Latest News.

• 26 Apr 2006: Please let's welcome two new volunteers to the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge BARC Management Team, they are Ralph Klingmann and Gary Shortt. Ralph will be the Chief Scorer in the Control Tower with CTA. Ralph is the head of CTA and brings with him a vast knowledge of timing and scoring. Any and all scoring issues will go through Ralph. Also joining the team is Gary Short as Safety Director. Gary's primary function will be helping out in pit lane and all safety issues that arise at the tracks. Gary will also assist David Bayley in Tech Department. Gary Shortt has years of experience in Motorsports and is also President and CEO of Shortt's Motorsports Support. I know everyone will welcome the newest members of your team at our season opener, June 3 & 4 at Shannonville.
  
  
• 29 Mar 2006: Message from D.Hilton "Thanks to all those who came out and attended both drivers meetings this past weekend. It shows that we do have committed drivers for the series. As of today we have 36 registered and paid drivers. The series is looking healthy and will be fun to watch. We expect it will be fun to participate in with that sort of car count".
  
  
• 08 Mar 2006: Brian Stewart support for the OFFC continues (thanks Brian from all of us) Brian Stewart Racing in his ongoing support of the OFFC has agreed to supply a custom fit Bell Dominator helmet to the Overall Champion of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge to use in November at the IRL IPS test in Nashville Tenn. The Overall Champion will get to keep the helmet after the test. This prize is in addition to the full test, race licence and IRL hard card.
  
  
• 01 Mar 2006: Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing has now offered up one 5 gallon pail of Lucas Oil per race event weekend. In an ongoing effort to promote the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Brian Stewart has agreed to supply the oil to be given out at each event to a Driver in the OFFC. Details of the awarding of this prize to be posted at a later date. The OFFC Officials and the OFFC Drivers would like to thank Brian for his generous offer.
  
  
• 28 Feb 2006: Ontario Formula Ford Driver's Meetings are set..
  For the Ottawa Driver's and surrounding areas including Quebec, the Maritimes and east United States the Driver's meeting will be held on Saturday March 25 at 1pm at Nigel Mortimer's house in Ottawa. Send an email to david.hilton@powergate.ca for direction..
  For the rest of the Driver's the meeting will on Sunday March 26 at 1pm at the Markland Pub 666 Burnamthorpe Road in Toronto. This meeting is for the Toronto, Ontario, Western New York, Ohio and the rest of the US Drivers. Send an email to david.hilton@powergate.ca for direction.
  
  
• 23 Feb 2006 For the 2006 season, Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing has agreed to sponsor a full IRL test to the Overall Champion of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge in Nashville, Tenn. The Overall Champion of the OFFC will receive a full IRL test in an IRL racecar and will receive an IRL Licence if qualified. This package will also include an IRL hard card, which will give the winner access to each and every IRL race. All expenses will be paid except for travel to and from Nashville but the winner can work out to go with the team. The overall Champion will be the driver with the most points at the end of the season from all classes and no drops. This prize package is open to all OFFC drivers 18 years of age and over due to IRL rules.
  Brian Stewart Racing http://www.brianstewartracing.ca is of one of the first teams to join the Indy Pro Series when it was formed in 2002, returns in 2006 as defending champion. Wade Cunningham gave the team its first series pole position (Watkins Glen), first race victory (California) and first championship in 2005. Brian Stewart Racing has been a driving force in North American motorsports for more than 35 years. The team fielded cars in Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Super Vee, Atlantic and Indy Lights prior to joining the Indy Pro Series in 2002. Brian Stewart, a native of Scotland who moved to Canada at a young age, began his motorsports career as a driver in 1965. He captured the Canadian Formula Vee title in 1969 and Formula Ford championship in 1972. He formed Brian Stewart Racing shortly thereafter and has enjoyed tremendous success in the development of driving talent. In 14 seasons of Indy Lights competition, Brian Stewart Racing won 31 races and two championships and captured 27 pole positions. Open-wheel racing standouts Paul Tracy, Cristiano da Matta, Bryan Herta and Jaques Lazier all raced under the Brian Stewart Racing flag. Stewart was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005.
  
  
• 02 Feb 2006 Brian Graham Racing http://www.briangrahamracing.com/ has agreed to offer up 1/2 day testing in one of their Pro F2000 Zetec cars for the class Champion in Class A and in Class B for the 2006 season. All series entered Fords in the championship all eligible. The Class Champion will be declared at Celebration. The OFFC point system will apply.
  A leading open-wheel race prep shop in Canada, Brian Graham Racing has been in operation since in 1998. Based in Barrie, Ont., Can., the team has won several races in both the Formula Ford and Ford Continental class throughout North America. In addition the team, has captured CASC Championships in Canada and finished on the podium at the prestigious SCCA National Championship Valvoline Runoffs. Building on its success in FF and FC, the team purchased a Cooper Tires Championship Zetec car and a Star Mazda Championship car in 2004. Following a year of limited competition, BGR will contest numerous races across North America in the upcoming year, with emphasis on the Formula Ford Zetec Championship, Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs and Sports Car Club of America events. A professional race team, Brian Graham Racing is always seeking additional drivers, whether it be a driver looking to move up the racing ladder or just an individual looking to experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel.
  Take the first step, contact Brian Graham Racing bgrforffandf2@rogers.com
  
  
• 25 Jan 2006: Info & Pricing for 2006// Info & Frais d'inscription pour 2006:
  June 3 & 4 CRDA Shannonville (Race Ontario) / OFFC Rounds 1 & 2 > $350 entry fee > 10 minute warm-up, 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race each day > Tickets are complementary prior to the event
  
