Toyo Tires F1600 Series

F1600 Series to Make New at the Canadian Motorsports Expo

The Canadian Racing Season Begins February 7, 8, & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre.

The revitalization of Ontario’s Formula 1600 Championship continues as the series announces it will be making its Canadian Motorsports Expo debut in 2014. The eighth edition of the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News runs February 7, 8 & 9 in Hall 5 of Toronto’s International Centre.

As part of its display at the CME – which will feature a Van Diemen F1600 race car – the series’ booth will be staffed by representatives eager to answer questions about the series and their companies’ involvement in Canadian motorsports, including chassis manufacturers and an engine expert from Honda HPD in the US.

“This is where our race season gets up to speed,” explains Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports Management, promoters of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship. “It’s the show that all the racers come to, but it’s also very ‘fan-centric.’ We’re here to increase awareness of the series, to show exactly what kind of competition and excitement the series has to offer.”

For over 45 years, this open-wheeled, entry-level division has been the launching pad for many of the world’s top racers. Canadian stars such as Gilles Villeneuve, Greg Moore, Scott Goodyear, Paul Tracy and Kyle Marcelli all spent time behind the wheels of Formula 1600 cars. The list of recent Toyo Tires F1600 participants includes Canadians Garrett Grist and Scott Hargrove, and American drivers Conor Daly and Trent Hindman. All of them are currently advancing their careers in other racing divisions south of the border.

“This series is totally dedicated to developing young race drivers and to getting Canada back to being a powerhouse in motorsports,” continues Sharpe, who will also take part in the Road Racing Panel discussion, on the CME Stage, on Sunday, February 9.

“You just have to look at the list of talented drivers who have flocked to this series to see the benefits of racing here.”

Sharpe reveals that the F1600 Championship will use the Canadian Motorsports Expo as a forum to detail new developments, including sponsorship news, information on the new, inter-provincial F1600 Super Series, and to confirm details surrounding the new Fuel MediaLab television broadcast package.

Sharpe also hints at a “special, surprise development” he’s hoping to unveil at the CME.

Notes Sharpe, “I expect that almost all of our registered drivers will be at the show over the course of the weekend to meet and greet the fans. We’ll have videos of our recent races running throughout the CME, and we’re going to be running some contests with lots of prize giveaways for the fans.”

He concludes, “Everyone is totally re-energized and looking forward to the start of the season. We’ve got some great races on our schedule, and I truly believe that we’re going to see huge fields, and some incredible racing, the likes of which we haven’t seen in years.”

ABOUT THE TOYO TIRES FORMULA 1600 CHAMPIONSHIP: This entry-level racing division is recognized worldwide as a premiere step in a racer’s career development. The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship features custom-built open-wheeled cars powered by normally aspirated 1600 c.c. motors, manufactured by either Ford or Honda. The regular 2014 schedule includes six doubleheader events with four optional Super Series races. In Ontario, the series will contest multiple events on the four-kilometer Canadian Tire Motorsport Park course, with single visits slated for Calabogie Motorsports Park and the Honda Indy Toronto. For further information on the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship series, visit their website, www.formula1600.com, or follow them on the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs site, www.casc.on.ca.

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 [email protected]. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

  SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected], Twitter: @jasonsharpe

  If photographs are required please contact Jason Sharpe (416) 557-5451 or [email protected]

AVR Motorsports Moves Up to F1600 for 2014

AVR Signs Reid Arnold and Andre du Preez to compete in F1600 for the 2014 season.

AVR Motorsports will be campaigning two ex-BGR Piper Hondas in the Toyo Tires F1600 Series. This will be the team’s first attempt at competing in the F1600 series after successfully graduating from the entry level Formula 1200 series.

The plans for the step up have been in making for some time and team directors, Shane Viccary and Sam Ashtiani, are thrilled and keen on conquering more podiums.

