News Archive (Nov-Dec 2006)

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> 27 December 2006

Female drivers prepare to succeed at LSJ Foundation Driver Development Program

PHOENIX, Ariz. - On Dec. 9-12, 2006 16 young and unique female race-car drivers attended the 13th annual LSJ Foundation Driver Development Program in the Phoenix area, including the Bondurant High Performance Driving School at Firebird Raceway, for four days of intensive physical, psychological, media and business training to help prepare them for a future in professional motorsports.

Past graduates of this program, founded in 1994 by former Indy 500 competitor and motivational speaker Lyn St. James, include Danica Patrick, Erin Crocker, Melanie Troxel, Allison Duncan, Sarah Fisher, among others who have gone on to succeed in their respective auto-racing categories.

The drivers in this year's class came from 13 states (Arizona, Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois, New Mexico, Idaho, Texas, New York, Ohio, Maryland, California, Washington and Florida) along with local 15-year-old Cassie Gannis of Phoenix. Their resumes include competing in go-karts, mini sprints, jr. dragsters, quarter midgets, winged sprint cars, sports cars, and bandeleros. The program began Dec. 9-10 at Athlete's Performance in Tempe, Ariz., where the drivers worked on physical fitness and mental preparedness under the guidance of Dr. Jacques Dallaire of Performance Prime. On Dec. 11, they headed to the Bondurant School in Chandler, Ariz. for media training under the direction of media specialist Judy Stropus and a class discussing the business side of racing with financial expert Linda Conti of A.G. Edwards in Indianapolis. They then worked with Alan Rudolph at the Bondurant Karting program in the afternoon. On Dec. 12, Mike Loescher of the Finish Line Racing School in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., led them through a chassis set-up class.

"There's no school to learn how to become professional race-car drivers," says St. James, whose LSJ Foundation has promoted women in racing since 1994. "There are no training camps, no scouts, no advance curriculum in colleges and universities that provide the expertise and resources to develop the tools and skills in whatever type of racing is available based on their geography, financial capability, age, and sometimes gender.

"There are schools and programs available to learn to drive a race car and even to compete," St. James continues, "but what do you do next? Even if you've won championships, set track records, and earned a bookcase full of trophies and awards, more often than not, that's as far as a driver gets. Team owners don't know they exist, and other than family and friends and some local fans, as well as other important people like the media and sponsors, also don't know they exist. And if they are given an opportunity to perform at a higher level, they often are not prepared for the world they so desperately seek."

St. James made a decision in 1994 to try to change that. Her goal was to provide information and expertise to up-and-coming racers, in particular female racers, by pooling together experts in such fields as physical fitness, mental preparation, nutrition, media training and the business of racing. She also strove to provide technical instruction, as well as a variety of on-track activities, in an effort to provide the necessary tools to become successful in the professional ranks of the sport. "This program isn't about going fast," adds St. James. "It's about learning what to do after you've learned to be the best on the race track in whatever type of race car you race. It's about being prepared to become a professional champion. It's all about being prepared to succeed!"

Dr. Jacques Dallaire has served as an expert resource to the LSJ Driver Development Program since its inception in 1994.

Comments from 2006 Graduates:

"I cannot explain the value of the knowledge you shared with us at the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program, but I really appreciate it. I will most definitely be putting the information you gave us to good use, and I'm sure I will see an improvement in my driving as well as other things in my life. Thank you."
- Kerstin Smutny

"Thank you for talking, teaching, and helping at the Lyn St. James Program! It was very informational and it was really fun! I love the games. I play them every day and my scores keep improving. I try to apply everything you taught us in my everyday life."
- Kristine Daggett

"Dear Dr. Dallaire. The first day we arrived, you talked to us about mental preparation and I would have to say that is the most important thing I learned. Don't get me wrong though because all the other key items that I learned while I was there were very important as well but I believe that you must be focused at all times in order to do well. Though the program only lasted 4 days, I can already see a change in the way I present myself and the way I think about the race. When I returned home I had to go to school in the morning for final exams, then head straight to the track for the PRI show because I was racing in it. The first day for the show, I set fast time during practice and I believe that the information you gave to us about being focused and on task was part of the way I was able to do so well. Though I didn't win the race, I was able to finish with my head held high and know that I did my best. You gave me so much information that I know will not only help me with my racing career but also in my life as well. The information you have given to me has helped to reinforce my way of thinking and will help me drive towards meeting my goals that I wish to achieve in life. Thanks for everything."
- Chelsea Schillig

"I just wanted to tell you thank you for everything at the LSJ DDP. I learned so much from you, not only about racing but also about me and my life. Thanks again for everything!"
- Kathryne Elizabeth Minter

> 5 December 2006

CORNELIUS, NC - Season Wrap-Up: The 2006 racing season saw Performance Program alumni capture no less than 35 top-10 championship placings in major auto racing categories around the world. Well done to all of our auto racing alumni, and best wishes for an even better 2007!

> 28 November 2006

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) announced the nine finalists to be inducted into the Hall at an award ceremony at the 14th annual black tie Gala on Saturday, February 10, 2007 in Toronto. Among the 2006 inductees are Dr. Jacques Dallaire and his longtime research partner, Dr. Dan Marisi.

