Photo Credit: Debbie Jo Zardo
INNISFIL, ON – In a division loaded from top to bottom with elite-level talent, it can be difficult for rising stars to carve out a niche for themselves. For third-generation racer Coltin Everingham, his time spent thus far as a member of the Sunset Speedway Super Stock roster has been a baptism by fire.
But, despite the hardships that his family-run team has encountered along the way, Everingham is recharged and motivated for April 30th’s 2016 season opener.
“I think our program has come a long way in the last two years,” says Everingham. “The Super Stock division is such a grind, and there are so many good teams at Sunset every Saturday, it’s hard not to learn. Last season it felt like we were making gains every week, and I’m excited to get back to that. When I compare our 2014 season to our 2015 season, it really shows how much we’ve grown as a team”
Everingham showcased continued improvement throughout his sophomore campaign, ultimately tallying a 10th place finish in the 2015 Super Stock points standings.
“We’re not at all afraid of the hard work that comes with this deal,” affirms the Innisfil, ON driver. “It’s all about logging hours in the shop and laps on the track. That’s the only way I’m ever going to get better. Dad and I have gone through the car from end to end over the Winter, and we feel like we’re more ready now than we’ve ever been for a season opener”
In 2016, Everingham’s Smurf’s Towing-sponsored entry will once again have the opportunity to continue his ascent through the ranks of Ontario’s most talent-laden support division.
“As long as we can keep moving forward every week, this season will be a success,” explains Everingham. “I don’t expect to have anything handed to me. The competition here is better than anywhere in the province. These guys don’t give you an inch, which is totally fine. It’s easy to beat yourself up when it feels like you’re not getting the progress that you want. But, when you take a step back, and see how stacked this division is, you realize that every position you gain on the racetrack is progress”
When asked if his team has ever considered racing elsewhere to gain experience, Everingham wastes little time detailing why his outfit continues to ply their craft at Sunset.
“There are other places we could race if we wanted to approach things differently, but we’ve never been about taking the easy way out,” says the third-generation competitor. “There’s no doubt that we’re racing against the best every Saturday. I’m proud of how far our team has come already, and I can’t wait to see where we end up at the end of 2016.”
Coltin will kick off his 2016 season alongside the rest of the St. Onge Recreation NASCAR Super Stock roster on April 30th at Sunset Speedway. For details, including gate times and ticket prices, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Coltin Everingham’s 2016 efforts are supported by Castrol Canada, HWY 400 Transmission, Castrol Premium Lube Express, Perly Fullerton, ARA Alcona Rental, Ernie’s Performance, Ryan’s Landscape, Graham and Kyle Connor, Permatex, Eagle Eye Contracting, Cabral Racing Promotions, Dwayne Clugston of Century 21 Realty LTD. & The Smokin Piggy Louisiana BBQ Smokehouse.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
