Cory Hall - Speed, Travel, and a Story (Interview)
#83 Cory Hall surrounded by tough competition - Photo Courtesy of JT Racing Pix
March 1st, 2024
A Rising Star in Maritime Motorsports
In the world of Maritime motorsports, few names shine as brightly as Cory Hall's. If he isn’t already on your radar, keep an eye out for him, he is a very impressive driver, with an impressive track record, and a promising future ahead, Hall has become a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuit while still gaining seat time and experience. He has an interesting story to share, in the interview article portion, we will delve more into that.
Dominance in Legends Cars
Hall's dominance in the world of legends cars is undeniable. Among many other things, his Winter Nationals Championship victory in 2017 marked the beginning of a phenomenal year, where he secured victory in four out of five races. This achievement speaks volumes about his skill behind the wheel and the strength of his team - after going since 2013, the perseverance paid off completely.
Success Across Multiple Series
Hall's success extends beyond legends cars, as he has proven himself as a formidable competitor in various racing series. In 2022, after very strong showing in Florida, as detailed here: https://www.maritimelatemodels.ca/articles/asa-junior-hanley-scott-fraser-and-beyond-new-smyrnas-world-series-of-asphalt-racing. After this, he also showed speed at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina in PASS, despite a motor issue in the first practice, in which Jeff Fultz helped out at his shop. Ultimately, a locker issue in the rear-end forced an early retirement from the marquee PASS National race.
“Seeing the success Cole has down in the states, is a great testament to the level of competition in the martimes. It also makes it a lot more appealing to travel and take on some of these races. Him and I have always had great respect for each other from racing at home. And it’s exciting to meet up again, except on his new ‘home turf!’” Cory Hall
In 2023, he had his first attempt at the 1 mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where winningest driver of that track, Eddie MacDonald would go on to win, but Hall, who led the first 30 laps of the race, gave him a run for his money for a long time. Hall would ultimately settle for a 6th place finish in the end. As the year continued, he emerged as the winningest driver on the SLMS tour in it’s debut season, clinching two victories in six races. Additionally, his presence in the ECI Pro Stock Tour sporadically over time has earned him a win in 13 attempts, and he always looks like a contender. In 2023, he took the pole in the prestigious Summer Clash 250 at Scotia Speedworld, and led many laps early. With victories in the New Brunswick 250 and strong showings at New Smyrna's World Series, in a Pro Late Model, Hall has cemented his reputation as a versatile and talented driver.
2024 Plans and Ambitions
Looking ahead to 2024, Hall's ambitions are higher than ever. With plans to compete in 15 races, including the Easy Kleen Super Late Model Series, he is determined to chase a regional championship once again. Additionally, Hall will test his skills in the Pro All Star Series, with scheduled trips to Hickory Motor Speedway (Easter Bunny 15) and New Hampshire Speedway (1 mile track). He has come prepared strong for both before, but encountered some issues that rendered DNF’s. With the support of vital partners, Hall is poised to make his mark on the racing circuit and continue his journey towards greatness.
Cory Hall’s 2024 schedule - visit his official FB page for the direct source for information from him: here
The Mastermind Behind the Wheel
While Cory Hall's prowess behind the wheel is undeniable, his involvement in the racing world extends beyond his driving skills. As a crew chief and crew member sometimes, Hall plays a pivotal role in guiding drivers to success, with a keen understanding of race car dynamics and a knack for strategic decision-making.
Working at King Racing
Many people recognize King Racing in the region, especially it’s #13 House car. At King Racing, Hall's expertise is put to the test as he works tirelessly to fine-tune race cars and maximize performance on the track. As a valued member of the team, Hall's contributions are instrumental in helping drivers reach their full potential.
Interview
We discussed your awesome Pro Late Model World Series at New Smyrna situation in the big new Smyrna article. I’d like to ask you about your trips to Oxford, Hickory, and New Hampshire in a Super. You looked like you could be a winning car at New Hampshire at one point, there. How were your trips?
We as a team have always strived to be as versatile as possible throughout my career, less on testing, or sticking to one racetrack. While it may be a hindrance to one track dominance, it has proved crucial to us making these far travels to racetracks I’ve never run before. These trips are perfect timing, spring and fall, as my summers are quite busy. As a team, there’s no better bonding moments and tons of fond memories with our group. For as far as the tracks, Oxford was an up and down event. Finally finding a sweet spot and coming home 5th in the final 100. Hickory in 2022 was riddled with mechanical issues that sidelined us in both events after posting fast lap times in practice. New Hampshire last year, was a great experience, as a driver I felt right at home. The sizing and style of momentum driving really fits into my approach. And the team did a great job picking out where we could gain speed, after riding early in the first half leading. We had a bad tire as did #12g Derek Griffith in the second half, falling back at the end. But there’s lots to be excited for this year going back!
On the note of New Hampshire, how does it feel going from tracks like we have here, to a relatively such large track?
It was a serious eye opener, while the sizing dictates a lot of the speed sensation. For instance, Petty (International Raceway, New Brunswick) can feel faster then any track due to how quickly you get around in such a short time, and a small track. But the big ‘wow’ moment for me, was being in the pack. I was tucked up behind #17ma Eddie Macdonald, up tight to the wall and had Derek Griffith tight against me on the inside. The windshield started to buckle and everything was vibrating from all the turbulent air. While a little nerve racking, it was very cool to be apart of.