  June 17 & 18 CASCAR Father’s Day 500 Mosport // OFFC Toronto Tirecraft 100/ OFFC Rounds 3 & 4 > $250 entry fee (to be paid on or before the CRDA event at Shannonville) Minimum 25 competitors > 20 minute qualifying and a 30 minute race each day > Price includes 1 driver ticket and 3 tickets for crew > Extra tickets can be discounted if there is a group buy
  
  June 23 to 25 VARAC Vintage Festival Mosport OFFC Rounds 5 & 6 www.varac.ca for more info > $395 entry fee if a VARAC Member and paid before June 2. For non-members $425 before June 2 otherwise $445 after June 2 > Includes 3 admission tickets and 2 banquet tickets extra banquet tickets $30. Pot luck supper Friday night > 20 & 30 minute sessions Friday > 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race each day Saturday and Sunday > Thursday track day is $175
  
  July 15 & 16 DAC Shannonville (Race Ontario)/ OFFC Rounds 7 & 8 > $350 entry fee > 10 minute warm-up, 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race each day > Tickets are complementary
  
  August 12 & 13 BARC-OR Canadian Trophy Touring Races Mosport (Race Ontario)/ OFFC Rounds 9 & 10 > $350 entry fee > 10 minute warm-up, 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race each day > Tickets are complementary
  
  September 16 & 17 BEMC Indian Summer Mosport (Race Ontario) / OFFC Rounds 11 & 12
  > $350 entry fee > 10 minute warm-up, 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race each day > Tickets are complementary
  
  September 30/October 1 Celebration Mosport (Race Ontario) FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup October 1 / OFFC Rounds 13 & 14 > $350 entry fee > 10 minute warm-up, 20 minute qualifying and 30 minute race Saturday > 20 minute qualifying and 40 minute FCM CanAm Cup race Sunday > Tickets are complementary
  
  Total entry fee for the season $2425. Remember to pre-register through Laura Schmidt at least one week prior to the race weekend for Race Ontario events. Series fee is $100 to be paid on or before May 15, 2006. No more one race free of series fees
  The Ontario Formula Ford Challenge will be in Paddock “D” at Mosport inside turn 1. All OFFC competitors are requested to use this area. The series trailer, Hospitality Suite and Officials will be located here. Paddock assignments will be on a first come first serve basis. At Shannonville the paddock will be at the skid pad.
  
  A confirmation of attendance is to be sent to David Hilton via email minimum one-week prior to each event. Schedule is subject to change with notice. CASC-OR forms are located at http://www.casc.on.ca/forms.php
  Friday Tests Days @ Mosport >>May 12 >>June 30 >>August 11 >>August 25 >>September 15 >>September 29
  Prices are $225 if registered and paid two weeks prior to the test day. The price is $275 if registered and paid one to two weeks prior. The price is $325 if registered and paid one week or less to the date. If all six are paid for before April 1 the price is $1,100. If we have a group of drivers that want to go to a specific test day we can get a discount depending on the number of drivers involved. For additional info: Contact David Hilton (david.Hilton@powergate.ca)
  
  05 Jan 2006: Jacques Dulac President of the Formula Tour based out of Montreal, Quebec, has announced that the Formula Tour will join the OFFC at the Vintage Festival June 22 to 25 and will also attend Celebration September 30/October 1 and compete in the FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup. Both weekends are at Mosport International Raceway in Ontario. Jacques has added these two OFFC attended events to the Formula Tour Calendar for 2006.
  
  
• 17 Nov 2005: The Ontario F1600 Challenge will now be known as the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge. The series name change will bring the championship in line with the rest of the Formula Fords racing in North America and Europe. The OFFC (Ontario Formula Ford Challenge) will enter in five Regional Race weekends, the VARAC Vintage Festival and the CASCAR Father’s Day 500. With running the Regional Race weekends the OFFC is now part of Race Ontario and the Race Ontario Championship. The OFFC will have a championship within a championship. Greg Adamkowski, Series Director for the OFFC admitted this is a “win win” situation for the region and for the OFFC. “we get to support the regional organizing clubs and race at two of the premier tracks in Ontario”.
  The following is the 2006 race season for the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge:
  > Jun 3 & 4: CRDA Shootout in Shannonville
  > Jun 17 & 18: CASCAR Father’s Day 500 in Mosport
  > Jun 22 – 25: VARAC Vintage Festival in Mosport
  > Jul 15 & 16: DAC Trillium Trophy Races in Shannonville
  > Aug 12 & 13: BARC-OC Canadian Touring Trophy in Mosport
  > Sept 16 & 17: BEMC Indian Summer in Mosport
  > Sept 30 & Oct 1: CASC-OR Celebration in Mosport.
  
  A team from BARC-OC will manage the 2006 season. All those wishing to run in the OFFC 2006 season can contact David Hilton at david.hilton@powergate.ca for more information.
  
