Sometimes when you stick a microphone in front of a driver’s face, you have no clue what they may say and a couple of times you’ll hear something that surprises you or gives you a bit of a perspective.

Throughout the 2019 season, I had the opportunity to speak to a bunch of different competitors. During those interviews, there were some quotes that stood out. So it seems only fitting we take a glance back through the year at what was said.

“He was able to get the lead, and do everything he could do as a driver to crowd me and make sure I couldn’t get the run off the corners. I thought on the initial start with me starting outside pole, and he starting inside pole, okay, it’s a reverse situation so let’s see if I can hold him. But the outside had no groove whatsoever, and luckily, I was clear and was able to do a crossover down the backstretch, and it just worked out. I was able to secure the lead as early as possible, and go from there.”

Lane Zardo on racing Trevor Collver for the win

“We have been at it six years this year and we’re ready to hunt down some feature wins. After seeing some success last year and being pulled of track due to mechanical issues, we’re hoping to get it done.”

Zac Sprung

“It was tough. I didn’t realize how tough it was going to be until near the end of the year. Like the last four or five races, the points gap was – I was second in points, 10 points behind Stefan Semeraro, and it ended up coming down to a tie with most feature wins, which is how I was able to get it.

“But it was a tough battle all year. There was a lot of pressure towards the end of the year, even though I tried to minimize that and tried to get rid as much pressures as I could. It was very difficult, but it was a great year overall. There wasn’t too many big wrecks, and the car stayed in one piece so we were able to work on it set-up wise to get it better.”

Coltin Everingham on his title run in 2018

“I think we need to do a better job as well as recording our “notes” at the track and test sessions on what is working and what isn’t working. Last year was such an information overload for myself. I didn’t allow enough time for that but it’s something I’m committing to this season. Our beer drinking skills are pretty on point so there isn’t much room for improvement there.”

Paul Pepper

“It is what it is. I’m a man of my word. I know he would do it if I won, so I’ll do it. It’s only there for a week; hair grows back so we’ll have fun with it.”

Brandon McFerran

“We had no idea what we where doing at first. After his first season, I couldn’t watch anymore and bought a thunder car and raced it two years at Mosport, then got a modified raced them on and off for 2 years. 15 yrs later, I’m still doing it racing anything from Legends to Late Models, Super Stocks, and Mini Stocks.”

Donovan Price 

“This class has had the cost driven up so far that if you built a car yourself, you cant truly have fun anymore. Bring back the old days when someone could build a backyard car and still be able to compete. That’s fun.”

Nick Tooley

“As of right now it is getting WAY out of hand. We are pretty much Challengers from 1998 when my dad was racing.”

“It’s been awhile and it’s a lot different than a mini stock, and this Jukasa track is a whole different breed of track. I think it was a good, all in all.”

Jake Watson on his top-10 finish at Nationals

“We are excited for the start of the season. Ridge Road Racing has gone through the car and it will be top notch going into the season. Auto Trim Barrie has also done a great job of making the car look great!”

Frank Davey