"I can't say enough about our team and our sponsors,” beams Freiburger when asked about what motivates him to continue his efforts year after year. “All of the checkered flags are great - but the time spent with those closest to me is what matters the most. And the difference that we're all able to make in the lives of these kids is the best part of it all"

Freiburger’s head-turning No. 37 carried well over 100 sponsors during the 2015 season – eclipsing any mark set by the team in its previous 6 years of competition.

"We had more support this year than ever before - and that means the world to every person on this team,” explains the personable veteran.

“With the help of our team members, our marketing partners and even our fellow competitors we've been able to raise more money for Easter Seals than any of us thought possible when we first started out at Sauble Speedway"

With a 4th place finish in Sauble Speedway points this season, Freiburger is already working tirelessly to welcome back existing sponsors, build relationships with new partners and prime his Marvin Freiburger Racing entry for its May debut.

"We're already working to get our car ready for the season opener,” laughs Freiburger. “If I have anything to say about it, 2016 will be our biggest year ever”

“With every season that we raise money for Easter Seals, it lets us set an even bigger goal to shoot for. We've already talked to quite a few of our partners who are coming back next year, and we look forward to touching base with even more of them over the offseason"

"Our team was fantastic all last season, and it really felt like we were hitting our stride more and more as the weeks went on,” continues the Walkerton, ON ace. “I can't wait to get back to the speedway in the Spring and build on all of the momentum we had at the end of 2015. Sauble's Late Model division is one of the best in Ontario, and we're just honoured to be a part of it."

In addition to raising money for Easter Seals with their Sauble Speedway Ltd. Late Model program in 2016, Freiburger’s family-run operation will also be donating all of the winnings earned with their APC United Late Model Series Pro Late Model effort.

Fans can visit the official www.MarvinFreiburgerRacing.com page for updates on Marvin and the team throughout the offseason, as well as the official Marvin Freiburger Racing page on Facebook.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

“We’ve known Mark [Dilley] for quite some time through a few different endeavors, and he’s always been a joy to work with,” explains Dickies’ Marketing Manager Ryan Sampson.

“It’s incredible to see what he and his staff have been able to accomplish at Sunset over the last several seasons. Their energy is contagious, and we’re excited to be a part of their team for the 2016 season. Sunset’s fan base is uniquely passionate and their events have an atmosphere to them unlike anything else – it’s going to be an honor to share in that with them this summer”

June 18th’s event will see Canada’s national series – the NASCAR Pinty’s Series – return to Sunset for their second ever visit to the 1/3-mile oval. Their inaugural visit saw Alex Tagliani craft a near-perfect performance, leading 193 of 300 laps en route to victory lane.

“The NASCAR Pinty’s Series put on an incredible show in 2015 and we can’t wait to see what they have planned for a follow-up,” says Sunset Speedway General Manager Mark Dilley. “The Sunset schedule is full of ‘can’t miss’ events and the Leland 300 presented by Dickies is, without question, going to be something our fans will be talking about all year long”

“Dickies has long been a supporter of racing on a provincial and national level, and we can’t wait to welcome them to our program,” continues Dilley. “2015 was a huge year for us, but we’re all ready to do whatever it takes to make 2016 even bigger. With the help of Dickies and the rest of our marketing partners – we’re going to make this season something to remember.”

Advanced tickets for the Leland 300 presented by Dickies will be released to www.SunsetSpeedway.ca in the coming weeks. For more information, fans can visit the official Sunset Speedway Facebook page and follow @Sunset_Speedway on Twitter.

ABOUT DICKIES: Dickies has been making quality workwear and apparel since 1922. All Dickies clothing offers superior craftsmanship to deliver style and comfort every day. Dickies Clothing is the #1 name in Canadian Workwear and continues to offer style, reliability and comfort in all of their products.

The event, highlighted by a $30,000-to-win Super Late Model show on Sunday afternoon, includes an undercard that will pit Perkins against some of the top talent from across the West Coast in an 80-lap Lucas Oil Modified feature event.

For Perkins, February 27th’s event provides the teenager with an ideal opportunity to start a very busy 2016 season off on a big stage.

“We’ve been preparing for this event for over two months,” explains Perkins. “This weekend is going to bring a lot of eyes to California, and every single person on this team wants to perform accordingly. This is an amazing opportunity to show a lot of people just how good we can be – and it’s our job to take advantage of it. We want this one badly”

The first-generation racer appeared in four Lucas Oil Modified Series events throughout the 2015 season – scoring a season-high 9th place finish at Irwindale Speedway in late-June.

“The objective is most definitely going to be watching these other cars battle it out in my rearview mirror,” laughed Perkins when asked his strategy for Saturday’s race. “But, with this field, I’m not sure how easy that’s going to be”

“There’s no other way to put it – these are the best guys on the west coast,” added the well-spoken teenager. “We’re coming to Bakersfield with our barrels loaded – because we know what’s there waiting for us”

Perkins’ team has already worked through a stumbling block in the week leading up to the Winter Showdown – losing their primary engine to mechanical failure just seven days prior to their season debut.

“It would take an atomic bomb to keep us from this event,” said Perkins matter-of-factly. “The engine problems are just a little speedbump for us. We’ve got another bullet ready to go for this weekend. If we had to lose one, I’m happy it was in practice and not on race day”

“Hopefully we have all of our bad luck out of the way and can concentrate on making this piece faster for Saturday”

Although it would be easy for Perkins to find himself caught up in the anticipation of his first ever fulltime foray into NASCAR K&N Pro Series West competition, the Bakersfield, CA native insisted he is approaching each of his starts this season as though it were the most important of his career.

“We’ve got a really busy schedule this season, but it’s important to keep sight of what’s in front of us,” offered Perkins.

