ASN Canada FIA

Big news from the FIA meeting on December 6, 2019: www.FIA.com/news/annual-general-assembly-2019

At the Annual General Assembly on December 6, 2019, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) ended its relationship with ASN Canada (Autorité Sportive Nationale) cutting off the Ontario-based organization’s national sporting authority.

It is rumored that leadership of the ASN will leave their current positions on December 31, 2019. Other rumors suggest a ‘transitional period’ until March 31, 2020, with the new national sporting authority entering into power to deal with licenses and other approvals effective April 1, 2020.

What does this mean to kart racers like Demaras Racing? To get a better perspective, a bit of background:

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is an association established in 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users. To the general public, the FIA is mostly known as the governing body for auto racing events, but the FIA also promotes road safety around the world. The FIA recognizes two motoring delegates within each country; one for touring (in Canada, the CAA) and one for sporting.

In 1951 CASC was founded (Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs) to promote Canadian motorsports beyond Saturday night stock cars and dirt track racing. The goal was to organize competitions in Ontario and eventually, Canada, and in 1967 CASC was recognized by the FIA as the governing body of motor sport in Canada and became a full international member.

In 1990 there was a reorganization of motoring activities in Canada. The CAA remained the FIA delegate for touring, but a new sporting delegate was selected. CASC was run primarily by a group of volunteers, and the FIA’s argument was that a dedicated organization was needed to run the professional side of Canadian motorsport. The organization was ASN Canada FIA.

So what does this mean for motorsports in Canada? You can rest assured that there will still be kart racing in Canada in 2020, and all the big racing events will go on an planned. There’s too much money at stake to mess with that. There will be a new head of motorsports in Canada, who will promise a bright future. Time will tell how well those promises are kept.

GMO at PRO

Originally Published on CKN

Throughout 2019, Daniel Demaras was fortunate enough to work with GMO (Gianmarco Raimondo) under the PRO tent.

Below is an excerpt from GMO’s Driver’s Blog originally published on Canadian Karting News about his role in team PRO helping young racers maximize their potential.

After racing all of these different categories in 4 different continents over 10 years, I jumped into a ROK Shifter to race the final round of the Motomaster Ron Fellows Karting Championship with Professional Racing Ontario (PRO) and here’s my story on why I did it!

As any driver knows, dealing with the politics and financial aspect of racing can really put a cramp on the drive to pursue it. Since I have been in a bit of a lull finding sponsorship to race cars, the idea came to me to go back to my roots and work in the industry that made me fall in love with the sport of racing!

Having worked a couple instructing programs with Curtis Fox and Darryl Timmers, the idea of working with PRO was an easy choice. Coincidentally, Curtis and Darryl were in the position to expand their team and brought me on as their new data analyst or “data guy” and driver coach to help their team on the technical side. I do anything from track walks, to reading data, visual coaching, onboard video analysis, and even some mental coaching. On a few occasions, I even got my hands a little dirty working on the karts, which is a rare sight for data guy let me tell you.

Essentially, whatever my racing career has taught me over the last 20 years, I have brought to the table to help the next generation of racers!

It has definitely been an adjustment to work with kids and teen racers with such a raw and unpolished passion to compete. Usually the drivers I have coached in the past have either been successful drivers or gentlemen drivers with zero track experience. Karters are a rare breed, in that in most cases they don’t have much experience driving anything let alone how to do it ‘properly’, yet they can still throw an oversteering go-kart into a corner at the blink of an eye and have no explanation for how this happened, it really is a fascinating phenomenon. No ‘think’ just ‘do’.

Now-a-days, so much technology has come into the sport, mostly with the data acquisition. Twelve years ago we just started introducing data at the tail end of my karting career, but it wasn’t consistent nor reliable so I never used it. All of the information we can pick up in this day and age, can be so confusing to younger drivers. I must say, one of my biggest challenges was keeping multiple eight year-olds still long enough to look at a screen they don’t care about and tell them exactly where they’re losing one-second a lap before they want to run off to get french fries or start playing with whatever was closest to them.

I really don’t blame them because the graphs we can get can be confusing and seem like schoolwork, but little do they know the GPS quality is better than what I used in F3.

