During his first full season, D.J. competed in the CASCAR Late Model Division at Delaware Speedway, as well as the CASCAR Eastern and National Series. He won his first Delaware feature one week after turning 17, finished sixth overall in the final points standings, and was awarded Rookie of the Year.

Among the many awards D.J. is proud of are the Sandy Harrison Media Award for his outstanding co-operation and professional conduct with the motor sports media, and the Performance Racing News Reader's Choice Award for up-and-coming stock car racer of the year.

In 1995 D.J. was named Most Improved Driver in the Eastern Series Circuit, and Sports Person of the Year on the National Series. 1996 was the most successful year with D.J. winning the Castrol Cup Hard Charger Award (awarded for passing the most cars in the televised races), his first Super Series Race Victory and capturing the Delaware Points Championship (coming from third to first on the final day of racing). He attributes his success in 1995 to the hard work of his crew, the engines built by Doug Kennington, and an impressive race shop for the crew to work in year-round. Despite his youth, D.J. has quickly established himself as a legitimate contender and has earned the respect and support of many veteran drivers.

Among the many awards D.J. is proud of are the Sandy Harrison Media Award for his outstanding cooperation and professional conduct with the motor sports media, and the Performance Racing News Reader's Choice Award for up-and-coming stock car racer of the year.

In 1998 D.J. finished third in the Eastern Super Series setting two poles, one in Cayuga and one in Edmonton - along with the track record. He won the Quebec Sportsman Series Championship setting five of the six poles and won the 300 lap Sportman final in St. Eustache.