Devin Nominated for ITMN Reader's Choice Award
Inside Track Motorsports News
Devin Cunningham is in the running for the 2007 up and coming Canadian racer of the year in the annual reader's Choice Awards. You can vote for Devin at www.InsideTrackNews.com
(Photo: Eric McCombs - StarMazda.com)
Just One Race Left in 2007; Devin moves in to 4th place in the overall standings
Race #11
Devin Cunningham of St-Bruno, Qué., and AIM Autosport returned to the Star Mazda Championship podium on Saturday, notching a second-place finish in the penultimate race of the season. Weather conditions played havoc with car setup for many competitors, but the intermediate setup on Devin’s car worked well.
Quotes from Devin:
"It was a tough race starting out in somewhat wet conditions; it was sort of a crapshoot of what to put on the cars. The start of the race went to plan and then it was just picking guys off and figuring out where they were making mistakes. Huge thanks to the Discovery Channel AIM Autosport team – it was just a fantastic race."
"The car obviously wasn't perfect because we had an intermediate setup, but once we got to the front, our car was better and we just took off. It was a great race, a fun race."
The 45-minute race ended under caution, but Devin was confident of how it would have finished with just one more green-flag lap: "I would have come first!"
(Photo: Eric McCombs - StarMazda.com)
Badly-Timed Caution Turns a Good Run Bad
Race #10
AIM Autosport's Star Mazda Championship team had a rough race at Mosport International Raceway on Aug. 25. After qualifying well and making smart weather strategy calls, both team drivers were caught by the timing of the race's only caution period. Devin lost a lap in the pits to the leader, leaving him with a 12th-place finishes.
Devin qualified the No. 33 Discovery Channel Canada Mazda seventh and started the race on slick racing tires, but heavy rain forced him into the pits for rain tires early in the 46-minute race. Several competitors weren't as savvy, opting not to change tires. One spun off track causing a full-course caution that allowed the rest to pit for rain tires and fine-tune their setup for wet conditions.
Back on the track, Cunningham was slowed behind a driver who didn't stop for rain tires. As the caution started, their position relative to the safety car dropped them back a lap.
Quotes from Devin:
"To qualify seventh at Mosport was fantastic. When it came to the race, it was just bad timing. The yellow put us back one lap and there was just nothing we could do. All the guys who were on the podium had time to come in during the yellow flag and were able to change race settings. We were stuck running rain tires on a dry setup car from one lap down. It was just an awful weekend and I can't wait to better myself in Road Atlanta."
(Photo: Liz Leggett - CanadianRacers.com)
First-Corner Crash Catches both AIM's Mazdas at GP3R
Race #9
Devin Cunningham of St-Bruno, Qué., started the No. 33 Discovery Channel Canada Pro Formula Mazda 13th on the 26-car grid after a difficult qualifying session in Trois-Rivières. With setup changes made after qualifying, he charged ahead at the race start, gaining seven positions. His progress was for naught, though, as he had contact with a spinning competitor and lost the car's left-rear suspension. He watched the rest of the race from pit lane.
Quotes from Devin:
"I had a great car for the race. It's just unfortunate I got taken out by somebody else. It ripped my rear wing and wheel off – it went flying in the air – so I just pulled over to the side of the track and had to stop. The half-shaft came out, everything came off. I felt that the car was pretty good; I'm pretty sure it would have been a podium [finish]."
(Photo: Eric McCombs - StarMazda.com)
Devin finishes Sixth At Road America
Race #8
After a good qualifying effort 4th, Devin then had to overcome a string of issues to finish sixth in the 45-minute race.
Devin had a strong car all weekend, but started to lose power due to an electrical problem after the first caution period of the race. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time twice, as he crested a hill and hit another car's crash box (a crushable safety structure affixed to the rear of the car), then encountered a two-car crash in front of him. Despite a damaged front wing and loss of down force, he was able to recover from 13th to finish sixth.
Quotes from Devin:
"I'm really happy with the Discovery Channel AIM Autosport car, we had some bad luck during the race. I hit a crash box and there was a bad crash in front of me. I completely lost the down force on the front wing. Overall, so much went wrong, but we still got sixth. I just look forward to the next race.”
