scott Hall/Wilsonville out of top spot as he won 3 of the 4 events to take the Championship. Only #15 Kyle McGlone/Union beat him in the first event but chose not to complete the series. #22 Zach Kelly/Mt Brydges took 2^nd in the Series followed by #20 Aiden Maynard/Blenheim in 3^rd.

The Open Division was the only group that had a 4 time winner. #1 Holly Porter/Delhi figured out the track better than anyone and proved to be unbeatable this year. It must be that the track favours females because taking 2^nd was #79 Bea Courtnage/Harley.I have been racing against these girls for some time and there is no doubt that they are fast. Following up in third was a tie with #34 Scott Chesterman/Delhi and # 7 Dave Chesterman/Langton.

The Series was dominated by Tillsonburg racers for 2015. Will team Ohsweken re-group over the winter and get revenge in 2016? Only time will tell.

The Coyote Raceway series is open to racers from both clubs and does not require any additional memberships. Outlaw Karts used at either club are legal to race at Coyote.

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September 23, 2015 race report

For some time we have preached that for a driver to improve, his competition has to improve first.Eventually everyone gets very fast, and very even. Last night certainly showed closeness of the racing with a Beginner tie for first, a Junior tie for 3^rd and an Open tie for 4^th. There were several ties for the Summer season championships as well but that is for another newsletter.

The Lubricare Beginners top three points went like this. 69, 69, 68. That’s close to a three way tie as possible. Aubry Smith and Easton Longthorne tied for first which means Jayden Dunn was only one point off.

Smale Powder Coat Juniors took the series to the end but Nick Sheridan won the night followed by Tom Pellizzari in 2^nd. Tied for third were Noah Longthorne and John Jackson Jr.

John Costello Seniors finished the season with Zach Kelly winning the night over Scott Hall which protected his Summer Championship.

The Chesterman Opens went to the girls again this week as Bea Courtnage took first followed by Holly Porter in second. Scott Chesterman finished up in third.

Two important dates to remember.

Coyote Raceway championship race is Saturday September 26 2015 with 5:30 practice.

Awards Banquet is Saturday October 17 2015

Millbridge Speedway report from Canada for Saturday night Sept 12 2015.
It has taken us a few visits but we are starting to get some results on and off the track. The Canadian Anthem is now part of the Opening ceremonies plus along with the North Carolina and USA flags, the third pole proudly flew the Canadian Flag. While the Canadian version was playing, Carson Elledge turned to one of her friends and said, "Why are they playing that? Brent Smith was standing beside her and ...replied, "because I'm from Canada". We all had a good laugh. The night before I was entertained by her younger sister, Kennedy while she described her on and off track racing adventures. Never in a million years did I every figure I would be joking around in the pits with Dale Ernhardt's grand kids. Go figure.
On the track, it is tough to break into that A main. Even with a smaller field of 31 drivers, dang it they are fast. This event, the qualifying points went towards the start position of the mains but good times put you at the back of the heats. Great, maybe I can hold off the fast guys and go direct to the A main. Well, no such luck. There were less heat crashes than last year and pretty quickly the heats un-inverted and the 1st & 2nd moved on to the Amain. Our 3 drivers all went to the B1 or B2 mains but with pretty decent start postions. Brent and I still just cannot run fast enough to get the results we want but Scott got in by getting 3rd in his B main. That doesn't sound that hard but he had to keep one of the fastest qualifiers behind him to do it.
Anyways, when you just make it into the A main, you start at the back, 19 out of 20. Something clicked and Scott was able to run the top line. Up to about 10th within the first 10 laps. While struggling to get into 7th, he spun and brought out the caution. Restarting from the rear, his progress slowed but was able to get back up to 8th with the help of a few other crashes. So far, that is the best Canadian finish. Oddly enough, after driving 13 hours to go to a race, I think every time I raced, I had Hannah Ferrell lined up beside me and more than once we were dealing with each other rather than the local drivers. I guess one of us is going to have to get faster so we don't keep getting put in the same heats and mains. LOL
You know there was some celebrating afterwards. Brent and Scott were even crowned Miss Millbridge. LOL

Millbridge, Sept. 11/2015

Ist race done for the night. Scott made the A main via the B main. Started 11th, got to 8th, tangled working on 7th and dropped to 10th. Worked his way back to 8th by race end. I thought I might squeak into the A as well and on three starts was able to go from 5th to 3rd without damage but the group finally got a clean start I was in 5 th and stayed there until a flat tire slowed me down in the final laps. Brent also finished the other B main with a flat tire as well. Hannah was in my B race and got me on the final lap. We grabbed some grub afterwards and then went to check out Jimmy Elledge 's man cave.

This weekend is the Open Division road trip to the Sept. 11 race at
Iredell County Fairgrounds ($1000 to win) Open race on Friday night followed by the Millbridge Speedway ($2500 to win) Open
race on Saturday night. Both races are part of the Speed Week for our division in North Carolina.

