Everybody’s focus is on the year that is to come with the 2024 campaign, but it would be wrong to that without a glance back at the season that was for 2023. One of those that was constantly up front at Sunset Speedway in Mini Stocks was Tyler Seaboyer. While admitting it was a solid run at a possible second title, he admits placing second in the points was not the way he hoped it would go.

“However, I felt I was more competitive then ever as I went toe to toe with one of the best in the province week in and week out,” he told SHORT TRACK MUSINGS. “Though in all reality, the night my distributor blew up, I knew a championship was unlikely as I know my top competition was smart enough if he had a bad night to save the car to still finish the race.”

Seaboyer entered last season believing in a second championship chase, only to see those chances diminished with the distributor issue on the second night of the year. While it sucked to be put behind the eight ball compared to his competition early, he says he enjoyed the rest of the season “more than I ever had.”

“Most people won’t see it or truly understand this, but the way myself, (Cameron) Mcglashan and (Doug) Butler raced each other was like no one else in the division,” he reflected. “We raced extremely hard but with RESPECT. Each of us wanted the wins so bad. But we weren’t wrecking each other to get one up on the other and that’s a problem with the division. So many people just put the bumper to wreck you instead of actually racing you. Any given night, the three of us were inches apart – if not touching – but still put on a great show.

“Also, what most didn’t see is no matter the finishing order the three of us were all smiling and joking with each after. We all knew we worked for it and had the respect of one another.”

One of his most memorable moments of the year came after one of those aforementioned battles, with his first win of the season on June 10 after out-battling Doug Butler through the second half of the event for the win. It was his first checkered flag since destroying the car in August 2021.

“That’s was a huge accomplishment for me as very, very few people knew how hard I worked to try to get back to the track after the bad crash and surgery,” he commented. “My car wasn’t perfect – nowhere close, but I did what I could in the little time I had. The win was emotional for me. But that night what made it special was when Ben Dennis walked down from corner three to shake my hand as I was coming back around to make sure I acknowledged what I just did. Sandra Todish came down to victory lane to present me the trophy which she doesn’t do for just anyone and her eyes were pretty watery. When I pulled into tech lane as they went over my car, after clearing tech, Mike Brown gave me a huge hug and said, ‘I knew you had it in you; you never gave up and put one one hell of a show.’

“But it wasn’t over yet as by the time I got back to my trailer, I was getting a call from Rino Montanari to congratulate me even though he was at Peterborough Speedway with their own car. They were watching my race on race monitor. All these people have watched me grow over the years and know how much this sport means to me as well as this car.”

Another moment for Seaboyer was the “great friendship off the track” formed with one of those aforementioned competitors in Doug Butler, and his wife Randi. Halfway through the season, the Butlers asked if Seaboyer wanted to pit beside them and offered to help.

With stories like those above, it is no wonder a lot of people have their eyes on the Mini Stock division, and it goes beyond just these trio of drivers mentioned.

“I truly do feel the class is pretty fair for the most part,” Seaboyer explained. “Not everything is perfect, but it’s pick your battles as you’ll never make everyone happy. There wasn’t one car that was bam gone lap one. We all had strengths. Doug is super fast at the start and damn consistent, Cameron made you earn every spot, and I was tend to be more of a long run car and not be afraid to create my own line.

“There was definitely a lot of new competition though as everyone stepped up there game. Blaise Shaw was a big surprise. I wasn’t expecting him to pick up speed and consistency as quickly as he did and damn follows in the the family line of being extremely hard to pass in that yellow mustang of theirs. The Sutcliffs are learning quick. Jake Spencer-Walt may have taken his time to start and he showed us respect, but those last few nights, he showed everyone that he is gonna be in the show.

“As for non-Sunset drivers, I gotta give it to Nolan Gould and Ryan Babin. Great racers and amazing people of the track. Shawn Taylor is definitely another big name.”

As everyone looks to the 2024 campaign, Seaboyer admits that he loves racing and would like to chase another championship, but “time will tell” as to what happens this season with life being hectic on and off the track the last few years.

“I think I proved this year that anyone that thought I was done and in their words the car is a crushed beer after the crash and won’t win ever again – well I can still compete and be one of the top cars in the division,” he expressed. “It may have taken a little to regain the confidence but once it came back week by week, I improved on all fronts.”

As he looks to continue getting better, he says it’s about keeping up the work ethic, not being afraid to try something different, learning from other drivers and continuing to do the research.

“Nothing comes easy as so many people now of days just want things handed to them,” he commented. “It wasn’t a secret I didn’t have any sponsors this past year and that definitely makes it hard. However, I proved a low budget-ish could still somewhat compete, but trying to get sponsors is where I need to improve. I have the work ethic and program to show serious results, just need some more financial backing.”