September 15, 2014 

 

 

Delaware, Ontario – One of the longest continuously competing drivers at Delaware Speedway is signalling his intention to hang up his helmet after this Saturday's Pro Late Model Great Canadian Race. Doug Stewart (#2) of London has released a statement that his 36-year run is coming to an end.

"The sport itself has really evolved from 1979 to now," explained Stewart in a statement sent to the track on Monday. "I have raced through 5 different decades and have enjoyed them all: but after this coming weekend that will all come to an end."

Stewart first competed at Delaware in 1979 in a Street Stock division before the class was used to develop the CASCAR program, competing in a number of CASCAR Super Series races before turning to a weekly Delaware program that he's continued ever since.

Stewart is an automotive technology teacher at Beal Secondary School. Over the years he has been instrumental in the development of a number of programs that connected students to racing by providing the opportunity to build and work on race vehicles. With such strong success and interest from students, these programs later became the template that was used in developing Delaware Speedway's High School Challenge program.

"It has been my passion and a love that has helped me through some great struggles in life," continued Stewart. "It has become how I identify myself and I am very proud to be associated with such a great sport and so many great people. For 36 yrs I have planned my life around racing and the time has come to expand my plans".

Fans can catch Doug Stewart in Saturday's Great Canadian Race at 2:00 pm. The afternoon will also feature an autograph session where fans can meet the drivers and see their cars before the main events get underway.

Other News & Notes for the Weekend:

- Pro-Late Model driver Scott Lindsay (#20) of St. Marys has pulled a surprise and will come out of retirement to compete in the Great Canadian Race Weekend. He is set to drive a vehicle owned by two-time Great Canadian Race Winner Jesse Kennedy (#10) of Oneida.

- The weekend showcases a full racing lineup with something for everyone. From the fastest cars at Delaware Speedway with the Pro Late Models to the wild competition of the Bone Stock Chaos Cars it's a weekend not to be missed.

- Touring series action on the weekend will showcase the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup and the Ontario Pro Challenge Series (3/4-Scale racing machines).

- The weekend will also feature the all-new Campground Bash after the races for spectators who choose to stay over at the track. Full information available at the track website.

- Racing on Friday will get underway at 7:30 pm, racing on Saturday starts at 2:00 pm. Weekend Value Passes are also available.