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 2021 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.

“The talent that is in this pure stock class is remarkable; there’s definitely no slouches! For the most part, everyone has respect for one another and they race you hard but clean!” – Coltin Everingham

“It is probably the most friendly class I’ve ever raced in. Just about everyone has the same “here to have fun” kind of attitude which would be nice to see in even more classes.” – Gillian Hils

“It’s an entry level class, cars should be very similar making the field some what even to race against, sure there’s tough guys to beat but it’s any ones race. This class is constantly growing making the fields racing against bigger, you learn to drive with a huge field, cars passing you, being stuck around lapped cars. There’s opportunities to learn aggressive driving skills meaning instead of waiting for cars who may be slower. Finding ways around them, getting to the front without contact, driving in a huge field can be scary at times but the more you race the more comfortable you get which leads to you becoming a faster driver, taking chances others don’t could be the difference between a top 5 or finishing outside the top 10.” – Jonathan Vey

“I think I’m really excited and nervous at the same time. This is my very first season. It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid to be a racecar driver, actually. I’m really excited to live that dream this season, and I’m really hoping for a good season, a couple feature wins. But as of right now, just getting used to the car being my first year, so I’m going to just stay back, learn a few things – but yeah, I’m really excited for this year. I’m really, really hoping to have a good time.” – Jordan Owen

“Simply – the chaos and adrenaline of putting 25+ cars on the track all with different levels of racing experience just for entertainment purposes. Its also fun because since its an ‘entry-level’ division, it’s fun to be in the midst of drivers who are just learning the sport and then having the ‘veterans’ to still learn from.” – Kassy Howard

“Hopefully to do as much racing as possible. I would love to get back in my Pro Late Model at Delaware, still not sure if I will be able to do the full season or not. I am hopeful I finally have the bugs worked out of my new bone stock and I can get some top 5’s and wins with it. I would like to try taking the pure stock to some tracks I haven’t run (Sauble, Sunset, Varney, maybe even Peterborough). I am also hoping to get my rental/driver development program to the track. I have a two seat automatic as well as a five speed cavalier for people to rent at Delaware with the hopes of using the two seater for ride-a-longs and on track driver coaching during practice.” – Kris Lawrence

“It’s a budget class, so many people can get into it without having to go into debt and the fact there can be so many, it makes for a more exciting race.” – Kyle Lucas

“It is honestly what I believe to be the most fun per-dollar spent in racing. I believe the class has become more competitive than it was originally intended to be, but its still a great affordable way to get yourself into racing.” – Mark Merritt

“The division is loaded with great drivers, quality cars and every week is anyone’s chance to win. My focus will be on good, consistent runs that will hopefully compound and leave me in the mix for the points championship come September. I also hope to help my teammate John get his car on the track, and hopefully find the kind of success I was able to find in my Rookie season.” – Matt Boyes

“It’s affordable. You can’t add performance parts so your success isn’t based on what’s under the hood. As long as you have the determination and knowledge, you can succeed. It’s a really great class to make friends-there’s a lot of drivers supporting other drivers.” – Megan Mitchell

“We were definitely not expecting that amount of success. A season with 13 feature wins is something we will look back on for a while. I think our biggest accomplishments this year was second at Frostoberfest at Flamboro (Speedway), and winning the Peterborough (Speedway) “Covid Challenge”. With the level of talent that was at each bone stock event, just running up front was something to be proud of.” – Nic Ramsay

“Although this is my rookie year, Pure stocks has been my favourite class since it started. Anyone can go out and be competitive and you never know who’s going to win. All the drivers are super friendly and helpful with anything you may need.” – Nicole Stewart

“Good, clean racing! We showed it last year with the events at Flamboro and Peterborough that this class can run super clean. It’s still cheap to a extent which is also nice.” – Phil Givens

“Everyone’s like a big family and we all stick together. If anyone needs anything we all pitch in to help them out and everyone welcomes you and really encourages you. On the track it’s every man/women for him/herself. We get bumped around pretty good out there but after the race it’s back to that track family fun.” – Reece Bourgeois

“Pure Stocks have become one of the most competitive classes around the area on Ontario so racing so close to everyone is what makes it such a rush of excitement , specially when winning.” – Sean Kennedy

“To win my first feature and the championship all in one night was almost overwhelming. It was really exciting for me and our team, as we worked hard all year for that win and finally got it to close out the season was like a storybook ending. And to have my parents in the stands and come down and celebrate with us, really made it special.” – Shawn Solomon

“Driving in the invitationals was absolutely amazing. Everyone at the track welcomed me with so much warmth and helped guide me where to go, and gave me the rundown. It was very anxiety inducing at first but after a few bumps here and there I realized it wasn’t bad at all!” – Victoria McLennon