MOUNT BRYDGES, ON – Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rookie of the Year and 2018 Nascar Pinty’s Series Oval Track Champion Cole Powell and Must See Racing Sprint Car Series regular Ryan Litt will represent Canada in the inaugural ‘5 Nations Cup’ on February 29th and March 7th.
The event – the first of its kind – will draw racers from South Africa, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to compete in 410 Sprint Cars at a pair of South Africa’s most popular pavement ovals.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to race in a big event like this,” Offered Powell. “I mean this is absolutely amazing. To represent Canada and race against elite talent from all over the world – that’s every racers dream.”
“I’ve never raced a pavement sprint car before but I’m confident that I can adapt quickly,” adds the second-generation star. “I was fortunate enough to run a lot of races with the (NASCAR) Whelen Modified Tour so I’m not exactly a newbie when it comes to open wheel cars.”
“I’m hoping that Ryan and I can show off what makes Canadian talent so special and come back home with some hardware. I never dreamed I’d be flying halfway across the world for a race but I can’t wait to land in South Africa and get to work.”
For Powell’s Canadian teammate, the trip to South Africa is the chance to further establish himself as one of the most exciting and well-known talents in Pavement Sprint Car racing.
“This opportunity is a dream come true – no question,” says Litt. “I’ve been friends with some of the South African drivers for a few years now and I’ve been trying for a long time to get over there to race.”
“This is the first time they’ve decided to bring in Canadian drivers and I’m absolutely honoured that they asked me to be a part of it. This is one of those deals that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Travelling across the world to race against some of the top drivers on the planet.”
“I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of it and I’m hoping that Cole and I can run strong and represent Canada to the fullest.”
The first round of the 5 Nations Cup will take place on February 29th at Richards Bay Hotrod Club in Richards Bay, South Africa. The second round is scheduled for March 7th at Ultimate Raceway in Vereeniging, South Africa.