Scott Steckly claims fourth NASCAR Canada title

The 2015 title was decided by just four points as Scott Steckly, the driver of the n^o 22 Canadian Tire Dodge, edged Jason Hathaway to extend his series record for titles to four.

It was another brilliant season for Steckly, who is now tied for second in the series’ record book with 19 wins. He’s also tied for first with 19 poles. The momentum swung his way when he captured a series of poles and checkered flags in the annual Western Swing, a run which propelled him into the chase for the title.

Scott Steckly sat third in points after three races, but dominated the two Western rounds at Alberta’s Edmonton International Raceway and Saskatchewan’s Auto Clearing Motor Speedway to return back to his Ontario home base with a championship lead he would not relinquish. Steckly eventually held off a flying Jason Hathaway for the 2015 title.

Hathaway tied Steckly for the series lead with three wins, a career-best. His success started when he defended his 2014 victory at Autodrome Chaudiere, Quebec, which moved him to the championship lead. He later became just the second driver in series’ history to win the final two events on the schedule—at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Kawartha Speedway. Ultimately, he fell just short of what would have been his first title.

Rookie Kevin Lacroix only competed in half of the events but caught everyone’s attention. The former Formula Atlantic racer led 28 of 30 laps en route to victory at Circuit ICAR in his second outing in the series. He returned to Victory Lane for a second time in the prestigious Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres. Both victories proved huge to him, as he became the fastest driver to earn a win (in only his second start) and the quickest to two victories (in his fourth start) in the history of NASCAR Canada.

Gary Klutt finished the season in 5th place overall. However, in what was just his 7th career race, Klutt was the surprise pole winner for the opener at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport). He then found himself in the right place at the right time on the final lap and landed in Victory Lane. He added a second pole in the series’ inaugural event at Sunset Speedway and earned the Rookie of the Year honours.