Devin Cunningham (left) on the podium in Toronto. (Photo: StarMazda.com)
Devin Scores Another Star Mazda Championship Podium Finish
Race #7
"In front of AIM Autosport’s hometown crowd during the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto 7th July Devin driver of the #33 Discovery Channel/AIM Autosport Mazda finished second in a 45-minute race.
Quotes from Devin:
"I was confident coming into the race, it was just a matter of pushing and avoiding the accidents in turns one and three. It was all about who could make the least mistakes and get the car set up right. The Discovery Channel AIM Autosport car was just bang on and we almost had a fight for the lead, however as the tires heated up, we lost a bit of momentum”.
"At first I thought it would be a bit of a distraction racing at home, but it was a confidence booster. One of the reasons I was so quick this weekend was because I pushed every aspect of the car every session. Ultimately, it was a big learning weekend for me."
The Toronto race will be broadcast on the Speed chanel on:
Sat, Jul 21 12:00PM
Mon, Jul 23 3:00PM
Discovery Channel Publishes Update About Devin
www.DiscoveryChannel.ca
"The Discovery Channel has published an update on their web site (www.discoverychannel.ca) about Devin's progress so far in the season. There are photos and a video interview with Canada's up-and-coming racer.
Use this link to go directly to the Cunningham feature.
Devin Salvages a Difficult Weekend With an 8th place in Cleveland
Race #6
"The race started the way everyone dreads, getting only 10 laps total on the track, before the start of the race. We were riddled with electrical issues all weekend from the start and with only 7 minutes left in qualifying I was on track with my practice tires. The Aim Autosport team put a Herculean effort in and did an amazing job at getting things sorted out in the end and I owe a lot to them for this weekend. We really made what could have been a no start, into a strong fight for a top 10."
"My main focus was to keep the car in one piece and to be careful as I made my way up the grid as high as 6th prior to the first yellow. About halfway through the race I was blocked and sandwiched on the outside of a crash which cost me a top 5. All in all a great weekend for myself and the team, we made the best with the hand we were dealt and found the electrical problem that had been plaguing us since VIR."
Devin is looking forward to the up coming races in Toronto and Trois-Rivières.
Devin wins at PIR - Photo by Eric McCombs
Star Mazda Series Rookie Devin Cunningham Takes Maiden Podium
Race #5
Devin Cunningham raced his #33 Discovery Channel/AIM Autosport Mazda takes victory at Portland International Raceway in Round Five of the 2007 Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear.
"I am so happy to be on the podium. The team and I have worked so hard all season, and now we have been rewarded for all the hard work. All the difficulties and disappointments the last two races where we had a true shot at a podium have disappeared, as we continue towards our targets for 2007, "said a beaming Devin".
"We didn't do well in practice and didn't qualify particularly well, but the team kept working at it and we got the job done in the race," said the native of St. Bruno, Quebec. "I paid attention to where other guys were going off course and was extra careful in those places. Beyond that it was a question of patience and picking cars off one at a time. This time last year, I was struggling to pay for my go-kart racing and to find myself winning my fifth formula car race, in the rain, is something that will take a while to sink in."
View a photo album from Portland
Next race, round 6 of 12 takes place on the streets of Cleveland the 24th June.
Devin makes progress at VIR
Virginia International Raceway, Virginia
Race #2
VIR last weekend was a very encouraging to say the least
Real speed was realized by Devin and the AIM team as they managed to run in the top 4 in both the dry & rain. After qualifying 8th his best qualifying effort to date the team made a few set up changes and in the Saturday morning warm up Devin was running third fastest until he pulled into the pits for some further fine tuning of the chassis. Grided 8th for the race, Devin had a good start only to start falling back after lap 2 when his engine went off .
Devin's thoughts on last weekend:
"Although initially disappointed, at the car letting me down I am very happy with the car set up and as a team, we are figuring out how to go fast. We had a top 4 time in practice in both the rain and dry with data traces in practice that theoretically would have put me in second if I had not been called in due to another car causing a red flag. This is truly getting exciting as I know I can run with the best."
"At the race start, all went well until about 2 laps in when the motor started acting up. After fighting to keep the car up as high up as I could we could only managed to finish in 13th at the end. After checking the telemetry data, we found a significant loss of top speed ranging from 6 to 8 mph."
"I'm am now confident we have a very strong package and know very well what is within reach the next few races as the No.33 Discovery Channel Aim AutoSport car. We will be fighting at the front."
