It’s all about family. Don’t let anyone tell you different. To give a racer the opportunity to compete for an open-wheel racing championship takes effort from mom and dad, support from grandparents (and great-aunts) and even the strong shoulder of a little sister to cry on.
Sunday afternoon at the CASC Celebration of Motorsport marked the end of the season, and although the race result had Daniel on the second step of the podium the ceremony provided the opportunity for Demaras to be recognized as this season’s champ.
The finishing order of the final race was Phil Wang (P1), Daniel Demaras (P2) and Kenny Bui (P3) the trio together on a podium for the first time in 2023.
The racers were in for a little surprise after the trophy presentation, when they were handed bottles of ice-cold champagne to celebrate with. In this contest, Kenny Bui was the clear winner, bopping the bottle on the ground (Lando Norris style) drenching his rivals.
Multiple cameras were shooting when during the podium ceremony, and Phil’s wife Lisa nearly got pinged in the head by a flying cork! But Richard from Release the Shutter got the bravery ribbon for getting right into the line of fire and jeopardizing his Nikon to get ‘the shot’.
Winning an open-wheel race is an incredible achievement, and in the 2023 season there were no less than 6 different winners in the competitive field. Daniel took four wins throughout the season against some tough competitors, but his commitment and consistency paid off in the final points tally.
Good days like this don’t come around often. For Daniel Demaras, this championship celebration was special because he clinched the title of 2023 Canadian Formula 1200 Champion with his family beside him.
I can only imagine how proud you are right now, Chris. Congratulations to Daniel and the whole team ( family).