“We have been wanting to make this move for a number of years, and we believe this is the perfect time. The Toyo Tires F1600 Series has quickly become an extremely competitive series, and we can’t wait to take part in the competition,” said Shane, veteran FV and F1200 driver, and team owner.

AVR will be working very closely with BGR throughout the 2014 season in order to get a kick start into the super competitive series. “BGR’s contribution will be a huge kick start for us, however the ultimate goal is to have both, AVR and BGR reap benefits from such co-operation. Both teams will be able to improve together and gain access to greater resources.” Said Sam, AVR director and founding partner.

Driving for AVR Motorsports this season will be series rookies 18 year old Reid Arnold and 17 year old Andre Du Preez Jr. Reid has been driving for AVR for the past two seasons in the F1200 series, finishing his final race off with his first race win. Reid comes from a very successful background in karting. Reid will be racing the DGPI Piper Honda. Andre raced for AVR in 2012 in the F1200 series as a 15 year old straight out of karting in South Africa. Andre will be racing the Horne Group Piper Honda. Both drivers will be looking to compete for the Rookie of the Year honors in 2014.

Thus far, AVR has had success in the Formula 1200 series for the past 4 years, including two Master’s Championships, Rookie of the Year, 2nd overall in the CASC-OR championship and numerous race wins and podiums throughout the years.

  AVR MOTORSPORTS CONTACT: [email protected]

  SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected], Twitter: @jasonsharpe

  If photographs are required please contact Jason Sharpe (416) 557-5451 or [email protected]

Fuel Media Lab Partners with Move Motorsports Management to Provide F1600 Broadcast

Move Motorsports Management has partnered with Fuel MediaLab to broadcast Formula 1600 racing to fans across Canada. Announced today, the intense wheel-to-wheel action of Formula 1600 racing will be broadcast nationally by Move Motorsports and Fuel MediaLab. Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of both the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and Formula 1600 Super Series) and Joel Robinson of Fuel MediaLab (producers of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on TSN) have reached an agreement to produce a number of shows to be broadcast nationally during the 2014 season.

The broadcasts will cover a select number of events showcasing the entry-level formula to a large and passionate audience. It will include a high percentage of the on-track action but will also get behind the scenes in an effort to learn more about Canada’s next wave of international racing superstars.

“Formula 1600 is the first step on the ladder to a career in racing,” said Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports. “Half of our competitors are under the age of 18 and right out of karts. They are fearless and hungry for nothing other than victory. The other half have been doing this for years and their experience behind the wheel sometimes baffles the rookies and is the recipe for some epic battles. Canadians will be incredibly entertained by this show and as a bonus are getting the first look at the new breed of racing stars,” he added.

“In the twenty-five years I have been involved in televised auto racing, the Formula 1600 series has been one of the most exciting to watch,” said Joel Robinson of Fuel MediaLab. “It doesn’t get better than seeing that group of thirty to thirty-five cars racing five-wide into turn one. I look forward to working with Jason and the team at Move Motorsports Management and showcasing this country's racing prospects to Canadian racing fans,” he added.

The events to be televised, network and broadcast schedule will be released early in the New Year.

The Toyo Tires F1600 Series is the premiere entry-level formula car racing series, based in Ontario, Canada. The cars are technically advanced, sleek and fast and provide a cost effective platform for aspiring youngsters and veteran drivers alike. The Series races at the famed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Calabogie Motorsport Park and new this year the Honda Indy Toronto.

Fuel MediaLab is an industry leader in the televising and live streaming of auto racing in Canada. Fuel has created programming for broadcast partners SPORTSNET, TSN, RDS and Speed Channel showcasing series’ including NASCAR, Touring Car, Formula 1600, Star Mazda, Indy Lights, Mazda MX-5 Cup and Rally.

SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected], Twitter: @jasonsharpe

Formula 1600 Returns to the Streets of Toronto

Formula 1600 returns to the streets of Toronto in 2014. The Toyo Tires F1600 Series combined with the Formula 1600 Super Series will add the Honda Indy Toronto to its 2014 Schedule. Announced today, Formula 1600 racing will once again be showcased on the streets of Toronto. Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of both the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and Formula 1600 Super Series) and Charlie Johnstone (President, Honda Indy Toronto) have reached an agreement to add the entry-level formula car series to the July event for 2014.

The weekend will be the fourth event on the Ontario-based Toyo Tires F1600 Championship schedule and will also be the third of four events on the new F1600 Super Series schedule, an interprovincial initiative between Move Motorsports and Quebec-based Formula Tour.

"As part of our commitment to grow motorsports in Canada, we welcome the opportunity to host these exciting and talented young drivers who will no doubt be the stars of tomorrow," said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto.

“I am thrilled to be able to make this announcement today," said Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports. "The Honda Indy Toronto has helped launch the careers so many great Canadian racing stars in its history and is one of the best events on the IndyCar Series calendar. Formula 1600 used to be an integral part of that history. The resurgence in Formula 1600 over the last couple of years is largely based on the new Honda powerplant so the fact that we get a chance to support a Honda sponsored event with some homegrown talent is great for the sport.”

Formula 1600 has long been known globally as the logical first step for young racing stars to learn their craft right out of karts. The cars are sleek, fast and provide the ideal balance of power and aerodynamics that encourage wheel-to-wheel action at an affordable price. The cars will take to the track during all three days of the Toronto event and will have the chance to race twice in front of the hometown crowd, once each on Saturday and Sunday.

In the past, Canadian racing legends including Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Paul Tracy and the late Greg Moore all got their start in Formula 1600. Most recently NASCAR stars like the Dumoulin brothers, J.F. and L.P, as well as IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe and American LeMans series star Kyle Marcelli cut their teeth in this form of racing.

Additional announcements including the on-track schedule, sponsorships, regulations and registration will be forthcoming over the next few months.

  SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected], Twitter: @jasonsharpe

  If photographs are required please contact Jason Sharpe (416) 557-5451 or [email protected]  

Formula 1600 Featured at Victoria Day SpeedFest for 2014

Formula 1600 will be featured at the 2014 Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on May 17/18, 2014. The new Formula 1600 Super Series will make its debut. Announced today, Formula 1600 returns to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s popular Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend, May 17th and 18th.

Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of both the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and the Formula 1600 Super Series) and Myles Brandt (President and General Manager of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) have reached an agreement to add the entry-level formula car series to the May long weekend event for 2014.

The weekend will be the 2nd event on the Ontario based Toyo Tires F1600 Championship schedule and will also be the opening round of 4 events on the new and highly anticipated F1600 Super Series schedule, an interprovincial initiative between Move Motorsports and Quebec based Formula Tour.

“We are excited to welcome back the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s major event schedule in 2014,” said Canadian Tire Motorsport Park President and General Manager Myles Brandt. “The Series is a great proving ground for Canada’s next crop of racing talent and is known for some of the closest racing on the grid. Adding the open-wheel drivers to our Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend lineup which already includes the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, will provide our fans with a varied mix of on-track action.”

“I am very happy to be making this announcement today,” said Move Motorsports’ Jason Sharpe. “Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has been an integral part of our series for a very long time, and our sleek formula cars put on an incredible show there, so to be fortunate enough to showcase the depth of talent we have in front of a large and appreciative crowd is a huge boost for our competitors. The fact that it is also the first event for the new Super Series is going to make for some entertaining on-track action”

Formula 1600 has long been known globally as the logical first step for young racing stars to learn their craft right out of karts. The cars are sleek, fast and provide the ideal balance of power and aerodynamics that encourage wheel-to-wheel action at an affordable price. The event will be a double header, with one race each on both Saturday and Sunday.

In the past Canadian racing legends including Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Paul Tracy and the late Greg Moore all got their start in Formula 1600. Most recently NASCAR stars like the Dumoulin brothers, J.F. and L.P, as well as Indycar driver James Hinchcliffe and American LeMans series star Kyle Marcelli cut their teeth in this form of racing.

