By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
Look up the word ‘racer’ in any dictionary and chances are good you’ll find Dan McHattie’s picture included in the definition. The resident of Cavan, Ontario took his first turn behind the wheel at the age of 13 in a Challenger (limited late model) division racer he built with his father.
Two years later, the creative teen crafted his own car on a borrowed jig and earned his first track championship in 1994. To start the 1995 season, McHattie purchased a Late Model car and then tore it completely apart – making it the way he wanted – and captured Peterborough Speedway’s title in 1996 and 1998.
At 32 years of age, Dan McHattie says he’s never driven a racecar that he didn’t build himself. Its part of what drives his enthusiasm for the sport on and off the racetrack.
“If the car isn’t fast – doesn’t handle out of the box, we’ll keep working on it – massaging and tweaking things until its just right”, says the mechanic at Kerr Industries in Oshawa. “In some ways, its almost more fun to struggle with the car for a few weeks. That way, we get to build-up a list of changes we can make – finding out what works and what doesn’t”.
Obviously, McHattie’s bag of tricks is full to overflowing. His creations earned Kawartha Speedway’s Late Model championship in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2005 and again in 2008 on the strength of 3 wins and 8 top finishes.
The driver of the #71 Uniglass Plus Ziebart/Sidey Auto Supply/Corp Construction/Douglas Automotive/Barry McLennan Masonary/Foxon Alternator and Starter/Praxair Peterborough Chevrolet says he’s always willing to help other drivers in Kawartha’s premier division.
“If something I’m able to share with them as far as car set-up or handling is concerned makes them a better racer, it makes a better show for the fans. I don’t want them to beat me at my own game, but if someone asks, I’ll help them out. I always race to win, but if someone beats me after I’ve helped them, I’m proud”.
While some racers might have aspirations to move-up, move-on or move away, Dan McHattie says he’s exactly where he wants to be. “I don’t really have any long-term goals. This is the class I want to be in and this (Kawartha Speedway) is where I want to race. The guys I run against every Friday night are friends – almost like family. We have a great time and I can’t imagine being anywhere else and getting as much out of it.”
On the subject of family, McHattie says his parents have been big supporters of his racing career and other ventures and is happy to have them pitch-in at the track. He also lists his wife Heidi and her family as some of his biggest fans. Even his 2 and a half year-old daughter Madelyn loves going to the racetrack. He freely admits that if it weren’t for their shared interest in the sport, he probably wouldn’t be back year-after-year.
Dan McHattie says he appreciates the help and sacrifices of long-time friend Colin Winslow. Crew members Ryan Sanderson, Jake Jackson, Jim and Jan Enborg also keep the McHattie ride at the front of the pack.
At the front of the field or working his way through the pack, Dan McHattie shows Kawartha Speedway fans a championship winning form.
Photo attachment: Dan McHattie (#71) runs door-to-door with Yvon Bedard at Kawartha Speedway’s 2008 American-Canadian Tour Summer Sizzler. (Jim Clarke photo – clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com)
