From July 31st to August 3rd, Sault Ste. Marie’s and Laird Raceway’s own Chris Pinder will attempt something few grassroots racers ever dare — four races, at four different tracks, over four consecutive nights. Behind the wheel of his #14 Factory Four (Mini Stock), Chris will take on over 1,700 kilometres of travel and 300 kilometres of hard-fought racing, in a wild sprint fueled by adrenaline, stubbornness, and heart.
The tour kicks off at home on Thursday, July 31st, at Laird Raceway, where Pinder will launch the four-night stretch with friends, family, and familiar faces cheering him on. On Friday, he’ll haul down to Delaware Speedway in Southwestern Ontario for the Delaware Invitational. From there, it’s east to Peterborough Speedway for a 50-lap battle on Saturday night — the race he’s had circled all along. The run wraps up on Sunday, August 3rd, at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil for the Velocity Make-Up Race, where, if the wheels are still on, he’ll give it one last push.
“Sleep? Optional. Sanity? Gone. Parts? Questionable,” Pinder laughs. “If we make all four, I’m framing the receipt pile.”
For Chris, this isn’t just a racing tour. It’s a lifelong dream.
“I’ve wanted to race since I was a little kid watching NASCAR on the couch with my dad,” he says. “Now I get to live that dream — four nights in a row. That kind of excitement keeps me going.”
The physical prep? Less than ideal. Chris admits his training regimen has mostly consisted of fast food, gas station coffee, and late nights in the shop chasing parts. But mentally? He’s all in.
Fortunately, help is rolling alongside. One of his sponsors, Martin Valiquette from Construction Equipment, stepped in to haul the race car across Ontario. That means less time behind the wheel of the hauler, and a little more time to breathe between races — a huge advantage when every hour of rest matters.
“That kind of support is a game-changer,” says Pinder. “Though, let’s be honest, I’ll be backseat driving the whole way — snack stops, coffee critiques, the whole nine yards.”
While the trip includes big-name tracks and stiff competition, Chris remains grounded in what matters most: his crew — a tight-knit group of family and friends who show up, night after night, with zero ego and maximum heart.
“We’re not a real race team,” he says. “Just some friends with a floor jack and YouTube knowledge. No prep meetings, no fancy checklists. Grab the tools, load the cooler, and let’s go race.”
Strategy-wise, Chris plans to play it smart for the first half — stay clean at Laird and Delaware, then turn it loose at Peterborough and Sunset.
“If the car’s still in one piece by Peterborough, the gloves come off,” he says. “And if it’s still running by Sunset? We’re going all out, one last time.”
At the heart of it all is his daughter, Mikayla, who has been trackside for nearly every race of her dad’s career.
“She’s been watching NASCAR with me since she was born. She’s seen the wins, the losses, and the long nights. I want her to see what it means to chase a dream — no matter how long it takes.”
This isn’t about trophies or points — it’s about proving that passion, grit, and determination are worth more than a big budget or a fancy hauler. It’s a celebration of grassroots racing in its rawest, most real form.
So if you spot a trailer rumbling down the highway, held together with zip ties, duct tape, and a whole lot of hope — give Chris and the #14 team a wave.
Chris would like to thank his sponsors for being a part of this incredible journey: .Pinder Construction, Kelly’s Parkway, Construction Equipment, Rennison Well Drilling, and Zalewski Concrete.
Pinder shared. “seeing him and his friends in the stands, fired up and cheering, is something I’ll never forget.” Key to the car’s success is Dayne Lorenzo. “Without Dayne, I wouldn’t be racing,” said Pinder. “His knowledge and dedication have been instrumental in getting this car to the front. Even when some of my ideas seem a bit reckless, he always manages to make them work. Pinder also praised crew member John Diemert, calling him “a rock in the pits” who keeps operations running smoothly and ensures nothing is overlooked. Behind the scenes, Cheryl Caswell plays a vital role. “She didn’t exactly sign up for the late nights and constant chaos, but her support has never wavered. Her positivity keeps me grounded when things get tough. Even virtual racing has made a real impact. “Believe it or not, the Affinity Racing crew on iRacing helped shape my racecraft. Those late nights behind the screen taught me how to avoid wrecks, read the field, and find the right line — skills that absolutely translated to the real track.”
Because win or lose, make no mistake: this is what racing is all about.