“Right now, I’m not thinking K&N [West Series] or Lucas Oil [Modified] races, all I’m thinking about is how to get to the front on Saturday at KCRP,” continued the rising star. “It would be the best possible way to start our season, and that’s all I can think of. I want to give my team that momentum right off the bat. If we can beat the guys that we’re up against this weekend – we’re ready for just about anything.”

Blaine Perkins' 2016 Winter Showdown weekend would not be possible without the support of Four Star Fruit, Double Eagle Produce & Transportation, Reeves Auto Care and M&S Produce.

Fans can keep up with Blaine's progress all weekend long by visiting the official Blaine Perkins Racing page on Facebook.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

The Ledson Motorsports No. 15 will be on display all weekend long in the Yesterday’s Speedways booth, with Nick himself in attendance signing autographs and distributing hero cards at the booth on Sunday afternoon.

When asked about his return to Legends racing on a fulltime basis in 2016, Ledson is quick to credit the series with continuing to develop quality competition.

“The amount of talent that’s come into the Ontario Legends Series in the last three years is pretty incredible,” says Ledson. “There are no ‘gimme’s on this tour. You have to be out there every night with you’re A-Game. Because if you take a lap off, or make a mistake, these guys will leave you behind in a heartbeat”

Nick – alongside younger brother Cole – recently turned heads during Orlando Speedworld’s INEX Winternationals, with Nick finishing 5th overall in a very competitive Semi-Pro field.

“Every time we go outside of our region, it makes both of us better,” explains Ledson. “It helps just to hit a speedway we’re not familiar with and race with drivers that we don’t normally see. It helps you stay sharp. We’re on tour all Summer, and when you’re at a different speedway every week your biggest asset is your ability to adjust and make changes on the fly. Racing the Winternationals is the perfect way to prepare us for that”

The elder Ledson also takes time to credit Cole with his radical improvement – after a breakout 2015 season.

“I can’t say enough about how much Cole has improved in the last year,” says Ledson. “He’s hit that next level. He’s really come into his own as a competitor – and I think he’s going to be a problem for everyone on the tour this summer. He had me looking over my shoulder through the whole second half of 2015, and I can’t see that changing at all this season”

“Every season I’ve spent racing with the [Ontario Legends] Series has been tougher than the one before it,” states Ledson matter-of-factly. “I have all the respect in the world for the rest of the teams we’re racing against, because I know that they’ve been working nonstop to get better. They’re keeping the pressure on the guys at the top of the standings, because you know how badly they want to take our spots”

“But we’ve been working just as hard,” continues Ledson. “So this season should be interesting from start to finish.”

For more information on the team’s 2016 plans, visit www.LedsonMotorsports.com.

Ledson Motorsports is proud to represent Cavalier Transportation Services, Ledson Wines, Cooksville Tire, Edgehill Insurance, RF Pathways, Peterbilt Region of London/Ayr, Shaw Tracking, TBM Legal Services and Trailcon Leasing.

Fans can stay up to date with Nick, Cole and the rest of the team at www.LedsonMotorsports.com or by visiting the official Ledson Motorsports page on Facebook and following @NickLedson15.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

Klutt's freshman season ended with 1 win, 2 pole awards and 7 top-10s in 11 starts en route to claiming Rookie of the Year honours.

"The competition at this level is some of the most intense I've ever raced against," remarked Klutt when asked of his first full season competing at the national level. "Last season was an amazing experience for our entire team. Every race that we unloaded at was a new challenge and a new learning experience. I couldn't be more proud of every single person on this crew and couldn't be more grateful to each one of our marketing partners that helped make it all happen"

CTL Corp. will also return to Klutt's program in 2016, joining with Pioneer Family Pools to provide support for Klutt's push towards a first career series championship.

"I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to represent Pioneer Family Pools at the national level," said Klutt. "We have huge plans for a follow-up to our Rookie of the Year season, and Pioneer is going to help us make those plans a reality. The NASCAR Pinty's Series is poised for an awesome season and it's an honour to have the means to be a part of it"

"We are all very excited to be a part of Gary Klutt's efforts this season," said Harry Martyniuk on Pioneer Family Pools' inaugural foray into NASCAR's national series. "Gary is a talented young up-and-comer, and we're looking forward to seeing him on track this year. We've known the entire Legendary Motorcar family for quite a while, and this is an excellent opportunity to continue to support a great group of people"

"Gary has demonstrated a genuine passion for racing," continued Martyniuk. "To be successful in this sport takes a real team effort and it's a similar effort that has made Pioneer Family Pools one of the leading pool, patio furniture and hot tub retailers in Southern Ontario. This is a new venture for us at Pioneer Family Pools. Gary and his team exhibit the core values of fun, family and togetherness. We brought the same values to families in Southern Ontario for over 50 years through the products we sell. Gary is a driven young man and places value on the support he gets from the members of his team much the same as we do at Pioneer. It's just a great match for us all."

Gary Klutt will make his first on-track appearance of the 2016 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on May 22nd for the annual 'Clarington 200' series opener. However, fans can get up close and personal with Klutt during the NASCAR Pinty's Series autograph session at this weekend's Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo at the International Centre in Toronto.

Fans can stay up to date with Gary throughout his 2016 campaign by following him on Twitter @GaryKlutt, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT PIONEER FAMILY POOLS:
Since opening its first location in Oakville in 1965 Pioneer Family Pools has grown to 20 locations in southern Ontario. In addition to their inground, on ground and above ground pools, Pioneer Family Pools also carries a complete selection of outdoor patio furniture, as well as hot tubs and swim spas. For more information on Pioneer Family Pools please visit your nearest showroom or visit our website at www.PioneerFamilyPools.ca

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

Gresel's efforts will once again enjoy primary sponsorship from Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park and London Recreational Racing - with the team also welcoming Gallinger Ford of Milton to their 2016 program.