  
• 26 sep 2005: (Sorry for late report we were in Mont-Tremblant)
  Rounds 11 & 12 (The final two rounds) of the Dunlop Tires/OntarioF1600, 2005 Challenge took place on the week-end of the 17-18 Sep 2005 at the Mosport International Raceway. The series was part of the Indian Summer race program organized by the British Empire Motor Club of Toronto www.bemc1928.ca & sanctioned by CASC. It was a event well organized with a decent turn out in the OntarioF1600 Challenge with 18 cars which was divided as follows: 11 cars in class “A” (1985 to present), 7 in class “B” (1973-1984).
  The Saturday race was won by a series veteran and the 2003 Champion who made his second appearance this year ie David Clubine (Van Diemen 01) followed by Shane Jantzi (Van Diemen 98) while a Rick Doctor (Van Diemen 90) took a beautiful 3rd place. The racing was very clean and interesting to watch. In the "B" class, the race was won also by a veteran of the series and the 2004 Champion Gord Lowe (Raynard 82) followed by Glynn Walters (Raynard 82) in 2nd while Mike Lee (Lola 540) played it safe for the championship and took third place.
  The Sunday race was a repeat of the Saturday race with David Clubine (Van Diemen 01) taking the flag first followed by James Hinchcliffe who also made a return to the series and hoping to run more often next year, Rick Doctor (Van Diemen 90) ran a beautiful race to finish 3rd. In “B” class the race was again mastered by Gord Lowe (Raynard 82) in first place followed by Mike Lee (Lola 540) in second place & Lew Mackenzie in 3rd. who decided to run his old PRS 02 in “B” class.
  
  So the 2005 Champions are:
  Overall and Class “A” (Formula Ford 1600 1985 -2004 Swift DB1 included):
  >Shane Jantzi (Van Diemen 98);
  >Rick Doktor (Van Diemen 91);
  >Nigel Mortimer (Van Diemen 97);
  
  Class “B” (Formula Ford 1600 1973 -1984)
  > Mike Lee (Lola 540);
  > Bruce Kitchen (Lola 440);
  > Christine Mouraux (Crossle 32F).
  
  Class “C” (Formula Ford 1600,1972 and older)
  >Maryo Lamothe (Magnum 69);
  >Ross Smith (Hawks DL2).
  
  See http://www.ontariof1600challenge.freeservers.com/custom2.html for more details of the championship.
  
  
• 20 Aug 2005: The 2005 BARC week-end (13-14 Aug 2005) was a mixture of dry and wet track (more often wet) during the entire week-end. The competition was good with some 20 cars registered (12 "A" cars, 7 "B" cars and 1 "C" cars) and the BARC people organised a very good event.
  A special and big "Thank you" to Wendy Mortimer and her crew of volunteers (Martine, Debbie & others) for putting together and hosting our annual series BBQ.
  
  The top three in each class were (Saturday):
  Class A: 1st place = Shayne Jantsi;
  2nd place = Michael Dodd; and
  3rd place = Rick Doktor
  
  Class B: 1st place = Gord Lowe;
  2nd place = Mike Lee; and
  3rd place = Bruce Kitchen.
  
  Class C: Ross Smith
  
  The top three in each class were (Sunday):
  Class A: 1st place = Rick Doktor;
  2nd place = Shayne Yantsi; and
  3rd place = Michael Dodd
  
  Class B: 1st place = Gord Lowe (who also finished 3rd overall);
  2nd place = Bruce Kitchen; and
  3rd place = J-Guy Fournier.
  
  Class C: Ross Smith
  
  Our next event will be on the 17-18 Sep for the final two rounds of our schedule. It will be a very important week-end for many competitors who are competing for top honors in each classes.
  
  
• 26 Jun 2005: The 2005 VARAC Festival was a succes in many ways. The weather was excellent, the competition was good and as usual the VARAC people Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada organised an excellent event. In addition to the Tire draw and free T-Shirts given by Phil Lamont of Vintage Tyres, Britain West donated gift certificates to the first second and third place finishers of Sundays race, in both class A and B. Since David Clubine (Britain West) fought his way to the top on Sunday, in a noble gesture, David drew another name out of the other competitors for the Class A first place certificate.
  The winners are as follows:
  Class A: 1st place (by draw) = #16 Paul Lawrence;
  2nd place = Mathieu Audette; and
  3rd place = Rick Doktor
  
  Class B: 1st place = Bruce Kitchen;
  2nd place = Glyn Walters; and
  3rd place = Gord Lowe.
  
  
• 16 May 2005: Rounds 1 & 2 of the Dunlop Tires/OntarioF1600 2005 Challenge took place this past week-end at the Mosport International Raceway. The series was part of a racing program organized by the British Empire Motor Club “BEMC” of Toronto British Empire Motor Club & sanctioned by CASC. As usual with BEMC, it was a event very well organized with a decent turn out in the OntarioF1600 Challenge with 17 cars which was divided as follows: 11 in class “A” (1985 to present), 5 in class “B” (1973-1984) & unfortunately only one “C” car took the start in the Saturday race. In addition the Magnum crashed on Sunday practice spinning in gear oil dropped on the track and could not be repaired for the Sunday race.
  The Saturday race was won by our series own Michael Schumacher i.e. Shane Jantzi (Van Diemen 98) while a Rick Doctor (Van Diemen 90) in great form took a beautiful 2e and Mike Dodd completed the top three on the podium. The "B" class the race was mastered by the new guy in “B” class Glynn Walter (Reynard 82) followed by Mike Lee (Lola 540) in second place & Bruce Kitchen (Lola 440) in 3rd. Our “B” cars champion was sidelined by a minor operation but promised to be there for next event. In “C” Class, the race was won by Maryo Lamothe in his beautiful Magnum 1970.
  The Sunday race was a carbon copy of the Saturday race with Shane Jantzi (Van Diemen 98) taking the flag first followed by Rick Doctor (Van Diemen 90) and Mike Dodd in third. The only difference were in mid pack positions. In “B” class the race was also a carbon copy of Saturday race with Glynn Walter (Reynard 82) in first place followed by Mike Lee (Lola 540) in second place & Bruce Kitchen (Lola 440) in 3rd.
  
