Inside Track Motorsport News - Volume 27, Issue 01

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IN THIS ISSUE

May / June I 2023 I Volume 27 I Issue 01 INSIDE

37

Sixteen pages Celebrating the Racing-Related Activities and Features at the Recent Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo Presented by eBay

Red Bull Rockets Away

Reigning Champs Look Unbeatable

56 IndyCar Early Season

Can Small Teams Topple Penske & Ganassi?

66 Canadian Rally Championship

Action at Pierce Neige Season Opener

78 Hester Creek Estate Winery

Located near Okanagan’s Area 27 Track

INSIDE Opinions

04 The Inside Line

Greg MacPherson: Motorama Rewind

08 Shifting Gears

James Neilson: Can Perez do it?

72 Looking Back

Dave Mathers: Drag Legend Frank Hawley

74 Get A Grip

Mary Mendez: Where’s the Road to Indy?

76 Tomas Tales

Erik Tomas: Tempus Fugit!

84 Technically Speaking

Larry Holt: Love a Challenge

INSIDE Staples

79 Marketplace

Your Contact List for Racing Companies

ON THE Cover

Stratford, ON racer Spencer Hyde scored one of the biggest wins in Canadian drag racing history when he won the recent World Series of Pro Mod event in Bradenton, Florida. Hyde barely qualified for the 32car field and proceeded to win the $100,000 prize, besting giants of the sport in the process.

Photos by David Hilner Photography

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

THE INSIDE LINE

By Greg MacPherson

MOTORAMA REWIND

was busier than ever before, with incredible short track, road racing, drag racing and other vehicles, most of which are set to take to the tracks in the coming weeks.

The amazing Fast Eddie Night of Champions also gets lots of coverage in Motorama Rewind. This unique event is truly special and is one of our favourite parts about doing the show.

It’s a pleasure to work on it with our partners at Fast Eddie. And having 120+ champions in one place, at one time, is always something to get excited about.

We hope you enjoy Motorama Rewind , and we look forward to doing it all over again next March.

Another special editorial piece that we’re working on is the Canadian Racing Guide (CRG) issue of Inside Track , which is done in conjunction with our first issue of the year.

The issue includes more than 100 Canadian and international racing schedules, intended to help you plan your ‘chasing racing’ schedule for the summer.

As many of you know, our company also puts on the annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo Presented by eBay Motors . And given how many people showed up, I imagine many of you were there at the most recent show, March 10-12 at The International Centre across from Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

If we use the 2019 ‘pre-COVID’ show as a barometer of when things were ‘normal,’ then we’re happy to report that it felt like old times, again.

The turnout by the racing community was incredible. Tracks, series, vendors, race car owners, fans… it was just amazing. Thank you all for coming out and being part of it.

One of our goals is to have Motorama serve as the official kick-off to the racing season, in these parts. And it really did feel like that with people getting back together after a long winter, and getting excited about the racing season that is almost upon us.

Looking ahead to 2024, Motorama is set to take place March 8, 9 & 10, at the same venue, of course. As always, we’ll work to make it even bigger and better.

Things should start to ramp up in a few

months, including the launch of an all-new MotoramaShow.com website, that will be better able to serve videos, photo galleries and news, throughout the year.

And we’re planning to get out to races and shows, during the summer, promoting Motorama and Inside Track . Again, things are feeling much more normal again, these days.

But before we turn the page completely on this year’s show, we thought we’d do some expanded coverage, in Inside Track Motorsport News , to celebrate the racing content that took place in March. Motorama Rewind is a 16-page special section in this issue, doing just that.

It includes news and information related to many of the tracks and series that were in attendance, as exhibitors, with firsthand accounts from the promoters and managers. We also look at some new partnerships and companies that were launched at the show. Motorama Rewind also features many of the racing vehicles that were on display in the Racers’ Corral area of the show, in the Kenny U-Pull bannered pages of the special section.

The Racers’ Corral at this year’s show

By the time you read this, links to the CRG will be prominently displayed on the InsideTrackNews.com website.

Be sure to bookmark it as we’ll be updating it regularly throughout the season as schedules are updated, as well as swapping in new features and galleries.

THANK YOU, ERNIE!

Finally, I would like to thank and recognize long-time contributor Ernie Saxton, who is retiring as a contributor to Inside Track , after two and a half decades. Ernie’s columns focussed on NASCAR, which has undergone many changes over the years. All the while, Ernie has documented the news and analyzed the impact for our readers.

In his writing, it was evident that Ernie is a fan of NASCAR – enjoying the sport – but he never acted as a shill or a cheerleader.

His love of NASCAR meant that he felt an obligation to tell the truth about what he saw and perceived, whether it was positive or negative. Ernie, on behalf of all of us, I would like to publicly thank you for your efforts and contributions to Inside Track , and we wish you all the best in the future. IT

The Inside Track Racing Zone Presented by Stoneridge Specialty Insurance, at the Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo presented by eBay Motors has never been busier. Photo by Dave Franks

STAY COOL

Despite a slow start to winter and less than ideal conditions early on, CASC-OR managed to host its complete sixrace Ice Racing season schedule this winter at the Minden Fairgrounds, in Minden, Ontario. For additional images, championship results and special awards listings, see the report on Page 58 of this issue. Photo by Richard Coburn IT

SHIFTING GEARS

By James Neilson

Inside Track Communications, Inc. PO Box 370, Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0 (Administration) 78 Airdrie Road, East York, ON M4G 1M2 (Editorial) 416-962-RACE (7223) • Fax: 416-962-7208 • www.insidetracknews.com

CAN PEREZ DO IT?

Afterthe season-opening Grand Prix of Bahrain, it appeared as if another title was already gift-wrapped for Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen. The 2023 Red Bull RB19 is clearly the class of the field. Ferrari is still searching for its early-2022 form, and Mercedes is still struggling with the new-for-2022 aerodynamic rules in 2023, leaving Red Bull unchallenged atop the time sheets.

But four races in, Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing teammate, Sergio Perez, has equaled the reigning champion’s win total – two victories apiece – and is only six points behind Verstappen, 93 points to 87.

The last time we saw a true battle between teammates in equal cars was 2016, when Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won his lone World Championship, defeating teammate Lewis Hamilton, before abruptly retiring at the end of that season.

Historically, intra-squad rivalries have been some of the fiercest in Formula 1 history, as it is so rare – especially since the 1980s and the end of the 1970s “Garage Era,” when smalls teams like Tyrrell Racing could strap a Cosworth DFV in its cars and compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lotus, the heavy hitters of the time.

Hamilton versus Rosberg, Ayrton Senna versus Alain Prost at McLaren, and Jacques Villeneuve versus Damon Hill at Williams, have all thrilled in seasons past. It’s only since the dominance of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari in the early 2000s that the notion of having a “solid No. 2” has become the status quo.

Aside from Villeneuve and Hill, all those rivalries featured public feuding between the dueling drivers, the main reason teams like Ferrari in the 2000s and onwards tended to avoid equally paced teammates. It’s much easier to manage egos when both drivers know their role, with the No. 2 often acting as a tail gunner would in a WW2 bomber, keeping rivals at bay and banking points for the Constructors Championship.

And we already know, despite Red Bull’s best attempts to squash it, that there is some bad blood between Verstappen and Perez. At last year’s Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Verstappen – who had already clinched the title – refused to cede his place on the track to Perez, who was chasing second in the World Championship. And ultimately, the loss of points in that race relegated the Spaniard to third in the World Drivers Championship, behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

It has since been suggested by various members of the media that Verstappen’s refusal to adhere to team orders in Sao Paolo was revenge for what he thinks was an intentional crash by Perez during qualifying for the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, which helped keep the Spaniard ahead of the Dutchman on the timesheets at the historic road course, where track position is arguably more valuable than at any other circuit on the calendar.

We’ll probably never know the truth about what really went down in Monaco last year, but if the Red Bull Racing duo continue to trade wins, and the points gap remains close, we could see the makings of another all-time great battle between teammates.

And let’s be honest, the way the early season races have gone, Perez is likely our only hope of making the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship a closely fought affair. IT

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GIANT KILLER!

Stratford’s Spencer Hyde stuns drag racing world with $100,000 US World Series of Pro Mod event win in Florida

By Andrew Stirk and Greg MacPherson

On Sunday, March 4, Stratford, Ontario’s Spencer Hyde rocked the drag racing world when he and his ‘never say die’ team of crew members and supporters took the $100,000 US first-place prize for winning the World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM) event at Bradenton Motorsport Park, on Florida’s west coast.

Invited to the event just weeks prior to it taking place, Hyde’s ’69 Camaro dubbed ‘Jack and the Green Stock’ barely qualified for eliminations, squeaking into the 32nd spot of the 32-car field. In all, 61 Pro Mods attempted to qualify.

Powered by great driving and relentless perseverance by his thrashing team, Hyde knocked off higher-qualified rivals throughout the first four rounds, before coming up against PDRA Pro Boost powerhouse Kurt Steding, in the Final.

In that race, Steding got the better start – by 4/1000ths of a second – but Spencer powered past him, at the end, with a 3.643 at 205.51 mph run, to Steding’s 3.652 at 207.15 mph. The .005-second victory was worth a cool $100Gs US and some serious bragging rights in the popular and fiercely competitive Pro Mod ranks.

Just days after the incredible win, BracketLife Broadcast co-host Andrew Stirk interviewed Hyde, on the Racing Zone stage at the Toronto Motorama show. The two of them discussed Hyde’s incredible WSOPM win and the chain of events that led to it.

Asked about his invitation to participate, coming from Drag Illustrated Wes Buck – the promoter of the event – Hyde said, “I was fortunate enough to be included in the ‘30 Under 30’ feature in Drag Illustrated, so I got to meet a bunch of those guys during that deal, in 2021. I had their contact information, and when they announced this race, I reached out to them and said, ‘hey guys, I know I’m not a very big name but if there’s an opening, I’d love to be there.’”

Following that overture, Hyde sent a few more texts and actually went back to PRI to stay front of mind with Buck, in hopes of securing an invite. He made some other influential acquaintances at the PDRA banquet, but Christmas came and went without Hyde getting an invite.

But in mid-February, Hyde received a coveted invitation from Buck. Immediately, the Canadian team started thrashing to get ready.

“I told them (WSOPM) I was ready, but I wasn’t even close. I started calling Noonan (Noonan Race Engineering, in North Carolina) and all my parts people, and had everything shipped to Justin Bond’s place, in Georgia. I drove my rig down there on the Saturday, two weeks before the race. Mark Savage was working there, and we rolled the car out of the trailer and into the shop. Pulled the engine out. Put a rack in it. Put all new cylinder heads together. We basically made the whole race car and got it back on the trailer.

TOP FUEL LICENCE

From there, it was down to Gainesville (FL) where Hyde ran a Paton Top Fuel car to get his Top Fuel licence, which was signed by Clay Millican. After that, Spencer’s attention turned back to the WSOPM event. At Bradenton, Hyde knew right away that the field would be very stout.

“In final qualifying, there was 55 cars all within a tenth of a second, so everybody had their stuff together and anybody could have won this deal. When we got there on the Monday, the weather was nothing like we expected, which made all my data basically useless.

“Thankfully, Mark (Savage) races full-time and he’s very good at it. He said, ‘don’t worry, we’ll get this figured out. It’s just going to take some work.’ He made the decision to make a lap with how it was setup, and see how it worked.

“We went out, let go of the button… slow. Changed the stator (in the torque converter)… changed the stator… changed the stator. We put five different stators in, in nine test runs. We finally went back to one that we kind of ran somewhere in the middle that we thought would be a good starting point.”

But changing weather conditions continued to play havoc with the Hyde crew’s efforts to get the car dialed in.

“Friday was windy, and we didn’t get to run until after it cooled down, at 6 o’clock at night. And we’d setup the car to run in the heat. But we made a decent lap on Friday night – 3.69 seconds – and though we were in the field, that we were safe. We were all relieved.

“But then, everybody else started to click off mid- to low60s, and it quickly became clear that it we weren’t safe at all. This isn’t good. We ended up 21st by the end of Friday night, with a 68 (3:68). On Saturday, it was back in the heat again, at 3 o’clock, thinking we needed to be good in these conditions. We changed engines after Q2 when the throttle hung open on me, Friday night, and it was ‘on the chip’ for like two seconds. And we’d had 11 runs on it.”

But unfortunately, there were even more issues with the new engine, in Q3, and the call was made to change back to the original.

“We started putting the other one back in 45 minutes before our last qualifying run. The spare didn’t even have the camshaft in it, and that was giving Wes (Goddard) fits. They were running the first pair of Pro Mods and we didn’t even have an engine in the car.

Thankfully, we were in the 23rd pair and Justin Bond was over, helping us put it together. We were all stressed out. Anyway, we got it done.

(Above) Spencer Hyde after winning the WSOPM event at Bradenton, Florida. (Far right main) Hyde’s starting line prowess kept him in the fight, until the Finals, when the car outperformed. (Insets) Hyde and his team celebrating in Victory Lane. Hyde was a beast on the starting line. Photos by David Hilner

“We got it on the ground and quick fired it up. We didn’t even lash the valves… nothing. We got up there to run and realized we were on the bump spot. I didn’t think the bump would get anywhere close to 68 (3:68), but it did. By the time we ran, we were 35th. And as you’ve seen, we bumped in by ‘one thou’ (1/1000th of a second).”

The troubles with the car were playing havoc with the team’s mindset.

“In that last qualifying run, we didn’t really have the confidence we usually have. We’ve gone much faster, consistently, before. But the car was fighting us all weekend. Under those circumstances, I’m not going to lie to you, my brake leg was shaking like crazy. But we got in by a thou, bumping Brandon Snider, who’s like World #2 in NHRA, certainly not a slouch. And there were so many cars that weren’t in, like Melania Salemi, who could have easily won that race. We were ecstatic that we got in.”

But there was no time to celebrate.

“At that point, we found a broken frame rail. When I first looked at it, I thought there was no way we were fixing that. It was bad. Anyway, Wes started looking at it thought we could fix it.

“Right after that Khalid alBalooshi comes over, and offered me his car, saying he had lots of them. I told him I’ve never driven his car. I thanked him but said I’d really like to drive my car. But they opened up their trailer and offered us anything we needed.

“And you know, that’s a pretty cool story, in itself. Just racers helping other racers. We don’t really know these guys that well – there is a connection through Mark Savage – but they treated us like family and thrashed with us and they had chromoly and we used a bunch of pipe and some welding rod and stuff. Wes Goddard and Greg Patterson, my other crew guy, they stayed up ‘til 2:30 in the morning and got the thing back together.”

DODGED A BULLET IN ROUND 1

In the first round, Hyde went up against two-time PDRA Pro Nitrous World Champion Tommy Gray and his powerful Undertaker Camaro. Fortunately for the Canadian, Gray lit the red light and was done, in spite of making an otherwise fantastic pass.

In Round Two, Hyde scored a holeshot win over fellow Canadian

Eric Latino, besting him with a .035 reaction time (RT) and a run of 3.719 at 205.10 versus Latino’s 3.699.

Spencer repeated the feat, in Round Three, taking out Marcus Birt, going 3.675 at 205.07 to ‘The Axeman’s’ 3.667 at 205.79.

In the middle of all this, the team figured out that the torque converter was likely the cause of many of the issues they were having, and they swapped it out. Once removed, they confirmed there was a broken part in the stator. With that fixed, the car ran 3:71, which was exactly Mark Savage’s goal, which inspired confidence that they were on the right track as the event progressed.

“I’d been nervous about Marus Birt, but he ‘missed it’ and I had a good start,” continued Hyde. “At that point, I started to have a good feeling. I had my hot rod back running like it was supposed to be running, and my lights were coming around. In Round 4, Hyde posted his third holeshot edge in a row, taking out No. 3 qualifier Jason Harris (3.655 at 205.07 to 3.646 at 205.47).

“In the Final, every time you race a Tutterow car, you know it’s going to be fast, especially at night,” recalled Hyde. “I told Mark, ‘We’re going to have to do something special here. I don’t think 65 (3:65) is going to cut it. We have to go into uncharted territory.’

“We talked about trying to go 63 or 64, and settled on 64. And he did it again… he called it. He said, ‘it’s going to go 3:64-something.’ And it did. I was telling him, ‘if you can just get me within striking distance, we’re going to be all right.’ And we were. Until the Final… and he saved my ass.”

Asked what the WSOPM win meant to him, Hyde replied, “Racing is a hobby for me. The last week, it’s felt a bit more like a job. My phone has gone crazy, not just with fans and friends and sponsors, but from parts manufacturers, all of a sudden wanting to if we were running their stuff.

It’s all changing so fast, and it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I guess I’m going to have to look at it a little bit more seriously than we did before. It’s definitely changed the game. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been awesome.”

Talking about his volunteer crew, Hyde says he was grateful and lucky enough to have surrounded himself with good people who all work hard and love racing as much as he does. IT

CLASS OF 2022

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) induction gala returned to the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) on Saturday, February 25, after a three-year hiatus.

Presented by co-sponsors Clubine Motorsports and OTSFF, the gala was the second to be held at the CIAS, in the John Bassett Theatre, but was the first to be held at the show since 2020. The covid pandemic forced the cancellation of the CIAS in 2021 and 2022, while the CMHF inducted two classes last May, at an alternate venue.

The reunion came at a perfect time, with the CMHF celebrating 30 years at the 50th edition of the CIAS. Emcee Todd Lewis, CIAS General Manager Jason Campbell and CMHF Board Chair Peter Lockhart each made opening remarks before two International Inductees, Wally Dallenbach Sr. and Pfaff Motorsports, were honoured. Dallenbach will be considered a Class of 2021 member.

The Class of 2022 inductions followed, in alphabetical order, with AIM Autosport, Bruce Biegler and Uli Bieri up first. Biegler, a drag racing photographer, was the only media member in this year’s class and was also the only inductee to accept the honour virtually, from his new home in Australia.

FEL president Chris Bye was noticeably emotional during his speech, but that didn’t stop him from cracking jokes throughout his time on stage. He reflected on his career and those who supported him along the way, including his wife, Cathy. When returning home from their impromptu marriage in Jamaica, the couple received money from their parents.

“I did what any reasonable, responsible, newlywed husband would do to secure the financial future of his new family,” said Bye. “I took every dollar out of those two bags of money and I invested them soundly – oh yes, I did, to those of you who said ‘no I didn’t’ – in a race car.”

Veteran stock car racer Gary Elliott plans to suit up again this season, continuing a pair of historic streaks. He’s competed on 859 consecutive race nights, dating back to 1987, and has been sponsored by Quaker State for 49 years.

Elliott recorded 260 wins in his 2,914 races. He told the audience that people would be surprised to see his team celebrating a top-five finish but explained that winning is not the only metric for success.

CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME WELCOMES 13 NEW MEMBERS AT TORONTO GALA

“People ask me ‘are you going to win tonight?’ and I say ‘well, I don’t know if I’m going to win, but I know one thing, I’m going to race and that’s what I want to do and that’s what I love doing,’” said Elliott. “So, when we can pass 20 cars in a race, that’s pretty cool; you don’t have to hold a checkered flag to count the victories that you get during a race.”

Long-time CASC executive and Targa Newfoundland organizer Robert Giannou emphasized the importance of supporting amateur motorsports. He noted that the professional level of the sport receives a lot of support but that the next generation of drivers, crew members and officials need to come from somewhere.

“I spent last Monday at Centennial College, touring the place, and they come to Targa Newfoundland every year in support of the teams there,” said Giannou. “We need to set up things like this where young kids can come into the sport, regardless of what their income is or anything else, and be guided through the sport from go karting to whatever (series or level of motorsport) they choose…and I hope you’ll all join me with that effort.”

Stock car racer Derek Lynch was one of the inductees who had a large section of reserved seats at this year’s ceremony. He took a moment to recognize those who came to celebrate the honour with him.

“It’s quite a thing to stand here, (where) every great memory in your life is sitting in rows G and H,” said Lynch. “I’ve got 28 people here tonight, supporting me, and I can’t think of a laugh, a story or a race that one of those people weren’t involved in, so I thank you guys very much for being here, it means a lot, and I’m looking forward to having a good time afterwards.”

Carl Harr, whose efforts were based out of Alberta, told a story about a four-to-five-week racing road trip, where he charged everything to a credit card.

“We got home and I said to my wife, why don’t we go out and have dinner and a movie,” said Harr. “The next morning, I got a phone call from Visa saying they had noticed some unusual activity on my card. I’d spent tens of thousand of dollars, (but) I bought my wife dinner and a movie and it was unusual activity.”

Bob MacDonald, the 11th inductee to take the stage, started by insisting that everyone in the audience stand up and stretch out to get the “blood circulating in your buttocks.”

