2024 East Coast International Pro Stock Tour Recap
Jarrett Butcher celebrating his 2024 season debut and first race, at Speedway 660
December 29th, 2024
2024 East Coast International Pro Stock Tour Recap: A Season of Milestones and New Faces
The 2024 East Coast International Pro Stock Tour concluded a year of healthy, or trending healthy car counts, thrilling moments, career-defining performances, and a few new faces making their mark on the series. From established stars continuing their dominance or stars taking a step back making strong appearances, to newcomers scoring their first-ever victories, this season had a bit of everything. Here are just some of the standout moments from what turned out to be a strong campaign.
Nicholas Naugle Continues Notching Wins
For the 4th time in the last 5 years, Nicholas Naugle (#08) proved his nose for winning on the track, securing at least 1 victory. His 2024 standout moment came at a Scotia Speedworld 150, where, in a race that saw him recover from early contact with Proude, he not only earned a win but also took home the Most Laps Led Award. Naugle’s consist ability to rise to the occasion and take home wins on a challenging Tour were once again displayed this year.
Greg Proude Bows Out with a Strong Finale
After an impressive career on the Pro Stock Tour, extending back to 2005 with more races under his belt than almost any other Tour Racer, Greg Proude (#29) extended his legacy with a series of impressive performances leading up to his retirement. Proude, a veteran of the Pro Stock Tour, added to his strong last few seasons, including wins at Riverside International Raceway (where he led an incredible 213 laps in the 2022 IWK 250) and his home track, Oyster Bed Speedway, in 2022. The 2024 season saw Proude continue to make waves, with a runner-up finish at the Scotia Speedworld 200 and a dominant win at Riverside in the season finale, leading 90 of 155 laps. A fitting way to cap off a career that will be remembered for years to come.
New Victors: Austin MacDonald and Danny Chisholm
The 2024 season was one of firsts for a pair of drivers, Austin MacDonald (#13) and Danny Chisholm (#89), who each scored their first-ever Pro Stock Tour victories. Chisholm’s victory came at Riverside 155, where he led 115 laps on his way to the win. Meanwhile, MacDonald stunned the competition by winning the prestigious Scotia Speedworld Summer Clash 250 on his first attempt at the event. Both drivers now have their names etched into the history of the series, marking the season as a breakthrough year for them.
Gage Gilby Claims Rookie Championship
In his rookie campaign, Gage Gilby (#25g) showed that while he may not have found victory lane like he had become accustomed to in a Legend car (As is typically the case with 1st time Tour Racers, especially young rookies new to Late Models, regardless of their talent), he was more than capable of competing at the highest level, finishing 3rd in the standings (15 pts behind 2nd place Austin MacDonald) and accumulating five top-5 finishes in 10 starts, including a second and a third-place finish. His consistency earned him the Rookie of the Year honors and he showed strong compete in his first 250 lap race, registering a solid fifth-place finish in the IWK 250 at Riverside. It’s clear that the future is bright for this rising star.
Craig Slaunwhite: A Strong Return
After stepping back from full-time competition, Craig Slaunwhite (#29) proved that rust was not a concern for him. Racing in only two Tour events in 2024 (along with qualifying for the PASS Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway), Slaunwhite was still able to showcase his skill and experience, winning the IWK 250 for the second consecutive year. He led a commanding 176 laps on his way to victory and was a contender in the Summer Clash 250 until mechanical problems knocked him out of contention; but not before he set the fastest time in the Time Trials and leading 44 of 50 laps. Slaunwhite's return to victory lane served as a reminder that even if he just steps in for a couple of the biggest races, he is a top tier threat for any win.
