Fifth Gear

Toyo R-Group Discount for Region Licenceholders – Story Page 5Summer 2007News, Rumours In BriefMarcelli, Baker Take Rookie Formula Ford WinsFresh from his Indy Pro Series debut with Ontario FormulaFord sponsor Brian Stewart Racing, defending championShane Jantzi was caught in an on-track melee at the OFFC’sShannonville opener, along with 2006 rivals Rick Doktor andSteve Pickering.The podium would go to Brian Graham Racing rookies Kyle Marcelli and Conor Daly in 1 st and 3 rd , with MattWhite in 2 nd after an 11 th -hour arrangement to run with Mortimer Racing in ’07.The well-supported Toronto Tirecraft 100 was held as part of Mosport’s Fathers Day Weekend festivities for theseries’ second round. The Sunday main saw nine lead changes among six drivers, with the top seven decidedon the final lap. Jantzi won from 3 rd on the grid, away from BGR’s Marcelli, and series rookie Dean Bakerfinding podium for the second time in the weekend.Indy Pro Series team owner Brian Stewart looked on as records fell during Mosport’s Canada Day weekend,where the OFFC headlined among Ontario championship and SCCA national classes. Stewart announced thatthe series’ top three would earn a post-season IPS test once again this year, and an ambitious Marcelli set outto increase his points lead, but threw his ample Saturday preliminary lead into the turn 3 tirewall. Dean Bakercollected his win, and would repeat in the Sunday main. A late night in the BGR camp put Marcelli back on theSunday grid, lapping as fast as 1:28.109 in the race. Former vintage racer Baker was faster still, but MortimerRacing’s Matt White would put the lap record at 1:28.021. White leads the standings after three rounds fromMarcelli and Baker.Gord Lowe’s Reynard SF84 leads among Club Fords in the series’ ‘Diamond Class’, ahead of MoritmerRacing’s Lew MacKenzie in his PRS, and Daniel Thompson’s Van Diemen RF83.Canadian Motorsport Expo Announces ‘08 DatesOrganizers of this spring’s inaugural Canadian MotorsportsExpo have released dates for the tradeshow’s sophomoreedition. The Expo moves from its poorly attended Easterweekend slot to January 18, 19 and 20 for 2008, followingmore closely behind the USA’s Performance Racing Industryshow.The Canadian edition once again takes place at the TorontoCongress Centre, where CASC Ontario will convene itsAnnual General Meeting and Awards Banquet thisNovember.The Expo is the only show of its kind in Canada, successfullyjoining Canadian manufacturers and distributors of racingcomponents and services with race teams, tracks, governingbodies and international-calibre Canadian drivers. Teamsalso took the opportunity to unveil new sponsors and paintschemes. Seminars cover a range of topics from setup andbusiness practices to sales and marketing tips.The Expo should continue to expand its vendors’ offerings,from collectibles to RV’s. Further details will come throughoutthe next few months as the Expo date draws closer. For allthe details as they come available you can visit the officialshow website at www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.ROBB SMITH has stepped down asCASC Ontario region Secretary,citing outside commitments. BruceGray (OMSC) has been appointedinterim Secretary. Elections will beheld for the position at November’sAnnual General Meeting.PAT MCDIARMID announced thatshe will not be running for reelectionas Worker Recruitmentand Retention Committee Directorin November. Pat joins currentRace Director Gunter Schmidt asa two-term Director declining toseek a third term.TIMING ISSUES that plagued theCRDA’s Shannonville Shootoutrace event were attributed to a fileloading error. Timing staff shortfalls(the type of which are reportedlycommon for Shannonville raceevents) also shortened availabletime for hardware setup.MCO ANNOUNCED a 110 decibelsound limit for the July 28-29Powell Memorial Races atCalabogie.TMI RACING gave the Ariel Atomsports car its North Americancompetition debut at the BARC/SCCA GP of Ontario. The Atom ranan abbreviated schedule, lapping inthe 1m33s. An ’08-season return isexpected after further chassisdevelopment.BARC is rumoured to be lukewarmon prospects to secure a slot for theOntario Formula Ford Challenge innext year’s Steelback Grand Prix.A second race division Pit Officials'training seminar will be heldSunday, September 16th 8AM, atBEMC’s Indian Summer weekend.Candidates can register with PaulEinarsaon via email, or by phone at416 392 8308.The Canadian Racing Drivers’ Clubhave abandoned plans for a midseasonrace driving school, citinginability to submit a curriculum forapproval before taking bookings.The club’s affiliation application -initiated in March – has not beencompleted.1