Story Courtesy of CMHF

Thirteen new members as well as two International inductees and a Rising Star Award recipient were honoured at the CMHF Class of 2022 Gala. Photo by John R. Walker / oneword

MacDonald sponsored drivers, major races and grassroots events through his sales role at Sony of Canada, which included the use of the Sony Handycam for in-car television footage. He mentioned that there needed to be a business case in order for Sony to support racing.

“When I learned the (Players GM series) was going to have a TV package and national coverage, that’s when the wheels started turning, no pun intended,” said MacDonald, before addressing the lack of laughter in the crowd. “I thought (the joke) was better than that.”

One joke that did catch on came at the expense of Lockhart, in his first year as CMHF Board Chair, who was one of the drivers sponsored by Sony.

The ceremony’s production crew, led by TV producer and CMHF board member Joel Robinson, displayed a photo of Lockhart’s car, resting upside-down on a street course, on the big screen during portions of MacDonald’s speech.

Terry Epp, Dave Lloyd, Dick Midgley and Scott Spencer were also inducted in the Class of 2022.

The ceremony then concluded with the Rising Star Award, presented this year to open wheel racer Mac Clark, who will compete in USF2000 this upcoming season.

Beyond the inductions, cash bar and silent auction, a change to the CMHF nominations process was announced at the gala. Nominations will now be open year-round, with a cut-off at the end of July for the current year’s class of inductees. Further information about nominations will be made available at CMHF.ca.

AIM AUTOSPORT – BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

AIM Autosport experienced success in sports cars and open-wheel during a quarter century of operating multi-car teams. The organization started in Formula 1600 in 1995, winning four championships before expanding efforts to other series, winning two titles between USF2000, Formula Renault, Formula BMW and Star Mazda.

The team finished fifth in their debut 24 Hours of Daytona appearance in 2007. In total, they recorded two overall wins and five podiums over five seasons in the Daytona Prototype class. AIM Autosport won three straight GT class championships for Ferrari from 2012 to 2014 before winning a championship in IMSA GTD Sprint Cup with Lexus in 2020.

Many notable drivers have competed for AIM over the years, including L.P. Dumoulin, James Hinchcliffe, Kyle Marcelli, Daniel Morad, Andrew Ranger and Mark Wilkins. The organization closed shop in 2022, with AIM partners Andrew Bordin, Ian Willis and Keith Willis deciding to move on to new adventures.

ULI BIERI – COMPETITOR / BUILDER

Uli Bieri raced professionally from the early 1980s to mid-1990s, competing in over 57 events, including nine appearances in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He was the Canadian Endurance Champion in 1985 and 1986 and has also driven a BMW M1 factory race car. In 1991, Bieri purchased Toronto Motorsports Park with a group of four investors. The drag strip was reopened the following year, while a road course was added in 2003. The track hosted IHRA for five years in the early 2000s and gained NHRA sanction in 2011, starting the NHRA National Open in 2015.

Bieri consistently hired consultants to help with track improvements over the years. He also launched several programs to give anyone with a driver’s license the opportunity to strap into a race car, from F-2000 to muscle cars, and has worked with local police and the OPP on safe driving initiatives.

CHRIS BYE – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Chris Bye started racing in the Players GM series in 1986, before scoring multiple wins and podiums in the Firestone Firehawk Endurance series and the Canadian Endurance Championship between 1989 and 1991. He finished runner-up in the F1600 Championship in 1991 and initially retired five years later, before racing a Prototype for Brumos Porsche in the 2003 24 Hours of Daytona.

After a second retirement from driving, Bye supported other Canadian drivers, through his role as president of FEL. The company was James Hinchcliffe’s first sponsor in Formula BMW in 2004 and has sponsored other notable drivers, including James Vance, Daniel Morad and Scott Hargrove. From 2015 to 2017, FEL’s sponsorship of F1600 helped increase car counts by roughly 15 entrants.

Most recently, Bye led FEL through the creation of FEL Motorsports, which launched a pair of sports car touring series in 2021, including the Sports Car Championship Canada.

GARY ELLIOTT – COMPETITOR

Gary Elliott has raced stock cars for 53 seasons, including a historic 49 years with sponsor Quaker State. He raced at 46 tracks across Canada and the U.S., in various divisions and touring series, including Mini Stock, Canadian Vintage Modified, Pro Late Model and OSCAAR Modifieds. Most recently, he raced in the Maritime Pro Stock Tour. Elliott competed on 859 consecutive race nights in the divisions that he’s run, which dates back to 1987. He’s recorded 260 wins, 40 feature wins, 25 top-five points finishes and two championships in his career. He is also a 12-time winner of Most Sportsmanlike Driver honours.

Away from the track, Elliott has made presentations to high school auto shop groups and has helped with racing seminars at a summer racing camp. He’s also served on the Canadian Vintage Modified committee for 25 years, spending seven years as president of the Canadian Vintage Modified Club.

Former racer and Toronto Motorsports Park owner Uli Bieri delivered his acceptance speech during the CMHF Induction Gala, held Feb. 25 in Toronto.

Photo by John R. Walker / oneword

TERRY EPP – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Terry Epp started his involvement with rally as a navigator/co-driver in 1967 and competed for 35 years, highlighted by winning the 1986 Canadian Rally Championship for co-drivers and the North American Rally Cup for the 2WD co-driver championship.

Most of his 55 years in the sport was also in a leadership role as a club president, the Ontario Rally Director for CASC-OR, the national rally director for both CASC and CARS, the national series manager for CARS and as a director of ASN Canada FIA for over thirty years responsible for both Canadian rally and solosport activities.

He oversaw the transition from navigational rallies (which still continue) to performance rallies that evolved into stage rallies. His focus for safety standard improvements was continuous throughout the years as well as the welfare of the Canadian Rally Championship (*est 1957).

He also helped bring rally racing to national television on TSN and RDS (30 years and continuing). He retired from the sport at the end of 2022.

ROBERT GIANNOU – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Robert Giannou joined the St. John’s Motor Club in 1958, where he began organizing rally, solo and hillclimb events in 1962. He brought the club into the CASC ranks and negotiated with the U.S. Embassy in Newfoundland to use two of their properties for events, including runways at Naval Station Argentia, where he eventually brought the Molyslip Endurance Series.

Giannou has held various roles with CASC over the years, including Race Director Atlantic Region and Assistant National Race Director. In 2002, he organized the first Targa Newfoundland and worked with others to develop 30 event operating manuals. In 2010, he worked with Janet Brake to create a safety protocol that made Targa Newfoundland the safest of the three main Targa events, with incident rates being reduced from 17% to 1.5%.

Giannou has also raced himself, winning titles in club karting and rallying, hillclimb and B Sedan.

CARL HARR – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Carl Harr started his racing career out west, winning multiple events at Edmonton International Speedway and in NHRA drag racing in the 1970s, before winning multiple slalom and rally events run by the Northern Alberta Sports Car Club in the 1980s. He joined the Players GM Challenge Series in 1986, running full-time until 1992. He then shifted to national stock car racing from 1994 to 2010. He started 80 races between the CASCAR Super Series, CASCAR West, CASCAR East and NASCAR Pinty’s Series since 1998, recording 32 top-five finishes, four CASCAR West wins and a CASCAR West championship during that span. He also made 78 starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West between 2001 and 2014.

Harr founded the Edmonton Corvette Club in 1979 and has spent one season each as a team owner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Pirelli World Challenge.

DAVE LLOYD – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Dave Lloyd has been involved in motorcycle racing for 60 years. He finished runner-up in his first race, in the Canadian Junior Championship at Harewood Acres, and was soon promoted directly from

the Junior to Expert class by the Canadian Motorcycle Association. He progressed through the ranks and made his FIM World Championship debut in 1965.

From 1966 to 1968, Lloyd raced across Europe, against world champions and the stars of the day, in locations ranging from England and Isle of Man to the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia. He had several mid-field finishes in Europe and won both a Bronze TT Replica Trophy and Silver TT Replica Trophy during that time.

Lloyd then returned to Canada and rode in various disciplines in the 1970s. More recently, he made land speed record attempts in 2009 and 2011 and competed in the VRRA Period 1 350cc class Championship in 2021, winning the class title at 81-years-old.

DEREK LYNCH – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Derek Lynch started his career racing karts in eastern Ontario, where he won four championships. In 1986, at 14-years-old, he made the jump to Late Model Sportsman racing at Peterborough Speedway, where he won five features and the track championship in 1987.

Lynch raced in the ACT Pro Stock Series from 1988 to 1995, where he recorded a pair of top-five points finishes and three wins, including a victory in the prestigious Oxford 250. Away from the driver’s seat, he worked as a fabricator for NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Truck Series teams in the late 1990s, including Darrell Waltrip Motorsports and Bobby Allison Motorsports.

Lynch raced in a variety of late model series over the last two decades. He made 30 starts in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series between 2007 and 2016, winning at Cayuga Speedway in 2007. He also worked as manager/promoter of Kawartha Speedway from 2004 to 2012.

(Top) Carl Harr (middle) is flanked by his son Daryl (left) and CMHF Chair Peter Lockhart. (Above) Racer / promoter Derek Lynch delivering his acceptance speech.

Photos by John R. Walker / oneword

On behalf of Clubine Motorsports Canada, congratulations to Mac Clark on being named the recipient of Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame ‘Rising Star Award’ for 2022.

Mac is truly ‘the full package.’ He’s obviously an incredible racer. But he also has the demeanor, intelligence and drive to go a very long way in the sport.

Canada has a long, proud history of producing racers who have competed, and won, against the best in the world.

Clubine Motorsports was founded to perpetuate that legacy, by supporting talented, upand coming Canadian racers -

like Mac Clark - to achieve their full potential and dreams.

We were extremely proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s CMHF Induction Gala.

We’re also proud to be associated with this impressive young man and his family. Thank you to the Canadian Motorsport Hall of

Fame for recognizing him with the prestigious Rising Star Award. And while some of you may be hearing the name “Mac Clark” for the first time. We’re confident that Canadian racing fans around the country will soon be very familiar with - and proud of - Mac Clark, too.

Andre Laurin

Bill Clubine

BOB MACDONALD – BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Bob MacDonald competed in multiple Ontario regional road racing series and the Firestone/Firehawk Endurance Championship, but his greatest achievements in motorsport came through his sales role at Sony of Canada. He was an integral part of the company’s sponsorship of motorsports through race cars, billboards, print advertising and television, where the Sony Handycam was used for in-car footage.

Several notable drivers were supported by Sony of Canada in their racing efforts, including Robin Buck, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and Scott Maxwell. MacDonald worked to bring Sony sponsorship to the grassroots level as well, through local karting clubs and an annual event held by the Simcoe Kart Club. He served on multiple boards of directors at the grassroots level.

MacDonald also worked directly with tracks and events to include Sony banners and product support at notable circuits, including the Toronto and Vancouver street courses and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

DICK MIDGLEY – COMPETITOR

Dick Midgley has primarily served as a mechanic, car builder and car owner during his motorsport career. In 1958, he co-owned a car with his older brother in the Jalopy class at Western Speedway, where they won the track title in their first season. Dick continued to field cars in local divisions into the 1970s, when he expanded his efforts south of the border.

More than 70 drivers competed for Midgley in the NASCAR West Series from 1972 to 2014, including 2002 CMHF inductee Roy Smith. Between 1974 and 1992, Midgley fielded cars in 26 NASCAR Cup Series races, where he made two Daytona 500 starts, with Smith as the driver, in 1976 and 1977.

Midgley has also run cars in international events, including a third-place finish with Dave Marcis in a NASCAR exhibition race at Australia’s Calder Park Thunderdome in 1988 and winning the NASCAR-affiliated Australian championship with Jim Richards in 1996.

SCOTT SPENCER – COMPETITOR / BUILDER / SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR

Scott Spencer started his career in NHRA Sportsman Racing, competing in Stock, SuperStock and Super Gas between 1972 and 1980. He designed and built a full-chassis Plymouth Arrow for NHRA Super Gas in 1977, which won a pair of awards at The International Car Show. In 1975, he opened a speed shop, which provided support for several CASCAR teams to begin racing on road courses.

Spencer worked as an NHRA technical inspector in the 1980s before racing in the GT class of the Canadian Firestone/Firehawk series in the early 1990s, with a best finish of third on the streets of Toronto in 1991. He continued road racing in various events until 1997.

Spencer joined Grand Am full-time in 2000, where he was responsible for the KONI Challenge Series technical department, later working with Multimatic to introduce the Mustang. He also worked with Grand Am and IMSA in leadership roles at the NASCAR R&D Center.

BRUCE BIEGLER – MEDIA

Bruce Biegler started his media career as a self-taught photographer, working as a track photographer and reporter at Saskatoon International Raceway in 1974. He focused his work on drag racing in the years that followed, spending time as a photographer and writ-

er for National Dragster and Wheelspin News. He was Drag Racing Editor for Performance Racing News from 1989 to 2008 and for Inside Track Motorsport News from 2009 to 2014.

Biegler was a contributing editor for Chrysler’s official factory publication, Mopar Magazine , for 30 years and has worked on content for other drag racing and industry publications over time.

Biegler founded DragRaceCanada.com in 1999, which has become a reputable and popular website for drag racing in Canada. He continues to serve as editor for the website and has travelled to cover races across Canada and the U.S. throughout his career, including major events, such as the NHRA U.S. Nationals. IT

WALLY DALLENBACH SR. (INT’L CATEGORY - 2021)

PFAFF MOTORSPORTS (INT’L CATEGORY - 2022)

MAC CLARK - RISING STAR AWARD

(Top to bottom) Bob MacDonald, of Sony of Canada, shared several colourful stories during his speech. Drag racing jouralist Bruce Biegler delivered his acceptance speech in the form of a video from his new home in Australia. Mac Clark (2nd from left) was named the Rising Star Award recipient. He’s flanked by Andre Laurin (OTSFF), Bill Clubine (Clubine Motorsports) and CMHF Chair Peter Lockhart.

Photos by John R. Walker / oneword

MAC CLARK UPDATE

Canadian USF2000 racer gaining experience, exposure and support

Story by Greg MacPherson

Inlate February, Canadian racer Mac Clark was honoured during the annual Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) Induction Gala as the Rising Star Award recipient.

The award recognized Clark’s impressive record during his relatively short road racing career, which started in karting and saw him achieve rapid success in F1600 before capturing the USF Juniors championship, last fall, at Texas’ Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

That victory earned him an almost quarter of a million-dollar scholarship to race, this season, in the Road to Indy USF2000 Championship. So far this year, the Milton, Ontario resident –who recently turned 19 – has had two weekends competing in the series for the DEForce Racing team.

Mechanical issues plagued the team at the St. Petersburg opener, but Clark bounced back in the second race, at Sebring.

All the while, the talented racer has been staying on top of his first-year Automotive Engineering program at Oshawa’s Ontario Tech University. He’s also racing and testing when other opportunities present themselves, and his schedule permits.

“Racing during the IndyCar weekend in St. Petersburg was a really cool environment,” said Clark, taking a break from studying for a Physics exam, in mid-April. “But from a driver’s perspective, the weekend wasn’t too great for us, in terms of performance or results. We struggled with some mechanical issues that plagued our new car, and had an electronic issue in qualifying. And then we had an engine failure in Race #2, so we didn’t get what we wanted out of that weekend.

“But we did rebound well in Round Two of the championship, at Sebring. We had a fourth and a second, respectively, in our two races there. It was great to be on the podium on my birthday, which was a nice present. That brought us back to fifth in the championship standings. It’s a long championship, we still have six rounds to go – with double races at most of them – so I have confidence that myself and the team can provide a package that will let us fight for race wins going forward.”

Clark’s ability to keep his wits about him,

when things aren’t going well, is a sign of maturity that is earning him praise from those who follow him. Despite the frustration of not being competitive at St. Pete’s, he took it in stride and focussed on working with his team to improve their situation for the future.

“I try to keep level-headed,” continued Clark. “When a situation’s out of your control, as a driver, it’s tough to deal with but I try to keep calm and remember that I can win races and that we have what it takes to compete. This is my second year with DEForce and we had a very successful year last year, and when you win a championship with a team, it’s like building a brotherhood. I have trust in them, and I think they feel the same way about me, so when things are tough, it’s no time to point fingers or anything like that. We just have to focus on what we do best and trust that the bad luck is out of the way.”

TIN TOP OUTING

In addition to his USF2000 program, Clark also had an opportunity to race a ‘tin top’ car for the first time in his career.

In early April, Clark was a co-driver of the Valkyrie Velocity team’s No. 95 Porsche 718 in the Pirelli GT4 America Pro-Am race at California’s Sonoma Raceway.

“I got the opportunity through Valkyrie AI, who are one of my partners on the Road to Indy side, and they’ve recently become involved in this new project with Velocity. It was a great time and definitely different from what I’m used to, but I feel like I fought well with the pros and it was a valuable

experience to try sports car racing and it’s something I’d be open to doing more of in the future. There were 44 GT4s on the grid.”

“I love to drive anything with four wheels, and I want to be a pro driver. I’m still focussed on the IndyCar path, however I’m open to any opportunity. Competing at something like the Rolex 24 or the Sebring 12 Hour would be incredible, and those things are definitely on my bucket list.”

In addition to broadening his racing horizons, Clark’s academic efforts will also serve him well in his racing efforts.

“It’s a little bit crazy, to be honest, balancing it all,” Mac continued. “I’m trying to focus on my racing, do well in school, and also have a little bit of a social life at the same time. To make it all fit, I’m taking a reduced course load right now at Ontario Tech.

“I’m becoming an automotive engineer and I made a promise to my dad, when I was 14 years old, that I would get an education if we – as a family – were going to commit to making the effort and sacrifices to continue with my racing career. I’m passionate about what I’m doing at school, and I really enjoy it. And if I don’t become a race car driver, or maybe after I’m done racing, I’m going become a really good race engineer. Those two paths definitely intersect and I can pull from both as I go.”

Combining natural talent, hard work and a knowledge of automotive engineering could be a very potent combination.

Continued on Page 64

Mac Clark bounced back with two solid USF2000 results at Sebring. Photo courtesy USFPro Championships

CANUCKS AT SPEEDWEEKS: CAYDEN LAPCEVICH

Canadian NASCAR champion transitions to the role of ARCA crew chief

Sometimes the best opportunities are unexpected; for Cayden Lapcevich, that opportunity advanced his career ahead of the ARCA Menards Series opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Lapcevich – a former NASCAR Pinty’s Series champion – approached Venturini Motorsports during the off-season, looking for a road mechanic or car chief role, after a friend told him to contact the team.

He was brought in for a second interview but was not offered either job – instead, he was asked to become a crew chief.

When Lapcevich joined Venturini at the start of January, he already had some relevant experience for the new role. The former championship-winning driver served as crew chief in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series last season and in marquee events, such as the Snowball Derby and All American 400. Still, the move to ARCA provided a challenge for the 23-year-old.

After just a week and a half to prepare for a test at Daytona, he shifted focus to intermediate and short track cars; as he worked away, he didn’t realize that February 18 was fast approaching.

“You get about a week out from Daytona and you’re like ‘oh crap, it’s here,’” said Lapcevich. “You turn your focus back to your speedway car for the week, but it snuck up on me pretty quick…I just needed to manage my time better and be more prepared.”

The race itself focused primarily on fuel

mileage decisions for Lapcevich. He finished 23rd, with driver Toni Breidinger, where being at Daytona was not lost on him.

“You roll through the tunnel and there’s campers everywhere…it was a pretty surreal moment, you just didn’t want to blink,” said Lapcevich. “Once that race started, it was kind of surreal to just be sitting up there, on top of the pit box, with all my resources in front of me.”

ARCA RESOURCES A PLUS

One of the key differences for Lapcevich is those resources. With ARCA considered one of the top feeder series to NASCAR’s three national divisions, it has the advantage of extra resources compared to other regional NASCAR tours, such as the Pinty’s Series. Lapcevich says that manufacturer support is a huge tool that’s now at his disposal.

“(Venturini) has full backing from Toyota, so we have sim time and a little bit of wind tunnel time and if Toyota offers it, we have use to it basically,” he said. “With Toyota, they’re constantly updating us on stuff they find on Xfinity Series cars and stuff like that. Being able to use my resources and kind of having an open door to them has been really cool so far.”

Lapcevich also gives credit to his fellow crew chiefs at Venturini, who he says are really smart and experienced and are good people to lay back on.

A big focus for Lapcevich this season will

be keeping up with his primary workload, though he still plans to have a busy schedule. He says that he’ll run a few modified races in the U.S., while potentially being a crew chief for other events.

“I’m trying to take every opportunity I can to both drive and crew chief,” said Lapcevich. “I feel like the more I can be at the race track, the better it makes me, so I’m trying to keep all my weekends scheduled and not have an off weekend.”

While funding prevented his driving career from progressing further through the ranks, Lapcevich hopes to work his way up the ladder to the Cup Series, as a crew chief, similar to fellow Canadian Cole Pearn. Pearn raced against Cayden’s dad Jeff in CASCAR before ultimately becoming a crew chief for Furniture Row Racing.

