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- Category: Road Racing
By: RobertWickens.om
July 4, 2025
July 4, 2025
Toronto, Ontario – Following his electrifying runner-up finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours—where he made history as the first driver to finish with hand controls—Canadian motorsport icon Robert Wickens returns to his homeland to compete in the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), July 11–13. Wickens is racing the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the GTD category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Robert Wickens: "I couldn't be more excited about being a part of the headline race, driving a Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It's a big race for myself, as well as my team, DXDT Racing, we feel like a podium is just around the corner, and there is no place I would rather achieve that than at home at CTMP. The Corvette has always been a fan favorite. Ron Fellows put Corvette Racing on the map in Canada with all of his success with Pratt and Miller. Ron has had a huge influence on CTMP and on my career. He's someone I've always looked up to from a very young age, and he's helped me, other Canadian drivers progress from karts to cars. Now to return, driving a Corvette just like Ron has done for so many years holds a special place for me."
Nürburgring 24 Recap
At the grueling 24‑hour endurance classic, Wickens and his “Bryan Herta Autosport -Team America’s” co‑drivers secured an impressive second-place finish in the #831 Elantra N TCR—an extraordinary feat given he raced using his hand-operated throttle and advanced Bosch electronic brake system. This marked a milestone as the first time in the event’s long history that a driver finished on the podium using non-traditional driver aids.
Wickens attempted the fete in 2024, while still racing with Bryan Herta Autosport in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series. His effort was cut short when he suffered a hand control failure during the “NLS” licensing races. Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport offered Wickens another opportunity this year, using the new Bosch hand control system.
The effort was a massive success, Wickens drove for over six hours in the legendary 24-hour endurance race and had the honor of taking the checkered flag, proving that both he and his Bosch hand control system are fully capable of competing for victories in endurance racing.
Corvette Z06 GT3.R: GTD Success With DXDT Racing
In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Wickens has dazzled in the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R for DXDT Racing. With the evolution of the Bosch hand control system, GM and Pratt and Miller paired with DXDT Racing to give Wickens an opportunity in the GTD category of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, North America’s premier SportsCar racing series. Wickens has impressed not just with inspiring perseverance, but also with pace:
Debut 2025 GTD race at Long Beach: set the second fastest lap of the race weekend in the GTD category.
Wickens and his teammate Alec Udell started on the front row at Laguna Seca and looked set for a podium before being hit in the pit lane.
This innovative braking technology, jointly developed by Bosch, Pratt Miller, Chevrolet, and DXDT, supports seamless driver swaps between manually controlled and pedal-powered configurations on the same steering system. The IMSA race at CTMP will be Wickens third of five races in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R this season.
Back Home: The Ultimate Fan Experience
Canadian fans are invited to get closer than ever through the “Wickens Ultimate Fan Experience” at CTMP. VIP guests receive:
- Three-day event “Super Ticket” with paddock access
- Private meet‑and‑greet with Wickens
- Exclusive behind‑the‑scenes tour of DXDT Racing
- Grid-side photo opportunities with Wickens and the DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R
- Entry to Robert’s dedicated cheering section
- A commemorative swag pack
- Plus, a surprise podium experience—if Wickens finishes in the top three
- This exclusive three-day package offers fans an intimate experience with one of Canada’s most inspirational sports heroes, the cost is US$120 and is available at www.robertwickens.com.
From IMSA to INDYCAR: Immediately after CTMP, Wickens remains in-country to join the Toronto Indy — where he serves as a technical advisor for Andretti Global. Andretti Global are the defending race winners of the Toronto GP. Wickens works from Kyle Kirkwood’s timing stand, Kirkwood has won two of the three INDYCAR races on street circuits this season. Kirkwood, who recently triumphed at Long Beach, credited Wickens’ analytical expertise as pivotal to his performance.
About Robert Wickens
Canadian driver Robert Wickens made a dramatic return to elite motorsport after a life-changing 2018 INDYCAR crash. Since returning to competition with hand controls in 2022, he has won the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR title, earned a historic podium at Nürburgring 24, and competed in the IMSA GTD series using hand controls—with continued innovation in braking systems from Bosch. Wickens has become a trailblazer for the disabled community and continues to work toward innovation in public mobility.
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- Category: Road Racing
By: demiracing.com
March 19, 2025
March 19, 2025
Radical Canada is thrilled to announce that Canadian racer Demi Chalkias will compete in the 2025 season of the FEL Emzone Radical Cup Canada as a driver with Radical Academy. This exciting partnership highlights both Chalkias’ and the Radical Academy’s commitment to empowering females in the motorsport world.