Sept 9th 2015

The kids are back in school and the nights are coming sooner. Only two races remain now to complete the Indoor Summer Series.
This week the Beginners were offered the chance to run with the Juniors and they jumped at the chance. Not only did we see the speed of these kids pick up when they had faster karts to chase, they also ran longer races. Little Aubry Smith informed Dad that here kart was not running right and after he figure...d out that the fuel tank was empty, he had to agree. LOL It is pretty hard to race without learning something and I saw a couple of our newer Juniors who can run very fast but have not had much passing practice this season. The Beginners gave them a chance to sharpen their skills. The seasoned Juniors continue to push one another to a level none of them could achieve without others being so close. John, Nick and Tom continue to run at the front most weeks and it is great to see them run so fast and so smart. The Seniors also ran with the Juniors this week which may be something we look at for next season if the kart count permits.
The Open’s found the track to their liking as two lines developed over the night. It made for a lot of side by side racing that often doesn’t develop in this group
.
Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners
1st Easton Longthorne 2nd Aubry Smith 3rd Jayden Dunn

Sept 1 2015 race Update

Despite the calendar saying it is September, we have had a very hot and humid week.I know a lot of parents are celebrating the return to school which is fast approaching with Labour Day being the last indication that summer is over.With 3 regular races left and the final 100 lap race remaining, it seems the race season is winding down as well. Teams have been peaking at the points to see just where they stand. Several division are very close.

The Lubricare Beginners finished very close this week. Ashton Vanevery and Easton Longthorne tied for third and were narrowly edged by Jayden Dunn for second. Aubry Smith saw things go her way with a perfect night taking first overall. This whole group is clearly ready for the challenge of the next division.

The Smale Powder Coat Juniors welcomed the John Costello Seniors to run with them and mix things up a little bit. Honestly the combination of the heavier drivers getting more horsepower makes the group a very good fit with similar lap times. Paige Smith finished up in third but in front of her was a tie for second. That was John Jackson Jr and Noah Longthorne. They only gained one point on Paige. Taking the win with only one extra point was Nick Sheridan.Tom Pellizzari had some bad luck keeping the tires on the ground or he would have been right in there too. The group is that close. No doubt that is what is giving them all such a great opportunity to improve.

Zach Kelly liked being in with the Juniors and took the senior win over Scott Hall who had an engine that refused to start while on the grid. Sadly it decided to fire after the track went green. He did get on at the first caution but since Zach completed all 35 laps, there was no way to catch him.

The Chesterman Power Products Opens but on a great pair of races without hardly a caution. Either they are getting better or the caution causers were absent? Brent Smith did his best to give us a couple of rests by spinning out but there really was not a single crash. Bea Courtnage kept things going for 3^rd while John Smibert took second. Holly Porter and Scott Chesterman split the points in first.

So, next week is Labour Day which pushes our race back to Wednesday Sept 9 2015.

Speedweek in North Carolina is Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th for the Open division who are making the trip. Bea or John, we still have room for one in our trailer. Likely the easiest way to get to a race you will find.

Race Report for Aug. 25 2015

The best track conditions yet for the Smale Powder Coat Long track Outlaw Kart series is what racers got who took a chance that the weather forecast was correct despite some heavy looking clouds moving in.
I do so enjoy a cool race evening to clear the mind. The general crowd demeanor is always better when it is not so blasted hot. On top of that, the track held up all night without maintenance which means the racing finished up totally on schedule and by 9:30 most of the teams were already on their way home.
In the Beginners, # 16 Aubry Smith had a great night with her Mom as pit crew and took the overall by winning the final main. She was followed by Jayden Dunn and Easton Longthorne. This was enough to move Aubry up to a very close 2nd in the Outdoor Series behind Jayden Dunn. Chase Cameron who was leading the series missed the night which dropped him way down the standings. With the points being so close for the top 4 drivers in Beginners, it will be the 100 lap Enduro which will decide the overall Championship.
Paige Smith won the final main in Juniors but it was not enough to overcome Tom Pellizzari’s point lead for the night, who took overall. Nick Sheridan finished the night in 3rd. Interesting, it was Noah Longthorne who set fast time in time trials, but Paige Smith set the Junior track record in the next main. It didn’t stand long though as Nick Sheridan topped it in the final main. Junior track record stands at 10.979 seconds. Currently Tom Pellizzari is top dog in the Coyote Series but Nick, Paige, John and Rayse are all within striking distance.
Scott Hall showed he means business in the series as he took the nights win and holds the series lead. Interestingly, it was Zach Kelly who first discovered that he could thread the needle by straddling two pot holes and run a very smooth line on the North end of the track. He was in the lead at the time and it kept him there. Part way through the race, Scott Hall discovered the same line and it was enough for Scott to set the Senior track record. At nights end, Zack Kelly was 2nd and Zachary Stefanski was 3rd. For the series, it is Aiden Maynard in 2nd and Amber Meyer in 3rd.
The Open division put on a great show with 3 different drivers sharing the night’s glory. Holly Porter was fastest in the time trials and won the first main. John Smibert, who spun late in the final main had to restart from the back but made it through the group to take the win. Holly Porter finished first for the night, followed by John Smibert and Bea Courtnage. Scott Chesterman managed to set Lap record at 9.226 but was unable to finish a race breaking a motor mount bolt in the first main and exploded a front rim in the second. Cody Coburn didn’t have much better luck but the no run issue is currently undisclosed. As for the series chase, Holy Porter, Cody Coburn and Myself are the top three.

If you missed this weeks race, you missed a great night both on and off the track.
Regular Summer Series racing returns to the Indoor track on
Sept 1 2015 .
We better do some picture taking so clean up those karts for a pre practice photo.

