Reflection on the 2023 Maritime Pro/Super Late Model Season
Brad Eddy’s #7 - Photo Courtesy of: WingNut Productions
October 18th, 2023
Introduction:
The 2023 racing season in the Maritimes was brimming with fervour and excitement. From breakthrough seasons, to the establishment of rising talents, from the debut of a Super Late Model touring series, to numerous photo finishes, the year has certainly left its mark.
Major Highlights:
Dylan Gosbee & the Super Late Model Series:
The inauguration of the Super Late Model Series (SLMS) this year was a watershed moment for the Maritime racing scene. With its intense, high-end competition and consistently large fields of cars, the series executed admirably on its goals to this point, with my impression being that hard work, and plans for 2024 are well underway. Dylan Gosbee's series championship triumph has set an impressive standard for future races and hinted at the thrilling prospects in store. With 20+ cars in every race, and about a dozen and a half drivers who ran every race, the parity proved strong. With 5 separate winners across the 6 150 lap features, no one ran away with this. It took great consistency, several podiums, a win, and a good showing in the finale to walk away with the championship.
[Author Note: In the SLMS vs Pro Stock Tour article, my ignorance of social media at the time led to me describing a few things differently than I would now, in ways that are more complimentary to both series' with regards to active updates, etc. This is especially true of SLMS. I will properly address this in the future, as I update that comparison]
Ashton Tucker's Stellar Finish:
Ashton Tucker's prowess on the track was on full display this season. In the ECI Pro Stock Tour, Tucker participated in 5 races, bagging 2 wins and consistently placing with 4 top-5s and 5 top-10s. The Super Late Model Series witnessed him racing 5 times, with a victory and 2 top-5s among 3 top-10s. Adding another feather to his cap, Tucker secured 3rd place at the Speedweekend Pro Stock 250 at Speedway 660 and clinched a victory at the Mike Stevens Memorial 254 at Petty International Raceway, making it his 3rd race in as many starts. In total, his season boasted an impressive tally of 12 races, 4 wins, 8 top-5s, and 10 top-10s. The future is very bright for Tucker, and his respectful style makes him someone that everyone from his home town in New Brunswick, to all of Maritime, Atlantic, or the whole of Canada can be proud of, and the rest of the racing world abroad, as well.
Greg Proude's Winning Ways:
Greg Proude showcased his formidable racing skills this year with notable successes. Running 5 races in each series (10 combined): SLMS & ECIPST, and securing a win both at Riverside in the Pro Stock Tour, and Oyster Bed in the Super Late Model Series, Proude demonstrated that he's someone your spotter needs to keep a close eye on. These victories underline his capabilities, especially in recent times at Oyster Bed & Riverside, and place him among the top contenders in the maritime racing circuit.
The Return of Brad Eddy:
Brad Eddy's return to the our racing world was a moment of nostalgia and anticipation for fans. His performance added depth to the season, reminding enthusiasts of his past accolades and promise, and making them eager for his future races. Click to see my detailed interview with him about his return, and where he has been, here.
Russel Smith Jr. Inches Closer to Victory:
Though still in pursuit of his maiden win, Russel Smith Jr. built upon significant improvement. His consistency throughout the season indicates that he's nearing a much-anticipated breakthrough. Fans have their fingers crossed for his imminent victory. With his average finish through his full-time Pro Stock Tour campaign (third in points) of 5.18, podium at the IWK 250, and top-5s on the 3 longest distance races on the schedule, the rest of the tour needs to stay on alert.
Nicholas Naugle's Best Season Yet:
Nicholas Naugle outdid himself this season, delivering some of his best performances. However, it wasn't without challenges; a few wrecked cars, some bad luck, and some inconsistency dashed the fullest potential of his still excellent year. If Naugle didn't already, though, he cemented himself as a top contender in our region. Before getting caught up in a wreck that he had nothing to do with, Naugle had a lot of momentum going, with back-to-back wins, and another podium. That wasn't the only hot streak of his season, though. Notably taking the runner-up 2nd place spot in the IWK 250, and 3rd place in the Summer Clash 250.