Devin practices at Sebring - Photo: Todd McCall/otp.ca
Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida
1st race a big splash under severe conditions - Photo album
"In the pouring rain and heavy race traffic Devin finished 16th out of 32 starters. Devin unfortunately had to start from the pits dead last, due to a qualifying penalty (A CRASH IN QUALIFYING) bringing out a full course red flag and a trip to the clinic.
Race Synopsis
During the race, Devin passed 20 drivers however had to go back 4 places as he passed 4 drivers under a yellow flag. He would have easily finished in the top 10 but too many yellow flags bringing out the pace car for 90% of the race made this an impossibility. The drivers had two, almost three full laps green flag racing out of 40 minutes? Very disappointing to watch and probably even more frustrating for the drivers.
Devin did well to come from the back of a single file start to the mid field during the "only two green laps they had ?" . It was very obvious Devin was moving through the pack easily, from the spectators point of view and from the drivers point of view. "Good thing there's radio contact as I can see nothing", as Devin was passing around 6 to 8 drivers per green lap with excellent lap times for such poor visibility and heavy traffic.
The ups
There's another race coming up in April
Devin ran as high as 8th spot in practice with definite chassis set up problems
Finished with some points
Devin is confident with the car in rain or dry conditions
Devin was able to bounce back after a good hard crash
Looks like the car set up problem has been fixed
Both Devin and as a team still have lots of room for improvement
A good strong field of cars
The AIM Team is coming together quickly ( Lot of good fun professional people )
Two Canadian drivers came 1st and 2nd ths weekend
Five Canadians currently driving in the Star Mazda series
The downs
Starting from the back of the field
Devin was not able to get a clear lap during the race
The car was not working well, until the final
Some technical problems with the car were not understood or not fixed until just before the final race
The race was way too short
The hard crash in corner 17
The weekend is over
The whole family could not make it down
The next race is not for another month
Next race thru the streets of Huston on the 22 April.
View a photo album from Sebring
No mistaking who's ride this is - Photo by Cunningham
Cunningham completes 1st test weekend at VIR
1st chance to drive at speed in Star Mazda - Photo album
"It went extremely well for the first test. We were lucky to have one day dry and the second day wet so it gave myself and the team a chance to figure some things out and also helped me get comfortable in varying conditions"
"The Discovery Channel AIM Autosport vehicle is an impressive machine to drive. It's my first time in a car with working down force so that definitely took some adjusting however I will say I was like a little school girl the first time it was probably the most fun I have ever had driving a car. The speed in which you can corner dry or wet is absolutely shocking"
"I came into this test reminding myself that its not about speed at this point however after the two days with two other teams on the track im extremely confident we can enter this series with some impressive finishes even early on in the seaon"
View a photo album of the test session
Ron Fellows and Devin Cunningham - Photo by Ed Gatner/www.russbondagency.com
Sunoco’s Cunningham named ‘Star Racer’
Sunoco Team Ultra 94 member Devin Cunningham wins reality show prize
TORONTO, ONTARIO Sunoco Team Ultra 94 member and Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Rotax Max driver Devin Cunningham has won the reality show ‘Star Racer’. Star Racer pitted 16 of the top young Canadian race drivers against each other for the prize of a full year of racing in the Star Mazda series with AIM Autosport in 2007.
“This really is a dream come true for me,” Cunningham said. “I have to thank all those involved, and I also want to thank Ron Fellows and the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship. That is where I got my start here in Canada, which gave me the opportunity to compete for Sunoco’s Team Ultra 94 this year. That experience was key in my development and truly helped prepare me to win Star Racer."
“Devin did an amazing job on the show,” said series namesake Ron Fellows. “From where he started as ‘bubble boy’ to winning the whole thing is a testament to his drive and talent. It also validates what we are trying to accomplish with karting championship and Ultra 94 team. That is; preparing the best young talent Canada has to offer to make the most of opportunities that come their way in auto racing.”
Cunningham made a name for himself in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship in the Rotax Max Class. He won the Barrie Grand Prix in 2005, and that, in part, earned him a spot at the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Evaluation Day last year. Cunningham made a sizeable impression on the judges, one of which was Fellows. “We saw on Evaluation Day that Devin adapted to cars very well, and we selected him to join Sunoco’s Team Ultra 94 in 2006.” Fellows added.