"We've spent our entire off-season putting the pieces together for a strong 2016 - and it's finally becoming a reality," smiles Gresel. "Having Mr. Gallinger and his team join our program is going to be a huge boost for us. He's a racer just like we are. He understands the work and passion that goes into all of this, so having his support means the world to us"

The fan-favourite will hope for a smoother season than what his family-owned effort worked through in 2015 - having suffered 4 DNFs in the first 5 APC Series events before rallying back to win Round 6 at Sunset Speedway.

"Our 2015 season was the roughest year I've ever had in a race car," says Gresel. "But the fact that we were able to keep moving forward as a team, and keep getting up no matter how many times we were knocked down is a huge motivator. We finished the season strong - despite everything that went wrong for us - now it's time to keep that going"

With a heavy schedule balancing Pro Late Model and Super Late Model competition, Gresel explains that his decision to remain so active in 2016 is directly attributed to the current healthy state of Ontario short track racing.

"The short track scene in Ontario is feeling really positive these days," notes the second-generation racer. "It feels like no matter which of our cars we pull out of the shop, and no matter what event we race at, there are a ton of teams there and a lot of fans to take in the show. It's an exciting time to be a racer in this province and we want to be a part of it and support it as much as we possibly can."

Andrew Gresel's 2016 season will be made possible thanks to the support of Gallinger Ford of Milton, Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park, London Recreational, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, HY-Grade Roofing, Have1.com and Raden Givari of eHomes.

Fans can keep up with the team all season on Twitter @SaubleFalls81 and by visiting the team's official Andrew Gresel Sauble Falls Facebook page.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

Perkins, who spent the 2015 season traversing the West Coast from behind the wheel of both a Late Model and Open Wheel Modified, will team with veteran Steve Portenga for a fulltime K&N Pro Series West campaign.

“This is going to be the biggest year of my career, and I don’t plan on forgetting that for a second all season,” says the confident teenager. “This is the opportunity I’ve been dreaming of, and now it’s my job to make something of it. I believe in our program, our equipment and the people I’m surrounded with. I can’t wait to get to Irwindale”

The 16-Year Old joins an impressive crop of freshman intent on staking their claim as the top up-and-comer on the West Coast.

“As talented as the [K&N Pro Series] West roster is, it’s a privilege to be a part of,” notes Perkins. “The amount of talent that’s on the rise in this Series right now is pretty incredible”

“I think all of our events this season are going to be really competitive, but the season opener for any tour or series is always special,” continues Perkins. “Every team wants to establish themselves as a threat for the championship, and every driver wants to work overtime to thank their team for all of the work over the offseason. I think this Saturday is going to be a phenomenal event”

Perkins will look to rely on his familiarity with Irwindale’s half-mile confines, after having competed fulltime in the speedway’s weekly Late Model division in 2015.

“Irwindale is home for me, so I can’t help but feel as though that’s something we can use as an advantage,” says Perkins. “I know that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to this style of car, but having our first race on home turf is a huge relief for us. Knowing my way around this track is going to make it easier to get comfortable enough with the car to get the most out of it for 150-laps”

“The race itself isn’t overly long, so I don’t want to hang back for too many laps and get lost in the shuffle,” explains Perkins. “But, at the same time, I don’t want to burn our stuff up early and have nothing for the second half of the race. It’s going to be a balancing act, depending on what the tempo of the race is. But as long as we have something left for the last 50-laps, I think we’ll have an excellent chance at a strong finish.”

Blaine Perkins’ 2016 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West debut is made possible thanks to the support of Golden Gate Meat Company, Good Life Organics, Steve Portenga Racing, Four Star Fruit, Double Eagle Produce & Transportation and Reeves Auto Care.

Fans can keep up with Blaine's progress all weekend long by visiting the official Blaine Perkins Racing page on Facebook, and be sure to follow the all new @BlainePerkinsRacing page on Instagram.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

Sudsbury returned in 2015 after a yearlong hiatus and spent much of the season working through a myriad of handling issues before finding his groove late in the Summer.

"I'm never afraid to try anything with these racecars, as long as it teaches us something in the end," says the former Peterborough Speedway champion in reference to his 2015 struggles.

"Sitting on the sidelines for a year, and then coming back with a brand new car meant that we were going to have to take some big swings no matter what. I'm not going to lie and say that everything we threw at the car worked - but every race night taught us something that made us better"

"This technology evolves so quickly - and it's our job to adapt to it as fast as we can," continues Sudsbury. "Because if you don't, it's really hard to stay relevant"

'Party Time' will once again work with his family-owned operation in 2016, with team members Josh Arnold, Graham Annis and Graham Flett returning for a run at another Peterborough Speedway championship.

"I can't possibly thank Josh [Arnold], [Graham] Flett and [Graham] Annis for the amount of time they've invested in our program over the winter," insists the Bowmanville, ON racer.

"I'll never be able to pay them back. It's pretty incredible to work with a group of guys that want to win every bit as much as I do. Everyone here believes that we have a team strong enough to run with the best anywhere in Ontario"

And though he anticipates the competition at Peterborough to intensify in 2016, Sudsbury makes it clear that his team is prepared for the challenge.

"It's no secret that Peterborough's roster has gotten tougher every season," notes Sudsbury. "It was hard to win races last year, and it's going to be even harder this year. We're just going to have to dig down and do everything we can to outwork the rest of these guys."

Bryan Sudsbury's 2016 season will be made possible thanks to the support of Great Canadian RV, ALMA Mechanical, Deighton, Cochrane Automotive and GTA Racing Design.

