RPW Exclusive: Dean Charbonneau Has The Heart Of A Champion; Looking To Show It In 2019

Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – CLIFTON PARK, NY – If Mother Nature ever lets the competitors at Albany-Saratoga Speedway race a complete night, one driver in particular will be chomping at the bit to do so and that’s Pro Stock racer Dean Charbonneau.

Charbonneau is ready to get after it at the ‘Great Race Place” this year, and with good reason. For the first time in his career, he’s set to compete for the entire season at the Malta, NY oval, chasing not only checkered flags but his first career championship.

“This is going to be the first time I’ve got the chance to run after a title,” Charbonneau said. “We’ve always had something going on, but this year, we’re focused on the championship.”

Now that defending Pro Stock champion Kenny Martin has decided to move away and won’t be competing at the track in 2019, Dean believes this is as good of a time as any to go after the crown so he can have his name etched in the rich history of the speedway.

“We are going to concentrate on Malta this season and see if we can get the job done there,” he said. “It’s too hard to race all over and run for points. We’re going to stick with our Friday night plan to get the championship. I would like to run some special races ever now and again, but we’ll have to see how we’re doing at the time.”

The driver of the #4 machine feels that he has the equipment in place that he needs to compete with the best of the best at Albany-Saratoga this season, and is channeling all of his energy towards that.

“We bought a car from Robbie Speed after I had a bad wreck at Fonda late last season,” he said. “We fixed the wrecked car and had time over the winter to put together two good pieces so that we’re ready for Malta.”

Now, Charbonneau knows winning the championship won’t be easy, but has an idea on what he has to do to be successful this season. He understands there will be challenges along the way, but feels he and his team are ready.

“We have to keep our nose clean and finish every race if we want to have a chance to win the title,” he said. “Malta is probably the toughest place to run for points. There are a lot of good racers there like (Chucky) Dumblewski, (Josh) Coonradt, (Jay) Corbin, (Kim) Duell and many more. We’ll be ready.”

In recent years, Charbonneau has also been fighting health issues that have hindered his ability to run a complete season. As of right now, things are looking good which helped make his decision to chase the title this year even easier.

“I got a clean bill of health from my doctor so I’m good to go,” he said with a laugh. “I just have to do what they tell me. Four years ago, I had heart surgery to repair a valve that was leaking. Then, two years later, I had to have an ablation because the valve started leaking again. Now we’re all good and ready to go.”

What are Dean’s goals for this season? What will make the 2019 campaign at Albany-Saratoga successful for him when the last race is run?

“I want to be able to get a championship and some wins along the way,” he said. “I’d like to win it for my sponsors and my crew. They’ve been with me along time and also for my wife. She’s put up with a lot over the years of racing. She deserves it more than anyone.”

There has been an addition to the team this year as veteran crewman Scott Carl has joined the team and will be working with Charbonneau this season.

“Scott and his wife, Leslie, have come on board to help this year,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for that and I also have to thank Nick Stone for the hard work this winter putting the car I wreck at Fonda back together. We’re going to battle with two cars this year. I want that championship.”

Even though he’s the one that gets to hold the steering wheel, Charbonneau knows you need a great group of supporters if you plan to be the champion at any track, and he’s thankful for those he has behind him.

“I’ve got to thank my wife, Lisa and my crew for their dedication and hard work,” he said. “I also have to thank my sponsors. Grennon Project Services, Riberdy Contracting, RCT Roofing, Ted’s Body Shop, Speed’s Garage, Raw Wraps & Signs. I can’t forget people like Scooter, Nick Stone, Greek, Mom and Danny. Having great support behind you makes you work harder and I’m going to try my best for them.”

Dean Charbonneau is ready to chase after his first title and knows what he needs to do to get the job done. He’s more focused in 2019 than he’s ever been and has the team and equipment to back him up.

The veteran driver doesn’t just want to win for himself. He wants to prove to everyone that he’s one of the best in the division. You might say, he’s got the heart of a champion. Now that all his health issues are in the rear view, he’s ready to show it.

It’s now time to hit the dirt…well, if Mother Nature ever lets up.