Demi Chalkias, a rising star in the racing community, expressed her enthusiasm about this opportunity: “I am incredibly excited to return to racing in Canada and to be part of the Radical Academy. It’s an honor to represent an initiative that supports and encourages girls in motorsport. I am looking forward to not only competing but also inspiring the next generation of female drivers.”
Radical Academy not only prepares women for roles as drivers, but it also opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities within the Motorsport industry. This includes technical and STEM, marketing and communications, as well as hospitality disciplines. By joining this prestigious program, Chalkias will have access to professional guidance, and a network of industry leaders, all designed to help her reach new heights in her racing career.
Radical Canada is proud to support this initiative and to have Demi Chalkias as a key ambassador for the program. “Demi embodies the spirit of the Radical Academy,” said Robert Burgess, Team Principal “Her passion and determination set a fantastic example for women everywhere. We believe that with our support, she will achieve great things on the track.”
Chalkias will take to the track in the FEL Emzone Radical Cup Canada, showcasing her skills against a competitive field. Fans and supporters can expect to see her in action throughout the season, as she aims for victory and aims to inspire others along the way.
For more information on Demi Chalkias and the Radical Academy, please visit www.demiracing.com and www.radicalcanada.ca/academy
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- Category: Road Racing
By: Wayne Taylor Racing
January 22, 2025
January 22, 2025
"It is our second year with GTD and Lamborghini, sponsored by DEX Imaging,” said Team Owner, Wayne Taylor. “We have a very strong driver line up with Danny (Formal), Trent (Hindman), Graham (Doyle) and Kyle (Marcelli). The car seemed to be really good at the test this past weekend, so we feel as though we have a top five car going into the race. As long as we keep it on the track, we should see the podium. I’m very excited about that.”
Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) kicks off the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its second season of competing in the GTD class with the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Prior to the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend, the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team tackled seven on track testing sessions at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. The stable of drivers including Formal, Hindman, Doyle and Marcelli all got up to speed in the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini during the Roar weekend. The team posted their quickest lap time 01:48.192 and turned a total of 184 laps.
“It is our second year with GTD and Lamborghini, sponsored by DEX Imaging,” said Team Owner, Wayne Taylor. “We have a very strong driver line up with Danny (Formal), Trent (Hindman), Graham (Doyle) and Kyle (Marcelli). The car seemed to be really good at the test this past weekend, so we feel as though we have a top five car going into the race. As long as we keep it on the track, we should see the podium. I’m very excited about that.”
The No. 45 DEX Lamborghini team will begin preparations with practice and the addition of qualifying this week starting on Thursday, January 23rd. Qualifying for the competitive GTD class will be a 15-minute session at 2:10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The 24-hour clock will start at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, for the 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. NBC and its family of networks (USA and Peacock) along with IMSA Radio will broadcast the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic.
Danny Formal, Full Season Co-Driver
“The Roar 24 Before the 24 is officially over and we had a fantastic test. The torque sensors were definitely a steep learning curve for not only us but the whole team but we're pretty good. We're in a great window right now and the car feels fantastic. All four drivers feel comfortable with the new system, and we’re excited for the race. I think we showed good speed. We’re always working harder and harder for the goal of becoming champions next week. Super excited, super grateful to be part of this organization with WTR and the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 is ready to attack the track next week. Excited to start 2025.”
Trent Hindman, Full Season Co-Driver
“Everything is still quite new to me: the team, the car and understanding what makes the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Eco2 go quick is a pretty steep learning curve relative to what I am used to in the past. The team and the support we receive from Lamborghini Squadra Corse has been nothing but supportive and open to giving me all of the information that I need to help me make this transition to this car with this organization. Can’t thank the WTR crew guys and my teammates, Danny, Kyle and Graham, enough for helping me with that. I like where we sit right now. You never really know where people are running until you start the race. All you can do is focus on yourself. We started working through some items and I think we are very happy with the package that we’ve got, and I think we will be plenty competitive.”
Graham Doyle, IMEC Co-Driver
“Heading into the Rolex after the Roar weekend, I believe the team and myself alike are feeling strongly about both our car’s performance and the performance of our driver lineup. Working over the six practice sessions we all put in the time to dial in the new torque sensor system and begin preparations for qualifying and the race. I feel with the race and qualifying both on the same weekend, the Roar was truly an immeasurable advantage to set us up for a successful race.”
