The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented by Toyo Tires concluded its 2008 season at Mosport International Raceway on September 13/14, 2008. There were 16 races over eight different race weekends in 2008. The Championship visited five different racetracks in Quebec and Ontario including Mosport International Raceway, ICAR at Mirabel, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Trois-Rivieres and Calabogie Motorsports Park.
The Championship attracted a wide variety of drivers from across Canada and even some from the United States of America. 56 different drivers competed in the Championship and there were 15 different race winners throughout the season. Over 130,000 spectators enjoyed intense and competitive racing in the two Classes.
The Championship is comprised of two Classes of racecars; Touring Class in the entry level Class where only minimal modifications are allowed while Super Touring Class has the powerful heavily modified racecars with engines up to 2.8 litres. Drivers can start out in Touring Class and develop their racecraft and then move up to Super Touring Class when they are ready for more power and speed. Both Classes compete at the same time on the track and challenge for supremacy in their Class which creates an amazing show. Touring Class racecars are easy to recognize because they have blue windshield banners and headlights while Super Touring Class has yellow windshield banners and headlights.
After eight race weekends, the Champions in both Classes were decided at the final race weekend. In Super Touring Class, the overall order was Nigel Krikorian followed by Etienne Borgeat and Peter Lejbjuk.
Nigel Krikorian lives in Markham, Ontario and drives the number 52 Subaru STi for Krikorian Motorsports. Nigel dominated Super Touring Class with nine race wins this season. “This was a tough season,” reminisced Nigel, “and the crew worked very hard usually until one or two in the morning to get the car ready.” “The competition was incredible all season. And even though I won a lot of races, my two favourites I did not win.”
Etienne Borgeat lives in Montreal, Quebec and drives the number 2 BMW 328 for GT Racing. Etienne was on the podium eight times this season which helped him to secure two overall in Super Touring Class. “I had a lot of body damage this season,” stated Etienne, “and the team had to work very hard to have the car ready for every race.” “At the beginning of the season I wasn’t sure how things would go but I am happy with the end result.”
Peter Lejbjuk lives in Barrie, Ontario and drives the number 45 Honda Civic Si for VMC. Peter won both races at Calabogie Motorsports Park and had two more podiums on his way to third overall in Super Touring Class. “The season started with reliability issues,” stated Peter, “but the team got them worked out.”
In Touring Class, the overall order was Andre Rapone followed by Christian Raymond and Anthony Rapone.
Andre Rapone lives in Thornhill, Ontario and drives the number 73 Acura Integra Type R for Durabond Racing. Andre finished the season with three wins and three podiums. “The plan was to try to complete each race,” stated Andre, “and then hope for the best.” “I am grateful for the help of engine tuner Ken Lau.”
Christian Raymond lives in St-Jerome, Quebec and drives the number 04 Mazda Protégé for TwoFast Racing. Christian completed the season with an incredible 12 podiums in 16 races which included one win. “The racing was extremely tight all season,” said Christian, “and it was some of the best racing I have ever competed in.” “I am fortunate to have one of the best crews,” he continued, “and I am thankful for some setup advice from other teams too.” “The Quebec Mazda Dealers Association helped me to complete the season.”
Anthony Rapone lives in Thornhill, Ontario and drives the number 72 Acura Integra Type R for Durabond Racing. Anthony enjoyed two wins and two podiums on his way to third overall in Touring Class. “This was a tough season,” stated Anthony, “because I had a couple of crashes but it is a dream come true to finish in the top three.” “Thanks to my crew-chief Sean. I am looking forward to next year.”
The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented by Toyo Tires is sponsored by CSC Racing, Toronto TireCraft, Sigma Promotions and Mad Macs Communications + Graphics. The Championship is supported by Racing Radios, President Champagne, Leaf Racewear, RaceDV and Impact Custom Canopy.
The Championship features Canada’s Best Drivers Racing Today’s Hottest Touring Cars.
From John Bondar // john@touringcar.ca
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