Young Canadian Stock Car Star J.R. Fitzpatrick Off to NASCAR with TRG Motorsports
The 2006 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion, John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick is about to take the biggest step in his racing career by making the move from his native Canada to the United States’ and testing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Fitzpatrick, who is the 2006 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion and the Series’ youngest Champion of all-time, will unite with race winning TRG Motorsports for a two-day test at Iowa Speedway in an arrangement formulated by motorsports marketing executive Jason Sharpe.
Sharpe and Fitzpatrick reached out to several teams and after careful consideration, an agreement was struck with TRG Motorsports that will see the 20-year-old Cambridge, Ontario native behind the wheel of a TRG Motorsports’ factory supported Chevrolet Silverado for the two-day test on September 23rd and 24th. Fitzpatrick’s progress over the two day test will be monitored by TRG Motorsports Team Principal Kevin Buckler and Daytona 500 winning Crew Chief Butch Hylton.
"We are really excited about aligning ourselves with another talented driver like J.R. Fitzpatrick," said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. "We’re even more excited to be shaping the career of a young star like J.R. He has already proven that he has the talent to be a winner in CASCAR and we believe that it’s only a matter of time before he is winning in the ranks of NASCAR in the United States."
The main reason this testing arrangement has been able to come together so quickly is enthusiasm of all parties involved at the prospect of working together. "This is a fantastic opportunity," said Fitzpatrick. "Even before I got my drivers license I have wanted to race cars and to have the chance to work with a successful team like TRG Motorsports with Kevin Buckler and Butch Hylton is very special," he said. "Working with this team gives me the chance to learn in so many different areas. That knowledge will help me take the next step in my NASCAR career."
J.R. Fitzpatrick is the youngest ever national stock car racing champion in Canada having claimed the CASCAR Super Series title in 2006 at age eighteen. J.R. currently races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canada’s highest profile championship, featuring events from coast to coast on oval tracks, road courses and temporary street circuits. Last season Fitzpatrick claimed two victories, and three pole positions in only 12 events. This year he has added another victory to his total.
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