Taylor’s absence leaves the championship in limbo for the first time since 1998-99, when the North Chesterville native tested the NASCAR Busch North Series waters. The leading candidates are his hard-nosed nemesis of the last two seasons, the reigning True Value 250 champion, a top-notch transplant from a competing track with a sharp new sponsorship package in tow, and two 25-year racing veterans. As is the custom at a track that hosts New England’s premier short-track event, you’ll also see some outside influences in the top division between now and July.

Give the nod to a guy who won three races in 2002 and should match or exceed that effort in his sophomore campaign at OPS.

Oakes’ outlook: 1. Mike Maietta Jr.; 2. Gary Drew; 3. Scott Robbins; 4. Alan Wilson; 5. Tim Brackett; 6. Brad Hammond; 7. Jeff White; 8. Billy Whorff; 9. Tommy Tompkins; 10. Mike Maietta Sr.

Late Model Stock

Uncertainty reigns in the No. 2 division, where one of the top contenders to wear the abdicated crown is recovering from an offseason, non-racing injury. Another top challenger’s team manager hinted Friday that their car may not be ready for opening day. Add that flavor to a division in which 13 drivers won a weekly feature last season and nobody led the field more than twice and you have the recipe for an entertaining championship battle.

Going with a driver who quietly gained momentum from start to finish last season.

Oakes’ outlook: 1. Ron Henry; 2. Travis Adams; 3. Shawn Martin; 4. Ricky Morse; 5. Jeff Moon; 6. Chris Bowie; 7. T.J. Brackett; 8. Ron Charpentier; 9. Corey Morgan; 10. David Raymond.

Limited Sportsman

Richie Morse won his third championship last season, but his name is listed on both the Limited and LMS driver rosters. Assuming that he may be exploring different options this season, I’ll leave out of this discussion for that reason and that reason only. Three other drivers shared the spotlight with Morse last summer, and you can count on them to lead the fray once again.

Oakes’ outlook: 1. Shane Green; 2. Dana Grover; 3. Tommy Ricker; 4. Terry Merrill; 5. Archie Watt; 6. Doug Poland; 7. Troy Morse; 8. Steve Bennett Sr.; 9. Steve Bennett Jr.; 10. Dana Reed.

Strictly Stock

This is always the most difficult division to handicap. Fifty or more cars create havoc that could sidetrack even the most talented, level-headed competitor. Last year, there were too many subplots to count at season’s end, with infighting and scoreboard watching that brought an otherwise friendly and gentlemanly championship chase down to the final lap. Expect nothing less this year, with a possible flip-flop at the top of the leader board.

Oakes’ outlook: 1. Larry Emerson; 2. Jim Duguay; 3. Kim Tripp; 4. Mark Bowie; 5. Travis Mains; 6. Steve Page; 7. Billy Childs Jr.; 8. Chris Coolidge; 9. Shawn Knight; 10. Mike Sprague.

Mini Stock

Eight different champions have characterized the last eight seasons. Why not a ninth?

Oakes’ outlook: 1. Wayne Warren; 2. Bill Thibeault; 3. Butch Keene; 4. Chris Morris; 5. Rich Sirois; 6. Billy Childs Sr.; 7. Ted Audet; 8. Danny Morris; 9. Wayne Parkin; 10. Steve Barker.

Good luck to all. Let’s get this show on the road!

Kalle Oakes is sports editor. He may be reached by e-mail at koakes@sunjournal.com.