Darren's
racing career began at the age of ten, where he gained competitive
experience in the Bicycle Motocross ranks. Just three years
later, his desire to compete in Motocross Racing became a
reality. In 1986, Darren temporarily left racing to restore a
classic Pontiac GTO Convertible.
He returned to racing in 1990 in the Mini-Sprint class, winning the
points championship in the Manitoba Mini-Sprint Racing Assocation's
"Limited Class". In 1991, he placed third at the U.S. Mini-Sprint
Nationals in Newcastle, Wyoming. Later, Darren added several track
championships to his credit including the prestigious 1994 Florida
Speedweeks Mini-Sprint Shootout at Volusia County Speedway in
Barberville, Florida. In 1995, he began a three-year tenure in
the full-size “Outlaw” Sprint Car Division, until his
retirement from competition in 1997.
1997: Begins announcing
career at Victory Lane Speedway under the guidance of veteran circle
track broadcaster Pat Mooney.
2000: Hired by Live Nation
Motor Sports (formerly SFX Motor Sports Group), and begins training
under the direction of legendary Monster Jam announcer Joe Lowe. Darren
has since attended five Live Nation Announcer Summits in Chicago, IL.
Each year a staggering 62 million people attend over 29,000 events
promoted and/or produced by Live Nation. They are the world's largest
promoter of live entertainment.
2001:
Reaches an agreement
with Grant Reeves (promoter of the Super Snowcross Stadium Tour) to
perform live-event announcing duties at 2002/2003 Super Snowcross
events. Chosen to announce first-ever CASCAR event in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.
2002:
Reaches an agreement
with Grant Reeves (promoter of the International Freestyle Snowcross
Association) to perform live-event announcing duties at IFSA events.
2003:Winner of the
"Internet Award" from Clear Channel Entertainment (Monster Jam), presented
to the announcer demonstrating proficiency in the creation and delivery
of written material for the company's numerous motor sports web sites.
2004: Announces IHRA
National Drag Racing Event at BudweiserMotorsportsPark in Edmonton, Alberta.
2005: Chosen to announce the
first two events of the Monster Jam Europe Tour (Manchester
and Birmingham, United Kingdom). Safety
article published in the 2005/2006 Monster Jam Souvenir Yearbook.
2006: Winner of the
"Merchandise Award" from Live Nation Motor Sports (Monster Jam),
presented to the announcer achieving the highest sales of event-related
souvenirs.Announces Monster Jam
Europe Tour events in Antwerp, Belgium and Paris, France.
Article entitled "In The Weenk Of An Eye" published in the 2006/2007
Monster Jam Souvenir Yearbook. Produces and co-hosts twenty-one
episodes of the brand new "Prairie Dirt Digest" Podcast with Pat Mooney.
2007: Winner of the "Golden
Microphone Award” from Live Nation Motor Sports (Monster Jam),
presented to the announcer displaying the highest level of proficiency
in all aspects of the live event experience.Produces
and co-hosts fourteen episodes of the popular "Prairie Dirt Digest"
Podcast with Pat Mooney.
2008: Winner of the "Scoop
Award” from Feld Motor Sports (formerly Live Nation Motor Sports:
Monster Jam), presented to the announcer who goes deepest behind the
scenes of an event to "get the scoop" on the competitors and crew
members.Announces Monster Jam
Europe Tour event in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Announces CMRC Pro
Motocross National event in Morden, Manitoba. Produces and co-hosts
fifteen episodes of "Prairie Dirt Digest" Podcast with Pat Mooney.
Forms the Northern Lightning Sprint Association (www.nlsprints.com), an
organization dedicated to promoting fun, fast, and affordable
open-wheel racing. Begins racing Lightning Sprints after an eleven year
retirement.
2009: Winner of the
"Marketing Award” from Feld Motor Sports (formerly Live Nation
Motor Sports: Monster Jam), presented to the announcer displaying the
highest level of commitment to event sponsors. Winner of the "Pete Vernaus Memorial Award", recognizing dedication to the sport of stock car racing in Manitoba. Chosen
to announce the all-new "Fire & Ice Freestyle Snowcross Tour" (www.newrocklive.com). Announces CMRC Pro
Motocross National event in Morden, Manitoba. Continues as President of the Northern Lightning Sprint Association.
2010: Winner of the
"Internet Award" from Feld Motor Sports (Monster Jam), presented
to the announcer demonstrating proficiency in the creation and delivery
of written material for the company's numerous motor sports web sites.Winner of the
"Ambassador Award” from Feld Motor Sports (Monster Jam), presented to the announcer who most consistently represents the interests and goals of Feld Motor Sports. Chosen to announce the all-new "Evolution Tour" Freestyle BMX/FMX/FSX Series in Eastern Canada. Announces Monster Jam
Europe Tour event in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Announces CMRC Pro
Motocross National events in Morden, Manitoba and Sand Del Lee, Ontario. Produces
and co-hosts three episodes of the popular "Prairie Dirt Digest"
Podcast with Pat Mooney. Continues as President of the Northern Lightning Sprint Association. Begins competing in the Super Truck Division at Red River Co-op Speedway.
