2020 wasn’t a happy time for racers with the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series. While tour officials put together a calendar of events, the entire season was washed-out by the Coronavirus Pandemic before anyone had turned even a single lap. Fast forward to a year later. A new schedule is on the horizon and subject to COVID-19 provincial restrictions, the first green flag of the 2021 OMRS season will fly Saturday, May 29th at Peterborough Speedway.

After 3 years at the controls of a Bone Stock, Ben Gruntz is excited about the next challenge of his racing career. Following in the footsteps of his brother Josh – who scored his first feature win in the popular open wheeled division during the 2019 campaign – the 37-year-old father of 2 from Cambray, Ontario has his sights set on the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series rookie of the year award.

“Everything is happening about a year later than we’d first expected but there is still a lot to look forward to,” said Ben Gruntz, who works as a heavy equipment operator at Dufferin Construction. “Its great that we’re running most of our schedule at Peterborough Speedway. I’m familiar with the track so once I’ve had the chance to adjust to the OMRS racecars, it will be a fun time.”

The I.E. Weldon Secondary School graduate – who enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and snowmobiling in his time away from the track – will be looking to his brother Josh, Allison Ford, his wife Toni and their daughters Kaylah and Bryanah for support and encouragement during his inaugural Ontario Modifieds Racing Series season. His No. 4 machine will carry sponsorship backing from Mar Lyn Lumber, FNB Sport Fishing, Jana Waterson Photography and Wilson Tire.

“I’ve always been amazed at the dedication drivers and fans have for this sport. The loyalty and commitment they display is inspiring,” admitted the driver. “It might take a while for me to find my comfort zone but I think when the team gets into a rhythm, we’ll be filling our raceday notebook with set-up information and strategy that will help us get to the front of the pack.”

Fans and friends can follow Ben Gruntz through his freshman OMRS season by liking www.facebook.com/gruntzracing.

The 2021 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, presented by GEN-3 Electrical schedule features 7 events, including the first ever Bill Pickford Memorial – honouring the former tour co-founder, competitor and ambassador – Saturday, August 14th at Peterborough Speedway. For complete details, see www.facebook.com/OMRS or www.ontariomodifiedsracing.com.