Joel Doiron Steps Back from Racing to Honor Father's Racing Legacy – DTD Exclusive

Joel Doiron Steps Back from Racing to Honor Father's Racing Legacy – DTD Exclusive

By Michael Anderson

January 30, 2025 at 11:06 PM

Joel Doiron spent his life immersed in racing as a competitor, mentor, and supporter before recently deciding to step back from the sport. This decision allows him to focus on teaching at Cité Collégiale Francophone d'Ottawa and preserving his father's racing legacy through artifact collection.

As the son of Hall of Fame racer Ovide Doiron, Joel grew up in the automotive industry, spending weekdays at their family business, Doiron Auto Inc., and weekends at the racetrack. From an early age, he worked alongside his father in the race shop, helping with car preparation and maintenance.

Go-kart racers compete on dirt track

Go-kart racers compete on dirt track

In 1994, at age 30, Joel began his own racing career in a former Bob Thurston machine. He competed part-time in Sportsman Modifieds while continuing to support his father's racing efforts. His career highlights include winning DIRTcar Rookie of the Year in 1997 and capturing both the Autodrome Edelweiss track championship in 1998 and the Cornwall Motor Speedway track championship in 2002.

Dirt track sprint car racing

Dirt track sprint car racing

Racing car on dirt track

Racing car on dirt track

After retiring from driving, Joel served as race director at Cornwall Speedway from 2017 until recently. In this role, he particularly enjoyed mentoring young drivers at the kart track, teaching them racing lines and techniques.

Man sitting on garage stool

Man sitting on garage stool

Man working on race car engines

Man working on race car engines

Racing driver next to engine

Racing driver next to engine

Today, Joel dedicates his time to preserving his father's legacy as Ovide battles dementia. He carefully catalogs racing memorabilia, each piece triggering memories of their shared passion for the sport. The project is especially meaningful given the close relationships formed over decades of racing, including friendships with competitors like Bob McCreadie.

Race driver wearing competition jacket

Race driver wearing competition jacket

Cornwall Motor Speedway remains deeply significant to Joel, as it's where his father began racing on opening night. Though stepping back from his official duties, Joel's impact on the racing community continues through his preservation efforts and the memories he shares with future generations.

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