The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix is Daniel’s second race weekend in Formula 1200 with Vallis Motor Sport. Still learning this motorsports discipline, Demaras is trying to absorb knowledge from the series veterans.
Brother Bill competes at the front of the grid against reigning F1200 champ Phil. But rather than making the rookies feel like they’re out of their depth, he takes the time to personally coach VMS drivers on what he’s seen them do on track, while racing against them. He’s teaching rookie racers the skills to compete for podiums and wins…against himself.
With the F1 Canadian Grand Prix scheduled on the same weekend as the VARAC Vintage Grand Prix, team principal Vallis was at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve rather than Canadian Tire Motorsports park. Taking over were the experienced Bill, Jeff, Johan (and his monkey Bela).
Friday started with 9:00 am practice, with a long gap until afternoon qualifying for the Formula Classic grid. Changes were made to the cars based on the morning shakedown, but unfortunately, Demaras could only manage a 7h place qualifying position.
The engine gurus suspected a valve issue, and worked to correct the problem for the Saturday’s races. But Formula Libre champion Paul Subject knows it’s not just the engine.
After each session, Paul huddled with Daniel in the VMS hauler, reviewing GoPro video of the No. 12. Subject is the lead instructor with the CASC and has trained too many drivers to count. His careful, methodical approach is working, as Demaras begins to fine tune his racing line, and make strategic decisions about when to make on-track passes.
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