Aug 18 Race Report

This week I witnessed a couple of disturbing things. First, while driving into town I noticed some of the trees are starting to change colour somewhat. Just where did summer go? Second, I managed to flip my own kart without the help of anyone else. On the bright side I figured out how to get too much traction. LOL

I have wondered at times if we are providing too much race experience for our young drivers. After a few short years, they have gotten very good. As a result they seem ready to take on bigger challenges. I see no reason to discontinue our quest for accelerated driver skill improvement and will be looking for more drivers to step into the Open class at younger ages than we first anticipated. 5 years ago I could not have imagined just how good our kids were going to get but when you think for a moment, we have 10 year olds that have over 100 races completed. In that time they have had good opportunity to experience most things a racer will experience in a lifetime, regardless of age. Good and bad Sportsmanship, smooth and rough tracks, aggressive and passive drivers, checkers and wreckers. You name it, they have likely experienced it. Sometimes the process of learning is uncomfortable for parents but in the end, a driver becomes a well-rounded racer. This week I watched two Juniors lock wheels which a couple years ago would have saw these two drivers crash into the wall. This week they both figured where it was time to shut it down and the wall never got involved. How do you learn that without having first hit the wall?You don’t. Good judgement is the result of prior bad decisions. You have to find out for yourself just what works and what doesn’t. Clearly these two have learned how to avoid the wall even when things are not going the way they wanted. Cudos to them.So what is my point?

Good racers are a result of racing experience. In a short time our racers get a lot of experience.

This week’s results.

Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners Ashton Vanevery, Jayden Dunn and Easton Longthorne went 1,2,3 in that order.

The Smale Powder Coat Juniors and John Costello Seniors ran together for the Sprint and the 25 lap main. The 35 Lap main they were class specific. I can’t think of a better way to get to race with a full track. Oddly enough, the lighter drivers with less horsepower are a pretty good match for the Seniors. I don’t recall how they finished combined but when separated, it was Tom Pellizzari in 1^st, Nick Sheridan in 2^nd and Noah Longthorne in 3^rd.The seniors were Scott Hall, Aiden Maynard and Zach Kelly in 1,2,3. Those results include the correction for the jumped start in the 2^nd Main.

Cody Coburn made good use of his Pole starts in the Chesterman Open Division taking 1^st overall. Scott Chesterman did manage to get up to 2^nd but was complaining about having too much power. (Really?) Bea Courtnage was only a point behind in 3^rd. I will point out to this division that there is a really good road trip coming up to North Carolina on the weekend of September 12^th ,13^th. Bea and John, if you go once, you will want to go every year. Cody should be going too but apparently he turns into a Carny that weekend.All three of you will be competitive on a National level. Let’s test out just where you sit.

Next race is the combined event at Coyote Raceway on Tuesday Aug 25^th.

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Double Race Report

Tillsonburg Outlaws August 11 Race

Since I was in Iowa for this race I will have to summarize what happened back home.

Clearly #44 Jayden Dunn is enjoying his new to him kart as he swept the Lubricare Center Beginners this week. #07x Easton Longthorne raced him to the end thought which gave him 2^nd place followed by # 77e Ashton Vanevery. These drivers are all starting to break into the 9 second zone which is strong enough to give a few Juniors a run.

Speaking of Juniors, the Smale Powder Coat division had a tie for first place. # 45 Nick Sheridan and # 31 John Jackson Jr each had 70 points when the night was finished. # 88 Noah Longthorne was close with 65 points. The Juniors ran with the Seniors the first two races and I can tell by the lap times that the Seniors have their hands full with this group.

The John Costello & Associates Seniors continue to have some great racing despite their numbers being a bit lower than we would like to see. None the less, they are learning and getting faster every week and the added mix of Junior competition is keeping them on their toes. This week it was # 22 Zach Kelly who had an almost perfect night only being beat in the Sprint by 3^rd place #20a Aiden Maynard. # 55 Scott Hall finished up in second between the two.

I can just see it now. Cody Coburn was hoping to have a perfect night since I wasn’t on the track but # 79 Bea Courtnage had other ideas and took the perfect night for herself. # 19 Coburn still had a good points night putting 70 big ones in his pocket towards the Championship. Marc and Kate Courtnage continue to struggle with running issues but still had third handled.

That brings us around to the Iowa race which finished up the same night. Brent Smith(and daughters) , Holly Porter, Scott and Dave Chesterman wanted to see some new competition and compare just where our club is standing. A 35 driver field was waiting for us. Trying to be one of 18 who run the A Main makes for some crazy heat races and B mains. When the heats were done, Scott and Holly were sitting 12 and 14 with 4 more openings to come from the B mains. Sadly, I got into a battle that left me shy of the transfer spot with a guy who was a master of passing 3 rows of cars before the start line. To say the poor start line ups were unpenalized, would be an understatement. Anyways, he couldn’t go around a corner to save his life and with a little assistance from myself, he had to start from the back on each restart. LOL . Brent Smith just couldn’t find the traction he needed and his night also ended at the B mains. When the A main was done, Holly pulled off one of her famous last lap passes to push Scott down to 8^th while she finished 7^th. Scott says it was because his brake caliper was laying on the track the last 3 laps. I know he was using his brakes before that because 30 minutes later when we found it on the track, it was too hot to pick up.

These road trips aren’t only about the racing. It is fun to see the other things that are going on. Several mobile kart stores were at the track so when Holly needed a motor mount it was not a big deal. Later on most of our group went to check out the Outlaw Sprint Nationals which totally takes over the town of Knoxville. Walking the pits, Scott spotted “local” girl Alex Hill and later thought the guy in from of him looked familiar. He blurted out “Hi Jeff” and sure enough, Jeff Gordon turned around to see who was talking to him. On Saturday, Brent, Paige and Aubry were still at the races when they decided supper across the road at the Dairy Queen was in order. While there, in walks Kyle Larson and Tony Stewart. I know there are pictures for proof but I don’t have them yet.

