Photo Courtesy of J.R. Fitzpatrick

After winning the OSCAAR Super Late Model Championship this past season, J.R. Fitzpatrick is set to tackle a new challenge in 2017.

Fitzpatrick has partnered with Marvin Freiburger Racing to drive the No. 37 for the full APC Auto Parts United Late Models of Ontario Tour presented by Grisdales next season. Fitzpatrick revealed the news on facebook, thanking both Marvin and his wife Angela.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to run for this #37 team in the APC series,” he posted. “These things don’t ever happen anymore, even more of a reason to feel fortunate, We will be running for rookie of the year. And hopefully contend for some wins and a good finish in the championship standings.”

Fizpatrick and Freiburger first teamed up together for Grisdale Triple Crown at Flamboro Speedway last month, scoring a runner-up in each of the three features.

The Cambridge, Ontario racer made a name for himself in the NASCAR ranks, making starts in both the XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series. He would complete in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series for seven full seasons, posting a runner-up in the season-ending points standings three times to go with 11 wins and 43 top-fives in 89 starts.

Since then, he has spent the past two seasons in OSCAAR. In his rookie campaign in 2015, he finished second in points with a victory in the Autumn Colours Classic. He then followed it up with two victories and eight top-fives this year to be the 2016 OSCAAR Super Late Model Championship.

Next year’s opportunity won’t be Fitzpatrick’s first adventure in APC as he has made a pair of starts in the past, resulting in a pair of top-five finishes.

As in past seasons, Marvin Freiburger Racing will continue to support Easter Seals by donating all the winnings.