“This ARCA deal has kind of been one of those where I feel like it’s a bit more than what I was ready for,” said Lapcevich. “But I’ve never turned down an opportunity where it was going to challenge me to work hard. I’m using my resources as much as I can, I’m always taking notes and learning.”

While he acknowledges that Pearn’s engineering degree may have made him more prepared in his Cup Series journey, Lapcevich hopes that his on-the-job experience will give him what he needs to succeed.

“I’ve never turned down a challenge and I’m open to learning and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it,” he concluded. IT

Although he applied for other roles, Cayden Lapcevich landed in the role of Crew Chief for Venturini Motorsports’ Toni Breidinger. Photo courtesy 9D Creative

CANUCKS AT SPEEDWEEKS: JASON WHITE

by Bryce Turner

White returned to Daytona International Speedway for the fifth straight year, where his best ARCA Menards Series race to date went from happiness to heartache in just a matter of seconds.

The Sun Peaks, BC driver joined Jeff McClure Racing for the event, giving him a competitive ride at what has become his favourite type of track. White says that he enjoys all types of racing, but that he has found a knack for superspeedways, with scenarios that he compares to a chess match.

A blown cylinder in practice and a lastminute motor change before qualifying led the team to a mid-pack starting position. The No. 44 Chevy ran near the back during the early part of the race, before making an impactful pit stop.

“The car came alive; it was just an absolute rocket ship,” said White. “It just needed a simple adjustment and it was really fast. We worked our way up, we were three-wide, down on the bottom and up on the top, wherever we wanted to go, we could go with that car.”

White took the lead with 16 to go and held the spot on a restart, with three laps remaining. His spotter, T.J. Bell, told him to stay low and paint the yellow line, where he controlled the pack until the last lap, when they let him get out to a two-to-three car-length advantage on the backstretch.

“I was quick on my brake and I was trying to back it up, but you can’t just hit the brake or you’re going to get run over and you’re going to cause a wreck and you’re going to look like the fool,” said White.

White also wanted to avoid making an

aggressive block, as he didn’t want to be remembered as the driver who blocked the field and crashed. He held the bottom entering turns three and four, where he was a sitting duck; the field freight-trained him, with Greg Van Alst winning and White finishing ninth.

“I’m still not quite understanding why nobody came down and took that air,” said White. “There was a lot of speed to gain, in that air, and it still baffles my mind that not one car chose to come down there (with me).”

The contrast of winning and losing was captured in a video shared on social media, which showed the winner taking the checkered flag in the background, while White sat in his car on pit road.

“I could hear my heart pounding over the engine…I thought ‘this is it, this is the day’ and, all of the sudden, the carpet gets taken out from under you like that,” he said. “A lot of emotions, even some tears, and (I was) just trying to gather my thoughts and get ready because I knew there were going to be cameras stuffed in my face as soon as I got out of the car.”

Despite the disappointing ending, it was still a strong performance for White, recording his first laps led in ARCA (14 in total), with his second top-ten finish in the series. He felt like

the race proved that he can be competitive and win races in the right equipment. He was also able to take away some lessons for next time.

“I’m going to hang my brake a little bit, coming in the middle of (turns) one and two, I’m going to make sure that they’re on my bumper so they can’t get a run on me,” said White. “Or I’m going to be in second at the white flag, even if I’ve got to back it up and let a car go by, because the second-place car has control more than the first-place car does.”

White also raced in the NASCAR Truck Series event, where a shop fire at Reaume Brothers Racing forced him into a rental truck for the race. The truck needed a lot of work at the track and was way off the pace, but the team overcame adversity to complete every lap, with White finishing 21st.

White plans to take part in future superspeedway races, as well as some local events, in a series such as RS1. IT

Story

Jason

Jason White (No. 44) had an impressive ARCA outing at Daytona, leading many late-race laps. Photos by Patrick Chan (above) and by Devan Millo (below)

British Columbia racer took the white flag as the leader of the ARCA race at Daytona

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CANUCKS AT SPEEDWEEKS: BALCAEN & FRIESEN

Story by Bryce Turner

It was an eventful Speedweeks for both Amber Balcaen and Stewart Friesen at Daytona International Speedway. Balcaen joined Venturini Motorsports for the ARCA Menards Series event, where her first race with the team came a year after making her series debut. The race weekend got off to a rough start, with mechanical issues sidelining her during qualifying, resulting in a 35th-place starting position.

The Winnipeg, MB driver was up for the challenge, working her way towards the front, where she was in contention late in the race. Balcaen ran as high as third before ultimately finishing a career-best sixth place.

“This was the craziest race I’ve ever raced in my life,” Balcaen wrote in a post on her Facebook page. “We were two- and threewide all race long, coming from the back to the front multiple times was a thrill.”

Even more impressive was a late-race obstacle that she faced before the final restart, which came with three laps to go.

“We lost power steering with four to go but still held on to it,” she wrote in the post. “All in all, had a blast.”

Balcaen’s primary sponsor from last season returned for Daytona, with Canadian-based RV products company ICON Technologies aboard her No. 15 Toyota.

In the NASCAR Truck Series, Stewart Friesen ran a special paint scheme on his No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota. The rainbow-coloured wrap represented the Autism Colour Spectrum, while promoting a golf event where NASCAR stars raise money for people affected with autism. The cause hits close to home for Friesen, whose son Parker was diagnosed with autism at the

age of one-and-a-half.

On-track, Friesen started 23rd in the Friday night race, which was slowed twice by rain in the early laps. The Niagara-on-theLake, ON driver worked his way towards the front, where he was leading the outside lane coming to the end of stage two. He moved up to block Ben Rhodes on the backstretch when contact from Rhodes sent him into the wall.

Friesen’s team was able to repair the truck enough to extend their night, where he finished 28th, five laps down. IT

Winnipeg, MB’s Amber Balcaen had a strong ARCA run at Daytona. Photo courtesy of Amber Balcaen

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UNITED RACING SERIES SPREADS REACH

Story by Bryce Turner

The United Racing Series (URS) will bring a new look to the track this season, as the sanctioning body wraps up a busy winter that saw them double the number of series under their umbrella.

The big news came early in the off-season, when the URS and OSCAAR announced their merger at the beginning of November. The marriage means that the APC Series and Qwick Wick Super Stock Series will now be part of the same family as the OSCAAR Modifieds and Hot Rods, with all four series competing under the URS banner.

“The desire with the URS sanctioning body has always been to expand in time,” said URS director of motorsports Alex Nagy, citing the addition of the super stocks in 2020, after the late models launched in 2015. “It’s perfect timing for URS and perfect timing for OSCAAR in that I think OSCAAR was looking to go to that next step and the URS was looking to expand.”

The new-look URS had its combined presence in full force at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo, where six cars from the four series were on display in the Racers’ Corral, while both Nagy and OSCAAR president Dave Gainforth were in the URS booth.

“We have four very strong series under one canopy,” said Gainforth. “It’s beneficial for OSCAAR; it gives us the stability that we need going forward. I have access to the

best people in short track racing to help me on the inside of the sport and it’s going to trickle down to the drivers and onto the fans, putting on the best show in Ontario.”

Nagy’s new role with the URS will focus on the motorsports side of the business, including hospitality, activations and how motorsports ties into the automotive parts business. He emphasized the marketing aspect of the merger.

“I think together, our whole URS program will be a lot stronger with that growth,” said Nagy. “It will give our partners more opportunities as well, to tie into another 60 or so cars that we didn’t have before…I know it’s going to help competitors and the OSCAAR brand to grow, so it’s just a win-win; I think the ceiling is very high and we’re looking to see where we can take it.”

The URS made its name by providing drivers with the opportunity to compete at various Ontario short tracks, under a unified rule book. That focus will remain in place with the merger.

“With OSCAAR under our wing, I know that’s very exciting, it’s a new challenge,” said Nagy. “We’re going to use a lot of the same officials from OSCAAR, we will introduce some new officials, we may have some overlap from series to series. Our first priority is to get a good group of officials in all divisions.”

Another change from this off-season can be found in the 2023 APC Series schedule.

Following requests from fans and competitors, the length of three races will be extended beyond the traditional 100 laps.

The season opener, on May 20 at Sunset Speedway, and round six, on August 5 at Sauble Speedway, will feature 150-lap events. Adding to the drama of championship Saturday is the other race to be extended, on September 23 at Delaware Speedway, where the finale will be 200 laps.

Overall, the APC Series will feature nine races at five tracks – Sunset, Flamboro, Peterborough, Delaware and Sauble speedways. The Qwick Wick Super Stocks will contest five races at four tracks, with Delaware hosting two races and a single event each at Peterborough, Flamboro and Sunset.

The OSCAAR Modifieds and Hot Rods will run nearly identical schedules, sharing dates and tracks for 10 events between Flamboro, Sauble, Delaware, Peterborough and Full Throttle Motor Speedway. The Hot Rods will also race on the dirt at Brighton Speedway, on August 12. All four series will share the track for two race weekends – June 30 to July 1 and September 22 to 23, both at Delaware. J.R. Fitzpatrick (APC), Pete Vanderwyst (QW) and Steve Book (Hot Rods) plan to defend their titles this season.

More information on the URS can be found on their new website, UnitedRacingSeries.com. The site includes a variety of statistics, along with driver rosters, schedules and results. IT

Sanctioning body merged with OSCAAR in the offseason

The United Racing Series area at Motorama – featuring the APC, Qwick Wick and OSCAAR series – was a hive of activity. Photo by Greg MacPherson / ITMN

ONTARIO SPORTSMAN SERIES

Ollie Ferguson moving up to series in 2023 after long journey

Story by Bryce Turner

Ollie Ferguson will move up to the Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) this season, following a long journey to get behind the wheel in the sport he loves.

Ferguson’s road to racing was not easy. When he was four years old, in 2014, a virus attacked his liver, where the medication he was given progressed him into bone marrow failure. After a year of treatment and about 90 blood transfusions, another drug he needed progressed him into bone marrow cancer.

With local hospitals unable to handle his condition at the time, the family sold their house and travelled to Ohio for six months, where Ollie received a bone marrow transplant, with his younger sister as the donor, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Ferguson attended his first race at the age of two-and-a-half and carried his love of racing throughout his medical treatments. He watched the NASCAR Cup Series, rooting for Kyle Busch, and used racing video games as a distraction to help him feel better.

In 2019, with cancer behind him, Ferguson was finally ready to make his racing debut after his family purchased a junior late model that they saw at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo. When he arrived at the race track, for the first time as a driver, the feeling of strapping into the car was second to none.

“It was so exciting, it was the happiest day of my life,” said Ferguson. “I was pumped up; I was ready to win. There was no happier moment than when I got into the race car for the first time.”

Ferguson’s junior late model efforts were focused primarily on weekly action at a different short track each season. He competed at Grand Bend, Full Throttle, Sauble, Sunset, and Peterborough speedways, with three wins, a Dash 4 Cash win, a pole position, and a best point finish of third.

The Lindsay, ON driver has now grown out of junior late models and sets his sights on the OSS, which will contest a ten-race schedule at five short tracks, starting May 19 at Delaware Speedway. Ferguson says that he’s looking forward to getting seat team and driving a bigger car, where there are a few things that stand out about the OSS.

“Everyone just seems so nice and there are 100-lap features, instead of something like 20 or 30 laps,” said Ferguson. “I like the endurance races. They (also) look like NASCAR Pinty’s Series cars, which is the coolest thing to me. My dream is to go to the Pinty’s Series one day, so this is the closest thing I’ll get for now.”

Ferguson’s goals for this season are to finish on the lead lap and not wreck the car. While he plans to focus on learning, he also has lessons learned from junior late models that he can apply to the OSS.

“I gradually learned car control over the amount of time that I’ve raced,” he said. “I’ve learned to make smarter moves on track, instead of just taking every advantage I have to dive into a corner that I shouldn’t dive into. It’s made me smarter on where I should put my car and where I shouldn’t put my car.”

The switch to OSS comes with another change for the driver. With Busch sporting a new number in the Cup Series and Ferguson getting older, he felt like it’s the right time to switch his yellow No. 18 wrap for a blue, purple and green No. 55 – a combination that represents both his past and his personality.

“(In Ohio) we lived in the Ronald McDonald House and our room number was 55; the Ronald McDonald House got me through being sick, so I kind of thought that (the number) 55 was a good luck thing,” said Ferguson.

“I always like to make (the design) as crazy as possible,” he continued. “I’m really into paint schemes. I want to like how my car looks, I want other people to like it and I want it to stand out from all the cars.”

As he looks towards the future, Ferguson’s goal is to race in a NASCAR series south of the border, such as ARCA or Trucks. He’d also like to race in the Pinty’s Series, here at home. IT

(Above) Ollie Ferguson’s debut OSS season will feature a ten-race schedule across five tracks.

Photo by Bryce Turner

WESTERN SHORT TRACK PREVIEW

Alberta Extreme Sprints headline Rad Torque Raceway schedule

Stories by Robert K. Rooney

Onceagain in 2023, the main attraction at Rad Torque Raceway in Edmonton will be the Alberta Extreme Sprints. According to Ed Wiersma, who oversees the oval track program at RTR, rebuilding the program after the pandemic was quite a process but, “We had good racing and the racers were happy with what was going on. If we get the same weather and the same number of cars, I think it will be a good show.”

One factor that quickened the recovery was that RTR didn’t have to find people to fill positions.

“Of the staff we’ve had in the last few years, about 90 percent are back,” said Wiersma.

There was a time when the high-dollar 360 Sprints ruled the Edmonton dirt, but Wiersma says the number of teams still able to afford racing 360s isn’t big enough to put on a good show. The more-affordable sportsman sprints of the Extreme series are fully capable of putting on a show.

In fact, he points out, “We’ve got the big wings now, and the track is so good, we’re actually just about as fast as the 360s used to be.”

Most of the controllable factors are in good shape, Ed notes, “It all comes down to the weather.”

With a few breaks from Mother Nature, he anticipates a good year.

“When the evening’s done, I want everybody to go home and tell other people what a great time they had,” said Wiersma.

The Alberta Extreme Sprints teams have a busy summer ahead of them. Although the bulk of their schedule is in Edmonton, they will also run in Swift Current and several events in Montana. Several Canadian events should also see US teams in attendance as part of the CanAm series.

EDMONTON INT’L RACEWAY

The Alberta capital’s paved track –Edmonton International Raceway – has released a schedule offering much the same wide variety of race cars as previous years. Uniquely featuring a NASCAR Home Track sanction, EIR’s crown jewel event will be the July 22 Bayer 300 for the NASCAR Pinty’s Series. Once again, the Fathers Day weekend will see the Roy Ross Memorial 47

for

I.M.C.A. CANADA

In 2023, I.M.C.A. Canada will continue for at least another year under the guidance of its founder, Bruce Hampton. After nearly 30 years at the helm, Hampton is trying to arrange an orderly transition to new leadership for Western Canada’s largest racing organization.

“I had three deals going to buy me out,” said Hampton. “But I’m going to have to pull the trigger and go another year.”

No big changes are expected for 2023, he said, so a new owner can put their own stamp on how things are run.

“It’s funny,” said Hampton. “For years everybody has been telling me how I ought to run it and what I should do, but now, nobody’s coming forward!”

SUTHERLAND AUTO. SPEEDWAY

The site of the other race in the Pinty’s Series Western Swing – Sutherland Automotive Speedway in Saskatoon – is also building on a decent year in 2022. The change to a doubleheader format – this year the Leland Fasteners Twin 125s – made the Saskatoon stop on the NPS unique on the tour. Somewhat hampered by weather in previous years, according to Jeff Kozak of

the club that runs the track.

“Last year was a good one for us and this year should be better yet.”

The other marquee events at SAS are a pair of Late Model races, a 150 on June 17 and a 200 on August 12. The Western Speed Association events at the Saskatoon paved oval have often drawn top teams from other provinces.

CANADIAN SUPER TRUCKS

The Canadian Super Trucks will finish their 2023 season at SAS, when they appear on August 26th. This will be a busy summer for the colourful and competitive pickup-bodied racers. Beginning with a doubleheader in Penticton on the May long weekend, the trucks will race twice in Saskatoon before the final, as well as at Medicine Hat, Prince George and Hythe Motor Speedway for a total of ten events on the championship tour.

WESCAR

Another touring series, WESCAR, has six events lined up for British Columbia Sportsman Late Model teams. Beginning with a big event on the May 5 weekend at Penticton, WESCAR will race at Agassiz, Prince George, Gold Pan Speedway in Quesnel and Thunder Mountain Speedway in Williams Lake before heading back to Penticton at the end of September to crown a champion. IT

I.M.C.A. Modifieds, which race regularly at EIR.

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series returns to Saskatoon in 2023 for another doubleheader. Photo Courtesy NPS

L.P. DUMOULIN’S CAR IN NASCAR HALL OF FAME

No. 47 WeatherTech / Bellemare Dodge part of NASCAR’s Glory Road exhibit

Story by Bryce Turner

L.P. Dumoulin’s No. 47 WeatherTech/Bellemare Dodge is one of 19 cars on display in the fifth rendition of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Glory Road. The exhibit, in Charlotte, NC, pays tribute to the people, cars and moments that have shaped the sport, both past and present.

Curated to reflect the 75-year history of NASCAR, these Glory Road cars represent 55 NASCAR championships across eight divisions. The honour of being included in this exclusive group is not lost on Dumoulin.

“When (NASCAR Canada GM Tony Spiteri) said they wanted to do a special Glory Road… and they’re looking at getting the WeatherTech No. 47 car up there, is it

FLAMBORO PARTNERS WITH TRACKTUNE FOR 2023 SEASON

Story by Bryce Turner Flamboro Speedway will have a new way for fans to follow the action in 2023, as it becomes the first track in Ontario to partner with TrackTune. The app, which can be downloaded for free, will stream the PA feed during all Flamboro races, providing a new listening option for fans in the stands.

“We really researched it and tried to look around for other things and we thought ‘you know what, this is good bang for our buck,’” said Flamboro GM Gary Colling. “I think it will bring a lot of people back into the track and, if you can’t make

a possibility, I was like ‘oh yeah, let’s make it happen,’” said Dumoulin. “We built that car up perfectly, so it’s very shiny and we can be proud of it…it’s one thing to win races, it’s one thing to win championships, but to get our car over there is a huge deal – it’s epic.”

The Glory Road exhibit will remain in place for the next three years. Dumoulin says that the car on display is a road course car that he’s raced to many podiums.

“We changed the body on it, made sure that the inside of the car was great, the chassis, we still have the interior seats, everything still in there,” said Dumoulin. “If you look at it in a showroom, or on Glory Road, you can see what a NASCAR Pinty’s Series car looks like.”

it, you can listen to it at home or on a drive somewhere, or if you’re out of the country.”

T. Weber Co. Ltd. and Expressway Trucks jumped on board to split the bill for TrackTune and will receive some ad time, including at the end of races, when announcer Kevin Small heads trackside for interviews.

Small’s announcing will also now be used by petalpower51, which films Flamboro races to upload on YouTube. The video feeds used to include just the sound of race cars, with announcer audio being limited to background noise.

The quality of the audio is something that stands out to both Colling and Small, who were listening to a late model broad-

The No. 47 is the first car from outside the United States to be included in the Hall of Fame. This milestone follows a challenging 2022 season for the three-time Pinty’s Series champion, who went winless, with two DNFs, an average finish of 8.2 and a seventh-place points result.

“Last year was a tough year, but that makes you appreciate it even more when you win those big trophies,” said Dumoulin. “We’ve learned a lot out of 2022. We want to go for four championships, we want to get more race wins, but on top of it, we must focus on the big picture and make sure we keep the car up front.”

The 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series season kicks off May 13 at Sunset Speedway. IT

cast from Five Flags Speedway in March.

“I turned it on and the audio was so clear,” said Colling. “They had two people in the pits, three guys announcing up in the tower, and there was no stepover, no squelching or anything like that. It was so clear that I’m actually pretty excited and I think (owners) John and Frank Casale are also very excited that we’ve added one more step to our program.”

For traditionalists who are concerned about this change, fear not. Colling says that Flamboro will still keep their speakers and FM receiver. He also noted that the speedway has free WiFi, so fans won’t need to use up their data to listen through the app, at the track. IT

L.P. Dumoulin’s NASCAR Pinty’s Series car is featured in the Glory Road display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, in Charlotte. Photo Courtesy NASCAR Hall of Fame

IMSA REPORT

BIG BATTLES BREWING IN PROTOTYPE AND GT CLASSES

Story Courtesy of IMSA

The results are in, and they are conclusive. Fans are in for a whale of a season in the reborn Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

All four competing manufacturers – Acura, Cadillac, Porsche, and BMW – were highly competitive in the hybrid-powered top prototype class at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Each led laps in the grueling endurance event and the fastest race laps turned by each were within less than a half-second of each other.