  
• 12 May 2005: Many thanks to FormulaCar Magazine FormulaCar Magazine for this feature in their magazine
  "2005 Ontario Formula 1600 Challenge Championship kicks off its 2005 season at the Spring Trophy Races at Mosport Park on May 14. Look for renewed competition in the only F1600 series in the world which runs classes for all three eras of F1600 technical development.
  The "A" class is for chassis built after but not including 1984. The date of manufacture is for the individual car, not the model. Class "B" includes all chassis built between 1973 and including 1984 (Exception of Swift DB1). The "Historic class" which was added in 2004 is for all eligible Monoposto cars built prior to 1973. The rules are slightly different for the Vintage cars to allow them to comply with the established Monoposto Racing Rules. If you have any questions about the different classes, just send us an email at ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca
  There are 12 Rounds - contested over the span of 5 months at Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs sanctioned Ontario Regional Events. Each weekend consists of 2 races, with exclusive practices and qualifying sessions (In other words we do not share our sessions with any other class). The two race program was arranged to create a true "Double Header" and avoid Saturday's bad luck from ruining your chances at the Championship.
  All three 2004 Class Champions are returning to the Series in 2005, two will be defending their titles, while 2004 C Class Champ Walters has moved up to the B group with his 'new' 1982 Reynard. Walters was a strong runner last year in his pristine March 709 and returning champ Gord Lowe/Reynard will have his hands full with Walters as well as Lee, Fournier, Moraux, Smith and Kitchen all wanting the 2005 crown. With Walters moving up, the C Class is wide open with early favourite Freeman and the returning LaMothe and his Canadian built Magnum.
  Shane Jantzi overall 2004 A Champion returns with his family run team to try for his fourth Ontario title and will again team with Jim Kelly the Series founder. He will be challenged for a repeat by returning drivers like Ivan Graham 1991/1994 Ontario Champion, Lew MacKenzie and his Mortimer racing teammate Nigel Mortimer. Rick Doktor racing out of the Britain West stable returns after a terrific rookie season to challenge for the top step, 2003 Champion David Clubine may once again return to take the title again. Perennial podium finisher Mike Dodd will be back running the BVR Cars Van Diemen, Brian Nielsen 2001 Champion wants the title after a runner up finish in 2004.
  
  
• 30 Apr 2005: Happy Birthday to our young retired Maj.Gen. Lew

  
  
  

• 19 Apr 2005: Congratulations to Steve Pickering on his recent engagement to Emmy. A September wedding is being planned.
  
  
• 19 Mar 2005: Time for a meet & greet
  Event: The F-1600 Challenge racers are having the 5th annual Spring Brake Bench Racing (and lying about how fast we are going to be in ’05) get together on April 5th, 2005.
  Time:Your are are welcome to attend at 7:00 P.M. (Don't be late, you may loose your place on the false grid)
  Location; Pheasant & Firkin Restaurant, 1999 Avenue Road, Toronto. 5 blocks south of the 401 on Avenue Road at the corner of Haddington Ave. Tel: (416) 483-9063. Bring your registration fee ($100) and get that pain out of the way before you need to buy new tubes for your Dunlop tires. Meet our newly appointed Commissioner: The Ontario F-1600 Challenge Championship Commissioner who will be in charge of collecting all Series fees. He will also be keeping the unpaid racers off our grids and moving them over to the F-Libre grid, tracking points, looking after organizing the trophy presentations and generally keeping us organized on a race weekend (so we can all race without worrying about other things). Finances: Jim Kelly will also give us a brief overview of our finances.
  Food & Liquids: Cold beer, pretty good burgs,
  P.S. If you cannot make it and would like to have some points discussed, send them to this address: ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca and I'll forward it to Gord Lowe.
  
  
• 09 Mar 2005: Congratulation to Reagan Smith & his wife Aliya. Mrs Smith gave birth to son Leo last Wednesday.
  
  
• 11 Feb 2005: "Good news"
  It has just been confirmed by Ron Wanless, VARAC’s Festival Director, that the Ontario Formula 1600 Challenge Championship Series entrants will have the final 30 minutes of practice time on Friday June 24, 2005.
  The 26th Annual VARAC Vintage Festival takes place at Mosport June 24-26, 2005. The Ontario Championship Challenge racers will celebrate the 36th anniversary of F-1600 racing in Canada, at this year’s Festival.
  The announcement by VARAC confirms our position as one of the top racing series in Canada. At the 2004 Festival, we had 34 entries from Canadian provinces and the U.S.A., a new lap record was also set during the weekend. 2005 marks the 6th consecutive year of our exciting series and it continues to be a fan favourite. Watch for the next issue of Inside Track News which will feature F-1600’s prominently in their annual open wheel report. See you at the track.
  
