Press Releases - NASC Canada: Rookie Champion

NASC Canada: Rookie Champion

In a completely unprecedented debut campaign, 18 year old British newcomer Wynn Hunter has taken top honours in NASCARs Canadian regional series!

Entering the series ranked 30th and bottom of the pecking order, Hunter quickly staked his claim with the established names in the series, by joining top ranked drivers in Qualifying standings, and on the podium from the early rounds, despite the sort of errors and pace issues you'd expect of a rookie on race day, the Brit was able to keep racking up consistent podiums and Top 5 finishes. Finishing a remarkable 12/14 races in the Top 5, and taking one solitary win.

It was this modest consistency that enabled silverware for the youngster, who simply wished to challenge for 6th in the standings to make his entry fee back, but going into the final race at Cayuga, Hunter only needed to bring the car home in the Top 16 to cement his place as champion, 19 points clear of reigning series champion, 26 year old American Brad Brady, who claimed 2nd from 27 year old Ethan Bayle, by a single point in the final race weekend, though with 8 race wins to his name from the latest campaign, Bayle will surely be the driver to beat if he sticks around next season.

This campaign saw a remarkable rise in stock for the Brit, amassing over 550+ rank and sitting #27 in the UK driver rankings, as well as finishing the season as the world's top rated U18 driver. A suitable juxtaposition for any young drivers considering whether the free-to-enter Rookie Series is a better option than a paid entry series that will render significant ranking gains.

The NOVA Sport squad don't expect a repeat performance next season, but will likely be back in Canada to defend their title!