Cunningham made his first bid to qualify for the Star Racer show at this year’s Barrie Grand Prix, but he had a frustrating weekend at the Ontario street race. Undeterred, Cunningham went to the next qualifying race at SRA Karting in Quebec, where he made the grade and was selected as one of the pre-qualifiers for Star Racer. The final selections for Star Racer were made in Edmonton, part of the ASN Canada FIA National Karting Championships, and Cunningham just sneaked in as one of the ‘reserve’ drivers.
As the competition got underway at Mt. Tremblant, once again Cunningham made an impression on the judges, and he was elevated from reserve driver to ‘competitor’ status. He progressed and made the finals, and then was selected as Star Racer on the show’s final episode last Tuesday.
Cunningham joins a long list of other young Canadians that have graduated from the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship to move onto a promising career in auto racing. Robert Wickens, who claimed the 2006 FBMW USA championship, and Sunoco Team Ultra 94 driver, Daniel Morad, who was 2006 Bridgestone Racing Academy Champion and 2006 FBMW USA Rookie of the year are just a few who developed their craft in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship, and now the series can lay claim to Discovery Channel Canada’s first ‘Star Racer’
Star Racer did you know?
Of the Star Racer competitors, Matt Champagne, Devin Cunningham, Kyle Herder, Pearce Herder, Stefany Malanka, Jen Carlson, Chris Green and Philippe Gelinas have all competed in the SRFKC over the past years.
The objective of the SRFKC is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact:
Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com
Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)
Photo by CanadianRacers.com
Devin Cunningham Crowned 1st Star Racer!
The long wait is over with the announcement of Cunningham's crowning as Canada's first Star Racer. An evening with family, friends and supporters was topped off with the live viewing of the final episode of Discovery Channnel's Star Racer.
Within minutes the first news hit the CanadianRacers.com website.
Click here to read the article
There is a photo album from the party.
Click here to view the album
Cunningham now looks forward to working with the AIM Motorsports team in preparation for the 2007 Star Mazda series.
Photo by Discovery Channel
Star Racer EPISODE 8: THE FINALE
The quest for the Star Racer is down to only seven drivers. Today they battle it out to win the big race and ultimately the title of Canada's first ever Star Racer.
The seven are: Philippe Gelinas, Chris Green, Devin Cunningham, Stevie Malanka, Kyle Herder, Ed Hunt and Lorenzo Mandarino.
The final day starts with a chance to impress potential sponsors. Being the fastest isn't the only criteria to become the first ever Star Racer. Representatives of Castrol, Mazda, and AIM team owner Ian Willis -- who will manage the Star Racer winner during the season -- listen to the drivers' pitches.
Also watching closely are judges Paul Tracy, Katherine Legge and Derek Daly. This is the last chance for each driver to show them that he or she is the 'total package'.
Philippe Gelinas impressed the sponsors - but can he do the same with the judges while the pressure is building? Stevie Malanka may be cracking...
After warm-up and qualifying laps, the final race looms. As a final twist, the judges decide to swap Lorenzo and Philippe's cars. Then the judges and instructors sign off with their final words of wisdom.
The race is on!!
Kyle and Lorenzo become the front runners. The back of the field soon looks like demolition derby.
The officials throw a yellow flag. After the debris is cleared, the pace car pulls away. Chris and Philippe resume their 20-year-old on-track feud, while Devin pushes to get ahead. The rest of the race is fast and clean.
And the winner of the race is Lorenzo Mandarino!!! He proves himself the fastest of the day and of the series, while Kyle slides into second place. Devin settles for third.
Early series-favourite Philippe is fourth, followed by Chris, Stevie and Ed.
True to character, Lorenzo shows off. Now it's up to the judges to make some tough decisions.
Both exhausted and hopeful, the drivers arrive at the garage for the announcement.
Constructive criticism leads the judges to eliminate the drivers one by one until it's down to two.
Derek Daly informs the two finalists - series front runner Lorenzo Mandarino and former 'bubble boy' Devin Cunningham - that the Star Racer winner won't be announced just yet. The announcement will take place at the final Champ Car race of the season - in Mexico City.
At the race, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, host Yannick Bisson names Canada's first ever Star Racer.
