For the last thirty years Peter Gibbons has been a very successful race car driver winning events from coast to coast in Canada. Among Gibbons career highlights are National Championships in 1998 and 1999 in the CASCAR Super Series.
After a proud career in stock car racing, it is with both sadness and excitement that at the end of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season, Peter Gibbons announces that will climb from the driver’s seat of the Canadian Tire/Mobil Super Chevrolet for the final time.
Stepping away from the competition has been something Gibbons has pondered for quite sometime but feels now it is the right time to make the move. “I guess it started a couple of years ago” said Gibbons. “After considering it and taking a look at what was happening with the beginning of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series I made the choice to stay. Last winter after some discussions with Canadian Tire we agreed that this was going to be my last year in the car.”
It has been a wonderful partnership between Gibbons Motorsports and Canadian Tire for many years and it weighed heavily in the decision making process.
“I just can’t say enough about what a wonderful relationship our group has had with Canadian Tire over the years and how good they’ve been to me,” said Gibbons. “They were a big reason why I stayed involved over the last couple of years and we had some discussions about 2009 but I just feel this is the right time for me to get out of the car. I’ve always been a big supporter of the Canadian racing program and Canadian Tire has done a fantastic job helping to elevate the series in Canada. I have a real respect for all the hard work the people at Canadian Tire have put into this program.”
While making the announcement now to make fans aware, the immediate focus for Peter Gibbons and the Canadian Tire/Mobil Super Team is the final two events on this years NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule at Riverside Speedway and Kawartha Speedway.
“Our car has run really well at both of those tracks and we’re looking to finish with a flurry and put on a real show for all the fans that have supported us over the years and we’re going to celebrate all we’ve achieved.” said the driver.
When the straps are unfastened and the helmet comes off for the final time at Kawartha Speedway then the reality will sink in. It will be big change for Gibbons and many others.
“I know I’ll miss it and it will be a big adjustment for everybody” said Gibbons. “And none of our success would have been possible without the incredible support of our family. And I include all of our Canadian Tire crew members in that group and so many of our sponsors who’ve been with us for so long this great ride. But I feel really good about the decision. I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time with my wife Denise and boys Petey and Jake. Racing has been the biggest influence on all our lives for a long time and we’re all looking forward to lots of quality time and new adventures outside of the racing life too.”
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment
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6 comments:
Peter will be missed greatly...some of the most exciting races I have ever witnessed have been with Gibbons behind the wheel...he is one of the hardest working, toughest competitors you will find anywhere and I wish him all the best in his retirement.
He's a guy who always puts on a show, win or lose. I had the honour of meeting him at a Canadian Tire sponsor function (the local CT sponsored my Thundercar) and he's a really cool guy. He will be missed, and remembered well.
Now, who drives that car next season? :o
Peter Gibbons is a great driver and a great representative of our sport. He was a real racer. He went for the win. Look at the old CASCAR records, you will see that there were many seasons when he led the series in wins but lost the title due the points system. I hope he can stay around as a team owner. He runs a first class outfit.
This is a sad day for those around the Nascar paddock.
I wish him all the best, and only hope that his retirement and business interests down south, do not stop him from attending races in Canada, in the future.
I know that next year, will feel strange not having him on the grid.
Best race ever, was when Pete raced in St. Eustache, with what amounted to half a car. One side didn't have a scratch, while the other was torn away, completely.
I have spent many years following Peter, I think all drivers who have had the pleasure of racing with Peter have learned something from his competative but fair nature. My brother has raced with Peter for more than 20yrs and I can tell you he is well respected in our stables, would also like to thank his family for all the support in Canadian racing. So lets all get out to Kawartha and give this legend the send off he deserves.
Shawn Dilley & Familt #9 Dodge
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