Photo by Dale Calnan/Image Factor Media
By Carin Sundin
OHSWEKEN, Ont. (August 29, 2018) – Ohsweken Speedway officials are pleased to have Mike Sarantakos and his No. 6x HRW Automotive Mini Stock “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 divisions to provide some insight into the driver wearing the firesuit and behind the wheel.
Sarantakos would like to thank his sponsors Lampman Salvage, Sarantakos Farms, UpFront Motorsports, Tastebudz and SP Motorsports for their continued support. He also sends out a special thank you to his Dad; Paul Sarantakos, who’s hard work and mechanical talents keep him and both of his mustangs on the track every week.
How old were you when you started racing? What division/class? How long have you been in the Mini Stock division?
MS “I started racing when I was about 16 years old in the Enduro races. About six years ago I started racing in the Mini Stock class. And now I race full-time at Ohsweken Speedway on Friday nights and at Humberstone Speedway on Sunday nights.”
How did you get involved in racing?
MS “Back in the day I used to watch my old man doing the Demolition Derbys. We’d also go to the races as a family to watch all the different classes. Once I started driving for myself, I was hooked and have been at it ever since.”
What was your scariest situation in a racecar?
MS “Definitely the scariest situation was at Ohsweken Speedway. We were in a heat race and both of us were in a qualifying spot when I was pushed into the turn 3 wall. I wasn’t hurt bad, but I did bite my tongue pretty good and totalled the original 6x. RIP “Sally”.”
Do you get “race nerves” before a race?
MS “I wouldn’t say I get race nerves, but I will admit that I can get pretty miserable if I don’t qualify and have to race in the B Main.”
What is your favourite race moment to date (as a driver, fan, growing up, etc.)?
MS “That’s easy, my favourite race moment was definitely my first and only win a few weeks ago when I drove the purple people eater around the top and grabbed the checkers! Nothing can top that first win!”
If you could race in any other class, which would it be?
MS “I’d race in the Thunder Stock division. I love that class”
What advice would you give anyone who is interested in getting into racing?
MS “The best advice would be to make sure you have a strong support system. Without that there is no way you are going racing every weekend. Oh, and having a wife that doesn’t really like you helps too. Hahaha! (xo Cher)”
What driver do you most admire? Do they influence your driving style?
MS “It’s a toss up between Lightning McQueen and Ricky Bobby! All jokes aside, it’s not just one driver, it’s an entire team and that would be Team Turner. The little things that MaryAnne, Jamie and the whole Team Turner crew do behind the scenes is admirable.”
If you could compete in any race, what would it be? Which track?
MS “Doesn’t really matter to me, as long as I’m competing on dirt…. I’m happy!”
Do you have any race day or pre-race superstitions?
MS “It’s sad that I have to say that I have way too many pre-race traditions! Recently I’ve started watching my Ohsweken win before I leave for the track. I also talk to my car way too much while sitting in line up, telling her what we need to do. And I get really stressed out if my Cory Turner shirt isn’t washed for the races!”
With consistently having solid finishes this season, Sarantakos is currently 6th in the point standings of the HRW Automotive Mini Stock division. Ohsweken Speedway would like to wish Mike and the No. 6x HRW Automotive Mini Stock team a safe and successful remaining 2018 season. Thank you, Mike Sarantakos, for sitting ”In The Driver’s Seat” this week.
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.