With each season that comes up in the Ontario short tracks, there is always a list of drivers that everyone is keeping an eye on with each other division, wondering how they’re going to perform. The Pro Late Models are no different, as evident by the success and strength of the APC Auto Parts United Late Models of Ontario since they launched. 

There are a bunch of drivers who are capable of winning, but here are 20 drivers that are on the radar of people across the province.

As always, be sure to comment with your thoughts – whether positive or negative, and enjoy getting to know these competitors a little more.

Click here to read part 1 /// Click here to read part 2 /// Click here to read part 3

5. Treyten Lapcevich

2022 Plans: We’re hoping to do more late model racing down south, and possibly throwing in some APC racing along the way as well.
2022 Goals: We hope to gain more experience both as a team and driver racing against the teams in the states. Hopefully pick up decent finishes and wins along the way.
Drivers to Watch: Kyle Steckly, Tyler Divanenzo, Danny Benedict, Jake Sheridan, Connor James
Most Memorable Moment: Winning Great Canadian Race

It was not a question as to if, but when Treyten Lapcevich would get his first career APC Series Pro Late Model victory. The box was checked off in style, courtesy of the season finale with the Great Canadian at Delaware Speedway. His statistics outside of the win speak for themselves, as evident by consistent podiums and a runner-up in points. Combined with his NASCAR Pinty’s Series Rookie of the Year honors, there’s no question about whether he belongs on this list. Does he belong higher? Well that’s where you can debate.

4. J.R. Fitzpatrick

The first half of J.R. Fitzpatrick’s 2021 campaign did not go as he would have remotely hoped. However, a mid-season change with the program and alignment with Holdaway Motorsports saw him change the program. He scored an APC Series victory at Sunset Speedway, before battling all-race long for the Autumn Colours Classic win at Peterborough Speedway. If he can start off the upcoming campaign even remotely close, it should be filled with lots of black and white.

3. Kyle Steckly

2022 Plans: Full-time in the APC series as well as full-time at Delaware Speedway for their weekly series, with the support of APC Auto Parts Canusa and Qwick Wick.
2022 Goals: Going into the APC Series this year, I know there are many very strong drivers and the series is really challenging to win races. But I have confidence in the people behind me. My crew does an amazing job at the track and I have a very fast mccoll racing enterprises chassis. I would like to go out in 2022 and wins races and hopefully that puts us in a position to win the championship at the end of the year.
Drivers to Watch: J.R. Fitzpatrick, Treyten Lapcevich, Rick Spencer-Walt, Connor James, Ray Morneau
Most Memorable Moment: Winning the APC LRR 100 at Flamboro Speedway in my series debut against some of the best in Ontario!

As he mentioned, Kyle Steckly won in his debut performance in the APC Auto Parts United Late Model Series with a victory at Flamboro Speedway. However, that’s just the beginning of the tale of his season. He is also your 2021 Flamboro Speedway Champion, and runner-up in the Grisdale Triple Crown Championship to Shae Gemmell.

2. Jake Sheridan

Another young budding talent across the province, Jake Sheridan proved his ability with a championship under his belt at Delaware Speedway. He has also been a consistent therat on the APC tour, as shown through with three top-five’s and six top-10’s, including a victory at Sauble Speedway.

1. Jordan Howse

From the moment Jordan Howse jumped behind the wheel of a stock car, he has caught attention as evident by success in both mini stocks and super stocks. His portfolio in Late Models has not been expanded largely yet, but it is full of great moments. He made a pair of APC Series starts in 2021, and was fast in both – scoring a victory in August, followed by a third in September. He also won the 2021 Sunset Speedway Championship with an average finish of 2.67 across the events.