The Canipe name has been synonymous with winning for many years. NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Champion, winners of over 250 races between two drivers, a father and son duo, Dexter Canipe Sr. and Dexter Canipe Jr.
Winning is just in their DNA. Dexter Canipe, Sr. won around 150 races in his career including a Late Model Stock Car championship at Greenville Pickens Speedway in 1997 and another one at Hickory Motor Speedway in 1998 and a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Championship in 1997. He was easily one of the most successful Late Model drivers of his era.
His son Dexter Jr. has followed that up with an incredible career as well. He’s won a Late Model Stock Car championship at Tri-County Motor Speedway in 2009, a Late Model Truck division title in 2007 and four Limited Late Model championships in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
This past Saturday at Hickory Motor Speedway he crossed a milestone that not many drivers will ever get the chance to reach. Canipe Jr. won his 100th career race. It was a special moment for him and his team.
“Getting that 100th win was a huge deal,” said Canipe. “It was a relief too though because we had been stuck on the 99th forever it seemed like.”
Canipe says his dad has played the biggest role in his racing career.
“My dad has really helped me out. He’s really good at this. He can really make a car get around a track. Having him in my corner means the world to me. It’s really all my dad.”
Canipe is even more excited to get that 100th win in what he says will be his final season though he’s not ready to call it retirement.
“This year is more special for me,” explained Canipe. “I’ve been racing for 20 years and I think it’s time to move on and not miss these times with my kids as they’re growing up. I’m not saying I’m retiring but I won’t race much.”
Canipe has two sons Trey (Dexter Canipe III) and Jackson. Trey is 12 years old and he already has a Limited Late Model that they’re going to begin practicing him in. Jackson is into every sport including baseball and basketball.
“I want to be there for all their games and all their races and really be their father and be there for them. My wife says these are the kinds of times you don’t want to miss and she’s right. I want to be there for everything.”
Trey could be the next “Dexter Canipe” to rewrite the record books in Limited and Late Model Stock Car racing as he’ll begin his career over the next two years.
“We have Trey a Limited car and we want to spend the next two years really practicing him and getting him ready to start racing at 14 years old.”
Canipe Jr’s final goal as a full time race car driver is one that many racers have dreamed of and only a few have ever accomplished.
“With this being my last year, I really want to get my name on the wall,” said Canipe referring to the ‘Wall of Fame’ at Hickory Motor Speedway which notes every Late Model driver to ever win a championship on the famed 3/8 mile track. “My dads name is on there and I really want my name to be on there with his.”
Now that Canipe has the 100th win under his belt the pressure is off and now he can focus on winning the championship and adding his name to the legacy of Hickory Motor Speedway. The Canipe family is firmly cemented as one of the greatest racing names and Dexter Canipe, Jr. had as much to do with that as his father before him.