Jarrett Butcher's Full Emergence:
This season was pivotal for Jarrett Butcher, marking his breakthrough year. Aided by spotter Craig Langille in his ear all year long, a merger of a great spotter & a great wheel man with strong chemistry not only led to his first win (along with other factors discussed in this interview, click underlined text to view), but he also bagged his second and third victories, leading the Pro Stock Tour in total wins. His commendable finish at the Mike Stevens Memorial, where he placed second, just shy of victory, was a fitting end to his season in Maritime Canada. But 2023 isn't over for Butcher, as we are less than two months away from seeing him compete in the toughest Pro Late Model race of the year - The Snowflake 100 at Five Flags Speedway, Pensacola, Florida.
Carson Hocevar at the IWK 250:
Carson Hocevar's performance at the IWK 250 was nothing short of thrilling. Driving the IWK Children's Hospital Supporting "Cat Car for Kids" #23, Hocevar demonstrated sheer determination and skill, captivating fans throughout the race. Driving the wheels off of his piece, before a late incident put him out of contention, he dominated just about every aspect of the weekend, and did so with a charismatic, enthusiastic face. Hocevar was an excellent driver to bring out. He satisfies the NASCAR status for that Cat Car for Kids, but also came in the midst of his Late Model prime, and brought a positive & engaged attitude reminiscent of #12G Derek Griffith of New Hampshire (to be clear - Griffith has not appeared at the IWK 250; rather, my impression of their personalities share some overlapping, welcome traits).
Speedway 660's Epic 250 Lap Race:
[author note: I will be making a way too late review of this race, along with some other races during the off-season]
No doubt, one of the best races of the year. Speedway 660, a track both close to Maine, USA, and a track with a lot of similarities to tracks from that area, used to attract many drivers from that area. With many teams primed and ready to go after the massive car count Oxford 250, the Boss Hogg 150 at Wiscasset Speedway in Maine shortly after, and overlapping with the Speedway 660 250 in New Brunswick, seems to have understandably played a role in some changes.
Recognizing its strengths, this didn't prevent 660 from drawing a big, electric crowd, big names, both local and from a distance, and an excellent race. The Pro Stock 250 event was a spectacle of racing strategy and tenacity. In a gripping climax, track stalwart #48 Dave O’Blenis executed a last-gasp maneuver to overtake #1 Ryan Messer, securing a thrilling victory. Messer, not far behind, narrowly clinched the second spot in a breathtaking photo finish against previous winner #2 Ashton Tucker. #52 Dustin Tucker and #40 Robbie MacEwen both showcased admirable prowess, rounding off the top five.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series star, Stewart Friesen, despite an early exit due to a broken axle, showed speed and hunger, whilst spotlighting AIM Autism and VIVA Therapeutic Services while working his way into the top-5.
The Summer Clash 250's Impossible Victory (Dylan Blenkhorn):
The Atlantic Tiltload & Superior Foundations Ltd. Summer Clash 250 was a testament to Blenkhorn's resilience and racing prowess. Despite it being his first race of the year, Blenkhorn faced the challenges head-on, clinching a victory under trying circumstances. I published both a comprehensive Summer Clash 250 article: Here and a condensed version: Here already. The Summer Clash was a spectacle, and Blenkhorn’s win was a top highlight of 2023, coming through the field many times throughout the race, recovering from falling off of the lead lap, resorting to borrowing parts mid-race from an eliminated team, and seizing the lead late in dramatic fashion, making many passes very quickly. Of note, this race raised more than $6,000 for the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club.
Cole Butcher's Phenomenal Year:
Cole Butcher's year was nothing short of outstanding. Across 18 races (more to come!), all in the United States, Butcher not only secured 5 victories, but also consistently proved his mettle with 14 top-5s and 17 top-10s. Such remarkable stats cannot not be ignored, or overlooked. Butcher's exceptional performances, including victories at a CARS Tour Pro Late Model race, twin 150 lap PASS Easter Bunny races (at the famous Hickory Motor Speedway, North Carolina), the Oxford 250, and the Red Bud 400, make him one of the true elites. With only a narrow gap in points behind leader Ty Majeski, the upcoming ASA national finale at Nashville Fairgrounds (All American 400) in early November promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Ryan Messer's Exemplary Season:
In a season spanning 9 races, Ryan Messer certainly demonstrated an impressive performance throughout the year. Clinching victory in the second Pro Stock Tour race (his first 2 of appearances) highlighted his skill and finish ability. Even in the Summer Clash 250, where he ran top-5 until an unfortunate issue on lap 192 cut his race short, it's evident he was a threat. His accomplishments didn't end there, with 1 win and consistent top-5 finishes in half of the 6 total SLMS races, Messer was a contender for the championship. Being the undeniable class of the field at the Speedway 660 250, only to be edged out in the final moments, highlights his tenacity and skill on the track.
