Through its partnership with NASCAR Canada, Operation Motorsport celebrated veterans as honorary Heroes of the Race at select events throughout the season, while also welcoming participants into the paddock through its Motorsport Immersion program.
For former Canadian Armed Forces Combat Engineer Bradley Hunt, the program offered an opportunity to reconnect with something he had been missing since leaving military service.
Finding a New Sense of Purpose Through Motorsport
After serving nine and a half years with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Alberta, Hunt discovered Operation Motorsport through a Facebook page dedicated to military engineers.
“Looking over the program, it provided a sense of team and pride I felt like I had been missing,” Hunt recalled.
Joining the NASCAR Canada paddock for the 2026 season, Hunt quickly discovered similarities between the racing environment and his military experience.
“Being involved in the paddock during race events was initially a bit overwhelming, as I was brand new to this level of racing. However, after that initial feeling passed, it all felt very familiar, much like being in a military unit environment.”
From the coordination between crew members to the responsibilities shared across a race team, Hunt recognized the same structure and sense of purpose he had experienced during his military career.
“Every team had a job to do, knew where they needed to be, and had a sense of purpose. The daily routine felt very similar to military work, with everyone knowing their roles, responsibilities, and where they needed to be.”
Beyond the teamwork, Hunt also enjoyed the opportunity to experience NASCAR Canada racing up close.
“For me, the highlight was being around the cars. As a gearhead myself, there was nothing better than being surrounded by the sound of loud, bored-out V8s.”
His experience reflects the mission behind Operation Motorsport: helping veterans and service members find meaningful connections and new opportunities through the motorsport community.
When asked what advice he would offer to other veterans considering the program, Hunt emphasized the importance of taking that first step.
“What I can say to other veterans is that you’re not alone. This program works, and it doesn’t hurt to give it a shot.”
“Whether it gets you out of the house for a day or helps you make new connections with other veterans, it’s worth giving it a chance.”
Honouring Those Who Served Throughout the 2026 Season
Alongside its Motorsport Immersion program, Operation Motorsport and NASCAR Canada recognized four individuals as Heroes of the Race during the 2026 season, highlighting their military service and contributions to the veteran community.
Mel Moran | Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
At Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, NASCAR Canada recognized Mel Moran, who served just over ten years in the Canadian Armed Forces, primarily as a Resource Management Support Clerk in the Canadian Army.
Her military career included postings to CFB Esquimalt, CFB Borden, and CFB Petawawa, as well as service with the Royal Canadian Navy, including a deployment aboard HMCS Calgary.
Moran first became involved with Operation Motorsport in 2019, supporting administrative activities, beneficiary applications, and race weekend coordination. She later joined the program as a beneficiary, gaining hands-on experience in tire operations, fueling, and hospitality with teams competing in SRO, IMSA, and FEL series.
Her involvement eventually led to a year working in hospitality with TWOth Autosport after completing the program. Today, she remains connected to motorsport, enjoying races from the stands and continuing to celebrate the community that helped shape her transition beyond military service.
Captain Brent O’Connor | Riverside International Speedway
At Riverside International Speedway in Nova Scotia, Captain Brent O’Connor was honoured for his 20 years of service in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
An Air Combat Systems Officer based in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, O’Connor flew more than 200 missions involving maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations, counter-narcotics, and search and rescue with 404, 405, and 415 Squadrons.
His military career took him across the globe, including deployments to Greenland, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Brazil, El Salvador, and the Caribbean. He also served as an instructor and watch commander with Joint Task Force Atlantic.
Through Operation Motorsport, O’Connor found a renewed sense of purpose, teamwork, and identity alongside fellow veterans.
His passion for motorsport also extends beyond the program. Alongside his son Tim, he participates in events at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Nova Scotia, where they organize activities, instruct, and compete in time attack and sprint racing.
Colonel Kevin Cameron | Calabogie Motorsports Park
Retired Colonel Kevin Cameron, MSM, CD, was recognized at Calabogie Motorsports Park for his distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the Canadian Army.
Cameron joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989 as an Infantry Officer and retired from military service in 2021 at the rank of Colonel.
His career included several deployments to the former Yugoslavia, including Sarajevo in 1992, and leadership positions as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, Chief of Staff of the 4th Canadian Division, and Deputy Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group.
Throughout his service, Cameron received numerous distinctions, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Special Service Medal, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Canadian Forces Decoration, in addition to United Nations and NATO mission medals.
Following his military retirement, Cameron continued working in a civilian capacity with the Department of National Defence before fully retiring in 2024. He now dedicates his time to supporting the veteran community.
Clint Couvillon | Edmonton International Raceway
At Edmonton International Raceway, NASCAR Canada and Operation Motorsport recognized Clint Couvillon as the event’s Hero of the Race.
A retired Mobile Support Equipment Operator with the Canadian Armed Forces, Couvillon was honoured for his military service and the courage, commitment, and sacrifices demonstrated by those who serve Canada.
More Than Racing
From honouring veterans during race weekends to welcoming former service members into the paddock, the partnership between NASCAR Canada and Operation Motorsport continues to demonstrate how motorsport can create meaningful opportunities beyond the racetrack.
For participants like Bradley Hunt, the experience is about more than discovering a new passion. It is an opportunity to reconnect with the camaraderie, shared responsibilities, and sense of belonging that defined their military service.
To learn more about Operation Motorsport and its programs for veterans and service members, visit operationmotorsport.org.