Traves in thick of Ontario Legends championship chase
Autumn Colours Classic starts Friday at Peterborough Speedway
At the start of the year, the slate is clean. Every racer believes they have a legitimate chance to win a local track championship or touring division title.
It’s only until a few events into the season that things change and a few drivers gain an advantage over the rest, as the cream rises to the top.
With a gruelling schedule that criss-crosses that province visiting several different tracks during the year, the Trailers Plus Ontario Legends Series puts a quality field on the track at every event.
This season, one of the stars of the show is Parker Traves. With just Peterborough Speedway’s prestigious Autumn Colours Classic — from Friday to Sunday — remaining on the calendar, the 21-year-old from Gravenhurst, who works as a driver with Purolator Courier, holds down the runner-up spot in the point standings.
“It’s been a great year; there is honestly no other way to describe it,” Traves said.
“We’re still waiting to make it to victory lane following a main event win, but string of Top 5 and Top 10 finishes has put the team where it is today. I’m experiencing a higher level of confidence every time I get in the race car and that can make all the difference in our overall results.”
Compared with some of his previous stats, Traves has good reason to be proud of this year’s accomplishments. He was 14th in the final 2017 point standings and 17th last year.
Even though things might not work out in his favour when the final results are tallied, the driver is quick to offer credit where he believes it is due when it comes to his improved performance.
“Hands-down, my partnership with Kevin Foisy and Canadian Legend Cars has made all the difference,” Traves admitted.
“He’s likely forgotten more about these cars than most people will ever know. It’s helped a ton to have him take me under his wing and offer assistance with setup and race day information. There’s no doubt that he got me to where I am now.”
Behind the scenes and at the track, the No. 60 team receives help from his father Albert Traves, Bridget Aikins, Geoff Morris, Denver Traves and the driver’s fiancé Caitlyn Morris.
He says he also thanks his mom, stepdad and younger brother Hunter for coming out as often as they can and sharing his passion.
Sponsorship support for the 2019 season came from Peter Nikolic Concrete Finishing, Canadian Legend Cars, TSS — Top Shops Auto Body Supply, T&M Auto Body and Devo Motorsports.
“No matter what happens, I owe a great deal of thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout my career,” he said. “We’re always having fun and making some great friends along the way. That’s what racing at this level is all about.”
Gravenhurst’s Parker Traves (No. 60) is second in the Trailers Plus Ontario Legends Series standings heading into the season finale during the Autumn Colours Classic.