When Jason Groves was a little boy, zipping dinkies around his toy track, he dreamed that someday he’d be behind the wheel of a real racecar, picking up speed on an asphalt track.

Last Saturday, 31-year-old Jason Groves of Hearts Desire exceeded his childhood dreams to become Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Nascar Whelen All-American Series Champion.

If you don’t know much about racecar driving…Nascar is kind of a big deal. Think Ricky Bobby, Talladega Nights. Nascar brings in some of the biggest ratings for televised sports events in the US, coming second to the National Football League.

Groves, who grew up watching Nascar races on TV, always fantasized about someday racing with the massive sports franchise.

His dream started to come to fruition earlier this year when the Eastbound International Speedway in Avondale became part of the Nascar family. In March, Avondale became home to the first Nascar track in Newfoundland and Groves started racing his Chevy SS Model every week in the Nascar Whelen All-American Series.

With help from his pit crew, Groves proved himself to be the fastest, picking up the most points for races won throughout the year. After many rain delays, the final race continued into the early morning hours last Sunday.

“It’s a big accomplishment to hold the title of the first ever Nascar Whelen Series here in Newfoundland. It’s only now starting to sink in,” Groves said.

“I’ve watched Nascar my whole life. We’ve spent countless hours at the car each week and it’s very rewarding to see our time and dedication pay off. I love racing. It’s been a huge part of my life so, taking this title was an unbelievable feeling.”

Groves and his wife Danielle will attend the Nascar Gala in Charlotte, North Carolina where he will be recognized for his win, later this year.