Benoit gets a first win!!

April 20th 2006, C-500 Hochelaga
 

Once more we had to settle to race with a limited number of drivers... only seven; I can't wait to start next season!

After a maritime type delay (one hour late!) we finally got to take on that new track of Hochelaga. The good thing is that we had plenty of room for everyone, with so few people on the track, so all got a good chance at doing a fast lap... depending on their own capacity. Benoit gets his first pole position and becomes the second rookie to do so. Dave takes the second place while I grab the third, right in front of defending champion, Steve. The good news about this starting grid is that it opens the door to a possible first 1-2 finish for a team, with Benoit  and myself in good position.

After a short break, we get back into our karts for the two formation laps... the weirdest ones we have ever experienced. Benoit was having his first taste of leading the pack for those opening laps and he had some pacing problems. The train of karts was spread out longer than it should, leaving the last drivers way behind the leader at the start, which cut down on the action... You'll get used to it partner!!

As for myself, it only took two laps to move up to the second position right behind Benoit; I could smell the record setting performance for my team!! this situation prevailed for an amazing 41 laps out of 45; We were slowly losing sight of our opponents. And then, as we were lapping Guy and Alex for the fifth time that night, the two turtles rammed into each other leaving the Ferraillerie driver spinning. I had to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting him, and slowed down so much it gave David the occasion to catch up to me. For the next lap, I had him bumping me at every corner... all in good sportsmanship. But on the 43rd lap, in corner #2 he optimistically plunged for the apex pushing me hard in the tire wall. I suddenly went from second to fourth without any chance to make up for lost ground. Twenty seconds stuck in the tires seemed like an eternity; I really thought I was fifth at that point, but we had enough of a lead on Éric A, to avoid that! What a luck!!

So Benoit gets his first victory, followed by David The plunger, and Steve the Fast lapper! Nice win for my partner that could have been also a huge step for our team in the championship... but that will have to wait!!!

Rookie of the year!

April 20th 2006, C-500 Hochelaga
 

For those who had not yet noticed, the rookie of the year title has been clinched by lil' David Archambault from Team Miniradi. He made the most of Mehdi's absence (Team Prayers) to increase the gap between the two of them, and ensure himself of the title by finishing second and adding an extra 19 points.

It has now become impossible for Mehdi to pass David since there is a 51 point difference between them. But David does not seem to want to settle, he has also become the third driver to hold to lead in this season's championship, and the first rookie to ever come this close to winning the big award!! He leads the standings with the same number of points as Eric B. but with a greater number of podiums. Right behind these two, the defending champion, Steve from Loyola Racing, is only awaiting any mistake from the leaders to grab a second consecutive championship... It ain't over 'til it's over!!!

Upcoming events!

April 20th 2006, C-500 Hochelaga
 

As the seven drivers that were at the race already know, we are scheduling the last race for a Friday night since it is going to be held on the SRA outdoor track. For now we are going to race on the 19th but should a change arise, you will be notified. I am looking at filling the grid that can hold 25 people... this way, we could get new rookies for next season.  I am counting on you guys to promote this event!!

We have also agreed to make shirts that will bear our final standing's number... so this way, everyone has something to battle for!! These will be handed at the end of season supper.

I also need your input to help out in preparing the end of season party. I need to know your availabilities and preferences on a date and restaurant where we could do this. Let me know! So far, the idea of a Thursday night at La cage aux sports, seems to be everyone's choice... make your voice heard if you disagree! PLEASE WRITE ME BACK SOON  GUYS!! eboulang@alcor.concordia.ca 

My race!

By Benoît Duchesne (Poutine Whiskey Racing)

April 20th 2006, C-500 Hochelaga
 

Come on partner... it's taking a long time before you submit your race recap. We're waiting for you!!