Write a commentFor 2015, the Jason Simmons owned Team Tapout race team has announced the addition of two new cars and drivers - on two different surfaces.
In 2012 and 2013, Jason Simmons campaigned two Hedger Chassis small block supermodifieds weekly at Oswego Speedway, driven by himself and veteran J.J. Andrews. In 2014, a third small block supermodified was added to the team, piloted full time by Barry Kingsley.
For the 2015 season, Simmons ordered a fourth new Hedger Chassis small block supermodified from builder Ray Hedger, of Morrisville, N.Y. With the new car being finished in time for the season, Simmons contacted dirt sportsman driver Jeremy Pitcher, of Fulton, N.Y. "There are only a couple drivers that I would have wanted to drive my 4th car, and I'm glad that Jeremy and the guys are on board with us. It's going to be a fun year!", said Simmons.
Pitcher accepted the offer, agreeing to put his dirt season on hold, in favor of a full slate of small block supermodified racing at Oswego Speedway in 2015. Pitcher will run his sportsman occasionally throughout the season, but will prioritize the small block super for the full schedule. "I love Oswego Speedway, and I'm very flattered to have the opportunity to run full time this year, in such quality equipment", said Pitcher.
Current Team Tapout drivers Barry Kingsley and J.J. Andrews have welcomed Pitcher and his crew to the team. "We worked with Jeremy, his brother Shannon, and the guys in the past, and I think that we'll have a lot of fun and laughs with them this year. They better get to work on a podium with FOUR steps!", said Andrews. Kingsley also added, "I'm looking forward to racing with Jeremy this year. Having talent the likes of Jeremy on our side, we'll all run better!"
Also in 2014, Simmons purchased a dirt sportsman car, for occasional use on nights when Oswego Speedway wasn't in competition. After a couple of dirt outings in late 2014, Simmons made the decision to concentrate on his small block supermodified season, leaving the sportsman seat open.
With no plans for Simmons to drive the car himself, the car was offered to Dan Kapuscinski, a former driver in the small block supermodified and supermodified divisions, as well as some dirt sportsman events in 2008. Kapuscinski will compete in approximately 10 events in the Team Tapout sportsman, mostly mid-week events, so as not to conflict with his duties as marketing director at Oswego Speedway.
"I have no real expectations, just to go out and learn each week, and have fun. I've had the itch to race more, and I really appreciate Jason offering me the opportunity", said Kapuscinski. "I couldn't pass up this chance."
But that's not all for Team Tapout. Also for 2015, Simmons will field some karts on Friday nights at Oswego Kartway, wheeled by his children. His sons Tyler Thompson and Sean Simmons will tackle the season with some new Slack Xpect Chassis for the new year, and four year old daughter Savannah will even try her hand in a kart later in the season.
"I love racing. My goal is for every one of my drivers - including myself - to get at least one win this year. If that happens, it will be a great season", said Simmons. "We have a lot of great drivers and quality equipment, so I know we'll have some great runs - and a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to the season!"
Oswego Speedway's 2015 racing season will kick off on Saturday, May 9 with the 65th annual opening night celebration featuring the lid lifters for the Novelis Supermodifieds and Pathfinder Bank SBS, as well as the 75-lap Richie Evans Memorial for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series presented by Planet Fitness and Mitchell's Speedway Press.
For more information on Oswego Speedway visit online at www.oswegospeedway.com or call (315) 342-0646. Visit the Speedway on social media @OswegoSpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway.
