The 2016 race season was a rollercoaster ride for Team 3 Red. There were ups and downs, nerve-wracking moments, and great highlights. From the lows out West, to the podium finishes out East and at home, the season was filled with spectacular moments. Each and every race was an unpredictable ride. Discover the adventure that was 2016:
May 22 – Clarington 200, CT Motorsport Park
The first race of the season was a heart-stopper. Hathaway had the most lead laps of anyone with a total of 31. Towards the end of the race, the #3 Raybestos/ HGC Chevrolet had to scatter when it was pushed off course. Hathaway and Team 3 Red finished the race in ninth place. A top 10 finish isn’t the worst way to start the season, but it was a disappointment after the dominating performance.
June 18 – Dickies’ Leland 300, Sunset Speedway
Hoping to redeem himself and the team after the Clarington race, Hathaway was excited to get back on the track. On lap 63, those dreams of redemption were dashed when two cars collided in front of him and he didn’t have enough time to slow down. His #3 Raybestos/ HGC Chevrolet suffered extensive front-end damage. While he got back on the course to try to get some points, the podium was out of reach.
June 24 – CRS Express 300, Chaudiere
Team 3 Red went to Quebec with a great car. The whole race went beautifully, but as the win was in sight the car tightened up. The ill-handling car prevented the Team from becoming three-peat champs of the Autodrome Chaudiere. Team 3 Red settled for 7th position.
July 3 – ICAR 100, Circuit ICAR
The second race in Quebec started out well. Hathaway found his rhythm quickly and positioned himself in the top ten. The streak ended quickly when, on lap 4, the axle of the car broke, forcing Hathaway into pit road. All fixed up, Hathaway flew around the track, getting himself in 6th position, but the lack of cautions meant he couldn’t gain back his lap. The team finished in 21st position.
July 16 – Pinty’s Grand Prix, The Ex
The Pinty’s Series Grand Prix took place at the Toronto Exhibition Fair grounds. At the halfway point in the race, Hathaway, determined for a good showing, made an aggressive move on the 4th place car. Unfortunately, Hathaway spun out, losing him some valuable time. Cautions prevented him from regaining his position, and he finished the Grand Prix in 11th place.
July 23 – Alberta 300, Edmonton Int Raceway
After the Indy, the Team headed out West with high hopes. The race at the Edmonton International Speedway turned out to be a tough one. Hathaway was slammed by another car and sent to the outside wall. The hit ended his night at lap 103.
July 27 – Prairie 250, Wyant Group Raceway
The second race out West took place in Saskatoon. Hathaway had a great start and by lap 92 was leading the pack. For 49 laps, the #3 Raybestos/ HGC Chevrolet kept its position in the lead. With 33 laps to go a vibration in the car crushed Team 3 Red’s podium dreams; a broken axle prevented the car from going back out on the track.
Aug 14 – Can-Am 50 Tours, Trois-Rivieres
The Grand Prix at Trois-Rivieres was another let down for the team. The broken axle reared its head again and Hathaway ended the night in 18th position.
Aug 20- Bumper to Bumper 300, RiversidThe Team’s luck finally changed in the Maritimes. The race at Riverside put the whole team on the edge of their seats. The long 300 lap race worked in the team’s favour. Despite a slight penalty and the unfortunate maneuvers of a lapped car, Hathaway and Team 3 Red ended the night on the podium with a third place finish.
September 4 – Can-Am 200, CTMP
Hathaway came into the race as the defending champion. His experience on the course proved an asset as he maintained his fifth place starting position until the checkered flag. In a season that was marred with mishaps, finishing the 51 laps without incident was a confidence-boosting accomplishment.
September 10 – Lucas Oil 250, St-EustacheWeather delays and aggressive driving from a rookie driver prevented Hathaway and the team from finding their rhythm. Hathaway was spun three times in the race, yet each time he climbed his way back into the top 10. His desire to put himself at the top of the pack earned Hathaway an aggressive driving penalty, bumping him from 6th place to a 10th place finish.
September 17 – Kawartha 250
The final race of the season was a cinematic ending. Hathaway announced his retirement just days before the race. After getting washed out on the Saturday, Sunday came around with perfect weather. Great strategy, a great team, and great weather, came together for a fantastic race. Hathaway dominated the field, earning Team 3 Red a top podium finish. It was the perfect way for Hathaway to end his full time career.The past summer was one for the record books, Jason Hathaway made the decision to step down from full time racing, the Team 3 Red family got to celebrate the marriage of Jason and Jamie, and we ended it all on a great note at the Kawartha 250. Thank all our sponsors and our fans for supporting us through all of the ups and downs!