-Gianmarco Raimondo

Full article: Canadian Karting News

Lost Footage

Back in mid-July, Daniel Demaras raced in TRAK Race 7, which was the two-stage enduro at Goodwood. One race run forwards, then one race run in the reverse configuration.

A previous article about the event (https://demaras.com/2019/07/19/recap-trak-7/) told the story of how a flat tire in the final ended Daniel’s charge. There’s even a good video…but helmet-cam footage of the race was completely forgotten. It was recently found, when emptying out the memory card in Daniel’s CAMBOX at the end of the season.

Enjoy!

Fox on Top

Congratulations to PRO team principal Curtis Fox who won at Cup Karts North America “GRAND NATIONALS III” at New Castle Motorsports Park this weekend.

Daniel Demaras has been fortunate enough to have Curtis as his driving coach for the past two seasons. Seeing Fox get back in the saddle, beating National Champions Jon Treadwell and Jordan Prior really helped hammer home the point:

He really knows what he’s doing!

TRAK Final Standing

1 JORDAN PRIOR – 1885
2 ALEX MURPHY – 1845
3 CHAD WEBSTER – 1560
4 LOGAN PLODER – 1530
5 ZACH BOAM – 1350
6 EVAN SAFARI – 895
7 DANIEL DEMARAS – 880
8 KHLOE DRUMMOND – 745
9 ADRIAN KONIARZ – 700
10 JON TREADWELL – 690
11 VASSIL TCHIPLAKOV – 685
12 PETER GUATTO – 670
13 BRENNAN TAYLOR – 605
14 NATE FRANCO – 545
15 DAVID BARNES – 480
16 AVERY MILLER – 470
17 ADRIAN BANCILA – 430
18 MIKE DE LA PLANTE – 385
19 T. McCULLOUGH – 375
20 OWYN THOMAS – 355
21 RYAN ARMSTRONG – 315
22 TYLER FRIER – 305
23 TIM KNIGHT – 265
24 ALEC DRUMMOND – 260
25 PEARCE HERDER – 250
26 KIKA FERRARI – 240
27 KEIDON FLETCHER – 235
28 CARLY PANNETON – 205
29 CODY FENTON – 200
30 KEVIN MONTEITH – 200
31 TRAVIS BRACEY – 190
32 SPENCER TODD – 180


33 DAWSON CAMPBELL – 175
34 N. HORNBOSTEL – 175
35 SHAWN KNOWLTON – 175
36 KYLE LITHERLAND – 170
37 ANDREW AINSLEY – 160
38 LEVON BEAUDIN – 155
39 MATTHEW JONES – 150
40 ALEX DASILVA – 130
41 CAMERON HOGG – 130
42 GAVIN SANDERS – 120
43 NOLAN BOWER – 120
44 A COLUCCIO – 110
45 B CHRISTIANSEN – 100
46 JOSHUA CONQUER – 100
47 ALEX SAVAGLIO – 100
48 RYAN BRUTZKI – 95
49 JEN GRAY – 90
50 GARRETT OTT – 85
51 EVAN MCINTOSH – 75
52 TOBY HOUSTON – 75
53 ROBERT SOROKA – 75
54 TYLER BARBAN – 70
55 M. RADAELLI – 65
56 MARTIN RATCHIS – 65
57 JORDAN HALL – 55
58 MAX HAVERKATE – 55
59 ANDREW O’BRIEN – 50
60 STEVEN CHAN – 35
61 ERIC BOS – 15
62 JAMIE BASSETT – 0
63 AAPKARAN SIDHU – 0
64 MARC STEHLE – 0

The Toronto Racing Association of Karters 2019 TRAK Series was a big improvement for Daniel Demaras. The previous year, as a rookie in Briggs SR, Demaras finished 15th in the standing with 675 points. But in 2019, his 205 additional points powered Demaras to 7th in the TRAK annual standings with 880 points.

“2019 was absolutely the best season I’ve had in club racing so far. I started the year off super well, picked up some good results throughout the summer and ended off the year with two top ten finishes. There were definitely points I deserved but didn’t get, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Working with Curtis Fox, Darryl Timmers, Gianmarco Raimondo, Andrew Waring, Eric Gerrits, Christopher Proietto, Nick Waring, Cole Hooton, Kenneth O’Keefe and Spencer Todd really allowed me to improve as a driver. Being able to review every move I made on track with some of the most knowledgeable guys in Canadian karting allowed me to challenge for top five finishes throughout the year.

