Montreal go-karting club a hotspot for F1 drivers amid Grand Prix
Posted June 17, 2022 4:35 pm.
Last Updated June 17, 2022 6:45 pm.
Over the years the go-karting track – Kart-O-Mania – has hosted many Formula One drivers and teams. That includes drivers like Lance Stroll, who is from Montreal and will be racing in his hometown Grand Prix this weekend.
Ferrari often makes their way down to Kart-O-Mania on de la Savane, looking to catch some speed before the flag drops on the big race.
“Most of the people in F1 came from go-karting and that’s the foundation of it,” said Thomas Schuler, President, Kart-O-Mania.
“Over my shoulder, our wall of fame. We’ve had the honour of having many Formula One drivers, NASCAR drivers, and even our little local heroes here come to Kart-O-Mania.”
Jacques Villeneuve, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel are some of the many F1 drivers that have set foot on their indoor track.
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“They really choose to come here,” explained Nadia Foti, Vice President, Kart-O-Mania.
“They know that when they come here, we’ll give them their space. And then they’re coming here for the love of the sport.”
Feeling the vibration in her heart – that’s what Foti remembers when watching the Grand Prix growing up – and her husband, Thomas Shuler, he’s raced in Formula Ford, Formula 2000.
Both are in love with racing.
“I’m very proud of our team here that we’ve been we’ve been here for 25 years and hopefully another 25,” said Schuler.
“He (Lance Stroll) would just ride around the track. I mean, obviously, he was also training here, a lot of work behind him, but he also come for birthday parties. It was like so nice to see his growth and now he still comes. He was here on Wednesday,” explained Foti.
“Carlos (Sainz), when was here on Tuesday with the Ferrari team, you were saying he goes, This is amazing training for the neck, for your ribs. It’s you take sort of a physical hit, but it is amazing training.”
Anyone can hit the pedal to the medal here – F1 drivers, kids at their summer camp, and kids at heart – everyone leaves feeling like a winner.
“When you come here. It’s not because you’re an F1 driver that you’re treated well. Anybody and everybody will be treated the same. It’s just who we are. It’s. It’s. It’s home,” added Foti.
