Toyo Tires has a long history of supporting grass roots motorsports in Canada. In the article below Jason Sharpe from the Toyo Tires F1600 series provides a summary of the 2014 season and talks about the resurgence of open wheel racing in Canada.

The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship, sanctioned by CASC – Ontario Region, is the premiere open wheel road racing series based in Ontario. 

Formula 1600 has always been regarded as the best training ground for a young driver right out of karts looking to make a career of car racing. There are two distinct classes of cars in competition. The “A” Class is for the newest machines by Spectrum, Piper and Mygale and featuring predominantly the Honda Fit motor. The “B” Class cars are all produced earlier than 1994 and feature famous brands including Van Diemen, Reynard, Lola and the popular Canadian built Aero, mostly powered by the trusty older Ford Kent engine. The Series competes at world-class facilities including Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Calabogie Motorsport Park and was a huge hit at the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto. 

(Photo: Michael Haley)

The season has just recently come to an end – and has enjoyed one of its best years ever. The grid size has increased, new cars have been sold into market and it has continued to identify the best young, emerging talent on North America. The Canadian press have also taken note as well with regular coverage of the series. (Photo: Michael Haley)

The story of the season was been domination by both the leaders in each of the two classes. In “A” Eureka, MO’s Tristan Degrand won a remarkable 10 of 12 events. He was challenged along the way by Super Series Champion Chase Pelletier, Zacharie Robichon and another young American Max Hanratty. 

In “B” Class Connor Wagland had an impressive sophomore season notching several wins on his way to the Championship. His closest rivals included Mike Lee who finished 2nd in points and Amy Castell who grabbed her first career win at the Honda Indy. Part time competitor Graham Lobban was impressive and did steal a couple of wins from the Champion.

The Rookie of the Year battle went right down to the last couple of laps of the season with Jeff Kingsley barely beating Reid Arnold to the Title. Other notable rookies were Bruno Chappinoti and Andre du Preez, Jr.          
 
 An interesting trend in F1600 racing has been the renewed excitement for open wheel racing in Canada, the increasing car counts and the migration of drivers from all over North America. The series averaged just over 25 cars for the year guaranteeing close competition and some incredible action for the fans.  (Photo Credit: John Walker)                                      
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