Don Biederman

26/2/1940 - 31/5/1999

Record updated 26-Feb-07

Biederman was one of the greatest Canadian stock car drivers particularly successful on the short tracks in Canada. He also ran some of the major short track Stock Car open races in the Great Lakes states. He was the first Canadian to campaign full time on the NASCAR Grand National circuit. He died suddenly at the age of 59.

From Oakville, Ontario, Don Biederman was one of the greatest Canadian stock car drivers. Known primarily for his aggressive style both on and off the speedways tracks of Canada and the USA, he was described as crusty, cantankerous, opinionated and outspoken. One of the first drivers from Canada to earn a living from racing, he was the first Canadian to campaign full time on the NASCAR Grand National circuit (now Nextel Cup).

Aside from driving, Don also built cars, amoung them the one that Dave Marcis drove in his first Daytona 500 in 1965. His cars were not always pretty as Don knew that appearances didn't make them go fast. He is also credited with paving the way for fellow Canadians like Earl Ross and Roy Smith to go south.

Best know for racing around the Southern Ontario area at tracks such as Cayuga, Pinecrest, Flamboro, Peterborough and Delaware, he raced every night of the week when he could, winning numerous events and championships.

Don also raced in the USA, crossing the border to compete at Lancaster, Holland and Perry in New York state as well as in the Maritimes at speedways such as Riverside in Nova Scotia and River Glade in New Brunswick.

In 1977 Don won both the Maple Leaf 250 and the Northern 200 at Cayuga International Speedway triumphing over drivers such as Jerry Makara, Art Clark and Bob Senneker among other short track legends. He also won the Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Maine the same year against well-known NASCAR stars like Harry Gant and Morgan Shepherd.

He was still active in the sport right up until the time of his death and traveled throughout Ontario, the Maritimes and the U.S. assisting drivers and even taking part in the odd race. He passed away suddenly at his Brantford, Ontario home aged just 59.




hr