(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 2, 2013) At the upcoming Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, the CASC-Ontario Region will showcase its various competitive divisions with vehicles and 2013 class champions on hand from each of its racing disciplines.
Representatives from each car club – along with board members from the CASC – will be in attendance to answer questions and to distribute calendars and schedules for the upcoming racing season. The CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 in Hall 5 of Toronto’s International Centre.
One of the best kept secrets in Canadian motorsports is the competition on the amateur, regional level. ‘Hip-pocket’ racers, driving either open-wheel cars or sedans, tackle the same tracks as do the professional series, often producing more entertaining races.
The low-key, friendly atmosphere found during regional race weekends is regularly in direct contrast to that endured at many pro events, and accessibility to the teams and drivers is a refreshing addition to the weekend experience.
In Canada, the sanctioning body for the amateur racer is the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs, with each region run by its distinct provincial organization.
Answering directly to the ASN Canada-FIA governing body, the CASC-Ontario Region is the sanctioning group for virtually every discipline of amateur racing in this province. With over 30 affiliated car and racing clubs under its umbrella, the CASC-OR regulates not only road and ice racing, Time Attack and Auto Slalom competitions in regards to sanctioning, licensing, and safety standards, but it also tends to the ‘behind the scenes’ volunteers involved in every aspect of the sport from ‘timing and scoring’ to scrutineering and trackside marshalling.
“The volunteer service is essential to any racing venture,” declares Robert Lauder, retiring CASC-OR Vice President. “Most fans don’t realize that when they’re attending an event that may have 120 competitors, there are probably nearly 200 people working behind the scenes to produce the weekend. The Canadian Motorsports Expo will offer us a chance to introduce fans to CASC and perhaps give them the inspiration to come on board in some capacity. It doesn’t matter which area people want to be a part of, it’s a great way to become involved in the sport.
“We’d like to attract race fans not only to the races, but also invite them to become part of the competition. We want them to see what we have to offer,” continues Lauder. “We race throughout Southern Ontario, from Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, to Shannonville in the Quinte area, to Calabogie Motorsports Park outside of Ottawa. So it doesn’t matter where people live, they’re close to the action.”
Also looking to entice some new competitors to the CASC, Ontario Region President Perry Iannuzzi is working with several race teams and race series in hopes of creating a ‘development ladder’ for youngsters preparing to advance from the karting ranks.
“We want to let them know that there is racing after karting,” said Iannuzzi. “If we can get them a test in a GT car, or maybe in a Formula 1600, we might just open the door for a bunch of new talent to join us on a new level.”
As part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo promotion, the CASC-Ontario Region will be holding draws over the course of the weekend, giving CME visitors a chance at winning a race school date in Time Attack, Auto Slalom or road racing. The prize packages are valued at upwards of $800.
ABOUT CASC-OR: Information regarding the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs-Ontario Region, their affiliated car clubs, the 2014 racing schedules and the free admission ticket promotion, can be found on their website at www.casc.on.ca. Inquiries to the Toronto office can be made by telephone (877) 667-9505, or in writing to: CASC-OR, 1100 Barmac Drive, Toronto, ON; M9L 2X3.
ABOUT THE CME: The 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsport content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts. NASCAR Sprint Cup racer Ryan Newman will be at the CME on Saturday, February 8. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.
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