What’s more, all four were in contention for podium finishes as the 12-hour marathon ticked away the final minutes. Even with the wild ending that included a crash eliminating three frontrunning GTP entries, three different manufacturers were represented on that postrace podium.

That included teams from BMW and Porsche, both manufacturers making dramatic improvements from the class debut in January at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. In that opener, neither had a car finish closer than 15 laps behind the race winner, the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06 driven by Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Helio Castroneves, and Simon Pagenaud. At Sebring, the Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963s were running first and third when collected in the late-race melee that also included the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 that was in second place.

The result of that skirmish opened the door for the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Cadillac V-Series.R to claim the win, followed to the finish line by the No. 25 BMW M Team RLL BMW Hybrid V8. Though it didn’t complete the race, the No. 6 Penske Porsche was scored third in GTP.

“To be on the podium in our second race, it just shows things to come,” said Nick Yelloly, the closing driver in the runner-up No. 25 BMW. “We made a good step forward in terms of pace and can actually mix it up a little bit in the race. It was nice to get in and amongst it a few times today as well, whereas at Daytona we weren’t really doing that.”

Yelloly credited the continued dedication of the BMW and Team RLL engineers and staffs following the Daytona disappointment where Acura and Cadillac swept the first five finishing positions. Long hours of work both in Germany and at the team’s Indianapolis shop led to performance gains in a recent Sebring test, a harbinger of things to come on race weekend.

“Our boys and girls were able to sort through all the data, piece things together and come here for the test a couple of weeks ago and make already a small step forward,” said Yelloly. “And then when we got here (for the race), obviously we made another step forward. Really quite promising looking forward.”

BMW M Head of Motorsport Andreas Roos was also delighted with the GTP program’s progress on a weekend when he also saw his brand’s GT3 cars finish 1-2 in the GT Daytona (GTD) class and BMW GT4s do the same in the Grand Sport (GS) class of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race.

“We are gradually getting closer to the performance level that we want to achieve,” Roos said of the GTP cars. “Therefore, this second place scored by our No. 25 car is a great motivation for us to continue in the same fashion in the coming weeks and months.”

Porsche is feeling the same way, despite the extreme disappointment of its two cars seeing the chance at victory slip away with the

finish line in sight. The Sebring results may list the Porsche 963s in third and fifth place but Urs Kuratle, Porsche Director of Factory Motorsport LMDh, saw a bright lining to the dark cloud at Sebring.

“We showed that we can achieve anything with our new Porsche 963 in the IMSA series,” he said. “We have a good platform with great potential. We’re feeling confident about the future because we now know that we can win through our own efforts.”

GT CLASSES LOOKING WIDE OPEN

The opening two races of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship resulted in GT class victories for Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Porsche and BMW at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and McLaren is installed atop the GT Daytona (GTD) standings.

Talk about close competition. That’s half the manufacturers entered in the GT classes already represented by race wins or points leads in just two races.

It’s a slim GTD advantage for the No. 70 Inception Racing McLaren 720S GT3 driven by Brendan Iribe, Frederik Schandorff and Ollie Millroy – just one point over Sebring winners Bryan Sellers, Corey Lewis, Madison Snow, and the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. And just to show that every minute cars are on track matters, the Inception McLaren gained that advantage through a slightly better qualifying performance – fifth at Daytona and eighth at Sebring, versus the PMR BMW’s ninth and fifth in the opening two rounds. The No. 1 BMW finished eighth at the Rolex 24 to collect 628 points to date, while the No. 70 McLaren was more consistent with third- and fourth-place finishes (and 629 points) to open the 2023 campaign. The No. 44 Magnus Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 are just 50 points back.

Meanwhile in GTD PRO, the Daytona-winning No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 co-driven by Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Maro Engel (plus Cooper MacNeil at the Rolex 24) added a podium finish at Sebring to build a 26-point cushion over the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F and season-long co-drivers Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat, who had their own pair of podiums to open the year.

From there it’s another 23 points back to Sebring victors Patrick Pilet, Klaus Bachler, and Laurens Vanthoor and the 2022 class champion No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992).

Taken as a whole, all ten WeatherTech Championship GT manufacturers enjoyed at least a moment in the sun during the season-opening Florida swing of the two endurance races. Kyle Marcelli nabbed the GTD pole at Sebring for Acura in the No. 93 Racers Edge Motorsport with WTR NSX GT3. The Vasser Sullivan Lexus entries fared strongly in both classes, with the No. 14 earning GTD PRO podium finishes at both races and the No. 12 coming home fifth both times in GTD. The new Ferrari 296 GT3 was impressive at Sebring, the No. 62 Risi Competizione entry contending for a podium before settling for sixth place. Corvette looked set to win Sebring until an unscheduled pit stop to change a rear shock/damper relegated it to fifth at the flag. The new EVO2 version of the Lamborghini Huracán has demonstrated consistency and reliability out of the box.

Two races make up less than 20 percent of the full GT season, with a wide variety of racetracks still to come – starting with the street course at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which is about as different from Sebring as Sebring is from Daytona.

Given that the range of cars participating in GTD and GTD PRO come in all different shapes and sizes – front-, mid- and rear-engine,

Cadillac and Lexus have been the early winners in IMSA’s GTP class, but newcomers Porsche and BMW proved during the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring that they have the pace to keep up, and will likely get stronger as the season progresses. Photos by Neena Channan

with six, eight or ten cylinders – it’s logical that some cars are better suited to some tracks than others.

The challenge, then, is to find the combination of consistency, pace and reliability that has landed the No. 70 Inception McLaren atop the early GTD standings.

“The McLaren lacks torque and traction, but it’s great on fast circuits – look at the European tracks like Spa and Silverstone,” said Millroy, the team’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup driver who also serves as Iribe’s driver coach. “In the US, we’ve had two strong Daytona 24s because it’s all about top speed. We struggle a bit in the middle sector. We’re not that strong at Daytona in terms of lap time. We’re sort of strong enough to fight, but never outstandingly quick. But the car is great for racing. It’s great in slipstreams.

“VIRginia International Raceway is a good example of a US track that works for it – fast and flowing, with high grip. Where we struggle with the McLaren is with grunt and traction, areas the Mercedes is strong in.”

If There’s a Benchmark, It’s Mercedes-AMG. That’s a common theme you’ll hear from competitors – the well-developed Mercedes-AMG is often the benchmark car, using compact size and a torquey V-8 thrust to its advantage.

“The Porsche, Mercedes and Lexus tend to be strong in hard braking sections, but we have strong front grip and rotation,” observed Roman De Angelis, who shares the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with Marco Sorenson and Ian James. “The Aston will definitely be strong in the faster places like Watkins

Glen, Lime Rock and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, and we’ll be able to show our true colours for sure.”

“The GTD class is so close, it doesn’t take much for things to go anyone’s way,” added James, who also serves as the Heart of Racing’s team principal. “Obviously, there’s ebb and flow with the performance between different cars, but the performance parameters of the cars in GTD are pretty close.”

At Sebring, the No. 79 Mercedes looked like it had the pace to win GTD PRO had the race run clean to the end. It was an impressive performance, especially on the heels of the powerful run to victory six weeks earlier at Daytona. And the No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports and No. 57 Winward Racing entries continued to show class-leading speed in GTD.

“We definitely have an amazing car,” said Engel. “The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is a car that’s well adapted to all forms of GT racing, whether long-distance or the sprint rounds. It’s always a car that gives the driver confidence.”

Fuel strategy turned out to be the difference maker at Sebring, resulting in wins for Porsche (GTD PRO) and BMW (GTD).

“We were not the quickest, clearly,” said Pilet, whose fuel-miserly final stint secured the victory for the Pfaff Porsche. “But we have such a good group of people, and we got a great effort. We gambled on yellows, and the strategy worked.”

Pilet stretched his last tank of fuel over the final 1 hour, 52 minutes of the 12 hours at Sebring. That’s longer than the upcoming race at Long Beach, a sprint event of 100 minutes. IT

The diverse array if GT machinery in IMSA has led to certain tracks favouring certain manufacturers, so expect lots of unpredictable results throughout the 2023 season, as manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsche and Lexus duke it out across North America. Photos by Neena Channan

RACING HUGE AT MOTORAMA 2023

TRACKS, SERIES, EXHIBITORS, RACING VEHICLES AND CROWDS COME TOGETHER IN NUMBERS AT ANNUAL SHOW

TheMotorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo Presented by eBay Motors took place March 10, 11 & 12 at Toronto’s International Centre.

Racing was extremely prominent at the show as Hall 1B – known as the Inside Track Racing Zone Presented by Stoneridge Specialty Insurance – was jammed with motorsports content.

Displays promoting the region’s racetracks, series and vendors filled the hall, along with over 70 beautifully prepared racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, in the Racers’ Corral.

The 2022 edition of Motorama was moved back by six weeks to get around the lingering COVID restrictions. Unfortunately, that put the show on the same weekend as some tracks’ opening nights and practice weekends, which meant they couldn’t participate.

So, with Motorama back on its traditional weekend for 2023 – and taking place well

in advance of the start of the Ontario racing season – the racing community returned in droves and were there to connect with the record-setting crowds that attended the show.

Tracks and series met with racers in search of information they needed to make their final preparations and plans. And fans filled bags with schedules as they prepare for a busy summer of ‘chasing racing.’

Some new companies and partnerships were unveiled at the show. The large Freshstone Brands display featured a pair of racing vehicles and samples of their new line of food products.

The Canada Heads Up – Street Car Shootout Series had a huge display and hosted a drivers meeting and info session in the middle of the Racing Zone.

And Saturday’s Fast Eddie Speedwear Night of Champions – honouring over 120 road racing, drag racing and short track champions from 2022 – was once again an incredible experience and spectacle.

2023

Two Speed Motorsports chose Motorama as its launch event for its new line of racing products and services. And Junior Farrelly Motorsports had several vehicles promoting its new association with Berne Workwear and Peavey Mart.

It felt a bit like PRI and SEMA with companies and racers opting to make news at the show.

Motorama has become a massive event for the racing community as it prepares for the upcoming season. It’s also a very social event, where friends get together to talk about the past, present and future. Please enjoy this special section highlighting some of the news, stories, pictures and memories that made Motorama 2023 so special.

Thank you to all who participated and attended. We hope you have a fun and successful season. And we look forward to seeing everyone again March 8, 9 & 10, 2024 back at The International Centre. IT

- The Motorama Team

FAST EDDIE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

MORE THAN 100 CANADIAN RACERS HONOURED AT ANNUAL MOTORAMA EVENT

OnSaturday, March 11, almost 120 Canadian racers who won season-long track or series road racing, drag racing and short track championships were honoured during the Fast Eddie Speedwear Night of Champions presentations at the Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo presented by eBay Motors.

The event is unique in the world of motorsports, given that nowhere else are so many current champions assembled in one place, at one time, to celebrate their achievements and be honoured by their families, teams, peers and fans.

The Road Racing, Drag Racing and Short Track Night of Champions ceremonies were hosted by announcers Dave Bradley, Bill Richards and Gary Colling, respectively. At the start of the presentations, the champions were called to the stage, as a group, for photos. Once underway, the champions were individually introduced and recognized in front of the assembled audiences.

Each received a goody bag that included several items, including a customized plaque and Fast Eddie Night of Champions T-shirt, as well as other prizes.

This year’s Fast Eddie Night of Champions was the 10th annual ceremony honouring the Short Track and Drag Racing champions, and the second consecutive year that Canadian Road Racing champs were included.

“The Fast Eddie Night of Champions has really grown into something special,” said show co-promoter David Weber. “We’re honoured to have our friends at Fast Eddie as the Night of Champions sponsor. They are a prominent and long-running exhibitor at Motorama. They are the Official Supplier of all our show shirts and clothing, and they’re incredibly connected to the Canadian racing community, making them a perfect fit.”

Speaking on behalf of Fast Eddie, Tony Paton said, “Our team at Fast Eddie are racers ourselves, as well as being racing fans. So, it’s special for all of us to see competitors representing all ages and forms of motorsports on stage and being applauded for their accomplishments. The Fast Eddie Night of Champions is another great way that we can reinforce our support for Canadian motorsports.” IT

The Fast Eddie Night of Champions took place Saturday, March 11 at Motorama. In all, almost 120 Road Racing, Drag Racing and Short Track champions from 2022 were on hand for this special event. Photos by Paolo Pedicelli

The following individuals pre-registered for the Fast Eddie Night of Champions at Motorama.

To qualify, each won a full-season points championship in 2022 at a track or series. Congratulations to all of these champions and thank you to Fast Eddie Speedwear for their support of this event.

ROAD RACING

Dan Coomber

Giuliano Traetto

Jesse Ferguson

Jon Dunski

Joseph Comacchio

Ken Hiebert

Mac Clark

Marc Lafleur

Nathan Webster

Patrick Cyr

Phil Wang

Rocco Marciello

Stephen di Cesare

Stephen Sutherland

Victor Smialek

William Machado

DRAG RACING

Cole Ferri

Bill Thompson

Blake Sutton

Brandon Barker

Brian Clayton

Brody Vandergeld

Bryon Terveld

Chevy Lightheart

Chris Dennique

Dan Morrison

Frank Hood

Glenn Tandy

Jesse Vanbetlehem

Joe Muro

John Golka

K.C. Kovacs

Kimberly Arquette

Kory-Lee Staveley

Lui Ramundo

Mark Menicanin

Mike Pereira

Mike Thompson

Miller / Giff Racing

Mya James

Nick Kempers

Owen Henderson

Paul Bhawan

Peter Spinelli

Reese Hamilton

Rick Atkinson

Rob Orofiamma

SHORT TRACK

Alex Cuzzilla

Andy Kamrath

Austen MacLennan

Austin Arnel

Bailey Jacobs

Bill Profota

Bobby Mercer

Brock Beattie

Chris Raabe

Cody Wilds

Cory Turner

Cory Whittam

Danny Benedict

Darryn Wright

Dave Bailey

Del Freiburger

Doug Lepard

Dustyn Mombourquette

Dylan Graham

Elliot Stacey

Gerrit Tiemersma

Jake Hooker

Jake Spencer-Walt

James Townsend

Jason D’Antimo

Jason vale

Jay Doerr

Jeremy Kelly

Jon Bates

J.R. Fitzpatrick

Junior Farrelly

Justin Ramsay

Kaiden Beatty

Kara Martin

Kenny McNicol Jr

Kevin Trevellin

Kyle Neumeister

Lane Zardo

Mark Merritt

Mike Norris

Noah Mamo

Parker Traves

Quinn Goertz

Ray Morneau

Reese Bourgeois

Ryder White

Stephen Finnegan

Steve Baldwin

Steve Book

Steve Schnurr

Steve Shaw

Thomas Wunsch

Tommy Bailey

Tyler Cullen

Tyler French

Tyler Lafantaisie

Wade Purchase

Wayne Thorne IT

A FITTING VENUE

NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND COMPANIES INTRODUCED TO THE RACING COMMUNITY AT MOTORAMA

Stories by Bryce Turner

JUNIOR FARRELLY

Junior

Farrelly, Berne Workwear and Peavey Mart revealed a new partnership at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo. The two brands will join together to sponsor Farrelly in various racing series this season.

Farrelly will run a full schedule in the APC Series, behind the wheel of his No. 72 Chevrolet, while also defending his Full Throttle Motor Speedway Late Model championship and running select events in both the Can-Am TQ Midgets and Great Lakes Legends Series.

Campaigning a black and orange paint scheme, with Berne Workwear and Peavey Mart branding, the team will look to increase the level of awareness that fans have with both brands. Peavey Mart is relatively new to Ontario, following the re-branding of TSC Stores, and both companies are connected through Berne Workwear being sold at Peavey Mart stores.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with two great companies, two established companies, to showcase their great products and showcase what the APC Series has to offer,” said Farrelly. “There’s a fanbase and excitement that surrounds the series that’s second to none… to get back full-time competing with them means a lot and it’s definitely exciting.

“It’s a new venture for me. I’ve said that it’s not a sponsorship, it’s a partnership; we want to be working together both on and off the track with each other to make sure we are maximizing the benefits we feel the program can offer.”

TWO SPEED MOTORSPORTS

Two Speed Motorsports made its official debut at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo, where the Hanover, ON-based implement, tool and parts company showcased their line of products designed to make a racer’s life easier, while focusing on affordability.

“Two Speed Motorsports is a Canadian company, making implements and tooling for in the shop or at the race track,” said Joe Chisholm Jr., Two Speed’s director of sales and marketing. “We’re covering the gamut from asphalt to dirt to drag racing and it’s a group of racers who are behind-the-scenes, building a company into the future for racers; there’s a lot of passion behind it.”

One of the products on display at Motorama was a WIDE 5 Wheel Spacer. Chisholm noted that the spacer is half-inch and that they custom machine any size needed, right up to two inches, in increments of step down.

“We get into a lot of spacers and bracketry and different things like that,” said Chisholm. “It’s kind of a mesh between offering products that are off-the-shelf and then, as well, getting into the custom stuff that sometimes you need for custom applications.”

The company took pre-orders for pick-up at the show, with products including Two Speed Setup Stands, Tire Stagger Roller Caddy, TallBoy 14-inch Jack Stands and Two Speed Scale Cart. There were also 4x8

Farrelly’s team will sport Berne Workwear apparel at the track, exhibiting their tag line, “let’s get to work,” by wearing shirts, pants and work gloves being used in the pits all which are available at your local Peavey Mart store.

Away from the track, the team will appear with their APC Series car at six Peavey Mart locations in Ontario, with scheduled stops in Alliston, Peterborough, Owen Sound, Kitchener, Guelph and London. Additional dates and details will follow.

“It’s a chance for customers to take pictures, sit in the car, check out some quality Berne Workwear apparel and just get up close and personal with the team, something that you might not always be able to do at the track,” said Farrelly.

Farrelly also noted the importance of having two companies committed to a racing program; he encourages fans to support the sponsors that keep grassroots motorsports going strong. More information on these brands can be found at www.bernecanada.com and www.peaveymart.com. IT

sheets of Lexan and Rubrails available for purchase at the show. One tool that gained some interest at Motorama was Two Speed Motorsports’ custom-made Tech Tool, which is half wrench and half flathead screwdriver. The company gave away 512 of the tools over the three days.

“This is more of a novelty for crew chiefs to keep in their pockets to be able to take off the air cleaner and take off the fasteners when they’re in tech lane,” said Chisholm. “We wanted to create a multitool and something for people to remember us by.”

Two Speed Motorsports used social media to reveal products and gain feedback on current projects throughout their launch this past winter. Products can be purchased through their online shop at www.twospeedmotorsports.com. IT

Veteran racer Junior Farrelly unveiled his new partners at Motorama, including Berne Workwear and Peavey Mart. They’ll be on his fleet of racing vehicles this season. Photo by Hans Janzen

Joe Chisholm Jr. (left) and Two Speed Motorsports President Cory McAllister (right) were in the Racing Zone at Motorama, introducing the new company and its racing-related products. Photo by Dave Franks

TRACK AND SERIES NEWS

JUST WEEKS PRIOR TO THE RACING SEASON, MANY TRACKS AND SERIES MADE NEWS AT MOTORAMA

By Bryce Turner

The Inside Track Racing Zone presented by Stoneridge Specialty Insurance was a hub of activity all weekend long, with several tracks and series showing off cars, promoting their schedules and talking with fans at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo presented by eBay Motors.

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY

The ½-mile Delaware Speedway will feature Friday night racing again this season, with the late models, super stocks and bone stocks in action, starting May 12. The V8 stocks division will get underway the following week, where the Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) will be the first touring series to visit in 2023.

“I’m looking forward to a great year of racing,” said general manager Dave Graham. “We’re going to do some new things and some new expansions, try to make better fan zones and keep the momentum going.”

The Canada Day weekend will once again feature some major events at the speedway, with the OSCAAR Modifieds and Hot Rods holding races on back-to-back days and the APC Series and Qwick Wick Super Stock Series (QWSS) in action for a single event each. Other notable events include Monster Trucks and Freestyle Motocross on July 2829, the Ontario Outlaw Super Late Models (OSLM) on August 11 and the QWSS, APC Series and NASCAR Pinty’s Series all crowning champions from September 22-24.

Casual racers will be able to do battle in their passenger cars, with King of the Hill races being held on five dates, including on

NASCAR championship Sunday. The regular divisions will conclude in mid-to-late September, with the Annual Pumpkin Smasher closing the track on September 30.

FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY

Flamboro Speedway will have a busy 2023 season, starting April 29 with mini stock and pure stock invitationals. The pro late models, super stocks and Canadian Vintage Modifieds will also run at Flamboro this season, while the Southern Ontario Modified Association will run most events at the track.

There will be a pair of races with big paydays at the 1/3-mile oval, with a $10,000-to-win pro late model race in July, ahead of a $50,000-to-win enduro race in early September.

