Photo by Dale Calnan/Image Factor Media
By Carin Sundin
OHSWEKEN, Ont. (August 8, 2019) – This week’s edition of “In the Driver’s Seat” features Paul “Bone” Longboat 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.
Longboat would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting their 2019 race season: Kool Kidz Ice and Water and Gale’s Auto Aftermarket. He would also like to extend a special thank you to his top-notch mechanic and body man; Tim Jamieson.
How old were you when you started racing? What division/class? How long have you been in this current division?
PL: “I started racing in 2011 in the Bomber division. When that class was eliminated, I moved up to the Mini Stock Division. I am currently in my second year in the Mini Stock Division.”
How did you get involved in racing?
PL: “My late Uncle Larry Longboat got me into racing. He was the one that told me about the Bomber Division, he thought I would like it. I did and I’ve been hooked on racing ever since.”
What was your scariest situation in a racecar?
PL: “My scariest moment since I started racing came while I was in the Bomber class and actually didn’t involve me. It was a week after championship night and during the race I came through turn one and saw my brother’s car all smashed up, I was scared for him as I’ve never seen a bomber car that badly wrecked before. When I got back to the pits, I made the fastest exit from my car and went running over to the ambulance. Thankfully he was okay but that was definitely my scariest moment to date.”
Do you get “race nerves” before a race?
PL: “Yes I do, right up until I pull on to the track then my nerves go out the window and I’m ready to fly.”
What is your favourite race moment to date (as a driver, fan, growing up, etc.)?
PL: “My favorite moment was getting to strap into my Mini Stock for the first time. I was scared, nervous and excited all wrapped up into one. I will never forget that feeling.”
If you could race in any other class, which would it be?
PL: “If I could race in any other class it would be the GMC Crate Sprints.”
What advice would you give anyone who is interested in getting into racing?
PL: “My advice would be to find a car (and division) that you are comfortable with. Pick a car you know how to work on and that you can fix yourself because it is hard to maintain a race car if you know nothing about the car.”
What driver do you most admire? Do they influence your driving style?
PL: “I’d have to say a local driver would have to be my most admired. The number 49 of Dave Bailey in the Thunder Stock division, that guy can drive!”
If you could compete in any race, what would it be? Which track?
PL: “If I could race at any other track, I’d choose would be Jukasa Motor Speedway in the Mini Stock class, it’s a fast-looking track.”
Do you have any race day or pre-race superstitions or rituals?
PL: “No superstitions but I usually jam out to it’s a Dirt Track Thing by Kenny Montgomery on the way to the track to get me pumped up.”
Who picked your number and why?
PL: “I use to drive demolition derby and that was my number when derbying, so when I started dirt track racing, I just transferred it over to my race car.”
What other activities do you enjoy besides race car driving?
PL: “Well after the race season ends the demolition derby season begins and that’s what I also enjoy doing, but I admit that I like the dirt races more.”
Everybody at Ohsweken Speedway would like to wish Paul Longboat and the No. 188 HRW Automotive Mini Stock team a safe and successful 2019 season. Thank you, Paul, 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
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Instagram: www.Instagram.com/OhswekenSpeedway
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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, Lonewolf Fireworks, 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.