Driver returns, new series and lives lost: here’s a recap of the top Hamilton-area motorsport stories of 2022

Around this time of the year, media outlets often compile a list of the most important or influential items over the past 12 months. I don't have a Top 10 list, but here are some stories of local motorsport significance for 2022. They are not in any particular order.

• After a couple of years of postponement, Ohsweken Speedway presented the Pinty's 100 - the first-ever dirt track race for the NASCAR Pinty's Series. Held in August, the race was a big success and was won by Grimsby's Treyten Lapcevich.

• Several Ontario-based oval series merged, which should be good for the sport. The Southern Ontario Sprints and the Knights of Thunder, two 360 Sprint Car groups, joined up to run under the SOS banner. And the long-established OSCAAR (Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers) will be a part of the APC United Late Model Series.

• There were several noted local men in the sport who died in 2022, including Top Fuel Dragster team owner Barry Paton of Paris, race car and engine builder Jack Greenhalgh of Ancaster, and pioneer sports car builder Bill Sadler of St. Catharines.

• After a horrendous IndyCar smash in 2018 which left him partially paralyzed, Guelph native Rob Wickens returned to the driver's seat earlier this year driving a Hyundai in the Michelin Pilot Series and highlighted his comeback with wins at Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

• Three local personalities were recognized for their contribution to racing with inductions into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. Toronto Motorsports Park owner/operator Uli Bieri, photographer Bruce Biegler, and oval track racer Gary Elliott were all enshrined into the CMHF.

• Running a race track of any sort in Canada is a monumental job, but John and Frank Casale celebrated 50 years of presenting the sport at Flamboro Speedway in 2022.

• After an ugly motocross crash which left his racing career in question earlier this year, it appears 14-time Canadian Superbike champion Jordan Szoke of Lynden will return to the road racing circuit for 2023.

• On a personal note, I would like to mention two people with whom I have covered many races in the press booth or at press conferences. First, former Toronto Star Wheels Editor Norris McDonald, who suffered a medical setback earlier this year and has bounced back. And Raceline Radio's Erik Tomas, who in 2022 celebrated 30 years of broadcasting.

Jet Car sponsorship

Although the race cars are put away and the local tracks are closed, that does not mean the wheels of motorsport are not turning. Sponsorship and promotion are an important part of racing, and at this time of the year teams of all forms are seeking financial support.

Recently the team of Canada's only active Jet Car drag racing program celebrated such an association. Based in Cayuga, the Northern Warrior Jet Car will be assisted financially next season by Little Dings Pizza and Sports Bar, also in Cayuga.

Car owner/driver Neale Armstrong, who received his jetcar license in 2001, has been campaigning this car since 2016. It's a 285-inch wheelbase vehicle with a J-85 General Electric jet engine of 10,000 horsepower, which was initially built to power an F-5 or Snowbird fighter plane. The car is capable of about 300 miles per hour down the quarter mile.

Tim Miller is a longtime motorsports writer and author of several books on the sport.