Since most of the racing takes place in the evenings, we went looking for other attractions. We managed a day at a swanky National Resort beach that a local recommended. We also spent a morning checking out the local play parks where Brent proved he could crawl though the same cave tunnels as the girls. I am sure those pictures will surface for the banquet. All in all, it was a good trip and I can see our results are improving.

for pictures, check out our Tillsonburg Outlaws facebook page

That’s all for now

Next race is Tuesday Aug 18 Indoors

Aug 5 2015 Race Update

This was a night of firsts. First regular points race at Coyote Raceway. First time Mother Nature helped us with just the right amount of water. First time we ran all 3 Suburu divisions together for all three races. First time I saw 4 wide several times without it ending in disaster. First time the track came in with a high groove that was very fast. First time I saw Rayse Meyer using that high line and he looked very fast and comfortable up there. Great Fun and does show the high skill levels of all our drivers.

Lubricare Center Beginners, 1^st #44 Jayden Dunn, 2^nd #16 Aubrey Smith

Smale Powder Coat Juniors, 1^st tie # 5 Tom Pellizzari and #45 Nick Sheridan, 2^nd # 31 John Jackson Jr, 3^rd #93 Rayse Meyer

John Costello Seniors, 1^st Scott Hall, 2^nd Aiden Maynard, 3^rd Zack Kelly

The Experts put on a great show and more than a few spectators were blown away with the speed of a kart running the outside line. Scott Chesterman and Holly Porter put on a clinic of wheel to wheel racing. One high and one low with the occasional swap of locations and lead change. At the wire it was Holly that had her nose out to take the win. Cody Coburn and John Smibert and Bea Courtnage were tied for 3^rd. Bea Courtnage won the Best Flip Contest by such a large margin, we didn’t even need to vote on the winner. Once we got her off the track we noticed branches with leaves laying there. Just how high did you go??????

Next race will be Indoors on Tuesday Aug 11 in Tillsonburg

July 30 Race Report

Dirt racing could also be described “ever changing track conditions”

As a promotor of the sport, a perfect tacky smooth track is the goal but it is harder to do than say. After watering continuously all day, we still did not have enough moisture in the dirt. A cruel reversal of what Mother Nature threw at us last month when the rain wouldn’t stop. This week, the sun and the wind evaporated the water faster than we could get it to soak down in.More watering equipment is going to be the answer for our next try.

The new lights let us run after dark however the expected dew on the track to hold the dust never materialized either.One thing can be said though, whether dry or wet, dusty or muddy, rough or smooth, every driver faces the same challenge. Go around the track faster than your competitors while driving at a speed suitable for the conditions. Going too fast on a gripy track can actually flip the kart over sideways, too fast on a dry track means you drift out to the wall. The excitement happens when the driver exceeds the limit. You know the old saying. “You have to finish before you can win”. For the most part, the drivers adapted to the conditions and there was some great racing with just slightly slower than normal lap times.

In the Lubricare Tillsonburg Beginners # 44 Jayden Dunn/Tillsonburg narrowly edged out last months winner #81 Chase Cameron/St Thomas for 1^st overall. 07x Easton Longthorne/Innerkip was able to hold off #16 Aubry Smith to take 3^rd.

Smale Powder Coat Juniors were very quick to adjust their race line as the leaders figured out how to cut high over one hole and low under the next. While doing so, they were getting some very fast lap times. Taking the win was #31 John Jackson Jr/Port Stanley after # 45 Nick Sheridan (2^nd overall) had some rough luck in the first main and lost a sprocket. Not to take anything away, Jackson was also fastest in time trials. From there the field was really close but it was #14 Paige Smith/Woodstock taking 3^rd over Tom Pellizzari.

The John Costello Seniors put on a great show as well with #55 Scott Hall/Wilsonville winning overall. Scott has been honing his big track skills for a few years now and he is always fast on a big track. The break out surprise was #20a Aiden Maynard who had to have the best ride of his career. He qualified third fastest and won the first main. In the final race he started at the back with Scott Hall and matched Scott’s speed move for move as they went through the field and around the bumps. Sometimes it is in the toughest conditions that the light comes on for a driver and they go from mid field to front of the pack. Nice run Aiden. #22 Zach Kelly/Mt Brydges kept the pressure on both of them for 3^rd.

How did the Chesterman Power Products Open’s make out on the rough track? Depends who you ask. There was a smooth way around the track but it was not running where everyone wanted to. You either changed your line or had a bumpy ride. Oh, and the track was loose on the exit of both corners so feathering the throttle and feeling for traction was a better choice than hitting the wall or spinning out.#1 Holly Porter caught a break when several drivers decided to sit out the last feature. That meant that even with a broken frame, she was able to start the race and do a lap, taking fourth place and the overall win. Sometimes you have to do the math if you want to win. Had one more Open hit the track, #19 Cody Coburn would have won the overall but instead settled for 2^nd. Cody was really fast but while leading the first main by a fair amount, got a little exited and ran higher than the track went. He was able to restart, but his win was not to be until the 2^nd main. Taking 3^rd was #15 Brent Smith. His daughter Aubry put it well. “My Dad beat you” LOL . And so I was 4^th.

That’s about it for this week’s adventure at the track.

