Cavan, ON- In the dictionary, success is defined as ‘obtain a favourable or desired outcome’. When it comes to asphalt Late Model stock car racing in Central Ontario, Dan McHattie is as effective as they come. You might even go as far as saying he wrote the book on short track motorsports excellence.
With eight track championships over 12 seasons and nearly every record in the history of Kawartha Speedway, multiple main event wins and Autumn Colours Classic victories at Peterborough Speedway, the 38 year-old father of two from Cavan, Ontario is getting ready to make his debut with the new APC Pro Late Model Series. After running a limited schedule over the past two seasons, McHattie says he’s looking forward to put his equipment through its paces for a complete calendar of events.
“I love the sport, but have to admit that unless I’m sitting at the controls and battling through the pack for the win, I’m not much of a race fan,” said the mechanic at Kerr Industries in Oshawa. “I get a lot out designing and building the cars that I race and help drivers in other divisions, but it isn’t often that you’ll find me sitting the grandstand watching the show.”
The #71 Dodge that McHattie will campaign on the provinces most talked about racing series is the product of hours of hard work, research and development. With an RPM Engines powerplant strapped between the frame rails, the driver and his crew of Colin Winslow, Gerry McHattie, Jim Enborg, Kevin Caldwell and Jake Jackson are looking forward to running the eight event schedule that gets underway Saturday, May 23 at Sunset Speedway.
“I think there’ll be a strong field at every show, so we’ll need to make sure our equipment is set to go as soon as we roll off the trailer,” said McHattie. “Our team’s success over the years has always come from preparation. There’s very little down-time where this team is concerned. A strong effort behind the scenes and at the track always has its own reward.”
Dan McHattie says he’s happy to have had a strong group of area businesses support his program over the years and his debut on the APC Pro Late Model Series will be backed by J.J. Stewart Motors, Uniglass Plus Ziebart, Sidey/NAPA Auto Supply, Douglas Automotive, Barry McClennan Masonry, Foxon Alternator & Starter, Webb Transmission and Praxair Peterborough.
“The names that people see on our car are more than sponsors,” said McHattie. “They’re friends who’ve been part of the team for a number of seasons and that makes them family. We’re proud to have everyone be part of what we do.”
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410
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