FRASERVILLE, ON – It may not be an easy climb, but Stormin' Norman Mayhew is determined to find his way to the top. The 26 year-old Cobourg, Ontario native is a weekly late model racer at Kawartha Speedway (Fraserville, Ontario CANADA). Mayhew is proud to have called the 3/8ths of a mile paved oval his Friday night home since 1999.
In 2002, Mayhew visited victory lane 9 times and won the hard luck award in Kawartha's Thunder Car division. 2004 saw a move-up, to the Limited Late Models and still more success. Mayhew had 2 feature wins, captured the rookie of the year title and finished no worse than 4 in overall points in his 2 seasons in that class.
In 2002, Mayhew visited victory lane 9 times and won the hard luck award in Kawartha's Thunder Car division. 2004 saw a move-up, to the Limited Late Models and still more success. Mayhew had 2 feature wins, captured the rookie of the year title and finished no worse than 4 in overall points in his 2 seasons in that class.
Pleased with his performance there, it was time for another move - this time to Late Models, the track's premier division. Mayhew purchased a 2003 Lefthander Perimeter chassis from American Canadian Tour competitor Jacob McGrath and set-out to battle the big boys. Another rookie of the year title contributed a new trophy for his growing collection and a 13th place finish in overall points left Norm Mayhew hungry to learn more.
During the off-season, he and his crew chief Colin MacKenzie attended the Finish Line Racing School at New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The goal was to gain additional seat-time and a better understanding of how a Kawartha Speedway late model racecar handles on a week-to-week basis. He also had his car upgraded by 2006 series champion Jeff Hanley.
During the off-season, he and his crew chief Colin MacKenzie attended the Finish Line Racing School at New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The goal was to gain additional seat-time and a better understanding of how a Kawartha Speedway late model racecar handles on a week-to-week basis. He also had his car upgraded by 2006 series champion Jeff Hanley.
In 2007, Mayhew will be running a limited schedule in an effort to keep-up with business at his commercial sign-making shop, Mayhew Graphics. His designs can be seen on his own car - as well as those of Linc Brown, Ryan Kimball and Dwayne Fulford.
Of course there's always a chance he could be back at the track every week, with a little extra sponsor support. As it stands now, his long-term backer eagle.ca high-speed internet will return to the car this year, along with some additional support.
Mayhew credits his crew, led by Colin MacKenzie - with Jerry Birney, Rob Valois, Jordan Birney, Paul Devlin and Patrick Marvin for making sure the #60 Hasiuk Trailers late model is ready for action every time they hit the track.
Mayhew credits his crew, led by Colin MacKenzie - with Jerry Birney, Rob Valois, Jordan Birney, Paul Devlin and Patrick Marvin for making sure the #60 Hasiuk Trailers late model is ready for action every time they hit the track.
He also appreciates the valuable knowlegde and technical assistance he receives from fellow Late Model racer Jeff Hanley. Although he says 'racing is pretty much his life', Mayhew also enjoys snowboarding, hockey and mountain biking. He looks forward to spending his reamaining leisure time with his very supportive girlfriend, Sheena Gilpin.
It may not always be an easy climb, but Stormin' Norman Mayhew is working is way to the top of the ladder - 1 rung at a time.
It may not always be an easy climb, but Stormin' Norman Mayhew is working is way to the top of the ladder - 1 rung at a time.
By Jim Clarke, for Kawartha Speedway
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