With consistency on a weekly basis, A.J. Emms put together another solid year of OSCAAR Modified competition en route to a runner-up in the year-end standings.

“Looking back on 2017, I feel that it was overall successful,” he said. “We learned a lot through the year and as a team persevered through a lot of bad luck. With that being said, we expect a lot out of ourselves and would love to click off more victories in 2018!”

Kicking off the year at Flamboro Speedway, Emms showed speed right from the start of the year as he challenged Chris Milwain heavily through the middle portion of the feature en route to a runner-up. The momentum carried forward to Kawartha Speedway as he posted a fifth-place finish, followed by a third in the return to Flamboro.

As OSCAAR began the summer, there were no signs of slowing down as the first trip to Sauble Speedway saw Emms post a fourth. He then ran as high as second in the return to Kawartha, en route to another fourth.

It seemed as the year went on, Emms just got faster as the third trip to Flamboro Speedway saw him lead the first half of the feature, before another runner-up to Milwain. Unfortunately, his luck took a turn at the halfway mark of the 2017 at Peterborough Speedway, as he would get spun on the last after running second throughout.

The driver of the No. 14 BAE Environmental, Artech Promotional Products, Sunshine Super Wash, Thor Motors Orillia, Klotz Canada, TSS Top Shops and Creecher’s Design Modified didn’t let that deter him, though. Returning to Sauble Speedway, he would survive the late-race chaos on the frontstretch in the final laps to score his lone victory of the 2017 campaign.

“The most memorable moment of 2017 on track would have to be an action packed victory at Sauble Speedway,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of people that helped to formulate many off track memories throughout the season as well.”

Within striking distance of the title, it seemed now was the time for Emms and company to mount a charge. He showed speed at Sunset Speedway, running as high as fourth in the early stages, but a mechanical issue took him out of the running on Lap 13. The bad luck carried with him to Flamboro Speedway, as a combination of a flat tire and overheating saw him place 15th.

Despite the late-season adversity, Emms was able to finish off the 2017 season strong with a runner-up at Peterborough Speedway’s Autumn Colours Classic.

On behalf of OSCAAR, congratulations to A.J. Emms on a successful season. We look forward to seeing you back on track in 2018.