A Family Matter

   Scott Fraser is quick to point out that a close relationship with his family gives him the solid foundation on which he is building his racing career.

   "They've been there every step of the way," said Scott, who drove his first stock car race at 16. "Not only my dad and my brother, but my mother too. She's a nervous wreck when we're on the track, but at the same time she's our biggest cheerleader. My mom is the backbone of the family."

   Fraser's dad, Frank, is a short track legend in eastern Canada. In 1996, after 34 years of competition, he semi-retired from driving with hundreds of wins on his resume. But Frank says the highlight of his racing career was in 1996 at an annual 250-lap race at Riverside Speedway in Nova Scotia.

   "Scott had been dominating the race and I finally had my car working so well that I was in second place and gaining on him," said Frank. "With less than 20 laps to go, I caught him. We ran bumper to bumper for a couple of laps while I looked for a way to pass. He knew I was there, believe me. I made my move, got up beside his door, was inching ahead, and, bang, there was an awful noise under the hood. The engine had dropped a cylinder. I fell back and was able to finish second behind Scott, but it was the most fun I ever had behind the wheel."

   The elder Fraser, at 54, was still displaying his talents in 2000, collecting numerous checkered flags as a substitute driver for his oldest son, Frank Jr., in a car they built at the family business, Fraser & Sons Welding. The business evolved from one that primarily repaired farm tractors to one that currently produces some of the most competitive race cars in North America.

   "I guess we've come full circle," said Scott of his relationship with his father. "I grew up helping Dad around the shop and the track. Now, we not only work together but he has been and is still a great help in my racing career. To know that I have such strong support not only from him but from the rest of my family is a great comfort."