Fans can stay up to date with 'Party Time' all season long by visiting the official Bryan Sudsbury Racing page on Facebook and by following @SudsburyRacing on Twitter.

In the Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park NASCAR Late Model division, a myriad of contenders are prepared to stake their claim at the 2016 title, with hopes of finding a way of dethroning defending champion Taylor Holdaway.

With over 30 cars expected to sign in at the pit gate on opening night - here's a small sample of competitors that will be looking to make a big splash when the season officially kicks off on April 30th.

Taylor Holdaway - Eager to follow up on a 2015 championship season that saw him invade Sunset Speedway's victory lane an incredible 14 times, Orillia's Taylor Holdaway is - without question - the existing high water mark of the NASCAR Late Model division.

The second-generation racer worked tirelessly last season to establish his family-owned team as one of the province's elite, and he's been more than forthcoming this off-season in explaining his commitment to continue working to retain his spot at the top of the wildly competitive division.

With a murderer's row of talent set to jump all over any mistake or stutter step, Holdaway knows his margin for error on opening night is slim. 'Hollywood's highlight-reel 2016 season was largely the product of his Holdaway Motorsports team settling into a rhythm that no one on the Sunset roster seemed capable of breaking. If they can once again find that rhythm - particularly with a big performance on opening night - expect the Orillia-based outfit to contend for back-to-back championships.

Stompin' Tom Walters - Hall of Famer Tom Walters is - rightfully so - the most recognizable Late Model driver in Ontario. There isn't a fan, journalist or competitor in the province that isn't familiar with his trademark No. 47 and the seemingly countless accomplishments the legend has added his name to over the course of his 47-year career.

Which is why the entire racing landscape stopped and took notice when Walters confirmed over the off-season that the 2016 campaign would be his last as an active duty driver.

The 2015 season was less than kind to Walters, with the multi-time champion being shut out of victory lane over the course of the 5-month season. However, don't think for a moment that Walters hasn't gone back to the drawing board and reworked a plan for his Stompin' Tom Motorsports outfit to find their way back to the forefront of Sunset's headline division.

The Stroud, ON native has always had a flair for the dramatic - and what could possibly be more dramatic than a trip to victory lane on the first night of your final season? Don't be surprised if the living legend finds a way to make that happen.

The bottom line is this - a motivated Tom Walters is an uneasy proposition for any driver in the Late Model division. And if 2016 is truly Walters' last trip to the mound, rest assured he will be unloading every Saturday afternoon with the desire to make as big a statement as possible. An emphatic performance on April 30th is the best way to start.

Dwayne Baker - After a relatively quiet 2015 season, expect former Sunset Speedway champion Dwayne Baker to unload on opening night ready for a big performance.

'The Bully' showed flashes of brilliance last season, including winning the inaugural APC United Late Model Series event at Sunset in May, then laying claim to the 125-lap Canadian Nationals in September. Although consistent success eluded the veteran, and kept his No. 48 out of the title picture.

Baker's team - led by son and Crew Chief Kyle Baker - will be looking to remind the Late Model division of how impactful they can be on opening night. A crowded 2016 schedule that will also include Super Late Model, Pro Late Model and NASCAR Pinty's Series competition has left some journalists questioning if Baker will be at Sunset on a regular basis. However, even if Baker does not find himself racing for a championship in 2016, he will be racing for a win any time his Baker Performance Parts hauler rolls into the Sunset pit area.

Gord Shepherd - One of the most talented and successful racers of the modern Barrie Speedway era, Gord Shepherd was seen as a momentous acquisition for the Sunset Speedway roster when his Ridge Road Racing team confirmed their intentions of chasing a NASCAR Late Model title in 2015.

The Oro Station, ON driver established himself almost immediately, winning the first feature of the season and appearing set for a legitimate run towards his first career Sunset Speedway championship. However, as the season entered the dog days of mid-summer, mechanical issues plagued the team and kept Shepherd from mounting the challenge needed to keep Holdaway from the top of the points standings.

This year, Shepherd will arrive on opening night with a brand new racecar and a regrouped and refocused team. 'The Smoke' knows the quick way around Sunset, and has shown the capability of following a championship pursuit deep into the season on multiple occasions whilst a member of the Barrie Speedway roster.

There's likely not a single driver in the Late Model pit area counting Shepherd out as a legitimate threat for the 2016 championship - and for good reason. The Oro Station, ON hotshoe can perform in both long and short run conditions, has proven durable enough to pin down a championship in the past and has some of the best equipment in the province.

These 4 perennial contenders will join a field of over 30 of Ontario's top Late Model competitors when the Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park sponsored division takes the green flag for the first time in 2016.

Tickets for April 30th's event can be purchased at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca. Be sure to visit the official Sunset Speedway page on Facebook and follow on Twitter @Sunset_Speedway for more information leading up to the 2016 season opener.

The former Kawartha Speedway Pro Late Model competitor acquired a McColl Racing Enterprises chassis from longtime friend Bryan Watts during the off-season, and has worked tirelessly all winter in preparation for Peterborough’s season opener on May 21st.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to put together a program to run for a championship, so I’m counting down the days until we get started,” smiles Wallace. “It’s an exciting time to be on the Peterborough Speedway roster. There are a ton of really talented teams here, and I feel like the 2016 season could be the most exciting that Peterborough’s had in a long time”

Wallace will once again work with the same family-run operation that has carried him to a number of strong finishes in recent Peterborough Speedway outings, and has also welcomed a wide array of marketing partners both new and old to support his 2016 season.

