Driver News - Mike Vincec - One Weekend, Two Championships
Vincec wraps up Sunoco Ron Fellows Series with two championships Earns invite to Sunoco Team Ultra 94 evaluation day September 18, 2006 - Stouffville, ON. – Mike Vincec has ended the 2006 Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship with a bang taking two race wins on the final weekend and coming away with two class championships. For his year-long efforts and on-track performance, the 15-year old racer would also earn a chance to attend the Sunoco Team Ultra 94 evaluation day in October. The weekend was a mix of feelings as Mike had already locked up the championship in F1-K Senior taking four wins in five races and he could relax somewhat. The tension would come in the featured Formula Senior (ICC) class where Mike sat first overall but with a slim 39-point advantage over second place. The driver in third place was also within striking distance of the title. Mike also had an outside shot at the title in Rotax Senior but all he would focus on was to do well in the race and finish in the top three. With a full day of practice for all three classes on Friday, Mike would literally take a pounding on the track apparently bruising his ribs. With just one race on Saturday, all Mike needed was a good night’s rest before hitting the track for the Rotax finale. Well it seemed to work as Mike went out in morning qualifying and set a new track record for the class and put his kart on pole for the prefinal. “We wanted this one�?? Mike said. “You really want to start from pole here at Goodwood to get the run into turn one and avoid the crowd that will bunch up there.�?? Mike would lead every lap of the 12-lap prefinal and the 30-lap final from green to checker taking a well-earned win in Rotax gaining enough points to take second overall in the championship. But the ribs were hurting again and this would affect racing decisions on Sunday. With the championship in F1-K secured, Mike along with the BIG Racing and Cameron Motorsports brain trust decided to put all their efforts into the Formula Senior race. “Not doing the F1-K event let Brian (Bettencourt) concentrate all his time and effort on the Cameron Motorsports/CRG/Swedetech ICC�?? noted Mike. “This is the prize we have been after all year and with our struggles at the beginning of the season we did not want to risk missing anything that could jeopardize the championship.�?? In qualifying, Mike would set a blistering pace and put his kart on pole while his closest rivals would line up P2 and P3. In the prefinal, Mike would jump out to the lead and never look back. With time to rest before the final, Mike, and his sore ribs, would relax and mentally prepare for the 30-lap final. As the biggest race of the year, pre-race activities included driver interviews and a grid-walk by series officials and sponsors as well as Ron Fellows himself and some past champions. This could upset a driver’s focus but when the lights went out, Mike knew what he had to do and immediately started to put some distance between himself and his nearest rivals. Mike would again lead flag-to-flag and clinch the series championship. In the post race presentations, Mike would receive trophies for two race wins on the weekend, acknowledgment for his two championships (Formula Senior & F1-K) and a second overall (Rotax) and then be awarded the GM Winner’s Circle award for his outstanding performance. This would be the second time Mike would receive the award in 2006 and is the only driver to have earned it in each of the last three seasons. Mike dedicated his Formula Senior Championship and Winner’s Circle award to his tuner, Brian Bettencourt. “I would not be up here without all of Brian’s hard work�?? offered Mike. “He did just an amazing job all year and I have to thank him a lot.�?? Before the day was done, series officials would announce the names of those drivers chosen to participate in the Sunoco Team Ultra 94 evaluation day. Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 consists of Canada's top karters that have been granted scholarships through the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels to compete in the Bridgestone Academy F2000 series. Mike is proud to have been selected to participate in this year’s program. The evaluation will take place at the Bridgestone Racing Academy on October 24. Before that happens though, there is some unfinished business in the Snap On Stars of Karting presented by Indy Racing League. The series finale which has drivers from both east and west divisions will take place here in Toronto at the Woodbine Entertainment complex this coming weekend, September 23 & 24. Mike has had some tremendous races – and disappointments, in this series so far and is looking to cap this season with a great performance at his home event. Details on this event will be available throughout the weekend. Mike would like to thank first off Ron Fellows for his commitment to helping karters make it through to the higher levels in Motorsports because without him and this series it would not be possible, Sunoco for their continued support of the series, ASN Canada FIA and it’s volunteers for putting it all together. To all my sponsors this season a big thank you for all their support throughout the 2006 racing season because without them this would not be possible - Cameron Motorsports/CRG, SwedeTech Racing Engines, Pilot Race Gear, TXM Racing Engines, The Decal Zone, Mosport Karting/F1-K, Level Ten Communications, Bob & Danielle Cameron, the entire Cameron Motorsports team and his family for their unwavering support throughout. For additional information on Mike Vincec and BIG Racing and updates on the SRFKC Team Ultra 94 evaluation day visit www.mikev.ca Photo: Mike Vincec and Brad Brown (Sunoco) Photo credit: Ed Gatner/SRFKC Hi-res images available upon request Media Contact: Chris Jameson Level Ten Communications +1 416.730.1024 media@mikev.ca -- 30 --