CONCORD, N.C. -- Wednesday, July 1, marks Canada Day, which celebrates the 1867 unification of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Thirty eight years ago, the day took on an extra meaning when the Canadian Constitution was patriated by the Canada Act 1982.
While NASCAR has the reputation of being an American institution, several Canadians work hard with Hendrick Motorsports and have adopted the sport as their own.
Get to know two of Hendrick Motorsports’ Canadian teammates in honor of Canada Day 2020.
WENDY TIMM, TEAM APPAREL AND TOUR GUIDE
Where in Canada are you and your family from?
Guelph/Kitchener in Ontario.
How did you get into racing?
Short track Racing in Ontario was a big part of my life, then (husband and fabricator) Murray (Timm) came to Hendrick Motorsports in 1996. I started in 2007, the year before Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the organization.
Favorite hockey team?
My favorite hockey team is Toronto Maple Leafs but now that I have in North Carolina for 22 years, I have kind of switched to the Hurricanes!
What is one part about being Canadian that makes you extremely proud?
Extremely proud that we are known for being non-confrontational and peace makers. Our food regulations are a little stiffer but honestly, we are a lot the same.
What is one thing you want more Canadians to know about NASCAR?
Don’t believe everything you read from the media about NASCAR - we are truly all a NASCAR family when it means the most.
ORANE OSSOWSKI, REAR TIRE CHANGER FOR THE NO. 24 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 1LE
Where in Canada are you and your family from?
It’s a small town outside of Montreal called Saint-Hyacinthe.
How did your career path bring you to Hendrick Motorsports?
My father originally moved us down here to work at Hendrick Motorsports shortly after I was born. I started in high school so it’s really the only career that I’ve had.
Several family members of yours work at Hendrick Motorsports: was racing a big part of your life growing up?
I would say so. I would always go into work with my dad on the weekends and run around the shop. I’ve always been around racing and Hendrick Motorsports in general.
What is one thing you want more Canadians to know about NASCAR
That it’s not just a southern sport. It’s open to anyone from all countries to watch and enjoy.
What makes you proud to be Canadian?
I’m proud to have been raised in a French-Canadian household. Growing up, my mom made sure that I didn’t lose that part of me. To this day, she still only speaks to me in French.
Favorite hockey team?
I’d have to cheer for the hometown team - the Montreal Canadiens.