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.

31. Daphne Sullivan
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: I had some pretty big hiccups last year but I built off of them and ended the season strong. I’m hoping to keep getting better by learning from racers around me which definitely helped my success last year.
2023 Plans: Running mostly Flamboro but traveling around for some bigger races.
2023 Goals: I hope to get my first checkered this year and just learn more about different tracks. I also hope to get more people interested in racing by reaching out to my community.
Drivers to Watch: Brady cox, Austin Etsell, Alex Stewart, Spencer Riddell, and Mike Etsell

Daphne Sullivan made three appearances at Flamboro Speedway last season, scoring a season-best 11th on two occasions.

30. Rick Mitchell
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: I’m going to be very busy
2023 Plans: Build three cars for my kids – Megan, Rachel and Chase
2023 Goals: To get back in a Pure Stock myself and have the opportunity to race with my three kids
Drivers to Watch: There are so many talented drivers in the Pure Stock division. I’ll be keeping an eye on Chance Rogers, Spencer Riddell, Alex Stewart, Kyle Lucas and my own team MRC RACING

While the focus may have been on what the kids were going to be able to do, it was Rick Mitchell that captured the headlines with his own four top-five’s and 10 top-10’s at Flamboro Speedway.

29. Mark Allan
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: First I would like to thank my competitors from 22, many of which helped me in my rookie year at 59. It was a pleasure running with all the young women and men who love the sport.
2023 Goals: To have Fun first. Then maybe top 5 and or if the field wrecks a win! Also to learn how to be a better driver.
Drivers to Watch: At Flamboro, it will be a awesome year with the likes of Cam Thomson, Spencer Riddell, Alex Stewart, Kyle Lucas, Moises Ruiz Alvarado, and Leo Labarbera.

Competing as a rookie last season at Flamboro Speedway, Mark Allan was able to score three top-10 finishes.

28. David Francis
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: My thoughts are that this will be a nice distraction from the maskerade of the hollow existence that is my life, devoid of meaning and purpose.
2023 Goals: No goals. no expectations. That way I will never disappoint.
Drivers to Watch: Nathan Dettwiller. He owns the car, so I probably shouldn’t collide with him. After that, no one is really special enough for me to be concerned about.

27. Jeff Rumble
2022 Ranking: N/A

26. Steve Hubbsy
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: To have a great year and make more memories
2023 Plans: First I have to put new motor in my car as I blew mine up in Peterborough; then once that is done, I plan on taking my experience and skill I learned last year to the next level
2023 Goals: To have at least one checkered flag and more top 4 finishes
Drivers to Watch: Tyler Beitz, Jeff Rumble, Nate the Great Death Wheeler Dettwiler, David Francis, Kyle Gareau

25. Austin Etsell
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: A few thoughts I’ve had is how many races we are going to win this year, how much money we can raise for charity, and how my team will do at Flamboro
2023 Plans/Goals: To have 3 top 5s and at least 2 wins
Drivers to Watch: Alex Stewart, Mike Etsell, Daphne Sullivan, Wayde Thorne, Cameron Thompson

Austin Etsell made a single appearance at Flamboro Speedway last September, scoring a 20th-place finish.

24. Tyler Beitz
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: I am really exited to get back in the race car, and be the best driver I can be.
2023 Plans: Have as much fun as possible, make new friends and improve of my skills.
2023 Goals: Build my skills, learn as much as possible, and bring a checkered flag home!
Drivers to Watch: Nathan Dettwiler, Steve Hubbsy, David Francis, Mark Merritt and Jeff Rumble.

23. Spencer Riddell
2022 Ranking: 34th
2021 Ranking: 56th

2023 Thoughts: Most excited I’ve been entering a race season. Think we got something to compete with for feature wins and possibly the championship with this new car. We had a strong end to the 2022 season with some of my best finishes.
2023 Plans: Running full time at Flamboro. Making a couple trips to Sunset in my off nights and cap off the year at Peterborough again.
2023 Goals: I’d like to win a feature! Only thing I haven’t done yet. If not a feature win, at least compete for them week in and out.
Drivers to Watch: Nicole Givens had a strong 2022 season. Cam Thomson was by far the biggest threat at flamboro in 2022. Mark Allan in a new car with a season under his belt and a little more confidence, I see big things for Mark. Alex Stewart has a new car and a ton of experience with his busy schedules every year. The seat time has made him a threat at every track he goes to. And how cant you watch Phil Givens and Wayde Thorne team together to go for a championship. 2 drivers that are the veterans of the division working together to win a championship which I believe is the first time Phil has gone for one at Flamboro

Making some select starts later on in the season, Spencer Riddell was able to pick up four top-five’s and seven top-10’s.