ONA, WV-The Hobby Stock division has been rebranded as “Street Stocks” for the 2021 season to go along with other tracks and touring series. Last year, the Street Stocks had undoubtedly the most intense racing of the entire season. The class has grown for 2021 and carries a lot of momentum heading into the season. Here are the big storylines for the 2021 season for the Street Stocks.
Brett Carey retirement
Defending Street Stock champion Brett Carey stunned the racing world by announcing on social media that he has retired and sold his famous #3 Street Stock. Carey has had one of the most storied careers of any driver in our region with lots of race wins on the asphalt at Ona as well as on dirt. Carey had an incredible season last year as the winningest driver in the class en route to the track championship. A big portion of Ona Speedway fans are hoping that Carey reconsiders retirement and ends up coming back at some point this season.
Kenny Chapman keeps on winning
Kenny Chapman’s famous #16 Street Stock is a constant at Ona Speedway. Chapman, who features an old school driving style and gives one of the greatest interviews at the track, just keeps on winning as he has for many years at Ona Speedway. He had another great year last year to add to his storied career with one victory and a second place points finish. Chapman battled neck and neck with rival Brett Carey all year long for the championship. Chapman will head into 2021, just as he does every year, as one of the main contenders to win the track championship.
New entries set to increase competition even more
The Street Stock division saw an uptick in car count last season and is set to grow even more for 2021 with several new entries. J. R. Webb, who has long been one of the toughest competitors in the Modified division at Ona, entered a Street Stock last season and reached victory lane. For 2021, Webb is going racing soley in the Street Stock division as he will no doubt be one of the main contenders to win the track championship.
Tommy Rowe, who finished 5th last year in the Legends Cars points in his rookie season, will be going Street Stock racing this season. Josh Ferrell, a former U Car competitor at the track, is also going Street Stock racing this year. David Kuhn, the father of U Car competitor Stephen Kuhn, will be a competitor in the Street Stocks this season. Barboursville, WV’s Jeff Heaberlin as well as Oceana, WV’s Randall Harvey have also registered to compete in the Street Stock class.
Drivers look to build on 2020 speed
Several drivers that did not visit victory lane in 2020 showed lots of speed and will be hungry to visit victory lane this season. These drivers include: Rush, KY’s Clinton Thompson, who found lots of speed late in the season to battle for some race wins. Chris Jividen was fast last season with several great finishes and could of picked up a win or two if bad luck didn’t strike. Clark Perry, a former dirt racer, showed speed as well with several strong finishes. Veteran driver Gary Queen only raced once last season but will look to get back to his winning ways in 2021.
Expect great racing to continue
The Street Stock class made headlines last season with absolutely incredible racing. Each race saw lead changes, intense side by side racing, and even some beating and banging. This class stole the show on many nights, having the most exciting feature race of the evening. With an expanded field this season, expect the Street Stock class to steal the show once again.
2021 Ona Speedway Registered Street Stocks
- Clark Perry
- JR Webb
- Jeff Heaberlin
- Chris Jividen
- Tommy Rowe
- Josh Ferrell
- Colt Locker
- Gary Queen
- David Kuhn
- Clinton Thompson
- Randall Harvey
- James Jones (Probable)
- Kenny Chapman (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.
