The Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series will see an eight-race schedule for 2025, its sixth season of providing “blast from the past” high-octane excitement for Maritime race fans, young and old. The series will visit seven tracks in the three Maritime provinces – the most of any regional touring series.
Series organizers are pleased to announce that Kimco will again be its season-long presenting sponsor, continuing a family tradition for Kim Conrad – a longtime supporter of Maritime motorsports.
“I’m proud to support the Hot Rod Classics once again in 2025,” said Kim Conrad. “Their organization does a great job preserving Maritime motorsports while supporting the IWK Foundation. The Conrad’s have a long association with the local racing community, spanning 60 years, so it makes sense to support the Hot Rods.”
The series formed an affiliation with the IWK Foundation in its first season (2020) and has since donated over $43,000, raised primarily through the sale of HRC-branded swag. A continued partnership with Steele Volkswagen and M&R Automotive will see 2025 Hot Rod Classics swag available at all events with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the IWK Foundation.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the Hot Rod Classics year after year,” said Melanie Matheson, Director of Development, IWK Foundation. “In 2024, the team raised an incredible $12,000 for the IWK, ensuring patients and families across the Maritimes can access exceptional care close to home. On behalf of the IWK Foundation, we wish the Hot Rod Classics team the best of luck for the 2025 season, and we look forward to continuing this incredible partnership.”
The Hot Rod Classics Powered by Kimco 2025 schedule sees three races in New Brunswick – two at Petty International Raceway and one at River Glade Speedway (both in River Glade, NB), four races in Nova Scotia – at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (Digby), Scotia Speedworld (Halifax), Riverside International Speedway (James River), and Bud’s Speedway (Sydney), and one in Prince Edward Island at Oyster Bed Speedway (Oyster Bed Bridge, PE).
Once again, the Hot Rod Classics will be included in some of the most anticipated racing shows in the Maritimes including the Summer Clash 250 at Scotia Speedworld and the Mike Stevens Memorial at Petty International Raceway. They’ll be part of the Ernie McLean Memorial Weekend at River Glade Speedway, the Back to School Spectacular at Riverside International Speedway, headline the season opener at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway, and close the season as part of the Caper Memorial at Bud’s Speedway.
Several new cars are expected on the series this year with Steven Curtis campaigning a ‘56 Plymouth, Gary Elliott in a ‘67 Chevelle, Glyn Not in a ‘80s Malibu open-wheeler, and series founder Patty Lawrence in a ‘72 Nova Don Biederman tribute car. The Hot Rod Classics Powered by Kimco features race cars from 1985 or before, some original and some replicas – all finely crafted. They offer rookie fans an opportunity to see the type of car that helped build the foundation for regional racing and at the same time evoke memories of a bygone era for veteran race fans. Building rules and race procedures are available at www.hotrodclassics.ca.
2025 HOT ROD CLASSICS SCHEDULE
- June 7 – Petty International Raceway, River Glade, NB
- June 15 – Lake Doucette Motor Speedway, Digby, NS
- July 12 – River Glade Speedway, River Glade, NB
- August 2 – Oyster Bed Speedway, Oyster Bed Bridge, PE
- August 9 – Scotia Speedworld, Halifax, NS
- September 6 – Riverside International Speedway, James River, NS
- September 13 – Petty International Raceway, River Glade, NB
- October 18 – Bud’s Speedway, Sydney, NS
Schedule is subject to change without notice.
Members of the Hot Rod Classics Association offer a special shoutout to Steele Auto Group and Dartmouth Metals for their unwavering support since the Series inception. Steele’s support has grown to include several dealerships throughout the Maritimes.
About Hot Rod Classics
The Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series was formed in 2019 by organizers of Heart of a Champion, a group formed in 2017 to help preserve Maritime motorsports – now with over 43,000 worldwide followers on social media. The series debuted in 2020 and showcases vintage-style race cars from bygone eras with gentleman-style racing among its competitors. It provides a real-time platform for newer race fans to learn about Maritime stock car racing history and for veteran fans to relive glory days and meaningful memories. To learn more please visit www.heartofachampion.ca or www.hotrodclassics.ca, or follow Heart of a Champion on Facebook.
