OMRS Driver Development Program Opens New Doors for Racers
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
Any speedway or touring race series can only be as strong as the talent pool they put on the track. The Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, powered by Torque Builders Inc. is taking steps to build their competition roster for 2015 and recently offered a rare opportunity for drivers to get the feel of a powerful machine at one of the province’s most demanding layouts.
Sunday, September 14th, series officials and staff at Peterborough Speedway joined forces to present a practice and evaluation session in the popular open-wheeled rides. Series organizers Randy Hollingsworth and Rick Warnes each had their tour cars on hand; along with former Ontario Legends Series runner Duane Cinnamon for drivers in the 4Fun, Mini Stock and Thunder Car divisions at Canada’s Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval to run some laps.
“We de-tuned the cars with a lower rpm chip as much as possible, but still wanted to give the people who came out a feel for what they’re capable of,” said OMRS spokesperson Randy Hollingsworth. “It was interesting to see what drivers who are used to running a four cylinder car with smaller tires and limited horsepower would be able to do at the controls of a more powerful, open wheeled equipment.”
Using the #95 of two-time series winner Rob Warnes as a pace car, a variety of drivers including 2014 Peterborough Speedway 4Fun division track champion and current OMRS Development Program driver Willow Barberstock, Kenny Ohno, Ray Schroer, Jordan DesRoches, Donovan Price and Duane Cinnamon put the loaner pieces through their paces. Cinnamon is looking to be a full-time runner with OMRS in 2015, after purchasing a car from Brandon Bullen.
“It was a great day and everyone came away with a good feel for the speed and handling differences between these rear-wheel drive cars and what they’re used to running,” explained Hollingsworth. “Overall, we were impressed with how quickly everyone seemed to adapt and provide informative comments that will serve to help everyone in the future.”
Ontario Modifieds Racing Series officials would like to thank Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse for hosting the test session and for providing lunch for all the participants.
Official Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, Powered by TORQUE BUILDERS INC. 2014 Schedule:
Saturday, May 10th: Flamboro Speedway Spring Shakedown Invitational
Race winner - #77 Chad Strawn
Saturday, May 31st Peterborough Speedway
Toonie Admission/Fan Appreciation Night
Race winner - #09 Nick Lees
Saturday, June 7th Peterborough Speedway
Race winner - #95 Rob Warnes
Saturday, July 12th Peterborough Speedway
Race winner - #07 Alex Lees
Saturday, August 16th Peterborough Speedway
Toonie Admission/Fan Appreciation Night
Cancelled - rain
Saturday, September 6th Flamboro Speedway
Race winner - #95 Rob Warnes
Friday, October 3rd Flamboro Speedway (qualifying & feature)
Saturday, October 4th Flamboro Speedway (feature)
Additional OMRS information can be found at
www.ontariomodifiedsracing.com or at
www.facebook.com/OMRS Ontario Modifieds Racing Series powered by TORQUE BUILDERS INC.
About TORQUE BUILDERS INC.: With over a decade's experience with partners and clients in the construction industry, TORQUE BUILDERS INC. offers general construction services in the industrial, commercial and institution sectors. Their services range from new construction projects, renovations to retrofits, retirement residences, office finishing, data centres, communications work and leasehold improvements. Learn more by visiting
www.torquebuilders.com.
Photo attachment: Ontario Modifieds Racing Series collection
2014 Battlefield Equipment Rental championship runner-up Ray Schroer fastens-in to run some laps during the OMRS test session – Sunday, September 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410
Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=20310.msg112383#msg112383
