Waterloo, Ontario – This past weekend was the Canadian Historic Grand Prix at Bowmanville, Ontario’s Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the Vintage and Historic Racing Calendar in North America and it is the largest and most popular event of its kind in Canada and is considered a “Major Spectator Event” at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park since 1999. VARAC CHGP combines the racing events with many activities of added interest to enthusiasts, fans and spectators at Canada’s “Home of Motor Racing” – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has seen an increasing number of racing cars and crowds that descend on the Clarington track on Father’s Day Weekend each year.

Open-Wheel Formula Ford Racers were the “Featured Marque” for 2015 where racers competed for the Oliver Clubine Trophy in honour of Ollie Clubine, a champion and pioneer of Canadian Road Racing.

The Toyo Tires Formula 1600 Championship had their first race on Saturday afternoon where a mid race incident in Turn 10 would send the field to a safety car. With only one lap of green to the checkered flag and an A class car separating Castell from the top two B class cars, Castell would have to settle for third.

Sunday’s race would prove to be a dramatic battle between three cars for 2nd position. For the entire race, the cars of Steve Bodrug, Connor Wagland, and Amy Castell would trade positions and be nose-to-gearbox – all within striking distance at any corner. Starting the last lap in fourth position, Castell set up a stunning crossover pass in the final corner that led to a drag race down the front straight where she would finish third by half a car length.

In addition to the normal double-header format of the Toyo Tires Formula 1600, there was a feature race bringing together Club Ford, Formula Ford, and modern Formula 1600 vehicles. After qualifying on pole for the race, Castell and fellow racer David Clubine had a hard fought battle for the lead. They kept fans on their toes as they change places countless times; often going through numerous corners side-by-side. A crash by one of the front running cars would lead to the race being ended under safety car. Overall, Castell would lead the field to the checkered flag and earn her first win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

“Overall this was an amazing weekend! I learned a lot about strategy and planning ahead and I think that’s what allowed us to earn 3 podiums this weekend. The car was on point this weekend and provided me with the confidence to push harder, and make the passes on the outside of corners,” commented Castell. “I also have to thank Matt Garwood for being on the radio with me and my dad for making the car a dream to drive. We will build on this weekend’s successes and keep pushing to be the best we can be.”

The Toyo Tires Formula 1600 Championship Series - the premiere open wheel series in Ontario, sanctioned by CASC Ontario Region. The series is comprised of six double-headers and competes at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Shannonville Motorsport Park and Calabogie Motorsports Park.

To follow Amy Castell’s 2015 season, follow @acastell95 on Twitter and Instagram and like www.facebook.com/acastell95 on Facebook.

About Amy Castell

19 year old Amy Castell of Waterloo Ontario not only competes in the Toyo Tires Formula 1600 open wheel racing series she is a business student at Wilfrid Laurier University.

She's been honoured with the Muriel Knap Trophy for the second straight year and became only the third driver to accomplish this feat in the 35-year history of this prestigious award.

Castell was also recently nominated for a WOWtheWorld Award (Waterloo Region).

In 2014 she also became the first female nominee for the Team Canada Scholarship that sends Formula 1600 drivers to the historic Brands Hatch circuit in England.

She is also a Committee Member and Event Ambassador for the Lupus GP. This is an Annual Endurance Kart Race to raise money for the Pediatric Lupus Clinic At Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto: http://lupusgp.ca/index.php - http://www.sickkids.ca