[DeTomaso] Canadian drag racing threatened? BIG NPC

[Tomas Gunnarsson]

Is there really lead in the top fuel and nitro fuels?

Tomas

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick" <rwgushue at gte.net>
To: "Pantera List" <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:50 AM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Canadian drag racing threatened? BIG NPC


> 
> FYI, got this from another mailing list, interesting if really true. Any 
> Canadian Pantera owners know about this ??
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Racers, it seems the sky is truly falling. The Government of Canada is
> planning to implement a total and permanent ban on the use of leaded
> fuels for competition purposes, effective January 1st, 2009.
> 
> If this happens, Professional Drag Racing in Canada is over. Immediately,
> completely and forever. This isn't the same as the challenges we've faced
> in the past. This time, they're dropping the 'Big One'.
> No Pro Mod, No Pro Stock, No Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car and no American
> competitors in any of our sportsman classes. Only Alcohol Funny Cars
> would remain unscathed.
> 
> Although many Canadian sportsman competitors run their cars effectively
> on unleaded racing fuel or methanol, any of our competitors using leaded
> fuel have two choices. Change or quit.
> 
> The legislation arrived in our office last week. We took the time to read
> the document from start to finish to make sure we weren't overreacting.
> Then we talked to fuel suppliers, the IHRA and local politicians,
> including London's Bud Polhill; a long time drag racing advocate in the
> Canadian fuel wars.
> 
> What makes this bill viciously unfair is, they indicate that there may be
> increased health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously
> thought, and are advocating this change without any actual testing or
> proof. The US, Britain and Australia must not put much faith in this new
> information as they have no changes planned in their Leaded fuel for
> competition vehicles policies at volumes 10 to 100 times the annual Cdn.
> volume. Also the passing of this bill does not eliminate leaded fuel, it
> only eliminates our portion, which is 1.5% of the leaded fuel consumed in
> Canada (these are the Govt's own numbers right in the report
> Industry profile) the remaining 98.5% is used as aviation fuel and they
> have been given a permanent exemption. (which includes private pleasure
> planes, etc.)
> 
> Bottom line, it's as bad as it seems. The Canadian Government are
> legislating Canada's largest racing facilities out of business. The
> document can be found on the Government of Canada website, under Canada
> Gazette Part 1, Dec. 22, 2007. The link to the document is:
> http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2007/20071222/html/regle1-e.html
> If you're passionate about our sport, I can only beg you to call, write
> and email every politician you can think of, and let them know how you
> feel about your sport being forced out of existence.YOU NEED TO DO THIS
> ASAP AS THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THIS ACTION CLOSES ON FEB 20th , 2008 and
> it will then be scheduled for a vote. Make sure the companies that tailor
> their businesses around the performance industry know as well. They've
> got a big stake in this too.
> 
> This is the link that takes you to the current Members of Parliament.
> http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx
> On the left side of the page, you will see a text box labeled; Quick
> Search. Type in the name of your City or County to go to your local
> representative.
> 
> Some of Canada's smaller tracks may in fact survive, as their facilities
> are geared toward handling smaller events, slower cars and fewer
> spectators. Canada's Super Tracks, that have invested millions and
> continue to invest in their facilities on a yearly basis, like Castrol
> Raceway and Grand Bend Motorplex will, in all likelihood, cease to be.
> Picture the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, without the Maple Leafs and the
> Raptors.
> 
> You know, it's funny. No matter how many storms you weather, you never
> really believe that one big wave is going to hit, until you're already
> upside down in the freezing water.
> 
> To all the Drag racing competitors, crew and fans; thank you for your
> support and let's have a great year of racing in 2008. It may very well
> be our last.
> 
> Take care and play safe.
> 
> Ron Biekx
> General Manager, Grand Bend Motorplex
> 
> 
> 
> 
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