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A.J. Emms Scores Podium Finish at Jukasa Motor Speedway

HAGERSVILLE, Ontario — Despite qualifying mid-pack, a late-race charge would propel A.J. Emms to a podium finish this past weekend at Jukasa Motor Speedway in Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified action.

After showing speed in practice, Emms would qualify ninth for the 40-lap event after posting a lap of 19.181 during time trials. He’d run seventh through the first half of the feature, electing to conserve equipment. Though once the race hit the halfway point, he began to make his way forward, moving into the top-five by Lap 25.

From there, he moved into fourth with a pass on quick qualifier Jeff Walt a lap later, before the caution came out on Lap 32 for an incident. Restarting third, he’d battle back and forth with Kelly Balson to the checkered flag for third, ultimately completing the pass with two laps to go to secure the spot.

The third-place finish marks his second podium performance at Jukasa Motor Speedway following a runner-up in 2019. It also marks his 21st straight top-10 finish in OSCAAR Modified competition.

“Overall, solid day for us,” Emms said. “We started off the day strong in practice, ended up not getting the qualifying run we wanted but fortunately, we were able to conserve our stuff there through the feature and come on strong at the end. We definitely need to improve for next race, but we’re going to go home, do some homework, look over some things, and see if we can find some of the ways we went off today.”

When asked about what he felt he was missing in relation to the top-two, Emms noted horsepower as one of the factors.

“But at the same time, there’s definitely some handling characteristics that we need to sort out as well,” he added. “I think overall we are going to review a lot of the things that we were trying this winter and we’re going to see if we want to go in that direction. But overall, a third-place finish, we’re very happy with where we ended up there.”

The 40-lap affair was streamed live via GForce Network. A full replay of the event can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPNm2dZ3peM.

Emms will be back in action at Flamboro Speedway on September 12. Once again, fans are not allowed to be in attendance due to the pandemic. However, the race will be live streamed on www.GForceTV.net.

“Flamboro is one of those places that I love,” Emms commented. “We’re going to go back and look at our notes from year’s past and I think that’s going to really help us this year, especially with less practice and time on the race track. I mean, this event was very new to us, so I feel in terms of going to Flamboro Speedway, we’re going to have rely on our notebook.”

Emms Racing is proud to receive sponsorship support from BAE Environmental, TL Tire, Speedy Glass Orillia, Artech Promotional Products, Peter Built Racecars, and AM Marketing.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.

Press Release by Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing

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A.J. Emms Excited to Return to Canada’s Crown Jewel on Saturday

HAGERSVILLE, Ontario — After spending the past couple of months with racing suspended due to the corona virus, Emms Racing will return to action on Saturday at Jukasa Motor Speedway.

Canada’s Crown Jewel will serve as the sight for the season opener for the Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modifieds presented by Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd., Touchwood Cabinets, and The Fyre Place & Patio Shop.

“I think it’s pretty cool to be coming to Jukasa for the first race of the season,” A.J. Emms said. “It’s a race that I think would be very special to win, or to even run up at the front. We’re looking just to see if our homework in the off-season paid off for us.

“But with so many good cars in the OSCAAR Modified division and going to one of the best tracks in Ontario, if not Canada, if not North America, it’s pretty special to be a part of and I’m pretty fortunate that I’m able to do it. With everything that’s happening this year, it’s pretty cool that APC, OSCAAR, and GForce and all the partners put the event together.”

Emms has been successful there in the past, scoring a runner-up finish in his debut appearance at the facility in 2018, followed by a heat victory and 10th last season.

“I think the first year we ran there, the track was definitely new; we were able to run up at the front and have a good solid day,” he reflected. “The second year we went back, we were able to run at the front, we won our heat, and I think I was second fastest to J.R. (Fitzpatrick) on the initial day. We had a torrential downpour there last year and came back the next day, and I don’t what I did or what happened to it, but my car was a totally different racecar. So we went over our notes and saw some of the areas that we feel will help us at Jukasa.

“I think with a different tire, another year on the track, no races there yet this year – those are all factors that we’re going to have to think about as we progress into this weekend. And just in addition to that, having this being everybody’s first race of the year will without a doubt not only change the atmosphere, but how we operate around and on the race track. I think there are a lot of factors that are affecting this weekend and it could go one of two ways – we’ll just hope they go our way.”

For Emms, being able to score the feature victory on Saturday at Jukasa would mean a lot to him, as he recalled spending time at the facility as a young kid watching races with his father. During that time, he notes hearing a lot of stories of greats like Dick Trickle and Don Biederman accomplishing the feat.