“We brought back the Gold Rush, that’ll happen July 29, that should be a good one,” said co-owner John Casale. “It’s a good money payday for (the drivers), so hopefully we’ll get lots of cars for that one. Then, on Labour Day weekend, we’re bringing back the Pot of Gold 300 and hopefully we’ll get 150 cars so somebody will go home with $50,000.”

Flamboro will honour notable racing legends during three events. The Bill Zardo Sr. Memorial will take place May 27, headlined by the OSCAAR Hot Rods, which Zardo competed in last year before his passing in December. The Don Biederman Memorial will be held June 17, with the OSLM visiting the track, and the Bill Pickford Memorial will take place August 26, with the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series (OMRS) in action.

The APC Series, OSCAAR Modifieds, Ontario Pro Challenge (OPC), Can-Am TQ Midgets and Outlaw Midgets will also visit Flamboro this season, with the prestigious Frostoberfest, featuring the Grisdale Triple Crown, concluding the regular portion of the season on September 30-October

1. The Halloween Enduro and demolition derby will close the track on October 21.

FULL THROTTLE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Full Throttle Motor Speedway took a different approach to Motorama, with the ¼-mile oval bringing its souvenir stand, so showgoers could purchase track merchandise while learning about the schedule.

There will be several divisions competing at the Durham, ON track this season, with pro sprints, fun stocks, mini stocks, street stocks, hot rods, junior late models, mini trucks, thunder trucks, late models and crazy trains all in action.

“I think it will be a really good year; we have more registered cars than last year, we have OSCAAR coming July 15…it’s going to be an interesting year,” said owner Paul Trepanier, who circled the Victoria Day weekend for a highlight event. “May 24 weekend, I would say, would be the best (to attend) for a double-header; Great Lakes Legends on board both days, trains, late models, hot rods.”

Other touring series slated to visit include OSS, OPC and Outlaw Midgets, which will each headline a consecutive weekend between June 3 and June 17 before return visits later in the year. There will be no off-weekends, with racing taking place nonstop from May 13 to September 23. All ten divisions will wrap up their seasons on either September 16 or September 23.

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY

The 3/8-mile Ohsweken Speedway has added to its schedule this year, after returning from a hiatus last season. The calendar will now feature a pair of NASCAR Pinty’s Series races, on back-to-back nights, following the series’ successful dirt debut that saw Treyten Lapcevich visit victory lane last August.

“We plan to have a great year; we’re in our 26th season, action-packed starting in May and going right through to September,” said race director Doug Leonard. “Two Pinty’s Series races, the Sprint Car Nationals are back on, now re-named the Northern Sprint Car Nationals, so it’s going to be an exciting season for us.”

Action at “The Big O” gets underway May 19, with the UMP Modifieds joining the regular track divisions. The RoC Dirt Sportsman, Southern Ontario

Flat Track Motor

Continued on Page 10

Sprints,

(Left to right) Flamboro Speedway’s Gary Colling with Flamboro coowner John Casale and racer Jake Hooker. Photo by Dave Franks

Motorcycles, Action Sprint Tour and NLMA Crate Late Models will also visit the track in 2023.

The track has four weekly divisions, with the 360 sprint cars, 602 crate sprints, thunder stocks and mini stocks starting opening night and concluding regular action on September 8. The vintage cars and late models will each appear twice.

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series races will take place August 14-15, with the Northern Crate Nationals and Northern Sprint Car Nationals concluding the season on Sept.15-16.

PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY

Peterborough Speedway will get their season underway on May 20, starting the countdown to the prestigious end-of-season

with a dyno and kids zone. Also enhancing the off-track experience for fans will be a new element for 2023.

“One of the big things on the fan aspect is that we’re in the final stages of getting a liquor license – there’s going to be a beer patio,” said Josiasse. “We’re always upgrading and it’s going to be a great season.”

SUNSET SPEEDWAY

The 1/3-mile Sunset Speedway will have a busy start to the year, with a notable schedule in the month of May. The pro late models, modifieds, super stocks, mini stocks, junior late models and legends will all begin their season on May 6, before the hot rods are in action the following weekend, with the Big Z Memorial.

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series will start their 2023 campaign at Sunset on May 13, before the APC Series gets underway during Spring Velocity weekend on May 20-21. The bone stocks will make their season debut, alongside other local divisions, while the Can-Am TQ Midgets and Outlaw Midgets will also visit the track for the Victoria Day event.

One race that gauged significant interest at Motorama is the Junior Hanley Classic on July 8, featuring 72 laps for pro late models.

SAUBLE SPEEDWAY

Located near the coastal Lake Huron town of Sauble Beach, Sauble Speedway will have a later start to their 2023 season, with the OSCAAR Modifieds and Hot Rods opening the track on June 17. The United 8’s, Combined 4’s and junior late models will also be in action that weekend, with the pro late models and legends getting underway on June 24.

“We’ve got some really good things coming up, set up a really good program for the season,” said Combined 4’s driver Mike Campbell. “(We have) improvements like crazy at the track, for racers and fans. There’s paving going on…the stands are being painted, new Hall of Fame going up. Jeff (Cassidy) and Paul (Gresel) are really putting their time and effort into the track.”

The OSS, Can-Am TQ Midgets, Outlaw Midgets and Great Lakes Legends Series (GLL) will all visit the track on Canada Day weekend, with the OSLM and Monster Trucks visiting across the following two weekends.

The ¼-mile oval will once again hold a marquee part of their schedule surrounding the August long weekend, with the Dash For Cash on August 2 before a busy slate on August 5-6, including the APC Series, GLL and Can-Am TQ Midgets in town. As part of the track’s association with INEX, there will be a Canadian Legend Car National Qualifier on the Sunday.

Autumn Colours Classic. The bone stocks, mini stocks, renegade trucks, super stocks, late models, legends and junior late models will all compete on a regular basis at the 1/3-mile oval this year.

“We’re going to kick-off again on the May long weekend, run right through to Labour Day,” said owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse. “This year’s going to be the 30th running of the Autumn Colours Classic, so we’re stepping that event up a little bit; we’ve added the OMRS modifieds, running a full show on the Friday night with us.”

The APC Series, QWSS, OSCAAR Modifieds and Hot Rods, OSLM, OSS, Can-Am TQ Midgets and Outlaw Midgets will also visit the track this season. Meanwhile, there will be events geared towards casual racers, with a pair of King of the Hill events, along with kids bike races and kids barrel races.

The Autumn Colours Classic will conclude the regular on-track action October 6-8, with radar runs and grass drags on October 28. Off the track, Foxfest will take place June 11, with an all-Ford car and truck show, along

“The one I’m probably most looking forward to is the Junior Hanley Classic,” said track announcer Brendan Doherty. “We look forward to honouring the man and doing something like that, honouring people who are still with us with classic races…that Junior Hanley Classic, the pro late model guys, they’ve been all over here, all weekend, talking about it. If they’re not coming full-time to run at Sunset, that’s the one they’re coming to run.”

The OSS, Monster Trucks and QWSS will also visit Sunset this season, with the APC Series making a second stop on August 12. There will be several King of the Hill races throughout the year, starting May 27, and there will be kid’s bike races on three dates.

Fall Velocity weekend will close the track on September 15-17, which will include the last of three super late model races at the track this season.

There will also be invitationals for mini stock, pure stock and super stock on separate weekends this season. The APC Series will make a return visit on August 26, before the Sauble Speedway schedule concludes with a mix of touring and local divisions, plus a demolition derby, on September 2-3.

The Peterborough Speedway booth, with track owner J.P. Josiasse (left). Photo by Dave Franks

The Sunset Speedway display feature the OSCAAR Hot Rod driven by the late Bill Zardo Sr. Photo by Greg MacPherson

TOURING SERIES

Touring series were also well-represented in the Racing Zone. The Can-Am TQ Midgets had a booth, featuring the car and championship trophy belonging to 2022 title winner Cory Whittam. The driver himself was also on hand.

“They’re fast cars, very affordable to race, very fun,” said Whittam. “(It’s a) great division. We all take care of each other, we all help each other out.”

The series has 15 races scheduled between five tracks. There will be two double-header weekends, with races on backto-back days at Sauble Speedway on July 1-2 and August 5-6.

Canada Heads Up had a large presence at Motorama, with several drag racing cars and bikes on display. The series also hosted a driver’s meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Racing Zone stage.

Canada Heads Up has five race weekends on the schedule, starting June 2-4, all taking place at Toronto Motorsports Park.

Canadian Vintage Modifieds vice president Jae Pepin had his No. 43 car on display at the series booth.

“They’re all race chassis, they’re all tubular chassis vehicles, but the actual roots of

these things are real steel bodies from the ‘30s, so they kind of have a little bit of nostalgia to them,” said Pepin.

The mods have 12 races on their schedule, with two weeks in between most events. All races will be run at Flamboro Speedway between May 6 and September 23.

The Great Lakes Legends Series appeared ahead of their second season of existence, with multiple cars on display in the Racing Zone. Their schedule features 10 race weekends at five tracks, beginning May 20-21 at Full Throttle Motor Speedway.

The Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) and United Racing Series (URS) were also on hand at Motorama. Club racing was represented at the show by the British Auto Racing Club (BARC), Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs – Ontario Region (CASC-OR) and Southern Ontario Modified Association (SOMA).

See elsewhere in issue 27.01 for longer features on the OSS, URS and CASC-OR. IT

The eBay Motors booth in Hall 2 promoted the upcoming VARAC Vintage GP at CTMP. Photo by Greg MacPherson

The Canadian Vintage Modifieds had a significant presence at the Toronto Motorama show. Photo by Dave Franks

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NORM STODDARD PRO LATE MODEL

Gravenhurst, ON racer Norm Stoddard had his 2023 Chevy Pro Late Model on display in the Inside Track Racing Zone.

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SPEEDWAY

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Justin Ramsay’s immaculate ‘79 Chevy Camaro Thunder Stock is all set to take to the track at Brighton Speedway.

KEVIN TREVELLIN ONTARIO SPORTSMAN SERIES

Reigning OSS champ Kevin Trevellin’s Dodge was one of several impressive vehicles in the growing series’ display at Motorama.

KENNY MCNICOL GREAT LAKES LEGENDS SERIES

The GLLS series’ booth at Motorama featured several vehicles, including the #1 of 2022 series champ Kenny McNicol.

JIM BRAY NASCAR GRAND NATIONAL

The Freshstone Brands booth featured a tribute to veteran racer and team owner Jim Bray, who recently turned 90.

SCOTT WOOD MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY

Dirt racer Scott Wood had his Modified on display in the Freshstone Brands booth, in the Racing Zone at Motorama.

Photo by Hans Janzen

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DRIVER CANADA HEADS UP

Ricky Carlos’ white ‘69 Camaro and Jeremy Brown’s blue ‘15 Chevy Corvette Z06 were two of many drag cars in the large CHU booth.

JAKE HOOKER

SOUTHERN ONTARIO MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Second generation dirt racer Jake Hooker, the reigning Super Dirt Late Model champ at SOMS, brought his beautiful car to Motorama.

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DRAG BIKES CANADA HEADS UP

Several impressive Canada Heads Up drag bikes were also on display along the north wall of the Racing Zone.

DRIVER CASC-OR

The Canadian Auto Sport Clubs - Ontario Region had a booth at Motorama, displaying vehicles and answering questions.

SHANNON MORRIS

SOUTHERN ONTARIO MODIFIED ASSOC.

Shannon Morris’ #0 SOMA Modified was one of two vehicles in the growing tour’s display in the Racing Zone.

CORY WHITTAM CAN-AM MIDGET CLUB

Reigning Can-Am Midget Club champion Cory Whittam proudly displayed his car and hardware at Motorama.

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

RUNNING OR NOT, WE PAY YOU CASH ON THE SPOT

JENNIFER HATCH SAUBLE SPEEDWAY

Busy racer Jennifer Hatch had her Bone Stock car in the Sauble Speedway booth at the Toronto Motorama show.

BILL PROFOTAS

DIRT MODIFIED NOSTALGIA TOUR

Bill Profotas’ beautiful orange Vintage Modified was in the Yesterday’s Speedway’s display in the Racing Zone.

MIKE RICHARD PLAYER’S / GM SERIES

Mike Richard brought this replica tribute car, a ‘91 Camaro, which was originally driven in the series by the late Joe Lapcevich Jr.

KYLE WOODS OSCAAR HOT ROD

Kyle Woods’ stunning ‘53 Packard Clipper was an attention grabber in the OSCAAR / United Racing Series display at the show.

JUNIOR FARRELLY APC LATE MODEL SERIES

Junior Farrelly’s beautiful new #72 Chevy was one of many United Racing Series APC Late Models on display in the Racing Zone.

L.P. DUMOULIN NASCAR PINTY’S SERIES

The WeatherTech Dodge of multi-time NPS series champion L.P. Dumoulin was featured in the WeatherTech booth, in Hall 1.

by Greg MacPherson

Photo by Dave Franks

Photo by Derek Smith / Racepulse.com

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RED BULL ROCKETS AWAY

REIGNING CHAMPIONS LOOK UNBEATABLE IN EARLY-SEASON FORMULA 1 ACTION

Acouple of races into the 2023 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen and his blazingly fast Red Bull car look well on their way to a third consecutive world championship.

After getting the best out of the rule changes last year and romping to a double world title, many thought a development time penalty for a 2022 cost cap breach would slow Red Bull Racing’s progress this season. Instead, the team from Milton Keynes barely missed a step and seems even further ahead of the rest this year than last when it won 17 of 22 races.

When asked where the 2023 challenger improved over last year’s car, Verstappen simply answered “everywhere.”

“Our car was a bit fat last year so naturally, it’s in a much better window and what you have learned throughout the whole year...gives you a much better understanding of the car. Sure, that naturally makes it better but that doesn’t mean that we are satisfied. You always want to do better, and we want to put improvements on the car, which we will do,” said Verstappen.

Fans attending June’s Canadian Grand Prix can probably expect a repeat of a Verstappen win from pole unless the other teams can bring significant upgrades that close the gap. And with Red Bull being significantly faster than the rest in race trim than in qualifying, fans

should be wary of thinking Sunday’s race in Montreal will be closely fought if there’s a hotly contested pole on Saturday.

Although Red Bull’s domination seems likely to continue into the foreseeable future, some outfits upped their game significantly in the off-season, most notably Aston Martin which looks to be the best of the rest in the early going.

Aston Martin’s 2023 design direction certainly caught the eye of Sergio Perez, who quipped that it was “nice to see three Red Bull cars on the podium,” after he and teammate Max Verstappen finished ahead of Fernando Alonso in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Ironically, Aston Martin’s predecessor, Racing Point, weathered a storm of criticism in 2020 when its challenger earned the nickname the ‘Pink Mercedes,’ because it looked remarkably like the Brackley squad’s then all-conquering car.

With Aston Martin in the mix, 2023 becomes the first season in about 25 years that a Canadian will arrive in Montreal with a reasonable shot of winning at home. While the stars would need to align perfectly, a Canadian Grand Prix victory remains in the cards for 24-year-old Lance Stroll who could repeat Gilles Villeneuve’s feat of a maiden Formula 1 victory in Canada. With Nicholas Latifi parting with Williams Racing at the end of 2022, Stroll became the only Canadian on the grid.

Story by Jeff Pappone

Driving for a team owned by his billionaire dad, Stroll frequently serves as a convenient target for those who claim his background – and not his results – keep him in an Aston Martin seat. Prior to the 2023 season, Stroll scored three podiums and one pole in 122 Formula 1 starts. The Montreal-born racer silenced many critics with a gutsy sixth-place finish in the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix while driving with screws holding his right wrist together after being injured in a late February cycling crash.

“It was a day-by-day thing. With these injuries it’s always hard to tell. There is not a quick answer how long it will take,” said Stroll before the race in Bahrain, which ran just 15 days after the accident that also saw him miss preseason testing. “The first few days were rough.”

Despite obvious pain and limited strength in both wrists, Stroll drove an inspired race to give Aston Martin a double points finish, with the Canadian crossing the line three spots below his new teammate Fernando Alonso.

Stroll’s quick return and determination to race in Bahrain attracted praise from the two-time world champion who left Alpine at the end of 2022 to replace the retired Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin.

“That shows his desire to win. And you know, this is even fighting for whatever position we can achieve,” said Alonso. “So that’s a very good sign.”

Joining Aston Martin in a move up the grid early on is Williams, although its gains only get it to the midfield. The team that delivered Canada’s only world champion in Jacques Villeneuve in 1997 and gave both Stroll and Latifi their starts in Formula 1 looks to be a solid top ten contender on most weekends. Last year, Williams finished dead last in the team standings, which means it got more wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics time than the rest of the field under Formula 1’s new rules.

“Looking at the progress the team has made in 12 months –knowing we’re able to fight for points each weekend – myself and the team live for that, and motivation is high,” said team leader Alex Albon. “I’m positive and feel like compared to last year the car feels much better and we’re in the fight.”

While Williams improved, one mighty name on the Formula 1 grid continues to flounder under the new regulations: McLaren.

After finishing as high as third in 2020 and seeing Daniel Ricciardo score its first win in a decade at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, McLaren slipped to fifth in team points last year. Things went from bad to worse as 2023 began, with the Woking outfit’s car looking painfully uncompetitive.

Rookie Oscar Piastri stands to be the big loser after an acrimonious split with Alpine last year saw him land at McLaren. Even worse, it could be argued that Aston Martin’s improvement in 2023 arose from all the pieces put in place by former team boss Otmar Szafnauer prior to his departure in early 2022. Now at the Alpine F1 Team, Szafnauer’s influence may see that team improve even more and Piastri will find the gap widen between his new team and the French outfit he abandoned.

Ironically, Ricciardo’s decision to take a buyout from McLaren and sign one-year reserve driver deal with Red Bull looks even better considering his old team’s slide further down the grid.

While McLaren hopes that some planned upgrades will be a step in the right direction, Piastri knows 2023 might be a tough slog for the Woking squad.

“I think it’ll definitely help us to move closer to the front of the grid,” he said. “It’ll get us on the right track, I hope, but we are not underestimating that everyone else will probably have new parts as well, so we’ll see how much competitiveness we gain.” IT

(Opposite page) Max Verstappen looks set for his third straight title. (Above and left) Aston Martin, and Lance Stroll, look like they could win a race in 2023. (Below) Williams is also off to a strong start, while Oscar Piastri (bottom) might be regretting his move to McLaren.

Photos Courtesy Formula 1 Media

INDYCAR

SEASON PREVIEW

Can the smaller teams topple Penkse and Ganassi?

Story by Mary Bignotti Mendez

Withan all-time high field of 27 full-time entries from ten teams, the 2023 NTT IndyCar season looks to be even more competitive than previous years. Can another team push Team Penske or Chip Ganassi Racing off the top title step? Except for 2012, when Andretti Autosport won the championship with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ganassi and Penske have each captured five succeeding titles.

Potentially, the Andretti team may find its way ahead with drivers Devlin DeFrancesco, Romain Grosjean, Colton Herta, and Kyle Kirkwood. Three of those four drivers made it into Qualifying’s Fast Six at the St. Petersburg season opener with Grosjean seizing Pole.

Canada’s own DeFrancesco, in his sophomore season at Andretti, said, “I’m looking forward to getting back to it after a long off-season. A lot of work has gone into everything across the board. I think we're going to be quite strong this year.

“We looked at the events where we were strong and not so strong. We've analyzed why. We looked at the qualifying on-boards of my teammates, discovering the various differences, whether that was line, balance, and which corners I struggled in and why. I want to be fighting at the front, fighting in the Fast 12 and Fast Six much more often. It's the first time I've ever done a championship for a second year in a row, so I very much look forward to putting everything I learned last year together and seeing what we can do.

While drivers most want to win the Indianapolis 500 and the series championship, unlike other motorsports series, it’s possible any driver can win a given race. And because there have been 11 different winners across a season, every driver believes he can win.

“It's no secret that last year was not a good one for us,” lamented Herta. “We need to do better on all fronts. The off-season has been looking at everything and just trying to improve. We need mistake-free weekends. It's hard on a weekend when you don't roll off the truck well, because everybody tends to make steps every session, so you always tend to be behind. We've just been missing a little bit, a tenth or two, and that's enough to qualify fifth or 13th.

“In 2022, I was trying to mimic what the Andretti car was like, and never got to that point with the AJ Foyt car,” stated Kirkwood, the 2021 Lights champion. “I was fully focused on doing so well with that team and trying to progress them forward. But it's nice to have that transition year, where you're able to hone your skills and learn all the different things that you don't learn in junior formulas: pit stops, strategy, and having two different types of tires.

Another title challenger is Arrow McLaren with drivers Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist, and the addition of Alexander Rossi moving over from Andretti Autosport.

“At the end of the day, in IndyCar, as much as teammates will help 56 Inside Track Motorsport News

in order to gather data, it doesn't mean they're going to specifically help you in what you need,” explained O’Ward. “In Formula 1, this is the car; you need to learn how to drive this certain car. In IndyCar, it's very different where you can really tailor and customize it to what you want it to feel or drive like.