  
• 06 Jan 2005: Press release from Allan Craighead Keyhole Motorsports Brian Graham Racing has announced it will provide a free Formula Ford Zetec test to Shane Jantzi, of Ayr, Ont. The test will take place at Mosport International Raceway in late April.
  For the second consecutive year, Barrie based Brian Graham Racing is providing a free test to the Ontario F1600 Challenge champion. Driving a 160 horsepower Formula Ford Zetec Van Diemen RF01, Jantzi will receiving technical feedback and coaching throughout the test on the 2.459-mile road course.
  "I'm very pleased to provide Shane with the opportunity to test a Formula Ford Zetec car," said team owner Brian Graham. "Over the past few years Shane has developed into a championship winning driver. I'm looking forward to working with him and getting his impressions of the Zetec car. I'm sure he'll be quick."
  As a family run team, Jantzi contested 10 of the 11 rounds of the Ontario F1600 Challenge in 2004. Driving a 1998 Van Diemen, Jantzi won six races and finished on the podium in all 10 races. The championship is Jantzi's second in three years, after finishing as runner-up in 2003.
  A leading open-wheel race prep shop in Canada, Brian Graham Racing has been in operation since in 1998. Building on its success as a Formula Ford race winner and champion, the team has recently expanded to a four-car effort. Racing throughout North America, the team is scheduled to contest races in the Formula Ford Zetec Championship, Star Mazda Series, Ontario F1600 Challenge Series, as well Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs and Sports Car Club of America events in 2005. Busy preparing for the upcoming season, Brian Graham Racing is currently seeking additional drivers.
  For more information on Brian Graham Racing, please contact Brian Graham at (705) 792-0096 or via email at bgrforffandf2@rogers.com.
  
  
• 01 Jan 2005: Happy New Year to all // Bonne Annee a tous.
  We are starting the year with 14861 visitors to our site and with only 134 days before the start of our 2005 Championship/Challenge.
  
  
• 11 Dec 2004: We have recorded 14385 hits & still counting the day is not over, since the debut of our revised Web Page on the 11 Dec 2002.
  
  
• 01 Dec 2004: The series will have a new Comissioner in 2005. Indeed, Steven Scala has agreed to be our Series Commisioner in 2005. Welcome aboard Steve.
  
  
• 13 Oct 2004: Good news for the "B" class. Mike, Bruce, Christine, Jeff, J-Guy will have another Raynard to chase next year & our Class "B" Champion Gordy will have additional competition. Indeed the 2004 "C" class Champion Glynn Walters has purchased an 82 Raynard lately and should be running it with us next year. So Mr. Smith it is time for you to get your Raynard back to shape.
  
  
• 20 Sep 2004: Congratulation also to of our regular competitors who went to Newfoundland to run the Targa Newfoundland. It was reported that Lew "the General" Mackenzie & his friend Nigel Mortimer won in their class driving a Dodge SRT.
  
  
• 19 Sep 2004: Congratulation to our 2004 Champions:
  
  Shayne Jantzi Overall & Class "A" winner in a 1998 Van Diemen;
  
  Gord Lowe: the Class "B" winner in 1982 Raynard; and
  
  Glyn Walters: the Class "C" winner in a 1970 March.
  
  
• 13 Sep 2004: It is hard to believe that the FormulaCar Magazine / Dunlop / Ontario F1600 Challenge 2004 racing season will be over after this coming week-end (18-19 Sep).
  Shayne Jantzi is in theory the Overall & Class "A" 2004 Championship, because Lew Mackenzie (who had a chance at catching Shayne) is away running the Targa of New Foundland.
  In "B" class Gord Lowe only has to score a 69 points over the week-end (2 races) to clinch the 2004 "B" class Championship while Mike Lee has to win both races to have a chance at keeping his title.
  Similar scenario in Class "C", Glynn Walters will have to score at least 84 points (he has two races to do it) while Maryo Lamothe will have to win both.
  Second and third places in each classes will be decided this week-end.
  
  
• 16 Aug 2004: Rounds 9 & 10 of the FormulaCar magazines, Dunlop Tires, OntarioF1600 Challenge took place this past week-end at the Mosport International Raceway, part of a racing program organized by the British Automobile Racing Club “BARC” of Toronto & sanctioned by CASC. A good event well organized with a great turn out in the OntarioF1600 Challenge with 25 cars which was divided as follows: 15 in class “A” (1985 to present), 7 in class “B” (1973-1984) & 3 in Class “C” (1968-1972) and with good racing in every classes.
  The Saturday race was won by our series own Michael shumacher i.e. Shane Jantzi (Van Diemen 98) while Nigel Mortimer took a beautiful 2e and a train of five cars ready to take his position at each lap. The 3rd spot went Jonathan Hirst (Van Diemen 90)
  The "B" class the race was mastered by Gord Lowe (Raynard 82) followed by Bruce Kitchen (Lola 540) in second and J-Guy Fournier. (Van Diemen 79) in 3rd.
  In “C” Class, the race was won by Glynn Walters (March 709) followed by Maryo Lamothe (Magnum 1970) and Ross Smith (Hawkes DL2)
  The Sunday race saw the return of Jonathan Hirst (Van Diemen 90) on the top step of podium, followed by Shayne Jantzi (Van Diemen 98) & Lew Mackenzie (Van Diemen 90) in third. In “B” class the race was all Mike Lee followed by Bruce Kitchen (Lola 440) in second and J-Guy Fournier in 3rd. In “C” Class, the race was won by Maryo Lamothe (Magnum 1970) followed by Ross Smith (Hawkes DL2), Glynn Walters (March 709) saw his chance of another class win go in the dust when he spun in a mixture of oil & oil dry in corner two. But no damage was done to the beautiful March 709
  
  
• 06 Aug 2004: A new driver will join the series at our Mosport 14-15 Aug event. His name is Michel Jullian from Ottawa and he will be driving a Van Diemen 86 previously owned by Nigel and driven last year by Paul Kostoff. Welcome among us Michel.
  
