The man who has amassed more career starts than any other stock car racer in Canada, Gary Elliott, has filed his entry for the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body. Known as the “Iron Man’ of Canadian stock car racing Elliott, who hails from Dundas, Ontario, will make his first start in the prestigious event and sees it as the biggest race in his 48-year racing career.

A two-time champion in the Canadian Vintage Modified series, Elliott has 1,202 career starts on his resume with a consecutive streak of 753 events – that’s an amazing 38 seasons with perfect attendance. He calls his IWK 250 trip the ‘Going Home Tour’ since he was born in Truro, where he still has many relatives and friends.

Gary Elliott (photo courtesy Gary Elliott Motorsports)
Gary Elliott (photo courtesy Gary Elliott Motorsports)

“I am so thrilled to be going back home for the most exciting event of my career,” said Elliott. “It will be in front of the biggest crowd, too, which will include many of my family. And it will have the best field of competitors. I thank God for allowing me to do what I love to do, race. And for bringing so many friends, fans, competitors, promoters and sponsors into my life. This continues to be an awesome journey that is truly about the people I’ve met.”

For the IWK 250, Elliott’s entry is reminiscent of its formative years in the late 70s and 80s when Ontario racers regularly made the trek to Riverside, In fact, the very first winner of the event historically referred to as the ‘Riverside 250’ was Ontario’s Billy Watson. Others who have taken the ‘250’ title back to Ontario include three-time winner Don Biederman and two-time winner Junior Hanley (a native of Port Mouton, NS).

“It’s very cool that the IWK 250 continues to attract racers from outside our region,” said Paul McLean, general manager of Riverside International Speedway. “Especially Ontario racers, with whom Riverside enjoys a historical connection. We hope more will visit us in the coming years.”

Besides Elliott’s impressive career stats, he also enjoys perhaps the longest standing sponsor relationship among Canadian racers – 2016 marks his 43rd season representing Quaker State. He is still fundraising for the ‘Going Home Tour’ and will host an event at his home in Dundas on July 10 where fans can enjoy a BBQ, win prizes, meet his crew and see his cars. Corporate sponsors who are interested in supporting his venture can contact him directly at 905-928-8086.

Once he arrives in Nova Scotia, fans can meet him and see his car on July 13 at the Victoria Hall Fundraiser in Bass River, on July 14 at the Canadian Tire in Truro, and on July 15 at the Walmart in Antigonish.