“Last year, we had our best average qualifying positions during a season. But we had four DNFs. One of those was unlucky but the others were mishaps. Alex likes a car similar to what I do, to be able to point well. At Andretti, it was an extremely strong car in the rear. I feel like our (McLaren) car is very different to that. I'm curious to see what he thinks and how he develops where we can find more time.

Rossi, reunited with renowned engineer, Craig Hampson (four titles with Sebastien Bourdias), stated, “It's been very cool to watch the Arrow McLaren team evolve over the past couple of months. There were close to 40 hires with people still wearing name tags. Everyone is finding a new role, learning who's who, finding everyone's strengths and weaknesses. The commitment to that kind of performance and results goes without saying. It's apparent throughout every level of the organization.

“To be with the same team for a third year is huge for me, basically the same group as previous years,” clarified Rosenqvist. “I feel like I have all the tools I need to perform. What you look to improve is all the small details. We had some standouts last year and some low

points. Obviously, in IndyCar now it's very tight. Very small differences can make you go from P10 to P1. It's all within a couple of hundredths or tenths. We'll be tough this year.

Meyer Shank Racing returns with Simon Pagenaud (the 2019 Indy 500 winner and champion while driving for Team Penske) and Helio Castroneves (who won his fourth Indy 500 in 2021 with this team), proving that smaller teams can win in IndyCar.

“We do a lot more simulation work these days than we ever have done before,” described Pagenaud. “That's the truth for the teams and where the money goes now. We don't have access to race tracks with the regulation (only two in-season test days). We're losing touch to the tracks and cars. We have several packages we think might be better for the problems that we had last year. One of the main issues was tire wear. We are going to evaluate what we found on the simulator and make sure it translates into real life.

“Testing twice last year translated to a street course where we were extremely strong but didn't translate to the road courses. Because Firestone brings a different type of tire for each track, it makes it very difficult for us to figure out what the tire really needs, which is the most important thing on the car. We know the car so well that the margin for improvement is very small.

Another modest team is Dale Coyne Racing with returning Rookie of the Year runner-up, David Malukas. Making the transition from the Indy NXT series (previously Lights) as teammate is Sting Ray Robb.

“Staying another year in Indy NXT would have been a big risk because there was a tire compound change that didn't allow for teams to have any data from the past (changing from Cooper Tires to Firestone),” revealed Robb, who won one race and scored 8 podiums in NXT. “Driving for Andretti last year, I was able to lean on the data from past champions as well as have knowledge of where to brake, where to shift, all the stuff that we can go back and review. With the new tire compound, you don't know who's going to be the best team, who's going to be the quickest. If I finished third or fourth in the championship rather than second or first, it lowers my stock value and lessens a welcoming opportunity to step into IndyCar.”

Another team to watch is Juncos Hollinger Racing with Callum Ilott, returning for his second year, who stated, “I'm just a bit more relaxed. I know my limits. I know what I'm confident in, and I know what should and shouldn't happen. My race craft has always been slightly weaker than the qualifying side. We've had incidences where I've made mistakes and made the wrong decisions under pressure. At Iowa, we had great race pace but couldn't keep up in the pit stops, losing four or five positions every stop. If you put me in the quickest car, I don't think there's many people quicker. Having a teammate to at least share some feelings is going to be very helpful.”

Joining Ilott is Agustin Canapino, a 15-time Argentine touring champion who never competed in a single seater until his 12th place finish at St. Petersburg.

At A.J. Foyt Racing, Santino Ferrucci joins Benjamin Pedersen, a rookie transferring from Indy NXT with five podiums, including a win. Teams continuing with the same line up are Ed Carpenter Racing (Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay), Team Penske (Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power) and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Graham Rahal, Jack Harvey, and Christian Lundgaard).

Chip Ganassi Racing returns with Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson (St. Petersburg winner), Alex Palou, and rookie Marcus Armstrong driving the road courses and Takuma Sato competing on the ovals.

The season ahead could have a surprise challenger, likely Andretti, or McLaren, who could beat Ganassi or Penske to the title. Just don’t count those other teams out. IT

(Opposite page, top) Defending champion Will Power will be a contender again in 2023, as will Power's teammate, Josef Newgarden (opposite page, below), who is a two-time IndyCar champion. (Top) Six-time champion Scott Dixon will be a favourite again, despite turning 43 during the season. Penske and Ganassi drivers Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Ericsson (who won the season opener in St. Petersburg) will be looking for their first tiles in 2023. (Above) McLaren's Pato O'Ward is a contender among the smaller teams to make a title run. Photos by Neena Channan

CASC-OR ICE RACING SEASON WRAP

Series Crowns 2023 Champions in March After Slow Start to the Winter Season

Story Samantha Parsons / CASC-OR

Due to the weather, the 2023 CASC-OR Ice Racing season got underway a little later than planned. Winter was slow arriving, this year, but it made up for it in March.

But thanks to the efforts of the Minden Kin Club – who host the events at the Minden Fairgrounds in Minden, ON – and Tom Prentice in particular – the organizers and racers managed to complete the full six-event series, albeit a few weeks later than originally scheduled.

Congratulations to all the champions and everyone who competed in the races that were hosted by the BARC, PMSC, DAC, BEMC, TAC and TLMC clubs.

CASC-OR also extends its gratitude to everyone who supports, organizes, and attends these fantastic race weekends.

The champions and final standings for all divisions are listed below. For more information about the individual race weekend results, and how to get involved, visit the Ice Racing section on the www.casc.on.ca website. IT

2023 ICE RACING AWARDS

Class 1 RWD – 1. No. 88 Tim Fleguel; 2. No. 75 Austin Birtles; 3. No. 96 Mitchel Bullai.

Class 2 FWD – 1. No. 56 Nicholas Pegg; 2. No. 87 Bryan Rashleigh; 3. No. 84 Victor DelCol; 4. No. 62 Ken Shaw; 5. No. 150 Phil Hall.

Class 4 4WD – 1. No. 188 Billy Last; 2. No. 80 Doug Forbes; 3. No. 22 David Galos; 4. No. 155 Mathieu Masaro; 5. No. 52 Samuel Quigley.

Class 11 RWD – 1. No. 74 Rick Black.

Class 12 FWD – 1. No. 28 Dave Brown; 2. No. 123 Graham Lane; 3. No. 71 Jason Abrams; 4. No. 42 Brandon Maher; 5. No. 11 Robin Doiron.

Class 14 4WD – 1. No. 124 James Craig.

Class SS1 RWD – 1. No. 85 Jen Gray; 2. No. 183 Langdon Rose; 3. No. 83 Tony Edgar; 4. No. 148 James Rogers; 5. No. 78 Rino Montanari.

Class SS2 FWD – 1. No. 10 Jesse DiMarco;

2. No. 56 Nicholas Pegg; 3. No. 180 Ian Last; 4. No. 196 Alec Drummond; 5. No. 143 David Crumbie.

Class SS4 4WD – 1. No. 135 Jim Carrell; 2. No. 167 Dustin Brown; 3. No. 157 Larry Laycock; 4. No. 137 Alex Wenzel; 5. No. 194 Walter Prinsen.

Class SS11 RWD – 1. No. 9 Richard Walker; 2. No. 183 Langdon Rose; 3. No. 83 Tony Edgar; 4. No. 79 Nicholas Montanari; 5. No. 18 Daniel Montanari.

Class SS12 FWD – 1. No. 26 Zack Wenzel; 2. No. 10 Jesse DiMarco; 3. No. 86 Khloe Drummond.

Class SS14 4WD – 1. No. 141 Daniel Biral; 2. No. 67 Dan Demers; 3. No. 32 Gerrit Kooistra; 4. No. 90 Tom Prentice; 5. No. 178 Luca Marini.

Rookie of the Year –Street Studs: No. 83 Tony Edgar.

Rookie of the Year –Rubber to Ice: No. 52 Samuel Quigley.

Overall Rubber to Ice Champion: No. 188 Billy Last.

Overall Rubber to Ice 2nd Driver Champion: No. 28 Dave Brown.

Overall SS Champion: No. 135 Jim Carrell.

Overall SS 2nd Driver Champion: No. 9 Richard Walker.

Sportsperson of the Year: Elaine Willis. Bank Manager: No. 9 Richard Walker.

Best Prepared Car: No. 66 Ashley Last.

Andy Hughes Memorial Trophy: Victor DelCol.

Rookie of the Year – Street Studs 2nd Driver: Tony Edgar.

Rookie of the Year – Rubber to Ice 2nd Driver: Jason Abrams.

Hard Luck Award: Elaine Willis / Willis Family.

Tim Whitfield Trophy – Highest Placing Rear Wheel Drive: No. 88 Tim Fleguel. IT

(Above) Overall Rubber to Ice champion Billy Last. (Below) Starter Peter Corley. Photos by Richard Coburn

CASC-OR SEASON PREVIEW

Busy season planned with events at CTMP, Shannonville and Calabogie

Story by Samantha Parsons

Preparations are well underway for the 2023 CASC-OR Road Racing Series. The schedule has been posted, rules updated, and sponsors renewed. By all accounts, things are looking positive for a great season at a wide variety of venues.

With events at the Mosport Grand Prix Track at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), both the Pro and Long track configurations at Shannonville Motorsports Park, and the challenging and popular full course at Calabogie Motorsport Park, there is something for every type of racing enthusiast at CASC-OR events.

New for 2023, CASC-OR is welcoming a brand-new road racing series, called Formula Prototype Challenge Canada (FPCC). The group will debut at the BEMC Spring Trophy Races on May 6 & 7 and will return to action at the Calabogie Summer Classic (Aug. 18-20) and at CTMP’s Celebration of Motorsport on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

To participate in FPCC events, competitors must have prior approval and be able to turn a minimum lap time of 1:25 at CTMP. Specifically suited for high-speed formula and prototype cars, organizers expect to draw Revolutions, Formula Renaults, and Radicals – to name a few – for FPCC events.

In other CASC-OR news, Pirelli Tire has extended its sponsorship of the sanctioning body through 2026 and will have its name on the Pirelli Super Touring (GT 1-2) and the Pirelli Grand Touring (GT 3-4-5) series this season.

Also featured are the Toyo Tire F1600 Championship and the various VARAC-run groups: Vintage Historic (pre-1972 cars), Classic (1972 - 1996 cars), Modern Classics (1997 - 2003) cars and the Formula Classic group.

The run groups for 2023 include:

• The Pirelli Tire Super Touring Group –the fastest closed wheel cars running in GT1 (lap times under 1:27 at CTMP) and GT2 (lap times under 1:31 at CTMP).

• The Pirelli Tire Grand Touring Group –for GT3 (under 1:35), GT4 (under 1:40) and GT5 cars.

• Formula Libre – Formula Classic – for open wheeled cars ranging from F1200s right up to F2000s and Formula Mazdas. This group is made up primarily of VARAC members driving formula cars manufactured before the year 2000.

• Formula Prototype Challenge Canada – See above.

• Toyo Tire F1600 Championship – the always popular FF run group is divided into two classes, 1600A for the newest and most refined chassis and 1600B for cars manufactured in 1994 or earlier.

• VARAC’s Classic Division – cars as raced prior to 1999, prepared to a specific rule set and grouped in time brackets. Porsche, BMW, Corvettes, are a few of the participating marques.

• VARAC’s Vintage Historic Division – cars as raced prior to 1973, prepared to historic standards. The cars

of yesteryear still raced like they were 50+ years ago.

The FEL Motorsports Emzone Radical Canada Cup as presented by Michelin will also be joining CASC-OR for a couple events in 2023, and the popular Super Production Challenge Series will be part of the Shannonville Cup on June 3 & 4.

Finally, congratulations to Antonio Costantino, the recipient of the 2023 Bob McCallum Scholarship. Antonio will be running with BGR in the 2023 Toyo Tires F1600 Championship. With a background in karting, Antonio is making the move into cars and is very excited to get started. Look for him amongst the field.

For the full 2023 schedule and additional information, go to www.casc.on.ca. IT

The BEMC Spring Trophy Races, at CTMP, are one of the big annual dates on the CASC-OR calendar. Photo by Richard Coburn

BGR’s Antonio Costantino is the recipient of the Bob McCallum Scholarship. Photo courtesy BGR

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VARAC VINTAGE GP PREVIEW

43rd Annual Event, Presented by eBay Motors, set to kick off on June 15 at CTMP

Story by Greg MacPherson

OnJune 15-18, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), VARAC will host the 43rd annual VARAC Vintage Grand Prix (VGP). Presented by eBay Motors, the event is one of five big dates on CTMP’s Major Events Schedule for 2023.

Each year, the VGP has a different theme, featuring a different marque. For 2023, the theme of the VGP is ‘Mazda Vs. The World.’ According to Lambrinos, the VARAC board member serving as the Director of the VGP, Mazda will be in the spotlight, with almost two dozen Mazda racing vehicles in action. New and vintage Mazdas are welcome and will have their own feature race as well as the ‘Rudy Bartling Mazda Vs. The World’ race on Sunday, June 18.

The on-track action includes the following eight grids of classes: Vintage Historic A, 1, 2, 3A and 3B; Vintage Historic 4A and 4B; Vintage Historic 5 and 6, Classic 3, 4, 5 and 6; VH over 2500, Classic A, 1 and 2; Formula Classic All; Toyo F1600 Championship; and NA Vintage S2000. In all, more than 200 racing vehicles are expected for the event.

The lapping day, on Thursday, June 15 –in addition to the three days of racing (June 16, 17 & 18) makes for an intense four days of on-track activity at the VGP.

And according to Lambrinos, the off-track schedule will be busy, as well.

“On Thursday night (June 15), we’ve added a band and a BBQ for all the competitors and track workers. And on Friday night (June 16), after racing, we have the John Greenwood Banquet at the CTMP Conference Centre. After that, we have our local band, Fun Comes Fast, which is made up of a bunch of

“And on Saturday night (June 17), we have our renowned Paddock Crawl, which has three stations. One has subs with Publican House beer. Another has wings and ribs with Publican House beer. And the third one is the Mud Men, at the top of the hill. They’re a Celtic rock band and there will be Publican House beer available to the racers and all the CTMP workers throughout the weekend.

“During the lunch-hour breaks, on Saturday and Sunday, there are parade laps happening. The first is being done with Mini Meet North, on the Saturday. The second one, on the Sunday, is with Field of Dreams, which Mazda will be participating in.”

Lambrinos is especially excited about this summer’s VGP given that all of the restrictions associated with the pandemic – specifically those related to crossing the Canada-US border – have been lifted.

“Because of COVID and issues crossing

the border, last year, there were still many Americans who were skeptical or nervous about coming to Canada. In the end, a lot of Americans chose not to participate. This year, however, things have relaxed. The Americans are welcome and they’re coming. We expect at least 50 or 60 cars from the US. The S2000 racers are also coming from the States, with as many as 25 cars.”

CTMP is a co-sponsor of the VGP and is responsible for securing eBay Motors as the title sponsor of the event. The facility’s participation means that VARAC, CTMP and eBay Motors are all actively involved in promoting the VGP.

VARAC is the biggest historic racing organization in Canada. Beyond the Vintage Grand Prix, VARAC is very active throughout the season, hosting other special events and participating in all CASC-OR race weekends.

Lambrinos continued, “VARAC participates in all the local CASC events, the BEMC and BARC events, and the CASC ‘end of the year’ Celebration. There are also events at Calabogie and Mont Tremblant that VARAC participates in. VARAC also puts on a oneday event at Shannonville, on the August long weekend.

“And our new event for this year is the Pumpkin Spice Runs at Grand Bend Motorplex on October 20.

“This is something we’re doing to thank the racers for being part of the VARAC and CASC events this year.”

Racers and fans looking for information about the VARAC Vintage GP can go to VARAC.ca as well as the CTMP and eBay Motors websites. IT

Mazda will be the featured marque at the 2023 VARAC Vintage GP. Photos by Richard Coburn racers. Publican House Brewery is our beer sponsor for this year, so they’ll be providing the beer for all the events.

SUPER PRODUCTION CHALLENGE

Quebec-based road racing series to appear at CTMP, Shannonville, ICAR and the GP3R

Story by Greg MacPherson

Speaking with Super Production Challenge (SPC)

promoter Dominic St-Jean, a few weeks prior to the start of the schedule for the Quebec-based road racing series, it was clear that he was upbeat and excited about the coming season.

With almost 50 registered and paid drivers already secured – and more predicted before the first green flag of the season, May 19-21 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), St-Jean’s enthusiasm seems warranted.

Inspired by other large North American touring series, for 13 years, SPC has offered amateur, semi-pro and pro racers an opportunity to compete at a wide variety of venues, including at some high-profile race weekends. Governed by FIA’s arm in Quebec, Auto Sport Québec, the three-class tour will make a pair of visits to CTMP in 2023, for the season-opening Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest, as well as the big Chevrolet Grand Prix IMSA weekend, July 7-9 at the legendary road course.

In between, the series will appear at Shannonville Motorsports Park, June 3-4, as part

...Mac

Clark, continued from Page 18

“Having that engineering mindset and more background information on some of the things that happen on the racetrack definitely helps me to articulate, to my engineers, what the car needs to go faster and win more races.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Clark is excited about racing in Toronto, at the Honda Indy, in mid-July. The USF2000 Series will have a pair of races at the Exhibition Place street circuit. “This will be the first time I get to race at ‘home’ and like three years,” continued Mac.

Clark’s talent, determination and temperament are being noticed by fans and others in the racing community who are in a position to help him reach his full potential.

Spearheading the effort to support Mac and his family to advance the youngster’s career is racer and businessman Bill Clubine, of Woodbridge, Ontario, and his long-time motorsports partner Andre

of a CASC-OR race weekend at the eastern Ontario facility. The final two race meets of the SPC season will take place in Quebec. The series will be in action August 4-6 at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, before the season finale at Circuit ICAR, outside of Montreal, during the NASCAR Pinty’s Series race weekend on the facility’s tarmac.

Laurin of OTSFF.

The USF2000 scholarship that Clark won last year didn’t cover the cost of a full-season of racing, but that has now been secured thanks to Clubine Motorsports and the recent addition of racing and automotive enthusiast Angelo Paletta, of Burlington, Ontario, through his TNG Exotics & Limited Editions.

All of these individuals are impressed with Mac’s racing talents and the way he carries himself, and are excited about supporting him in his racing journey.

“I was very fortunate to meet Bill Clubine, probably about eight months ago now,” said Clark. “He’s been incredible, he knows racing and what it takes to succeed, and he’s personally supported our program. I’m really happy to have him in my corner. He’s leading the charge, north of the border, in our program to create awareness about what I’m doing and working to attract new partners and financial support for us to go racing. I couldn’t be more

SPC is comprised of three classes: Super Production, Production and Compact. Controlled horsepower and weight-to-ratio limits ensure fair competition. The championship races were tight, in 2022, and St-Jean expects more of the same this season.

A pre-season practice day was scheduled for the end of April at ICAR. IT

grateful for what he’s done.”

Talking about what impresses him about Mac, Clubine said, “I started racing when I was about 16 years old. Snowmobiles in the winter and motorcycles in the summer. I had no help and funded it all myself. Fast forward to now, and my goal is to give young Canadian ‘up and comers’ a leg up in terms of being a friend, mentor, coach, advocate and sponsor.

“When it comes to Mac Clark, the kid is a winner. He does his talking by what he does in the car. Out of the car, he’s smart, soft-spoken and very polite.

“He’s an impressive young gentleman and an amazing driver, and he has a great family. And that’s why we’re getting behind him. We’re very excited and grateful to welcome Angelo Paletta and his TNG Exotics & Limited Editions to the team supporting Mac.”

To follow Mac’s racing adventures, go to MacClarkRacing.com where you can also sign up for his ‘MCR Club’ newsletter. IT

The SPC Series will return to the streets of Trois-Rivières this season. Photo by Paolo Pedicelli

With Files and Photos Courtesy Carsrally.ca Adeep polar airmass brought extreme cold temperatures to Maniwaki, QC the night before the start of the 2023 Canadian Rally Championship at Rallye Perce Neige. Undeterred by temperatures hovering near -40 degrees Celsius, 28 teams took to stages presenting a mix of hard-packed snow and ice. Hearty fans were waiting out in the woods to cheer them on.

Jerome Mailloux and Philippe Poirier made it clear that they were out to defend their 2022 Championship title, setting the pace through the first loop of stages in their wide-body Test Racing Subaru WRX STI. Behind them, Jean-Sebastien Besner, Olivier Martel, Alexandre Moreau, and Simon Vincent duked it out for second place, with Vincent and co-driver Hubert Gaudreau emerging as the fastest of the group by the first service.

