June 18-20, 2021 - VARAC Vintage Grand Prix - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
The first race of the year was at CTMP for the Vintage Grand Prix. Originally, the FFCS planned to come up with their own grid, but with COVID causing the borders to remain closed, that wasn't a possibility. Our grid ended up being Formula Classic, which was all formula cars and sports racers. We were one of five Fords racing on the weekend.
The Zink had it's problems through Friday and Saturday. Over the off-season, we replaced a failing water pump. Unfortunately the one we put on wasn't exactly the same as what we took off, and the differences showed as the pulley and belt kept coming apart while I was on the track. Through the first two days and four sessions, we didn't finish any of them. At the end of Saturday, Ed Luce came to the rescue with the right pump, and we recovered to have a great Sunday. First race, starting at the back with Steve Adams in a Lola T540, we worked our way up together and ended up in a great race together with Michael Cross in a Formula Renault. In the second race, Adams took off, and I then had a great battle with Steve Wagland and Doug Beatty, with a very exciting final two laps. A tough race weekend ended up with a lot of excitement and a car in one piece back in the trailer.
The first race of the year was at CTMP for the Vintage Grand Prix. Originally, the FFCS planned to come up with their own grid, but with COVID causing the borders to remain closed, that wasn't a possibility. Our grid ended up being Formula Classic, which was all formula cars and sports racers. We were one of five Fords racing on the weekend.
The Zink had it's problems through Friday and Saturday. Over the off-season, we replaced a failing water pump. Unfortunately the one we put on wasn't exactly the same as what we took off, and the differences showed as the pulley and belt kept coming apart while I was on the track. Through the first two days and four sessions, we didn't finish any of them. At the end of Saturday, Ed Luce came to the rescue with the right pump, and we recovered to have a great Sunday. First race, starting at the back with Steve Adams in a Lola T540, we worked our way up together and ended up in a great race together with Michael Cross in a Formula Renault. In the second race, Adams took off, and I then had a great battle with Steve Wagland and Doug Beatty, with a very exciting final two laps. A tough race weekend ended up with a lot of excitement and a car in one piece back in the trailer.
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - DNF
- Race 2 - DNF
- Race 3 - 7th overall, 2nd in CF
- Race 4 - 4th overall, 3rd in CF
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September 19-20, 2020 - BEMC Late Summer Trophy Races - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Our final race weekend of the year, at CTMP, had us on the VH grid. We had very healthy numbers, with a total of 29 cars attending. I was 1 of 2 Formula Fords on the weekend, with Kevin Young also in attendance in his Crossle.
The Zink ran great all weekend, with a couple minor issues, but nothing to hamper the performance on the track. Kevin had a DNF on Saturday, and had to start from the back on Sunday morning. He managed to finish 2nd, so race 3 on Sunday afternoon was a great battle. I took a decent lead through the first half of the race, but Kevin managed to catch up as we worked through lapped traffic. Swapping places multiple times over the final few laps, it set up a great finish. Leading the final lap, I knew I didn't want to lead up the back straight. Going into turn 4, I let off the gas a bit, and Kevin went on by taking the bate. I managed to stick with him in the draft up the straight, and got inside on turn 8. It was enough to hold him off through 9 and 10, and I took the exciting win by 0.1 seconds.
Our final race weekend of the year, at CTMP, had us on the VH grid. We had very healthy numbers, with a total of 29 cars attending. I was 1 of 2 Formula Fords on the weekend, with Kevin Young also in attendance in his Crossle.
The Zink ran great all weekend, with a couple minor issues, but nothing to hamper the performance on the track. Kevin had a DNF on Saturday, and had to start from the back on Sunday morning. He managed to finish 2nd, so race 3 on Sunday afternoon was a great battle. I took a decent lead through the first half of the race, but Kevin managed to catch up as we worked through lapped traffic. Swapping places multiple times over the final few laps, it set up a great finish. Leading the final lap, I knew I didn't want to lead up the back straight. Going into turn 4, I let off the gas a bit, and Kevin went on by taking the bate. I managed to stick with him in the draft up the straight, and got inside on turn 8. It was enough to hold him off through 9 and 10, and I took the exciting win by 0.1 seconds.
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - 1st overall
- Race 2 - 1st overall
- Race 3 - 1st overall
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August 29-30, 2020 - Calabogie Cup, Calabogie Motorsports Park
The weekend at Calabogie included all vintage cars from the VH grid, as well as the smaller cars from the Classic grid. What we ended up getting was a mix bag of 21 cars, ranging from our Zink Club Ford, to a GTU Mazda RX3, to a collection of MGBs.
