ONTARIO SPORTSMAN SERIES

Story by Bryce Turner and Cam Harris

When

Connor James announced his return to the Ontario Sportsman Series, you knew it would not be long before the former champion would find his footing. James’ ride for the season came at the last minute, after financial constraints cost him a return to the APC Series.

He picked up the car just before his destination wedding in late April and was looking forward to a more family-oriented and less stressful form of racing.

“It’s just been nice getting back to running our own equipment,” said James. “I missed the days of getting my own car ready and loading it up and driving it (to the track) in the trailer. It’s more of the mental part of things, you yourself doing that, it helps a lot.”

James’ No. 4 Camaro was fast during June 17 time trials at Sunset Speedway, before a mechanical issue resulted in the loss of four positions to start the race, meaning Cory McAllister and Brendan Patrick would start on the front row. McAllister jumped into the early lead over Patrick, before he was passed by James on Lap 48.

“It was kind of nice to let those guys race hard up front, burn their stuff up,” said James. “I was just kind of there to make passes when I needed to and not use my stuff up too much.”

Disaster then struck McAllister on Lap

49, as he spun in turn three, the result of another mechanical gremlin. The early leader grabbed a beverage from a fan in Sunset’s beer garden, then rode his No. 71 back to the pits.

From lap 50 onwards, it was the Connor James show; he held onto the lead, but Patrick kept him honest. In the end, James took the win at his home track, ahead of Patrick, Chad McGlynn, Michael Hryniuk Jr. and Doug Cathcart.

Sauble Speedway

In three races, McAllister had two DNFs and one win. After the mechanical issue ended his night at Sunset, he learned of the severity of the damage. The car was testing his patience, his wallet and leading to lots of time in the shop, resulting in the possibility that he would not make it to the next race. Luckily, an old Kevin Gallant car became available and McAllister was ready to go.

James won the pole for the race, but had his time disallowed following tech, giving Derek McCullough the first-place starting spot. James’ team made an error with the ride height, being too low on the left-front. On the start, McCullough was passed by McAllister, who then battled back-and-forth with McGlynn.

In the closing laps, McAllister found a familiar foe chasing him in the No. 4 of James.

The drivers put on a great show at both Full Throttle and Sunset, but this one was even more exciting. James tried to close the gap enough but was unable to do so and McAllister took the victory.

“This win is dedicated to my crew,” said McAllister. “When we unloaded, we were way off the pace. No one gave up and they went to work…I was getting nervous with all the restarts, but it all worked out. Sauble is close to our hometown (and) it was great seeing tons of fans out!”

James finished second, with McGlynn, Hryniuk Jr. and Cathcart rounding out the top five.

“I really feel like we had the faster car than Cory; him and I were very close,” said James. “On the white flag, (I was) at his door and I couldn’t make the pass. He would never move me for a win, so I didn’t want to do that to him. I’m a respectful racer and so is he.”

James leads the standings by four points over McGlynn and 20 over McAllister, who he’s enjoyed battling with this season.

“The series has been needing guys like Cory to come in, guys with such a positive energy, who race clean and respectful,” concluded James. “I have an absolute blast racing against Cory. It’s cool that he’s right behind us in the championship run…we’re going to some good tracks for him and I know he can knock off another win or two.” IT