Shane Jantzi narrowly edges Matt White and Kyle Marcelli at the stripe for his second consecutive FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup win
BOWMANVILLE, ONT. (SEPTEMBER 30, 2007) – Ayr, Ontario's Shane Jantzi won his second consecutive FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup on Sunday (September 30), taking an impressive victory ahead of Matt White and Kyle Marcelli in a very entertaining race at Mosport International Raceway. Jonathan Hirst was the top finishing Club Formula Ford in the race, finishing an impressive ninth overall. The event is run by the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC) and is promoted by FormulaCar Magazine, a publication of the Cambridge, Ontario-based Howden Media Group. Designed to support Formula Ford racing, an important step in the development of any young road racer, the race enjoyed a 25% growth this year and drew drivers from Ontario, Quebec and the United States.
"We put a lot of focus on this race and it's the biggest Ford race of the year. We just put our heads down and did what we had to today," Jantzi told the FCM staff during a post-race podcast interview. "We didn't leave anything on the table and I was giving everything I had."
Rolling on-course after the lunch break under clear and sunny skies, the second-ever FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup trophy race commenced with newly-crowned Ontario Formula Ford Challenge champion Marcelli and reigning CanAm Cup race winner Jantzi leading the 22-car field to the green flag. Going two and three-wide into turn one, the field fought hard on the first lap before Marcelli retained the lead position just ahead of Jantzi, White, Kris Rams, Sean Baker and Remy Audette. By the completion of lap one, the lead group of six cars had established a gap on Rick Doktor, Eric Nielsen and Hirst, who were all dicing for position. After running in order for several laps, Jantzi completed the first of what would be many passes for the lead, moving to the front of the lead pack. Just as Marcelli retook the top spot, the top-three began building a gap on third through sixth spot.
While attention was focused on the battle among the top-three, several dices for position deeper in the field greatly entertained the fans on hand. Baker, Rams and Audette ran nose-to-tail lap after lap battling for fourth, while not far behind, Doktor and Nielsen repeatedly swapped positions.
Among the Club Formula Ford contingent, Hirst led the way in his 1977 Ferret Mk 4, running inside the top-10, while American Rod Kendall ran second in class, involved in a multi-car fight for position.
As the 17-lap race entered the closing stages, Jantzi, White and Marcelli all remained in contention for the win. Never separated by more than a car's length, the order was not decided until the checkered flag waved. Jantzi was able to hold his competition at bay, running the last lap on the ragged edge to capture his second straight CanAm Cup win, crossing the stripe 0.099s ahead White, who in turn was just ahead of Marcelli. Dean Baker and Rams completed the top-five, while Hirst captured the CFF win.
"Although we were really hoping for more drivers this year, those who did attend this year's CanAm Cup made up for it," offered FormulaCar Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rob Howden. "I was shaking at the end of the race, waiting to see how it would all shakedown. The final corners were thrilling and we're proud to see Shane defend its reign on the Cup as I know just how much he wanted to take it home again this year."
While nothing has been confirmed for next year, the third edition of the CanAm Cup is expected to once again join the CSAC Celebration of Motorsport in late September.
2007 FormulaCar Magazine CanAm Cup Results
Pos. Name Chassis Diff. Fast Time
1. Shane Jantzi Van Diemen RF02 - 1:27.819
2. Matt White Van Diemen RF05 0.099 1:27.894
3. Kyle Marcelli Van Diemen RF00 0.300 1:27.920
4. Dean Baker Van Diemen RF01 9.296 1:28.635
5. Kris Rams Van Diemen RF03 9.447 1:28.467
6. Remy Audette CMV 97 9.691 1:28.571
7. Brad Baker Van Diemen RF01 31.879 1:29.120
8. Eric Nielsen Van Diemen RF92 32.068 1:29.545
9. Jonathan Hirst Ferret Mark 4B 37.774 1:29.845
10. Ian Scott Van Diemen RF98 38.580 1:29.590
11. Caitlin Johnston Van Diemen RF98 44.821 1:29.568
12. Steve Bodrug Van Diemen RF93 47.709 1:30.172
13. Dan Purdy Ray GRS92 47.923 1:29.857
14. Michael Dodd Van Diemen RF94 1:01.401 1:30.415
15. Mike Scanlan Swift DB6 1:02.624 1:30.634
16. Chris Malden Vector MG93 1:18.128 1:31.679
17. Rod Kendall Crossle 45F 1:18.299 1:31.681
18. Mike Taberner Crossle 65F 1 Lap 1:34.284
19. Ross Smith Reynard 84FF 1 Lap 1:36.389
20. Benny Canella Van Diemen RF88 2 Laps 1:39.948
21. Rick Doktor Van Diemen RF99 3 Laps 1:29.649
From Rob Howden // Howden Media Group // Prepared by: ProMedia Motorsport PR
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