http://miatavsmiata.ca/event-results/ (http://miatavsmiata.ca/event-results/)
The 2015 Western Canada Spec Miata Championship season is complete. The series winner has always started in the front row, attended every race during the season and has had only first or second place finishes. This year's champion has a combined skill set yet unmatched by any other competitor and often employed his skills to help his fellow competitors in their own championship pursuit. Whether due to his mastery of mechanics, car setup aptitude or his advanced competitive driving skills, Chris Semanciw is a racer that brings it all together in a recipe that's hard to beat. In amateur racing where the driver often "is" the race team, it is this combination of proficiencies that leads to victory. Congratulations to Chris in his #44 Spec Miata on his second straight Spec Miata Championship win with 347 points and a new track record. Rounding out the podium in second and third places overall are Gerard Tobin and Bob Veroba with 333 and 225 points respectively. Gerard won 9 out of the 15 races he attended for a 60% win percentage. Congratulations to the podium winners.
22 race car drivers competed in the 2015 Spec Miata Championship, 8 of them new this season. The best attended event was in August with an impressive 17 Spec Miatas on the starting grid. This was the largest Spec Miata grid in both Western Canada and the Pacific North West this year, short of a major US championship. This starting number also rivals the starting grid size of some of the best known professional series races and provided great value and experience for racers and spectators alike. All cars passed through the season without protest or major incidents. When minor incidents or mechanical difficulties occurred, fellow competitors helped each other to keep all cars running. It's no wonder that Spec Miata is now regarded as the single largest class of road racing in North America, with estimated thousands of Spec Miata race cars built and the opportunity to race at tracks all over the continent.
As a single marque, performance equalized series, Spec Miata racing is very competitive. Close competition provides instant feedback and compels drivers to improve their skills quickly. Shared driving tips, video and even telemetry data helped the entire field of cars get faster again this year. Track records were broken and last year's mid-pack cars all picked up the pace. Chris Semanciw broke Gerard Tobin's 2014 track record of 1 minute 30.248 seconds during the final event, with a best time of 1 minute 29.882 seconds. Meanwhile, mid-pack racers created some of the best spectating this season as tight 3, 4 or even 5 way tense battles often erupted, bringing spectators to their feet. Bob Veroba, Matt Beaubien, Doug Campbell, Mark Burrough, James Findlay, Baruch Laskin, and wild cards Chris Saunders and Jay Esterer all got into the mix. Even the officials, especially the corner marshals, were blown away by the intensity of the racing. The Spec Miata Championship has brought a whole new level of competition and excitement to amateur racing in Western Canada.
There were major improvements made by all drivers during the season, however one of the rookie drivers stands out in his performance. Stuart Taylor finished the championship in the Top 5 overall with three podium finishes during the season. With a strong background in autocross, Stuart gained the car control skills and foundation of knowledge to give him the confidence to transition into wheel to wheel racing. Starting patiently from the back of the grid in the early part of the season, Stuart progressively pushed the limit as he observed how the races unfolded in the pack ahead. As his understanding and comfort grew, he quickly put his formidable car control skills to work to place higher in the standings. Always positive, friendly and helpful and importantly without an on-track incident in his rookie year, Stuart set an example that all drivers in the Championship recognize and commend him on.
The success of the Spec Miata Championship and the variety of rewarding experiences and memories it has generated, would not be possible without the support of Mazda Canada and their generous support of the series including contingency funds. Mazda's direct involvement in the community and amateur racing, created the opportunity to grow the series quickly and successfully. Mazda is a major pillar of support to amateur racing in North America and has been regarded by some as racing's biggest "Angel Investor". The company offers contingency and support programs and driver development ladder programs helping more amateur drivers to participate and fulfill their racing dreams.
Major expenses to racers include the cost of consumables, particularly tires. Gee & Gee Racing in Leduc, Alberta provided great service and support to all of the competitors, ensuring that tire shipments were on time and that extra tires were always available throughout the season. Thanks to Hoosier tire company USA for extending the same deep discount to competitors north of the border. Lithium Automotive in Calgary provided the spec RA-1 wet tires at a price even better than manufacturer direct. Throughout the season, Subway, Fasstech and Bula also generously provided trophies and other support. The Northern Alberta Sports Car club and its volunteers hosted excellent events and race officials and corner workers worked tirelessly throughout. Races were sanctioned by WCMA.ca, affiliated with ASN Canada FIA, the same well known FIA in charge of Formula 1. Amateur competition licenses also provided by WCMA.ca.
Fabulous season! Well done; goes to the promotors, competitors and sponsors for you should be very proud of the level of competition, level of car preparation and the number of cars. Very professional.