Young Drivers Accelerate Their Skills at Strathmore Motorsports Park

Young racers are honing their skills at the Strathmore Motorsports Park, where both novices and experienced drivers can navigate a challenging 1.2-kilometre track. This venue serves as the home of the Calgary Kart Racing Club (CKRC), where go-karts, though significantly smaller than cars, can reach speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. The club is a vibrant community comprising individual racers, families, and various racing teams.

Founded in 2020, the Alloy Race Team aims to cultivate young talent in competitive racing. Team founders Troy Pachal and Spence Hogg emphasize the camaraderie that defines the sport. “It’s an incredible sport,” Pachal explained. “It is a family; like, this is a very close-knit community. We all know each other, and we celebrate each other’s successes.”

Despite its appeal, motorsport can present financial challenges for young drivers. Pachal acknowledged that “cost can become a barrier” to entry in the sport. He noted that while karting is more affordable compared to other sports, such as hockey, it still requires significant investment. To alleviate these financial hurdles, Alloy Racing not only offers sponsorship and financial assistance but also provides comprehensive driver training.

Hogg highlighted the advantages of teamwork in racing. “When you come together as a team and have access to tools, knowledge, and coaching, you accelerate massively ahead of the rest of the crowd,” he stated. The program at Alloy Racing serves as a launching pad for drivers aspiring to compete internationally, representing Canada on larger stages.

The rising popularity of motorsport, partly fueled by documentaries like Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the recent film F1: The Movie, has attracted many newcomers to the sport. Hogg noted that some drivers connected with Alloy first learned about motorsport through these media, which play a crucial role in shaping public interest.

One of the promising talents is Aidan Carruthers, an 18-year-old driver sponsored by Alloy who began karting at the age of eight. “It’s an experience unlike any other from the adrenaline standpoint,” Carruthers said. He is currently preparing for the Western Canadian Karting Championships, where he will compete against 40 of the region’s best drivers. “I love karting,” he added. “At the end of the day, I wouldn’t rather do anything else than this.”

Another rising star is Lucas Hand, a 17-year-old who took up karting in 2020. He enjoys the experience of working on his kart alongside his father, which he describes as a great bonding opportunity. “It’s just great having him around, getting to know him on a deeper level,” Hand shared.

Lucas’s father, Mike Hand, expressed his son’s aspirations for a career in motorsport. “His motivation keeps increasing,” he said. “We are looking to get him into cars now, and we’ve had some success with Formula tests.” The family is exploring various opportunities, including working with Formula racing teams in the United States.

To support families considering an entry into the sport, Alloy Racing has launched an online beginners course. Interested individuals can learn more about this initiative at https://courses.alloyracing.com/fast-track.

As young drivers continue to develop their skills at Strathmore Motorsports Park, the community remains committed to fostering a passion for racing while navigating the challenges that come with it.