Pontello Motorsports has announced the addition of Toven DeLima as an Affiliate Driver within the team’s Driver Development Program for the 2026 season. Entering just his second year of competitive kart racing, DeLima has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s emerging young competitors through championship results, consistent performances, and an exceptional commitment to learning every aspect of racing.
Competing primarily at Merrittville Speedway Kart Club while expanding into regional competition across Ontario and the northeastern United States, DeLima’s rapid progression made him a natural fit for Pontello Motorsports’ structured development pathway.
Rapid Progress at Merrittville & Regional Competition
Toven DeLima’s rise in karting has been defined by immediate competitiveness and steady improvement across multiple racing programs.
During the 2024 season, his first full year of competition, DeLima raced at both Merrittville Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway, capturing the Merrittville Speedway Track Championship while finishing 5th in points at Ohsweken Speedway. Achieving championship success so early in his racing career demonstrated both race-winning speed and strong consistency across a full season schedule.
Building on that momentum, DeLima expanded his racing program in 2025, competing at Merrittville Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway, Route 1 Raceway, and Hunterstown Speedway. He finished 2nd in Merrittville season points, secured the Ohsweken Speedway Championship, and earned a feature victory at Route 1 Raceway.
His ability to remain competitive across multiple tracks highlights adaptability and rapid development — key indicators of long-term potential within the sport.
Notable Racing Achievements
Merrittville Speedway Track Champion (2024)
Captured the championship during his first full competitive season.
Ohsweken Speedway Champion (2025)
Earned a second track title while expanding into regional competition.
Merrittville Speedway – 2nd in Points (2025)
Maintained championship contention throughout the season against strong weekly competition.
Skill Development & Work Ethic
For a driver only entering his second year of racing, DeLima has demonstrated maturity and dedication well beyond his experience level. His growth has come not only from time on track but from a strong commitment to understanding the mechanical side of the sport.
At a young age, DeLima actively works on and maintains his own equipment, taking responsibility for kart preparation and routine maintenance. He has even fabricated his own kart stands, showing initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills rarely seen at this stage of a racing career.
This hands-on approach has accelerated his understanding of chassis setup, equipment care, and race preparation — qualities that translate directly into improved performance on race day.
“Toven represents the kind of hands-on racer who wants to understand every part of the sport — both behind the wheel and in the shop,” said Jesse Pontello, President of Pontello Motorsports. “That work ethic and willingness to learn are exactly what our Development Program is built to support.”
Why Pontello Motorsports Selected Toven DeLima
Affiliate Driver selection within the Pontello Motorsports Development Program focuses on drivers demonstrating growth potential, consistency, and strong foundational habits. DeLima stood out through:
-
Rapid progression within his first two racing seasons
-
Multiple track championships early in his career
-
High win percentage across expanding race schedules
-
Hands-on mechanical involvement and commitment to learning
-
Professional conduct on and off the track
His trajectory reflects exactly the type of emerging talent the development program is designed to cultivate.
What the Affiliate Driver Development Role Means
As an Affiliate Driver within the Pontello Motorsports Development Program, DeLima will continue operating his own racing program while receiving structured mentorship and support designed to accelerate long-term growth.
Development Drivers:
-
Represent Pontello Motorsports during weekly competition
-
Receive mentorship and technical guidance
-
Gain access to team knowledge and development resources
-
Progress through performance-based advancement opportunities
The program provides a foundation for developing racers as they build experience within a professional team environment.
Looking Ahead
With Toven DeLima joining the Development Program, Pontello Motorsports continues investing in the next generation of grassroots racers. His rapid progression, championship success, and dedication to learning both driving and mechanical skills signal strong potential as he continues to grow within the sport.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans can expect to see DeLima representing Pontello Motorsports at Merrittville Speedway and regional events as he continues a development journey built on work ethic, consistency, and earned opportunity.
Pontello Motorsports has announced the addition of Toven DeLima as an Affiliate Driver within the team’s Driver Development Program for the 2026 season. Entering just his second year of competitive kart racing, DeLima has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s emerging young competitors through championship results, consistent performances, and an exceptional commitment to learning every aspect of racing.
Competing primarily at Merrittville Speedway Kart Club while expanding into regional competition across Ontario and the northeastern United States, DeLima’s rapid progression made him a natural fit for Pontello Motorsports’ structured development pathway.
Rapid Progress at Merrittville & Regional Competition
Toven DeLima’s rise in karting has been defined by immediate competitiveness and steady improvement across multiple racing programs.
During the 2024 season, his first full year of competition, DeLima raced at both Merrittville Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway, capturing the Merrittville Speedway Track Championship while finishing 5th in points at Ohsweken Speedway. Achieving championship success so early in his racing career demonstrated both race-winning speed and strong consistency across a full season schedule.
Building on that momentum, DeLima expanded his racing program in 2025, competing at Merrittville Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway, Route 1 Raceway, and Hunterstown Speedway. He finished 2nd in Merrittville season points, secured the Ohsweken Speedway Championship, and earned a feature victory at Route 1 Raceway.
His ability to remain competitive across multiple tracks highlights adaptability and rapid development — key indicators of long-term potential within the sport.
Notable Racing Achievements
Merrittville Speedway Track Champion (2024)
Captured the championship during his first full competitive season.
Ohsweken Speedway Champion (2025)
Earned a second track title while expanding into regional competition.
Merrittville Speedway – 2nd in Points (2025)
Maintained championship contention throughout the season against strong weekly competition.
Skill Development & Work Ethic
For a driver only entering his second year of racing, DeLima has demonstrated maturity and dedication well beyond his experience level. His growth has come not only from time on track but from a strong commitment to understanding the mechanical side of the sport.
At a young age, DeLima actively works on and maintains his own equipment, taking responsibility for kart preparation and routine maintenance. He has even fabricated his own kart stands, showing initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills rarely seen at this stage of a racing career.
This hands-on approach has accelerated his understanding of chassis setup, equipment care, and race preparation — qualities that translate directly into improved performance on race day.
“Toven represents the kind of hands-on racer who wants to understand every part of the sport — both behind the wheel and in the shop,” said Jesse Pontello, President of Pontello Motorsports. “That work ethic and willingness to learn are exactly what our Development Program is built to support.”
Why Pontello Motorsports Selected Toven DeLima
Affiliate Driver selection within the Pontello Motorsports Development Program focuses on drivers demonstrating growth potential, consistency, and strong foundational habits. DeLima stood out through:
Rapid progression within his first two racing seasons
Multiple track championships early in his career
High win percentage across expanding race schedules
Hands-on mechanical involvement and commitment to learning
Professional conduct on and off the track
His trajectory reflects exactly the type of emerging talent the development program is designed to cultivate.
What the Affiliate Driver Development Role Means
As an Affiliate Driver within the Pontello Motorsports Development Program, DeLima will continue operating his own racing program while receiving structured mentorship and support designed to accelerate long-term growth.
Development Drivers:
Represent Pontello Motorsports during weekly competition
Receive mentorship and technical guidance
Gain access to team knowledge and development resources
Progress through performance-based advancement opportunities
The program provides a foundation for developing racers as they build experience within a professional team environment.
Looking Ahead
With Toven DeLima joining the Development Program, Pontello Motorsports continues investing in the next generation of grassroots racers. His rapid progression, championship success, and dedication to learning both driving and mechanical skills signal strong potential as he continues to grow within the sport.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans can expect to see DeLima representing Pontello Motorsports at Merrittville Speedway and regional events as he continues a development journey built on work ethic, consistency, and earned opportunity.