THUNDER BAY – People are eager to reconnect following months of COVID-19 shutdowns, says Thunder Bay Autosports Club president Gary Adomko. And while safety is the first priority, the club’s relaunch for a shortened season this summer allowed just that – even if it’s from a distance.
The community that has grown up around the sport is passionate, tight-knit, and increasingly diverse, Adomko says. While the pandemic kept competitors off the road until late June, participation in the club actually increased this year.
“People were just itching to get out of the house and do something,” he explains. “Our membership is up over last year. The club has always been on a growth curve, and I think COVID-19 has just pushed that a little bit further.”
Competitors gathered in a parking lot off Jade Court in the intercity area Sunday for the second-last of the season’s eight races. The summer autocross season involves individual timed races on a short slalom course.
Winners in the club’s three classes – determined based on vehicle specifications – will be declared based on a point system at the end of the season in late September.
The club also runs ice racing events in the winter months.
Competitor Troy Mangatal, who was introduced to the sport five years ago through a colleague at Confederation College, says the sport is a chance to push the limits of your driving and vehicle in a safe environment.
Speeds rarely exceed 50 kilometres per hour on the short track, he points out.
“It’s more about balance and control – keeping your car under control is faster,” he says. “You can feel very comfortable driving safely around cones in a parking lot at less than street speeds.”
“The only thing you have to get over is your fear of being embarrassed. I’ve been doing it for five years – I’m still getting embarrassed all the time, but it’s good fun.”
While Mangatal missed the community aspect of the sport, with the club unable to encourage encourage spectators due to COVID-19, but was still happy to see fellow competitors from a distance.
The sport is as much about community as competition, agrees Adomko. Participants include several family groups, and the club focuses heavily on fundraising for local causes – raising nearly $60,000 for northern cancer care in recent years.
Still, when drivers hit the track, the spark of friendly competition flares up.
“All of the classes are very competitive,” says Adomko. “We’ll have people within hundredths of seconds of each other.”
Those interested can learn more at the club's website.