Additional announcements including the on-track schedule, sponsorships, regulations and registration will be forthcoming in the next few months.

Move Motorsports and Formula Tour Launch New F1600 Super Series for 2014

TORONTO, ON & MONTREAL, QC (November 11, 2013) – In a bold move to re-establish Formula 1600 as the single most important step in launching young Canadian racing drivers’ careers, Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship based in Ontario) and Marcel Lafontaine of Formula Tour (promoters of the Formula Tour F1600 Championship based in Quebec) have reached an agreement to jointly promote a new, inter-provincial championship named “The Formula 1600 Super Series.” The Super Series will be comprised of four premiere events, two each from the Toyo Tires F1600 Series and the Formula Tour F1600 Series. The Super Series will have it’s own points system and will have a prize package for the Champion worthy of the level of competition it is sure to generate.

Marcel Lafontaine of Formula Tour said, “Since 2008 Formula Tour 1600 has made a lot of progress but 2014 will be the beginning of new era in entry level open wheel racing. When I met Jason and got to know him I realized how much he has helped Formula 1600 in Ontario and we quickly got to work discussing how we could work together to bring F1600 back to the top. We have spent a lot of time working on the calendars to avoid conflicts, looked for similar needs in the sport and today the Launch of The Super Series…this is just awesome.”

Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports said, “I am incredibly enthused about this announcement today. Marcel and I started these discussions in April of last year. He and I got along very well and I could see he shared not only the same vision for the junior formula car ranks as we do but more importantly he shared the same passion and willingness to make it work for the betterment of the sport and it’s competitors. I could not have asked for a better partner.”

Formula 1600 has long been known globally as the logical first step for young racing stars to learn their craft right out of karts. The cars are sleek, fast and provide the ideal balance of power and aerodynamics that encourage wheel-to-wheel action at an affordable price.

In the past Canadian racing legends including Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Paul Tracy and the late Greg Moore all got their start in Formula 1600. Most recently NASCAR stars like the Dumoulin brothers, J.F. and L.P, as well as Indycar driver James Hinchcliffe and American LeMans series star Kyle Marcelli cut their teeth in this form of racing.

Additional announcements including the schedule, sponsorships, regulations and registration will be forthcoming in the next few months.

  SERIES CONTACT:

Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected], Twitter: @jasonsharpe and Marcel Lafontaine, (819) 350-9750 or [email protected]

MK Technologies Award Goes To Graham Lobban

  The MK Technologies "Driver of the Event" Award for the CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports held on September 28/29 goes to B Class competitor Graham Lobban. Graham showed up with a new car, finished just hours before having to leave for the racetrack and managed to grab a pair of 2nd place finishes. That's the kind of dedication we love to see and that's why he is the deserving recipient of the award.

Graham will receive a $75 voucher for his efforts.

DeGrand Wins in Series Debut, Mitchell Jr. and Willis 2013 Champions

DeGrand Wins in Series Debut. Jack Mitchell, Jr. and Craig Willis clinch class championship titles.

Race 2 of the CASC Celebration of Motorsports at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park provided the usual excitement with intense battles all over the racetrack.

When the checkered flag fell it was Eureka, MO Tristan DeGrand who would take the win in his series debut.

Steve Bamford lead the field to the green for the 2nd time of the weekend. Much like Race 1 the lead pack was an 8-car affair with lots of passing lap after lap. DeGrand managed to slip past Bamford just as the full course caution flag was displayed on lap 4 for an accident involving Michael Adams. Adams was leading B Class at the time but could not continue with significant damage to the suspension on his car.

When the field went back to green DeGrand and teammate Thomas McGregor went back and forth with Bamford and Robichon staging a great battle right behind them for 3rd.

At the finish line it was DeGrand holding on over McGregor and Robichon in 3rd. Steve Bamford and Max Hanratty round out the top 5.