Kyle Marcelli, Rolex 24 at DAYTONA Co-Driver
“It was a positive Roar Before the 24. I think we are all feeling quite good and encouraged as we look forward to the Rolex 24 this week. Lamborghini as a whole has been on it, they are really focused on maximizing the performance from the car, maximizing the torque sensor and the energy output and how we are managing that over the lap. It was all hands-on deck and really encouraging to see that. If you look at the results in GTD PRO and GTD, Lamborghini set the quickest time over the course of the past three days. On the No. 45 DEX, the drivers had a bit of learning to do on Day 1. Adapting driving style to the torque sensor and deploying energy, particularly on the infield section. We all made huge strides in our driving performance and with only a few setup tweaks, it’s been handling quite well. As we look forward to the Rolex 24, we just need to focus in a little more on our procedures, our pit stops, our driver changes, running spare parts on the car to be sure everything is functioning properly. All-in-all, I think we are in good shape and excited for the Rolex 24.”
About Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR)
Wayne Taylor Racing’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 18-year history, WTR has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR currently has 14 North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.
Canadians In BOLD
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- Category: Road Racing
By: FEL Motorsports
February 4, 2025
February 4, 2025
St. Catharines, Ontario — FEL Motorsports is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) that will provide a transformative opportunity for one talented driver competing in the 2025 Sports Car Championship Canada (SCCC) presented by Michelin. The collaboration underscores FEL Motorsports’ commitment to fostering the next generation of Canadian motorsport talent, specifically within the realm of sports car racing.
One standout TCR or TCA driver from the 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin will be selected to participate in a test with Bryan Herta Autosport, driving the championship-winning Hyundai Elantra N TCR. This test is a gateway to the international stage, showcasing how the SCCC presented by Michelin serves as a direct Canadian pathway to the IMSA paddock—a trajectory proven by Canadian drivers such as Dean Baker, Justin Di Benedetto, Gavin Sanders, LP Montour, Travis Hill, Nick Looijmans, Connor Attrell, Bob Attrell, Megan Tomlinson, Ron Tomlinson, and Ed Killeen, all of whom transitioned from the SCCC presented by Michelin to compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The selected driver will be chosen based on a range of criteria, including their on-track potential, professionalism, and overall development as a racing driver—not solely championship standings. This ensures that the opportunity highlights and supports a truly exceptional and deserving individual.
“This partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport is an incredible milestone for FEL Motorsports and the Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin,” said Chris Bye, President of FEL Motorsports. “Our goal has always been to provide Canadian drivers with opportunities to advance their careers, and this collaboration is a clear example of how we’re delivering on that promise. We’re thrilled to work with Bryan Herta and his team to give a deserving driver the chance to showcase their talent on an IMSA level.”
Bryan Herta, founder and president of Bryan Herta Autosport, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership stating, “Canadian drivers have always played an important role in all forms of top-level auto racing, and we are proud to partner with FEL Motorsports to help identify and promote the next generation of talent coming from our neighbours to the North. I look forward to following this season’s TCR and TCA action closely in the 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin series as we strive to give one talented racer a helping hand towards the next level of their career.”
The test will enable the selected driver to experience the professionalism, pace, and pressure of an IMSA-caliber team, providing invaluable insight into what it takes to succeed on one of the most competitive stages in motorsport.
About Bryan Herta Autosport
Founded by two-time Indianapolis 500-winning team owner Bryan Herta, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) has established itself as a dominant force in North American sports car racing. The team is the official factory partner for Hyundai Motorsport in the United States, fielding a fleet of Hyundai Elantra N TCR cars in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Renowned for their commitment to driver development and technical excellence, BHA has secured multiple championships and continues to set the benchmark for success in North American TCR racing.
About FEL Motorsports
FEL Motorsports grew out of a deep base of automotive roots from FEL Automotive Learning and Promotion. FEL, the parent company of FEL Motorsports, has over three decades of experience in the automotive event industry working within Canada and the U.S by combining the expertise gained from working with luxury automotive brands with some of Canada’s most experienced motorsport personnel, FEL Motorsports executes premium race event weekends at tracks in Canada. FEL Motorsports is focused on growth and sustainability in the Canadian Motorsports landscape by giving back to its teams through prizing and prize money.
For further information on FEL Motorsports visit felmotorsports.com
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- Category: Road Racing
By: ST Racing
January 21, 2025
January 21, 2025
Samantha Tan made a successful start to her maiden VP Sportscar Challenge campaign with back-to-back class podiums on the series’ opening weekend at Daytona. On her first run as part of an official IMSA program and her first visit to the esteemed Daytona International Speedway, the team co-owner took ST Racing’s BMW M4 GT3 to a pair of 2nd place finishes in the GTDX ‘Bronze’ class across both 45-minute races.
