Every couple of years, Daniel Demaras takes another step on the racing ladder, and as a ‘rookie’ in a new series, feels those nerves again. Taking the step up from karts to cars four years ago was stressful A driver can’t help but question whether they’re fast enough. But after poles, podiums and wins in Formula 1200, Demaras knew he belonged.
Would the CASC Miata Canada Cup be different? Those familiar nerves returned, and Daniel questioned whether he was quick enough. But after after a practice day and qualifying session, Demaras was quietly confident. Starting the Sunday morning race in P10, Daniel knew there was room to improve, and through the help and coaching from the Mortimer Racing team, he had the confidence to make a dash to the sharp end of the field.
The No. 12 pounced at the drop of the green flag. Making up positions at the start of the race, when the cars are all bunched together, is an ideal situation, and before the end of Lap 1 Daniel had moved up multiple positions, and was running well within the Top 10. As the laps clicked by, Daniel used the ‘draft’ to close the gap to cars in front. Pushing the engine to redline, bouncing off the rev limiter, Demaras tried everything he could to move forward, and by the time he reached the checkered flag, he was up to 8th place. He gave a big thumbs up to the crew on the pitlane wall.
The conclusion of the 73rd British Empire Motor Club ‘Spring Trophy Race’ was reached on Sunday afternoon. All the preliminary sessions completed, the grid was set for the start of the Final Race. Luckily the weather had held up for Demaras’ first Miata Canada Cup race, and rain would not be a factor. Just a straight fight to the finish.
A strong move to the outside of Turn 1 on the opening lap netted Daniel an additional spot, and over the next 10 laps, he battled with the No. 86. A few days earlier, Daniel questioned whether he belonged in this series, now he was within striking distance of a Top-5 finish.
The racing gods have a sick sense of humour. With only three laps to go, the No. 12 MagiSeal Miata started making some terrible noises, and a mechanical failure forced Demaras to slow to a halt on the Andretti Straight, watching his racing rivals pull away into the distance. The final result was a DNF on the score sheet, but the results don’t show that Daniel ran with the lead pack and proved he can compete in the series.
It’s impossible not to be disappointed when a mechanical gremlin spoils an otherwise great race weekend. But there are so many positives to take away. A Top-10 qualifying position helped boost Demaras’ confidence on Saturday, and with the guidance of Mortimer Racing, Daniel was able to shave 4 seconds off his lap times by Sunday.
Huge improvements for the tin-top rookie, who’s now looking forward to Round 2 of the 2025 Miata Canada Cup at Shannonville Motorsports Park on June 1st.
Oh! Man! That is too bad. I’ve been there in bicycle racing. At least you don’t have the indignity of being swept up by the broom wagon in car racing.
No. Not broom wagon. Just had to park on the side of the road and wait to get towed back to the paddock, watching racjng rivals zip by.
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But at least yiu can’t blame yourself for a random mechanical failure. Not like screwing up a corner and putting it in the wall.
Awe nothing worse than being lapped and you can do nothing about it 🙁
Nope. Just throw a whole bunch of parts and money at the race car and hope it doesn’t break again.