Robbie MacEwan’s Consistency Continues
Robbie MacEwan (#40) continued to impress with his steady performances across both the Super Late Model Series and the Pro Stock Tour. On the SLMS side, MacEwan’s top-10 finish in every race of both years of operation sets him apart from any other driver in that feat. In 2024, MacEwan raced in five of the 10 Pro Stock Tour events, posting a solid mix of finishes that included a win at Oyster Bed Speedway, where he led over half the laps. Along with his other finishes, including a second, fourth, fifth, and seventh, MacEwan solidified his reputation as one of the most consistent drivers presently in the region.
Butcher Racing Dominates with Championship Glory
For the second consecutive year, Butcher Racing had reason to celebrate, but this time even more so. After a 2nd place campaign, placing behind only 3 in a row Championship winner Craig Slaunwhite (the first driver to achieve this feat in series history, going back 21 years at the time). The younger brother of accomplished racer Cole Butcher, Jarrett Butcher (#54) claimed the Pro Stock Tour Championship, bringing the title back to the Butcher Racing family.
Butcher, who secured 3 victories, good for the most on the season by any driver for the 2nd year in a row, added eight top-5 finishes in 10 races en route to capturing the title. With a dominant run that included consistent finishes, victory in the 1st 2 races of the season, 4 2nd place finishes including both 250s, and an additional victory lane appearance in the penultimate race, giving him wins at 3 different tracks on the year, it was clear that Butcher Racing had found their formula for success once again, and grew upon it.
Ashton Tucker’s Unforgettable Prime
Ashton Tucker (#2) is currently in the midst of an incredible multi-year hot streak that already ranks among the greatest in Maritime Racing history. In 2024, Tucker not only dominated the Super Late Model Series (SLMS), where he captured the championship in a dramatic tie-breaker finish with #83 Cory Hall, but also proved to be a force on the Pro Stock Tour. With finishes of 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 4th, and 1st in the SLMS, Tucker demonstrated unparalleled dominance throughout the season, besting a seemingly unbeatable season by Hall in his own right, who finished no worse than 2nd, and who won both features that Tucker didn’t claim.
On the Pro Stock Tour side, Tucker continued flexing his muscles there as well. In 4 starts, he posted finishes of 2nd, 3rd (in the IWK 250), 6th (in the Summer Clash 250), and a hard-fought victory in the Scotia Speedworld 200 for his 2nd win in as many years in that race. Showing no signs of slowing down, one can only wonder at the number of wins Tucker is going to continue to amass.
1st Annual Maritime Late Models Racing Award [the title and focus of the award is subject to change on any given year]: Dedication & Longevity Award - Gary Elliot and his 900th consecutive night of racing
Gary Elliot (#36), known affectionately as "Canada’s Iron Man," reached his 900th consecutive night of racing. This achievement came during the Summer Clash 250 at Scotia Speedworld, a race that epitomized the dedication, resilience, and passion Elliot has brought to the track throughout his storied career.
The streak, officially beginning in 1987, represents Elliot’s longevity and reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport, overcoming challenges that would have sidelined most racers, or even people in general. [Author’s Opinion] However, I believe the number should be even higher. Elliot’s streak could have stood at 1,050—or technically 1,052—if not for two missed races in his earlier years. These absences result from decisions made by others, and remain a point of contention, as I view the Iron Man’s legacy as deserving full recognition.
Elliot’s career has been defined by more than just his streak. From humble beginnings—bringing a car to the track without any prior racing experience—to winning championships, racing alongside his son, and navigating moments of controversy and leadership as a track president, Elliot’s story is intertwined with themes of persistence, faith, and an enduring love for the sport - and it is not fully written.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 East Coast International Pro Stock Tour delivered a season full of excitement, rivalries, and unforgettable performances. As veterans like Proude and Slaunwhite prepared to exit the scene or dialed back their appearances, new stars emerged to claim their place in the history of the series. From Naugle’s continued annual visits to Victory Lane, to the rise of MacDonald, Chisholm, and Gilby, it’s evident that the future of the Pro Stock Tour is bright. With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry new talent, the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour is poised to continue its legacy of thrilling racing in the years to come.
