Must read...canadian dragracing could be at an end?
01-10-2008, 10:11 PM
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Must read...canadian dragracing could be at an end? Just recieved this, if your a Canadian drag racer or race in Canada this has a WORLD of implications to you. Please read the following.
Thank you for your time.
Andrew Stirk
Below is the e-mail I recieved
The End of Canadian Drag Racing?
Racers, it seems the sky is truly falling. The Government of Canada is
planning to implement a total and permanent ban on the use of leaded
fuels for competition purposes, effective January 1st, 2009.
If this happens, Professional Drag Racing in Canada is over.
Immediately, completely and forever. This isn’t the same as the challenges we’ve
faced in the past. This time, they’re dropping the ‘Big One’.
No Pro Mod, No Pro Stock, No Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car and no
American competitors in any of our sportsman classes. Only Alcohol Funny Cars
would remain unscathed.
Although many Canadian sportsman competitors run their cars effectively
on unleaded racing fuel or methanol, any of our competitors using
leaded fuel have two choices. Change or quit.
The legislation arrived in our office last week. We took the time to
read the document from start to finish to make sure we weren’t
overreacting. Then we talked to fuel suppliers, the IHRA and local politicians,
including London’s Bud Polhill; a long-time drag racing advocate in the
Canadian fuel wars.
What makes this bill viciously unfair is, they indicate that there may
be increased health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously
thought, and are advocating this change without any actual testing or
proof. The US, Britain and Australia must not put much faith in this new
information as they have no changes planned in their Leaded fuel for
competition vehicles policies at volumes 10 to 100 times the annual Cdn.
volume. Also the passing of this bill does not eliminate leaded fuel,
it only eliminates our portion, which is 1.5% of the leaded fuel
consumed in Canada (these are the Govt’s own numbers right in the report –
see Industry profile) the remaining 98.5% is used as aviation fuel and
they have been given a permanent exemption. (which includes private
pleasure planes, etc.)
Bottom line, it’s as bad as it seems. The Canadian Government are
legislating Canada’s largest racing facilities out of business. The document
can be found on the Government of Canada website, under Canada Gazette
Part 1, Dec. 22, 2007. The link to the document is:
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/200.../regle1-e.html
If you’re passionate about our sport, I can only beg you to call, write
and email every politician you can think of, and let them know how you
feel about your sport being forced out of existence.YOU NEED TO DO
THIS ASAP AS THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THIS ACTION CLOSES ON FEB 20th , 2008
and it will then be scheduled for a vote. Make sure the companies that
tailor their businesses around the performance industry know as well.
They’ve got a big stake in this too.
This is the link that takes you to the current Members of Parliament.
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfP...ent&Language=E
On the left side of the page, you will see a text box labeled; Quick
Search. Type in the name of your City or County to go to your local
representative.
Some of Canada’s smaller tracks may in fact survive, as their
facilities are geared toward handling smaller events, slower cars and fewer
spectators. Canada’s Super-Tracks, that have invested millions and continue
to invest in their facilities on a yearly basis, like Castrol Raceway
and Grand Bend Motorplex will, in all likelihood, cease to be. Picture
the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, without the Maple Leafs and the
Raptors.
You know, it’s funny. No matter how many storms you weather, you never
really believe that one big wave is going to hit, until you’re already
upside down in the freezing water.
To all the Drag racing competitors, crew and fans; thank you for your
support and let’s have a great year of racing in 2008. It may very well
be our last.
Take care and play safe.
Ron Biekx; General Manager, Grand Bend Motorplex
Thank you for your time.
Andrew Stirk
Below is the e-mail I recieved
The End of Canadian Drag Racing?
Racers, it seems the sky is truly falling. The Government of Canada is
planning to implement a total and permanent ban on the use of leaded
fuels for competition purposes, effective January 1st, 2009.
If this happens, Professional Drag Racing in Canada is over.
