J. R. Fitzpatrick
A Canadian racing prodigy who became the youngest champion in CASCAR history and forged a durable career in NASCAR's top tiers.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian stock car racing driver·Birthday: May 9·Millennials
Biography
J.R. Fitzpatrick seized the CASCAR championship in 2006 at age 18, becoming the series' youngest-ever titleholder in its final season. Hailing from Cambridge, Ontario, he was born into the family trucking business and racing. The title opened the door to NASCAR, where he competed in the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series for nearly a decade. Fitzpatrick racked up top-ten finishes and challenged for wins on superspeedways and road courses with an aggressive, no-fear style. A full-time Cup Series ride remained elusive.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
J. was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When J. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
J.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the youngest champion in CASCAR Super Series history, winning the title in 2006 at age 18.
- Scored multiple top-five and top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, including a best finish of 2nd at Daytona in 2010.
- Competed in 35 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, with a career-best finish of 4th at Road America in 2011.
- Won the NASCAR Pinty's Series race at the Toronto Honda Indy in 2011.
Did You Know?
He began racing go-karts at the age of seven.
His family owns Fitzpatrick Motorsports, a successful trucking company that sponsored his racing efforts.
He is an avid hockey fan and played competitively as a goaltender in his youth.
He made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2008 at Watkins Glen, finishing 28th.
“I grew up around trucks and racing, so it's just in my blood.”