This weekend is a long weekend which means our regular Tuesday race is on Wednesday Aug 5, however, Scott wants a do over on the rough track. The regular Indoor race is being held at Coyote Raceway on Wednesday Aug 5. Anyone may come but the points only count toward the Tillsonburg Outlaw Summer Series.

Race Update. July 21 2015 Race.

Well, I just had a nice visit from Al and Barb Welter who live in North Carolina. They also owned Millbridge Speedway for many years before recently passing it on to the current owners. It’s always fun to compare tracks and racing in general. For those new to our Club page, we have been down to Millbridge NC 3 times recently to race with Open 500’s and will be going again in September. We hit the large televised races which should have footage on YouTube soon enough. I will provide a link when the Speedweek program has aired and becomes free to see.

Meanwhile in Tillsonburg, The Lubricare Beginners put on a good show but it was Jayden Dunn who found his groove the best. Jayden had a perfect night with 3 wins while Ashton Vanevery managed 2^nd already.Easton Longthorne had a good night but had to settle for 3^rd.

Smale Powder Coat Juniors continue to trade wins but this week Tom Pellizzari was able to squeak by Nick Sheridan by a point when we tabulated the results. John Jackson Jr had the rest of the field covered and took 3^rd.

The Seniors also had a very close top three this week but it was new driver Syd Hess who took top spot winning two of the top three spots. I caught up with Syd and asked where he has drove before because rarely do you see a Senior driver show up and drive as smooth as he was after only a couple of weeks. His answer was he plays a lot of video games. Go figure. Maybe I should try that to improve my times. Zach Kelly was ripping along with his recently repaired engine after missing several weeks to take 2^nd.Gabby Darling was only a point behind in third.

Chesterman Power Product Open Division turnout was strong again with Cody Coburn going 2-1 for first overall. Scott Chesterman ran 3-2 for second and Holly Porter in third with a 4-3. Sadly, in the 30 lap feature I had the destinction of having the slowest “fast” lap. I think I will take Syd’s advice and try some video games.

July 14 2015 Race Update

Rainy weather on race day seems to be the norm for us this year but luckily, does not have much effect on an Indoor track.

Come race time, the weather was nice and the track was as close to perfect as ever.

The Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners got underway right on time. Easton Longthorne squeaked by his competitors for the overall this week. Tied in second were Ashton Vanevery (in only his second week) and Jayden Dunn. This is going to be a very close series.

The Smale Powder Coat Juniors continue to mix and match results with aggressive racing and a group full of competitive drivers. Nick Sheridan of Mount Brydges won the overall with Noah Longthorne and John Jackson Jr nipping at his heels and tied for second. Only a point off, Tom Pellizzari was third.

The John Costello and Associate Seniors. Results were adjusted this week after a driver was found to be lighter than rules allow. That means this week’s winner is Gabby Darling (St Thomas). I am not sure but this may be Gabby’s first overall win. Aiden Maynard of Blenheim was second and Zach Kelly (Mt Brydges) was third.

The action in the Chesterman Power Product Opens continues to be wild. The girls were out to show they were serious this week taking two of the top three spots. Bea Courtnage of Harley came out swinging and took overall. That girl is hard to beat when she doesn’t spin herself out. And to answer your question Bea, Yes sometimes a driver drive’s away from a caution they caused and therefore do not likely get sent to the rear. I watched the video replay and that exact thing happened after you slide sideways causing a pile up as you drove away.It always works both ways so in the end, even though it may not seem fair at the time, it has a way of working out. Of coarse that is assuming it is not the same joker causing the wrecks all the time. Anyways, taking second was Scott Chesterman and third was Holly Porter(man).

Dates to remember

Tuesday July 21, 2015Next race in Tillsonburg

Tuesday July 25, No Tillsonburg Race but World of Outlaws are in Ohsweken

THURSDAY July 30 2015 Coyote Speedway race

Further out the Open Division have the option of racing in Tillsonburg or Knoxville, Iowa on August 11.

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July 7 2015 Race update

Results

Lubricare Center Tillsonburg Beginners---- # 44 Jayden Dunn 1^st, # 16 Aubry Smith 2^nd, 07x Easton Longthorne 3^rd

Smale Powder Coat Juniors---- #31 John Jackson Jr 1^st, #14 Paige Smith 2^nd, # 45Nich Sherdian and # 5 Tom Pellizzari tied, 3^rd

John Costello and Associates Seniors---- Kyle McGlone 1^st, #18 Gabby Darling 2^nd, #20 Aiden Maynard 3^rd

Chesterman Power Products Opens--- # 19 Cody Coburn 1^st, # 1 Holly Porter and #34 Scott Chesterman tied 2^nd, # 7 Dave Chesterman and #79 Mark Courtnage tied 3^rd.

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From the Tower……..

To pass or not to pass?

That is the question.

Currently, the Open Division is dealing with the dilemma that is the basis for the rough driving complaints this time around. Not always the same division, the issue involves the opinion that a driver is driving too rough when passing. Over the years, it has been directed at a lot of different drivers.

When inverting the field based on the prior week, what outcome do we want?

Is it better to have the lead driver be able to hold their spot and finish the race in their position or should a faster driver expect to be able to pass if indeed they are faster?

The program we run is designed to help the slower drivers have a fighting chance by starting them in the front and giving a fast driver the challenge and practice of learning to pass. That all works until the slower drivers become not so slow. The fast drivers have to get aggressive to get by or just drive around and settle for their current position.