As we had the only Club Ford on the grid, there wasn't a lot of competition for us. The biggest threat was Russ Bond in his newly built high powered Mazda RX3. Saturday's race was wet, and Sunday morning the Mazda broke. Sunday afternoon being the only time the Mazda got going, Russ just didn't have the handling in the car sorted yet. I managed to win all three races easily in the end. The car ran great all weekend, and we had a great time being there!
The weekend at Calabogie included all vintage cars from the VH grid, as well as the smaller cars from the Classic grid. What we ended up getting was a mix bag of 21 cars, ranging from our Zink Club Ford, to a GTU Mazda RX3, to a collection of MGBs.
As we had the only Club Ford on the grid, there wasn't a lot of competition for us. The biggest threat was Russ Bond in his newly built high powered Mazda RX3. Saturday's race was wet, and Sunday morning the Mazda broke. Sunday afternoon being the only time the Mazda got going, Russ just didn't have the handling in the car sorted yet. I managed to win all three races easily in the end. The car ran great all weekend, and we had a great time being there!
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - 1st overall
- Race 2 - 1st overall
- Race 3 - 1st overall
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August 15-16, 2020 - SMP Cup, Shannonville Motorsport Park
After a difficult start of the season with the first half of the year cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we finally made it out to our first race of the season at Shannonville. We were 1 of 3 Club and Post Club Fords on the grid. Steve Wagland in his Van Diemen, and newcomer to VARAC (but far from a newcomer to racing), Doug Beatty in his Crossle.
Fighting brake issues all weekend, I was never able to keep up with Doug, and I came home as the 2nd place Ford in each of the races. It was a fun, relatively calm weekend. Nice to get back on the track!
After a difficult start of the season with the first half of the year cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we finally made it out to our first race of the season at Shannonville. We were 1 of 3 Club and Post Club Fords on the grid. Steve Wagland in his Van Diemen, and newcomer to VARAC (but far from a newcomer to racing), Doug Beatty in his Crossle.
Fighting brake issues all weekend, I was never able to keep up with Doug, and I came home as the 2nd place Ford in each of the races. It was a fun, relatively calm weekend. Nice to get back on the track!
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - 4th overall, 2nd in FF
- Race 2 - 3rd overall, 2nd in FF
- Race 3 - 4th overall, 2nd in FF
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October 11-13, 2019 - VRG at The Glen - Watkins Glen
After a strong weekend at Road America, we were off again to Watkins Glen, attempting to repeat a fantastic weekend that we had at the 2018 event. 34 Formula Fords were entered within VF, CF, and FF with a number of strong contenders at the front.
Qualifying was cut short to a one lap shootout, where I managed to come away with a 4th place. Saturday would be mostly wet, with some carnage throughout the day. Because of the weather, the feature race was moved to Sunday morning. Right off the start of the race, the two fast VDs of Treadway and Agnifilo crashed in T1 of the first lap, which opened things right up for the front. On the restart, I managed to get to the front of the field, with Dan Pyanowski close behind. Just two laps later, however, the car started bobbling, and eventually quit on me. Turned out to be the distributor coming lose and eventually popping right off the engine. Diagnosed back to an incorrect mount size from a fix that we did at RA weeks before, finally worked itself loose.
Within the weekend, we did manage to get enough positive results to win the inaugural Can/Am Formula Ford Challenge for CF. It was a great weekend, made even more friends within the VRG group, and once again showed we have the speed to contend. We'll be back next year.
After a strong weekend at Road America, we were off again to Watkins Glen, attempting to repeat a fantastic weekend that we had at the 2018 event. 34 Formula Fords were entered within VF, CF, and FF with a number of strong contenders at the front.
Qualifying was cut short to a one lap shootout, where I managed to come away with a 4th place. Saturday would be mostly wet, with some carnage throughout the day. Because of the weather, the feature race was moved to Sunday morning. Right off the start of the race, the two fast VDs of Treadway and Agnifilo crashed in T1 of the first lap, which opened things right up for the front. On the restart, I managed to get to the front of the field, with Dan Pyanowski close behind. Just two laps later, however, the car started bobbling, and eventually quit on me. Turned out to be the distributor coming lose and eventually popping right off the engine. Diagnosed back to an incorrect mount size from a fix that we did at RA weeks before, finally worked itself loose.
Within the weekend, we did manage to get enough positive results to win the inaugural Can/Am Formula Ford Challenge for CF. It was a great weekend, made even more friends within the VRG group, and once again showed we have the speed to contend. We'll be back next year.