This year's inductees come from a variety of racing disciplines and are being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Canadian racing. Nominations for induction are accepted by the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame's Nomination Committee, which carefully scrutinizes all submissions for accuracy. Complete nominations are then forwarded to the Selection Committee which is comprised of a national panel of automotive and racing journalists and historians who make a selection based on overall accomplishments and contributions to Canadian motorsport.

The 2006 inductees are:

• Bob Atchison, Builder, Drag Racing
• Alec Bennett, Competitor, Motorcycle Racing
• John Bird and Bruce Simpson, Competitors, Rally Racing
• John Duff, Competitor, Oval and Road Racing
• Lorne Liebel, Competitor, Boat Racing
• Dr. Jacques Dallaire and Dr. Dan Marisi, Builders, All
• Ted Powell, Competitor/Builde,r Road Racing
• Lloyd Shaw, Competitor/Builder, Oval Track Racing
• Robert Theoret, Competitor, Boat Racing

Thom Dickinson, President and Chairman of the Board of CMHF says, "The reason the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame exists is to honour the special men and women who have contributed to making Canada one of the world's great racing nations. We are very excited to announce the newest list of outstanding Canadians, who, through their notable achievements, have contributed to Canada's racing heritage and have left their stamp on Canadian motorsport."

The gala ceremony and dinner, including a Silent Auction, will be held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto located at 123 Queen Street. Individual tickets are $220 each, and a table of 10 can be purchased for $2,200. Tickets purchased prior to December 31, 2006 are $195 each and a table of 10 is $1,950. Tickets may be purchased by calling 905-876-2454, or by visiting the CMHF website at www.cmhf.ca.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame makes up one of the largest motorsport collections in Canada, housing more than 20 racing cars, boats and motorcycles. It also holds an extensive archival collection, some of which will be on display at the annual induction dinner.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honour and recognize the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to Canada’s rich and colourful motorsport history. Since its inception, more than 125 people have been inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame including Greg Moore, Scott Goodyear and the legendary Gilles Villeneuve. In 1999, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame combined with the Canadian Automotive Collection and operates as a charitable organization that is funded by in-house events, individual donations and corporate sponsorships.

For full details of the event, visit the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame's website at www.cmhf.ca.

> 07 November 2006

* Watch for Performance Specialist Dr. Jacques Dallaire as he is called upon to contribute to Star Racer, the eight episode program being featured on Discovery Channel beginning on Oct 24, 2006. Much of Dr. Dallaire's testing with the 16 young racer standouts will be aired in episodes #3 and #4, during the next 2 weeks beginning today, Tuesday November 7. *

With tires squealing, hearts pounding and a dream career up for grabs, Star Racer captures the essence of racing, speed, competition and what it really takes to become a champion. This original eight-part series - produced by Toronto's Insight Productions (Canadian Idol, the JUNO Awards) in association with Silverscreen International - delivers high-octane action, technical acumen, split-second calculation and a mastery of how to manipulate speed.

Hosted by actor and racing enthusiast Yannick Bisson (Hockey Night, Sue Thomas F.B. Eye), Star Racer has discovered the most promising racecar drivers in the country, and for one exceptionally talented driver, will make his or her pro racing dreams come true. From a rich field of young hopefuls, Star Racer is about the discovery of the one determined racer who blows away the competition; the one who takes the checkered flag and upholds the complex code of sportsmanship expected of a champion racer. At the end, the Grand Champion - the one who has all the right stuff to be declared Canada's fastest racing star - will receive the ultimate prize: a full-season sponsored ride on Formula Star Mazada circuit with the AIM Racing Team.

Strap in for a ride that starts by narrowing down the field - go Karters, stock car drivers, motorcycle riders, sports car racers, street racers and speed demons from every driving discipline are cast and qualified at existing events held around the nation. Once qualified, the 16 finalists, (eight Karters; eight drivers from other racing sports, dubbed "the Others"; plus two wildcard racers in reserve) rally at the world famous Jim Russell Driving School on the legendary Le Circuit racecourse in Mt. Tremblant, Quebec. Split into two rival teams - Team Mazda and Team Castrol - the competition begins in earnest... on the track and off! Each driver will strive to master the science presented by the track, the cars and the competition.

The quest intensifies as the young dreamers are drilled by expert instructors, forced to adapt quickly and step-up to the rigours and demands of open wheel racecars. A panel of superstars from the racing world, including Paul Tracy and Derek Daly, judges the merit of each competitor through a series of evaluations, time-trials and full-throttle races. Their limits are tested by the track and stretched by the strain of living together - the friction of close quarters with competitors whose racing specialties are wildly different... and perhaps not fully appreciated or respected by their Star Racer peers. They must strive to balance their work together as teams against their solo racing aspirations - and keep and eye on the rearview mirror as the reserve racers nip at their heels, desperate to pull head on the track. Week by week, each racer must fight to survive the cut as each episode unfolds and the Star Racer field is whittled down.

Only the most determined and gifted driver will survive the quest on the course to take the final checkered flag. That racer will walk away with a dream fulfilled, a chance to blaze a path towards the big time with a full season's ride on a professional open-wheel racing team, and the title of Star Racer.

More info & airdates: www.discoverychannel.ca/starracer

> 6 November 2006

CORNELIUS, NC - The months of September and October saw a combined 32 podium finishes from 29 Performance Program alumni in major auto racing categories around the world. Congratulations and best luck to all racers as we head into the last races of the season!