“To put my name on the list of winners would be very important to me,” he expressed. “So I feel going into this weekend, just like any other weekend, we’re going to minimize mistakes, run the best that we can, and hopefully things go our way and hopefully we can put it in victory lane.”

Following this weekend at Jukasa, Emms will get back behind the wheel of the No. 14 Modified in September on two occasions, heading to Flamboro Speedway on the 12th, before returning to Jukasa on the 26th.

“Without a doubt, Flamboro is another track that has a lot of history and character,” he commented. “It’s one that spending a lot of time with Mike Westwood in the past, I’ve gotten to run a lot of laps there. So it’s a place that I’m comfortable with and a place that I really enjoy going. The renovations that they’ve done this year – they’ve done a fantastic job with the facility.

“So for me, to have that as the next track to go to in being Flamboro, I’m very pleased with that. Obviously with our success there, we’re very excited to get to that race track and yes, hopefully, minimize our mistakes, and have luck on our side. The biggest thing for us is getting back out racing and to the race track, but we also enjoy doing our best and hopefully our best gets us the win.”

Be sure to tune into www.GForceTV.net on Saturday, August 8 to watch the action from Jukasa Motor Speedway live.

Emms Racing is proud to receive sponsorship support from BAE Environmental, TL Tire, Speedy Glass Orillia, Artech Promotional Products, Peter Built Racecars, and AM Marketing.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.

 

Press Release by Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing

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Emms Racing Ready to Roll With Support from BAE Environmental & TL Tire

After a delay in starting the 2020 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified season presented by Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd., Touchwood Cabinets, and The Fyre Place & Patio Shop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emms Racing is ready to hit the track next month.

The series announced a three-race schedule for the open-wheel superstars that will see them compete at Jukasa Motor Speedway on August 8, followed by Flamboro Speedway on September 12, before returning to Jukasa once again on September 26.

The defending series champion A.J. Emms will be looking to score his sixth win in OSCAAR competition, thanks to some marketing support from BAE Environmental and TL Tire.

BAE Environmental, located at 18 Park View Ave in Oro-Medonte, serves all of Ontario providing complete, hands-on, environmental consulting, concentrating on Phase I, II & III ESA’s, specializing in the remediation of Brownfields using the latest of technologies.

TL Tire, located at 8561 Highway 12 W in Orillia, is your number one source for all of your tire services. They are dedicated to giving you the very best tire experience, with a focus on upfront and honest quotes, timely response to issues, and quality products and parts.You can learn more about TL Tire by checking out their website at https://tltire.ca/.

On top of these marketing partners, the team is proud to receive continued marketing support from Speedy Glass Orillia, Artech Promotional Products, Peter Built Racecars, and AM Marketing

Emms is coming off a successful season that was consistent all the way through, highlighted by a four feature wins and seven heat victories – including both the Rick Woolner Memorial and Don Biederman Memorial. Everything would culminate together with being crowned the 2019 OSCAAR Modified Champion.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.

Press Release by Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing

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OSCAAR Season on Postponement Until July Due to Covid-19

With the current phase of reopening for the province and tracks remaining closed to competition, the 2020 OSCAAR season opener has been tentatively scheduled for July.

As of Friday May 15, the first five original dates on the schedule have been cancelled for the time being. There is a chance of the June 6 event at Jukasa Motor Speedway could possibly be ran later on this summer, as well as the Knightworks Design OSCAAR Hot Rods presented by Sauble Falls Tent and Trailer Park being added to the August 15 date at Delaware Speedway.

Read the latest update from OSCAAR on the COVID-19 situation by clicking here.

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A.J. Emms Ready to “Continue to Build Our Program” After Championship Campaign

After putting together a memorable Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified presented by Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd., Touchwood Cabinets, and The Fyre Place & Patio Shop season in 2019, it’s back to business as usual heading into this year.

“My thoughts going into this year are pretty much the same as my thoughts going into every year,” he said. “With the last couple of seasons, we’ve been really fortunate to learn from some of our mistakes and continue to build our program. We’re just going to continue to try and move in the same direction this year in terms of learning, getting better, trying to minimize mistakes.

“Fortunately, I think everybody is in the same boat as to not knowing the next day, or the next race is to bring. But I think with that being the case, we just need to continue to stay positive, continue to prepare, and hope that we can get in as many races as possible this season.”

Read the full article on the OSCAAR website by clicking here.

