by Tommy Goudge
(October 5, 2016) – Ohsweken, Ontario – Ohsweken Speedway officials recently completed detailed inspections on engines from both approved engine builders for the Strickland’s GMC Crate Sprint Car divisions.
Following the Dash For Cash event held for the Crate Sprint Cars on Sunday, September 18, the top finishing engine from each approved engine builder was taken apart and inspected. These procedures were carried out in order to ensure continued fair play in the fastest growing division in Ontario.
Mark Klotz (Klotz Auto Repair & Engine Machine Shop), Gary Leitch (Leitch Performance Engines), and representatives from both race teams were present during the inspections performed on the sealed GM 602 Crate engines of Mack DeMan and Jerry Hill. Ohsweken Speedway officials are pleased to announce that both engines passed the following tests: compression (whistler), camshaft (Cam Doctor), ports, connecting rods, lifters, and complete tear down of the approved conversion package, including removal of the intake manifold, timing cover, and oil pan.
“We appreciate the assistance of the race teams and engine builders in this matter,” stated Ohsweken Speedway General Manager Clinton Geoffrey. “Tech procedures like this show that we are serious about keeping the racing fair and affordable.”
The Strickland’s GMC Crate Sprint Car division was created in order to provide a fair and cost-effective opportunity for teams and drivers to get involved in Sprint Car racing. Ohsweken’s race teams have proven the Crate Sprint Car concept over the past three seasons, with several other tracks and organizations now implementing similar models.
The third season of weekly racing in Ohsweken Speedway’s Crate Sprint Car division saw steady growth, with 25 drivers competing in at least one of the 19 events held at the track in 2016. Track officials and partners continue to be pleased with the results of the GM 602 Crate engine program, and look forward to building upon the solid foundation in the seasons to come.
The Strickland’s GMC Crate Sprint Car division has seen 12 different A-Feature winners over the first three seasons of competition at Ohsweken. 37 different drivers have completed in at least one Crate Sprint Car event over the past three seasons, with 30 of those drivers making their first ever start in a full-size Sprint Car. Several drivers have used the Crate division as a springboard to success in the Kool Kidz-Corr/Pak 360 Sprint Car division, including two of the top four in the 2016 championship standings – Dylan Westbrook and Jake Brown.
Ohsweken officials are pleased to announce that their Crate Sprint Car program will continue in 2017 with title sponsor Strickland’s GMC, and approved engine conversion/maintenance facilities Leitch Performance Engines and Klotz Auto Repair & Engine Machine Shop again on board.
About Ohsweken Speedway: Founded in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada. Ohsweken’s weekly Friday night racing program runs from May to September each year, featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Crate Sprint Cars, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers, while the season finishes each year with the annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Ohsweken Speedway also hosts weekly Micro Sprint racing on Thursday nights, and has been a yearly stop on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series schedule since 2007.
Website: www.OhswekenSpeedway.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OHSWEKENSPEEDWAY
Twitter: @OhswekenSpdway
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OhswekenSpdway
Ohsweken Speedway thanks the following partners for their support: Arrow Express, Kool Kidz Ice & Water, Corr/Pak Merchandising Inc., Renway Energy, Case IH O’Neil’s Farm Equipment, Hoosier Tire Canada, EPIC Racewear, McDonald’s Restaurants of Paris & Brantford, Ackland Insurance, Strickland’s GMC, Mobil 1, Burger Barn, Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Creative Edge Signs & Graphics, Insta-Insulation, Affordable Towing & Recovery, HRW Automotive, and Gale’s Auto Aftermarket.