Story By: ASHLEY MCCUBBIN / OSCAAR – ONTARIO, CA – Since its inception, the Knightworks Design OSCAAR Hot Rods presented by Sauble Falls Tent and Trailer Park has continued to grow with talent spread out through the field.
The upcoming season will be no different as Amanda Balson will be one of the drivers contending for the Ohsweken Speedway Rookie of the Year honors.
“I’m definitely excited to be involved with OSCAAR Hot Rod Series,” she said. “The series has been moving in the right direction since its inception, I’m particularly fond of the locked in rules package. That’s something I feel is an integral part of growth for any series. It’s been awhile since I raced in club like atmosphere (Lucas Oil Sportsman Series) and I’m looking forward to getting back into that and meeting and racing with new friends and old competitors.”
The decision for her to enter the division is credited to Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified presented by Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd., Touchwood Cabinets and The Fyre Place & Patio Shop racers Dan Price and Kelly Balson.
“Together they own the car I’m going to be driving,” she commented. “Dan has been working so hard on this build and it’s really just going to blow everyone away when they see it. I’ve been sworn to secrecy and can’t share any photos, but it’s definitely a head turner! Dan has done some jaw dropping work.”
Through the off-season to date, Price has been working at building a 1974 Camaro, “reminiscent of the 70’s body style that was popular amongst Super late models of that era.”
When they hit the track in May, the goal is to bring to a “quality piece of equipment of the series,” with a focus on trying to win some races across the full schedule, while competing for Rookie of the Year honors.
The 2020 schedule will see Balson travel to some of the best facilities in the province, with August 8th at Brighton Speedway circled on her calendar.
“Not only will I get to check a bucket list “dirt racing experience” off my list, it’s going to be great to support our friends Mark and Angie (Rinaldi, Speedway owners) as we have a joint venture with them and OSCAAR,” she commented. “I’m excited to race at Jukasa (Motor Speedway); we are the support show for the big late model race in September. I’m also thrilled to be returning to where it all began for me at Sunset Speedway. I haven’t raced there since 2008, so I have not had a chance to drive the new configuration.”
For Balson, she began her racing career by renting a Thunder Car at Sunset Speedway in 1998, before purchasing her own a season later. She remained in the class until 2003, before moving up into the Late Models.
Through the years, she has been able to have a lot of success with 41 feature victories across six different tracks, with her noting that “each one was just as special as the next.”
“The late model championship we won in 2009 at Peterborough Speedway holds a place in my heart,” she commented. “We had a very small team at the time and a limited budget; Kelly did most of the set up work and was my crew chief and spotter. I’m still very proud of what we accomplished together that season.”
As preparations continue towards the 2020 campaign, Balson would like to thank London Recreational Racing, Cochrane Automotive, Brighton Speedway, The Hampton General Store, GTA racing design, Karbelt of Oshawa, and Castrol Canada for their support.
Be sure to keep up with OSCAAR by staying tuned to the series website at http://www.oscaar.ca. Also, make sure to “like” the official OSCAAR Racing Facebook page, while following both the Twitter and Instagram accounts (@OSCAARRacing) to keep up to date on everything you need to know.
OSCAAR’s 2020 racing season was supported by several dedicated partners including Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC, Knightworks Design, Living Lighting Canada, Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd., Touchwood Cabinets, Sauble Falls Campground, The Fyre Place & Patio Shop, Ohsweken Speedway, American Racer, and Grisdale Race Products.
