From the driver’s seat to the control tower, Cliff Dawson’s motorsports career has seen him involved with a variety of road racing series. Dawson’s passion for the sport started in his teenage years, when he built a hot rod at 15-years-old and was paid to drag race a Chevy at the age of 17. He later got involved in open-wheel competition, racing in Formula Ford from 1974 to 1976. He moved up to Formula Atlantic in 1977, piloting a Brabham BT38 at tracks across Quebec and Ontario.

Dawson purchased another Formula Atlantic car in 1981 and continued in the series through 1986. He also purchased a Formula 2 March 832 and competed across the US and Canada in the Can-Am series for a handful of seasons. He was runner-up in the two-litre challenge and was a representative for that division.

Following his racing career, Dawson served as Chief Steward for the Honda Michelin Series, Magna Endurance Series, Michelin Enduro, Motorola Cup, Quebec Formula Ford and Formula 2000, and Quebec ice racing. He joined Formula Atlantic as the series’ Director of Operations and Logistics Coordinator from 2000 to 2007, where he was asked to work in race control as an Assistant Steward; that role included filling in as Series Steward for events in Toronto and Mexico.

During his time as a steward, Dawson started a company called Pro Racing Management in 1998 to help other drivers competing in international events. He continues to be involved in local motorsports, helping young drivers learn the ropes.