In the points battle Jack Mitchell, Jr. had a comfortable lead over Zacharie Robichon but did not have it secured after yesterday’s race. The only danger to his bid for the title would be a DNF so he decided to qualify and race near the back of the grid and stay out of trouble. He would cross the line in 9th, ensuring the championship was his.

The B Class race also had some great battles. Adams had the lead in the early going but was out on lap 4. That handed the race to a hard charging Craig Willis who was in the thick of the lead pack action. Graham Lobban debuted a new care this weekend and put it to good use coming home in a solid 2nd place after a race long battle with Andrew Mason who finished 3rd. Steve Bodrug and Amy Castell were 4th and 5th respectively.

The two victories over the weekend capped off an incredible season for the 2nd generation racer as he had already clinched the B Class Championship honours at the last event.

The CASC Celebration of Motorsports was the final event of the season for the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship.

Bamford Fastest in Race 2 Qualifying

Steve Bamford grabbed his 2nd pole of the weekend in Race 2 qualifying today. His quick lap of 1:28.856 was set right at the end of the session as he worked the draft to perfection.

Alongside Bamford will be series newcomer Tristan DeGrand who is quickly coming to grips with the ultra-fast Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and posted a lap of 1:29.098. He should be a factor in this afternoon's race.

Zacharie Robichon is doing everything he can to win the championship today as he chases Jack Mitchell, Jr., the points leader. HIs lap of 1:29.297 was good enough for third with Max Hanratty and Thomas McGregor rounding out the top 5.

Jack Mitchell, Jr. only needs to finish this race to clinch so he posted a lap that will see him roll off 19th, making a strategic move to not run the lead pack of 8 cars as things were a little intense up front in yesterday's race.

In B Class it was all Michael Adams again. He had Bamford as a drafting partner and used his speed to get the advantage and post a lap of 1:29.620. Craig Willis will roll off 2nd with a 1:30.939 and Andrew Mason starts 3rd with a 1:31.820. Steve Bodrug and Graham Lobban round out the top 5.

Lazare Triumphs in the Toyo Tires F1600 Series Can-Am Cup at CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports

Race 1 of the CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park was a wild affair, packed with lots of passing and the usual amount of drama.

At the end of the day Jesse Lazare of Pointe Claire, QC would triumph and take home the coveted Can-Am Cup.

Steve Bamford lead the field to the green. The lead pack of 8 cars broke away from the rest of the field and staged an incredible display of back and forth drafting. Max Hanratty took control of the race on lap 3 and managed to hang on to the top spot for the next 8 laps, looking like he was poised to get his breakout win.

As can be expected when 8 cars are nose to tail for 8 laps there is a high probability of something going wrong.

As the field entered corner 5b Michael Adams was on the tail of Hanratty and tried an ambitious move on the exit of the corner. He would spin to the inside of the track and started a chain reaction of spins and inevitable contact that took out Hanratty, Thomas McGregor and Steve Bamford.

That allowed newcomer Tristan DeGrand to assume the top spot for the next two laps with Robichon and Lazare in hot pursuit.

Robichon would make a slight mistake between corners 9 and 10 and got his Piper sideways, locking up the brakes and into the side of DeGrand who had nowhere to go. DeGrand would have his day end in the turn 10 tire barrier and Robichon managed to get his car turned around and continue to finish 3rd.

Jack Mitchell, Jr. was the biggest benefactor from all of the mayhem as he would play it cool and bring his Spectrum home in 2nd, ahead of Robichon. Jeff Kingsley, in his series debut had a brilliant drive to finish 4th and Marc Bishara rounds out the top 5.

The B Class race was great if not as eventful. Series Champion Craig Willis started the race 4th after a quiet qualifying session, but worked methodically to get into 2nd and eventually the win when Leader Adams was involved in the big incident in corner 5.

Andrew Mason looked strong early but suffered a mechanical failure. That left the 2nd podium spot to Graham Lobban. Michael Adams would get rolling after the turn 5 accident and fight his way back to 3rd at the final drop of the flag.