Both racers are crowd pleasers with a need for speed. The decision was tough, however the judges are unanimous: Canada’s first ever Star Racer is DEVIN CUNNINGHAM.
Devin Cunningham's Formula Star Mazda Racing career begins on March 16, 2007.
Star Racer Episode 7: Mazda's Semi-Final
Team Castrol's semi-final race in Episode 6 has left four drivers for the final.
Now it's Team Mazda's turn to take to the track.
The stakes are high and not all of Team Mazda's members will survive the process.
The rain and the competition are equally unrelenting.
Chris Green and Philippe Gelinas' decade-old rivalry on the track is showcased.
Matt Champagne lurks in third looking for an opening. A swap of cars may or may not help him beat them both.
Stock car racer Darrel Vallie only seems to spin. When Darrel crashes into Matt, they both have to pit, but they face different consequences.
Castrol's Challenge
Team Castrol takes their place at the pit stop challenge. Lorenzo is confident he knows the car. Are Devin, Stevie and Kyle just as sure?
As the judges watch closely the qualifying laps prove that open wheel experience is paying off.
Nerves are frayed as the Mazda drivers head into the semi-final race. The weather is still a factor-those who don't adapt will fall behind.
The racers head to the grid - Philippe Gelinas gets the pole but its smooth racer Chris Green who takes the checkered flag.
Chris' prize is lunch with the judges. Not all are happy with that decision. The rest of Team Mazda will have to wait until the elimination phase for feedback.
The first ever Star Racer is getting closer to being announced and no-one wants to go home before the big race!
The judges are looking for the ONE - but three more have to go.
PJ Groenke, Darrel Vallie AND Matt Champagne won't make the final.
Photo by Discovery Channel
Star Racer - EPISODE 6: Team Castrol's Race Day
The number of Star Racer drivers is dwindling.
As Team Castrol's semi-final race looms, the weather deteriorates. The rain tests driver skill and patience, forcing the drivers to read the track conditions carefully.
Six members of Team Castrol go to the garage -- as the judges scrutinize the results, two of them don't survive the elimination process.
Jen Carlson struggles and is singled out for some private track tutoring with Paul Tracy.
Speed demon Lorenzo Mandarino, closely followed by Kyle Herder, set the speed standard in the qualifying laps.
Theory Drills
While Team Castrol burns up the track, Team Mazda racers are tested on their technical knowledge. Only Darrel Vallie and Philippe Gelinas prove to know their cars.
In the semi-final Devin Cunningham finally finds his groove and hunts Kyle Herder for the win. Stevie Malanka nicks Lorenzo Mandarino's wing and forces both of them to pit.
Back on the track a fuming Lorenzo Mandarino stalks Stevie Malanka relentlessly.
In the end, Kyle Herder takes the checkered flag and Devin Cunningham has to settle for second. The heavy rain proves to be too much for Jen Carlson and her private coaching doesn't pay off.
Kyle's prize is a private meal with the judges. He's surprised to learn that he has to sing for his supper for survival.
The elimination is tense. The judges lay it all on the line for some and challenge others to pick up the pace.
For Jen Carlson and Adam Boutaleb the race is over. Team Castrol is down to its final four.
November 28, 2006 - DevinCunningham.com Launched
Devin Cunningham, in collaboration with the Russ Bond Agency, has launched a web site at www.devincunningham.com
Star Racer - Episode 5: Down to 12
For the Star Racer hopefuls reality has set in. At the end of the last episode two drivers were sent home -- now anything can happen.
Another early morning start has the drivers arrive at the track just in time to see some real speed. Champ Car driver Katherine Legge arrives in the Formula Star Mazda ride and announces herself as the third judge.
As the day gets going Teams Castrol and Mazda split up: Mazda heads to the skid pad while Castrol learns the lapping techniques.
As the judges watch Team Castrol lapping, they agree on one thing: Pearce Herder needs to get focused if he hopes to stay in the competition.
Lorenzo Mandarino gets pulled aside. His need for speed is getting in the way of his listening skills. When the lapping times are posted and he finishes fastest, he gets some satisfaction.
Team Mazda's skid pad challenge highlights Darrel Vallie’s driving skills for the first time, while Kristina Allinson struggles with the technique.
The afternoon has the teams switching places but not skill sets. At the skid pad Team Castrol has more problems than Mazda. Devin Cunningham shows another side of his personality and brotherly love is tested between the Herder boys.