  
• 28 July 2004: You don't want to miss the 14-15 Aug event in Mosport. In addition to the racing aspect of the week-end, there will be a FF party hosted by Brian Graham Racing. It will feature LIVE MUSIC and a BBQ by Nigel Mortimer Racing. So mark your calendar and make plan to stay later at the track on Saturday night the 14 Aug 2004.
  
  
• 08 July 2004: "Great News" Our season is only at the half way point and we have our first 2005 event confirmed.
  From Gord's desk: Please advise F-1600 drivers/entrants that I attended the VARAC Board of Directors meeting last evening and the Ontario Formula 1600 Challenge Series has been confirmed for the 26th Annual International Vintage Festival at Mosport June 24-36, 2005. Ladies & gentlemen, mark your calendars now as this is a prime event on the Ontario F-1600 Challenge Series calendar. Best regards,
  
  
• 07 July 2004: A proud Race car driver: No 51 Van Diemen driver Paul Kostoff is proud to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl, Claire Violet Kostoff, Born Friday 10:18PM, 7Lbs, 2 oz.// Papa Paul, Lisa and the baby are doing great and trying to adjust to staying up all night.
  
  
  
• 30 Jun 2004: Did anybody notice that we have passed the 10,000 (10,096) visitors mark of our site. Not bad considering this version came on line in Dec 2002
  
  
• 29 Jun 2004: Ottawa 29 Jun 2004: Rounds 5 & 6 of the FormulaCar Magazine/Dunlop Tires/ Ontario F-1600 Challenge took place last week-end the 26th-27th of Jun 2004. For these events the FF1600 teams congregated at the Mosport International Motorsport Park near Bowmanville Ontario. Even though we had to tolerate strong winds, the weather kind of cooperated with rain only during one qualifying session. Some 33 cars (20=A, 11=B, 2=C) were registered for the week-end and 29 took the checker flags.
  The competition was interesting with the addition of many new drivers. The winner overall and in Class “A” of the Saturday race was James Hinchcliffe, followed by Dan Burchill both in Aero cars and Shayne Jantzi (Van Diemen 97) in third but first in the Ontario F1600 Challenge. In “B” class the victory went to Gord Lowe followed by Mike Lee and Jean-Guy Fournier in third. Only two Class “C” cars ran as many decided to run in the Monoposto event.
  For the Sunday event again the winner overall and in Class “A” race was James Hinchcliffe, followed by Dan Burchill (Aero cars) and Shayne Jantzi (Van Diemen 97) in third but first in the Ontario F1600 Challenge. In “B” class the victory went to Gord Lowe followed by Mike Lee and Bruce Kitchen in third. In addition to the regular we had two competitors from Alberta (Michael Lorraine, VD91 & Andre Lorent,PRS01) and one from Pennsylvania (Richards Barnes, Gemini 81)
  
  The Ontario F1600 Challenge next event will be part of the DAC week-end at the Shannonville motorsport Park on the 17-18 July 04.
  For additional info please visit www.ontariof1600challenge.freeservers.com or email us at: ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca
  
  
• 19 Jun 2004: Our next race week-end schedule is available at the following page http://www.varac.ca/Festival/PDF/Schedule.PDF Remember that we are Group 9, and don't forget that we have a 20 minute untimed practice at the end of the day on Friday.
  The entry list is quite awesome for our race and for the Vintage racers too. You can check it out at http://www.varac.ca/Festival/Entries2004.html. And Yes that really says Jackie Oliver LeMans winner in a Ford GT 40 and driver in 50 grand prix races as well as starting the Arrows F1 team. Maybe he will be watching some of us and make recommendations to Frank Williams or others. Remember that how Gilles Villeneuve was discovered.
  
  
• 07 Jun 2004: Rounds 3 & 4 of the FormulaCar Magazine/Dunlop Tires/ Ontario F-1600 Challenge took place last week-end the 5th-6th Jun 2004. For these events the FF1600 teams met at the Shannonville Motorsport Park near Belleville Ontario. The weather decided to be part of the spectacle and the competition was interesting.
  The winner overall and in Class “A” of the Saturday race was Steve Pickering, followed by Brian Neilsen in second and Rick Doktor in third. In “B” class the victory went to Mike Lee followed by Gord Lowe and Bruce Kitchen third. In the historic “C” class, the winner was Glynn Walters followed by Maryo Lamothe.
  For the Sunday event the winner overall and in Class “A” race was Shayne Jantsi , followed by Steve Pickering in second and Brian Neilsen in third. In “B” class the victory went to Gord Lowe followed by Bruce Kitchen and Mike Lee third. In the historic “C” class, the two cars were classified DNF.
  A good turn out for this event as 21 cars (14 "A", 5 "B", 2 "C") registered and raced during the week-end.
  
  The three classes of F-1600’s in the OntarioF1600Challenge are: Class “A” FF built from 1985 to present including Swift DB1). In Class “B” cars built from 1973 to 1984 and the Historic formula Ford cars built prior to 1973 will run in the new Class C. The Ontario F1600 Challenge next event will be part of the VARAC International Vintage Festival week-end on the 26-27 Jun 04 at the Mosport International Raceway.
  
  
• 07 Jun 2004: As a reminder Today Monday the 07 Jun 04. Any entries not postmarked, faxed or emailed by this date will be considered LATE Entries. What does this mean? 1. You will have the opportunity to pay an additional Late Entry Fee.
  2 . You most likely will not appear in the Spectator Program due to the printing deadline. View entries to Date: http://www.varac.ca/Festival/Entries2004.html
  
  
• 19 May 2004: Gord Lowe received the following message from BEMC:
  "Please pass my thanks to the whole F1600 Series for the great turnout and the great show you guys put on. Signed Bruce Mills."
  
