As the NASCAR Canada Series is heading to Saskatoon on July 16, it also marks a homecoming for Saskatchewan-based driver Matthew Shirley. A part-time competitor in the series, Shirley is set to hit the track at Sutherland Automotive Speedway with car No. 46 Crush-It Ice Tea / Denray Tire / Shirley’s Service Dodge with D.J. Kennington’s organization.
From the Stands to the Driver’s Seat
Shirley grew up watching his dad race and he was hooked at an early age.
“I always wanted to be part of it,” Shirley says. “My dad told me, ‘When you’re old enough to get a job, we’ll talk.’ So, at 15, I did and bought my first go-kart.”
After a couple of seasons in karting, Shirley’s first break into stock cars came when his dad stepped back from racing. “He still had the car and gave me the chance to run it in a year-end race in Saskatoon,” he recalls. “I had zero experience, but I finished seventh out of ten and didn’t put a mark on the car.”
Since then, Shirley has been racing in Western Canada, both in the Pro Late Model series and in the NASCAR Canada series.
Racing Roots
Racing runs deep in the Shirley family. His father was a clean driver and his uncle raced with a little more aggression. Matthew proudly calls himself a hybrid of both.
“One race, I gave a guy a little bump. My father wasn’t too impressed, but my uncle came down and said, ‘Good job, kid.’ That kind of sums it up. I try to race clean like my dad, but I’ve definitely got a bit of my uncle’s edge too”
For Shirley, competing in front of a hometown crowd is about more than just a result.
“We’re proud to fly the flag for Saskatchewan and Western Canada,” he says. “We want to show we belong out here and that we can put on a great show.”
For the Leland Industries 250, Shirley knows he’ll be racing alongside veterans and drivers with far more seat time. Still, the Saskatchewan driver is hoping to run near the front and come away with a strong finish. Competing just six to eight times a year, he’s fully aware of the challenge but also of the opportunity.
Away from the track, Shirley keeps things simple. He’s a proud cat dad, coffee shop regular, and league hockey player with the Flying Clutchmen.