“That was a great race for me,” said a smiling victor winner Lazare. “I felt great in the car right from the start and managed to avoid all the craziness in corner 5 and waited for the right moment to take the lead. I am so happy to win the CanAm Cup too because the trophy means so much to my team owner Brian Graham. I am really happy for him.”

Steve Bamford on Pole with Track Record at Celebration of Motorsports, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Steve Bamford has his sights set squarely on taking home the CanAm Cup today, serving notice with a new qualifying lap record.

Bamford, in a Mygale Honda hovered around the top 5 or 6 for much of the session. He changed up his strategy and started to work with a different group of cars, which proved to be what he needed to grab the top spot on the last lap of the session. His lap of 1:28.517 is a tenth better than the existing record.

Zacharie Robichon will line his BGR Team Grote Piper Honda up beside Bamford with his 1:28.977 lap, keeping hist title hopes alive. Next up is Max Hanratty, pacing the Exclusive Autosport team in his SynerComm Spectrum Honda with a lap of 1:28.977.

Jesse Lazare and Jack Mitchell, Jr. round out the top 5.

In B Class Michael Adams shattered the lap record for qualifying by 1.5 seconds and will undoubtedly be a factor in the overall outcome of the race. HIs pole lap of 1:29.068 has him sitting 6th overall.

Andrew Mason was the 2nd fastest B Class competitor with a 1:30.782 and Steve Bodrug clocked a 1:31.441, good enough for 3rd.

Craig Willis, who clinched the B Championship at the last event, and Graham Lobban round out the top 5.

2013 F1600 Series Can-Am Cup Announced

The 2013 edition of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Can-Am Cup will take this place this Saturday, September 28 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The race will be during the CASC Ontario Region's Celebration of Motorsport and will be a 22 minute shootout between some of North America's best open wheel racers.

Americans Jack Mitchelll, Jr., Max Hanratty and Tristan DeGrand will face-off against Zacharie Robichon, Jesse Lazare and 2012 Toyo Tires Series champion Michael Adams in what is sure to be one of the best races this season.

The Can-Am Cup is an annual, highly sought after race within the Toyo Tires Championship and remarkably it has only been won by three competitors, Shane Jantzi has multiple wins, Matt DiLeo has one and last years winner Caitilin Johnston has one win and the additional distinction of being the only female.

Jack Mitchell Jr. in Control Leading into Toyo Tires F1600 Series "A" Class Finale

Craig Willis Clinches Toyo Tires F1600 Series "B" Class Championship in the Last Event

“A” Class Champ will be crowned this weekend at the CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports. Craig Willis clinched the "B" Class Title at the last event.

The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series will crown the “A” Class Champion this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park during the annual CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports, the final two rounds in the series.

2013 “B” Class honours were awarded this past week to Craig Willis – his dominating performance in the last few rounds securing his spot in the record books as the Champion, collecting no less than 7 victories and every qualifying and race lap record at every track the series competes at. He may add to his record this weekend.

The fight for “A” Class honours has two combatants in contention – Jack Mitchell, Jr.,and Zacharie Robichon. Mitchell, Jr., has scraped a bit of a lead in the points following two conservative drives at the last event after Robichon was taken out of contention in Race 1 due to a collision with Mitchell, Jr’s teammate Thomas McGregor.

BGR Team Grote will be bringing 5 cars this weekend. The 3 house Piper Hondas will be Zach Robichon and Jesse Lazare, joined by Jeff Kingsley, making his open wheel debut. Kingsley comes to the team having just clinched the ECKC Rotax Max Junior Title and a place on Canada’s team at the Rotax Max Grand finale in New Orleans. Customer cars for BGR Team Grote will be Kieran Murphy and Marc Bishara.

