By: Ron Burt
This week I want to introduce you to another Oakshade Raceway weekly competitor. Chris Rutan races in the very competitive Compact FWD (front wheel drive) Class. Chris got hooked on racing at a young age and this class of racecar caught his attention. This will be his second year of racing. Compacts, FWD, Mini Stocks, 4 cylinders most tracks have an entry level car that they try to use to introduce new drivers to the sport. They try to keep things stock and affordable, but everyone knows, affordable and racing are two words that don’t go together. Chris and his fellow competitors spend many hours during the week getting their cars ready for Saturday night just like the Late Model, Modified and Sportsman drivers. No matter what you race, it drains your wallet even with sponsor help. You never can put a price on your own time, labor, and missed family time.
Chris races a 2003 Chevy Cavalier and its completely stock. It was built by Goodman Performance and is worked on by his grandfather Steve, who is his mechanic. At most tracks, racing is a family sport with two or three generations involved. Chris mainly races at Oakshade Raceway, but he does compete at Montpelier Motor Speedway, in Indiana at the fall Monster Mash and at Michigan’s Springport Speedway for the Michigan Cup.
His goal is to someday sit behind the wheel of a Late Model but right now he’s trying to refine his skills in the Compact Class. This year he has his sights set on Top 10 in points and he’s dedicating this season to his grandfather Steve, for helping him. On most race nights at Oakshade and other tracks, the Compacts run the last feature of the evening. I invite you to stick around and watch these men and women compete. Some, like Chris, are learning the tricks of the trade, and several drivers are well-seasoned in the class and have no plans of ever leaving the class. This all adds up to a fun feature to watch. If you’re interested in the sport, after the night of racing go back to the pits and meet Chris and his fellow competitors. They love to talk about racing and welcome new drivers to the sport.
Two weeks in a row Attica Raceway Park has cancelled their season opener because of cold temperatures and rain. Fremont Motor Speedway got a shot in the arm last week, Kistler Racing Engines and Racing Products, has signed on as a track sponsor. Since 1993 they’ve produced competitive racing engines for 410’s, 360’s and 305’s Sprint Cars. Fremont Speedway is scheduled to open April 15th. The only real change is in the Dirt Truck Class with some rules. Limaland Motorsports Park is set to begin its 88th season of racing and 26th season under the ownership of the University of Northwestern Ohio. 13 events make up the 2023 season that will start on Friday, May 5th, with the 360 Sprint Invaders, UMP Mods and Thunderstocks. It’s too bad, such a nice track has a very short season.
Over in Indiana the Battle for Kokomo is less than a month away. April 21-22 the USAC Midgets Nos Energy Drink 2023 Season begins with the Kokomo Grand Prix. It’s one of our area’s top early races. Hats off to Montpelier Motor Speedway for adjusting their 2023 schedule. They took some dates away to avoid conflicts with Kokomo. It’s great when tracks work together to help race teams and fans. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!
