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 some 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.

Billy Zardo
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: I’m pretty excited for this year. It has been a very tough and emotional off season, and I’m ready to get back to doing what I love
2023 Plans: Zardo Racing and Holdaway Motorsports will be working together and I couldn’t be more pumped up!
2023 Goals: I’m aiming pretty high for myself, the goal is to learn and be competitive, to show that the APC Series is the right spot for me
Drivers to Watch: Right off the top is tough because of how stacked the field always is. But J.R Fitzpatrick, Rick Spencer Walt, Kyle Steckly, Josh Stade and Andrew Gresel. These will be the guys I’m hoping to watch, learn and beat one day. They each are amazing drivers and have their own strengths

Darrell Lake
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: Thoughts entering the season are obviously on the positive. I feel we will be stronger than we were last year, but that’s easy to do based on the performance of 2022. With Gary Adriaensen coming back racing, that’s a big loss on my team, as having him and his guys has been a huge asset and helped me immeasurably. Although I lose him in my ear, we also work well together on track so that change should help us to push each other to be better yet.
2023 Plans and Goals: This will be my last year in late model racing. We will be doing the full Delaware speedway schedule as well the the APC races at Delaware speedway. After that, I’m throwing in the towel on late model racing. With a young family at home, to put in the time commitment it takes, I would simply rather spend my time with my family than hours in the shop trying to find a tenth on the track these days. As for goals, we’ve had moments of showing our ability within my late model racing, but don’t feel we have done everything we are capable of. For me, a successful year I think would be to have a multi win season and be contending for the championship. Having speed on a weekly basis is the goal.
Drivers to Watch: Ray Morneau will obviously be back to defend his title with a new chassis, he will be dangerous. Connor Pritiko will be there again this year as well. He had speed all last year and no wins, I know how hungry that makes a driver. Kyle Steckley I am sure will be back to embarrass the field some more next year. Robblee with a new chassis this year will be back up front contending for wins. Seeing Sheridan’s post tonight also puts him on the map for next year as well. Of course my list is factoring only for Delaware guys not APC stuff.

Gary Adriaensen
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: After taking a couple years off, our mission is to get all the dust knocked off of this old guy and get comfortable behind the wheel again.
2023 Plans: Run the full season at Delaware. And if funds permit, a couple APC races.
2023 Goals: To be running in the top 5 each race, but ultimately to win the championship. We are a championship caliber team and will always only fight to win it.
Drivers to Watch: Kyle Steckley, Ray Morneau, Connor Pritiko, Matt Roblee, Darrell Lake.

Rick Burbridge
2022 Ranking: 18th

2023 Thoughts: Wondering what car counts will look like. APC and Delaware had strong car counts but Flamboro and Sunset struggled to draw cars and costs continue to soar, which could result in more cars parked in garages this year or guys racing less often.
2023 Plans: To run 4-5 APC races, Gold Rush and Frostoberfest at Flamboro, plus a few Flamboro weekly shows
2023 Goals: Run top 10 in all of the big events we attend
Drivers to Watch: Kyle Steckly, JR Fitzpatrick, Connor Pritiko, Dale Shaw, Andrew Gresel

Tyler Di Venanzo
2022 Ranking: N/A

2023 Thoughts: Entering the new year having missed the last season, I’m more excited and motivated then ever and I can’t wait to get on the track for pre season testing.
2023 Plans: To run full time on the APC series with a couple of specials thrown in.
2023 Goals: To have strong consistent runs and finish well inside the top 10 in points.
Drivers to Watch: Kyle Steckly, J.R. Fitzpatrick, Treyten Lapcevich, Tom Gibbons and Danny Benedict.