Exclusive Autosport will run 4 cars for the first time in the Toyo Tires series this season. Included in the lineup will be points leader Jack Mitchell, Jr., Thomas McGregor who is fresh off his championship-winning weekend in Formula Tour, Max Hanratty and newcomer Tristan DeGrand who comes with 2 wins from last weekends Formula Tour race.

2012 Champion Michael Adams makes a welcome return behind the wheel in the #59 Van Diemen driven to much success by Michael Gayowski at the beginning of the year and to a win and a 2nd by his father Stephen at the last event. That should be some good competition for “B” Class Champion Craig Willis.

Other notables from “B” Class include Mike Lee, Andrew Mason, Amy Castell, Bruce Kitchen and Ted Michalos. Connor Wagland suffered a season-ending crash at the last event and will not make it out.

“This has been one of the best season’s of competition ever,” said series promoter Jason Sharpe. “The excitement level lap after lap is immense and I don’t believe we have had more than one or two races all year where the winner was decided before the last corner,” he added. “We continue to add some of the most talented drivers in North America to this series and welcome 2 more this weekend. I am anxious to drop the green flag, enjoy the action and celebrate with our new Champions when it’s all over.”

Cars will hit the track on Friday for a full day of testing and the racing will begin with Round 1 on Saturday and Round 2 on Sunday afternoon.

  RACE: CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports

TRACK: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

DATE: Saturday September 28 & Sunday September 29, 2013

TWITTER: @ToyoTiresF1600

SERIES CONTACT: Jason Sharpe, (416) 557-5451 or [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Twitter: @jasonsharpe

  If photographs are required please contact Jason Sharpe (416) 557-5451 or [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  NOTABLE FACTS

The Race: This is round 13 and 14, the final rounds in the Championship.

The Format: Both A and B Class cars race together, with an equalization package for the Honda and Ford motors. There is one practice and one qualifying session for each of the weekend’s races.

Gaining Momentum: With a renewed enthusiasm and new marketing partners the Series is enjoying a large increase in grid size and exposure. There are several competitors returning to the series and several new competitors will make their series’ debut.

  The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series is the premiere open wheel series in Ontario, sanctioned by CASC Ontario Region and proudly supported by Toyo Tires, MG Homes, Cove Dentistry, Braidan Tires, MK Technologies and Rod Ends Mechanical. The series is comprised of a seven event, double-header format and competes at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Shannonville Motorsport Park and Calabogie Motorsports Park.

MK Technologies Award goes to Stephen Adams

Stephen Adams is awarded the MK Technologies "Driver of the Event" Award for the BEMC Indian Summer Races held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on September 14/15, 2013.

The MK Technologies Award goes to the driver who had an exemplary performance over the entire weekend of competition. At the last event one competitor was on the minds of everyone up and down pit road each time he rolled onto the track. It was most certainly not his first rodeo - his name was synonymous with speed and success behind the wheel almost 20 years ago- but to be a competitive as this man was right out of the trailer was astounding to watch.

Based on his 2 Pole Positions, a win and 2nd place finish the MK Technologies Driver of the Event goes to Stephen Adams.

Stephen will receive a $75 voucher for his efforts.

  Founded by Marty Knoll and based out of Kelowna, BC, MK Technologies is the recognized leader in the race support equipment field and a proud sponsor of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series.  

McGregor Triumphs in a Wild Race at BEMC Indian Summer Races

The final race of the BEMC Indian Summer Trophy Races was a wild and crazy affair as the leaders tangled in the last corner.

It all started as Jesse Lazare lead the field to the green but had the first start waved off, not maintaining a consistent speed and causing the field to scramble behind him.

From there the A class put on its usual show with a new leader emerging at the end of the back straightaway almost every lap. Steve Bamford, yesterday's winner, and Thomas McGregor did most of the leading closely followed by Jesse Lazare, Jack Mitchell, Zacharie Robichon and Max Hanratty.

As usual with this series you don't want to look away from the last couple of corners on the last lap as everyone lays it on the line and this race did not disappoint.

