PR: Two Energy Kart Canada pilots compete at the Kart Stars Grand Prix of Toronto

Taking on the inaugural Kart Stars Grand Prix of Toronto event, two Energy Kart Canada pilots were front and center among the throngs of spectators at the Honda Indy Toronto. American karting star Santino Ferrucci would take on the ultra-competitive Rotax Junior field, while Energy Kart Canada’s own Jayson Nazario would tackle the Rotax Masters category. With the kart track set inside the infield of the famed street course at Exhibition Place, with the Toronto skyline and CN Tower setting a picturesque backdrop, the event was unique as it was challenging. Taking on a seven-turn, bullring style temporary circuit, the Energy Kart Canada crew was met with its challenges, but still managed to shine at the exciting event.

Several practice sessions on Saturday allowed the Energy Kart Canada drivers to get acquainted with the circuit, leading up to qualifying later in the afternoon. Ferrucci hit the track for a wet practice one with a fresh engine, and was immediately plagued with fuel/carburetor issues. With the wet conditions making it difficult to dial in on the problem, Ferrucci went out for his second session, again in the wet. The team worked tirelessly to correct the engine issue before qualifying, changing the carb settings during the next few sessions to hone in on the problem. With the track now dry for qualifying, the team elected to change the fuel pump. While better, Ferrucci was still battling a hesitation in the engine, and would qualify in the ninth position.

Santino Ferrucci proved to be the fastest driver at the Kart Stars Grand Prix, posting the only time below the 15-second mark among all classes
(Photo: Cody Schindel/CKN)

Back on track Sunday, and still plagued with issues during the morning warm-up, Energy Kart Canada made another fuel pump change, this time noticing a long slice in the fuel pump line. With his engine issues resolved, Ferrucci then set out to do what he does best. In vintage fashion, Ferrucci showed why he is one of karting’s best. Starting ninth on the grid, the American star quickly moved up to fifth and then for the next 15 laps on the 15-second circuit, he would run the leaders down. Making his bid for the lead on lap 36, Ferrucci reached the checkered flag first with a commanding nine-second win, ¾ of the track. Running the fastest lap of the weekend among all competitors, including the two-speed DD2 karts, Ferrucci was the only driver to clock a lap under the 15-second barrier. Unfortunately, a penalty for contact was handed to Ferrucci by the race director, excluding him from the final results. Still, earning the respect of his fellow competitors, the declared winner acknowledged Ferrucci noting he “didn’t deserve the trophy.”

Energy Kart Canada team principal Jayson Nazario would also contest the inaugural event. Taking on the Rotax Masters category, Nazario would start off his weekend right, just missing the pole position by 0.116 seconds during the qualifying session. Assuming the lead during the open stages of the race, Nazario soon ran into troubles at the midway point of the 50-lap final, despite being the fastest kart on the track. Through no fault of his own, Nazario encountered a melee on the straightaway and would eventually be classified last in the field of 17.

Jayson Nazario steers his Energy Kart around the seven-turn temporary circuit, set right next to the famed Honda Indy Toronto street course
(Photo: Cody Schindel/CKN)

Energy Kart Canada will now turn their focus to the final preparations before the grand re-opening of their Gamebridge track and facility, as well as the final round of the 2012 Eastern Canadian Karting Championship, set for July 29 during the famed Le Monaco de Trois-Rivieres street race in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.

Founded by industry veterans Jayson Nazario and Ravinder Sanghera, Energy Kart Canada was born on the premise that true passion, the latest technology and the utmost in professionalism can combine to make a leading Canadian karting team. Through the factory Team Energy Canada and Energy League programs, Energy Kart Canada has something for every age and skill level. Energy Canada is the sole Canadian importer of the Energy kart chassis line, with company headquarters in Gamebridge, Ontario. For more information on Team Energy Canada, arrive and drive programs, the Energy League, Energy chassis and components or dealer inquires, please visit www.EnergyKartCanada.com, call +1 705.279.2606 or email info@energykartcanada.com.