CKN Names Winner of Blanchet Motorsports CTCC Touring Car Contest

In partnership with Blanchet Motorsports, and supported by Interstate Batteries, CanadianKartingNews.com is very proud to announce the winner of our first major contest. Throughout the summer, drivers from all across Canada submitted their entries and explained why they deserved to test a full-fletched Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) race car prepared by Blanchet Motorsports.

Sifting through the entries, many stood out making the decision even tougher. But in the end, CKN has selected Stuart Clark as the recipient of the one-day test in a CTCC Touring Car with Blanchet Motorsports. Clark is the 2013 Canadian National and Eastern Canadian Karting Championship Rotax DD2 Masters Champion.

“It was a very tough decision,” explains Cody Schindel of CanadianKartingNews.com. “At first there weren’t many entries, but leading up to the Nationals they came pouring in and we had a lot to consider. It was very awesome to have drivers from coast to coast apply. Stuart stood out for a couple reasons and when we discussed a few names with Frank [Blanchet], he agreed that Stuart was best suited for this opportunity. I have to thank Blanchet Motorsports for this opportunity and to pass on this test to a deserving kart racer. “

Damon Sharpe, Frank Blanchet and Stuart Clark

Clark met with Blanchet Motorsports team owner Frank Blanchet Wednesday night as well as Damon Sharpe who drives for the team. The two just secured their second straight CTCC Championship in a row and that is the car that Clark will be testing later this year. The trio gelled instantly, as Clark got comfy in the Honda Civic race car.

“I saw Stuart race at the Canadian Championships this year and was very impressed with him,” said Frank Blanchet of Blanchet Motorsports. “But he impressed with his short essay as well, and that has us very excited to work with Stuart at the upcoming test.”

The award will see Clark test at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in the upcoming weeks with the date just being confirmed. CKN will be trackside for the test, providing updates and information as well as a daily recap when things are complete.

“Being Awarded this test is a dream come true,” smiles Clark. “I love karting, but my passion is sports car racing, and now thanks to Blanchet Motorsports, Interstate Batteries and Canadian Karting News I have the tools to test that passion on the track. I can’t wait!”

Blanchet Motorsports Team History:
The team was founded in 1993 by Frank and Mario Blanchet as they entered the Canadian Esso Protec Formula 1600 Series. From there Frank decided it was time to bring his sons, Ryan and Greg, into the sport as they started racing go karts at the 3-S Go-Karts facility competing in the Simcoe Kart Club Championship. After a decade in karting Frank decided it was his turn to get back behind of the wheel as he would compete in the inaugural Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Since 2007 the team has only raced in the Canadian Touring Car Championship and from that first season to 2011 the team enjoyed mediocre results but always finishing in the top ten in points at the end of the season. 2012 would be huge stepping stone for the team as they would bring in Damon Sharpe to drive the number 84 Honda Civic. The first half of the season was a bit tough as Damon would only finish 4 of the 8 races. The second half of the year however was a different story as Damon scored the teams maiden Pole Position and victory taking both himself and the Blanchet Motorsports banner to their first ever CTCC Championship.

The team just completed their championship by securing the Touring Class title for the second straight year.