‘Daytona’ Don Biederman’s legacy at Riverside International Speedway as a three-time Riverside 250 champion will be celebrated on Saturday when a replica of Biederman’s famous Petty blue #43 1972 Chevy Nova will be the honorary pace car for the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis. The car was built this past off-season by Patty Lawrence, the youngest son of Riverside’s legendary announcer Jerry ‘Jer Bear’ Lawrence, and founder of the Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series.
In his ’72 Nova, Biederman won crown jewel races in Canada and the United States, including the Maple Leaf 250 at Cayuga Motor Speedway in Ontario and the Oxford 250 in Maine. And, it was among the cars to run the first Riverside 250 in 1977, which was co-promoted by Jer Bear and Ron King.
Biederman (1940-1999) hailed from Port Credit, Ontario, but traveled to the east coast to race frequently in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether he won or not, his appearance was nearly always memorable with his hard-nosed persona and aggressive driving style.
For Patty Lawrence, seeing his Don Biederman tribute car as the honorary pace car for the IWK 250 is personal. As a youngster and son of Jer Bear, track promoter at the time, he knew the driver as a larger-than-life personality. Now, as founder of the Hot Rod Classics, he can pay homage to one of his racing heroes at a track where he has a special connection.
“Riverside holds a special place in the hearts of the Lawrence’s,” said Patty Lawrence. “My brothers and I sold programs at the track when my father was the promoter. Now, four decades later, I am thrilled to have this Biederman replica showcased during the IWK 250. From his many trips ‘down east’ Don became an honorary Maritimer, so it’s fitting that he is remembered at the track where his Nova raced in ‘77 and ’78, and where he won three consecutive 250s. Hopefully, our No. 43 will rekindle some old memories that made Don the legend he is.”
In a racing career spanning three decades, Biederman was a two-time winner of the River Glade International in New Brunswick, a three-time winner of the Riverside 250 (now known as the IWK 250). He was the first Canadian to compete full-time in the NASCAR Grand National Series (now Cup Series) in 1967; it was then that he became known as ‘Daytona’ Don Biederman – a moniker that has lasted over 50 years. He built race cars and drove them for a living, practically unheard of at the time, and as a result, raced every chance he got – often running five nights a week at different tracks in Canada and the U.S. Behind the scenes, Biederman often gave back to fellow competitors with parts and advice; he also donated time and equipment to restoration projects as he loved nothing more than seeing old race cars restored to their former glory.
Fans can view actual footage, with sound, of Biederman driving his ’72 Nova in the 1977 Riverside 250 in the following clips…
Fans can see the Biederman tribute car up close on Saturday afternoon in the midway area (behind the tower).
Patty Lawrence’s No. 43 and the Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series will be at Riverside on September 6 as part of the Back to School Spectacular presented by NAPA Auto Parts.
The IWK 250 Super Weekend kicked off Wednesday, July 16, with the new-for-’25 $5k-to-win Dash 4 Cash Pro Stock 75 won by Cory Hall. Thursday, July 17, sees sportsman and pro stock practice in the afternoon/early evening, followed by the IWK 250 Tailgate Party Presented by Coldstream Clear. Friday, July 18, will see the NAPA/Henry’s Auto Parts 100 for the Auto World MASS Sportsman Series and the Maritime Legends Challenge for the Cross Roads Legends Tour. Saturday, July 19, will see the 17th running of the $20k-to-win IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis – the 36th “250” at Riverside. With the addition of the Dash 4 Cash, more than $178,000 is being offered in prize monies for the IWK 250 Super Weekend – making it one of the richest stock car racing events in Canada and, indeed, on the Eastern seaboard. A complete four-day schedule is available on the IWK 250 page at www.riversidespeedway.ca.
The IWK 250 is round four of 10 en route to the 2025 championship for the Fort Garry Industries Pro Stock Tour.
Tickets are available at www.riversidespeedway.ca as single-day tickets or in 2-Day or 3-Day Bundles. The 2-Day bundle includes Friday and Saturday, and the 3-Day Bundle includes Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Ticket pricing, order links, and much more are available on the IWK 250 at www.riversidespeedway.ca. As part of its commitment to affordable family entertainment, kids 15 & under get free grandstand admission all year long. Single-day tickets will be available at the gate for each event.
With more than 750 campsite reservations already made for the IWK 250 Super Weekend, the Riverside camping sections are full.
Fans should stay tuned to Riverside’s website (www.riversidespeedway.ca), social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram), and sign up for the electronic newsletter (www.riversidespeedway.ca/media/newsletter) for further announcements regarding the 2025 season at Riverside.
About Riverside International Speedway:
For 56 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times each year for special events. It is the largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. It also hosts the NASCAR Canada Series in its only stop on the East Coast. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans-Canada Highway 104. For more information, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).
