The End of Canadian Drag Racing?
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The End of Canadian Drag Racing?
Racers, it seems the sky is truly falling. The Government of Canada is
planning to implement a total and permanent ban on the use of leaded
fuels for competition purposes, effective January 1st, 2009.
If this happens, Professional Drag Racing in Canada is over.
Immediately, completely and forever. This isnt the same as the challenges weve
faced in the past. This time, theyre dropping the Big One.
No Pro Mod, No Pro Stock, No Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car and no
American competitors in any of our sportsman classes. Only Alcohol Funny Cars
would remain unscathed.
Although many Canadian sportsman competitors run their cars effectively
on unleaded racing fuel or methanol, any of our competitors using
leaded fuel have two choices. Change or quit.
The legislation arrived in our office last week. We took the time to
read the document from start to finish to make sure we werent
overreacting. Then we talked to fuel suppliers, the IHRA and local politicians,
including Londons Bud Polhill; a long-time drag racing advocate in the
Canadian fuel wars.
What makes this bill viciously unfair is, they indicate that there may
be increased health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously
thought, and are advocating this change without any actual testing or
proof. The US, Britain and Australia must not put much faith in this new
information as they have no changes planned in their Leaded fuel for
competition vehicles policies at volumes 10 to 100 times the annual Cdn.
volume. Also the passing of this bill does not eliminate leaded fuel,
it only eliminates our portion, which is 1.5% of the leaded fuel
consumed in Canada (these are the Govts own numbers right in the report
see Industry profile) the remaining 98.5% is used as aviation fuel and
they have been given a permanent exemption. (which includes private
pleasure planes, etc.)
Bottom line, its as bad as it seems. The Canadian Government are
legislating Canadas largest racing facilities out of business. The document
can be found on the Government of Canada website, under Canada Gazette
Part 1, Dec. 22, 2007. The link to the document is:
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/200.../regle1-e.html
If youre passionate about our sport, I can only beg you to call, write
and email every politician you can think of, and let them know how you
feel about your sport being forced out of existence.YOU NEED TO DO
THIS ASAP AS THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THIS ACTION CLOSES ON FEB 20th , 2008
and it will then be scheduled for a vote. Make sure the companies that
tailor their businesses around the performance industry know as well.
Theyve got a big stake in this too.
This is the link that takes you to the current Members of Parliament.
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfP...ent&Language=E
On the left side of the page, you will see a text box labeled; Quick
Search. Type in the name of your City or County to go to your local
representative.
Some of Canadas smaller tracks may in fact survive, as their
facilities are geared toward handling smaller events, slower cars and fewer
spectators. Canadas Super-Tracks, that have invested millions and continue
to invest in their facilities on a yearly basis, like Castrol Raceway
and Grand Bend Motorplex will, in all likelihood, cease to be. Picture
the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, without the Maple Leafs and the
Raptors.
You know, its funny. No matter how many storms you weather, you never
really believe that one big wave is going to hit, until youre already
upside down in the freezing water.
To all the Drag racing competitors, crew and fans; thank you for your
support and lets have a great year of racing in 2008. It may very well
be our last.
Take care and play safe.
Ron Biekx; General Manager, Grand Bend Motorplex