By Carin Sundin
OHSWEKEN, Ont. (July 16, 2019) – This week’s edition of “In the Driver’s Seat” features Cole Hardy from the HRW Automotive Mini Stock division. Each week this segment showcases a driver from the Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stock or HRW Automotive Mini Stock divisions to share some insight on the drivers wearing the fire suit and behind the wheel of the cars that put on the show.
Hardy would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting their 2019 race season: Pro Battery Shops, RONA Welland & Fort Erie, Calamus Estate Winery, N.A.S. Guns and Ammo, Re/Max, Aapex Driving Academy Welland, Klammer Motorsport, Island Heat & Tanning Centre, Midas Welland, Niagara Graphic Solutions, Pleasantview Funeral Home & Cemetery, Presstime Design & Screenprint.
Cole would also like to extend a special thank you to his crew members, including his fiancée Jordan Purdy, Dylan Hardy, Rob Goulding, Jay Moulton, Joseph Bleich, Fabio Olivieri and Eric Bertrand.
How old were you when you started racing? What division/class? How long have you been in this current division?
CH: “I started racing when I was 16 years old in the Enduro races. After doing those for four years we decided to buy a Pro 4 Truck after a full season in the Truck division, we made the jump to the Mini Stock Division. We have currently been in the Mini Stock division for five years.”
How did you get involved in racing?
CH: “Getting involved in racing was pretty easy for me as I grew up around racing. Since I was two years old I’ve been going to the races every weekend, plus all my uncles and my dad ran the Enduro races since I can remember.”
What was your scariest situation in a racecar?
CH: “My scariest moment in a race car is really hard to pick this season, we’ve been through a nosedive at Ohsweken Speedway to a rollover at Humberstone Speedway. It’s been kind of a rough start to this season so it makes it hard to pick which one was the scariest to me.”
Do you get “race nerves” before a race?
CH: “I get race nerves before every race when it’s time I hop in the car. It can be a heat race or the feature but once I get into the line, I’m ready to go.”
What is your favourite race moment to date (as a driver, fan, growing up, etc.)?
CH: “I think my favourite racing moment to date would be my first career win in 2017 at Merrittville Speedway, you never forget your first trip to victory lane.”
If you could race in any other class, which would it be?
CH: “If I had the choice to go to race in any other division I think I would move up to the Sportsman division.”
What advice would you give anyone who is interested in getting into racing?
CH: “What advice would you give someone getting into racing? The only thing that comes to mind would be go out there and have fun!”
What driver do you most admire? Do they influence your driving style?
CH: “I’d have to say the driver I most admire is No.42 “Mr. Small Block” Pete Bicknell. He’s been around since I can remember winning championships. He’s a really nice guy and always happy to help anyone out.”
If you could compete in any race, what would it be? Which track?
CH: “I think I’d like to compete at Super Dirt Week if I could compete in any other race. It just seems like a long but fun weekend of racing.”
Do you have any race day or pre-race superstitions or rituals?
CH: “I normally get to the track early and have everything unloaded and ready to rock. Superstitions? I just hoping everything goes well!”
Who picked your number and why?
CH: “I picked the number 7c because it’s been my favourite number since I was little, I also had it on my school jerseys.”
What other activities do you enjoy besides race car driving?
CH: “I enjoy spending time with my family and fiancée. I like going camping and travelling.”
Everybody at Ohsweken Speedway would like to wish Cole Hardy and the No. 7c HRW Automotive Mini Stock team a safe and successful 2019 season. Thank you Cole for getting “In The Driver’s Seat” this week.
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About MavTV Canada’s All North Racing Powered by Pinty’s
Ohsweken Speedway is excited to announce its Friday Night Excitement racing will be the centerpiece of a new international television broadcast on MavTV Canada called All North Racing powered by Pinty’s. All North Racing will visit Ohsweken for six live broadcasts that will be re-aired multiple times in Canada and the United States. The MavTV broadcasts are scheduled for May 31, June 21, July 22, July 23, August 30 and September 14. These broadcasts include both nights of the Northern Summer Nationals featuring Tony Stewart, Christopher Bell and Rico Abreu as well as the 15th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. For more information on MavTV Canada, visit www.facebook.com/MAVTVCanada.
Northern Summer Nationals Tickets Available Now
Tony Stewart, Christopher Bell and Rico Abreu are coming to Ohsweken Speedway for two action-packed nights on July 22-23. All three Sprint Car stars will be in action both nights for two $5,000-to-win 360 Sprint Car shows. Tickets and camping for the Northern Summer Nationals are on sale online athttps://ohswekenspeedway.ticketforce.com/ or can be purchased by phone by calling (519) 717-0023.
Ohsweken Speedway Live Stream
Can’t make it to the track or don’t live within driving distance? No problem! Check out all of Ohsweken’s weekly Friday Night Excitement action live online for free via the Ohsweken Speedway Live Stream. The stream goes live at 7:30pm EST each race night at www.OhswekenSpeedway.ca and on our officialFacebook page.
2019 SEASON
Ohsweken Speedway’s 24th season of weekly Friday Night Excitement features four divisions of racing, including the Kool Kidz-Corr/Pak 360 Sprint Cars, Strickland’s GMC Crate Sprint Cars, Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stocks and HRW Automotive Mini Stocks. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com or call (519) 717-0023 for more information.
About Ohsweken Speedway: Founded in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada. Ohsweken’s weekly Friday night racing program runs from May to September each year, featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Crate Sprint Cars, Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks. The season finishes each year with the track’ annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Ohsweken Speedway also hosts weekly Micro Sprint racing on Thursday nights.
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY MEDIA
Phone: (519) 717-0023
Email: media@ohswekenspeedway.com
Website: www.OhswekenSpeedway.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OHSWEKENSPEEDWAY
Twitter: @OhswekenSpdway
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/OhswekenSpeedway
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OhswekenSpdway
Ohsweken Speedway thanks the following partners for their support: Nitro 54 Variety, Ackland Insurance, Arrow Express, Auto Parts Centres, Bradshaw Brothers Fuels, Burger Barn, Case IH O’Neil’s Farm Equipment, Core-Mark International, Corr/Pak Merchandising Inc., Creative Edge Signs & Graphics, EPIC Racewear, Gale’s Auto Aftermarket, Hoosier Tire Canada, HRW Automotive, Insta-Insulation/Insta-Panels, Jibs Action Sports, Kool Kidz Ice & Water, McDonald’s Restaurants of Paris & Brantford, Middleport Mechanical, Club 54 Racing, Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Renway Energy, Rochester Knighthawks, Strickland’s GMC and Victory Gamez.