SLMS
SLMS Readies for Round Two at Oyster Bed Speedway
Series Release
(June 14th, 2023) – The largest field of Super Late Models to grace Prince Edward Islands red dirt since 2008 is prepping to converge on the 1/4-mile bullring at Oyster Bed Speedway this weekend. Twenty-eight (28) entries are expected for the Chapman Bros. 150 presented by Hynes Paving as of press time, a list led by an impressive contingent of PEI talent set to defend their home turf from mainland invaders. The Chapman Bros. 150 presented by Hynes Paving will serve as round two of the six race inaugural season for the Super Late Model Series following a rain out at Petty International Raceway two weeks ago.
The recent rain out has ramped up the anticipation, as drivers anxiously await the opportunity to start their engines once again. With many eying up the inaugural Super Late Model Series championship, and the Chapman Bros. 150 presented by Hynes Paving paying $4000 to win, expect fast and furious action all race long!
Fast Facts
Date: Saturday June 17th, 2023 | Start Time: 6:00pm
Pit Gates Open: 12:00pm | Grandstands Open: 5:00pm
Event: Chapman Bros. 150 presented by Hynes Paving / Super Late Model Series Round Two
Track: Oyster Bed Speedway
Location: 4751 Route 6, Oyster Bed Bridge, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Track Size: 1/4 Mile | Race Distance: 150 Laps
Support Classes: Street Stock, Outlaw, Mini Stock
Race Day Tickets: Purchased at the Oyster Bed Speedway ticket booth at the track, CASH ONLY!
SUPER SIX Super Late Model Series Storylines
Ryan Messer Hopes Rain Out, New Track, Don’t Break Momentum
Ryan Messer (#1) was on a roll for the month of May in the Maritimes. Headlined by his historic win in the Riverview Ford Season Opener to make him the first race winner in series history, Messer leads the field into Oyster Bed Speedway. For the Harvey, NB driver, he hopes the early June showers haven’t put out the fire that’s been lit under “Big Orange.” Another daunting challenge lies ahead of Messer, he has never been to Oyster Bed Speedway as a driver or a fan. Plus, as a feature winner, Messer must also start deep in the field. He’ll be sporting the bright yellow windshield banner as the points leader, but can he rise to the occasion and overcome potential adversity?
Gosbee and MacEwen Faced With Golden Opportunity
Following the Riverview Ford Season Opener, Dylan Gosbee (#16) and Robbie MacEwen (#40) are the only Prince Edward Island drivers in the top ten in Super Late Model Series standings, thanks to their fourth and sixth place finishes respectively. Sitting very much within striking distance, their home track advantage could pay huge dividends this weekend. Both former champions of Oyster Bed Speedway in their Late Model / Pro Stock division, Gosbee and MacEwen want to proudly be displaying the yellow points leader banner on their windshield when the series returns to Oyster Bed Speedway for the Universal Truck and Trailer 150 on August 5th. These drivers will expect nothing short of a win in front of the hometown crowd as the regions best prepare for battle.
Entire Field of Prince Edward Island Drivers Ready to Go
While Gosbee and MacEwen lead their fellow PEI competitors in points, each and every Island native has had this race circled on their calendars since last year – each with their own unique storyline entering this weekend to keep the hometown crowd on the edge of their seats. With opportunities to change their fortunes in 2023, and needing the margin of error has to be zero for the rest of the season, these drivers have everything to gain. From former IWK 250 champions Greg Proude (#29) and Darren MacKinnon (#18), defending Oyster Bed Speedway Pro Stock champion Troy Burke (#01), and long-time standout Allison MacKinnon (#07) all aim to make the hometown crowd proud!
The lure of the Super Late Model Series has attracted Island veteran Chris Hughes (#32), who will compete part-time with SLMS to defend the track he calls home. The popular star and social media personality will add to the dynamic of the field.
A trio of Prince Edward Island rookies will be in the field too – their storylines will be previewed below.
Lack of Oyster Bed Speedway Experience Set to Challenge New Brunswick Drivers
New Brunswick’s top talents almost entirely enter Oyster Bed Speedway with one thing in common – limited experience. In addition to points leader Ryan Messer, young drivers like Ashton Tucker (#2), Devin Snell (#10), and Dustin Tucker (#52) have never made a Super Late Model start at the track. For veteran competitors like Steve Halpin (#03), Lonnie Sommerville (#23), Dave O’Blenis (#48), Kevin Moore (#88), and Chris Duncan (#97) it’s been a decade or more since they turned a lap – in some cases, they haven’t competed at Oyster Bed Speedway since a repave in 2007! Regardless, one thing is certain, this cast of characters will have to adapt in a hurry to keep up with the competition!
One exception to the rule is Cory Hall (#83). Cory has a handful of recent starts at Oyster Bed Speedway – including a win in his most recent start, a 150-lap main event. Ian Rasmussen (#81) made a pair of starts at Oyster Bed Speedway in 2022 too, experience which could prove to be valuable this weekend.
Wooldridge Debut, PEI Unpredictability, Set to Shake Castrol Rookie Battle
A race within the race will be contested, thanks to the Castrol Rookie of the Year battle, but a part-time entry with lots of hype will seek to upset his fellow rookie challengers. PEI’s own Tanton Wooldridge (#28) has turned heads as he has climbed through the ranks of Maritime racing – this weekend, he will make his Super Late Model Series debut at his home track. In minimal Super Late Model starts, Wooldridge has impressed including a notable podium finish during the 2022 Atlantic Championships at the Centre for Speed. Competing part-time, Wooldridge isn’t contending for the year-long prize, but will be a driver hometown fans will be watching and cheering for!
The home track advantage could swing the rookie battle in favor of Kenny Snow (#7). He has plenty of experience and is a fan favorite – and also has a new look to debut this weekend. Brodie Lewis (#22) is another PEI rookie, and he will in fact also make his SLMS debut. Planning to compete full-time, Lewis missed the season opener after issues at the eleventh hour, but there is no place like home to get things started. For Wooldridge, Snow, and Lewis, their home track experience could go a long way against the New Brunswick rookie competitors. Only Kenny MacKenzie Jr (#85) has any Oyster Bed Speedway experience – coming in a Street Stock – while Ryan Raynes (#94) and Hudson Weston (#43) will be treading new water on the other side of the bridge.
Heat Racing, Passing Points To Be More Important at Oyster Bed Speedway
If any lessons were learned from the Riverview Ford Season Opener, it could be the importance of heat races and passing points. Each position gained or lost proved to be critical – with one position difference equaling as many as ten positions on the starting grid for the feature!
On the tight confines of Oyster Bed Speedway, track position will be even more important, which will only intensify heat races! These qualifiers alone are sure to be worth the price of admission, with so much to gain or lose all wrapped up in 10-lap sprints.
Stay Up To Date!
As raceday nears, fans are encouraged to stay tuned to social media for breaking news as it happens! Super Late Model Series can be found on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter at @SLMSeries. Also be sure to check out our official website at SLMS.ca.
For more information on the Chapman Bros 150 presented by Hynes Paving, check out Oyster Bed Speedway on Facebook, and online at OysterBedSpeedwayPEI.com.