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Emms Racing Welcomes Aboard Speedy Glass Orillia

Emms Racing is proud to announce a new partnership, as Speedy Glass Orillia has joined as a sponsor of the No. 14 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified in 2020.

Located at 315 West Street South, Speedy Glass Orillia can repair or replace any type of auto glass whatever the make, model, and age of the vehicle. They will always try to first repair your existing windshield, usually saving you both time and money.

They also offer additional products and services including trailer hitches, bike racks, camera recalibration, deflectors, truck bed liners, side bars, water repellent and weatherproofing treatment, car floor mats, windshield wipers, mirrors, and tinted windows.

The Speedy Glass name has been linked to window repairs since 1934, with a focus on delivering top-shelf service, expertise, and product quality through each of their service centres across the country.

You can learn more about Speedy Glass Orillia on their website at https://www.speedyglass.ca/en/service-centre/ontario/orillia/247-315_west-st-s-.html. They can also be reached at (705)325-3500.

Emms is coming off a successful season that was consistent all the way through, highlighted by a four feature wins and seven heat victories – including both the Rick Woolner Memorial and Don Biederman Memorial. Everything would culminate together with being crowned the 2019 OSCAAR Modified Champion.

“It means a lot – not only to me, but my entire crew, and my family,” he said in October. “My dad, myself, Ryan, and Peter Schotanus have put in a ridiculous amount of work so many years to get in this position and I was just very fortunate to have those people around me and capitalize on the opportunity that was given to me. So I mean, for me, it’s a big deal.

“Being in racing my whole life, you see guys winning championships. One of my heroes as a kid was Tom Walters, and to see the amount of championships that he’s won, that’s something that I’d obviously strive to me and elevate myself to that level. So starting off with an OSCAAR Modified Championship and it’s a great way to cap off a year where we didn’t expect to have these things happen.”

Speedy Glass Orillia joins previously announced partner BAE Environmental on the No. 14 Modified in 2020. The full plans for the Emms Racing team, as well as additional marketing partners, will be announced at a future date.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.

By: Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing – ashleymccubbin17@gmail.com

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Emms Racing Welcomes Back BAE Environmental

Emms Racing is proud to announce BAE Environmental will be back on-board as a sponsor of the No. 14 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified in 2020.

Located at 18 Park View Ave in Oro-Medonte, BAE & Associates Environmental Inc. serves all of Ontario providing complete, hands-on, environmental consulting, concentrating on Phase I, II & III ESA’s, specializing in the remediation of Brownfields using the latest of technologies.

Emms is coming off a successful season that was consistent all the way through, highlighted by a four feature wins and seven heat victories – including both the Rick Woolner Memorial and Don Biederman Memorial. Everything would culminate together with being crowned the 2019 OSCAAR Modified Champion.

“It means a lot – not only to me, but my entire crew, and my family,” he said in October. “My dad, myself, Ryan, and Peter Schotanus have put in a ridiculous amount of work so many years to get in this position and I was just very fortunate to have those people around me and capitalize on the opportunity that was given to me. So I mean, for me, it’s a big deal.

“Being in racing my whole life, you see guys winning championships. One of my heroes as a kid was Tom Walters, and to see the amount of championships that he’s won, that’s something that I’d obviously strive to me and elevate myself to that level. So starting off with an OSCAAR Modified Championship and it’s a great way to cap off a year where we didn’t expect to have these things happen.”

The full plans for the Emms Racing team, as well as additional marketing partners, will be announced at a future date.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.

By: Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing – ashleymccubbin17@gmail.com

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Getting to Know…. Ryan Emerson

For Ryan Emerson, he was always a NASCAR fan growing up, and had watched A.J. Emms run a T.Q. Midget a couple times at Barrie Speedway. His involvement with the team, though, did not begin until Emms started racing in the Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modifieds.

“It wasn’t until we were in college and University in North Bay he approached me and asked if I was interested in helping him and Jeff (Emms),” Emerson recalls. “He was going to drive Allan Adam’s No. 99 modified. At first I thought it was a joke and kinda played it off saying, ‘Ya sure, why not?’ Then one day, I went to Allan’s shop with AJ and I really enjoyed myself and did a race or two and realize this racing thing isn’t too bad. I’ve been here ever since.”

For Emerson, the best part about being involved with the team is the family-oriented atmosphere.