Immediately, completely and forever. This isn’t the same as the challenges we’ve
faced in the past. This time, they’re dropping the ‘Big One’.
No Pro Mod, No Pro Stock, No Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car and no
American competitors in any of our sportsman classes. Only Alcohol Funny Cars
would remain unscathed.
Although many Canadian sportsman competitors run their cars effectively
on unleaded racing fuel or methanol, any of our competitors using
leaded fuel have two choices. Change or quit.
The legislation arrived in our office last week. We took the time to
read the document from start to finish to make sure we weren’t
overreacting. Then we talked to fuel suppliers, the IHRA and local politicians,
including London’s Bud Polhill; a long-time drag racing advocate in the
Canadian fuel wars.
What makes this bill viciously unfair is, they indicate that there may
be increased health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously
thought, and are advocating this change without any actual testing or
proof. The US, Britain and Australia must not put much faith in this new
information as they have no changes planned in their Leaded fuel for
competition vehicles policies at volumes 10 to 100 times the annual Cdn.
volume. Also the passing of this bill does not eliminate leaded fuel,
it only eliminates our portion, which is 1.5% of the leaded fuel
consumed in Canada (these are the Govt’s own numbers right in the report –
see Industry profile) the remaining 98.5% is used as aviation fuel and
they have been given a permanent exemption. (which includes private
pleasure planes, etc.)
Bottom line, it’s as bad as it seems. The Canadian Government are
legislating Canada’s largest racing facilities out of business. The document
can be found on the Government of Canada website, under Canada Gazette
Part 1, Dec. 22, 2007. The link to the document is:
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/200.../regle1-e.html
If you’re passionate about our sport, I can only beg you to call, write
and email every politician you can think of, and let them know how you
feel about your sport being forced out of existence.YOU NEED TO DO
THIS ASAP AS THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THIS ACTION CLOSES ON FEB 20th , 2008
and it will then be scheduled for a vote. Make sure the companies that
tailor their businesses around the performance industry know as well.
They’ve got a big stake in this too.
This is the link that takes you to the current Members of Parliament.
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfP...ent&Language=E
On the left side of the page, you will see a text box labeled; Quick
Search. Type in the name of your City or County to go to your local
representative.
Some of Canada’s smaller tracks may in fact survive, as their
facilities are geared toward handling smaller events, slower cars and fewer
spectators. Canada’s Super-Tracks, that have invested millions and continue
to invest in their facilities on a yearly basis, like Castrol Raceway
and Grand Bend Motorplex will, in all likelihood, cease to be. Picture
the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, without the Maple Leafs and the
Raptors.
You know, it’s funny. No matter how many storms you weather, you never
really believe that one big wave is going to hit, until you’re already
upside down in the freezing water.
To all the Drag racing competitors, crew and fans; thank you for your
support and let’s have a great year of racing in 2008. It may very well
be our last.
Take care and play safe.
Ron Biekx; General Manager, Grand Bend Motorplex
01-11-2008, 07:51 AM
#2
Why does the Government have such a hate on for racing? Every time we turn around theres another new law posted about trying to abolish it.
We still have yet to see revisions to our gun laws even after horrific incidents such as Jane Kreba and many others. Yet clearly its racing... yes racing... thats the danger to us all!!!! What a joke
I guess thats what we get when you have a geek squad running the Gov't. Just look at McGuinty and imagine trying to have a conversation with that dweeb. Not to mention as a Premier of Ontario no one in history has used the Gov't planes as much as him... Hes the worst damn emission offender out there
We still have yet to see revisions to our gun laws even after horrific incidents such as Jane Kreba and many others. Yet clearly its racing... yes racing... thats the danger to us all!!!! What a joke
I guess thats what we get when you have a geek squad running the Gov't. Just look at McGuinty and imagine trying to have a conversation with that dweeb. Not to mention as a Premier of Ontario no one in history has used the Gov't planes as much as him... Hes the worst damn emission offender out there
01-11-2008, 12:08 PM
#3
because all there doing is playing into the public...street racing has got people going crazy...so why not ban all racing...its all a gimick for them to make it look like they are doing there job...just like the RIDE program is only out during holidays, why not all year round? they make it look as if they care...government is run by a bunch of morons
01-11-2008, 01:13 PM
#4
This is absolutely a ******* joke, you might as well ban all sports in Canada too. Start at hockey, nobody watches it anyway ehhhhh? **** me off
I'll personally bomb the parliment building if this go's through. does it make sense at all to pass this bill? You know that it will only make matters worse for street racing I ******* guarentee you. There will be more deaths, impounds, etc than ever.