“I can’t thank my sponsors and my team enough for helping me put this deal together,” says the third-generation star. “I’ve been so busy at work the last few years that it would never be possible to have a fulltime program without a lot of help. The guys on this team have already given so much of their time and effort all off-season that I hope I can repay them with a win on opening night”

“It costs a lot of money to be able to compete at this level, and I’m really fortunate to have a group of marketing partners that believe in what we’re doing,” continues Wallace. “These people have all stepped up in a big way this season, because they want to win just as badly as I do. It’s a complete group effort. I’m humbled to be surrounded by so many people that are willing to work together for a common goal”

‘The Blueprint’ joins a race for the Peterborough Speedway championship that is also likely to include former Peterborough champions Ryan Kimball and Bryan Sudsbury, former Barrie Speedway champion contender Rick Walt and former Autumn Colours Classic titlist Chris Mitchell.

“Peterborough has the most underrated division in Ontario,” explains Wallace. “There are guys here that could give any of the best teams a run for their money. We’re approaching this season as though we’re getting ready to race against the best of the best – because that’s the truth. It’s going to be a war every Saturday. Our entire team understands the level of commitment that it’s going to take to win races this summer”

When asked what his week-to-week strategy will be, Wallace insists that the secret to success at the rough and tumble 1/3-mile is a relatively simple concept.

“The biggest key to a successful season – especially at Peterborough – is to do everything you can to keep your equipment together,” opines Wallace. “It’s a tough place to get a handle on, especially if you can’t get to the bottom groove. Some guys can’t deal with that and they get impatient. When you get impatient, you make mistakes and you tear your stuff up. Then, the next thing you know, you’re spending your entire week putting your car back together again instead of making it faster”

“Our goal is to spend every week getting better,” continues Wallace. “And if we want to do that, it means we have to bring our car home in one piece on Saturday night.”

Fans can stay up to date with Mike Wallace and his team all season long by visiting the official Mike Wallace Racing page on Facebook and by following @Blueprint27MW. For more information on Wallace’s May 21st debut, visit www.PeterboroughSpeedway.com.

Mike Wallace's 2016 efforts are made possible thanks to the support of JRB Engines and Performance, JBEX Construction, Puckrin & Latreille Real Estate Group, Custom Mobile Wash, Sitescape Landscape, Kirk Norris State Farm Insurance, Merrett Home Hardware Building Center, Mister Transmission, Shawn Micks Investments and Morgan-Amber Photography. The team is actively seeking additional marketing partners to help chase the 2016 Peterborough Speedway Late Model championship.

By Spencer Lewis

The Leland 300 presented by Dickies will welcome Canada's best racers and teams for the second consecutive season.

"We're all incredibly excited to have the NASCAR Pinty's Series returning in 2016," says Sunset Speedway General Manager Mark Dilley.

"The show they put on last season was fantastic, and our fans let us know all year long just how badly they wanted us to bring back the series. We try to listen to our fans as much as possible - so inviting the Pinty's Series back was a no brainer"

The Pinty's Series’ initial visit to Sunset drew favourable reviews from its competitors, who expressed a willingness to return to the 1/3-mile oval in 2016.

"The drivers on the Pinty's Series roster get to travel to some of the best facilities in the country, so knowing they enjoyed racing at Sunset is a huge compliment," explains Dilley.

"We're proud of our speedway and we work hard to make sure it looks and feels like one of Canada's elite. This season is no different, and we'll be sure to do everything in our power to make sure that the facility is ready for the best fans and drivers in Canada on June 18th"

Following a dominant performance by Alex Tagliani in the inaugural Series event in 2015, Dilley is confident there will be a long list of challengers eager to add their name to Sunset's win list.

"I think the second visit for a lot of these drivers is going to be interesting," opines Dilley.

"They know what to expect on long runs now. They have an idea of what the tire wear is going to feel like and how they need to adjust for the track conditions. Alex [Tagliani] was as close to perfect as you're going to get last season, but I think there's going to be a group of teams capable of getting to victory lane this year."

Fans can purchase tickets to the June 18th event by visiting www.SunsetSpeedway.ca. Be sure to follow Sunset Speedway on Twitter @Sunset_Speedway for more information on the Leland 300 presented by Dickies in the coming weeks.

Although his 2015 campaign was hit with adversity in the form of a July crash at Flamboro Speedway that destroyed his team’s lone chassis, Pritiko insists the speed bump did not come without its advantages.

"Sitting out during a chunk of the season last year was every bit as tough as you would think it would be," says Pritiko. "But, now that I've had a chance to step back and evaluate things, I can see that it wasn't a total negative. There's a lot of good that came out of us restructuring our program during that time off"

After the accident in Round 4 of the tour, Pritiko worked with McColl Racing Enterprises’ Mike McColl to build a brand new chassis to compete with the proverbial heavy-hitters of the APC Series. The new ride was ready in time for the final two rounds of the 2015 tour – in which Pritiko rattled off back-to-back podium finishes at Sunset and Delaware.

“Any time you can finish a season as positively as we did, it gives you motivation for the off-season,” says the well-spoken London, ON native. “We’ve spent our entire off-season counting down the days to the opener. Because we know that we have what it takes to contend for the 2016 championship”

“I don’t think we’ve ever been this prepared as a team entering a race season,” explains Pritiko. “We’re a well-oiled machine right now. Our crew is ready, our equipment is ready and I’m ready. I can’t wait to test myself against the very best that Ontario has to offer. These teams are the ones you have to wake up pretty early in the morning to beat – but I can guarantee we’ll be ready for the challenge”

When asked about his decision to return to the tour on a fulltime basis in 2016, Pritiko notes that the decision was a no-brainer for his Global Warranty-backed outfit.

