Photo by Dale Calnan/Image Factor Media
By Carin Sundin
OHSWEKEN, Ont. (July 8, 2019) – This week’s edition of “In the Driver’s Seat” features Logan Shwedyk from the Middleport Mechanical Thunder 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.
Logan would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting their 2019 race season: Advantage Electric, S & S Cleaning, Scott’s Landscaping, Wellington Brewery, Pub Fiction, RM Signs and Exterra.
He would also like to extend a special thank you to his friends and crew members Cole Gunby, Wyatt Winnett, Kyle Wert, Kevin Tait, Luke Gliddon, Pete Shwedyk, Laura Harley and Kalvin Hewitson.”
How old were you when you started racing? What division/class? How long have you been in this current division?
LS: “I started racing when I was 16 years old and I started at Ohsweken Speedway in the Thunder Stock division. I started out in my fathers old Monte Carlo pavement car and I am now running a Camaro that my friends and I built. I am currently in my fifth season in the Thunder Stock division.”
How did you get involved in racing?
LS: “Since I can remember, my dad and uncle raced at Delaware Speedway. I would help them in the shop and go to every race to watch them. The older I got, the more I had learned and could do on the racecar. Once I was old enough my dad handed the reigns over to me, and I started racing the No. 53 car.”
What was your scariest situation in a racecar?
LS: “The scariest situation I’ve encountered in a racecar was a few years ago. I was racing at Ohsweken Speedway and I was turned sideways on the back stretch when Ken Sargent hit my car and went underneath me, and I ended up on top of his car. That was the scariest moment of my racing career so far. Ended up with damage, and a pretty cool picture!
Do you get “race nerves” before a race?
LS: “I hardly get any race nerves. However, when I’m sitting on the warmup track, I sometimes worry about the outcome of the race, but once I’ve pulled onto the track, I forget about everything and I am just in the moment.”
What is your favourite race moment to date (as a driver, fan, growing up, etc.)?
LS: “My favourite race moment to date would have to be as a driver last year that saw me get my first Feature win at Ohsweken Speedway. I led almost the whole race and when I saw the checkered flag and I came across the line I had such an adrenaline rush and it was just an overall great feeling.”
If you could race in any other class, which would it be?
LS: “If I could race in any other class it would be the World of Outlaws Late Models. I’ve always found them very interesting and great to watch. To race one would be a dream come true.”
What advice would you give anyone who is interested in getting into racing?
LS: “The best advice I could give anyone who wants to get into racing is to just go for it. It’s so rewarding and gets everyone together. I look forward to every Friday night and I know my whole crew does as well. Some other advice I have is to just be safe and build your car safely. It’s not worth cutting corners on safety when it comes to racing.”
What driver do you most admire? Do they influence your driving style?
LS: “The driver I most admire is Steve Book. I remember watching him when I was young out at Delaware Speedway and I thought he was one of the greatest drivers. I’ve always looked up to him and he helps me out sometimes with my racing now.”
If you could compete in any race, what would it be? Which track?
LS: “If I could compete at any race it would be the Eldora World 100. I’ve always watched it on TV and thought it was one of the coolest races. To be able to race that would so amazing.”
Do you have any race day or pre-race superstitions or rituals?
LS: “I don’t really have any pre-race or race day superstitions or rituals. However, I always check that my lug nuts are tight before I get in the car.”
Who picked your number and why?
LS: “My number came from both my dad and uncle when they started racing. My dad has a family of 5 and my uncle a family of 3, therefore the number 53. I’ve since carried on the number. Ironically enough my uncle now has a fourth family member but we never changed the number.
What other activities do you enjoy besides race car driving?
LS: “There are numerous other activities that I enjoy outside of racing, including working on the race car. I really enjoy playing hockey, baseball and golf. I also enjoy going boating, snowmobiling and hanging out with friends.”
Everybody at Ohsweken Speedway would like to wish Shwedyk the No. 53 Middleport Mechanical Thunder Stock team a safe and successful 2019 season. Thank you, Logan 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 official Facebook 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
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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.