May 2004
The season has begun!!! For the die-hard racers (or those
of us with nothing better to do J), the past six weeks has
been filled with lengthy preparation work, an abundance of
available track time, some interesting (but not unpredictable)
weather challenges, fantastic ‘back-to-school’ socializing,
and mostly - a whole lot of fun! It’s great to finally
meet up so many of the Group 70+ drivers in person. While
the turnout for the first race was low – it certainly
doesn’t reflect the activity behind the scenes. Drivers
are getting and renewing their licenses, prepping their cars
to period rules and regulations, going through the annual
technical inspection process, coming out to test days, schools
and lapping days - even spectating and lending their support
at the races. We’re now in full blown promotional mode
for VARAC’s 25th Annual Vintage Festival – and it’s
going to be BIG!
VARAC’s Racing Schedule
While Group 70+’s next grid will be at the Vintage Festival
(see below for more info), VARAC’s Vintage/Historic Grid
(cars 1972 and earlier) will be at the BEMC Spring Trophy
Races (Mosport May 15/16) and the CRDA Shootout (Shannonville
June 5/6). Be sure to come out and support regional racing!
Volunteers are always needed – so if you’ve got
some extra time on your hands, don’t be afraid to get
involved!
Spring Fling Report
April 16/17 certainly demonstrated the Jekyll and Hyde weather
effect! Friday was a sunny stellar day with some quick, but
un-crowded lapping around the Nelson track at Shannonville.
Perfect for the start-of-the -season car adjustments (and
driver adjustments!). Saturday was torrential down pour only
to be interrupted by thundershowers. Many thanks to the marshals
and volunteers who endured the weather! Dave King and VARAC’s
own John Kinnear (along with assistant Alex) were out in full
force making the rounds for annual technical inspections.
And in retrospect – the lapping day on the Fabi track
was excellent practice for the impending BARC weekend! (Watching
the motorcycle racers attending school on the opposite Nelson
track, I had a new appreciation for closed-cockpit hobbiesJ)
BARC-OC Grand Prix of Ontario Report
I have to say, from the forever optimist’s point of
view – it was a really fun weekend! Again – the
Friday was a stellar day followed by two days of fog, rain
and cold. (Note to self – try and attend all of this
season’s test days – two events for two they’ve
been the best weather track days out so far!). Prepared with
a canopy, warm clothing, and the appropriate rain wear –
also with some good tread, a window defogger and plenty of
RainX it was a good solid weekend of racing! Rain is a great
equalizer. (Put it this way – the best GTA Sprint Class
time was a 1:58). For the G70+ participants who ended up on
the Regional GT Sprints grid there was some very respectful,
cautious and competitive driving! And although most of the
VARAC Vintage/Historic grid had open cockpits, they still
made it out and had a lot of fun. (See next month’s BARC
newsletter for a detailed VARAC race report). Thanks to BARC-OC
for pulling together a well run weekend with the all-too-generous
and much appreciated cold, wet and soggy volunteers/marshals
and grid workers!
VARAC’s 25th Anniversary Vintage Festival –
June 25th to 27th
(Optional Testing Day June 24th)
Submit your entry now! What more can I say other than it
is THE event of the season. The Buzz has started; people have
marked it in pen on their calendars. The big push is now on
to prepare and promote! For VARAC it will be the biggest event
ever. For Group 70+ it will be the event that is first on
everyone’s list. And if you haven’t attended before,
what you may not know is how much really happens on a weekend
like this. It is a car-lover’s dream, and a friends and
family affair. Paddock walking, an infield car show, the annual
lawn chair race, the Saturday night banquet, the featured
marquees and even a significant number of spectators! All
the information you need is at www.varac.ca/Festival/fest_welcome.html
. Posters and promotional materials are available. Volunteers
are needed. And of course, drivers are always wanted.
VARAC and the Children’s Wish Foundation – Passenger
seats wanted!
As a kid, did you ever dream of taking a ride in a race car
on a real race track? Well, VARAC is going to help make those
dream’s come true at the 25th annual VARAC Vintage Festival
(June 25th to June 27th). On the Saturday at noon, VARAC is
going to give kids from the Children’s Wish Foundation
rides around Mosport! We’re looking for drivers with
passenger seats in their race cars to volunteer their lunch
hour to this great activity! Please contact ronwanless@sympatico.ca
for more information.
Of G70+ Interest
Group 70+ is a VARAC promoted racing class that currently
celebrates the history of racing from 1973 to 1987. VARAC
is the association of vintage racecars in Canada that celebrates
the passion of preserving, restoring and racing vintage racecars.
You're on this email list because somewhere along the line
you expressed an interest in VARAC's Group 70+, perhaps in
the capacity of driver, organizer, spectator or just plain
keener trying to keep on top of things in the racing world.
Let me know if you don't want to be on the list anymore, or
feel free to pass it on to others who might be interested.
Diane Dale - lddale@hotmail.com
(administration and promotion)
Jonathon Brett - kim.zachjess@sympatico.ca
(technical eligibility)
Nick Pratt – varacmembership@rogers.com
(VARAC memberships)