“It takes a lot of money and a lot of hours for a team like this to work,” says Pritiko. “When you’re investing that much in your program, you want to make sure that you’re a part of the biggest possible events with the best possible competition. I don’t think there’s any question that the APC Series provides all of that”

“There’s an energy in the air during an APC Series race that you don’t find at a normal Late Model show,” continues Pritiko. “It’s something unlike anything else. When you walk out of the trailer and get ready to climb in the window, you know that you have to be on you’re A-Game. If you’re not approaching each of these races like you’re ready to put together your best performance ever – you have no hope of being in the mix”

Despite his team’s hard work and preparation throughout the winter months, Pritiko is well aware that he’ll have a sizeable challenge waiting for him at Sunset Speedway on May 14th.

“I think every lap this season is going to be harder than the one that came before it,” states Pritiko matter-of-factly. “Everyone on this roster is so insanely competitive. You know that all of these guys are just going to keep improving"

"Because the guy that finished 4th is going to do everything in his power to crack the podium in his next race. That’s the atmosphere that we’re competing in. Every single driver in the pit area is constantly pushing the guy next to him”

“Complacency is the enemy,” laughs the former champion. “My number one goal is to come out of the chute strong and win the tour opener. But, even if I do, we’re going to prepare for Round 2 like we finished outside of the top-10. This year is all about hard work. We’re racing against a whole group of guys that aren’t going to stop working and preparing all Summer – so neither are we.”

Matt Pritiko's 2016 efforts will be supported by Global Warranty, Cadillac Industrial Cleaning, Domus Developments, Toyota Town, Burwell Auto Body Ltd., SellToWin.com, Activate Drinks, NAPA Certified Bodyshops, Palasad of London and Glencoe Auto Recyclers.

Fans can keep up with Matt and his team all season long by visiting the official Matt Pritiko Motorsports page on Facebook and by following @MattPritiko on Twitter.

Defending champion Doug Butler, former champion Brandon McFerran and former Velocity 250 winner Jordan Howse are just a few of the perennial contenders that will not be returning to Sunset's division this season.

Although a strong collection of Mini Stocks stalwarts remain on the Sunset roster - names like Warren Paxton, Brandon Crumbie, Andy Kamrath and Samantha Shaw will no doubt contend for feature victories throughout the season - it's clear there's a huge opportunity for a number of rising stars to make a name for themselves this year.

Here's a look at a small sample of competitors that could very well fashion a run at the Sunset Speedway Mini Stock championship in 2016.

Terry Woodley
'The Carpenter' is the elder statesman of our foursome, having been a part of the fulltime Sunset Speedway roster since his initial foray into the Four Fun division in 2007. Woodley is both a veteran and a student of the game, having improved in each season spent competing at Sunset.

The Collingwood, ON driver will never out-dollar his competition, but what he might lack in funding he more than makes up for in hard work and determination. His program was built from the ground up - largely by himself - and more often than not Woodley can be found in the Sunset pit area playing the role of Driver, Crew Chief and Car Chief. A true one man band.

Woodley closed the 2015 Sunset Speedway season with his most impressive performance to date, finishing 2nd at the annual Velocity 250 to former division champion Brandon McFerran - with McFerran later admitting that he felt as though Woodley was closing in on the lead in the race's final laps.

While his style may not translate to a record-setting number of wins, Woodley's consistency is the type that wins championships. Remember Doug Butler's 2015 championship run? Podium finishes and a total avoidance of any type of DNF will keep you in the mix until the bitter end. His efforts last season - punctuated by his head-turning performance at the Velocity 250 - were proof that Woodley is ready to contend with the division's elite on a weekly basis. And, if he can keep his ride in one piece from one night to the next, could most certainly step into the championship picture in 2016.

Cameron McGlashan
Sophomore driver Cameron McGlashan could very well be the most interesting prospect on the Sunset Speedway roster. After emerging as a complete unknown on the entry-level MIGHTY division roster in 2015, the Hawkestone, ON native very quickly established himself as a rising star worthy of keeping an eye on.

McGlashan's team handled his rookie campaign masterfully, acquiring top-flight equipment and aligning themselves early on with established veterans Rick Walt and Mike Brown. With a strong car and capable mentors, McGlashan cut his learning curve admirably and proved to be a quick study in a talent-laden division.

As strong as the MIGHTY division was last season, there's no doubt that a move to Mini Stock will be a sizeable jump for McGlashan in 2016. However, if McGlashan can continue the upward trajectory that was on display last year, it should prove to be a relatively smooth transition by mid-Summer that could very well see him turn heads as the Mini Stock division continues to transition.

Perhaps McGlashan's greatest asset at this time is the fact that he's already been through the grind of chasing a championship. In 2015, his pursuit of the MIGHTY division championship came down to the final lap of the final night of the season. Ultimately, McGlashan would come up short to eventual champion Treyten Lapcevich, however the experience of that back-and-forth posturing will give McGlashan an edge over any other sophomore on the roster.

Gerrit Tiemersma
The Tiemersma family name requires no introduction in Ontario racing circles. Brothers Derrick, Steve and Tony established themselves as some of short track racing's elite in the '90s and 2000s. Derrick competed as a frontrunner in the former CASCAR Super Series before winning multiple events with the OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour, Steve carved out a reputation as one of the fiercest Pro Late Model competitors of his generation and Tony worked to become a constant threat in Ltd. Late Model action anywhere in the province.

Fast forward to the modern era and Steve's son Gerrit appears ready for a push towards the 2016 Sunset Speedway Mini Stock championship. With a pair of solid seasons under his belt, the Newmarket, ON hotshoe is well on his way to establishing his own reputation within the Ontario short track scene.

Tiemersma possesses massive upside potential thanks in part to a maturity beyond his years and a willingness to learn. Combine this with the fact that the teenager is remarkably easy on equipment - in 19 appearances last season, Tiemersma took damage only twice - and you have a young man on the verge of crossing over to a perennial championship contender.