During their lapping session, Team Mazda's work is sloppy and the instructors aren't impressed. In the hairpin Namerow corner, open-wheel novice Ed Hunt forces early favourite Matt Champagne to take a risk ... and it doesn't pay off.
As the daylight fades, the drivers head back to their chalets. Ed Hunt's Mazda teammates confront him on his track behaviour while Team Castrol speculates on who will go home.
With trepidation, sixteen drivers head to the garage where seven are called out by the judges. One-by-one the judges grill the seven competitors and nothing is held back as Katherine Legge earns her position on the judging panel with tough questions and even tougher criticism.
Four racers run out of time to prove they can do better: Robin Ng, Rahul Dua, Kristina Allinson and Pearce Herder.
Only twelve drivers have made it to the semi-finals.
Star Racer - EPISODE 4: Bubble Boy Moves Ahead
On the last episode of Star Racer the drivers were challenged both mentally and physically. Now a new day dawns and they take to the track at a walk -- to get a feel for the twists and turns of the course. It's racing school kindergarten to learn the important lessons of cornering and braking.
Then the drivers must all apply what they've learned in the morning orientation session.
The transition to open-wheelers is not easy for some. The weather plays a role as some of the drivers push too hard and face the wrath of the instructors. The first Star Racer crash comes down early.
Stevie Malanka returns from the hospital and with some private tutoring is brought up to speed on what she missed in the morning.
Getting behind the wheel
Self doubt sets in for some just as racing superstar Paul Tracy takes to the track and surprises the drivers as another one of their judges. This is the real deal -- and he will be watching as the drivers take to the cars for the first time.
Outsider Rahul and karter Blake don't impress the instructors or judges first time out.
Lorenzo Mandarino shows impatience.
‘Bubble boy’ Devin Cunningham catches judge Derek Daly's attention lap after lap.
Paul Tracy analyzes Rahul and Darrel's problems and speaks languages they understand – motorcycle and stock car.
The hard reality
The afternoon is good for some and more of a challenge for others. Robin Ng doesn't seem to get it and Jenn Rempel struggles to take up the risk.
And the hardest part is yet to come. The drivers are summoned to the garage to hear the decision of the judges. Two drivers have to leave. Some are questioned and others praised. Devin Cunningham leaves the bubble for Team Castrol while two others are sent home. For Jenn Rempel and Blake Choquer the race is over.
Four drivers have distinguished themselves and four others are in hot pursuit. Sixteen tired drivers return to their chalets to prepare for another long day.
Star Racer - EPISODE 3: On to Mont Tremblant
Full Episode 3 on Broadband
The Star Racer finalists are all selected and at the beginning of this episode they all converge at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal. This is the start of their journey to Mont Tremblant and the final phase of the competition. All of the hopefuls arrive but one - Rahul Dua - a stomach ache caused him to miss his flight and everyone had to wait.
When the 18 drivers board the bus for Mont Tremblant, things start to percolate. Jen Carlson and Lorenzo Mandarino have their first argument over Justin Timberlake.
In Tremblant the contenders file off the bus and into the picturesque village. Host Yannick Bisson welcomes the drivers then announces the teams - Team Mazda and Team Castrol are formed. A big surprise is dropped on the racers – Stefany "Stevie" Malanka joins the ranks of the Other discipline drivers because of her experience in Formula cars, and Chris Green - one of the racers on the bubble - moves into her spot. That leaves room for Jenn Rempel to move onto the bubble with Devin Cunningham. She has a long-standing rivalry with Kyle and Pearce Herder.
Deep divisions appear in Team Castrol when the drivers check into their chalets. Gender issues drive a barrier between some of the competitors. Devin Cunningham takes the brunt of some ridicule when some teammates mock him as "bubble boy". Devin really wants to get it on.
Mind Check
Mental toughness proves to be the first Star Racer challenge when performance enhancement coach Jacques Dallaire tests the racers' aptitude individually. Matt professed confidence while Philippe and PJ questioned their own results. Devin's past left him feeling even more vulnerable and he shares a secret from childhood that touches everyone.
Tired, the competitors head to Jim Russell Racing School for a class with Chief Instructor Philippe Letourneau and Former Formula 1 racer, broadcaster and Star Racer Judge Derek Daly tells the drivers exactly what he'll look for when passing his judgement.