As with any season, there’s always the tough days at the track. This year, with the help of PRO, I was able to use those days to my advantage, learning and growing every time that I struggled. I did finish 3rd in the pre-final at round 2, my best position in any session since I began club racing. I also scored a best ever result to end the day in round 1 with a 5th place.

I am definitely satisfied with 2019, but I want even more from 2020. I’ve only gotten quicker between seasons in my time as a driver, and I want that trend to continue into next year. I know that with PRO Racing, and the help of my sponsors K1 Speed, KPMG, Scarboro Subaru, Nostalgia Coffee Company, Laird Auto Body and Kenya Coffee, I can achieve everything I want to on track. Now that 2019 is in the books, I’ve got my eyes all over an even better 2020.”

Daniel Demaras, No.12 / PRO / Intrepid / Briggs & Stratton

SNEEK PEEK

A short 2 minute video of last week’s race, if you don’t want to watch the full 15 minute race.

Season Finale: TRAK 12

After 12 rounds of highly-competitive Briggs and Stratton racing action, the final round of the 2019 TRAK series arrived. Weather conditions changed ahead of morning practice, leaving everyone quite confused about what tires to run. Daniel and his PRO teammate (all carrying R2ENDALZ decals on their karts) decided on rain tires, as the risk wasn’t worth the reward. Although Daniel finished the session 9th, he kept it out of the wall, unlike some slick tire runners.

Though there was still some moisture on the circuit, the right choice for qualifying was to put on slicks. Daniel was lined up alongside Webster, Ploder and Knight, ready for a good qualifying session with the ability to run in a pack, but his plans were curtailed by a flat right rear tire. The problem was discovered while waiting on grid (not on track) and PRO’s mechanics could change the Vega tire and get Demaras out in time to qualify, only missing 2 laps. Daniel struggled with the conditions and the tires from two different sets, and qualified last.

Daniel knew he had work to do in the prefinal, and was determined to move up the pack. A good getaway from the green flag, and some quick thinking as the #389 of Jordan Prior hit the wall in turn one allowed Daniel to make up places. A spin from the leader and some wheel to wheel racing and Demaras found himself in 7th, six places up from his starting position.

After passing the #385 Kart and being passed by #409, Daniel went for a last lap lunge on Chad Webster in turn 9. The slippery asphalt on the inside meant Demaras couldn’t get good traction out of the corner, and ended the prefinal a solid P7.

The Final did not go as well for Daniel. After being jumped by Zach Boam at the start, Daniel simply couldn’t make any overtakes as he had in the PreFinal. As the tires overheated, and the kart began to oversteer, Demaras was hit from behind in Turn 5, sending home over the kerbs, and briefly caused him to be high-centred as he slid along the concrete, his tires not making contact with the ground. Demaras salvaged a To p10 finish in the final race of the year. Unable to make up any positions Daniel finished the final race of the year

Two years ago Daniel would’ve killed for a top 10 finish. Now, he wants more. Though the season may not have ended perfectly, Daniel saw massive improvements throughout the 2019 season, with many exciting moments.

“Tough way to end the season. We were quick at times, at other times we were not. The final didn’t go my way, but I did get to have some fun in the pre-final. Big congratulations to my teammate Chad for taking his second consecutive win today. I am satisfied with the 2019 season, and I hope to come back stronger in 2020.”

Daniel Demaras, PRO

Thanks for the Support

Demaras Racing supports R2ENDALZ. But this weekend, the entire PRO karting team showed their support, and showed their colours.

