CSRA Snow Cross at Georgian Downs

  On Saturday February 18, 2017 I was lucky enough to get to Innisfil Ontario to see some CSRA Snow Cross at Georgian Downs. On the schedule was 120cc, Sport 1, Pro, specialty class, Pro open, Sport 2 600, Pro Lite and the very interesting looking snow bikes.

  The venue was very fan friendly, with fans able to watch the action from the outdoors along the fence or grandstand, or fans could watch the action from the grandstand inside out of the elements. Lots of refreshments were available inside as well as souvenirs and various retail items and displays.

  The day started out very nice and sunny with lots of snow, and only a small puddle near where I was shooting. I was ok where I was, because I was on a little snowy hill. As the day went on, the air temperature continued to rise causing lots of snow to melt, resulting in lots of track grooming. The snow started out very white and loose, and finished very dirty and very wet. This was great for making a snowman, but not so good to stand around in taking photographs. The small puddle that was beside me turned into a small lake with a river running through it. To get where I needed to go, I had to navigate through this mess. Needless to say, by the end of the say my feet were extremely wet.

  The events were fantastic, except for the injury that occurred right after I got trackside that caused an extended delay. I never heard an injury update, so hopefully the rider was fine. Throughout the different classes they were riders that would get lots of air, to riders that seemed to take great caution in the uneven terrain. They all put on a great show.

Snow bike in action.

  The most interesting thing to see was the snow bikes. So interesting in fact, the Discovery Channel was there covering them for an upcoming show. Only thing that concerned me about this is the drone that kept buzzing over my head at a low altitude. This made me extremely nervous. 

  The snow bikes are elongated in the back with a narrow track, and the single ski in the front to resemble a motorcross bike. They didn't jump around as much as their wheeled counterparts which was disappointing, but still provided some great action.

  It was a great day of shooting even with the soaked feet at the end of the day. If you get a chance to check out the CSRA Series sometime, be sure to get tickets. Get all the info you need at http://www.snowcross.com

 Till next time,

Britain West Motorsport Tour

  There are a few passions in my life. Obviously photography is one of them. Another is Motorsports. While hanging out on Facebook a few days ago I saw an article shared about Britain West Motorsport having an Open House for their new race shop in Brantford Ontario. I wish I could remember who shared the article, so I could thank them. It caught my eye immediately. As I read the article, I saw that the Open House was being held from 10am-3pm on Saturday, March 18, 2017. It's very surprising how close the race shop is from home, I had no idea. So I made sure to clear my schedule to attend.

  We arrived in the afternoon, after a relatively short drive. I grabbed my camera gear out of the car and off we went to the main entrance. They greeted us as soon as we entered the shop, making us feel very welcome. We were given a free raffle ticket as we were asked where we were from, and how we found out about the Open House. They really made us feel at home.

  Britain West Motorsport features Formula 1600, Formula 2000 race cars just to name a couple. Also on display was a beautiful 1961 Cooper T55 previously driven by the famous Bruce McLaren. On the other side of the shop was a gorgeous blue Austin Mini on display. Race cars and cars everywhere you looked. A car lovers paradise.

Formula 1600

  Not only were all these cars available to get up close and personal with, they also offered a simulator to test out, as well as snacks and refreshments. And I have to admit, the coffee was fantastic. And I also have to admit I tried a cookie too. And it was as tasty as the coffee. 

 I took several pictures of all the cars in various degrees of rebuild, and winter tune ups. The shop was very large with 2 main rooms, and extremely clean. The simulator and refreshments were in a couple rooms that were upstairs. At the top of the stairs there was a body that seemed to be from another Austin Mini. Not a place you'd expect to see a car.

  This is a place I could have spent all day in, but unfortunately it was getting close to 3pm so I thought I better move along. If you ever have a chance to tour this race shop, be sure not to miss it. 

  I would like to thank Britain West Motorsport for their hospitality. Hopefully I will see them at the track this year. Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/britainwest/

  Till next time,

1969 Austin Mini