Over the years, I have watched teams go through our program. They start by loving the racing, loving the inverted field starts and have a great time. Then they get faster. They complain that they are getting passed roughly. The trouble starts when a driver decides it is time to stop yielding to a driver behind them, which with an inverted start is likely a faster driver. In time, the same driver becomes as fast or faster than their peers. They start passing and never feel they are the one’s passing rough. They no longer complain about rough driving because the complaints are directed at them now.

To avoid this, many tracks do not invert the field and line them up with drivers to the rear. It makes for less tempers and hard feelings but also less passing over the night. Our program has accelerated the skill level of every driver who has gone through our program. I like the system but for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to keep everyone happy as they transition through the stages of skill. It all works until a driver says “no way are you passing me” and then they get passed anyway…. and the crew is …., (there is a few words I could put in there but let’s use) “frustrated” .

To some, the easy answer is to stop the aggressive passes. That is easy to implement as a club but when I watch a race under that temperament, nothing happens. The leader sets the lap times and the pack follows until someone crashes or the race is over.

Personally, when I am driving, having a good night and feel like I am going fast, one of two things happens. I don’t feel any “bumps” or see the hood of someone’s kart almost beside me and I race on, OR, I feel a bump or two and see the hood and know that someone is all over me and clearly I am holding them up. I used to try to hold them off or go faster but it usually ended with me spinning out and being sent to the rear. Today, I give them a quick opportunity to pass cleanly by swinging high in the next corner and continue on. If the person behind me is faster they are by in a flash. If not, at least I gave them a chance. We do a lot of racing over the summer and it is not too hard to perfect the get passed “gently” move. If they were faster, they are not in my way, if not, I try to get them back.

If every racer took this view, we wouldn’t have the hard feelings or the rough passing.

From a management point of view, if we change or don’t change the way we have been racing, ½ the group is not happy. The “trying to pass” drivers complaining that it is impossible to pass OR the “getting passed” drivers complaining that it is too rough. That is the tight rope that the club walks.

2015 Spring Series Results

Points were tabulated with each racers lowest night removed from the standings. In effect it is the best 7 out of 8 nights racing.

Up first is the Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners. Over the series, six Beginners came out to give racing a shot. These kids may only be 5 years old, some are 7 or 8. Either way, by the end of a series, this group is ripping along pretty good and more then a few spectators have been surpised at the quality of racing they are able to achieve when the kids hop out of the karts. Rookie Jayden Dunn was able to grab 3^rd in the spring series but has improved so much, he may be a threat for the Summer Championship. 3^rd year racer, Aubry Smith grabbed 2^nd just edging out Jayden. Last years Rookie, Noah Longthrone was the dominant driver in the Beginners this spring, taking 1^st overall. Noah is moving up to Junior so there will be a new King or Queen in the Beginners for the Summer Series.

Last week I said I had no idea who won the Smale Powder Coat Juniors. Now I know why. After 8 weeks of racing, the points lead changed 5 times between 3 drivers. The final change happened the last week as Tom Pellizzari overtook series leader Nick Sheridan. 8 Weeks of racing and it came down to the final night. WOW. Right in there most nights was John Jackson Jr which put him in 3^rd overall edging out competent drivers , Paige Smith and Rayse Meyer.

John Costello and Associates Seniors had a good battle going between the top three this Spring. Missed events played into the results beyond the top two positions. Scott Hall Narrowly edged out Ty Freeman by 4 points to take the Spring Series Championship. Kyle McGlone, who won 4 of the 6 nights was a threat whenever he entered the track was not able to overcome the extra night he missed but was still strong enough for 3^rd.

Chesterman Power Products Open division was the largest group of the series with 10 drivers trying their luck. With a full track most nights, the action is always entertaining. The field has gotten very deep with no less than 7 karts in the hunt for the win on any given night After 8 weeks, Cody Coburn and myself were tied for 5^th. Open Rookie, John Smibert made good use of his new kart and grabbed 4^th in the Series. Hannah Ferrell, who is not very old but is one of our original Beginners has lots of racing on her resume was able to take 3^rd. The girls were trying to take over the top three as Holly Porter finished up 2^nd with a healthy lead over the rest of the pack but not close enough to her guy to kick him out of top spot. No longer a given that Scott Chesterman will win on any given night, he was still able to put the series together for the win.

The final race to the end is the Smale Powder Coat high points contingency fund. So far in the running are…

Tom Pellizzari 545, Nick Sheridan 541, Scott Hall 534, Ty Freeman 521,Hannah Ferrell 510, Paige Smith 509,

This total points award does not have any nights dropped, Attendance is crucial for best scores.

June 30 2015 Race Report

This week was the wind up for the 2015 Spring Series. Lawrence has not provided me with the final Results yet but I do have the Nights Results

Noah Longthorne completed his last night in the Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners in fine fashion winning all three races. Noah moves up to Junior next race, and in fact, I just finished his engine conversion on Friday. Jaydon Dunn, who was in a new to him kart this week had a much smoother ride and was able to edge out Easton Longthorne for 2^nd.

I honestly have no idea who grabbed the Smale Powder Coat Junior championship this spring because the group has had so many different winners. This week it was Tom Pellizzari taking the top spot with a perfect night. Nick Sheridan was 2^nd, and Paige Smith was 3^rd. Noah Longthorne ran with the group and looked very good, even with less horsepower.

Finally, finally finally, the John Costello Seniors seemed to get the idea of letting someone run beside themselves with enough respect to not push the other out to the wall. It made for racing that was much more interesting to watch and let them showcase what they can do as side by side racing does require competency of everyone driving. It was nice to see. When the night was over, Scott Hall was top man with Ty Freeman in 2^nd and Kyle McGlone in 3^rd.

