CKN Driver Blog: Third Straight Maritimes Regional Championship for Kelsey Hann

The weekend started out Friday morning with a shorter drive, compared to my recent adventures, of 2 hours to land me at my home track in Moncton, NB for the Maritime Regional Championship. This weekend wasn’t just any normal points race, but a chance to redeem my title as Maritime Champion in Junior Briggs for the third year in a row.

We also had the privilege of hosting the Racing with Autism team from Ontario at our track to compete in our exciting weekend!

When I arrived at the track on Friday I had some productive practices, feeling strong about Saturday nights qualifying. As practice ended Friday, we had a night full of events planned. First order of business was our lovely team potluck. Just having everyone all together on a non-race day was nice to see! After our potluck had ended it was time for our fun filled rental races. There were two categories for the rental race, one consisted of a kids race. This was for any racers who wanted a chance to race with Austin Riley from Racing with Autism! The other race was a celebrity race/charity race which featured local business owners, local racers and once again Austin Riley from the Racing with Autism Team.

“We all had an amazing night with so much fun, and were now ready to prepare for Saturday’s practice.”

Saturday’s morning practice went quite smooth as I was teaching lessons to a racer in the Briggs and Stratton Novice class. So after a lovely morning all that stood between me and Saturday’s night qualifying was 5 hours of free time. After a lovely lunch with some good friends (shout out to my home boys) we were back at the track ready for Saturday night’s races.

Saturday was a killer night for the Hann racing team as we qualified on pole by two-tenths, then won both heats that night!

I was feeling quite comfortable starting on the pole for the third heat the next morning after leading every lap that night. As Sunday rolled around the corner I felt ready for what was to come, after a good morning practice and a very nice presentation from the Racing With Autism team, all that stood between me and collecting my title again was heat three, the pre final and the final.

Kelsey and her father with Austin Riley of Racing with Autism (Photo courtesy: Jason Riley / Racing with Autism)

It was a stellar third heat and pre final and I was looking good to start the feature. I had won every heat that weekend and led every lap up to this point. I was beginning to get nervous going into this final knowing my championship was at stake, but after cooling down and entering on track I knew I had to get down to business and do what I came to do.

As I was out on track I really focused on what needed to be done and drove away from all my

competitors in time to catch the checkered flag and redeem my championship!

Overall it was an amazing weekend full of fun filled activities and stellar racing, I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone who took the time to plan this event and the Racing with Autism team for making our weekend extra special! It feels great to say I am now the Maritime Regional Junior Champion for the third year in a row!!

Can’t wait to see you all in Mont Tremblant!
– Kelsey Hann, #607