This year’s Le Monaco de Trois-Rivieres will be the biggest karting race on a temporary circuit in Canada since the Snap-on Stars of Karting Championship invaded Woodbine Race Track nearly a decade ago. The event continues to grow, with this years event combining the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship and Coupe du Quebec for the first time along with the addition of the North East Rotax series.
So we here at CKN decided to create a David Letterman inspired top ten list to show you, the CKN Nation, why this year’s event is a must attend race weekend.
10. A family friendly event: We know that some members of the family are not interested in going to the track on Thursday and Friday for practice days. But it’s alright, while drivers are busy preparing for the race weekend with their fathers/tuners the rest of the family have many activities they can enjoy like touring the downtown core or making a visit to the water park not for from the track. There is plenty to see and enjoy in the city of Trois-Rivieres.
9. Off Track Festivities: Once the on track action is complete, the Main Street in the city, Rue des Forges, shuts down during the evening and hosts outdoor concerts, shows and is a great place to run into fellow karters and socialize while taking a break from a tiring day at the track on Friday and Saturday evening.
8. Great Food: For all the foodies in the paddock Trois-Rivières has some great restaurants which will satisfy your appetite whether you are craving Italian, seafood, or a nice juicy medium rare steak, whatever you want, you can find.
7. American teams joining the action: The North East Rotax Series is participating in the 2014 edition of le Monaco de Trois-Rivières adding a solid contingent of top drivers competing in the Rotax ranks
6. One large Shifter Field: Every year Le Monaco offers a shifter class where karters from Quebec and Ontario meet for the biggest shifter kart turnout in Canada. The class is also a fan favourite for the locals as many of them love the sound of six speed KZ motors on a Saturday afternoon. This year we know that many of the competitors from the Canadian Karting Challenge will be making their way to Le Monaco, a series which has a shifter turnout of 15 plus entries per round. There are whispers that former Team Canada members Christophe Boisclair and Darren White might be making a possible return behind the wheel in Trois-Rivières and DD2 Masters pilot Stu Clark might also be making his shifter kart debut as well.
5. Competitive fields in Micro and Mini: As previously mentioned since the North Eastern Rotax series will be in Trois-Rivières this year and they will be bringing in a lot of Micro and Mini Max drivers to the event adding to the level of competition currently in the two categories. It will be a great test for our Canadian kids to prove themselves against best collection of drivers on this side of the continent on home soil.
4. Thunderous Open Honda’s: We know that there are a few guys in Ontario with some not so spec Honda engines. Well here is your chance to put them to the test. On Saturday, le Monaco offers an Open Honda class supported by the CKEQ organization in Quebec. Last year saw the first participant from Ontario compete in the class as Wes Schindel brought home a second place finish in the rain.
3. Briggs & Stratton racing: So far this year the majority of the Quebec and Maritime karters in Briggs & Stratton Senior have yet to compete in the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship. With both Coupe du Quebec and ECKC coming together in Trois-Rivières it will be a great prelude to the Canadian National Championships to see how the drivers stack up against one another and to see just how close the times will be.
2. History: Le Monaco is held on a section of the GP3R car track which has hosted the likes of Canadian Motorsport legends like Gilles and Jaqcues Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Alex Tagliani, Ron Fellows, and David Empringham. As well as international superstars James Hunt, Bobby Rahal, Patrick Tambay and among the many who have competed in Trois-Rivières.
1. Exposure the sport needs: And here it is, our number one reason why Le Monaco is a must attend event. This race brings the sport to the public instead of the public finding out about it themselves. It always has a record attendance when it comes to spectators and most importantly it has free admission for the general public which helps a lot. The grandstands provide a great view of the racing so everyone can see the whole track. Finally we shall not forget the warm welcoming all the spectators receive from all members of the karting community.
So there you have it our top-10 reasons why you should attend Le Monaco in Trois-Rivières in 2014. Be sure to head on over to the ECKC website to preregister for the event.
From everyone here at CKN we hope to see you in Trois-Rivières, Quebec from July 31st to August 3rd 2014.
http://www.monacokarting.ca/
http://www.eckc.ca/