  
• 16 May 2004: Our first week-end of racing is already behind us.
  A great turn out with 26 cars (15A, 6B, & 5C) and with good racing in every classes. Both races were won by Shane Jantsi, followed by Lew mackenzie and Jon Hirst. In "B" classes Bruce Kitchen won the Saturday race followed by Gord Lowe in second and Mike Lee in third. On Sunday, Gord Lowe was first of the "B" cars followed by Bruce Kitchen and J-G Fournier. In "C" class Howard Freeman won the Saturday followed by Jon Nichols and Maryo Lamothe while Glynn Walters won on Sunday followed by Howard Freeman and Jon Nichols. Both races went the full lenght without full course yellow or red flag. All the results are posted on the 2004 Championship link above.
  
  
• 09 May 2004: The minutes of the April meeting are posted. Just click on the link "Minutes of meetings" above.
  -Did you guys/girls realize that we have less than 5 days left before the start of our season? A season that looks promising as new people are planning to run with us this year.
  -Interesting to see that we have had more than 8526 visitors on our Web Page since the 11 Dec 2002.
  
  
• 08 Apr 2004: More Good news for our VARAC week-end.
  Curtis Boggs of Racing Flow Development will offer for the Sunday race only a $150.00 USD labour credit on work for the most improved position in each of the ”A” & “B” class. The offer is also valid for the “C” class for the most improved position by one of our members in the Monoposto Race.
  
  Note: The labour credit must be used through RFD's Canadian distributor Britain West Motorsport.
  
  
• 01 Apr 04: A couple weeks old news but a proud daddy for sure.
  
  
  
• 27 Mar 2004: Good news, Ron Wanless (VARAC Festival Director) has scheduled again this year a test session for us on Friday the 25th Jun at 16.30hrs. This would be in addition to the normal Saturday/Sunday schedule and at no charge.
  
  
• 22 Mar 2004: For those of you who will not be able to attend the Toronto meeting or live closer to Ottawa, there will be a pre meeting on March 29th at 7pm at the Mortimer's place 2406 Rideau rd. Please confirm your attendance to Nigel.
  Proposed agenda: Forming our own club; Trophy's and trophy awarding location; BBQ's; T-shirts; 35th anniversary event; Formula Car magazine subscription; and Other (send your agenda items to ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca.
  
  
• 19 Mar 2004: It is the time of the year where we have to get together and check who added weight or did not stay in racing shape during the winter months. Therefore there will be a series meeting to discuss the 2004 series concerns, issues and plans. When: Tuesday April 6, 2004 Start Time: Approx. 7:00 PM Place: Pheasant & Firkin Pub at 1999 Avenue Road, just south of the 401 on the east side at Haddington. Lots of parking on Haddington
  If you cannot make it send your comments to ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca
  
  
• 18 Mar 04: We made the special feature of the Inside Track News magazine. Please visit their link: Inside Track News magazine
  
  
• 26 Feb 04:Update on Jongbloed contingency program. They have decided to upgrade the class B payout to match the Class A. Jongbloed Racing Wheels will join the Ontario F1600 Challenge as an associate partner in 2004. They will donate in the form of credit $3400.(USD)towards the purchase of a set of Jongbloed Racing Wheels. The credits will be issued at the season ending awards ceremony. Classes A & B will be awarded separately. Eligibility: To be eligible competitors will have to run a Jongbloed Racing Wheels sticker on the nose of their car. Only one credit may be used per set of wheels. Names, car numbers and class of competitors who will display the Jongbloed decals will be forwarded to Mr. John Restemeyer who will be representing Jongbloed Racing Wheels. Redemption/Purchase: Contact Information, Mr. John Restemeyer is acting as Jongbloed's agent (jrestemeyer@rogers.com) (519) 641-3263. All purchases will be directed through Mr. John Restemeyer. The following Prizes/credits will be awarded to the top 5 of both (A) & (B) classes: Class A = 1st: $550.00(US) wheel set credit;2nd: $400.00(US) wheel set credit; 3rd: $350.00(US) wheel set credit; 4th: $250.00(US) wheel set credit; and 5th: $150.00(US) wheel set credit;
  Class B = 1st: $550.00(US) wheel set credit; 2nd: $400.00(US) wheel set credit; 3rd: $350.00(US) wheel set credit; 4th: $250.00(US) wheel set credit; and 5th: $150.00(US) Wheel set credit;
  2004 Awards are redeemable through Feb. 2005
  
  
• 23 Jan 04: The Ontario F-1600 Challenge Championship presented by FormulaCar Magazine and sponsored by Dunlop Racing Tires is poised to make North American History. For the very first time three Ontario Regional Championship classes of F-1600’s will compete for class awards and three distinct Ontario Regional Racing Championships. This may be the first time that three separate eras of F-1600’s have raced on a single grid for three separate championships. For sure it is unique in North America. The support last year from our presenting sponsor FormulaCar Magazine has given the series a much higher profile, and we have had a few inquiries from outside the province. The three classes of car will be 1985 to present in Class A, 1973 to 1984 in Class B and the Historic cars built prior to 1973 will run in the new Class C. Fournier went on to say that, “the excitement for this series racing is building not only for the fans, but also for the drivers. There are quite a few cars changing hands this winter, so it is anticipated that the F-1600 series will see grids of 25+ cars at each of the twelve points races spread over six weekends.” Classes A and B will run all twelve races while counting points from only their best 10 races and Class C will run 10 races and count points from all ten races. F-1600 began in 1968 and the Ontario Series organizers are planning to mark the 35th anniversary with some special events at the VARAC International Vintage Festival on the June 26/27 weekend at Mosport. The series runs from May through September at both Mosport and Shannonville racetracks in Ontario. Returning 2003 Champions David Clubine in Class A and Mike Lee in Class B can expect to have their hands full defending their titles. Regular competitors Shane Yantzi, Mike Dodd and Series founder Jim Kelly will be back along with Class B stalwarts Gord Lowe, Bruce Kitchen, Ross Smith and Jean–Guy Fournier. Further information on this series can be obtained by sending your question to ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca
  