The Chesterman Power Products Opens were fast as always but as the group skill level has improved, passing cleanly has gotten very difficult with our current program. The general sentiment from some of the teams has me wondering what they want? A few figure it is possible to race without contact but the result is going to be zero passing. If we are going to just line up and drive around and finish in the order we started, I am done racing. We will be having a meeting next week to make black and white what we expect on the track because it seems some have taken the attitude that if a driver tries to pass them, they should run them into the infield or into the wall. Expert Teams must attend next week’s Open drivers meeting (following the regular meeting) or they may find themselves sitting out some action.

So how did they finish last week? 1^st, Holly Porter, 2^nd John Smibert, 3^rd Hannah Ferrell

That’s the recap. I will get busy and do a Series Wrap up ASAP

June 23 2015 Race report

Smale Powder Coat Long track series and Tillsonburg Outlaws Spring Series combined race.

The weatherman predicted with 100% certainty that we would be rained out the night before the race. While we did have a river flowing through the pits the morning of the race, the well planned water route worked out. The high bank track ran the water off so well, that we had to put multiple tanks of water on just before the racing started to get the dry dirt back to tacky.

Considering this was the first race on the Long track ever, the night went very well. We decided to not have any inner barrier for the first race to see where the race line would form naturally. Oddly enough, despite wanting a bigger track to try, most racers did their best to make the track as small as possible. Next race will see something to restrict cutting the end of the track.

In the end, everyone was able to adapt to the new track with high banks in short order and the racing was as good as ever. Thanks to the Ohsweken racers who made the trip to try out the new track as well. This is going to be a very competitive mini series. (4 races)

Results

Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners

1^st- #81 Chase Cameron, 2^nd - #88 Noah Longthorne , 3^rd- #16 Aubry Smith, 4^th - # 07x Easton Longthorne, 5^th - # 77 Ashton Vanevery, 6^th-# 44 Jayden Dunn

Smale Powder Coat Juniors

1^st- # 5 Tom Pellizzari, 2^nd- #45 Nick Sheridan, 3^rd - # 14 Paige Smith, 4^th - #31 John Jackson Jr, 5^th- #93 Rayse Meyer, 6^th- #85 Jacob Ross, 7^th -# 48 Lance Erskine, 8^th- #14 Cody Wilds

John Costello & Associates Seniors

1^st - # 15m Kyle McGlone, 2^nd -# 55s Scott Hall, 3^rd - # 20a Aiden Maynard, 4^th – #17 Ty Freeman, 5^th, - # 18 Gabby Darling, 6^th- #93 Amber Meyer, 7^th - # 14 Spencer Davis

Chesterman Power Products Opens

1^st – # 1 Holly Porter, 2^nd – # 8 Hannah Ferrell, 3^rd - # 19 Cody Coburn, 4^th - # 79 Bea Courtnage, 5^th - # 34 Scott Chesterman, 6^th - #7 Dave Chesterman, 7^th -#92 Ryan Korevaar, 8^th- #48 Andre Marshall, 9^th -#15 Brent Smith, 10^th -# 02 John Smibert

Next race, Indoors on June 30 2015 which concludes the Spring Series

June 23 Coyote Raceway is a go.

Overnight rain did not mess us up this time as we learned some hard lessons last year. Long Track Series goes tonight as planned. We will have to water the track in the afternoon for the evenings racing. Make sure you attend the first event of four, tonight, June 23 2015

June 16 Race Report
The action in the Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners heated up this week with the arrival of Ashton Vanevery from the Ohsweken club. Ashton used the night to get the feel for the track and by nights end was doing quite well. When the results were tallied, it was
#88 Noah Longthorne in 1st
‪#‎07x‬ Easton Longthorne in 2nd and
#16 Aubry Smith in 3rd

June 2 race

Where does the time go? Here are June 2nd results. Just where are the house karts in Open division? We got skunked. LOL

Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners
1st Aubry Smith- Woodstock
2nd Jayden Dunn- Tillsonburg

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Big Year for Tillsonburg Outlaw Racers,

May 15 2015 Report

Cool temps for the second week of racing were the order of the night. I noticed my seat was a bit snugger with two driving suits on to keep me warm. For spectators, it was likely a bit cool but it was very nice for driving.

Recently I came across a sign that sums our club up very well.

Racing – It's impossible to lose. Either you win or you learn something.

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The Tillsonburg Lubricare Beginners put on a good show without too much havic.

Noah Longthorne(Innerkip) appears to have Aubry Smith(Woodstock) covered so far and took 1^st overall.

Aubry was a close 2^nd and Jayden Dunn(Tillsonburg) narrowly edged out Easton Longthorne(Innerkip) for 3^rd

Smale Powder Coat Juniors were back up in numbers this week and it is going to be a very good class.

Nick Sheridan( Mt Brydges) took overall by winning the first two races.

That left Tom Pellizzari(Tillsonburg) in 2^nd despite winning the feature main.

After missing the first weeks racing, John Jackson Jr(Port Stanley) got up to speed quickly and finished the night in 3^rd.

One of the hardest things to learn is passing. Next race the winners will be starting at the back so we will see if they can repeat back to back.

John Costello and Asscociates Seniors are still sorting themselves out as to who is fast and who is not.

I don't think there is anyone not fast so this is going to be a very close series. This group is seasoned enough to try a few tricks in the process of racing.

