TORONTO, ON - November 15, 2024 - For several years, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) has regularly presented its Rising Star Award to up and coming Canadian racers who display a high level of skill and demonstrate the determination to have a successful career in motorsports.
Earlier this year, JMF Motorsports became the presenting sponsor of the JMF Motorsports CMHF Rising Star Award. As part of the program, the honoree receives a $25,000 cash prize to assist them in achieving their goals in racing. The presentation will take place in February 2025 during the annual CMHF Induction Gala, in Toronto.
The recipient of the award, for 2024, is stock car racer Kyle Steckly. The 19-year-old, who hails from Milverton, Ontario, is the son of four-time NASCAR Canada Series champion and Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame member Scott Steckly. Kyle began his racing journey at the age of 7, starting in go-karts. After several successful years in karting, he transitioned to stock car racing on paved ovals in southern Ontario.
“We’re very pleased to learn that Kyle Steckly is winner of the JMF Motorsports CMHF Rising Star Award for 2024,” said Danny Kok, COO on behalf of JMF Motorsports. “Kyle is still yet to turn 20 and he’s already achieved an amazing level of success on racetracks in Canada and the US. And by all accounts, he has the temperament, desire and support system to give him every opportunity to have an incredible career. All of us at JMF Motorsports hope that this award and the $25,000 prize will help support him in his journey.”
In 2021, Steckly made his mark in the APC United Racing Series, participating in two Late Model races where he earned both a pole and a victory. It was quickly evident that he had the skills to compete at the highest level.
As a rookie in the APC Series, in 2022, Steckly finished an impressive second in the season-long points standings in this highly competitive series. He followed that up by winning the APC Championships in 2023 and 2024. Over his four seasons on the tour, he secured eight wins, boasting a remarkable 28%-win rate.
In addition to his busy APC Late Model Series schedule, Kyle also raced full-time in the US-based ASA Stars National Tour in 2024. He finished second in the championship chase and was recognized as the series’ Rookie of the Year award winner. A standout moment in his 2024 ASA Late Model Series campaign was his mid-season victory in the prestigious Redbud 400, in Indiana.
Throughout the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, Steckly competed in nearly a dozen NASCAR Canada Series events and participated in select races in the US-based CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour, CARS Pro Late Model Series, ASA Southern Super Series, and ASA CRA Super Series.
In addition to his driving prowess, Steckly is skilled in maintaining and preparing race cars. He even served as Crew Chief for former NASCAR star Ken Schrader during his victory at a NASCAR Canada Series race on the dirt at Ohsweken Speedway in 2023.
Speaking about Kyle Steckly and the JMF Motorsports CMHF Rising Star Award, Board Chair Peter Lockhart said, “Kyle is a talented young racer on the rise. He’s won multiple championships against the most competitive stock car racers in Canada and he’s enjoying amazing success against some of the top drivers in the US. His future is very bright and we’re grateful that our partnership with JMF Motorsports is helping Canada’s rising stars to achieve their dreams and potential.”
Past winners of the CMHF Rising Star Award include Patrick Woods-Toth, Mac Clark, Marco Signoretti, Raphaël Lessard, Nicholas Latifi, Cayden Lapcevich and Lance Stroll.
ABOUT THE CMHF: The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) exists to honour and recognize the efforts, achievements and contributions that Canadians have made in the realm of Canadian Motorsports. The CMHF was officially opened in 1993 and began inducting honourable members in that year. Including the Class of 2023 inductees, the Hall of Fame will have inducted 290 individuals and organizations, who have been recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to Canadian motorsports. These men, women and organizations have earned the privilege to be a part of the Hall. Categories for induction include: Competitors, Motorsport Builders, Race Support Participants and the Media. The CMHF hosts an annual induction ceremony that has become a popular and important event to the Canadian motorsport industry. The Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation operates as a not-for-profit charitable institution. For info, visit CMHF.ca or email Director of Communications Nicole Lascelle at communications@cmhf.ca.
ABOUT JMF MOTORSPORTS: JMF Motorsports, founded in 2020 by John Farrow, is a dynamic force in Canadian motorsport, dedicated to cultivating the country’s racing talent. Under Farrow’s leadership, the team has developed a comprehensive development program aimed at guiding young drivers from their early stages right through to securing professional racing roles. JMF Motorsports offers not only opportunities for competitive racing, but also provides crucial support in areas like skill development, strategy, and career management. This commitment to nurturing all aspects of a racing career embodies the team’s philosophy of offering more than just a stepping stone — it’s about building a foundation for long-term success in motorsport. For more information, visit JMFMotorsports.ca.
*Courtesy of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame