This past weekend, the Saskatoon Kart Racing Club (SKRC) hosted round-one of the 2022 Rotax Canada Final Championship at the Martensville Speedway from Friday, July 1st to Sunday, July 3rd.
A total of 92 driver entries from across Canada, and two from the USA, participated in the highly anticipated event, with approximately 350-375 people attending each day throughout the weekend.
“The turnout for this event was just amazing for us locally. To be able to attract an event that size was really exciting and for myself and my daughter, as well as other racers I spoke with, those were some of the best races we have ever been a part of. It was very competitive in all of the classes,” SKRC Past President and current Board Member Jason McCumber said.
There was an energy that could be felt in the air upon arriving at the Martensville Speedway. Between excited drivers, proud teammates, the sound of the engines speeding over the track, the smell of BBQ and the cheering from spectators. “It is hard to put into words just how incredible events like this can be unless you actually come out and take a look. Watching some of those high classes going over the tracks is really something else,” McCumber stated.
The final round of the event will be taking place in Warburg, AB, near Edmonton, from July 29-31, and McCumber noted that approximately 80% of local racers that competed in the first round on the Canada Day weekend will be making the trip. Racers are competing for an opportunity to represent Team Canada in the Rotax Grand Finals World Championship in Portugal, which will take place this November.
This August, the second biggest event of the year will be taking place at the Martensville Speedway, when the SKRC hosts their Regina sister club for the second round of the annual Sask Series. The first round was already held in Regina and saw 68 racers attend, which McCumber anticipates will be on par with what they expect for the August 27th and 28th races in Martensville.
“For anyone that wants to see some great racing, that would be a good time to come check us out. But we welcome everyone to come to any of our races. Attendance is free and there is lots of room for spectators either in the grandstand, or bring a lawnchair. We have a concession for most of our club races this year which is a nice addition and the club races tend to be a little less frantic, so if people are interested in learning more, come find one of the senior members and we can help you out.”
To take in some of the local club races at the Martensville Speedway, McCumber recommends visiting their website at www.saskatoonkartracers.ca or follow them on Facebook.