Some people devote their time and life to this b/c its a passion. I jsut started off last year in this sport but ever since I was young I have been into modding, etc. I love it and building a monster for this season and it better not be the last one. Absolutely horse ****, makes no sense at all!
This reminds of a time when I was pulled over by a cop for my 35% tint on my side windows on my half ton. I lived in a realatively small center at the time and being in my young 20's I of course new who some of the drug dealers were in the town and it was a bad community for it. I never gave him a name(s) but told him it was bullshit he was sitting at a intersection waiting for someone to give a retarded ticket to instead of doing some good. It said the drugs are bad here and you know it too, you focus on crap like this. All he said is that they are taking care of it and have as of yesterday custody of some cocaine, etc. I call bullshit b/c I am absolutely sure I would have heard about it.
Sorry about my rant and analogy but this makes me mad. I have moved b/w different province's and for some reasons for the different/better laws. now it looks like I have to move south somemore to the States. I guess no matter where you go its gonna be some stupid politicians everywhere.
This is somewhat ironic in a way, b/c at work a couple days ago I was discussing my current build to a fellow employing who isn't into the sport and not so familiar. I mentioned to them that hopefully someday that this does not happen. I did figure that someday it would happen but now? Come on, thats ridiculous. If they really, I mean really had too, than make it an acceptable timeframe. Like say 2020 for instance. That gives us a dozen years and still is nonsense but atleast would give a heads up to the individuals that are very interested in this sport. Yes, it is a sport too. Allot of people spend endless dollars on their projects just to have them shut us down? WTF? Not all of us are loaded and can shrug of a money pit but for many like me, scrape every nickel and dime jsut to get you monster rolling.
I guess I'll stop here but could go on forever, won't get my panties in a bunch but will for surely hope for the best. Can't beleive it, I used to hate all politicians well now I really hate them
- Mike
I'll personally bomb the parliment building if this go's through. does it make sense at all to pass this bill? You know that it will only make matters worse for street racing I ******* guarentee you. There will be more deaths, impounds, etc than ever.
Some people devote their time and life to this b/c its a passion. I jsut started off last year in this sport but ever since I was young I have been into modding, etc. I love it and building a monster for this season and it better not be the last one. Absolutely horse ****, makes no sense at all!
This reminds of a time when I was pulled over by a cop for my 35% tint on my side windows on my half ton. I lived in a realatively small center at the time and being in my young 20's I of course new who some of the drug dealers were in the town and it was a bad community for it. I never gave him a name(s) but told him it was bullshit he was sitting at a intersection waiting for someone to give a retarded ticket to instead of doing some good. It said the drugs are bad here and you know it too, you focus on crap like this. All he said is that they are taking care of it and have as of yesterday custody of some cocaine, etc. I call bullshit b/c I am absolutely sure I would have heard about it.
Sorry about my rant and analogy but this makes me mad. I have moved b/w different province's and for some reasons for the different/better laws. now it looks like I have to move south somemore to the States. I guess no matter where you go its gonna be some stupid politicians everywhere.
