A Drayton youth is driving his way to the top of his class.
With encouragement from his father Dave, 12-year-old Isaac Dippel thought it would be fun to try stock car racing.
After taking a few laps around the track in a stock car borrowed from a family friend and racer, Dippel was hooked.
“It was nerve-racking at first, but I’m getting used to it. In the beginning I drove slowly, but each time I race I get more confident. I am getting a feel for the car and doing some experimenting,” Dippel said.
He has always had a fascination with motors and motorized vehicles. He obtained his motorboat license in 2013 and spends winters snowmobiling with his family.
When not racing stock cars in the summer months, Dippel leaves the motor behind and can be found sailing on Conestogo Lake. To date he has achieved a CANSail 3 Certificate.
Dippel races at Full Throttle Motor Speedway (formerly Varney Speedway) on Highway 6 between Mount Forest and Durham.
The track has the reputation of being Canada’s fastest quarter-mile paved oval track.
“I always tell people that I can get up to speeds of 95km/hour so I am ready for the 401,” Dippel said.
Competing in the Fun Stock class, Dippel had to meet all the requirements set out in the driver registration category and track rules and regulations.
“As I am a youth, the seat had to be adjusted so I could reach the steering wheel and pedals. My dad basically built me a booster seat,” Dippel said.
“We bought a parts car and my dad is a mechanic so that really helps.”
Number 18 on track
Dippel drives a blue, yellow and white brightly painted 2002 six-cylinder Chevy Cavalier, with the number 18 boldly displayed in red on the driver’s door. In the four races he has competed in Dippel has placed in the top 10 three times and in the top five once. He is the youngest driver in his class, competing against drivers of varying ages.
“My best sponsor is my mom and dad, who own Dippel’s Family Garage in Drayton,” Dippel said.
“My other sponsors are Elmira Auto Supplies Inc., Meulensteen Tire and Auto Service, Napa, Total Home Energy Systems and Drayton Food Market.”
With pay out in the Fun Stock Class ranging from $70 for first place to $15 for 15th place and pit fees running at $25 per adult, plus the cost of gas, tires, repairs and driver equipment, it is easy to understand the need for sponsorship.
The track season runs from April to September, weather permitting. Dippel plans to be racing on Aug. 6, 20 and 27 and Sept. 3 and 9.
He would like to continue racing and enjoys helping his dad with the mechanical issues involved in driving a race car.
Mom Eliza Dippel, who fully supports her son, said, “I was so nervous, to the point that I felt sick, when Isaac started racing. I’m still nervous but I love watching the races.
“He has a good attitude, is cautious, doesn’t get angry and is working hard.”
Races at Full Throttle Motor Speedway begin at 7pm with gates open at 5pm. Admission prices are $13 for adults and $2 for children 10 and under.
Schedules and information can be found at www.fullthrottlemotorspeedway.com or by calling 519-369-6969.
