By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia) – Brandon Vanderwel (No. 97) has partnered with Protect the Children for the 2013 OSCAAR Super Late Model season to raise awareness against childhood abuse.
As part of the partnership, Vanderwel will host children at from shelters nearby various race tracks throughout the province as part of his race team for each of the 11 remaining events on the 2013 schedule. The family, siblings, or children who attend the OSCAAR race as part of Vanderwel’s crew will receive a team crew shirt, a photo with the entire team, and all expenses paid for the evening. In association with OSCAAR, the guests will also give the ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ command to drivers prior to the 50-lap feature event.
Following his initiative with Protect the Children, Vanderwel has also teamed with MyFM Radio Network as well. MyFM has donated 60 seconds of daily ad space for the duration of the summer, on each of its 13 radio stations province-wide, to promote the team’s goals and partnership. The ad will also feature any and all corporate partners who sponsor the No. 97 throughout the season. The advertising space is valued at $10,000.
So far, Vanderwel has secured sponsorship for this season from Shoreline Stone and Garden Centre, Moore Dry Bulk, Harry James Group, Marca Pizza & Pasta, and Kawartha Rock Quarries.
The Port Elgin, Ont. driver last competed with OSCAAR as a rookie in 2011, is preparing for his sophomore season after missing all of the 2012 season due to injury. The former ALSTAR series driver has high hopes for his return to the series.
“My goal would be to finish in the top five,” said Vanderwel. “I would have raced last year, but I had a hand injury.”
Vanderwel severed his pinky finger from his right hand in an accident and was forced to remain in a cast for three months after reconstructive surgery.
When he returns to action, Vanderwel will try to improve on his seventh-place finish in the championship standings in 2011, but is in need of a crew chief in order to do so.
“I love to drive. I’m just not very good with the setup,” said Vanderwel. “I need somebody behind me. A good race team needs a foundation and a crew chief is part of that.”
Vanderwel emphasized his crew chief is a paid position.
“I think I have decent enough equipment to get in to the top-five. I need the knowledge and the guys behind me to get there,” he said. “There are some pretty big names. To be in the top-five would be a pretty decent night considering the field.”
Vanderwel will make his return to the series at Barrie Speedway on June 15. That will be his only tune-up prior to the dual 50-lap features for the Don Biederman Memorial on June 29 and 30, which Vanderwel sees as a positive addition to the tour.
“It’s a great idea. It’s a little bit like hockey where you have seven games to determine who wins,” explained Vanderwel. “One night might be good for one guy, one night might be good for another. When you combine the points, I think it’s pretty cool. I’m excited for it.”
Vanderwel would like to thank each of the sponsors who have signed on for the 2013 OSCAAR Super Late Model season. Additionally, Vanderwel would like to send special thanks to all of his crew members, including Dave Taylor, Mark Eliot, Randy Bates, Burt Buckton, and Garit Bott.
Individuals or businesses interested in joining Vanderwel Racing’s partnership with Protect the Children and MyFM can contact Brandon Vanderwel via email at bvanderwel@shorelinestone.ca. Individuals interested in the crew chief position can contact Vanderwel at the same address.
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About Protect The Children: Protect the Children was started in 2011 by Carrie Kent and Tania Van Narmen. With a mission to change societal attitudes towards childhood abuse, Protect the Children hopes to assist children everywhere through education and support, starting right here in Ontario. For more information, visit www.protectthechildren.net and www.myinnocencelost.net.
About MyFM Radio: MyFM Radio has 13 local radio stations located across Ontario, with two new stations in Alliston and Orangeville in development. MyFM Radio is owned and operated by My Broadcasting Corporation, Ontario’s Local Broadcast Company. For more information, visit www.myfmradio.ca.
The OSCAAR Super Late Model tour is presented by dedicated sponsors throughout Ontario, including: Knightworks Design, Hoosier Racing Tire, Klotz Synthetics Canada, Race2way.ca, Dave Franks Photos, Dickson Printing, Finishline Fabrication, McColl Racing Enterprises, McGunegill Engine Performance, Stefko Racing Engines, VP Racing Fuels, OntarioOval.com, RaceTime Radio, Inside Track Motorsport News, Jenco Equipment, Midas of Orangeville, Reinhart Trailer Sales, North Toronto Auctions, and South Shore Services.
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