Bamford and McGregor were side by side as they emerged at the end of the back straightaway, through corner 8 and into 9. At the apex of nine they touched, McGregor got in the air and spun all the way around. Both cars scrambled to get back under control and away again as Lazare and Mitchell were doing their best to take advantage of the opening. They crossed the line three wide, McGregor the winner followed by Lazare with Mitchell, Jr. just pipping Bamford at the line. Robichon would round out the top 5.

The B Class battle was no less exciting. Craig Willis took off from pole but got into a little trouble on lap 6 as he got into the back of Shane Jantzi, damaging his nose and cutting a tire down. He would make it to pit road but would not finish the race. Jantzi parked his car in corner 5 as a result of the incident as well.

That left B Class honours to be battled out by Stephen Adams, Andrew Mason and Connor Wagland and battle they did. Adams had a bit of lead but saw it erased as the laps would down. Mason was in 2nd for most of the race but a hard charging Wagland got around him and set his sights on his first race win.

On the last lap Wagland was right on the gearbox of Adams and was pushing hard. Wagland lost control of the car in corner 9 and spun, making hard contact with the outside wall. Adams held on to take the victory with Mason and Amy Castell slipped through to grab the 2nd and 3rd spots.

Lazare on Point for BEMC Race 2 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Jesse Lazare will lead the field to the green in this afternoon's event, Race 2 of the BEMC Indian Summer Races after posting a lap of 1:29.040.

He barely beat yesterday's Race 1 winner Steve Bamford who was just .077 off with his best lap being a 1:29.117. Zacharie Robichon looks to rebound after being knocked out of yesterday's race and will start 3rd with a time of 1:29.278. Thomas McGregor and and Jack Mitchell, Jr. round out the top 5

In B Class Craig Willis waited until the very last lap to catch the draft at the perfect moment an post his quick time of 1:31.100 and grab the pole. Stephen Adams will start alongside with his time of 1:31.316 ahead of Andrew Mason and his lap of 1:32.053. Connor Wagland and Amy Castell round out the top five.

Today's 22 minute race will start approximately 3pm.

Bamford Shows the Way for the A Class Race as part of BEMC Indian Summer Races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Etobicoke, Ontario's Steve Bamford came to the Indian Summer races with a laid back attitude and a quiet, all business approach to the weekend.

He just completed a full season stateside in both the Formula 1600 Championship Series and the F2000 Championship Series running up front and grabbing overall podium finishes and Master's wins.

Today, he raced Canada's best and youngest stars and made a youthful last lap pass to grab the victory.

Thomas McGregor lead the field to the green and things quickly got exciting. Bamford went to the outside of corner 1 to make it 3 wide and emerged on the other side in 2nd, behind Mitchell, Jr.

On the run down into corner 5, Robichon slipped into 2nd behind Mitchell, Jr. As the field stacked up McGregor made contact with the back of Robichon's car, damaging his front suspension and spinning Robichon into the grass. Robichon was unable to continue as he was stuck and McGregor limped his car back to the pits and jumped out.

The race then was a torrid 4 car battle between Mitchell, Jr., Steve Bamford, Jesse Lazare and Max Hanratty.

Mitchell, Jr. controlled the pace early on, then Bamford took the top spot for a turn or two. Lazare eventually grabbed control of the top spot in a daring move from 3rd. He would lead the way until the last lap when he and Bamford came down the back straightaway and Bamford made his move. he slid ahead and managed to stave off a last corner dive by Lazare and crossed the line in front ahead of Mitchell, Jr.

The B Class battle had Stephen Adams on point after a long hiatus from the sport. He would grab control early on but Championship points leader Craig Willis was not to be denied the win today. Disappointed with his 4th place starting position he proceeded to rip off some blistering lap times, setting a new track record along the way.

Once he grabbed the top spot he cruised comfortably to the win over an elated Adams and a hard charging Connor Wagland.

Day 2 will include a full qualifying session in the morning and a 22 minute race late afternoon.