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - 2nd overall/CF
- Race 2 - 1st overall/CF
- Race 3 - 3rd overall, 2nd in CF
- Race 4 - 3rd overall, 2nd in CF
- Race 5 (feature) - DNF
- Race 6 - DNS
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September 11-15, 2019 - Formula Ford 50th Anniversary - Road America
Attending the 50th Formula Ford Anniversary event at Road America in Elkhart Lake was a very special opportunity for us. A once in a lifetime event that was second to none based on the number of entries and the competition through the fields. What would end up to be an event of three fields of Formula Fords totaling almost 200 cars was fantastic.
A wet Thursday test day was enough to be able to show me which way the track went, as well as sort out some season long issues we had been having. First session out, we had the same electrical issue that had been coming up at the previous two events. Changing the distributor finally cured it (yay!) and we were off. A small scare going into qualifying where the car wouldn't start when we asked it to meant that I had to start the session at the back of the field. The back of a field of 82 cars meant there would be NO clear laps. I managed to do well enough for 22nd, and keep myself in the conversation. The qualifying race and feature race would be fantastic fun, being in groups of no less than 8 or 9 cars in each race, passes every lap. Racing with iconic names in the sport, and iconic cars such as the AAR Eagle is something I will never forget!
Attending the 50th Formula Ford Anniversary event at Road America in Elkhart Lake was a very special opportunity for us. A once in a lifetime event that was second to none based on the number of entries and the competition through the fields. What would end up to be an event of three fields of Formula Fords totaling almost 200 cars was fantastic.
A wet Thursday test day was enough to be able to show me which way the track went, as well as sort out some season long issues we had been having. First session out, we had the same electrical issue that had been coming up at the previous two events. Changing the distributor finally cured it (yay!) and we were off. A small scare going into qualifying where the car wouldn't start when we asked it to meant that I had to start the session at the back of the field. The back of a field of 82 cars meant there would be NO clear laps. I managed to do well enough for 22nd, and keep myself in the conversation. The qualifying race and feature race would be fantastic fun, being in groups of no less than 8 or 9 cars in each race, passes every lap. Racing with iconic names in the sport, and iconic cars such as the AAR Eagle is something I will never forget!
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 (qualifying) - 15th, 18th best time
- Race 2 (feature) - 16th
- East vs. West Challenge - 37th
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August 17, 2019 - VARAC 40th Anniversary - Shannonville Motorsports Park
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the VARAC Vintage Grand Prix, VARAC hosted a special members only one day event at Shannonville, the place where the club held it's first big event. GRR took both cars up for the busy day, that would have a Qualifying session and three races. The Formula Classic grid had 13 cars in it, including 6 Fords, and 6 Vees (the Kelly being the only Vintage Vee).
The cars set out to qualify, and just a couple of laps in, the gear shifter on the Zink came loose, making gear shifts impossible. Just to set a time, I managed to get the car in 3rd gear and pedal around the whole track without shifting. I still managed a respectable time and set the car on pole for the first race. That's when everything fell apart. Race 1 and 2 would be in the rain, and to add on to that, the electrical gremlins that came up at CTMP a few weeks earlier came to light again, missing at higher RPM. The issue got worse as the day went on, and on the 3rd race I got just the one lap in.
The Kelly, as expected, had a wonderful showing. A careful and precise laps put the car in good standing each race, bringing it home happy and healthy at the end of the weekend.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the VARAC Vintage Grand Prix, VARAC hosted a special members only one day event at Shannonville, the place where the club held it's first big event. GRR took both cars up for the busy day, that would have a Qualifying session and three races. The Formula Classic grid had 13 cars in it, including 6 Fords, and 6 Vees (the Kelly being the only Vintage Vee).
The cars set out to qualify, and just a couple of laps in, the gear shifter on the Zink came loose, making gear shifts impossible. Just to set a time, I managed to get the car in 3rd gear and pedal around the whole track without shifting. I still managed a respectable time and set the car on pole for the first race. That's when everything fell apart. Race 1 and 2 would be in the rain, and to add on to that, the electrical gremlins that came up at CTMP a few weeks earlier came to light again, missing at higher RPM. The issue got worse as the day went on, and on the 3rd race I got just the one lap in.
The Kelly, as expected, had a wonderful showing. A careful and precise laps put the car in good standing each race, bringing it home happy and healthy at the end of the weekend.
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Peter Viccary - 1966 Kelly FV
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Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
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June 13-16, 2019 - VARAC Vintage Grand Prix - Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
After a long winter, the first race of the season was at CTMP for both the Zink and the Kelly. It was also the first race of the inaugural CanAm challenge. The weekend began with everything working great for both cars. We were quick, field plentiful with 34 cars, most of which being Formula Fords. After a great qualifying session with a few snags (literally), the weekend proved to have it's significant difficulties there after with the Zink. Going through broken brake rotors, major electical issues, and some seriously stiff competition, we had our work cut out for us on the weekend. The Kelly, on the other hand, ran like a consistent top, as usual!
