Driver News - Vincec is Stars of Karting Rookie of The Year

Stouffville, Ontario - September 25, 2006 – With just a handful of races to go in the racing season, 15-year old Mike Vincec has added another title to his list of accomplishments in 2006. During the final ceremonies of the Snap On Stars of Karting National Championships held this past weekend at the Woodbine Entertainment Complex, Mike was chosen Rookie of the year for his impressive season-long performance. The series, which is presented by Indy Racing League, has competition in East and West divisions and a final event where both come together to crown their National Champions. 

Mike moved up to the senior class this year competing in the premiere ICC (Inter Continental C) 125 cc shifter class and had a very impressive season against a strong field of veterans. In seven races Mike scored 4 top-ten finishes including three top fives. He would finish twice on the podium including a win. The Stouffville, Ontario native would also impress by starting in the top five for five races. In his worst start - sixteenth in the very first race, Mike would score his first top-ten finish coming across the line in eighth place.

Proving that miscues would not affect his game, Mike would rebound from a technical DQ in a race where he finished in second place, to take second place the next day as well. In another race, contact with another kart early on would send mike back to P31 from his ninth starting position. He fought his way through the back markers making up seven positions. The most disappointing moment came when with just two laps to go in race six, Mike would make a move from fourth to go for a podium position. Contact would spin him off track and his day was done. He would fight back the next day to again finish in the top five.

It would all come down to the finale at Woodbine and Mike would be sitting in seventh place in the eastern division. Racing on a temporary circuit, Mike’s times were near the top of the charts through practice but he would end up qualifying in ‘B’ group. He would qualify to start inside the seventh row for each of the three heat races. Through the pre finals Mike would finish P6, P28 and P9. “The track layout is very tight and passing is difficult in all but a few places�?? Mike noted. “ You need a really good start and from there, pick your spots.�?? He continued, “In race two I got crossed up in a couple of corners and you just lose a lot of positions in a tight field and there were not enough laps to get many positions back.�??

In the final, Mike would start 13th and was running as high as ninth when he was pushed off line and fell back. He would fight back to finish twelfth. 

At the end of the day, Mike would be rewarded for his yearlong efforts and strong performances and be named the Series’ Rookie of The Year. The award brings with it a prize that includes paid entry into Snap On Stars of Karting events in 2007. Mike and his team, Cameron Motorsports are committed to the series for next season and expect to run in both the east and west divisions.

“It was an incredible season�?? said Mike. “We had our ups and downs but my tuner Brian (Bettencourt) did a fantastic job all year long and we are happy to get this award. We are really looking forward to next season.�??

With the help of Cameron Motorsports / CRG, SwedeTech Racing Engines, Pilot Race Gear / Sparco, TXM Racing Engines, Level Ten Communications and The Decal Zone this great season would not have been possible. Thanks to you all !

In addition to the Snap On Stars of Karting Rookie of The Year award, Mike is also the 2006 Formula Senior (ICC) Canadian National Champion , 2006 Formula Senior Champions and F1-K Senior Champion in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC). He was runner up in the SRFKC Rotax Senior championship.

For additional information on Mike Vincec and BIG Racing and updates on the SRFKC Team Ultra 94 evaluation day visit www.mikev.ca