With each season that comes up in the Ontario short tracks, there is always a list of drivers that everyone is keeping an eye on with each other division, wondering how they’re going to perform.

When the fans and fellow competitors were asked about the Pure Stock class, there were ultimately over 70 names that came up throughout the discussions – bringing us to this point. Each of those drivers have been ranked, with their final position on the list being determined based on a combination of fan votes, fellow competitor votes, and last year’s success.

As always, be sure to comment with your thoughts – whether positive or negative, and enjoy getting to know these competitors a little more.

42. Johnnie McIntyre
2022 Ranking: 57th
2021 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: Taking a break full time from racing and spend a little more time learning the sport from helping other drivers out.
2023 Plans: Run as a part time driver for Corey Horne racing. I will be subbing in for him this year and hopefully have a good result in doing so. Next year I will be back full time with JRM Motorsports and run for something great.
2023 Goals: Just to learn a little more about the sport and track. I’m still a rookie even though I’ve had some good results I have much to learn haha.
Drivers to Watch: My best bud Tegan Stanley. I think they have a lot of changes happening this off season which I think might just put them in the chase for championship. Jake Kelly. Always a fast runner out there every year. Hopefully this year will be the year he wins it all. Sean Kennedy. Man that little hatchback is hard to keep up with and that just might help him win the championship this year. Had a great season overall and hopefully same this year. Ang Novis. One of the best humans and racers out there. Hopefully his mini treats him good this season and runs for the big one this year. So many choices for my last pick but I think one sends out for me. Corey Horne of course you crazy people. Some big changes coming this year for him so I’m hoping it all pays off! This guy is a true friend and competitor and deserves a great season. Glad to be helping him out this season! I have an extra but its a rookie! Dallas Kellar. He’s running his first season I believe at Peterborough Speedway. Hopefully he has a great first season! Street meat out!!!

Johnnie McIntyre may have only ran a single event in 2022, but the most was made with an eighth-place finish.

41. Karlie Wilman
2022 Ranking: 39th
2021 Ranking: 48th

2033 Thoughts: I think Sunset has given us an awesome busy schedule to look forward to and an amazing track to race at each weekend so I really hope lots of people come on out and put a great show on together!
2023 Plans: Run full time sunset speedway and hopefully catch some specials when it comes to play off time.
2023 Goals: Shake the bad luck I had the last year with the pavement demon (my car). Finish consistently in the features and to keep my car In 1 piece each night along with keep gaining my experience and confidence and dive into it deep this summer and hope for the best outcomes.
Drivers to Watch: Aundrea Lusk, Jordan Owen, Calvin Reesor, Brandon Steele, Jacob Booth

Despite battling a series of mechanical issues last season at Sunset Speedway, Karlie Wilman was able to pick up a trio of top-10 finishes. Thus far in 2023, she has placed 11th in both events.

40. Mike Etsell
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: To watch our team “Lowball Racing” grow and progress on the track!
2023 Plans: 2. Try to race at as many different tracks we can this season. Gain experience for our young drivers – Austin Etsell, Daphne Sullivan, Brady Cox and Alex Stewart.
2023 Goals: Race alongside my son Austin and the rest of the team!
Drivers to Watch: Austin Etsell, Daphne Sullivan, Alex Stewart, Cameron Thompson, Spencer Riddel

Making the move to Flamboro Speedway in 2023,  he scored a pair of top-10’s in four races including a fifth.

39. Leo Labarbera
2022 Ranking: 44th
2021 Ranking: 26th

The past division champion was fast in 2022 with three top-five’s and 20 top-10 finishes over the season. He has began the 2023 campaign with a pair of top-10 finishes.

38. Rachel Mitchell
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: Entering this season as a rookie is exciting and scary at the same time for me! I’ve been watching and helping my family race since 2019 so I’m super excited that it’s my turn to get behind the wheel! But at the same time, it’s nerve wracking thinking about going out for the first time. Getting to race with my entire family though, I’m sure will calm my nerves just a little bit. Make me feel like I’m not out there all alone.
2023 Plans: Running a full season. I want to be able to make it out for as many races as possible to gain as much seat time and experience as possible.
2023 Goals: My first goal is to just finish a race while staying on the lead lap. After that, a top 5 finish would be pretty cool! & after that, if I could get a podium finish, even better! And lastly, obviously have to go for rookie of the year.
Drivers to Watch: Megan Mitchell, Chase Mitchell, Rick Mitchell, Leo Labarbera, Reece Bourgeois

The Mitchell family will continue grow in presence at Flamboro Speedway, with Rachel joining her siblings Chase and Megan on-track in 2023 alongside their father Rick.

37. Christen Lavalle
2022 Ranking: 64th

Peterborough Speedway finds themselves well represented on the list, including a solid performance by Christen Lavalle with a heat victory and 11 feature top-10’s last season.

36. John Bates
2022 Ranking: N/A

A regular at Peterborough Speedway, he picked up a feature victory, a heat win, and 11 top-10 feature finishes last season.

35. Chase Mitchell
2022 Ranking: 46th
2021 Ranking: 35th

Chase Mitchell did not find his way behind the wheel of a racecar in 2022, but makes the cut with everyone remembering the strength shown in 2021. He scored six top-10 finishes, including a season-best fourth.

34. Moises Ruiz
2022 Ranking: N/A

He may have made some headlines with a flip in August, but he also found solid results at Flamboro Speedway with 20 top-10 finishes in 2022.

33. Eric Stewart
2022 Ranking: 28th
2021 Ranking: 34th

Eric Stewart is planning to move up to the Mini Stock division this upcoming season, but does not know how many races he will be able to run with being a volunteer firefighter. He became a name on the list, though, thanks to 11 top-five’s and 18 top-10’s at Flamboro Speedway, including a trip to victory lane.

32. Ang Novis
2022 Ranking: 29th
2021 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: I was so used to driving the civic in the past that it’s taken me time to learn the ways of the mini. Going into this season I feel more comfortable behind the wheel and will be working to improve my position.
2023 Plans: To be able to run all of the races. (Blown motors don’t win races lol)
2023 Goals: Win a feature
Drivers to Watch: Victoria McLennon, Christian Lavelle, Jake Kelley, Tegan Stanley, John Bates

Ang Novis was able to find success last season at Peterborough Speedway, with four heat wins and five feature top-five’s.