For pictures and article of the "rotor incident", click here
After a long winter, the first race of the season was at CTMP for both the Zink and the Kelly. It was also the first race of the inaugural CanAm challenge. The weekend began with everything working great for both cars. We were quick, field plentiful with 34 cars, most of which being Formula Fords. After a great qualifying session with a few snags (literally), the weekend proved to have it's significant difficulties there after with the Zink. Going through broken brake rotors, major electical issues, and some seriously stiff competition, we had our work cut out for us on the weekend. The Kelly, on the other hand, ran like a consistent top, as usual!
For pictures and article of the "rotor incident", click here
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Peter Viccary - 1966 Kelly FV
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Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
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October 5-7, 2018 - VRG Formula Ford Challenge Series - Watkins Glen
Coming in to the Formula Ford Challenge Series finale, we were filled with excitement, anticipation, and anxiousness. We were going to a track that we have been visiting as spectators for decades, yet never raced on. We were also traveling with a car that we knew had potential, yet last time we raced it, had crippling fuel feed issues which we were not 100% confident had been solved.
Once we got on the track, it was all smiles! With a big 42 car field over the weekend, I never finished outside of the top 8, and came away with two wins including the feature race.
For a full recap of the event told by Shane, click here.
Coming in to the Formula Ford Challenge Series finale, we were filled with excitement, anticipation, and anxiousness. We were going to a track that we have been visiting as spectators for decades, yet never raced on. We were also traveling with a car that we knew had potential, yet last time we raced it, had crippling fuel feed issues which we were not 100% confident had been solved.
Once we got on the track, it was all smiles! With a big 42 car field over the weekend, I never finished outside of the top 8, and came away with two wins including the feature race.
For a full recap of the event told by Shane, click here.
Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
- Race 1 - 4th
- Race 2 - 4th
- Race 3 - 8th
- Race 4 (feature) - 1st
- Race 5 - 2nd
- Race 6 - 1st
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July 27-29, 2018 - 60th Anniversary Vintage Races - Waterford Hills
Waterford Hills is one of the better Formula Vee tracks in the North East, and this year's event attracted close to 20 of the top vintage Vee racers in the area. A large number of the Vees in attendance were Lynx Bs, or other later vintage Vees. The later designs and Z-bars, over our 1966 droop cable Kelly, proved to be too much to be able to contend at the top of the field. The racing throughout the field was fantastic, with battles all weekend long. Unfortunately, electrical issues kept us from getting out for the final race of the weekend.
The paddock was a fantastic one to be in, with the VSCDA group very hospitable and welcoming. They took us in, including Ayden, with open arms. It is a group that we came back to race with, and we will be back to race with them again!
Waterford Hills is one of the better Formula Vee tracks in the North East, and this year's event attracted close to 20 of the top vintage Vee racers in the area. A large number of the Vees in attendance were Lynx Bs, or other later vintage Vees. The later designs and Z-bars, over our 1966 droop cable Kelly, proved to be too much to be able to contend at the top of the field. The racing throughout the field was fantastic, with battles all weekend long. Unfortunately, electrical issues kept us from getting out for the final race of the weekend.
The paddock was a fantastic one to be in, with the VSCDA group very hospitable and welcoming. They took us in, including Ayden, with open arms. It is a group that we came back to race with, and we will be back to race with them again!
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Shane Viccary - 1966 Kelly FV
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June 14-17, 2018 - VARAC Vintage Grand Prix - Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix was our first opportunity to put the Zink Z16 through its paces against real competition after a two year rebuild. Needless to say, there were teething problems, mostly with a malfunctioning fuel cell, which caused fuel feed problems and wasn't properly diagnosed until after the event. But the car was fast all weekend, and although the overall results were a bit disappointing, the potential was clearly evident.
Meanwhile, the Kelly ran like a train all weekend, albeit a rather slow train. I spent most of the weekend chasing the two Dougs, Durrell (#67) and Switzer (#41).
The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix was our first opportunity to put the Zink Z16 through its paces against real competition after a two year rebuild. Needless to say, there were teething problems, mostly with a malfunctioning fuel cell, which caused fuel feed problems and wasn't properly diagnosed until after the event. But the car was fast all weekend, and although the overall results were a bit disappointing, the potential was clearly evident.
Meanwhile, the Kelly ran like a train all weekend, albeit a rather slow train. I spent most of the weekend chasing the two Dougs, Durrell (#67) and Switzer (#41).
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Peter Viccary - 1966 Kelly FV
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Shane Viccary - 1981 Citation-Zink Z16
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