For some people, a local racetrack is just a fun way to spend a Friday night. For Darrin, it’s a second home. Since Ohsweken Speedway first opened its gates in 1996, Darrin has rarely missed a single race night.
By day, he’s an auto mechanic, which naturally drew him to the high-powered machines and fierce competition. Today, he channels that mechanical expertise into serving as the crew chief for a weekly Crate Sprint Car team. But if you chat with Darrin for even a few minutes, you’ll quickly realize that while he lives for the horsepower, it’s the incredible racing community that truly keeps his heart in the sport.
Local Heroes and Trackside Transformations
One of Darrin’s ultimate local heroes is Ohsweken Speedway owner, Glenn Styres. Darrin is quick to credit Styres for keeping the regional racing scene alive and thriving.
"If it wasn't for Glenn, there wouldn't be racing around here like we have today," Darrin says with immense gratitude.
Styres has transformed the facility into a world-class venue. In fact, World of Outlaws drivers frequently rank Ohsweken right up there with the best tracks in North America, praising everything from the phenomenal atmosphere to the top-tier fan experience. But what Darrin respects most is Styres' behind-the-scenes generosity, constantly supporting local racers to ensure they can keep chasing their dreams.
Passing the Racing Bug
Dirt racing has a unique way of welcoming outsiders, a phenomenon Darrin witnessed firsthand with his wife. She didn't grow up around motorsports and originally tagged along simply because Darrin loved it.
Slowly but surely, the magic of the track worked its charm. The thunderous excitement, deep-rooted traditions, and tight-knit community completely hooked her. Today, she's a die-hard fan with her own favorite drivers, looking forward to race weekends just as much as he does.
The dynamic duo has even built their winter vacations around the sport, road-tripping to Florida every February for DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. While they sneak in a little Disney time and warm weather, the races are always the main event.
Checking Off the Bucket List
Darrin’s Outlaw Passport has allowed him to visit legendary tracks across North America:
- Eldora Speedway
- Williams Grove Speedway
- Attica Raceway Park
- Fremont Speedway
- Sharon Speedway
- Volusia Speedway Park
- Weedsport Speedway
So, what's left? Only one track sits firmly at the absolute top of his bucket list: the famous "Speed Palace"—Port Royal Speedway.
Unforgettable Moments: From the Flagstand to the Hauler
Ask Darrin about his favorite track memories, and he won't just talk about who took the checkered flag—he’ll talk about the unparalleled access and appreciation for the fans.
The Ultimate 2022 Surprise
At Weedsport Speedway in 2022, through the Be an Outlaw Fan Rewards program, Darrin received an unexpected message to report to the flagstand. Moments later, he was standing next to legendary flagman Dave Farney, waving the flags during the emotional four-wide salute. To this day, the memory brings tears of joy to his eyes.
VIP Treatment with Sam Hafertepe Jr.
At another event, Darrin ran into Sprint Car star Sam Hafertepe Jr. and asked where he could buy a t-shirt. Because his merchandise trailer hadn't arrived, Hafertepe invited Darrin directly back to his personal race hauler, sliced open a freshly delivered box of shirts, and hand-delivered one in Darrin's size.
"Where else can you walk into a driver's trailer and buy a shirt directly from him?" Darrin laughs.
Pit Passes and International Peace Offerings
Darrin and his wife don't just sit in the grandstands; they buy pit passes to watch the crews wrench on the cars, chat with the teams, and soak in every behind-the-scenes detail. This deep immersion has allowed Darrin to build genuine friendships, notably with World of Outlaws Fan Experience team members Jordyn and Wes.
During a decade-long stretch when the Outlaws couldn't cross into Canada, Darrin would regularly drive down into the States to catch the Northeast races. Knowing how much Jordyn missed Canadian treats, Darrin made it a rule that his very last stop before the US border was always Tim Hortons to stock up on donuts for her and the crew. When Wes joined the team, Darrin expanded his border-crossing menu to include the ultimate Canadian delicacies: Ketchup and All Dressed potato chips.
A Welcome Return Home
Darrin always advocates for his community. During a trip to the DIRTcar Nationals, he crossed paths with World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter and passionately shared just how much Canadian fans missed the Outlaws.
When the Series finally made its triumphant return north of the border, Darrin was ecstatic. To celebrate, Jordyn surprised him with an official "Outlaws Return to Canada" track banner. It now hangs proudly in his workshop—a symbol of the sport he loves and the lifelong friendships he’s built along the way.
Darrin loves the organization so much that he jokes if he could secure a work visa, he’d happily work for the World Racing Group for free. (Hey, WRG might just take him up on that!)
Darrin’s Golden Rule for First-Timers
If you've never been to a dirt track race before, Darrin has one piece of absolute advice for you:
"TV does nothing for it."
On a screen, you don't feel the ground shake beneath your feet. You don't hear the deafening thunder of engines roaring into Turn One. You don't get a little dirt on your clothes, and you don't get to breathe in the electric atmosphere.
To truly understand it, you just have to be there. Darrin has been living by that rule since 1996, and nearly thirty years later, he still counts down the days until the next green flag drops.
