PLATTSVILLE, ON- After announcing a much publicized hiatus from Pro Late Model competition midway through the 2014 season, former Flamboro Speedway champion Shawn Chenoweth has confirmed he will be making his return to the division this year to follow the APC United Late Model Series.
“When APC announced the forming of a new Late Model tour, it was a bit of a game-changer for our team,” smiles Chenoweth.
“We liquidated our Pro Late Model program at the end of 2014. We were out of the division,” admits the veteran. “Paul Law brought us back in. He actually bought our Pro Late Model stuff last year, and when he heard about the tour he gave me a call and asked if I would be interested in driving for him this season. It’s a huge opportunity, and I really can’t thank Paul enough”
The 8-race series will travel across Ontario, visiting Delaware and Sunset for a pair of events, as well as shows at Peterborough, Sauble and Flamboro.
“I’ve wanted to go on tour in a Late Model for a long time, now,” says Chenoweth. “In my opinion, being able to unload and set up at a new speedway every week is as safe of a gauge of driver talent as anything”
“It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s one that we welcome with open arms”
Chenoweth is one of the first elite-level talents to proclaim his intentions to run the entirety of the tour, and is quick to encourage Pro Late Model stars from across Ontario to join the series.
“This is something that Late Model purists have been asking for,” says the former Grisdale Triple Crown champion. “This tour could be what we need to bring Late Model racing in Ontario together. We’ve all been on an island for way too long. Here’s our chance to be a part of the solution”
The commitment to the tour would not be possible without Chenoweth’s relationship with sponsor and London Recreational Racing head Mike Schmidt.
“I’m ecstatic to be back with London Recreational Racing,” beams ‘The Mastodon’. “I’ve had the pleasure of racing for a long time, but I’ve never been as happy as I am right now”
“No driver could ever ask for a better sponsor than Mike. He’s the most accommodating and supportive person I’ve ever met in my life”
“Being a part of the team is a true honour,” continues Chenoweth. “There are no slouches in this group. We all push each other to perform. Nobody wants to be looked at as the weak link, and that’s as genuine a motivator as anything”
In addition to his 8-race commitment to the APC United Late Model series, Chenoweth will field a number of outings in his Thunder Car as well as a full schedule with the OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour.
“All of the schedules haven’t been released yet, but as of right now I think we’re looking at roughly 50 features next Summer,” says Chenoweth. “We’re not sure if we’ll have to look for a substitute driver for a couple APC events or not. But, if we do, it’ll be someone that’s going to turn a few heads”
“None of this would ever be possible without my sponsors, my family and everyone else that support me,” explains Chenoweth. “I’ve never been this excited for a race season.”
Shawn Chenoweth’s 2015 Pro Late Model outfit will receive primary sponsorship from car owner Paul Law and Midas of Orangeville, with additional support from London Recreational, Bennett GM and Castrol.
Fans can keep up with ‘The Mastodon’ via his brand new Shawn Chenoweth Racing page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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