Preston Peltier's adventure to New Brunswick - Mike Stevens Memorial 254:
[Author Note: I will be making a way too late Mike Stevens Memorial 254 review during this off-season]
After involvement with the Lonnie Sommerville team at the 660 250, Peltier took to the wheel at the Mike Stevens Memorial. Colorado native Peltier is a 4-time Easter Bunny 150 PASS feature winner, and a Snowball Derby Pole Sitter, amongst many other achievements. Peltier looked strong, and came from a long way. A strong argument could be made that the Mike Stevens Memorial 254 had the best field of 2023 in the region, and Peltier's 11th place finish could be seem misleading, as he showed a lot of strength. The region would be fortunate to have Peltier return again, and build on his 2023 foray.
Lonnie Sommerville & Darren MacKinnon's Strong Years:
These two put on a strong show this year. Both had top-5s in half of the 6 race SLMS schedule, including a podium for Sommerville in the SLMS finale, as 1st & 2nd place Ashton Tucker & Cory Hall duked it out for 100+ green flag laps. MacKinnon on the other hand, also had a one-off at Oyster Bed in Prince Edward Island for the Pro Stock Tour, where he went home in third place after a fantastic move from Jarrett Butcher to take the lead, late.
Robbie MacEwan's Runner-Up SLMS Championship Finish:
While victory lane eluded MacEwan in 2023, he may just have cost Dylan Gosbee some sweat-wipe tissue paper money, as he pressed him strongly in the SLMS point race. Also having 3 top-5s, he had a 4th place finish in half of the SLMS races in a strong season that in some ways mirrored that of Russel Smith Jr.
Craig Slaunwhite's Record 3rd Straight Pro Stock Tour Championship:
Craig Slaunwhite's achievements are truly commendable. Becoming the first-ever three-time consecutive Pro Stock Tour champion is a testament to his skill, determination, and consistency on the track. Achieving 9 top-5 finishes in running just 10 of the 11 Pro Stock Tour races is an impressive feat, demonstrating a level of performance and reliability that few can match. Such a record not only showcases his prowess as a driver, but also highlights his ability to consistently perform. Slaunwhite's legacy in the pro stock tour is undoubtedly solidified with this historic accomplishment. Additionally, he capped the year off with a podium, finishing in 3rd place at the very strong Mike Stevens Memorial.
Cory Hall's Wins & Crucial Qualifying Efforts:
Along with qualifying on the pole for the Summer Clash 250 & Mike Stevens Memorial 254, Cory Hall was the only SLMS driver with more than 1 win (with 2), and seemed like a potential race winning car in many features through the year, sometimes encountering mechanical issues to derail lap leading contender-ship destined seeming runs, or even despite remaining a contender, despite combating mechanical issues. Already, like Cole Butcher, he has raced after the Mike Stevens Memorial 254, in his case, at Oxford Plains Speedway, in Maine (October 15th, PASS - Pro All Star Series). He would make numerous climbs through the field to ultimately finish in 5th place against a stout field in the third of a triple-100 lap segment feature series. Of note, early in the year, he commanded most of the first half of the PASS Northeast Classic at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. A mile long track with huge seating capacity known for it’s full-3 national touring NASCAR series races, it’s ability to convert into a road course, and the longest running Motorcycle race in America, The Loudon Classic. He would fade late in the race, ultimately finishing in 6th.
Austin MacDonald - CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series:
Although not Austin's strongest season in his early career, he has not only carried our flag South of the border, but he's had some strong runs locally, and has really picked it up in the CARS Tour lately. Although he doesn’t have a feature victory this year, after leading laps and ultimately retiring early in the IWK 250, his other two appearances in the Pro Stock Tour had him finishing 3rd and 5th. On the CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series in the USA, he has top-5’s in 3 of his last 4 races.
Conclusion:
The 2023 Maritime Pro/Super Late Model Season was a roller-coaster of emotions, marked by incredible performances, unexpected victories, and the promise of an even more exciting future. As fans and enthusiasts, we look forward to what the next season has in store.
