With 13 top-five’s and 17 top-10’s highlighted by a victory to open the season in May, Quintin Murdoch put together a solid season with the Canadian Vintage Modifieds in 2023. He caught up with SHORT TRACK MUSINGS to talk about the success, as well as what he has been up to lately.

What are your thoughts as we look ahead to the 2024 Canadian Vintage Modified season?

Well I think this year is going to be a little different because I have some interesting things in the works when it comes to go-karting. There might be some announcements that come later on Facebook – I don’t want to let anything go yet, but there’s some interesting things going on in my go-karting career. We’ll have to see our hobby car season turns out. We may have holt on that and look at the opportunity I have been given in karting.

What are your thoughts as you look back on this past season, and the success you were able to have?

The 2023 season was amazing. I had a lot of fun, and we were up front a lot and had some really good racing with TJ (Marshall) and Ricky (Willigar) up front. I  fell out of the points because I missed one race, but other than that, the racing all year was a blast and I definitely enjoyed racing with those guys the three years I’ve been doing it.

As we keep looking to build and continue to improve upon that program, no matter what’s in the cards for the year ahead, what do you feel that you can work on to make it better?

The hobby car, and all that stuff, it’s really coming down to no mistakes. You have to make sure your car is 100% ready for the weekend and you can’t make any mistakes. We’ve got some good guys up front that we’re racing with so you have to be able to compete and no mistakes really makes a difference.

What is it about the hobby cars that seems to suit you and something you want to do right now in your career?

Well the hobby club – it’s a car that’s always stuck out to me and my father in general because it’s a unique car. You don’t see anything like it. They’re not the same, right? It’s always nice to drive something that’s a little unique and different from everybody else.

A lot of guys are right now wishing they could be driving something, but you’ve been keeping busy with go-karting. How has that experience been going for you?

With the races down south, we’ve playing around their national events and having some fun with it, just trying to see where we stack up. We’ve been investing a little more and more every time we go down, and every time we go down, we get a little more knowledge and experience and end up running a bit better. Hopefully one of these times we can give these Americans a run for their money.

What’s been the most fun moment for you so far?

In this season, I think with the go-karts is probably running down in North Carolina in March in 2023. It’s just amazing to be able to travel with all my friends and family, and share moments with people.

We’ve seen it for awhile with your family involved in racing, from your father (Steve) racing to your grandfather Sandy being heavily involved in your program. What does it mean to you to have the family influence as you strive to get better?

Well I know those two guys – my dad and my grandpa – always have my back when it comes to racing. I know wherever I feel I want to go when it comes to what cars I want to drive in the future and where my career leads me, I know both are supportive of me 100% and I know they love being there as well. It’s amazing having a racing family. It’s something unique you can tell people.

So speaking of that future as you mentioned, we’ve seen you success with the go-karts and hobby cars. Is there something else that you strive to get behind the wheel of one day?

Well really, I’d drive anything if you give me a ride. I’ll try anything and I’ve always had that mentality. I think all kinds of racing are cool and they all are unique in their own way and take a certain amount of talent. But nothing specifically stands out – I’d drive anything.

Just give you four wheels and a motor, and a way we go?

Exactly – just put me in the seat.

Who do you consider your racing hero?

Probably my grandpa, honestly. You can always say some NASCAR driver or something, but realistically, it’s probably my grandpa. When I was younger growing up in the lower ranks, he was always the one I looked up and always wanted to be like. He’s always been there for me so I think it’s probably him.

With everything you’ve been able to do, what’s a piece of advice that you’d give to someone getting started that hopes to be as successful as you’ve been?

Always don’t get discouraged, don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s something that I’ve seen a lot of is newer people don’t want to ask questions, but most of the time at the track, these guys are willing to help you. As long as you ask questions, you can make some good relationships and make a good time out of it and enjoy racing a lot more.