With the help of some committed friends, forthcoming sponsors, and an enthusiastic group of racers, Jason Lancaster has set out on a mission to revive what was once a successful race series with origins dating back to the late 90’s. The OSCA, or Outlaw Street Car Association, was once a thriving series that began in Indiana, and had been graced throughout its’ prior existence with the presence of such racing notables as Billy Glidden, Bill Lutz, Patrick Barnhill, and Kevin Neal, just to name a few. The series, which made a move to Kentucky around 2000, has not been active in over six years and now has a chance at being reborn.
The former OSCA ended its tenure under the ownership of Kevin Thornberry in 2006 and remained inactive until recently when Jason Lancaster decided to take the reins. An almost unfortunate event created the spark needed to set Lancaster about on his new undertaking.
Lancaster shares, “One night US 60 Dragway hosted a Pro Street race and very few cars showed up.” With the low car count came the possibility of no more races and that’s all it took for Lancaster and a few others to make the commitment of bringing back the excitement of the old Outlaw Street Car Association. With the help of Tim Gray outlining rules, and the insight and guidance of Ned Couch, Charlie Allen and other veterans of the earlier series, the ball was off and rolling.
Tim Gray, shares his optimism about the future of the young OSCA. “I think it will be a good start to a new racing series for people that like to travel and not just race at one track. I see good things for the first year and it should grow by leaps and bounds as people get to race in this and sponsors see what is happening and come on board to make it even a bigger success. The rules in place are intended to stay that way for at least three years, to give racers a chance to build their cars and not have to change year after year. Also, some of the best tracks around will be hosting this series. With only the first year the payouts are very respectable compared to other area tracks that host this type of racing.”
The rejuvenated series will be held across three tracks in Kentucky and Indiana for 2013. Beech Bend Raceway and London Dragway – both in the Bluegrass State, and Lyons Raceway in Indiana, will host the series for the coming year. Planned classes will offer something for everyone with Pro Street, True Street, Entry 8.5, Junior Dragster, and 6.50 and 7.50 Index classes. At two events there will also be Outlaw Pro Modifieds for even more added racing excitement.
6.50 Index racer Al Mullins is eager for the new opportunity. “I think that the different tracks in the schedule are going to be a blast instead of the same ole’ same ole’ each weekend. This way you have a chance to meet other racers that might not want to travel as far and also have a different mix of competitors. I’m hoping with the new person that’s taking over the OSCA, they can get the support from the racers to ensure a good car count each race and a good spectator count to fill the stands. As everyone knows, racing is not a cheap sport or hobby and with the economy the way it has been, that makes it even tougher. All we can ask of as racers is that the OSCA holds it together and sponsors step up to make it all that more fun each event.”
Racing familiar Bill Lutz admits that first years for new series can be a bit of a stuggle, but given time and the right combination of support, can be very successful in the long term. Lutz will be lending his expertise and helping hand in the September race, which will be held at London Dragway, to see that the Pro Modified showing will be a success.
With the optimism and experienced supporters surrounding the adolescent OSCA, it’s surely to be a successful venture this year and in the future. Lancasters’ goal is simple, “I want to make a racing organization to bring the friend and family network back together, with a place to race and a fair set of rules, along with great racing venues.”
For more information on the Outlaw Street Car Association, visit: outlawstreetcars.com.
The 2013 schedule for the OSCA is as follows:
May 11th – Beech Bend Raceway
June 8th – Lyons Dragway (Pro Street Only)
July 6th – Beech Bend Raceway
Aug. 3rd – Lyons Dragway
Sept. 7th – London Dragway
Oct. 26th – Beech Bend Raceway