SBRS: Imrie ice races, then flies to Florida

Winnipeg's Ward Imrie had another strong day of ice racing on Saturday taking a win and two second-place finishes in a day filled with little difficulties. The eighteen-year-old then went home to pack for a flight to Florida where he will compete in the Skip Barber Racing Shoot Out.

On Saturday, ice racing took Ward to Winnipeg Beach where an abbreviated schedule saw only three races held. Ward added to his already impressive record, including five straight wins two weeks ago at Saint Malo, with another win before finishing second twice.

The excellent results belie the fact that Ward did not have an easy day at the races. A thick layer of snow covered the ice track and Ward's three-cylinder Chevrolet Sprint often struggled to wade through the ruts and build up. The snow caused additional problems by building up in the engine compartment and even pulled a fuel line loose. Furthermore, on one occasion, it was discovered that the carburetor had come loose.

"We sure had our share of problems today," commented the Winnipeg, Manitoba, resident, "But we still got good results and kept the lead in the points standings."

On Sunday, Ward and his father, Wayne, left for Sebring, Florida, for the Skip Barber Racing Shoot Out. Sixteen of North America's top young racers have been invited by the racing school to compete for a US$30,000 scholarship to run the Skip Barber Formula Dodge R/T National Championship.

The Shoot Out, which will be held on February 7 and 8, includes three days of lapping/instruction with Skip Barber Racing and Ward has time booked today, tomorrow and February 6.

During the two-day evaluation, lap times will contribute to only a portion of the rankings. Drivers will be rated in many categories, including technical feedback, interview skills, interaction with other drivers and consistency on the track. The driver deemed to have the greatest overall potential of succeeding as a top-rung, professional racer will receive the scholarship.

"I'm confident I can do well," said Ward. "I'll have to give it everything I can, because they've only invited the best, but I'm sure I'll do well."

-Mark Jackson