In the final main, there was a green white checkered restart and the drivers in second and third really wanted to win the race. So much so that both pulled out of line and along side the lead kart before the start line.

Rather then call back the start, (this group should know better), the pre- start passes were undone for the final scoring. A note to all divisions. The lead kart sets the pace on restarts and you must stay in line until the start line has been crossed. Zach Kelly( Mt Brydges) won his first overall in Senior in only his second week. Last weeks winner, Ty Freeman(St Thomas) was able to make his way through the inverted start to claim 2^nd overall. Had he not spun late in the final race, he may just have repeated wins. Taking 3^rd was Scott Hall(Wilsonville)

Chesterman Power Products Open division saw an old guy take the overall this week.(that's me) The 20 lap main had Scott Chesterman moving up through the pack when his engine started fogging the building for mosquitos. He was black flagged and left the race which scored him last. All the other drivers seemed to have troubles navigating around the track this week and one by one, spun out and got sent to the back. Guess who was left with clear track in front of him? Hey, you have to finish before you can win. I have been at this long enough to not take myself out of the action as often as the youngin's. Old age and treachery usually can overcome youth and enthusiasm. LOL

Anyways, Scott, dissappeared to the cave and started pulling apart the clutch side of his engine. Sure enough, the RH crank seal had popped out. Crankseal glued back in and he was able to just get ready by the start of the 30 lap feature. Determined to redeam himself, Scott managed to win the race which somehow , was enough to take 2^nd overall. Holly Porter had her own spinout issues but still managed 3^rd when the points were totalled. Open Racers will notice that the 30 lap main has more weight when it comes to points this year.

That about covers the racing this week.

There is not a race in Tillsonburg next week.

Five of our racers are making the trek down to Mooresville NC to the Millbridge Speedway for a two day race on May 19^th and 20^th. Dave, Scott, Brent and Hannah will be competing in the Open class with 80 entires at last count. This will be our first taste of a race so big that there will be A,B,C,D,E mains. Not only is the race attracting the best in the sport of Sprint Outlaw Karts, there are also drivers attending who are at the top of their game in Nascar and Outlaw Sprint racing. This is going to be a cool adventure. Tom Pellizzari is also attending to race Tuesday in the Intermediate class with his own kart and a rented engine. Hopefully he will adapt to the clutch and extra power as quickly as Jake Sheridan, who last year surprised the organizers by winning. Tom will be one of the youngest drivers in the class.

For those who cannot wait for the YouTube recap that will surely follow, it is possbile to watch the event live on either MAVTV or subrcribe on the interenet for live coverage with Speed sport.

Or you could hop in your car, drive 14 hrs to the track and watch it in person. Weather forcast is for a high of 30 degrees C. Bring your shorts. LOL

April 28 2015 report

And so the season starts.

The Indoor oval track is currently being roughed in. Hopefully a few members can call and tell us they are available to assist with the wall building on Thursday night. Once that is done, we will do the final grooming and watering for Saturday morning, (May 2) practice.( Anytime between 9am and 3pm)

Many of you have had your engines in to be sealed after a refresh or class change. There are a few new faces this year which should keep the racing exciting right from the beginning. A couple of our members had a surprise when they tried to get into their karts. It appears the overly cold winter shrunk the frames and the drivers no longer fit into the kart they used last year. Go figure?

Also, despite the early status of the season, we need to determine who is going to the televised Speed Sport QRC Challenge May 19-20 2015. We only have two club races before the Interested Experts load up their 500cc Outlaw Sprint Karts and head to Millbridge,North Carolina for what will no doubt be the biggest race of the year for us. There is expected to be 70 Karts in the division. A, B, C and D mains will be needed to run everyone through. If you have lots of time off, The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is on the following weekend.

Well, that's all for now, get your kart ready, the driver ready, show up for practice Saturday.

The Spring Series, race one is Tuesday May 5th 2015

Third Series added for the Tillsonburg Outlaws.

By now, everyone knows we have four long track events scheduled during the 2015 Season.

What you don't know(until now) is that we will be tabulating the 4 Long track events for a stand alone championship. The 100 lap Enduro will be one of these 4 races for 2015. These races will be open to both Tillsonburg Outlaw and Little "O" members.

Smale Powder Coat will sponsor the Long Track Series

For Tillsonburg members, three Long track events will count towards their regular series as well.

Also for Tillsonburg members, 21 race High point drivers will receive their share of $900 powder worth of powder coat work.

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I better get going with the coming year. The 2015 calender has flipped into view and the upcoming schedule is not even listed yet. Don't worry, the behind the scenes planning has been going on and we have a fun season lined up for the racers. Use the Schedule button for the 2015 link. The series starts in May as usual but there is a skipped week mid May. The season will also end a week sooner with the 100 Lapper actually taking place in September. The Spring Series will be 8 races and the Summer Series will be 12.

The Expert Division will be taking on some of the best drivers in North America as they travel to North Carolina and Iowa for some BIG races. While these will not be points races, it will be fun to test our speed.

Other big news is the new Long Track that will see 4 races this season in place of our regular venue. Oshweken racers should consider these dates to come test their speed against our drivers. Rumour has it that some have been intimidated by our walls and skill of our racers. There is only one way to get better--- just do it.

The order will be going in to QRC for the seasons supplies before the end of January. Don't delay telling us if you have specific requests for hoods, wings or special anodizing colours. We have a handle on the regular stuff.

That's all for now. Time to think racing..........