Ron Fellows: The Canadian Racing Legend
Award-Winning Racer and Entrepreneur
Ron Fellows is a Canadian retired auto racing driver, best known for his impressive career in NASCAR and his entrepreneurial ventures in the racing industry. With a passion for racing that started at a young age, Fellows has made a name for himself as a talented driver, successful businessman, and dedicated philanthropist.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 28, 1959, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Fellows developed an interest in auto racing at the age of four. Inspired by French-Canadian Formula 1 driver
Gilles Villeneuve, Fellows would often attend F1 races at a local track in Montreal, which would eventually be named Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This sparked a dream in Fellows to one day win at the track, a goal he would achieve in 2008.
Fellows began his racing career in karts, progressing to Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford 2000. However, due to financial constraints, he took a nine-year break from racing to work as a gas pipeline technician.
Racing Highlights
- Won the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2008, achieving his childhood dream.
- Competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
- Finished second in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 1997.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Fellows is the owner of the Ron Fellows Performance Driving Schools, a corporate business chain that provides high-performance driving training. He is also a co-owner of the Corvette brand and its racing operations. Additionally, he purchased the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park racetrack in 2013, with the goal of bringing the NASCAR Cup Series to the track in the future.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Fellows is dedicated to giving back to the racing community through his charity, the Sunoco/Ron Fellows Karting Championship. The organization aims to help young kids become racecar drivers by providing them with the necessary resources and support.
Personal Life
Fellows is married to Lynda Fellows, and they have three children together, Lyndsay, Sam, and Patrick. He is close friends with
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and
Jacques Villeneuve, whom he met through his racing school.
Awards and Honors
- Inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Awarded the Order of Canada in 2015 for his contributions to motorsports.
Legacy
Ron Fellows' accomplishments on and off the track have cemented his place as a Canadian racing legend. Through his passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, he continues to inspire future generations of racers and leave a lasting impact on the motorsport industry.
FAQ
What is Ron Fellows racing career highlights?
Ron Fellows is a Canadian race car driver with a successful career in sports car racing, including wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Grand-Am Championships.
What is Ron Fellows NASCAR experience?
Ron Fellows has competed in NASCARs Cup Series and Xfinity Series, earning multiple top-10 finishes and working with top-tier teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing.
What is Ron Fellows connection to Corvette Racing?
Ron Fellows has a long association with Corvette Racing, driving for the factory team and earning multiple championships, including the American Le Mans Series and the FIA GT Championship.
Has Ron Fellows received recognition for his racing career?
Ron Fellows has been inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame and the Motorsport Hall of Fame of America, recognizing his achievements in sports car and NASCAR racing.
What is Ron Fellows current role in motorsports?
Ron Fellows currently serves as a driving instructor and consultant, sharing his expertise with up-and-coming drivers and teams in the racing community.
