Supporting Local Racing
At Pro Battery Shops, we are proud to support some of the region’s local racers running at Merritville Speedway, Humberstone Speedway, Oshweken Speedway and Jukasa Motor Speedway.
We have always had a passion for all types of Motorsports and appreciate the need for racers to be supported by the business community to keep their wheels turning and their dreams soaring!
Cole Hardy
Name: Cole Hardy
Nickname: Mr.Consistent
Hometown: Welland Ontario
Date of Birth: February 23,1995
Car number: 7c
What Division/ class do you race?:
4 Cylinder Mini Stock Division
When did you start racing?:
When I was 16 (2011)
Who or what inspired you to start racing? why?:
Growing up going to the races every Saturday at Merrittville and some Sundays at Humberstone with my dad and grandfather, Also growing up watching my dad and all of my uncles race at the tracks in Niagara was inspiring it’s in my blood.
What is your favourite race track?:
I would have to say that my favourite race track is Ohsweken Speedway
What are some of your accomplishments as a racer?:
I am a 2 time Mini Stock champion at Humberstone Speedway (2017/2018) and Mini Stock champion at Merrittville Speedway, also the first ever Duel on the dirt mini stock champion (2018).
How would your family &/ or friends describe you in one adjective?:
They would probably describe me as Charismatic, funny and caring.
Racing goals:
To one day race at Super Dirt Week, World finals at Charlotte dirt track or even Eldora Speedway.
Baily Heard
Name: Baily Heard
Hometown: Niagara Falls
Date of birth: December 11th 1999
Car number: 70
What division/ class do you race?:
602 Crate Sprint Car
When did you start racing: 2012
Who inspired you to start racing? why?:
My father and grandfather with their many years of racing.
What is your favourite track? :
Oswego Speedway/ Ohsweken Speedway
What are some of your accomplishments as a racer?:
6 Outlaw kart wins, 1 Outlaw kart Championship, 2 Crate Sprint Car Heat wins, 2 Crate Sprint Car Feature top 5’s.
How would your family &/ or friends describe you in one adjective?:
Crazy
Racing goals:
To be able to get a Crate Sprint Car Feature win and to win a championship. To be racing a 360 Sprint car in the future.
Chris Watson
Name: Chris Watson
Hometown: Niagara Falls, ON.
Date of birth: October 25th 1991
Car number: 07
What division/ class do you race?: Modlites
When did you start racing?:
Age of 10 at Merrittville Speedway on Tuesday evenings in go karts.
Who or what inspired you to start racing? why?:
Merrittville go kart display at Niagara Square over 16 years ago had me hooked. We had two used go karts by Christmas that year, and I haven’t stopped racing since. Only difference is the new hobby is a tiny bit bigger (not much though).
What is your favourite race track?:
I really enjoy Fulton Speedway. But my home track with my most success is Merrittville.
What are some of your accomplishments as a racer?:
My first win in a Modlite was definitely my biggest accomplishment, especially when you race with a group of guys where it has always been very few that consistently win. In 2018 I came 2nd place overall and finished with 2 wins. It helped boost my confidence and willingness to try different grooves and racing lines on the track surface depending on the prep conditions.
How would your family &/ or friends describe you in one adjective?: Determined
Racing goals:
Weekly racing fun. A championship would be great, but every week that the car comes off the track without damage is a goal accomplished.
John Cadman Jr.
Name: John Cadman Jr.
Hometown: Smithville, ON.
Date of birth: May 17th 1968
Car number: 71
What division/ class do you race?:
Asphalt Outlaw Superlate Model
When did you start racing?: 1985
Who or what inspired you to start racing? why?:
Watching my father race as a young kid
What is your favourite race track?:
Jukasa Motor Speedway
What are some of your accomplishments as a racer?:
Most are too old to be relevent (1990’s). (recently) 2nd place in 2018 Outlaw Supercrate Model Points Championship.
How would your family &/ or friends describe you in one adjective?:
Driven
Racing goals:
To win the 2019 Point Championship.
Rob Knapp
Name: Rob Knapp
Hometown: Niagara Falls
Date of birth: September 16th 1975
Car number: 2k
What division/ class do you race?: Sportsman
When did you start racing?: 1990
Who or what inspired you to start racing? why?:
My brother. He started racing and lost interest so I took over.
What is your favourite race track?:
Merrittville Speedway
What are some of your accomplishments as a racer?:
2000 Streetstock Champion, Hard Charger award, The Sterling Cup award
How would your family &/ or friends describe you in one adjective?:
A go getter
Racing goals:
To Win A 358 Modified Race.
