GRIMSBY, ON- Perennial NASCAR Canadian Tire Series contender Jeff Lapcevich is ready for another season of competition with Canada’s national series. But, in addition to his role as a team owner and driver, Lapcevich will also play the role of mentor and teacher to son Cayden as he continues his own development as a third-generation driver.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything happening this season,” smiles Lapcevich. “Racing has always been a huge part of our family. As the kids get older, the schedule gets a little more hectic. But, we’re used to it by now”
After a successful part-time NCATS campaign yielded four top-5s in seven starts last season, Lapcevich hopes his Fastline Motorsports team can utilize that momentum for a strong start to 2015.
“I was incredibly proud of what we were able to put together last year,” says the personable veteran. “We had used the off-season to give our program a complete makeover. To see our hard work pay dividends was an awesome feeling”
“We’ve laid down back-to-back podiums in the season opener – and that’s a streak we’re looking to add to this year,” continues Lapcevich. “If you can start the season off with a strong performance, it’s incredible how much quicker everything else seems to fall into place”
With Cayden readying himself for a future fulltime move to NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition, Jeff plans to split the team’s schedule between the two drivers – with the elder Lapcevich filling the role of driver coach for the 15-year old.
“I’m really looking forward to splitting the ride with Cayden this season,” says Lapcevich. “The NCATS tour is a completely different animal than anything he’s experienced before. My job is to help him get comfortable as seamlessly as possible”
“It’s been a while since I’ve had a teammate,” jokes the 45-year old. “We haven’t formulated our schedule yet, but it’s looking like Cayden and I will both get a healthy mix of oval and road course racing”
“There’s no question that it’s going to be a balancing act, but I think we’re going to have a fantastic program this season. We’re both fortunate enough to have some incredibly talented people on our side, and some great equipment in our race shop”
“Most importantly, we’ll have the support of Tim Hortons for a 26th consecutive season,” smiles Lapcevich. “It’s an honour to have them back on board with us. I certainly couldn’t make this all happen on my own. Without our marketing partners, our race team wouldn’t exist. I can’t thank them enough”
When asked his goals for the 2015 season, it’s clear that a return to victory lane weighs heavily on the veteran’s mind.
“I think we have all the tools necessary to get this team back on the top of the podium,” says Lapcevich with confidence. “We’ve been incredibly close the past two seasons, and I don’t see any reason why we can’t make that leap this year”
“We get better with every race. Eventually, if we keep doing all the right things, our number is going to come up”
“I know that Cayden’s knocking on the door, but I still have a couple strong runs left in me,” adds Lapcevich with a smile. “I’d love nothing more than to bring home a couple wins before handing him the keys entirely.”
In addition to support from Tim Hortons, Lapcevich would also like to welcome back Castrol, Cathcart Trucking, Springers Meats, EPIC Racewear and Troy Cove Marine for the 2015 season.
For more information on Jeff and the rest of the Fastline Motorsports team, visit LapcevichRacing.com or follow @LapcevichRacing on Twitter.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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