Predicting the Breakthroughs: Potential First-Time Winners on the 2025 Pro Stock Tour
#13 Austin MacDonald celebrating his first Tour Victory @ Summer Clash 250, 2024 - Photo Courtesy of JT Racing Pix
May 11th, 2025
The Maritime Pro Stock Tour is no stranger to breakout moments. Just last season, we saw several drivers take long-awaited or hard-earned steps into the winner’s circle for the first time.
At just 19 years old and in only his sixth career start, #88 Danny Chisholm put on a commanding performance at Riverside International Speedway, leading 115 laps en route to a statement victory in a 150-lap feature. On Prince Edward Island, #40 Robbie MacEwen scored his second career Tour win after a bit of a win drought in a chaotic 150-lapper at Oyster Bed Speedway, leading 80 laps in front of a hometown crowd.
Meanwhile, #13 Austin MacDonald delivered one of the most memorable wins of 2024, taking the top step of the podium at Scotia Speedworld’s prestigious Summer Clash 250, fending off tough competition from #54 Jarrett Butcher and #67 Dylan Blenkhorn.
In the latest proof that once a driver breaks through, the floodgates may open: Case in point - Jarrett Butcher, who earned his first career win in the 2023 season opener at Scotia Speedworld. He went on to win three races that year, finishing second in the points behind #99 Craig Slaunwhite, who claimed a record-setting third consecutive championship title.
Butcher’s upward trajectory continued in 2024, where he again won three features—including both the season opener at Speedway 660 (an 83-laps led effort) and a second 150-lap race at Scotia following that. He also claimed the 2024 Tour championship, while finishing runner-up in both the IWK 250 and Summer Clash 250.
So, who’s next?
That’s what this article is all about: spotlighting some of the top candidates to earn their first-ever win on the Maritime Pro Stock Tour in 2025. There are many others who could step up as well, and to any driver not listed here—take it as fuel. Prove that your name should’ve been on this list.
[note that this is being written without full knowledge of who will or will not be racing full-time, or how often they will race, if at all; it is based on some knowledge and some guesses]
#41 Mike Rodgers
In a time where Nova Scotia dominates the driver roster on the Pro Stock Tour, and the Super Late Model Series is the go-to for most New Brunswick and PEI-based racers, Mike Rodgers stands out as a consistent presence from NB. With 38 Tour starts, including full-time efforts since 2022, he has progressively built a case as one of the most overdue for a win.
2022: 4 top-5s in 10 starts
2023: 5 top-5s in 11 starts
2024: 4 top-5s in 10 starts, including multiple podiums and laps led
Rodgers is a legitimate weekly threat, and he's only been getting stronger. At this point, it’s harder to argue against him as a potential first time winner, than for it.
#88 Russell Smith Jr.
With 21 top-5s in 61 Tour starts, a win for Russell Smith Jr. seems less like an if and more like a when. Though 2024 was a bit of a down year, it seems more like a temporary dip than a permanent setback.
In 2023, Smith put together a stellar season with 7 top-5s and 11 top-10s in 11 starts—including multiple podium finishes. If he’s back full-time in 2025, expect him to be in the mix for that elusive first checkered flag.
#7 Brad Eddy
Eddy's situation is more speculative - if we see him in action, it may only be for select marquee events. But let it be known: the fans want him back.
In 2023, after nearly a decade away from the Pro Stock Tour, Eddy returned with strong showings:
6th-place finishes in both the IWK 250 and Summer Clash 250
7th-place in the season finale 200-lapper at Scotia Speedworld
He showed real pace, not just early in races but deep into them. While his 2024 campaign was hindered by early trouble in both 250s, his 2023 return proved that the skill is still there. If everything aligns, he’s a dark horse to watch, even against the toughest of competition in the marquee races he is most likely to select.
#11v Jordan Veinotte
Veinotte is a Late Model Sportsman standout, like Russel Smith Jr., now making progress in the Pro Stock Tour. While his 3 top-5s in 28 starts may not be as impressive as some other drivers, all of them came in 2024—a sign that his development is picking up steam.
He made noticeable gains last season and began to show real speed, including among the front of the pack. If that progress continues, there is no reason to think this year can’t come with a breakout performance.
#25g Gage Gilby
At just 17 years old, Gilby is arguably the most exciting first-time win candidate on this list.
Following a very successful introduction into Legend racing, his rookie season in the 2024 Pro Stock Tour saw him earn:
5 top-5s in 10 races
9 top-10s overall
2 podium finishes
Laps led and respectful, patient driving
Gilby races with a maturity beyond his years—clean, calculated, and strategic. He has a knack for finding the front runners when it counts, and whether it’s by smart racecraft or outright speed, he’s a real threat to become the youngest winner in Tour history, and there is reason for the top contenders to keep a close eye on his development, as it may not be long before they are seeing him battling for the front, or leading laps on a regular basis.
#26 Braden Langille
Langille returns to full-time competition in 2025 after several years away. While his early Pro Stock Tour outings didn’t yield eye-grabbing results, his background in Bandoleros and Legends racing speaks volumes:
101 wins in 216 starts (46.7% win rate) - Slightly incomplete data, but what is stated is verified.
17 wins in 28 starts during his last full Legends season (60.7%) - 2019. This followed his single full-time Pro Stock Tour season in 2018.
He dipped back into racing in late 2023, driving the now regionally iconic #53 Butcher Racing car, finishing 8th in the 200-lap Scotia finale. After several years of focusing on his career, hobbies, and exercise/diet to maintain strong physical health, he is ready to run full-time again.
While there may be a little bit of nerves juxtaposed by excitement, and some rust to scrape off, he has shown so much success throughout his racing career that he deserves respect as a contender.