Honestly, I am going to keep my questions short, I’m largely interested in you telling me your story the way you want to. You indicated to me that you have a story - this is your space - share as much as you’d like!
Firstly, I have been unbelievably fortunate to have so many incredible people believe in my vision and goals. It’s very surreal to be in the position I am now. I started racing a jr dragster when I was 8, my father had always drag raced his camaro. I loved every bit of it, the last engine we ran I had it apart at 12 years old, and put it together with my fathers guidance. My father - to whom I owe all my successes to - instilled a work ethic and expectation in me when I was quite young. And I always looked up to and appreciated his. He was a mechanic, turned service manager at Amherst Chevrolet. At the same time, he bought out a garage in Sackville, and we transitioned into stock car racing.
I can remember being outside the shop after school, on weekends stripping the dash and lightening the cavalier up and getting it ready. The plan was for him to race it for a year, and then myself. After a year of himself racing - which brought 5 wins out of the year - he decided that bandolero racing would be safer for me. So, over the winter we got one out of Moncton, #48 Dave O’blenis helped us get the seat fitted, and also setup the car. Which in turn, makes it come full circle, to now setup his pro stock at King Competition. We raced a few times, when we met up with Woody from North Carolina. My father and I did as many undercoatings as possible in the coming months to get some money together to run Florida Winter Nationals.
While we had low success, I learned a tremendous amount. It kick started my year, which turned into wins early on. From there, we just kept improving and doing more racing. We spent a lot of time in the States throughout the winter with Woody, and Brian/#08 Nicholas Naugle. I was always learning as much as I could, and working as much as possible. I’ve always been into reading as many books and doing all the research I could on theory, because I was so new to the stock car world. It took me twice the work, and a quick learning curve to find success.
Next came legend racing, where we sold our cars, and built a cheaper Sedan Legend car. I went to work learning it, and found success in that as well. I had a ton of great experiences, learning from some of the best in the business with Ladyga, Joe Ryan and Woody. I was also very fortunate to get lots of help along the way, including Darrin Butcher (#53/#28 Cole Butcher’s Father) lending me a motor to get to the next race. Along with Craig Langille (#54 Jarrett Butcher’s current spotter), lending me their entire car to be able to race at Scotia Speedworld with. We also had lots of help from the likes of Paul Goulden, Kyle & Jerry at GS Racing, and Rollie Macdonald. In 2017 we won 22 of 38 races, and contended for a National Legend car Championship, which was so cool to be able to do from Canada.
I then made a call to King Racing, and I got an interview, and then a job there. Staying in the basement of Rollie and Judy’s house, which was once where Scott Fraser stayed. The history and information learned from Rollie alone was outstanding. And then to work with Andrew (Hicken) in the shop, and continue to grow. It was certainly not without a lot of growing pains and life lessons, but fast forward to now: It has put me in a position to do what I now do. Through the years, I ran their house car, and then (#42 Kyle) Reid’s car. Before finally rounding up the required funds to put together our own pro stock car. It’s been an uphill battle for sure, not having the same budget or money as the teams we compete against.
And lastly, any shout-outs? Racing or non-racing related businesses to plug, sponsors, friends, family, etc.
I’ve been very blessed to have the resources at King Competition, along with all the connections made over the years that makes it all happen. I think the coolest part about my journey - which this is a very rough explanation of - is that there is nothing outside of your means when you put your mind to it, and work as hard as you can. I’ve been very blessed to have the help, sponsors and the relationships that I’ve had to do this. But none of it happens without the start, nor any part along the way. Without the vision, there is no work, without the work, there is no partners & help, without partners & help, there is no journey. No stories to tell. And I am beyond excited to continue this journey!
And lastly, any shout-outs? Racing or non-racing related businesses to plug, sponsors, friends, family, etc. Certainly would like to thank all of our sponsors, as CHR (Cory Hall Racing) grows, funding is a huge part of what we are able to do as a group. Would like to thank: Bumper to Bumper, Kris Fournier Re/Max, Plant’s Seafood, Livingston Steel, Robby’s Towing, GS Racing, King Freight Lines, JS Plumbing & Heating, Steele Auto Group, Midcoast Excavation, BTP Construction, King Competition, Pointe Design Group, Brembo Brakes, FURY Race Cars, Bill Pink Carburetors, Sussex Engine Builders, DWA Automotive, Buzze Racing.
I would also like to thank everyone that has helped me over the years. I would have a multi-page long list of those individuals. But obviously my parents, who support my vision and dream to no end. Andrew & Jonathan (Hicken) and everyone at King, including Todd, Dave and Sandra. Rollie and Judy Macdonald who housed me for years and have always been great to me. Woody and Christi for kickstarting my stock car career from Bandoleros and then to Legends. Paul, Jerry and Kyle for their continued support in getting me to where I am from a legend car into a prostock car. My girlfriend Kelsey and her parents Graham & Lois for helping in every possible way. The crew: Aaron, Aiden, Andre, Bill, Bob, Brad, Brian, Bubba, Chase, Craig, Curtis, Daniel, Danny, Dave, Dave, Dougie, Duff, Dylan, Earle, Ethan, Jack, Jason, Jim, Michael, Mike, Patrick, Peter, Richard, Robbie, Ron, Scott, Scott, Steven, Terrance, Tony, Trish, Troy, Tyler.
