ONA, WV-The Sport Mod division came back to life at Ona Speedway during the 2020 season. The class, which promotes economical racing through engine and tire rules, saw the most parity of any class with 7 different winners in 8 races. The track looks forward to another year of growth with the class in 2021. Here are the biggest storylines heading into the 2021 season in the Sport Mods.
Powers looks to repeat
Winfield, WV’s Marty Powers was the fastest car all season long in the class last year. Powers won the first points race of the season and never looked back, leading the points throughout the entire season to claim the 2020 track championship. Powers will be back to defend his championship in 2021 as he looks to repeat as track champion when the checkered flag flies on September 11th.
Smith and Lamm look to build on speed
Dunbar, WV’s Chris Smith had an impressive rookie season in 2020. The longtime Greg Chandler Motorsports crew member hopped behind the wheel of a Sport Mod and was among the most consistent drivers all season. Smith got faster each week and looks to build on that speed in 2021. Last season saw Smith finish second in points in his rookie season as he will look to challenge Powers for the track championship this year.
Pennsboro, WV’s Marty Lamm is a veteran of both asphalt and dirt Modified racing. Lamm entered the Sport Mod division in 2020 and was consistent, building speed each week. Lamm finished 5th in the 2020 point standings and looks to build on that speed this season.
Bailey looks to make championship run
Milton, WV’s Chad Bailey only competed in two races in 2020, but was fast in each one, collecting a win and a second place finish. Bailey, an Ona Speedway veteran, will be one of Powers top challengers for the track championship this season.
New entries add to competition level
Two new entries to the Sport Mod division will up the competition level even more in the class this year. Veteran driver Rick Watson is set to return to the drivers seat in 2021 racing in the Sport Mod division. Watson, a former Ona Speedway feature winner, is another driver who will be one of the top challengers for the track championship. Chris Bishop, a longtime Ona Speedway sponsor, will be behind the wheel in 2021 in the Sport Mod division as well. Bishop fielded a car for Marty Powers in the Midwest Modifieds Tour event at Winchester Speedway last October and will look to contend for the track championship against longtime friend Powers.
Will Ohio travelers steal some shows?
Due in part to COVID-19 preventing Ohio tracks from running as many races, last season saw an influx of Ohio travelers to the Sport Mod class. Half of the races last season were won by Ohio travelers (Braden Swaney with two wins, Rick Sibila and Brandon France with one win each). As things return more to normal in 2021, it’s less likely to see Ohio travelers at Saturday night shows, but there are three Friday night Sport Mod shows this season that could see some Ohio travelers try to ride in and claim a win.
Be a part of the action
The Ona Speedway is working hard to build the Sport Mod class in 2021 and years to come. This class offers a way to compete in a Modified at a much more affordable cost. Most teams use crate motors and a used tire rule is in effect, cutting cost on two of the biggest price points in any racing division. The class is also a great stepping stone into the Modified division. The top 3 finishers in each Sport Mod feature are invited to tag the tail of the Modified feature that night, giving the chance to gain more experience. If you are looking for a competitive, affordable class to get into, this is the one.
The first race for the Sport Mod division in 2021 will be on Friday, April 30th for night #1 of the 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Bash.
2021 Ona Speedway Registered Sport Mods
1. Chris Bishop
2. Marty Powers
3. Chad Bailey
4. Rick Watson
5. Marty Lamm
6. Jacob Parson
7. Shane Koontz
8. Chris Smith (Probable)
*This is a list only of drivers who have pre-registered. More cars that are not pre-registered could compete in 2021. A probable entry means we have received verbal confirmation of the entry but the car has not been pre-registered.
