Organizers for the Heart of a Champion Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series are excited to announce its debut on August 15 at Petty International Raceway as part of the historic River Glade International event. It’s a fitting first event for the vintage series with the International dating back to 1965, one of the oldest marquee stock car racing events in Canada.

The Hot Rod Classics inaugural event will be presented by Subaru of Moncton and see upwards of 10 vintage race cars roaring around the 1/3-mile paved oval stirring up precious memories for veteran race fans and educating newer fans about the rich history of maritime motorsports. The Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series is the first of its kind in eastern Canada and the fastest growing division in North American motorsports.

“It is an honour to be a part of the inaugural Hot Rod Classics race,” said Bob Withers, General Manager of Subaru of Moncton. “As part of a racing family and someone who has been involved of many aspects of stock car racing myself, I am very aware of the fantastic family atmosphere at these events and the allegiance of the fans. We see this partnership as a perfect fit for our store as we continue to give back to our community.”

The series was originally set to debut in mid-July at Riverside International Speedway in Nova Scotia but with COVID-19 restriction in that province still restricting gathering limits to 250, HRC organizers are appreciative to Petty management for adding them to the show on August 15; it will be the first of two stops at Petty this year for the Hot Rod Classics, also part of the Mike Stevens Memorial event on September 19.

“Petty Raceway is continuously looking to add new events to our racing schedule,” said Ellen Smith, manager of Petty Raceway. “We are excited to be a part of the Heart of a Champion Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series inaugural season.”

HRC race cars range from restored originals to purpose-built replicas; the expected entry list for the series debut, along with car information, will be announced early next week.

Veteran fans will see familiar faces as part of the HRC “official” race-day team, including:

• Frankie Fraser, Jr. (Race Director) – well-known racer and son of six-time International champion Frank Fraser
• Greg Sewart (Tech Director) – five-time MASCAR champion
• Billy Powell, Jr. (Flagman) – former starter at Moosehead Premium Dry Speedway and longtime racer
• Dylan Langille (Announcer) – a professional broadcaster and passionate race fan

The Hot Rod Classics will join an impressive lineup at Petty on August 15; besides the vintage race cars, fans will see a Pro Stock 150, Sportsman 100, Legends Cars, and Bandoleros. Racing starts at 6 p.m. Please visit pettyinternationalraceway.com for complete event information as well as COVID-19 guidelines.

Since its launch in mid-2017, Heart of a Champion’s social media following has flourished to over 8,800 with a weekly reach approaching 100,000 – clearly demonstrating an interest in and passion for our Maritime motorsports heritage.

The Hot Rod Classics series will showcase race cars from 1980 or older – some original, some rebuilt, and some newly built – allowing veteran fans an opportunity to relive precious memories and at the same time providing a forum where newer fans can experience race cars of a bygone era. The series expects to run a handful of events this season. Vintage car racing is presently the fastest-growing division in North American motorsports.

Heart of a Champion was founded in 2017 to help preserve Maritime motorsports heritage. Organizers used a 1967 vintage stock car they had restored to rekindle memories with veteran fans and to educate new fans, showing the car at motorsports events throughout the Maritimes. At the same time, they launched a basic website and a Facebook page, using it to share vintage racing photos, stories, and a weekly ‘Saturday Salute’ to someone who has helped build motorsports in our region – someone with the Heart of a Champion. 

In 2018 the group acquired a vintage open wheel modified race car. In 2019 they used it to garner interest in the potential for a vintage race car series in the region and in July 2019 announced their intent to form the HOAC Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series. In the fall of 2019, HOAC announced an affiliation with the IWK Foundation as an awareness and fundraising partner.

About Subaru of Moncton

When searching for a new Subaru model, you can have your pick at Subaru of Moncton. As an authorized Subaru dealer in Dieppe, they inventory all the newest and greatest Subaru models. They also keep a large inventory of used cars, trucks, and SUVs, providing different vehicle opportunities to all our customers. With competitive prices offered on every used model for sale in our lot, you won’t find a reason to visit any other dealership in Dieppe. For more information please visit subaruofmoncton.com, call 506-804-4364, or drop by their store at 1050 Aviation Avenue in Dieppe.

About Heart of a Champion

Heart of a Champion is dedicated to preserving Maritime motorsports heritage by rekindling memories for veteran fans and educating new fans about the people and events that have helped shape motorsports in the region. To accomplish this, they use static and interactive mediums and in 2020 will launch the region’s first-ever vintage race car series, the Hot Rod Classics. To learn more please visit www.heartofachampion.ca or www.hotrodclassics.ca. Fans can also follow Heart of a Champion on Facebook and YouTube.