The Results
Later Jacques Dallaire posts his aptitude test results. Matt basks in the glory of number one while 'bubble racers' Jenn Rempel and Devin scored high enough to put the others on notice: they are willing and able to fight for a place on Teams Mazda and Castrol.
The episode ends with a physical fitness test. Ed Hunt, an elite level mountain biker cruises to an easy victory. Jen Carlson needs oxygen to recover and Stevie Malanka crashes and gets a huge wound in her leg. She takes the ambulance to the hospital.
No-one has driven a race car yet but already the first day at Le Circuit has taken a toll.
On the next Star Racer the competitors take to the track again in cars. It's all about potential and the judges kick it into high gear after Paul Tracy arrives on the scene in a Formula Star Mazda race car.
At last the race is on to find Canada's first-ever Star Racer.
Star Racer - Episode 2: On to Edmonton
ON BROADBAND: Episode 2, in full
With 16 karters already pre-qualified and four 'Others' ready to take them on, Star Racer headed west to the National Karting Championships in Edmonton. This important event saw karters focus on winning Canadian titles and making the final cut for Star Racer and the trip to Mont Tremblant.
Rain poured down and tempers flared as equipment failed and the pressure exacted a heavy toll.
Karting comeback kids Chris Green and Matt Champagne took their on-track altercation off the track and defended their own racing styles in the deluge.
The Herder brothers Kyle and Pearce scrapped with Jenn Rempel over their racing strategies. The brothers had other problems too as fellow karters took turns trying to split them up. Pearce found himself in a heart-pounding race against time just to get onto the final race as a huge pile-up changed everything.
Personalities revealed
Lorenzo Mandarino took offence big-time when a fellow competitor flipped him the exclamation finger and the officials had to step in.
Philippe Gelinas was unable to get a decent Kart onto the track and was forced to place his fate in the hands of the judges. Without a qualifying time, his quest for a spot on Star Racer would have to rest on his history and reputation.
The quiet one, Devin Cunningham shared his strategy: sleep, dream, wake-up and drive! He thrust himself into the picture with a great finish.
Big egos were displayed as another group of 'Others' hopefuls sat in the grandstand and heckled the participants. West coaster Adam Boutaleb stressed his winning personality both on and off the track while fellow 'Others' PJ Groenke and Robin Ng proved to be more even-keeled in their quest for the life changing opportunity of Star Racer.
At the climax of the episode the final field is set in the judgement in the garage. The Karters and the Others finalists are chosen and the competition heads back east to the track at Le Circuit where everything will be decided.
In Episode 3 the final competition begins as the search to find the first-ever Star Racer continues. Watch for it Tues. Nov. 7 on Discovery Channel and Tues. Nov. 13 on Discovery Broadband.
Star Racer - EPISODE 1 – Karters pre-qualified, 4 Outsiders picked
ON BROADBAND: Episode 1, in full
Geared up to find the next great young driver in Canada, roaring engines and racing hearts started the premiere episode of Star Racer.
The best of Canada's Karters and the best from other racing disciplines began competing for the title of Star Racer and the chance of a lifetime -- a full season of racing for Star Mazda.
The stakes were high as the Karters took to the tracks in Barrie and St Roch while the non-karting 'Outsiders' judged their chances from the sidelines.
Matt Champagne returned to the Karting world by spending money he doesn't have to fight for the Star Racer title.
Richard Boake proved to be one of loudest staking his claim as the one to beat when he mixes it up with another young hopeful Kyle Marcelli.
Jean-Francois Valour, thwarted by another Karter who got too close, prowled the paddock looking to make a point. Philippe Gelinas is picked by many to win it all, but the early favourite runs into desperate engine problems.
'Outsider' Ed Hunt claims to be the fittest competitor in the finals and Kristina Allinson lets everyone know that women are just as fearless as men.
By the end of the episode, 16 Karters are pre-qualified and hope to make the final cut for Mont Tremblant with a chance to prove themselves at Le Circuit. Four Outsiders are hand picked to go directly to the final: Kristina Allinson, Ed Hunt, Rahul Dua, and Darrel Vallie.
But this is just the beginning - the final selections will be made in Episode Two at the Canadian Karting Championships in Edmonton. The race is on!!