Project Track Champion to Take Part in Upcoming Event at Cayuga Dragway

CAYUGA, ONTARIO – Along with a great weekend of drag racing during the Victoria Day Weekend May 21-23, the opening round in the Pro Modified Racing Association and Quick 32 Sportsman Series, those with disabilities will be given the chance to ride in a specially-prepared race car down the Cayuga Dragstrip.
 
Project Track Champion presented by Voices Unlimited and supported by Toronto Motorsports Park, the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Powered by Pioneer is a unique vehicle which offers accessibility for persons with a disability to experience the thrills of a racing environment.
 
Through the organization of Voices Unlimited, a self-advocacy group aligned with Community Living Haldimand, the race car will provide rides throughout the weekend on the drag strip of Toronto Motorsports Park.

Built and operated by Denny Snider of Durham, Ontario this non-competitive race car was built in 2007, and has provided rides at several oval race tracks throughout Ontario.
 
“We give those with special needs and disabilities a chance to experience our racing world,” said Snyder. “There has been a void or barrier with those with disabilities, and we bring down those barriers.”
 
He added that although the car has operated at over 20 events, the trip to the Cayuga Dragway will be the first time at a drag strip.
 
And to make the experience more memorable, several well-known drag racers will be chauffeuring the car down the race track including PMRA regulars Eric Latino of Scarborough, Ontario and Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario will be driving the Project Track Champion car, as well as Melanie Simmons of Orillia, Ontario and Kevin Wicke of Stratford, Ontario both who compete in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts.
 
One of Canada’s most famous drag racers, Bob Elliott, will also be taking his turn at the wheel. Elliott, of Wingham, Ontario is well-known for his “Northern Force” Funny Cars.
 
“I think this will be awesome,” said Bonnie Nolan of Voices Unlimited. “This may exceed my expectations,” adding that she is expecting upwards of 120 persons to partake in the experience. Participants will be from the Haldimand and Norfolk and the surrounding area.
 
Toronto Motorsports Park Director of Race Operations Neale Armstrong said he is looking forward to this special event at his facility and welcomes the opportunity to help.
 
“We at TMP are proud to be a part of Project Track Champion,” he said. “We have always tried to maintain a strong relationship with the community, and this event on the Victoria Day Weekend gives us a chance to provide the stage to bring smiles on the faces of those with special needs. It will be a great day.”
 
The car of Project Track Champion is a custom-built vehicle which is based on a Ford Thunderbird and has wheelchair passenger accessibility. The car was built with safety its paramount concern, and includes extra seating for support staff or family members.
 
“We will offer a moment to make a dream come true for those with special needs,” said Snyder. “We plan to put a smile on their faces.”
 
For more information on Project Track Champion, contact Voices Unlimited at (905) 774-7323 Extension #67.
 
The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca will headline the Victoria Day Weekend event, which will include a round in the TNT Super Series, and the popular Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series.
 
Qualifying for the two-day event gets underway Saturday, May 22, at 1:00 p.m., with other sessions at 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. Elimination rounds for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series start Sunday May 23 at 11:15 a.m. and the PMRA at 1:00 p.m.
 
For information about Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario call (905) 772-0303 or visit online at www.torontomotorsportspark.com
 
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at Bruce@PMRA.ca