ALEXANDRE MOREAU AND IAN GUITE WIN SEASON-OPENING RALLYE PERCE NEIGE

With most of the field staying on studded ice tires for the second loop, Mailloux decided to gamble on snow tires, but it didn’t pay off. He was immediately off the pace, his lead bleeding down until a snowbank excursion cost him several minutes on SS11, dropping him to 11th place. He would fight back to finish just off the podium in fourth place, earning valuable points in his run for a second championship.

Alexandre Moreau and Ian Guite balanced skill with patience, emerging from the second loop with the lead, with Jean-Sebastien Besner and Yvan Joyal right behind them. They remained rock steady through the rest of the day’s stages, maintaining their pace even after the sun set. Although Besner would leverage his vast experience and push hard to close the gap to Moreau, Moreau held him off to earn his first national win. Olivier Martel put on another demonstration of smooth, error-free speed in his bright green Subaru, earning himself and co-driver Vincent Hubert third place.

Balancing out the cold weather, the 2WD competition brought the heat to Rallye Perce Neige. Matthieu Leblanc and co-driver Eric Dubé, coming off a string of DNFs, attested that their goal was to just finish the event. By the first service, it was clear that they were back to a class-winning pace, but so was American Chris Greenhouse. Greenhouse and co-driver Ryan Scott have also suffered bad luck at Rallye Perce Neige, but they put Leblanc in their crosshairs. The resulting duel saw the two teams trade the lead several times, with Leblanc taking the win by just 4.7 seconds over Greenhouse.

Kurtis Duddy and Matthieu Toupin, fresh off class wins at Rallye Charlevoix and Tall Pines in 2022, made zero mistakes through the race, but had to settle for third.

Vincent Trudel and co-driver Michael Szewczyk took home a commanding win in the Production AWD class by winning 17 out of 18 stages in their Subaru WRX hatchback.

Other notable entries included Jason Bailey and Shayne Peterson in the RC3 Fiesta. Bailey struggled to match the pace of the leaders early on, making several mistakes, before finally requiring the Sweep Team to extract him from a snowbank. He took advantage of the rally-restart rules to get some more stages under his belt in the new Open Class car, but ultimately finished in last place.

Marc-Andre Brisebois finally returned to the driver seat at Rallye Perce Neige, after broken legs forced him to sit out of the second half of the 2022 season. The 2021 Championship runner-up once again enlisted Marie-France Desmarais-Trepanier to call the notes, and Brisebois showed both enthusiasm and speed early on, climbing as high as third overall. In the end, he would settle for fifth behind Test Racing teammate Mailloux.

The teams of the Canadian Rally Championship will head west to the Rocky Mountain Rally for the second round of the season in June. Jean-Sebastien Besner reports that he will be making a run at the championship this year and plans to debut a new car on the stages near Invermere, BC. IT

(Opposite page) Perce Neige winners Alexandre Moreau and Ian Guite. (Top, left) Title contenders Jerome Mailloux and Philippe Poirier finished fourth. (Above, left) Runners-up Jean-Sebastien Besner and Yvan Joyal. (Top, right) Production AWD winners Vincent Trudel and co-driver Michael Szewczyk. (Above, right) Olivier Martel and co-driver Vincent Hubert finished third overall.

CANADIAN CONNECTION

blast out of the gates in early-season US action

Story by John Waldie

Although our drag race season is still ‘in the staging lanes,’ in Canada, our racers have had an outstanding start to the 2023 season, down south.

British Columbia’s Shawn Cowie and Ontario crewman Patrick Brown ‘ran the table’ in Pomona, California, winning the first NHRA regional event of 2023 qualifying ‘number one’ and setting low ET and top speed.

Shawn and Patrick would subsequently ‘runner-up’ to defending National champion Joey Severance in his similarly powered supercharged dragster at the National event in Phoenix.

And in huge Canadian drag racing news, Spencer Hyde defeated 31 of our sport’s ‘best ever Pro Mods’ during the March 3-5 weekend, in Bradenton, Florida, at the World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM). The Stratford, ON racer scored a monster $100,000 payday! You can see the full story about Spencer’s win starting on Page 10 of this issue.

Eric Latino / Al Billes, Justin Bond and eventual semi-finalist Kenny Lang also made the 32-car ‘A’ field, while Scott Wildgust competed in the 16-car Consolation race, which was won by Melanie Salemi, who graciously reminded us, recently, of her Canadian citizenship.

An interesting statistic for our so inclined

Pro Mod super fans is that Hyde’s winning ‘Jack and the Green Stock’ and the Kenny Lang Camaros, although only qualifying 32nd and 31st, respectively, and the Latino / Billes and Bond entries all ran the eighthmile in the mid-3-second zones (with the number one qualifiers) at over 200 MPH before the event and subsequent testing were over!

The very next weekend during the NHRA ‘sold out’ season opening Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida western Canada’s Rob Flynn captured the coveted Top Fuel victory, tuning the Mike Salinas ‘Scrappers’ entry.

Ontario racers Jeff Veale (Stoney Creek), Jeff Chatterson (Brantford) and Larry Dobbs / Ryan stack entries capably represented our province, as did Quebec’s Dan Mercier. Watch for Mercier to compete in his Rob Wendland-tuned Top Fuel Dragster in four more events later in the season.

At the next (and potentially final?) ‘sold out’ NHRA National event, in Phoenix, Arizona, Camrie Caruso (Fairport, NY) drove a KB Titan Racing Camaro (of Eric Latino and Jim Whitley) to her first ever National event win. In the process she joined defending World Champion Erica Enders as the only women ever to do so. Congratulations Camrie!

On March 30 – April 2, the NHRA returned to action for its third race of the season, at California’s Pomona Fairgrounds.

Congrats to Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Jeff Arend – driving his Australian fielded Nitro Funny Car – and Jason Kenny for their excellent showings!

In other news, in one of Pro Stock’s closest races in history, it was an all-KB Titan (Latino and Whitley) race with Dallas Glenn defeating teammate Matt Hartford.

Also at Pomona, Edmonton’s Tim Boychuk (another CDRHF member) was runner-up to legendary fuel racer Cory McClenathan in the exhibition Nostalgia Funny Carr class, in the best race of the eight-car, three-round elimination competition field. ‘Cory Mac’ went 4.868 to Boychuk’s 4.895.

And finally, a great early season ‘feel good’ story was Justin Bond’s emotional and impressive mid-March Pro Mod win in Gainesville, with his family present. Bond (Mission, BC) and his crew chief Brad Personnet actually switched from their well-qualified screw blower-style Camaro to their well-proven Pro Line centrifugal-style power adder to score a popular Canadian victory.

The two are establishing themselves as early-season favourites for a first NHRA world championship.

Documenting it all, the new Fox1 TV package complements the Fox2 Pro Mod show, providing the best-ever primetime, same day coverage for the popular class. It’s incredible exposure and Canadian Justin Bond is leading the way! IT

Grande Point, MB’s Kenny Lang was one of several Canadians who impressed at the World Series of Pro Mods event in Florida. Photo by David Hilner Photography

Canuck drag racers

CANADA HEADS UP DRAG RACING

CHU - Shootout Series has a jam-packed pre-season leading into its 5 race weekend schedule

With files from CHU

The Canada Heads Up - Shootout Series

(CHU) kicked off the new season at the Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo, in March, where the series had a large display in the Racing Zone area, featuring many of the series’ four- and twowheel racing vehicles. The CHU display was active throughout the show with host Ian Hill making announcements and welcoming 2023 series presenting partners Speedwire Systems, Sokoloff Injury Lawyers and Headrush Tatoo & Apparel.

“We were very pleased at the number of spectators attending the show through the weekend,” said series director Ian Hill. The CHU booth was filled with nine bikes and six cars. The weekend featured the annual CHU drivers meeting on the Saturday afternoon, in the Racing Zone.

“That was followed by the Fast Eddie Drag Race Night of Champions, where many of our 2022 champions were recognized for their efforts and accomplishments last season. And on Saturday night, as we hosted out annual networking party in the CHU booth, which was very well attended.”

During the casual get together, food and refreshments were served in the CHU display making for a great end to a busy day at the show.

Following Motorama, the next pre-season event for the series was the Membership Meeting, scheduled for the end of April in Woodbridge, ON. Eighty racers and team members were on hand to register for the upcoming season and to receive the latest updates, including the latest facility upgrades at Toronto Motorsports Park (TMP), the host track for all CHU events.

Representatives of TMP gave those in attendance news about the new timing system

NEW TIMING SYSTEM FOR TMP Story Courtesy TMP

As part of Toronto Motorsports Park’s commitment to providing the best race experience for fans and racers, the southern Ontario facility is pleased to announce a major new improvement in advance of the 2023 racing season.

After researching options for the past

which are currently being

The meeting ended with an openfloor, round table discussion in which the racers and teams got to weigh in with their ideas and any concerns they had heading into the season.

The next time the race teams will officially gather will be Opening Day, June 2, at TMP. Once again, this season, CHU teams will have an opportunity to test on Fridays prior to the start of each race weekend.

This will be followed by Pro Category Saturday qualifying and Sunday Eliminations. New for 2023, the series has introduced separate Saturday and Sunday eliminators for all indexes 6.0 to 7.50, as well 7.90 and 9.30 Bikes. These two-day, two-race classes will join Jr. Dragsters and the Bike & Sled classes, using this format.

Similar to previous seasons, Canada Heads Up event champions will receive a ‘Big Cheque’ as they build their point totals chasing the series championships. Racers are competing for cash prizes and custom trophies. Series champions are celebrated at the annual year-end banquet, which had

year, TMP’s dragstrip will have a new timing system when racers take to the track this Spring.

Following extensive consideration, TMP has selected Portatree Timing Systems for its new system.

The Uxbridge, Massachusetts-based company will begin installation this week.

As well, Portatree will work with TMP

265 people in attendance last season.

Paul Bhawan’s Datsun collected enough points in 2022 to be crowned champion as he found his path in the high 4.20/ low 4.30 zone at every event. Paul’s Splitfire Performance team is also a series supporter for 2023 and they’re looking to start the season as strong as they finished last season.

Team DIRCOM’s EZ Street Mustang dominated Ian Hill Racing Production’s (IHRP) events in 2022. Rob Orofiamma drove his way into a string of #1 qualifiers, event wins, EZ Street’s ET record and the Smackdown6 Limited28s ‘No Time’ win. Team DIRCOM is back for 2023 and are expected to be front-runners in the class.

All five series race weekend will take place at TMP, with events schedule for: June 2-4, July 14-16, Aug. 11-13, Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. Hill invites fans to come out and enjoy a weekend of heads-up racing and all that the experience includes.

The CHU – Shootout Series is an Ian Hill Racing Productions series. For more info, visit ianhillracing.com or go to the Canada Heads Up Facebook page. IT

staff to train them on the proper use of the new ‘state of the art’ system.

TMP would like to thank Allison Doll and Al Smyth, both of Portatree, for their efforts to bring the project to fruition.

Included in the work will be a facelift for the track’s scoreboards. Stay tuned for additional information regarding this project. IT

The Canada Heads Up - Shootout Series had a large presence at Motorama. Photo by Paolo Pedicelli and scoreboards,

installed.

LOOKING BACK FRANK HAWLEY

By Dave Mathers

for the most part, on the starting line. And he was a master at it.

We didn’t have reaction times on the Chrondeck back then, but you could clearly see that Frank had more than mastered that part of the sport. Running BB/GD didn’t provide much prize money, so they stepped up to run alcohol. And then let’s go for it! Bill bought a Top Fuel motor from Mac McGregor, and they were now in the big leagues!

With crew chief and mentor Wayne ‘Harts’ Hartley guiding the ship, they began running, with limited success, the strong UDRA circuit. To keep up they purchased a Mark Williams chassis and the wins started coming. But then, a change in direction.

Backin the ‘60s the Pacemakers Car Club shop in London (ON) held several good looking and bad-fast race cars. The G/G six-cylinder Anglia (it would become a record holder) of Ralph Hope, Wayne Lang and John Willoughby; the Goat Tee B/A ‘23 T Hemi roadster (the former High and Mighty A/SR of Jim Parsons) of Doug Brinjak; plus the James Boys Willys four-door big block B/G car of Jim McClelland and Jim McCallum to mention three.

A nice man used to come around from time to time, back in 1967, taking photos of the cars. I asked him one day if he would like to be the track photographer for us at St. Thomas Dragway. He said he would be interested if he could bring his son. How old is your son? Thirteen. Deal! I still have photos with the back stamped “Photo by W. & F. Hawley.” That man was Bill Hawley, and his son is Frank Hawley.

Frank was no normal 13-year-old. He studied the race cars intently and instead of asking the normal “Hey mister, how fast does your car go?” he would inquire “How does that barrel valve work? How do you set the timing on that mag? When do you know it’s time to shift?”

He quickly become a favourite of the racers and he spent a lot of time at the fence watching the starting line. I told Bill

that Frank was going to cost him a lot of money and he nodded and laughed.

I got the very same message from Bill Jenkins five years later in1972, at Sanair. (My wife) Linda had flown to London, England with my mother and I took four-year-old Paul and two-year-old Rob with me to the Molson Grandnational.

I was talking with Wally Booth and noticed Paul was missing. I asked Rob where he was, and he pointed over to Grumpy’s Toy and there were two small feet sticking out from under the car.

They eventually came out and Grump told me that the kid was interested in how he was adjusting the tranny linkage and said he would cost me a lot of money in the future. I saw Grump at Gateway in 1998 (I even gave him an 8½ x 52 cigar!) and told him just how right he was. He actually smiled! Who knew?

Fast forward three years and Frank was 16 and chomping at the bit to try drag racing. A Junior Stocker maybe to start? Nope. Bill bought parts and pieces from Doug and Keith Ridler of Ridler Racing Equipment to put together a BB/GD. Talk about starting high!

The car was a former Top Fueler with 392 Hemi opened up to 464 cubic inches. Frank’s previous studying of the starting line made him realize that drag races are won,

The team bought a BB/FC and started running the Funny Car side of the UDRA program. And again, they upped their game and bought Dick Titsworth’s faster BB/FC. But wanting to go even faster they acquired the famous ‘Veney’s Vega’ from Ken Veney and the stars aligned! Frank won the UDRA Championship!

However, running with the big boys was getting too costly so Frank looked around and picked up a ride with the legendary ‘Chi-Town Hustler’ of Farkonas, Coil (yeah, that Coil) and Minick. The magic combination resulted in Frank becoming the NHRA Funny Car World Champion in 1982 and 1983.

Bill called me in Toronto to invite me to the celebration party at, wait for it, the London Lawn Bowling Club in London East. Unfortunately, one of our boys was in a hockey tournament and we were unable to attend. I’m sure it was a great party.

In 1985 Frank decided that drag racing needed a school like some of the stock car schools out there. He ended up with schools in both Gainesville, FL and Pomona, CA. His calm, cool and collected demeanor made him the perfect teacher. Most drag racers are high strung and animated, but Frank is the polar opposite. He has taught and licensed thousands of drivers over the years including some second and third generation families.

In addition to his driving and teaching, Frank was a TV commentator for several

Dave Mathers goes way back with Canadian drag racing legend Frank Hawley. Photos courtesy of Frank Hawley

years and brought a unique perspective to each broadcast. He also wrote two books about the sport.

My son Rob and I dropped in on Frank at Pomona in 1996 and I saw the very same Frank Hawley standing by the track that I saw back in 1967, totally focused and paying close attention to what was happening on the starting line. Drag racing couldn’t have a better teacher than Frank and the sport is much better because of him.

Frank was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame back in 1995, the third year of the Hall’s existence.

I must say that I really miss Frank’s father Bill. He was a first-class gentleman at all times and always a pleasure to deal with at the racetrack. Bill was the kind of father that every young man would love to have.

I want to give a big shout out to Wayne Hartley, Frank’s first crew chief, for helping me fill in some of the blanks. IT

(Top left) Frank (middle) with his parents, at Columbus, in 1982. (Above) Since 1985, Frank has operated a drag racing school that has produced many talented and racers. (Left) Frank (middle) with Austin Coil. (Below) Frank Hawley (left) with his first crew chief, Wayne Hartley (right). Photos courtesy Frank Hawley

By Mary Bignotti Mendez

GET A GRIP WHERE’S THE ROAD TO INDY?

program to land at Coyne.

In support of Lundqvist having a ride, Robb stated, “I believe that I deserve a seat and he beat me. His on-track performance was incredible. But it takes more than just a driver to get into IndyCar. You’ve got to have a village around you that supports you, and that is where my group made a difference. It wasn’t just in my performance, but it was the people around me.

The Indy Lights series is still ongoing, now known as Indy NXT. There have been some major changes, however, that are adversely affecting the ability of a driver to advance up the open wheel ladder system.

The original series started as the American Racing Series in 1986, to develop drivers and team personnel such as mechanics, engineers, and managers. The name and administration have changed a number of times. Over 100 Lights graduates have advanced to IndyCar, including Paul Tracy and Greg Moore. In 2014, Andersen Promotions took over its management of the top three rungs: USF 2000, Indy Pro, and Indy Lights.

After Penske Entertainment Corporation purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar series from the Hulman family, it brought the Lights series in-house in 2022, to expand the field size beyond the recent ten or less full-time drivers. That appears to have worked as there are 19 drivers entered for the 2023 NXT season.

Andersen Promotions then created a new rung, the USF Juniors, for open wheel drivers as young as 14, who could move up to the USF 2000 and then USF Pro. Champions receive a scholarship fund to help their advancement. Additionally, the Skip Barber Racing school offers a US $100,000 scholarship to move up to the USF Juniors.

What no one seemed to be aware of is that when Andersen was no longer pro-

moting the Lights, there was a loss of over $700,000 towards the scholarship that 2022 champion, Linus Lundqvist, received, solely made up of the IndyCar portion of $500,000.

Compare that to the scholarship Kyle Kirkwood received as the 2021 Lights champion, $1.289 M, which can only be used towards a ride in IndyCar, guaranteeing an Indianapolis 500 entry and two other races.

Unfortunately, Lundqvist (five wins, seven poles, nine podiums in 2022’s 14-race season) is missing from the 2023 IndyCar grid while runner-up, Sting Ray Robb (one win, two poles, eight podiums, and 11 top fives) and fifth ranked Benjamin Petersen (one win, one pole, five podiums, and seven top tens), have full-time IndyCar rides. How could this happen?

At last September’s season finale, Dale Coyne expressed a sincere interest in hiring Lundqvist as a third driver, if another engine could be obtained, or to fill the seat next to David Malukas, should Takuma Sato not return. And because Lundqvist’s team, HMD, was associated with Coyne’s continuation of Malukas, many assumed Lundqvist was a shoe-in. But a chance meeting at Pit Fit, where the drivers train in Indianapolis, allowed Robb to learn from Lundqvist that the deal wasn’t done. Robb contacted his manager, Peter Rossi (Alexander’s dad), who worked out a more attractive and viable

In 2018, Andersen Promotions announced a five-year plan to enhance driver and team participation in the Road to Indy program, offering $1.1 M as the Lights scholarship, reducing costs for chassis, spare parts, engine lease, and tires to new teams. But after only two seasons (2019 and 2021 with 2020 cancelled due to COVID), the Road to Indy moniker was taken from Andersen as the Lights went in-house, causing Andersen to rename the lower rungs as the USF Pro Championships.

Losing the Indy label makes the ladder a lot more confusing and hurts the opportunity to land sponsorships, still very necessary for teams and drivers to compete. Some question whether the USF Pro Championships will continue to compete at the same tracks on the same weekends in front of IndyCar team owners.

“We know the effect of scholarships has been important,” Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corporation, told Motorsports Tribune.com. “I expect to continue that idea, but it could take a different form. Might not be just writing checks. There are other ways we can create the same kind of level of value, perhaps. It could ensure similar ability for the winner of Indy Lights to move up in IndyCar.”

The NXT top three ranking drivers are given a valuable off-season IndyCar test. But let’s face it. Money talks.

And now Lundqvist is holding his breath after talking to all ten IndyCar teams, hoping to use his scholarship for an Indianapolis 500 entry (an Indy only program costs $500,000 just for a limited mileaged engine), another test, or a seat in an additional car entered during the season. IT

The reigning Lights champion didn’t get an IndyCar ride in 2023, but the runner-up, Sting Ray Robb (above), did. Does the Road to Indy need an overhaul? Photo by Neena Channan

By Erik Tomas

TOMAS TALES TEMPUS FUGIT!

That’s hard to justify when Formula 1 can do about the same distance on the same track in less than two hours.

IndyCar races are capped at two hours. When you realize you’re not the only game in town, that’s plenty long enough.

Obviously, stock car racing and open-wheel formula racing are vastly different applications, but as a sporting event, I simply don’t think NASCAR needs three hours-plus to get their point across. Not when other series are able to make time fly!

Thismight just be the very first time some latin kicks off a Tomas Tales! The funky phrase “Tempus Fugit” from the ancient language a lot of our current words come from describes the rapid passing of time.

