What Is 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series was the fifth season of Canada's premier stock car racing series, featuring 13 races from May to October. Scott Steckly won his second series championship, edging out Kerry Micks by 12 points.

Key Facts

The 2011 season consisted of 13 races held between May and October
Scott Steckly won his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship
Kerry Micks finished second in the standings, just 12 points behind
D.J. Kennington won the 2011 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award
The series visited tracks in eight different Canadian provinces

Overview

The 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series marked the fifth season of Canada's top-level stock car racing series, sanctioned by NASCAR. It served as a developmental and national platform for Canadian drivers aiming to advance in North American motorsports, bridging regional talent with the broader NASCAR ecosystem.

Thirteen races were held across Canada, beginning at Autodrome Saint-Eustache in Quebec on May 28 and concluding at Kawartha Speedway in Ontario on October 15. The season featured a mix of oval tracks and road courses, showcasing diverse racing styles and testing driver versatility.

Thirteen races were scheduled and completed during the 2011 season, the most in series history at the time, reflecting NASCAR's commitment to expanding Canadian motorsports.
Scott Steckly captured his second series title, driving the No. 22 Dodge for his own team, Steckly Racing, with consistency and four top-five finishes.
Kerry Micks finished just 12 points behind Steckly, making it the closest championship battle since the series' inception in 2007.
D.J. Kennington claimed the 2011 Rookie of the Year honors, demonstrating strong performances in his first full season, including a win at Riverside International Speedway.
Races were held in eight Canadian provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, highlighting the national reach of the series.

How It Works

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series operated under a points-based championship system, with drivers earning points based on race finishes, stage completions, and bonus points for leading laps. The structure mirrored NASCAR's national series but was tailored to Canadian circuits and driver development goals.

Points System: Drivers earned 40 points for a win, with decreasing values down to 34th place, plus 5 bonus points for leading a lap and 5 for leading the most laps.
Championship Format: The season-long title was awarded to the driver with the highest cumulative points after the final race, without a playoff system.
Car Specifications: Competitors used V8-powered stock cars built to NASCAR Canadian Tire Series technical rules, balancing performance and safety.
Driver Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international drivers, though over 90% of entries were Canadian-based in 2011.
Race Length: Events averaged 200–250 kilometers, lasting 60–90 minutes, depending on track type and caution periods.
Sponsorship Model: Teams relied on regional and national sponsors, with NASCAR Canadian Tire Series title sponsorship provided by Canadian Tire Corporation.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with its U.S. counterparts and predecessor seasons:

Category	2011 Canadian Tire Series	2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup	2010 Canadian Tire Series
Total Races	13	36	12
Champion	Scott Steckly	Tony Stewart	Scott Steckly
Championship Margin	12 points	Tiebreaker (Stewart won on wins)	136 points
Top Speed (Avg)	145 mph	190 mph	142 mph
Rookie of the Year	D.J. Kennington	Trevor Bayne	Kevin Lacroix

The 2011 season showed growth over 2010, with an additional race and tighter competition. While significantly smaller in scale than the Sprint Cup, the Canadian series played a vital role in developing homegrown talent and maintaining motorsports visibility across the country.

Why It Matters

The 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series was a pivotal season that demonstrated the maturity and competitiveness of Canadian stock car racing. It provided a structured, high-profile platform for drivers to gain experience and exposure, often serving as a stepping stone to U.S.-based NASCAR series.

Driver Development: The series helped launch careers, with D.J. Kennington later competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
National Identity: It reinforced Canada's presence in NASCAR, countering perceptions that stock car racing was solely a U.S. phenomenon.
Track Exposure: Smaller tracks like Ohsweken Speedway gained national attention through live broadcasts and media coverage.
Sponsorship Value: Regional businesses leveraged team sponsorships to reach millions of Canadian viewers via TSN broadcasts.
Technical Parity: The standardized rules ensured close competition, with 11 different race winners over the first five seasons.
Legacy Building: The 2011 season contributed to the foundation that led to the series' rebranding as NASCAR Pinty's Series in 2016.

Overall, the 2011 season was a testament to the growth and sustainability of professional stock car racing in Canada, setting benchmarks for future seasons and cementing its role in the broader motorsports landscape.