HAMPTON, ON (October 1, 2015)- In sport where individual effort is usually the most rewarded, Willy Howells is cut from a different cloth.
Originally from Oshawa – but now making his home in Hampton, Ontario with his wife Ashley – Willy Howells is just finishing his second season of action in the INEX Ontario Legends Series.
The 25 year-old speedster has an impressive resume that includes a pair of track championships at the former Mosport/Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway in the Pure/Mini Stock division. Howells also was named Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver during his time at the controls of the #19 Honda Prelude. Branded as ‘Team Blue’, the driver enjoyed a solid level of support from family, friends and sponsors.
While most racers his age would be looking to continue building on some career statistics, Howells – who earns a weekly paycheque as a cleaner at The Durham District School Board – says his attention has shifted and he’s become more focused on what he describes as some of the more important aspects of the sport.
“Like most weekly racers, I’ve made a number of wonderful friends during my time in the sport,” admitted Howells. “As determined as the other drivers might be to beat you on the racetrack, everyone is always willing to help each other out behind the scenes. To me, that’s much more important than picking up another checkered flag.”
Finishing 13th in the 2015 INEX Ontario Legends point standings, Howells still enjoys working through the pack under race conditions but gets the same thrill for what he does behind the scenes. When another competitor was involved in a wreck that knocked them out of action, the driver and his father made the hour’s drive to the shop to help with repairs.
Later in the season, a team in the hunt for the overall championship suffered mechanical issues that ended the night with their own equipment. Howells stepped out of his #19H machine to allow the rival a chance to earn some valuable points in the title chase.
“In each case, it was just the right thing to do,” said the soft-spoken racer. “I try to put myself in their position. The spirit of friendship in the heat of battle can go a long way. You have to keep looking at the big picture. There could be a time down the road where I’m looking for someone to lend a hand.”
Willy Howells would like to thank his race team sponsors Taunton Tire, Sanford’s Auto, Roughley Insurance Company, Oshawa Community Credit Union, DiBello Towing and Hobby Revolution; as well as family, friends and followers for their support during the 2015 season.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
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