Since the pandemic began, many Monctonians have found themselves spending an afternoon in the Moncton Coliseum parking lot, not to reminisce about former Wildcats teams but to admire the art of grassroots motorsport.
The Coliseum is a regular meeting spot for the Moncton Motor Sport Club, and the number of spectators has been on the rise.
“It’s no question we’ve had bigger crowds hanging around our events last summer and so far, this year,” said MMSC President Mike McCrea.
Due to the nature of motorsport, the club has been able to continue with activities while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for members who are unwilling to adhere to the rules.
Perhaps the biggest draw to motorsport is that there are very few requirements and a welcoming community. Newcomers only need a driver’s license and a vehicle that is insured. With a classification system, cars are handicapped to be compared equally despite a variety of makes and models.
However, according to McCrea the factor that truly entices novice drivers is the pursuit.
“It’s got to be mastering the skill and, there’s a lot of pleasure in driving quickly and accurately.”
Despite misconceptions that motorsport may simply be a release for speed junkies, McCrea believes there is nothing better than working the craft and watching drivers improve.
This year a “newbie guide” has been developed to help drivers learn the fundamentals with an experienced driver that would act as a coach.
“For people that are a little bit timid, we have earlier meetings for novices or people that want any help.”
The club’s auto slalom is the typical course for newcomers, designed with pylons featuring a combination of turns and brief straightaways that draw a comparison to a miniature go-kart track.
McCrea’s advice to anyone looking to try their hand at motorsport is to “put your ego in your back pocket.”
“Don’t let your ego get bruised because it’s not going to hurt you or your car. With a little bit of effort and practice, your skills will develop, and you will find yourself having too much fun,”
He believes that it is rare a driver can immediately be both fast and accurate and that the only competition is against your previous performances.
