At Van Kam Freightways, we are proud to support the passions and pursuits of our team members beyond their professional roles. One such inspiring story is Ken Shrimpton, one of our dedicated local drivers in Surrey, and his son Trevor. Together, they have embarked on an exciting journey in the world of motorsport, turning a shared family passion into a series of remarkable achievements in competitive quarter midgets car racing.
Motorsport runs deep in Ken Shrimpton’s veins. Ken grew up surrounded by the thrill of dirt biking and the roar of Harley-Davidsons. Naturally, when his son Trevor was born, he wasted no time passing on the family passion. “I had Trevor on my Harley as soon as he could hold on,” Ken reminisces. By age four, Trevor had his first quad bike, and the Shrimpton racing legacy began. Their love for speed and adventure set the stage for an exciting journey into competitive quarter midgets car racing.
In 2017, Ken and Trevor took their enthusiasm to the next level by joining the Langley Quarter Midget Association (LQMA). Over the past eight years, they have consistently ranked in the top 10 at the end of each racing season. Trevor’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In his last four races, Trevor has started from 7th to finish 4th, 6th to 3rd, 6th to 2nd, and most recently, starting 5th and finishing 6th while also winning a heat race after qualifying 10th in a doubleheader at the LQMA track. “Every race is a new challenge, but we face it head-on and keep pushing forward,” Ken says proudly.
Van Kam’s sponsorship has been a pivotal factor in their success. “Van Kam has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders,” Ken shares. The sponsorship has provided new racing motors, tires for every race day, and essential parts upgrades, transforming Trevor’s quarter midget car into a high-performance machine. “The new motors from Van Kam have pushed Trevor from being a top 8 car to a top 5 contender,” Ken explains. Additionally, Van Kam has covered many of their race entry fees, allowing them to focus more on racing and less on the financial strain. This support reflects Van Kam’s commitment to their community, embodying the CARE and DEVELOP Value that the company holds dear.
Ken and Trevor are proud to carry the Van Kam brand on their quarter midget car. Through displaying the logo, they’ve met many new friends. “People often come up to say hi because they recognize Van Kam,” Ken shares. They’ve met folks who have worked with Van Kam, have families who do, or have people who use our logistics services. Others appreciate our BC family-owned business and have followed our story over the years. This experience has deepened Ken and Trevor’s understanding of Van Kam’s impact on local communities across Western Canada.
Ken and Trevor’s ambition doesn’t stop at top 5 finishes. Their goal is to consistently be at the front of the pack and chase championships. They are currently ranked 7th out of 23 teams in their league and are determined to climb higher. The next big challenge is the Quarter Midget of America Western Grand event at the Washington Quarter Midget Association from July 30 to August 3. Over 200 teams from across America and Canada will compete, and Trevor eagerly anticipates the competition. “Trevor is super pumped for this event,” Ken shares. “We’re ready to give it our all and see how we stack up against the best,” he concludes.
As Trevor approaches 14, he’s not just learning how to race but also delving into his car’s mechanics. Under Ken’s guidance, Trevor is gaining hands-on experience maintaining and fixing his quarter midget car. “Trevor’s already changing his tires and handling small fixes,” Ken says. “I’m teaching him everything I know so he can be self-sufficient on the track.” With aspirations to move up to higher leagues like NASCAR when he turns 17, Trevor’s future in racing looks incredibly promising. Ken’s dedication to his son’s development is paving the way for a new generation of racers.
With Van Kam’s unwavering support, Ken and Trevor are racing towards success, embodying the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and community. As they continue to chase their dreams, we at Van Kam are proud to be a part of their incredible journey.
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