This is somewhat ironic in a way, b/c at work a couple days ago I was discussing my current build to a fellow employing who isn't into the sport and not so familiar. I mentioned to them that hopefully someday that this does not happen. I did figure that someday it would happen but now? Come on, thats ridiculous. If they really, I mean really had too, than make it an acceptable timeframe. Like say 2020 for instance. That gives us a dozen years and still is nonsense but atleast would give a heads up to the individuals that are very interested in this sport. Yes, it is a sport too. Allot of people spend endless dollars on their projects just to have them shut us down? WTF? Not all of us are loaded and can shrug of a money pit but for many like me, scrape every nickel and dime jsut to get you monster rolling.
I guess I'll stop here but could go on forever, won't get my panties in a bunch but will for surely hope for the best. Can't beleive it, I used to hate all politicians well now I really hate them
- Mike
01-12-2008, 01:27 PM
#6
because all there doing is playing into the public...street racing has got people going crazy...so why not ban all racing...its all a gimick for them to make it look like they are doing there job...just like the RIDE program is only out during holidays, why not all year round? they make it look as if they care...government is run by a bunch of morons
it is all year round, and always has been. I have a friend who's a copper and he has been on the ride team for 2 years now.
they just advertise at christmas.
now for a question :
I don't know much about the drag racing industry...
why does one run a "leaded" fuel? I didn't think anybody used leaded fuels anymore..
I think it's an Environmental issue, not a stab against the big pro racers..
either way, I support Drag racing.
better on the track then on the street.
01-12-2008, 06:55 PM
#7
I don't think this is a stab against drag racing as this move was to address/resolve environmental issues regarding the use of leaded fuels in automobiles. It was only a matter of time before they banned leaded fuels entirely.
Keep in mind that all other major motorsports venues either have switched to unleaded fuels/alternate fuels or will be making this move in the future.
Will this be the end of drag racing as we know it today? The answer is no it won't, it will adapt.
Keep in mind that all other major motorsports venues either have switched to unleaded fuels/alternate fuels or will be making this move in the future.
Will this be the end of drag racing as we know it today? The answer is no it won't, it will adapt.
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01-12-2008, 07:27 PM
#8
Give a grace period to allow the transition to happen dont just drop that hammer on it. Thats what gets me roaring up. We sure get plenty of warning when the GST cut is taking place or when the roads will be re-worked so why the heck not give a few years to allow the players at hand to keep their business rolling? Its blatant, aggressive and unnecessary.
01-12-2008, 07:35 PM
#9
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Our NHRA Track here in Mission, B.C. , is doing nothing.....EXCEPT EXPANDING.....
....I don't believe everything I read. Fu*k Harper and HIS Damn Conservative Government..I hate them...Give me the Liberals in Canada ..Anyday...[BTW..there are many differences in our Libs vs American Libs..for you U.S. guys reading this.]
....I don't believe everything I read. Fu*k Harper and HIS Damn Conservative Government..I hate them...Give me the Liberals in Canada ..Anyday...[BTW..there are many differences in our Libs vs American Libs..for you U.S. guys reading this.] 
01-12-2008, 11:32 PM
#11
honestly? I have been told they only come out on holidays...and I have Never in my entire life actually seen ride operate outside of the holidays...
Im just starting to get into racing so I dont know much about the fuels and what not, but it irks me when the governement does stupid **** like this...that report said that the drag racers use only 2% or something like that, of this kind of fuel...why are they focusing on the smaller side of things, and not the bigger picture...thats what pissses me off
01-13-2008, 12:38 PM
#13
You would think if the government was really serious about reducing any emissions they would regulate the companies that make cars.. - have minimal MPG requirements - blah blah
I hate to say it - but the government is going to capitalize on tax grabs with a carte-blanch because who will argue against " saving the environment " ?
As for the leaded fuels - I still don't know why they are needed over unleaded fuels - can someone explain? Not too familiar with that..
I hate to say it - but the government is going to capitalize on tax grabs with a carte-blanch because who will argue against " saving the environment " ?
As for the leaded fuels - I still don't know why they are needed over unleaded fuels - can someone explain? Not too familiar with that..
01-13-2008, 03:32 PM
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01-21-2008, 07:46 PM
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