Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend: A Thrilling Kickoff to the Sports Car Championship Canada
The Victoria Day SpeedFest at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park marked an exhilarating start to the Sports Car Championship Canada season. The event showcased the prowess of some of the finest drivers and their machines in a race that was as unpredictable as it was thrilling. Let’s dive into the results and highlights from the first race of the weekend.
Race 1 Overview
The race commenced at 16:04:57 on May 18, 2024, with drivers competing across three primary classes: GT4, TCA, and TCR. The 3.957 km circuit of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park tested the skill and endurance of all participants, leading to an action-packed session.
GT4 Class Highlights
Jack Polito in the Ford Mustang GT4 took the top spot, completing 29 laps with a total time of 40:28.346. Polito, sponsored by Polito Ford Lincoln, not only claimed the victory but also set the fastest lap time in his class at 1:22.901. He was followed closely by Justin Di Benedetto in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, trailing by just 8.391 seconds. Di Benedetto, racing for Syntheia, also put in an impressive performance with a best lap time of 1:23.153. The third position was secured by Cayden Goodridge, also in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, with a total time of 40:46.581.
TCA Class Highlights
In the TCA class, Eric Kunz driving a Honda Civic Si emerged victorious, completing 25 laps in 40:18.767. Kunz demonstrated consistent performance with a best lap time of 1:34.246. Robert Cipriani-Detres in a Subaru BRZ, sponsored by Illinois Drilling & Testing Co., finished second, clocking in at 40:34.465. The third place was taken by Peter Hanson in another Subaru BRZ and sponsored by Racing For Kids with a total time of 41:56.128. Khloe Drummond in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, rounded out the category by completing 25 laps in 41:56.472
TCR Class Highlights
The TCR class saw a dominant performance by Richard Boake in the Audi RS3 LMS won the class, completing 29 laps with a time of 40:52.446. Boake’s consistency earned him 40 points, with his fastest lap clocked at 1:22.244. Anthony Martella, also in an Audi RS3 LMS, finished second with a time of 41:19.113. Ron Tomlinson rounded out the top three in the TCR class in another Audi RS3 LMS.
Notable DNFs
The race wasn’t without its retirements. Dean Baker in an Audi RS3 LMS TCR completed 27 laps before bowing out. Connor Attrell and Quinn Attrell, both driving Hyundai vehicles, also faced challenges that led to their early exits from the race.
Conclusion
The Victoria Day SpeedFest delivered high-octane excitement, setting the tone for the season ahead. Each driver and team showcased their determination and skill, making it a memorable event for fans and participants alike. As the championship progresses, the competition is sure to intensify, promising even more thrilling races in the coming rounds.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the Sports Car Championship Canada continues to unfold.
Race 2 Overview:
Following an exhilarating Race 1 the day before, Race 2 continued the excitement with drivers pushing the limits of their machines on the challenging 3.957 km circuit. Let’s delve into the highlights of this adrenaline-fueled event.
GT4 Class:
In the GT4 category, the competition was fierce as drivers battled for supremacy. Jack Polito emerged victorious, piloting his Ford Mustang GT4 with precision and determination. Cayden Goodridge and Justin Di Benedetto showcased impressive performances, securing second and third place respectively, in their Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsports. The GT4 class delivered thrilling wheel-to-wheel action, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the checkered flag waved.
TCA Class:
The TCA class witnessed intense battles and remarkable displays of skill as drivers navigated the twists and turns of the circuit. Eric Kunz demonstrated his mastery behind the wheel, clinching victory in his Honda Civic Si after completing 26 challenging laps. Robert Cipriani-Detres and Peter Hanson showcased exceptional performances, securing second and third place respectively, aboard Subaru BRZ TCAs. The TCA class provided edge-of-your-seat excitement, with every maneuver crucial in the quest for victory.
TCR Class:
The TCR class proved to be a battleground of talent and strategy, with Richard Boake emerging as the dominant force in his Audi RS3 LMS TCR. Boake’s flawless performance throughout the race earned him a well-deserved victory, while Dean Baker and Quinn Attrell delivered commendable performances, claiming second and third place respectively, in their Hyundai i30 N and Audi RS3 LMS TCs. The TCR class showcased the pinnacle of touring car racing, with drivers pushing themselves and their machines to the limit in pursuit of glory.
Celebrating Success and Overcoming Challenges:
As the chequered flag fell and the podium celebrations commenced, each driver’s journey was a testament to their dedication, skill, and passion for motorsport. While some basked in the glory of victory, others faced setbacks and challenges along the way. However, every participant contributed to the electrifying atmosphere of the Victoria Day SpeedFest, leaving an indelible mark on the SCCC season.
Looking Ahead:
With Race 2 of the Victoria Day SpeedFest now etched into the annals of motorsport history, anticipation builds for the next chapter of the SCCC season. As drivers and teams prepare to tackle new challenges and rivalries, one thing is certain – the thrill of competition and the pursuit of excellence will continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations to come.
The Victoria Day SpeedFest was more than just a racing event; it was a celebration of speed, camaraderie, and the unyielding spirit of competition. Until next time, let the engines roar and the battles rage on.