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| June 09, 2010 News |
| Innisfil Indy: The Little Track That Does |
 | | An aerial view of Innisfil Indy |
As you stream up Highway 400 toward Barrie, Ontario with the Toronto skyline quickly becoming a distant memory in your review view mirror, you might just miss the small exit that takes you west to Gilford, Ontario, home of Innisfil Indy Kartways. With over 35 years of history packed into the rolling paddock, this little track has produced many great races, racers and most of all memories. The heart and soul of the Launi Family is poured into every corner of the facility with family patriarch Tony making sure everything is just right. With over 37 years of karting experience in Canada, Launi has seen, experienced and been part of the karting community we call home today. It’s easy to forget that before big trailers and trick sticker kits there was a basic passion for racing. A passion that pushed blood through the veins of those caught up in the excitement of speed and competition that could be captured in the back of your pick up truck.
“Ok, everyone wants to know why we call him Crazy Tony. I know you are going to ask me that question,” smiles Rose Launi, chief historian of Innisfil Indy and mom to every racer that has hit the track. “It’s the question everyone asks and everyone loves the story. So go ahead and ask.”
But before we get to that part a little history may go a long way. Tony Launi came to Canada from Italy in 1973 and brought with him a thirst for kart racing. He immediately began racing at Goodwood Kartways with all of his cousins and friends. As the competition grew and sport flourished more locals were attracted to the sport. From Goodwood Tony and his growing group of 40 racers headed to 3S Karting in Sutton, Ontario. At that same time Launi began his first steps in the karting industry as the Tecno Kart importer some 30 years ago.
 | Wickens took the ProShifter title with a sensational win
(Photo: Cody Schindel) |
As for that Crazy Tony part, legend has that back in 1978, Tony was told by the then Goodwood owner that he could not race. Never to be outdone on the track or in the paddock Tony laid himself across the track claiming that if he could not race, then no one could. After some time, cooler heads prevailed and Launi, along with the others, hit the track for a day of racing. Now three decades later, this story is very much the stuff of karting legend. A passion was born and a family legacy of commitment began.
The next big step for the growing Launi family was the purchase of the Innisfil Indy Kartways in 1998 from a group of area owners who remain in contact with the Launi’s today. Tony immediately went to work to put his own stamp on the track. Prior to 1998 the facility was a rental track only serving local weekend fun seekers. Launi wanted competition racing and set out to build a track that would attract the best racers in the region. That same year they would add the CMP line of karts to the program and then support that, by becoming the exclusive Canadian importer of the GP Kart line in 2008. Most recently the Innisfil Indy property has worked with industry veteran Russ Bond to launch the Canadian Karting League arrive and drive program at the track, giving local racers a great place to learn the sport of karting in an affordable environment.
Success at the track is melted deep into the black top of this facility. Back in the very early days when the track was known as the Gilford Kart Track, a young twelve year old aspiring racer named Paul Tracy would frequent the track to practice. Not long after Tracy moved into the motor racing world, local talent Lee Bentham raced and tested at Innisfil before moving onto success in race cars. Most recently GP3 standouts Robert Wickens and Daniel Morad have both run successfully at Innisfil including wins in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship and Ontario Kart Racing Association.
 | CKL twin-engined go-kart
(Photo courtesy of Canadian Karting League) |
The foundation was set to build the 1.1 km, ten-turn track that just completed the final stage of a multi year redevelopment. The last topcoat of asphalt was placed like a ribbon of licorice by local pavers Beamish Paving in early May. The Innisfil Indy GP Karts racing team has attracted some of the best talent in the region including Michael Taibi and veteran hot shoe like Zach Meyers.
Unlike a hairline that can skip a generation, the fiery and explosive passion for karting did not skip a generation in the Launi Family. Brothers Joe and Frank have been racing for many years with sister Teresa on hand to cheer and help out family matriarch Rose. For Frankie Launi driving at less then 110% is never an option. His hard charging and aggressive style have earned him fans and foes. But his love of the sport and commitment to his family have earned him respect across the entire paddock. 2009 was a magical season for Launi and the entire Innisfil Family. After an emotional win at the Mosport Round of the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship, Launi would go on to take the 2009 DD2 National Championship title and join Team Canada at the Rotax Max Grand Finals in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt.
 | Canadian National DD2 Champion Frank Launi
(Photo: Courtesy of GP Racing Karts) |
“Going to Egypt with Team Canada was the highlight of my racing career,” comments Launi from the trackside showroom. “I really had a blast and look forward to maybe making it back to the Grand Finals again some day.”
A trip to Innisfil Indy is never complete without tasting one of Rose Launi’s famous veal sandwiches. One of the most anticipated treats these hand made Italian delicacies are a meal in themselves. Order early because they sell out every time.
“We sell as many as 200 sandwiches on a busy weekend,” states Rose Launi. “Everyone loves them and I love serving them. I just want everyone to be happy and I hope everyone finds success.”
So next time you are heading for Barrie, keep an eye on the exit signs and bring your family to the Innisfil Indy Kartways and experience a taste of passion courtesy of the Launi Family.
Innisfil Indy will play host to rounds three and four of the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship June 11-13.
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| Jeff Grist for EKartingNews.ca |
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