After starting out in a front wheel drive Cavalier during his rookie season, Tiemersma's family-run team acquired a rear wheel drive Mustang for his 2015 campaign. Despite some early growing pains, Tiemersma took to the new ride admirably, and showcased an increased level of comfort towards the end of his sophomore campaign. That level of composure and maturity is precisely what could carry Tiemersma to a championship run in 2016.

Nic Montanari
The son of NASCAR Pinty's Series Crew Chief Rino Montanari, Nic Montanari broke into the Sunset Speedway Mini Stock division in 2014. After an up-and-down rookie season, the Uxbridge, ON racer split his time between the MIGHTY and Mini Stock divisions in 2015 with far more favorable results.

A pair of feature victories in the MIGHTY division to kick off the year proved that Montanari can get the job done in race trim and warranted a mid-season move to the veteran-heavy Mini Stock class. Though he wasn't met with the same immediate success after jumping up a division, the elevation of his skill set from 2014 to 2015 was evident.

This year, the second-generation racer finds himself alongside a bevy of other former MIGHTY division standouts, all jockeying for their opportunity to climb the Mini Stock ladder. Given the number of hungry young stars on the roster, a big performance in the opening weeks of the 2016 season could go a long way to building some much-needed momentum for the dog days of the season in July and August.

The Graham Construction Corp NASCAR Mini Stock division will open their 2016 campaign on Saturday, April 30th with a 25-lap feature event. Joining the Mini Stocks on the card will be the Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park NASCAR Late Models, the St. Onge Recreation NASCAR Super Stocks and the Signs of Innovation MIGHTY Division.

Details, including gate times and ticket prices, can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca. For additional information, be sure to follow @Sunset_Speedway on Twitter.

Perkins showed considerable speed in each of the series' opening rounds at Irwindale Speedway and Kern County Raceway Park, before encountering a cut tire and late-race contact resulting in an 18th and 16th place finish, respectively.

"It's way too early in our season to start complaining about luck," opines Perkins in his typical relaxed demeanour. "There's no doubt that things haven't gone the way we had hoped for in our first two races, but there's no sense in dwelling on it"

"We've shown a lot of speed in each of our races. We just need to keep our heads down and keep working and the results will come"

The former Irwindale Speedway Late Model regular attributes his positive outlook to the teachings of his team owner and mentor, multi-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West winner Steve Portenga.

"There are a lot more mental aspects than guys want to admit," says the teenager. "If you focus on the negatives, and throw your hands up every time something goes wrong, you can get lost inside your own head pretty quickly"

"I'm proud of how much we've learned so far, and I'm confident that we have a package that's strong enough to contend for the rest of the season"

For Perkins, a venture into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series meant far more than simply making gains behind the wheel.

"Coming into this year, I knew I was going to learn a lot about every aspect of being a racer," explains the Bakersfield, CA native. "Right now, we're learning as a team how to get through the rough patches. We aren't going to let it get us down, and we aren't going to let it discourage us from getting better in the future"

"I'm excited to get to Tucson," says Perkins. "It's going to be a new experience for us - but we're ready to work. We aren't going to let a couple of rough outings define our year. We're ready to do whatever it takes to turn things around. And it all starts on May 7th."

Blaine Perkins’ 2016 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West efforts are made possible thanks to the support of Golden Gate Meat Company, Good Life Organics, Steve Portenga Racing, Four Star Fruit, Double Eagle Produce & Transportation and Reeves Auto Care.

Fans can keep up with Blaine's progress all season long by visiting the official Blaine Perkins Racing page on Facebook, and be sure to follow the all new @BlainePerkinsRacing page on Instagram.

'The New Age Punisher' was a fixture on the tour during its inaugural season in 2015, posting four top-5 finishes en route to a 5th place finish in the final tour points standings.

"At this time last season, we weren't quite sure what direction we were headed in," explains Parker. "We were still racing our Limited Late Model weekly, but knew that we wanted to take a look at going on tour with the APC Series to see if that was a better fit for us"

Parker's decision to invest in a full touring program for the first time in his career was not a decision his team took likely. However after years spent racing on a weekly basis, the small business owner and family man knew it was time for a change.

"Being at the speedway every single weekend just isn't really possible for us anymore," continues Parker. "I've got a young family and a growing business, and it's getting harder to find the time through the week to have our program operating on the level that we expect out of our team"

"We needed to make a change and find a way to stay in the sport that didn't require the amount of hours that racing on a weekly basis does"

One year later, Parker has liquidated virtually all of his Ltd. Late Model equipment, and has taken delivery of a 2016 McColl Racing Enterprises-built Pro Late Model to chase the APC Series championship with.

"We're all in with this Pro Late Model deal," smiles Parker. "This is where we can see ourselves staying for the foreseeable future. We had a great year in 2015, and with all of the changes we've made, we feel confident that we can contend for wins anywhere the tour goes this summer"

The veteran admits that even though his team achieved enviable success at the weekly level, competing with the APC Series required some considerable changes.

"Being on tour is so much different than just racing the same group of drivers at the same speedway every Saturday," says the Port Elgin, ON veteran. "The change of scenery with every race keeps things fresh. It's a different strategy from race to race, and a lot of times it's not the same teams that you find yourself racing for position. It keeps you on your toes, that's for sure"

The Port Elgin, ON veteran will begin his season on May 14th when the APC Series rolls into Sunset Speedway for Round 1 of the tour's sophomore campaign.

"Our goal is to absolutely start the season with a bang," notes Parker. "Sunset is a facility that we've won at before in our Ltd. Late Model, and I think we stand as good of a chance as anyone of winning Round 1 with our Pro Late Model"

"There's a lot of talent on this tour, and everyone has the same goal of being on top at the end of the season. Because of that, momentum is so important. A big first race could go a long way towards competing for a championship months down the road."