  
• 11 Jan 04: Some of us have received a letter from BARC offering a 10% discount for the early May race this year. This is to make up for being cut short of time (no doctor) at the last year's Canadian Touring Trophy Races in August. Since our series does not race at their Spring event, Gord Lowe the CASC Open Wheel Race Committee Representative & an Ontario F-1600 Challenge racer so sent on our behalf the following to the BARC's President: “ While I am appreciative of the discount offered in your letter of Jan. 6/'04, it is of zero value to any F-1600 Championship competitors. As you must realize our group runs your August event but, not the spring event. I trust you will rectify this oversight for all F-1600 Championship competitor. I look forward to your favourable response. Best regards, Gord Lowe CASC Open Wheel Race Committee Representative & an F1600 Championship racer”
  Hopefully for us BARC’s President will re-consider and make the discount available at the Aug event. More to follow.
  
  
• 19 Dec 03: Ontario F1600 Challenge is pleased to welcome for a second year FormulaCar Magazine as an official sponsor for their 2004 season.
  
  
• 08 Dec 03: Good news, for those who have paid their 2003 series fees, you will receive a Ontario F1600 Challenge T-shirts in time for XMas. So place the envelope under the XMas tree and you will have an extra gift to open at Christmas. If you would like to purchase a series T-Shirt, just send an email to ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca  Cost for regular sizes is $ 15.00 plus $ 6.50 Shipping
  
  
• 21 Nov 03: There is a possibility of adding a new class to the 2004 challenge. If there is enough interest, the series will add an historic class (FF Pre 73) in 2004. As in "A" &"B" classes, they will have their own trophies and championship.
  So if you have an interest/question, email them to ontariof1600challenge@yahoo.ca
  
  
• 13 Nov 03: 2004 Ontario F1600 Challenge schedule:
  MAY 22 & 23 - Rounds 1 & 2 // BEMC SPRING TROPHY RACE @ the Mosport International Raceway
  JUNE 05 & 06 - Rounds 3 & 4 // CRDA SHANNONVILLE SHOOTOUT @ the Shannonville Motorsport Park
  JUNE 26 & 27 - Rounds 5 & 6 // VARAC INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE FESTIVAL @ the Mosport International Raceway
  JULY 17 & 18 - Rounds 7 & 8 // DAC Week-end @ the Shannonville Motorsport Park
  AUGUST 14 & 15 - Rounds 9 & 10 // BARC INDIAN SUMMER @ the Mosport International Raceway
  SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 - Rounds 11 & 12 // BEMC Week end @ the Mosport International Raceway
  
  
• 11 Oct 03: Mike Dodd racing team is pleased to announce the arrival of a new crew member "Owen John Dodd". Owen was born on the 23 Sep 03 at 7lbs & 7 oz.
  
  
  
• 16 Oct 03: The minutes of the meeting held at the BBQ of our last race week-end are posted. Click on Minutes of meeting link.
  
  
• 29 Sep 03: Congratulation to:
  1. David Clubine (our series 2003 Champion) for his third place in the Canadian FF1600 Championship;
  2. Dan Burchill (OntF1600 regular) for his fourth place overall & the Rookie title in the Canadian FF1600 Championship;
  3. Michael Forest, (Ex-OntF1600 Challenge regular) finished sixth in the same series.
  
  
• 20 Sep 03: Congratulation to 2003 Champions and Thank you to all participants for a good season of racing. The 2003 is now over and the series new overall/Class "A" car Champion is David Clubine with his beautiful Britain West-Vintage Tyres Van Diemen 01. Shane Jantsi the 2002 Champion in his Van Diemen 98 finished second in the Championship followed by Michael Dodd in third.
  In the "B" Cars Mike Lee and his Lola 540 won the "B" cars Championship for the second year in a row. He is followed in second place by Gord Lowe in a Raynard 82 and Bruce Kitchen in a Lola 440 placed third.
• 10 Sep 03: Since it is our last race week-end of the season, Nigel Mortimer has volunteered (his wife) to host a BBQ Saturday evening at his Cube van. All drivers & crews of the series are invited.
• 04 Sep 03: "Good news" Already an event to attend in 2004.
  The VARAC Board of Directors have voted to invite "The Ontario F1600 Challenge" again to the 2004 Festival.
• 01 Sep 03: Congratulation to the Hirst Racing Team.
  Hirst Racing owner, Jonathan Hirst, is pleased to announce the recent arrival of it's newest team member "Sophie Grace Hirst". Sophie joined the Hirst family at 7:25pm, Monday August 25 at 8lbs. 3oz and 20.25" long - well within class limits!
  She can be seen here settling in to her Hirst Racing lexan monocoque at Oshawa General Hospital.