After a season filled with some up-and-down results, it’s no surprise Mike Robinson Jr. is hoping things go smoother for him this coming season.

“My thoughts for 2017 is to win some races and have some fun racing the best Mini Stock guys and gals in Ontario,” Robinson Jr. told Short Track Musings.

The driver of the No. 95 GREEN VALLEY ELECTRIC, IDEAL SUPPLY, AIRCON SERVICES & REEFER SALES INC., SIMCOE AUTO RECYCLERS, IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL OF COOKSTOWN, CHUCK TAYLOR HAULAGE OF SUTTON, SKATE ZONE SKATE SHARPENING, OKTANE PRODUCTIONS AND GEORGIAN HOT TUBS Neon added that he hopes to win some races, while finishing inside the top-10 in points. Notably, it could become a challenge as series officials are set to combine the pair of Mini Stock divisions together.

“It’s better to have one division,” Robinson Jr. said. “More cars, the better and you will always have the haters till race day.”

Looking back on this past year, Robinson Jr. says it was “fun at times, but too many blown up motors – three, including Charlie (Smith)’s car”. It’s worth noting the season started off rocky with three finishes outside of the top-10 as the team battled motor issues. However, as the season hit the middle of June, he seemed to hit his stride as he posted three straight top-10 finishes, including a trip to feature victory lane.

“The moment that stands out is m feature win,” he said. “Coming from 18th to first – a very proud moment for the whole team!”

Unfortunately, the gremlins returned a week later as another motor blew, which resulted in Robinson Jr. missing a string of three nights. When he returned in August, the results were there as he posted two top-fives in the three races, including a runner-up on September 10.

On top of his own success, his teammate Charlie Smith also visited victory lane twice which gave some excitement to the Lightning McQueen pair despite the struggles.

“For Charlie and I to reach victory lane was a blast cause people don’t see behind the scenes that all the race car drivers do week to week,” he said. “Charlie Smith is like a brother. We just feed off each other and respect each other; too great guy to have on your side and I wouldn’t change anything at all.”