BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Burning rubber, hairpin turns, motorized machines whipping by at 90 kilometres per hour Â? now thatÂ?s racing and it's heating up in Sudbury this summer.
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The Sudbury Kart Club is hosting a series of races over the summer, including the upcoming July 27th racing event and another one on September 13.
The action is electrifying and full of surprises. The kart series, which is actually racing go-karts, has already run several races.
Former Sudbury Kart Club president, Phil Taus knows these races are high quality events and chock full of classic racing spirit.
"Karting is like a grassroots type of racing and many people do it as a hobby and sport," said Taus. "It's also a stepping stone to other levels of racing because Formula One racer,
Paul Tracy used to race karts."
The July 27th extravaganza features two main classes: the Honda four-stroke class with three age divisions and the Yamaha two-stroke senior class. The races are more for fun and excitement, but there will be heavy competition out on the unforgiving black asphalt.
"People will see some pretty close racing and plenty of action," said Taus. "The Yamaha class racers will be going 90 kilometres an hour around the track."
For the drivers of these miniature, mighty machines, racing is the greatest thrill in life.
"I love pushing the limits and challenging myself," said senior four-cycle racer Simon Agnew. "The speed is the ultimate fun."
Agnew, 17, has already competed in two races this season and captured the checkered flag on both occasions.
"I've been working hard and it felt good when it all paid off," said Agnew. "I want to keep doing this and move up to higher classes."
Yamaha senior class racer Giancarlo (John) Chiarot, 37, has been racing for seven seasons and loves the adrenaline rushes he gets from zipping around the track.
"I love the speed, racing and competition of karting," said Chiarot. "You get a lot of force in corners and it really gets the blood pumping."
Three-year veteran, Connor Newson, nine, loves the speed and feeling he gets from blasting his kart down the track and through tight corners.
"I love how the fast the kart goes and feeling the wind blowing against my face."
Newson, who races in the cadet four-cycle division has competed in three races this season and captured first place all three times. Hoisting the glory has left the young Newson with a feeling of pride.
"I lost all my races the last two previous seasons because I was in a higher age division," said Newson. "It felt really good to win those three races."
The races feature competitors from all across Northern Ontario and some from Southern Ontario and Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The July 27th event starts at 9 am at the Sudbury Kartway on Notre Dame.
"It's free admission and people can ask any questions they want," said Taus. "This is a great family sport and everyone should give it a try because it's fun and safe."
