Ashton Tucker - Hottest Driver in the Maritimes (Interview)
The #2 Team upon their 4th straight victory going back to last year - Courtesy of JT Racing Pix
May 27th, 2024
Ashton Tucker is the hottest driver in the Maritimes right now, and the argument could be made that he is the best frequently active driver in the region presently. In the midst of a string of victories and impressive finishes dating back to late last season, Tucker's consistency and skill have positioned him as a top contender in any race in the region.
Recent Performances:
Tucker's latest achievement was a second-place finish in the 2024 ECIPST (East Coast International Pro Stock Tour) series opening race, following a winning streak of four consecutive races - both of the 2023 SLMS (Super Late Model Series) and ECIPST points finales, the unsanctioned Mike Stevens Memorial 254 at Petty International Raceway, New Brunswick, and the SLMS 2024 series opening race. His smooth driving style, combined with a strategic approach to longer races, has made him a standout performer anywhere he goes.
Track Record:
Tucker's success isn't limited to a single track. His accomplishments at Speedway 660, where he has multiple wins in the prestigious 250-lap races, are complemented by victories at other key events, such as the Scotia Speedworld Summer Clash 250, and the Mike Stevens Memorial at Petty. Although his finishes at Riverside International Speedway, Nova Scotia have not been quite as strong as he often runs at Speedway 660, Petty, and Scotia Speedworld, he has shown a lot of speed there. As for Oysterbed, PEI, he has had quite limited experience, and I think it is too few races to consider. It seems inevitable that with more experience at Riverside and Oysterbed, he will carry over some of the success that he has seen elsewhere.
Racing Style:
Known for his clean and calculated racing style, Tucker has earned the respect of his peers. While he is willing to engage in some of the physical aspects of racing, he prefers to maintain a clean approach, using his skills to secure wins rather than aggressive tactics.
Team Dynamics:
Tucker races for Brad Silliker Motorsports, a partnership that has proven highly successful. The team's support and Tucker's driving skills have created a winning combination, further solidifying his status as a top driver in the Maritimes.
Future Prospects:
With his current momentum, Tucker is well-positioned for continued success. His resume paired with his recent performances suggest that he will remain one of the top tier drivers in Maritime racing for the foreseeable future. There is no doubt that he has the hottest streak going right now, and as he continues to attempt to rack up victories and strong finishes, the #2 will remain a team worth making a trip to the track to see.
Going back to last year, you won both of the finales for the SLMS and Pro Stock Tour, you finished the season by winning the biggest Mike Stevens Memorial race to date, and you have now started 2024 by winning the first SLMS race, and placing 2nd in the first Pro Stock Tour race. Do you feel a change in your confidence or momentum, or do you sort of keep things on a race-by-race basis?
No, I don’t feel like I really feel any change in my confidence or momentum. I just feel like we have been having a bit of better luck. Last season we had a lot of bad luck in the first half of the year and we never really got to show our full potential. About mid summer last year our luck changed and we started finishing races and getting on the podium often enough. Then we just had a really good run to end the season with the 3 big ones in a row, which just really helped us feel like we had a successful season and proving we can still win races. Starting this season with a win and a 2nd is always great and makes us feel good. You always like having a strong start to the season, so hopefully we can build off our strong start and keep putting together some good finishes throughout the summer.
Do you have set plans for 2024? For example running full time in one of the tours, running all of the extended length races, etc.
We have some sort of plans set in place and a few races still up in the air. We plan to run the full SLMS series for points this season and we also plan on attending the IWK 250, Summer Clash, Mike Stevens and the 250 at 660. We might also add the odd (Pro Stock) Tour race in the mix this summer, but it all depends on how our summer is going and if we are keeping the car in one piece each week.
Based on the way you race, I think you're a positive influence on the track. You just raced against Gage Gilby in his Pro Stock debut - do you have any words of advice for him, or other new drivers, on how to approach races?
Thanks, I appreciate you thinking that, but I’m still a pretty young driver so I don’t really feel like I have a lot of advice to give. One of the biggest ones is saving your stuff and being around at the end of the race. I spoke to Gage and his father before the race Saturday and they seem like really good people. He is a good driver and I think he will be one to watch in the Pro Stocks over the next few seasons. I think he will do very well.