Jason Parker's 2016 program is supported by Prestige General Contractors, Mowbray's Canadian Tire, Colorworks, Saugeen Shores Transmission, Boiler Makers 128, Baxi Marathon Industries, Keeprite, Ron Gibbons Construction, MacDonnell Fuels, Morry's Trailer Sales, Candue Homes and Lakeside Auto.

Fans can stay up to date with Jason and the rest of the team by visiting the official Jason Parker Racing page on Facebook.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

But, despite the hardships that his family-run team has encountered along the way, Everingham is recharged and motivated for April 30th’s 2016 season opener.

“I think our program has come a long way in the last two years,” says Everingham. “The Super Stock division is such a grind, and there are so many good teams at Sunset every Saturday, it’s hard not to learn. Last season it felt like we were making gains every week, and I’m excited to get back to that. When I compare our 2014 season to our 2015 season, it really shows how much we’ve grown as a team”

Everingham showcased continued improvement throughout his sophomore campaign, ultimately tallying a 10th place finish in the 2015 Super Stock points standings.

“We’re not at all afraid of the hard work that comes with this deal,” affirms the Innisfil, ON driver. “It’s all about logging hours in the shop and laps on the track. That’s the only way I’m ever going to get better. Dad and I have gone through the car from end to end over the Winter, and we feel like we’re more ready now than we’ve ever been for a season opener”

In 2016, Everingham’s Smurf’s Towing-sponsored entry will once again have the opportunity to continue his ascent through the ranks of Ontario’s most talent-laden support division.

“As long as we can keep moving forward every week, this season will be a success,” explains Everingham. “I don’t expect to have anything handed to me. The competition here is better than anywhere in the province. These guys don’t give you an inch, which is totally fine. It’s easy to beat yourself up when it feels like you’re not getting the progress that you want. But, when you take a step back, and see how stacked this division is, you realize that every position you gain on the racetrack is progress”

When asked if his team has ever considered racing elsewhere to gain experience, Everingham wastes little time detailing why his outfit continues to ply their craft at Sunset.

“There are other places we could race if we wanted to approach things differently, but we’ve never been about taking the easy way out,” says the third-generation competitor. “There’s no doubt that we’re racing against the best every Saturday. I’m proud of how far our team has come already, and I can’t wait to see where we end up at the end of 2016.”

Coltin will kick off his 2016 season alongside the rest of the St. Onge Recreation NASCAR Super Stock roster on April 30th at Sunset Speedway. For details, including gate times and ticket prices, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.

Coltin Everingham’s 2016 efforts are supported by Castrol Canada, HWY 400 Transmission, Castrol Premium Lube Express, Perly Fullerton, ARA Alcona Rental, Ernie’s Performance, Ryan's Landscape, Graham and Kyle Connor, Permatex, Eagle Eye Contracting, Cabral Racing Promotions, Dwayne Clugston of Century 21 Realty LTD. & The Smokin Piggy Louisiana BBQ Smokehouse.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)

Wylie entered 2015 as a relative unknown in Ontario, competing as a teammate to eventual track champion Taylor Holdaway. Over the course of his first season as a Sunset regular, Wylie showcased a style based largely on consistency, tallying 18 top-10s in 22 starts.

"Heading into the season opener a year ago, we didn't have the same intel that we do now, so we were a lot more focused with making adjustments on the fly and learning as much as we could," explains Wylie. "This year we feel a lot more at home at Sunset. We have a better understanding of the track and a better understanding of the teams were racing against, and alot of that is thanks to our work with Fred and Taylor Holdaway. I can't thank them enough for the opportunities they've given me to be a part of their team"

The Hamburg, NY hotshoe will invest that newfound understanding in an upstart collaboration with Streamline Race Products founder Shaun McWhirter this season. Together, the pair have designed a brand new Ltd. Late Model chassis that they expect will help propel Wylie into Sunset's championship conversation in 2016.

"We've been living in the shop to get this car finished," laughs Wylie. "12-Hour days have become the norm for us because opening night is only getting closer. I can't say enough about Shaun [McWhirter] and how committed he's been to this project. Taking on a build like this has been a labour of love for both of us, but I truly believe that it's going to turn some heads when we get it on the racetrack. It's something a little bit different than what anyone else is working with right now"

Wylie is quick to explain that the decision to invest in a new chassis was necessary, given the current evolution of the Ltd. Late Model division.

"We were able to make some huge gains last season working with a car that was perhaps a half-step behind some of the equipment we were out there with," says the well-spoken veteran. "Now that we have a brand new racecar, I'm hoping to bring our program to new levels. What makes this sport so interesting is that nothing stays the same for long. This technology is never standing still. Everyone around us is evolving - which is exactly what we're aiming to do with this new chassis"

When reflecting on his first season spent competing at Sunset, 'The American Dream' insists it was never an option not to return to Ontario for a second stint.

"There was never any question that we would be returning to Sunset this season," says the former Open Wheel Modified standout. "The level of passion and commitment that the teams on this roster have is contagious. This is, without a doubt, one of the toughest divisions I've ever raced in. The teams out here are no joke, and we've spent an entire off-season engineering our program to get to a point in which we feel as though we'll be able to contend on any given night."

Scott Wylie will kick off his pursuit of the Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park NASCAR Late Model championship at Sunset Speedway on April 30th. For information, including gate times and ticket prices, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.

Wylie Motorsports' 2016 efforts are made possible thanks to the support of Holdaway Automotive, KartStart.ca, Bay Auto & Trucks Parts of Orillia, Streamline Race Products, Wylie Racing Performance and Axcel Sports.

Fans can keep up with Scott and the rest of the team all season by visiting the official Scott Wylie Motorsports page on Facebook.

By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)