Time Flies!

Time has flown rapidly since Raceline Radio’s debut in May of 1992. This year, 2023, marks our 31st consecutive season on the air as ‘Canada’s National Radio Motorsport Authority.’

When it comes to time and the passing of it, we’ve been very fortunate. Long-form radio shows such as ours that deal with one specific sport don’t usually last this long, but loyal fan listenership across the country, affiliate program directors who ‘get it,’ an incredibly loyal broadcast partnership from Subaru Canada – who’s been with us all 31 years – and solid long-term support from General Tire Canada are the main reasons our lights are still on, and we still answer the phone.

Over that same time span, sustained support at the regional or local level from sponsors and partners has been just as critical to staying on the air.

In our immediate market, Toronto and Southern Ontario, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is there with advertising support for us

every summer, while tracks like Merrittville and Ransomville Speedways and race-related companies like Bicknell Racing Products and Pete’s Automotive have been our broadcast bedrock partners in Niagara and Western New York for years.

It’s vital the show works at the affiliate and local level. Our good friend Dave Moody from MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio said it best, “The local roots of our sport have to be healthy, because if the roots die the whole tree dies!”

Brilliantly described.

Over the passage of time our tree is still very healthy. Speaking of time, our NASCAR friends, particularly at the Cup level really need to improve management of the clock.

Yes, here we go again! How long have I been grousing about the length of Cup races?

The road course run at the Circuit of The Americas in Texas had me throwing things at the television! Five cautions over the last 12 laps? Please! Tyler Reddick had to survive those re-starts, three of them in overtime, to win it. This insistence you just keep adding overtime laps to get a green flag finish is something I’ve never liked. Manipulated finishes just don’t feel right.

But three and a half hours to do 75 laps?

TALE PIPES

I’m very sad that Tim Moses has left us in his 72nd year. We graduated from the Niagara College Radio and TV program back in the 1970s and for more than 40 years Tim was one of the very best television ‘shooters’ in the business. The ace cameraman who worked for CHCH TV, Global TV and TSN shooting stand ups and segments. We would run into each other at countless motorsport events and media conferences. I loved the way Tim would calm down rookie nerves before a stand-up by saying, “It’s only television!”

God Speed Tim Moses…with a fully charged battery and perfect white balance!

In better news, we’ve doubled up in Alberta! Long-standing Network affiliates TSN 1260 Edmonton and Sportsnet 960 The Fan Calgary have added a second weekly airing of Raceline Radio and we’re thrilled! TSN 1260’s primary airing is now Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. mountain time, with the replay Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. Sportsnet 960 adds early Saturday morning at 7 a.m. Mountain time to their primary airing of Raceline Radio at 10 p.m. Monday nights.

More chances to connect with the excellent racing fans in Wild Rose Country is a very good thing! ET

Erik Tomas (left) and Bruce Mehlenbacher (right), hosting a show from the annual Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo. Photo Courtesy Raceline Radio

WINERY OF THE YEAR

A taste of Tuscany in the heart of Okanagan, BC

Hester Creek Estate Winery is located in British Columbia’s Wine Capital, Oliver. This is where our our roots run deep with old vines planted in 1968.

The breathtaking views, reminiscent of rolling Tuscan vineyards, encompass the historic Golden Mile Bench estate property where Hester Creek has gained recognition for its commitment to quality wines and gracious hospitality.

HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY

877 Road 8, Oliver, British Columbia, Canada (30 minutes south of Penticton - on Hwy 97)

ESTATE WINERY

With a world-class winemaking facility and Wine Shop, Hester Creek o ers complimentary tasting experiences and a large patio with a picnic area for friends and families to enjoy live music on weekends.

TERRAFINA

Meaning “Fine Earth,” Terra na o ers a Tuscan-style dining experience below a trellis of old vines. Inspired by ingredients from the estate garden, Chef Adair designs his menu to re ect the seasons of the valley.

THE VILLA

Situated at the pinnacle of the Golden Mile Bench, The Villa provides stunning views of the South Okanagan. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine on your private patio while gazing out at the miles of vineyards below.

HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY

Experience true European ambiance at this state-of-the-art Okanagan Valley Winery

Story Courtesy Hester Creek Estate Winery

Made up of seven lakes running north to south, the Okanagan Valley was cut out by glaciers during the last ice age. At the south end of the valley lie the towns of Osoyoos and Oliver which make up the northern tip of the Sonora Desert. The temperatures are extreme, with winter temperatures dipping below zero and summer temperatures reaching 40+ degrees centigrade. These summertime highs make the climate hot and dry, creating the perfect environment for grape growing and wine production.

Nestled in the heart of this region is Hester Creek Estate Winery. The property was first purchased in 1967 by Italian immigrant, Joe Busnardo, who planted the first vines in 1968. In 2004, BC entrepreneur Curt Garland purchased the property and invested state-of-the-art technology into the vineyard and production facility. Inspired by a landscape reminiscent of Tuscany, Garland envisioned his winery as encompassing a true European ambiance, complete with warm hospitality, outstanding wines and fine dining.

Now, in 2023, Curt Garland’s vision is in full bloom thanks to the dedicated staff and loyal guests who have enjoyed all the experiences that Hester Creek has offered over the years. This year, Hester Creek was named Great Northwest Wine Magazine’s British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023 after winning three platinum medals for their Sémillon, Old Vine Pinot Blanc and 2019 Old Vine Brut.

As Hester Creek has evolved over the years, so has the Okanagan Valley. Each summer, the valley attracts people from all over the world as a destination for wine tasting, fine dining, outdoor activities, and of course, racing up at the Area 27 Motorsports Park. The views from Hester Creek are expansive, taking in rolling vineyards, miles of orchards and the racetrack, which is located just an 11-minute drive from the winery. For those coming to enjoy Area 27, you can plan your day with motorsports in the morning, followed by a tasting at the winery, then dine at Terrafina for lunch or dinner.

The winery itself was built into the mountainside, where the earthen roof keeps the cellar cool and is home to the natural flora of the Okanagan. In front, the winery is home to a remarkable tasting room where Wine Shop Manager, Rachel, hosts guests who feel like they’ve been swept away for an afternoon in Italy as they sip their wine and listen to live music while admiring the 50-year-old vines that adorn the property.

A pergola of intertwining vines frames the restaurant, Terrafina. Meaning, “fine earth,” Terrafina provides fine-dining experiences using fresh local ingredients – many of which come from the garden that Chef Adair Scott planted behind the restaurant in 2020. As the seasons change, so does the menu, with Chef and his team curating dishes that pair beautifully with the variety of wines that Hester Creek has to offer.

At the pinnacle of the estate stands The Villa. The six suites that overlook the valley provide some of the best views in Okanagan wine country. Villa manager, Melissa, and her team are the perfect hosts, welcoming you to your stay with a complimentary bottle of Hester Creek wine to enjoy on your private patio. Wake up to a dazzling dawn as the sun crests over the mountains, enjoy a complimentary Signature Tasting in the winery, then dine at Terrafina during the evening.

The wine is what anchors Hester Creek to its legacy. Roots run deep with old vines that produce quality grapes perfect for making award-winning wines. Over the years, Winemaker, Mark Hopley, has honed his skills in crafting an impressive portfolio of sparkling, white, and red wines using Ganimede fermentation tanks and expanding the barrel program to use predominantly French oak. Mark invites you to join one of the winery ambassadors for an Estate Tour and Tasting to learn more about the history of Hester Creek and how the wines are made. IT

(Top) Hester Creek Estate Winery features a restaurant, and a villa with six suites that provide one of the best views in the Okanagan wine county. (Above) For racing fans visiting the Hester Creek Estate, Area 27 Motorsports Park (above) is just an 11-minute drive away from the winery.

Photos Courtesy Hester Creek Estate Winery and Area 27

Speed with Purpose

Since 1992, motorsport has provided Multimatic with a high-speed laboratory where innovative engineering, creative thinking and rapid problem-solving have not only led to multiple championships and outstanding race successes but also significantly enhanced the company’s overall approach to product development.

www.multimatic.com

www.multimaticmotorsports.com

CHALLENGES

My father used to regularly say, “I think that you may have bitten-off more than you can chew, young man.” He used it quite a lot back in my early teens, most often directed at overly optimistic mechanical modification / repair projects that I had chosen to tackle. Some of those undertakings were purely aimed at fixing shit that I had broken, like the chain tensioner of my Artic Cat 292 Lynx snowmobile back in the very early 1970s. That undertaking was the first proper usage of ‘my first toolbox.’ Not the Fisher-Price toy, but a Craftsman ‘beginners set’ out of the Sears catalogue (Simpson-Sears in Canada), that massive mail-order tomb that preceded Amazon by a century, at one time selling everything from hammers to houses. It also contained a substantial lingerie section which was all we had access to in those times, considerably more wholesome than what’s now accessible on every young man’s cell phone. That shiny red toolbox was under the tree the Christmas that I was 12 and some of the contents are still in my roller cabinet today. I learned a lot about CVT belt drives working on that snow machine, as well as how much power was consumed that ultimately never made it accelerate (a staggeringly inefficient power transmission system). The retaining bolt in the eccentric tensioner had stripped, causing mechanical mayhem in the chain case whenever the throttle was applied, so I drilled it out and used a bigger bolt to cut a new thread… it unfortunately worked (without any thought to using the correct tap drill size, or for that matter a tap), despite my father using his favourite discouragement line at the most critical time. All of which contributed to a lifelong confidence in my ability to ‘bodge’ a field fix in the face of disaster (rule No. 1…never, ever panic). I recently successfully applied the approach at the debut test of our new Mustang GT3 car with equal success!

I got the same reaction from Dad when I removed the shocks from my 1973 Can-Am MX-1 motocross bike (I believe that they were Girling but I have also been told S&W…can any readers enlighten me on that?), stick-welded some new upper mounts on a diagonal frame member that was obviously not designed to take the load (in bending), with a matching pair of nicely made brackets identically

attached to the swing arm, creating the ‘laid down’ configuration becoming popular in 1975. I was trying to copy the new MX-3 “coming soon” from Bombardier (not for the last time using a photograph as my engineering drawing). The early teaser advertising blurb boasted double (or more) the three inches of rear travel that my first generation Can-Am offered. That bike had great power from the rotary valve, two-stroke Rotax motor but all my buddies with Honda CR Elsinores and Yamaha YZ’s (which came with the first version of monoshock in ‘75) smoked me in the rough stuff. Unfortunately, they continued to do so against my home-grown setup because the overdriven dampers ‘sacked out’ trying to keep up with the highly adverse motion ratio (as well as some potential ill effects from inverting them). Live and learn…or not.

So, have I figured out that I shouldn’t bite off more than I can chew? Nope! In fact, the group that I’m responsible for at Multimatic (Special Vehicle Operations…MSVO) has never been busier, with more projects underway than ever before. As the Australian racing legend Peter Brock contrastingly used to state, “Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like hell.” And everybody at MSVO is presently chewing as hard and fast as possible. It makes it easier that everything we are working on is super cool stuff, but on the other hand massively challenging. I can’t discuss all of it due to confidentiality, but here are a few of the projects that I can.

Many of you will have caught the recent press and YouTube videos of our first test with the new GT3 Mustang at Sebring (check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?/v=16BJKlof9GE). By all accounts it was the best initial run of a new race car in our history (touching wood with the hope that it continues to go so positively). Despite the fully cooked prototype appearing to magically appear in Florida, a mere six months after a CGI version was shown at the launch of the Generation 7 Mustang in Detroit, those three days were the culmination of well over a year of intense engineering and development. Saying that it was amazing the number of people that asked me how the testing was going last September when the animated version was shown hot lapping in company with its Mustang

racing siblings (for sure it was an excellent computer-generated video, but REALLY? I guess all the virtual racing is altering people’s perception of reality). The GT3 Mustang project has the same level of focus as the Ford GT did when we were chasing the 50th anniversary win of the original GT40 at Le Mans. But this time the target is to win with a Mustang. The wholesale global adoption of the GT3 formula now accommodates this aspiration as well as opening all the other classic endurance events (Daytona, Sebring, Bathurst, Nürburgring and Spa) to our third kick at the can for this class of Mustang (I won’t discuss the first two, they weren’t fully supported by the blue oval but this one is, in fact, is their program).

The project is a totally cooperative three-way partnership between us, Ford Performance and M-Sport…yes, Malcolm Wilson’s legendary WRC outfit are developing the engine.

Months of engineering simulation (engine, aerodynamic, chassis / suspension and myriad sub-systems) led to a first round of physically testing aspects of the engine, as well as running over a hundred body configurations with a 40 percent aero model in a moving ground plane wind tunnel, backed-up by endless Driver in the Loop simulator sessions with real drivers evaluating everything from vehicle dynamics performance to power curve configurations, not to mention where shit should be placed on the steering wheel (completely new and bespoke for this program). With all of it about 80 percent nailed down, the tooling phase had to be kicked off to meet the demanding program timeline. Jigs and fixtures for the steel structure modification and safety cage installation, carbon composite tooling for the body (some 125-plus individual pieces), engine component manufacturing, suspension machining / welding fixtures and a load more. And with the GT3 rules now including Pro-Am categories everywhere (in fact the World Endurance Championship, WEC, and Le Mans will only include that single class next year) the team has had to construct tooling to handle building dozens of customer cars (in contrast to the total of seven racing GTs that were ever made). It is a staggering undertaking only made possible by total commitment and incredibly tight cooperation from the three partner companies. And so, was it truly a trouble-free first three days? No, and that is not what I stated above, what I wrote was that it was the best initial run we have ever had, but the first day was a shit fight that saw Sean Mason and I heading to the Sebring TSC (Tractor Supply Co.) for some steel plate, tubing and a fist full of threaded rod (Sean actually went twice, the second time with our Team Manager, Charlie Cadieux, to buy a MIG welder and more steel as our TIG wasn’t up to the fabrication project). There really were no fundamental engineering issues, just details that needed a little temporary ‘bodging’ to create a bit of robustness, skeptically overseen by our Motorsports

Engineering Technical Director, Julian Sole. I was up to my elbows in it all with dad’s words ringing in my ears. Although he passed ten years ago the influence, or my disregard for it, carries on.

We ran the final two days trouble-free and accumulated a couple of hundred laps which was right on our target. I’m now writing this on a London-Orlando flight two weeks after that first test, this time for an endurance / durability run with five drivers. In the interim our team has designed proper production fixes for the issues, had them tooled and made parts which are on the car with spares in the trailer. Some of it is being undertaken in our UK facilities. Oh, and the test car was in a full-scale moving ground plane wind tunnel just a week after leaving Sebring, correlating and verifying all of the simulation and scale model work. All undertaken by a truly amazing group of people!

At the same time as the full-court press development of the GT3 we have also been working on, and just put the finishing touches to, a GT4 version of the new generation Mustang. This is a Newmarket, ON-based project run by Sean while the GT3 development, build and ultimately race operations (in the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) is undertaken in Charlie’s Mooresville, NC facility. The GT4 is far less radical than its big brother and very much derived from the Gen 6 based car that has been successfully campaigned around the world by Multimatic Motorsports and our customers for the past six years. We got oh-so-close to winning the British GT Championship back in 2019 with it, finishing runner-up by a handful of points. Two of our customer’s cars that presently run in that series just finished P1 and P2 in the opening round at Oulton Park over the Easter weekend (the beginning of the car’s seventh year of competition and still fully competitive!).

However, my statement that it is based on the previous car (the project’s original plan) might sound like a stretch when I list the incremental changes. Although we didn’t start from scratch, it is a pretty significant “evolution:” New fourth generation Coyote 5.0 litre V8, now with a twin plenum intake manifold and dual throttle bodies, a completely new lightweight high strength FIA roll cage, trick Alcon

(Main) The Ford GT MkIV is the swansong for Ford’s Le Mans-winning sportscar, and features a completely new body and more than 800 horsepower. (Above) The testing program for Ford’s new GT3 Mustang has been hailed by Larry Holt as the most successful rollout for a new race car in the company’s history. Photos Courtesy of Multimatic

pedal box, bespoke racing steering wheel, myriad electronic upgrades, a totally new aero package, and a selection of ‘sustainable’ composite bodywork (roof, doors, hood, rear wing) made from hemp-based fibre (I won’t crack the most obvious joke, its getting old within the team). The really solid stuff remains, the Hollinger paddle shifted dog box, fuel system, Motec data, and DSSV adjustable racing dampers.

We just shook the car down over two days in Sebring (during the second test of the GT3, time is passing as I write this) and it was the second best initial run of a race car in our history, the only issue being a problem with the dry sump tank puking oil out all over the place (only a very slight change to the configuration from the previous car but enough to cause an issue). Took half a day to sort it out and then Jeff Ripley (the father of the car) and his guys started matching the GT3 lap accumulation! By the time you read this I’m sure that there will be images all over the internet, but I’m not at liberty to show anything right now.

And if Mason and his team didn’t have enough on the go, they are in the middle of building the first Ford GT MkIV pre-production test car. This is the final evolution of the legend that we started work on almost ten years ago. The MkIV, which takes its name from the 1967 Le Mans winner (driven by Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt) and will have a limited production run of 67 (see what we did there, and it was code named ‘Gurney’ during its engineering phase). We have had far more than 67 people wanting to buy the car and are now working through the allocation process, top of the list being our regular customers (loyalty begets loyalty). Like the MkII it is a track only weapon. The MkII being my all-time favourite performance vehicle, absolutely outstanding to drive with an amazingly tame manner, making it easy to hustle to a good lap time without drama. The MkIV has turned it all up to 11. I won’t go off the rails on the specifications but the highlights are 800-plus horsepower (100 more than MkII and 150 more than the road car); a totally new body returning 2400 lbs of downforce (at 150mph), 600 lbs more than the MkII; 50 mm longer wheelbase than the road car/MkII which improves weight distribution, rear diffuser performance and accommodates an Xtrac racing gearbox that replaces the Getrag DCT of its two sisters. Suspension has been considerably lightened, geometry optimized, and the uprights now utilize centre lock hub retention for the 18inch wheels (down from 19 inch on MkII and 20 on road car) which accommodates the latest technology slick racing tires. To control all the increased input from the suspension, Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers provide a constantly variable control of overall vehicle transient modes, with the capability of choosing from several different levels of response (using a knob in the cockpit). These replace passive adjustable DSSV dampers on Mk II and selective DSSV on the Ford GT. I didn’t get into the engine details because I’m a chassis man, so the only important point was the power increase…

but it’s an entirely new piece, although still an Ecoboost. I’m not sure how amazingly tame this car will be (a reference to the MkII) but it will definitely be the ultimate interpretation of the GT…an appropriate swansong for one of the greatest Fords in history.

And to top the Ford story off, we are now starting to build customer Bronco DRs…also a limited volume run, just 50 of them. Again, not for the road, but a production-based off-road racing truck that can compete in numerous classes specifically created for this type of vehicle (including Baja). The production V6 turbo motor is gone (the biggest engine available in the Bronco), replaced by a Coyote V8 (same as the basis of the Mustang GT3 and GT4 car’s powerplants). The body is lifted on a highly strengthened chassis, the full safety cage integrates the production Multimatic manufactured ACCRA upper structure and, an all-new technology, Positional Selective DSSV damper are utilized (zone adjustable from within the cockpit via a Bluetooth device) with a whopping 17 inches of wheel travel. It rides on 37-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires nailed to bead lock rims. The front lower control arms are massive billet machined parts, but a great deal of the production truck remains including the upper control arms and much of the body and chassis structures. It is an amazingly capable off-road racer which has spent half a year running durability testing in Johnson Valley, CA, home of King of the Hammers (we’ll never get the sand out of our race trailer). Once again, way more people want them than the 50 that we are building so another allocation process is underway to identify potential owners, with preference to those who will actually race them.

I’m worn out just writing about all the stuff that we’re presently working on, and it is only four of the ten major projects that we have on the go (and there is also a load of smaller things that are ongoing). For sure Jim Holt would consider our activities more than MSVO could possibly chew, but he would be wrong because it is all happening and in a really impressive way. In no disrespect to his regularly asserted commentary, I gotta go with Peter Brock’s adage and just keep “chewing like hell” because it’s pretty exhilarating to be able to create the products and technology that we are with such an amazing group of people. And it’s not a big group, just a massively talented and highly motivated one. Thanks to them all. IT

(Above) Multimatic has also begun production on the Ford Bronco DR. Fifty of these off-road competiton machines will be built, and feature a Coyote V8 engine and a plethora of chassis upgrades. Photo Courtesy of Multimatic

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2010-2022 Lexus GX460

Nothing gets your blood pumping like a WRXOUT in the new 2023 Subaru WRX. The sheer sound of the turbo-charged 2.4L SUBARU BOXER® engine is more motivating than any playlist. And with standard Symmetrical Full-Time AWD, you’ll be tracking your heart rate far off the beaten track. Welcome to uncommon daily performance. subaru.ca/WRX