We sat down to chat with Tenli Pepin, rookie driver in the Ontario Pro Challenge division. Tenli started racing when she was 14 in go karts racing with the Waterloo Regional Kart Club. Tenli had dreams of moving up to a stock car and that dream came true for her in November of 2022 when JTM Racing purchased a Ontario Pro Challenge car. When asked about the change in car Tenli has this to say, " Obviously, my car is different than my go-kart so I had to learn that they drive very differently". In her first practice session in the Pro Challenge Tenli drove her car like she would the go-kart which she quickly learned that it wouldn't be the case. Since then, Tenli has learned how to maneuver her car. "It has been fun and challenging learning curve" Says Tenli.
Over the course of the season drivers usually go in with a list of goals they would like to accomplish. For Tenli, she was able to accomplish quite a number of goals off her list for the 2023 season. "I have finished on the lead lap, I've taken my starting spot and made my first pass." Says Tenli. Considering the difficultness of driving the Pro Challenge cars Tenli has been very excited of her development over the course of the season.
Those that may not know. The Ontario Pro Challenge is a unique division of stock cars in Ontario. The pro challenge car is a 3/4 sized replica of a NASCAR cup car. It is powered by a Kawasaki 1100cc motor. Body styles include, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Pontiac Grand Prix. The pro challenge puts on a great show each time out as they class runs at Flamboro Speedway and Full Throttle Motor Speedway.
Tenli ran her last race of the season on Sept, 9th at Flamboro Speedway. Though it wasn't the way she wanted to end the season Tenli still had a good time surrounded by friends and family. Though she is sad the season has come to an end it doesn't stop as the JTM team is preparing to return to the Ontario Pro Challenge for her second season in 2024. During the off season when Tenli is not in the shop she will be out skating and snowboarding, building up her strength up by hitting the gym. One thing that is going to stay constant throughout the off season is Tenli will continue to learn and take advice from other drivers in the Pro Challenge to better prepare for the 2024 season.
Tenli would like to thank all her sponsors for her rookie season in the Ontario Pro Challenge.
Shack Shine
Mike Fahandej-Sade Boldt Realty
Red Seal Contracting
Gibson Excavating & Grading
Speed Quest
WOW 1 Day Painting
EPIC Racewear
Joe Feta's Greek Village
Platinum Karts & Parts
Sherwin Williams
S.L Marcella Carpets
Paul Davis
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