TMG Truck Series
The TMG Truck Series is the third league of the OMA, and it is the lowest division you can be in. It is designed to push drivers who are either new, or are struggling to become better and strive to move up through the divisions.
Josh Williamson Officially Retires
After wavering back and forth between racing and not, the 17 year-old Texan officially announced his retirement from OMA racing this past week.
​
Williamson had 52 starts to his credit, with a best finish of second in the most recent TMG Truck Series season at Bristol and Gateway. Most notably, he ran 13 races for McGuines Motorsports in VRC season 1, amounting two top 5 finishes. He followed that up with a best finish of third in the shortened VRC season 2 driving for Miscraft Motorsports.
​
When asked about what is to come outside of racing, he said "I've been spending time with family and focusing on school. And honestly, I'm having the time of my life."
​
Though he never reached victory lane, Josh Williamson will always be a driver to remember.
Gatlin Downey Wins TMG Crown
TMG Championship Preview
The TMG Truck Series wrapped up an epic season this past Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Dunavan David, Brandon Morris, Mark Sylas, and Gatlin Downey entered as the four drivers to battle it out for the title.
​
It was down to just 3 competitors early, as Brandon Morris didn't make it to the race. After the race, the previous driver of the 16 Toyota announced a very limited schedule in VRC Next next season. So, as sad as it might be, this might be the one and only chance at an OMA title for Morris.
​
Gatlin Downey led the six truck field to green, and it was a clear four truck battle for the victory from the get-go; Downey, David, Sylas, and non-championship contender Kyle England. An early wreck would bring out differing pit strategies, forcing Dunavan David and Mark Sylas to pit before the halfway bonus under green, while Downey, England, and Ashton LaJoie mosied along just fine to the competition caution.
​
After some wrecks, the stage was set for a late race battle between the three title contenders. Both Downey and David had fallen relatively far behind Mark Sylas, but both had caught right back up with the driver of the 13 Ford.
​
With less than 10 laps to go, a hard charging David would make contact with the 52 of Ashton LaJoie and go for a spin. However, they were the only two involved in the wreck, so no caution would be called, ending the title hopes for the dominant driver of the season.
​
With 2 laps to go, a potent Gatlin Downey made his move, blowing past Sylas on the inside coming to the white flag. Kyle England didn't give Sylas the necessary push to make an attempt back at the lead, and the 33 was just too fast at the end. Downey would win his third race of the season (second consecutive), and be crowned TMG Truck Series champion, followed by Mark Sylas, Dunavan David, and Brandon Morris.
​
Post-race, a jubilant Downey broke the news that he would be moving to the VRC Next series full time in May, piloting the #36 Ford for McGuines Motorsports, replacing JoJo Simz.
​
Ten of the thirteen races this season saw a pass for the lead with less than 2 laps to go, and Downey proved to be the deserving title candidate with his late-season performance.
In just eight short days, the TMG Truck Series will be in action at Homestead Miami Speedway to crown the season 2 champion. After 12 of the greatest races in OMA history (8 last lap passes) made up the regular season, the field has been whittled down to four drivers with an equal shot at the title.
​
Dunavan David of McGuines Motorsports has been the best driver so far this season, with wins at Daytona, Eldora, Canadian Tire, and Talladega. He has finished on the podium in all but two starts, and has some of the most league racing experience of drivers in the field. McGuines Motorsports is also looking for its first title, and have their best shot yet with the 41 truck.
​
Brandon Morris jumped to the points lead at about the midway point in the season, but didn't race much after clinching his spot in the playoffs. He won by inches over Josh Williamson at Bristol, and has seen himself in front at various tracks similar to Homestead this season. Miscraft Motorsports has three titles in the OMA already, and would love to make it four.
​
In a year where Chevy has seemed to dominate, Gatlin Downey of Columbia Autosport is the only golden bow eligible for the TMG title. Downey has two wins on the year, coming at Kentucky and Michigan. The victory in the Irish Hills was especially significant, as he had entered the race 10 points below the cutoff behind Andrew Miller, and was seemingly in a must-win situation. Momentum has been on his side recently, and he comes in as the hottest of the final 4.
​
Mark Sylas of Goeden Towing Motorsports is the last of the four championship 4 drivers, known for his thrilling victory at Pocono. Despite having the most starts of the final 4 drivers, he comes in as the biggest underdog. However, we know Sylas has the ability to surprise. He is also the only driver of the four who plans to return to the truck series and not move up to VRC Next in May, so even if he can't win, he'll have more chances driving his Ford F-150.
​
David, Morris, Sylas, and Downey will duel in a winner-take-all showdown next Saturday February 2nd at 7 ET. Coverage of the race will be revealed as it gets closer.