Daniel and Tim line up next to Logan.
Kevin carried the R2ENDALZ colours onto the podium in Masters.
Logan and Tony prepare for the race.
Trevor wrenches on Chad’s kart, all the way to victory
Luigi deep in concentration on Matte’s kart
Jayden and John take a break before the final
Chad Webster proudly carried R2ENDALZ onto the podium

PREVIEW: TRAK Race 12

SEASON FINALE – Long Track. Qualifying Format

PRACTICE DAY – Friday, September 27th, 2019 

  • 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

RACE DAY – Saturday, September 28th, 2019

  • 8:00am – Gates Open
  • 8:15am – Registration Opens
  • 9:15am – Registration Closes
  • 9:30am – Mandatory Drivers Meeting
  • 10:00am – Practice Session 1
  • T.B.D – Qualifying
  • T.B.D – Pre-Final (8 Lap Race)
  • T.B.D – Final (12 Lap Race)
  • 3:00pm – Podium Presentation

RACE ORDER

  • Briggs Junior Lite
  • Rok Senior
  • Rok Masters
  • Briggs Cadet
  • Briggs Senior
  • Mini Rok
  • Briggs Junior
  • Briggs Masters
  • Rok Junior

TRAK Race 11

Demaras Racing headed up to Goodwood Kartways for the penultimate race of 2019 TRAK season. Daniel was looking for a strong result on the reverse long-track layout.

On Friday practice, Daniel reduced his lap times by a second during the one hour session, despite a number of lockups in Turn 9. After hitting a kerb, Daniel did litter the track with some random kart parts. The engine kill switch flew off his motor, creating a bit of drama in a day that otherwise went off without a hitch. When Demaras entered pit lane at the end of his session, he couldn’t shut off the engine, so Chris Demaras and Luigi Ferrari discussed just letting the gas tank run empty. John Elphage arrived on scene, pulled the air filter off, and cupped his hand over the carburetor to starve the engine of air; immediate shut off.

As Daniel Demaras’ on track session ended, Chris Demaras’ session began. Round 9 of the Friday Night CRKC was about to begin, and Chris was feeling strong off back to back podium finishes.

Saddled with Kart 90, Demaras never stood a chance. One of the idiosyncrasies of A&D racing is the completely random kart assignment. Chris qualified the under-performing kart in 6th place, had some exceptional battles under the lights, including a double pass (two karts!) in Turn 4. Demaras ran as high as 4th, but had to settle for a 5th pace finish. All in all, Chris enjoyed the aggressive racing, and was happy to see his friend Igor on the podium again, while K1 alumni Dale Goz also made it to the podium in only his fourth CRKC race at Goodwood

With the preparations out of the way, Saturday race day arrived. Daniel felt confident of a strong result this week.

It was a cool morning on race day. A very special day lay ahead. On the reverse layout at Goodwood, there’d be two heat races with randomly assigned starting positions. The results of the heat races would be used to determine the qualifying order for the final race.

Daniel went out for morning practice, and despite a severe lack of grip, really found his groove, flying past several races. Demaras finished the session in fourth place, only 0.2 sec. off of the fastest driver. After reviewing data with PRO data analyst Gianmarco, Daniel was ready for Heat Race 1, where he would start 9th.

Daniel got off to a good start, but lost places to Prior and Ploder. Demaras recovered his positions and passed 4 drivers, but ran out of laps before he could find a way into 6th place, finishing 7th.

Daniel started in 6th position for Heat Race 2, and after another good start, was running fourth. He tried to run down the top three, but couldn’t find the straight line speed needed to catch the leading pack that was using the draft so effectively. Demaras ended up falling back to 6th place at the checkered flag, which is exactly where he would start the Final.

The race didn’t start well, as Daniel lost two places due to a poorly timed overtake. Daniel struggled with the high track temperatures, and seemed stuck in 8th place. At the hairpin, Daniel’s kart began to bicycle, getting up on the two outside wheels. As another racer dove for the inside of the corner, he collided with Demaras, sending both of them off track. Fuming, Daniel hunted down the next competitor and made an aggressive overtake in Turn 5, ending the day 9th.

It was a super day for the whole PRO team, with double podium finishes in Briggs Cadet, courtesy of Santiago Ramirez and Stefano Picerno in first and second respectively. In Briggs Senior, Chad Webster had a break-out day, earning his first win since 2015, while Logan Ploder finished 3rd.

“It was a day with a lot of promise that unfortunately didn’t end well. We had incredible pace in low grip conditions, but lost it all in the afternoon. It’s disappointing to end the day like that, but it means that we have potential, and that the last race of the year could very well be the best one yet. I’m looking forward to ending the year strong.”

Daniel Demaras, No.12 PRO Intrepid Briggs & Stratton SR