Canfield handles championship pressure

The foundation to Charles Canfield’s 2017 Mini Stock championship season was actually built the season before.
“I finally found a set-up I could drive,” Canfield said. “So we built a new car over the winter, and tried to get the car to handle better. Our goal was to get as many podiums and top-five finishes as possible.”
He succeeded. Canfield grabbed two wins, three seconds, two thirds and pocketed 12 Top 5s in 14 races to edge two-time champ Wayne Burroughs by eight points.
“It wasn’t easy, especially because of the competition,” Canfield said. “There are a lot of evenly-matched cars. The pressure was intense all season. It was great competition. But they are the cleanest drivers out there. They were a pressure to race against.”
The season did have one major crisis point in the middle of the season.
“The season started off well, and then the car started going away,” Canfield said. “So we did some midseason motor work and switched back to our old car. And it started to handle a lot better.”
Canfield entered the final race of the season leading Burroughs by four points and Jacob Perry by five.
“Going into the last race, I just wanted to do the same things that I do every race,” Canfield said. “The first caution came out and I was comfortable. I just glued myself to Perry’s back bumper. I knew if I stayed there and if I kept the 20 car (Burroughs) behind me, I would be in good shape.”
Canfield finished second, and the celebration was under way.
“It feels good,” Canfield said. “I like having my name listed on Sid’s Vault.”
Canfield said he started racing nine years ago, but took a couple of seasons off.
“The past three years I’ve been full time,” Canfield said. “I think one of my strengths is that I’m a good defensive driver. It’s all about knowing what’s in front of you, and what’s happening all around you.”
Canfield credits Al Stone with the set-up, GCR Motors and Glenn Colvin, Jim’s Lawn Care, JAY Landscaping, NAPA of Guilford and Morosso.
His crew consists of his dad, Charlie Canfield, his wife, his daughter Erica, Mark, Keila, Erianee, Kylee, Cheryl and the entire 52 Limited Sportsman team.”
“It was a nerve-racking year,” Canfield said. “Our goal was to improve and be more consistent, and we were able to do it.”
The championship trophy proves just how consistent Canfield was.