“You have a father and son duo (Jeff and A.J.) that works tirelessly getting the car ready and you have the wonderful wives that put up with them,” Emerson jokes. “No, the wives are amazing. Jayne and Cassie always make sure we all have full belly’s at the track, water, and specially me to remind me about sunscreen on those hot sunny days. Jayne also is amazing with her everyday job making the shirts and hats and accessories that makes Emms Racing one of the best looking teams at the track!”

With now having traveled all the tracks on the tour, Emerson notes that “all the tracks are special in their own way,” but three of them stand out in particular to him – Full Throttle Motor Speedway – Varney, Jukasa Motor Speedway, and Delaware Speedway.

“Varney because it’s like a small dome very tight, a Bristol kinda feeling too it, and one mistake your pulling fenders back or worst packing up early,” he explained. “Delaware – yes, a long drive to get there, but it’s a very cool track. You’re parked in the infield just like a NASCAR race and with how old the track is with the bumps. It’s cool being on pit road and seeing the cars come off turn four, and hit the little dip in the track and keep going like it was nothing.

“Jukasa – well that’s explains itself. If you have ever been there you’ll understand – big, fast , and super exciting (hopefully you’ll get to see us in victory lane there this year).”

With having been here through the whole ride, it made winning the championship last season that much more memorable, with Emerson calling the year as a whole ‘incredible’.

It didn’t ultimately start out that way, as Emerson recalls being a little bummed following a phone conversation with Emms in early January.

“He was saying because of his commitments to building his and Cassie’s house that it was just going to be a part time schedule,” he recalls. “To be honest, it sucked hearing that, but at the same time I knew where he was coming from and I understand and am also excited for them.”

Though with each passing race on the schedule, the attitude seemed to change as Emerson said he noticed the fire changed, with both A.J. and Jeff Emms getting hungrier to win races and chase the title.

“After having a little lady luck in the first couple races virtue other guys getting DQs, we were right there in the top three,” he continued. “As soon as we dominated Varney and then went to Delaware and drove away, it was like, ‘Alright, we’re this far, let’s go and win this!’ I think it really didn’t hit us, or at least me that AJ was 2019 OSCAAR Modified Champion until ACC (Autumn Colours Classic) driver intros when I went on the radio and did my thing wishing him good luck and it slipped out when I said, By the way, congratulations champ!’ Pretty unreal moment and I couldn’t imagine doing that with any other group of people.”

Even though the championship was cool, one of the most memorable moments for Emerson comes from a couple season ago at Delaware Speedway when they were having battery issues.

“AJ was on pit road just about to head out for a heat race and he died so we were going to bump start him,” Emerson recalls. “So myself and few other people started to push. Well I didn’t realize they let go and I was still pushing the car. It jerked and took off, and I face planted in the middle of pit road in front of a packed grandstands at Delaware. That was awesome, for everyone but me.”

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Getting to Know…. Cassie Weston

For Cassie Weston, her interest in racing did not develop until she met A.J. Emms. Though admittedly, her love for the sport, including “the ups and downs that come with it,” has grown since those beginnings.

“The best part about being on the Emms Racing team is spending time with the crew and watching AJ do what he loves,” she commented.

Obviously, last season brought plenty of smiles in that respect, in watching Emms take home the 2019 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC OSCAAR Modified Championship, along with a couple marquee victories.

“I think the championship was well deserved,” she commented. “Everyone has good and bad luck, but I see the hard work and long hours the crew puts into getting the car ready every week, it’s nice to see it pay off. Hopefully that carries to 2020!”

The championship season brought forth many memories, including her most memorable to date.

“One weekend last year, we won the Friday night feature race at Delaware, and Jeff AJ and I got a hotel that night,” she recalled. “The next day we planned on going to watch the ROC race at Jukasa because it was AJ’s birthday weekend. Still excited from his win the night before, AJ wants to run with the ROCs. After a few conversations with the tech man on what they need to change, and borrowing used tires from Patrick Emerling, the car transformed to an ROC mod!

“Because it was just AJ, Jeff and I, I turned into a pit crew member. Before I knew it was hauling tires, handing tools and changing gear. When race time came, Jeff and I headed to the spotter stand on top of the tower. Mechanical troubles took us off the track but it was a great last minute spontaneous time! Although I think AJ had it in his head all along that he was joining the ROCs that day.”

She also added another good memory came in 2018 “riding shotgun with Randy in the corvette!”

After a successful year, she’s on-board for what’s to come this season, noting that her favourite track on the season is Sunset Speedway, where everything will begin in May.

“It’s a nice facility with lots of history,” she commented. “I have lots of fun memories there at camping at Velocity. We sometimes go there on our off weekends.”