Photo by Dale Calnan/Image Factor Media
By Carin Sundin
OHSWEKEN, Ont. (August 20, 2018) – Ohsweken Speedway officials are pleased to have 14-year-old driver Donny Lampman of the No. 28D Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stock behind the wheel and “In The Driver’s Seat” this week.
Each week “In the Driver’s Seat” showcases a driver from the Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stock or HRW Automotive Mini Stock division to share some insight into the driver who in the fire suit and behind the wheel.
Lampman would like to thank his sponsor, D&S Automotive and send a big thank you to his Crew Members, Dad, Jim Lampman, Bonus Mom, Carin Marucci and Robbie General. The advice, suggestions and learning opportunities make him better each week and the help in the shop and at the track keep his car looking good and running at it’s best.
How old were you when you started racing? What division/class? How long have you been in the Thunder Stock division?
DL “I was five when I first got into racing. I started in the Novice 1 division of Go Karts at Merrittville Speedway in 2009. This is my first year driving a Thunder Stock at Ohsweken Speedway after driving last year in Thunder Stocks at Merrittville and Humberstone Speedway.”
How did you get involved in racing?
DL “In 2009 my Dad (Jim Lampman) put my sister and I in Go Karts at Merrittville. I guess it was love at first sight, because we’ve been racing ever since! I raced in Go Karts until 2016 when I won the Junior 2 championship at Merrittville Speedway. In the off-season we talked about me moving up to the next karting division or if I wanted to drive one of Dad’s Thunder Stock cars on practice nights. I decided I would drive on practice nights to get some experience and seat time in the big car. When the 2017 started I had a chance to drive at Merrittville and Humberstone Speedway in the Street Stock class, so long as I started tail. So that’s what I did! And now this year is my rookie year at Ohsweken Speedway.”
What was your scariest situation in a race car?
DL “I don’t recall a scary situation in my race car. In my two seasons in Thunder Stocks, I’ve tried to be careful not wreck anyone or anything.”
Do you get “race nerves” before a race?
DL “When I first started in the Thunder Stock division, I was nervous about the amount of drivers in the race. But now when we have to sit and wait for a long time in lineup, I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.”
What is your favourite race moment to date (as a driver, fan, growing up, etc.)?
DL “I think my favourite moment was last year at Merrittville Speedway. I started tail in the feature and worked my way up and finished in sixth right behind my Dad at the checkers!”
If you could race in any other class, which would it be?
DL “If I was good enough to handle it, I’d have to go with a 360 Sprint Car.”
What advice would you give anyone who is interested in getting into racing?
DL “I’d say do a good deal of research instead of jumping right in. The car, tools, hauler and everything else can become a big cost and it’s a lot of work every week.”
What driver do you most admire? Do they influence your driving style?
DL “I have to go with my Dad, Jim Lampman. He got me involved in racing and has helped me the whole way through. We help each other out now and we have a great team. I’d say he influences my driving style through his tips on where to run and how to drive.”
If you could compete in any race, what would it be? Which track?
DL “I think I’d like to race the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. I love the long races!”
Do you have any race day or pre-race superstitions?
DL “The only thing I consciously do is click the steering wheel into place and double check it.”
Lampman is currently enjoying his rookie year at Ohsweken Speedway. We wish the No. 28D Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stock team a safe and successful finish to the 2018 season. Thank you Donny for sitting “In The Driver’s Seat” this week.
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Canadian Sprint Car Nationals Tickets and Camping Available Now!
Advanced reserved seating tickets are on sale now for the 14th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals on September 14-15 are on sale now! The event features two full nights of Sprint Car action, including Saturday’s $10,000-to-win Feature Event. Visit www.ohswekenspeedway.ticketforce.com or call 519-717-0023 to order and for more information. For the full 2018 schedule of events, click here.
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 official Facebook page.
2018 SEASON
Ohsweken Speedway’s 23rd 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 to view the schedule 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, while the season finishes each year with the 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 in 2018: Arrow Express, Kool Kidz Ice & Water, Corr/Pak Merchandising Inc., Renway Energy, Case IH O’Neil’s Farm Equipment, Hoosier Tire Canada, EPIC Racewear, McDonald’s Restaurants of Paris & Brantford, Ackland Insurance, Strickland’s GMC, Lucas Oil Products, Burger Barn, Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Creative Edge Signs & Graphics, Insta-Insulation, Middleport Mechanical, HRW Automotive, and Gale’s Auto Aftermarket.