Has the SLMS Re-invigorated the Maritime Racing Scene? Helped the Pro Stock Tour?
#16 Dylan Gosbee, 2023 SLMS Champ - Tanya Everett Photography
May 28th, 2024
In 2023, the introduction of the Super Late Model Series (SLMS) between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island entered with quite an impact. While it became clear to me that both organizations (SLMS & The Maritime Pro Stock Tour, now known as the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour - ECIPST) place a focus on updates and content via social media platforms, I believe that having a website is still important, and that it is the means that some people use or prefer to use. The SLMS entered the scene with a solid schedule that aimed to avoid conflicting race dates, a budget-friendly structure, or at least by Late Model standards, consistently large car counts not seen in a long time, a modern website, an innovative/proactive team, and more open engine rules.
Prior to 2023, The Maritime racing scene had been seeing a noticeable shift in recent years, experiencing a steady decline in driver participation. While there were definite positives, such as the emergence of #83 Cory Hall and #2 Ashton Tucker who would participate part-time in the PST, there was also a recent departure of #53 Cole Butcher and #67 Dylan Blenkhorn. With the introduction of a new tour that did things a little different, it was uncertain how it may affect things, and how it may pan out.
While the PST remained roughly status quo from the outside looking in, in 2023, the SLMS brought forth some strengths in areas where the PST seemed to be behind. However, the recent opening race of the PST season (2024), despite being postponed due to rain, had an entry list at Scotia Speedworld that rivaled that of the Scotia Speedworld 250 and 200 lap finale races from 2023, and significantly more cars than the track’s PST opener. Along with this, the debut race initially scheduled to be the second race, was on par with last year’s Speedway 660 PST stop. It is early to say, but with the SLMS expected to draw fields in the 20s or higher every race, based on last year, the PST seems to be starting out that way, as well. This increase in participation is a significant step in the right direction and it is possible that it is at least partly influenced by an indirect positive from the SLMS.
The SLMS has brought a renewed sense of excitement and competition to the region, as well as engagement, and proactivity. It’s introduction may have potentially pushed the PST to innovate and improve, as well. The PST updated their website, launched a podcast, and secured a community TV channel program that airs replays of 2023’s races. These updates, along with what looks to be potentially increased driver participation indicate a concerted effort to engage with the community and enhance the fan and driver experience. It is possible that the PST may have been somewhat complacent prior to the SLMS's arrival, having been the only show in town. So far, it appears the region has room for two organizations, and PST is showing early signs of a rising trajectory.
The continued success and growth of both series will ultimately determine the long-term impact of racing in the region, but for now, it seems that the SLMS has positively contributed to a re-invigoration in Maritime racing.
This is a speculative opinion piece, and the SLMS introduction may not have had any impact on the PST in a positive sense, but it is clear that it has at least had a positive impact on the region as a whole, with respect to racing.
As the PST appears to be coming out of the gates strong, with new additions to its product and refinement, and SLMS looks to build upon last year’s success, as well as the re-branded Summer Clash 250, the staple IWK 250, and Speedway 660’s unsanctioned 250 last year being a big stand-out, as well as the Mike Stevens Memorial, it is obvious that there are lots of drivers in the region, and lots of good ones, as well as lots of fans. It is important to nurture, build, and maintain that. There are reasons for early optimism that the PST could have its best season in years, that we may see some special unsanctioned races, and that the SLMS will build on its success.