Two podiums and front-running pace marked an encouraging start to Samantha’s first full-season solo campaign since contesting the Pirelli World Challenge in 2017.
Samantha Tan, team co-owner/driver: “I’ve completed my IMSA debut weekend with two P2 finishes in the VP Racing Sportscar Challenge! It was my first time racing at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in the M4 GT3—definitely a pinch-me moment. Despite not having any winter testing, we maximized the two short practice sessions on Friday and showed strong pace right from the first session. Qualifying was challenging due to rain beforehand, which led to tricky track conditions, but I managed to secure pole position for both races and P3 overall in GTDx.
Race 1 was action-packed with plenty of close battles, and although I narrowly missed out on the win, it was super fun. In Race 2, a torrential downpour just before the start left the track fully wet. Having never driven Daytona in the rain, it was a challenging learning experience, but I still managed to bring the car home in second place. I believe with one more lap, I could have fought for the win.
Overall, it was a very successful and promising weekend in VPRC. I’m looking forward to the next event at COTA—one of my favorite tracks on the calendar!”
Eike Romer, head engineer: “With plenty of new challenges, ST Racing started the 2025 IMSA VP Racing Challenge. The team started spot on out of the box, tackling a new competiton format, new tire compound and a new track for us. The mechanics worked flawlessly all week long to provide us a fast car in all conditions.
After limited time in practice, Sam quickly adopted to the challenge of a new, unheated tire and was able to put the car on Pole Position in her class for both races. She showed great pace and racecraft on Saturday, achieving a second place finish.
After a storm on Sunday morning, we made the right decisions to prepare once more a car in which Sam was able to fight for the win on wet track conditions, gaining valuable data and learning for the oncoming events. Next up is COTA, where we have good memories from last year.”
Race One
After an impressive qualifying session earlier, during which she posted the 3rd fastest laptime in the GTDX field, Samantha lined up on pole for race one on Saturday morning. Despite having briefly dropped to 4th, the newly-re-liveried BMW M4 GT3 was soon back up to 3rd and harrying the GTDX leaders.
A little under 25 minutes in, the GTDX field was already into GSX-class traffic (nothing new to the experienced multi-class racer and overall endurance racing drivers’ champion, Samantha), and the ST Racing BMW had soon closed to within 0.3 seconds of her nearest rival, AF Corse. While a combative move for 2nd did not quite pan out, Samantha remained glued to the rear of the Ferrari 296 GT3 for the remainder of the event.
In a notable moment, and after positioning the car perfectly for a slingshot move out of turn six, BMW M Motorsport ambassador Samantha went side-by-side with the AF Corse Ferrari along Daytona’s famous oval at upwards of 250kph, eventually sliding through at the Bus Stop Chicane to move up a spot. Giving her rival room on the approach to turn one, the subsequent loss of momentum into the turn three Horseshoe meant Samantha was sadly jostled back behind her rivals.
Nevertheless, in an impressive opening run, the Canadian native gave chase all the way to chequered flag, eventually securing 5th in GTDX and falling just two-tenths shy of Bronze class victory first time out of the IMSA blocks.
Race two
Heavy rain threatened the second 45-minute race of the weekend at Daytona, but after a short delay, the 32-car grid eventually lined up for a very wet start on Sunday morning.
Fittingly, Samantha’s endurance racing experience in Europe quickly paid off, the #38 BMW picking its way through a sodden turn one to hold 4th in GTDX across the opening lap. Gaining confidence in the changeable conditions, Samantha resumed her battle the previous day with the AF Corse Ferrari, the pair continuing to swap 3rd place until a full-course caution was called just 15 minutes in. When the race resumed six minutes later, Samantha leapfrogged the Ferrari once again to retake 3rd in GTDX.
Regrettably, a full-wet setup meant the BMW was unable to keep pace with the Ferraris as the track continued drying across over the remaining 20 minutes. A fighting drive however meant Samantha nevertheless brought the M4 GT3 home unscathed in P2 for a second consecutive ‘Bronze’ class podium to sign off a strong opening weekend at Daytona.
ST Racing’s VP Sports Car Challenge season continues in just over one month’s time with round two at the Circuit of the Americas (traditionally a successful hunting ground for ST Racing) on 28 February – 1 March. After a short break, round three takes the Canadian team to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on 6-8 June.