THUNDER BAY - Aspiring racecar drivers were putting the pedal to the medal in support of cancer research this weekend.
The 3rd Annual Thunder Bay Autosport Club AutoX Fundraiser was held in the parking lot of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Sunday. With 39 drivers participating, the best turnout yet, organizers are hoping to raise more than $6,000 in support of the Northern Cancer Fund.
“It’s great to see a ton of people come out,” said Marc Sacco, treasurer of the Thunder Bay Autosports Club. “The more drivers the better. A lot of hard work goes into this event so when people come out and race, it’s just a really great feeling. It makes all the work worth it.”
Drivers are encouraged to raise $100 or more to receive a reduced entry fee. In the past, drivers have raised between $400 and $600.
The AutoX fundraiser has raised over $11,000 over the last two years. Over $6,000 was raised in the first year alone and Sacco said that with so many drivers participating this year, he hopes to surpass that total.
“The sky is the limit,” he said. “We don’t really have a goal in mind but at the end of the day, every penny counts, so whatever we can pull through, that would be great.”
Jesse Hernandez and Marcy Costa were participating in the AutoX for the first time on Sunday. After taking his car on the first run with Costa in the passenger seat, Hernandez said it was great to finally see what his car can do on the track.
“I’ve always been into the car scene, but I’ve never tried testing out my car on the track, and this is the closest thing we’ve come to, and I thought it was a great opportunity,” he said.
With cars reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, Hernandez added that he likes to push his car to the limit and seeing what his best time will be. For Costa, it’s all about the thrill.
“I am his support and I like going fast,” she said. “It is a nice little thrill, too. It’s a fun new hobby that I’ve picked up.”
