|
3 ladies to make run for Gold Cup.
With the greater Edmonton area a buzz with the Rexall INDY, many a race fan have one particular drivers name reeling around, Danica Patrick. With all of major motorsports including INDY and NHRA reaping the rewards of new fans and supporters via the female "Diva Driver", it would is as simple at looking at our own local racing facility to see the same progress taking place. With no less then 3 young ladies looking to win this years prestigious Gold Cup, we are proud to promote the talents of these drivers.
The Gold Cup was first run in 1954 and has been a crown jewel for open-wheel racing in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest for over 50 years. This years event is slated for Castrol Raceway, July 11th & 12th with close to $30,000 in prize money up for grabs. Castrol Raceway is located south of Edmonton 2 kms west on Hwy 19 (Nisku) just off Hwy 2.
In a head to head comparison some may even argue the fact that our ladies could easily give Danica a run for the checkers. First the cars, well most have seen the sleek design of a million dollar technical driven INDY car, some have never seen the pound for pound champion of open wheel racing the Winged Sprint Car. Simply put the Sprint Car dominates with more horsepower and less weight then an INDY car. Driving these beasts is a feet within itself as they do not have all the computer programs that assist with cornering, braking and suspension. One would wonder if Ms Patrick would even take the challenge to race these ladies on their own turf. She at times has had issues being beaten by her male counterparts, not sure how well it would fair if she lost to one of our young ladies?
With no spotters, 20 crew members and millions in a racing budget, our homegrown talent are true racers with a passion for racing not the spotlight. Taking part in this years 2 day event are Karalyn Miller (Age 19), Danielle Huson (Age 19) and Jessica Lavallee (Age 16). Although the age may be youthful these ladies come to the track with years of racing experience. Miller is no stranger to victory as she is a multi feature winner and series champion in Sportsman Sprint racing. Huson, who’s father is the only 3-peat winner of the Gold Cup, has been competing with the best in Sprint Car racing throughout Washington and Montana. Lavallee is driving triple duty in 2008 racing in Outlaw Karts, Sportsman Sprints and 360 Sprint action. All three ladies look to be only the second female to win the Gold Cup since Shauna Wilskey did it back in 1999.
The Winged Sprint Car is a 700 horse power beast that flies down the straights and navigates the high banked corners at 100 MPH, all the time fighting for traction on the slick clay that makes up the racing surface. Known for the amazing slides and phenomenal speed, these are the cars that coined the phrase "sometimes you have to turn right to go left". For the motor sport fan the 2008 Gold Cup is a must see event that simply put rivals the best. For more information on the 2008 Gold Cup presented by N.P.P and Edson Chrysler visit Castrol Raceway at www.castrolraceway.com or call 780-461-5801.
|
|
