Whatever the stage of a racer’s career, there is nothing that can replace the value of seat time.
From the age of 11, Mike Bowman spent the early years of his motorsport’s education in karting, before advancing to a DIRTcar Sportsman-Modified ride and eventually a Small Block Modified. With the arrival of the 2022 season, the 42-year-old father of 2 from Stevensville, Ontario will add experience in a Crate Sprint Car to his racing resume.
Bowman’s name is synonymous with success in the sport. Over the years, he has scored Sportsman track championships, 30 main victories including an upset 2012 Big Block Modified triumph at Merrittville Speedway and the 2021 358 Modified season title at the popular Niagara region oval. Even with his previous prowess, the racer is looking forward to his first laps in the Sprint Car with a youthful exuberance.
“It’ll certainly be a new experience and even though I’m excited about the experience, I’m going into it without any expectations,” Mike Bowman – who serves as Vice President of his family-owned business, Seaway Fluid Power – explained. “I don’t think the Sprint Car will perform anything like the Modified, but it all comes back to seat time. Until I’m pushed-off for those first laps at the season opener, our notebook is filled with blank pages.”
Throughout his career, Bowman’s equipment has carried No. 71 and his Sprint Car ride will be no exception. It’s a tradition that started when his uncle John Cadman selected the number when he started racing. His cousin John Cadman Jr. also uses the identifier on the Ontario Outlaw Super Late Model equipment that he campaigns across the province. Away from the track, the driver – who is planning a September wedding in addition to his busy 2022 racing season – enjoys being a good Dad, snowmobiling and spending time in the outdoors.
“This year, our team’s weekly racing focus will be Ransomville and Humberstone Speedways,” said Bowman. “That takes care of the Friday and Sunday night part of our plans and leaves Saturday night open for some travelling. Right now, we have a Saturday, April 30th Small Block Series event at Fulton Speedway on the schedule but I’m sure there will be more shows added as everyone gets rolling.”
Mike Bowman’s equipment is prepared and maintained by Leeam Daniels, George Michaud, Derrick Miller and Paul Davies, with sponsorship support from Seaway Fluid Power, Ryco Hydraulics, IRP/Maxx Industrial Hose, Douglas Hydraulic Manufacturing, Dynablast Pressure Washers, TKC Metal Recycling, St. Amand Auto & Truck Service and Penske Shocks.
The best place to track the No. 71 team’s progress is at the racetrack, but there is also an event schedule on the driver’s social media platform and regular updates posted at www.facebook.com/MBR.
