Mike Leclair and his son Patrick will spend Father’s Day in much the same way they spend most other weekends — side-by-side, wrenches in hand, tinkering with a go-kart.

The father-son pair is one of many who take part in go-kart racing at Sudbury Kartways on Notre Dame Avenue.

“I’ve always been a motorsports enthusiast and I’ve had an opportunity to get my son involved,” Mike said.

Mike Leclair and his son Patrick, 14, have been working together as a go-kart racing team for the past five years. Photo by Laurel Myers

They’ve been at it for the past five years, and as it turns out, Patrick shares the same enthusiasm for the sport. The now 14-year-old started in novice, the youngest age group, and competed at that level for his first year. By year two, he was ready to move up to the junior class.

“This is his first year running with the senior class, which is ages from 14 to as old as you can race,” Mike said.

For those older racers who are young at heart, there is no cap on the age of the racers.

“The oldest club member racing this year, I bet he’s close to 50,” Mike said. “And Patrick’s right in that class. He’s the youngest at 14 and we’re up against guys who have been racing for years.”

Despite being the youngest in his class, Patrick is holding his own. At his second race of the season, on June 6, the young speedster narrowly missed the top spot, leading the race until the second last lap.

“So far second place is my best finishing,” he said, following the race.

Moving up to the senior level was a big step for the young racer.

“Last year I was only racing with four people,” Patrick said. However, he said the competition was really only between him and one other racer.

“Moving up to senior... there’s more people, there’s more bumping. It’s really rough compared to all the other classes I was racing in.”

But being on the course with more experienced racers has its benefits. Patrick said he’s learned a lot from them.

The Grade 9 Collège Notre-Dame student said he likes the speed of the sport.

“It’s fun. It gets your adrenaline (pumping).”

When everything is adjusted properly and he’s on a straightaway, Patrick said the kart can hit speeds of “maybe 100 kilometres. They go pretty fast.”

Despite the high speeds and the contact with other cars, Mike explained go-karting is amongst the safest of motorsports.

While the karts are completely open, the drivers aren’t strapped in. The elder Leclair said it’s safer for the drivers to be ejected if there is a collision. Each driver also wears a fire-retardant suit, and a helmet. Patrick wears a rib cage protector and a neck brace, as well.

With a race on almost every Sunday through the summer, and “too much” time spent working on the kart, Mike and Patrick have lots of opportunity for father-son bonding.

You may have 10-15 hours tied into it, but it’s great time with your son.

Mike Leclair

“We’re here every Saturday morning to practice, weather permitting, so that’s four or five hours,” Mike said. “(Sundays) we’re here for six or seven hours.

“Patrick and I both work on the go-karts at home during the week,” he added. “You may have 10-15 hours tied into it, but it’s great time with your son.”

Patrick said he enjoys spending time with his dad at the track.

“We talk about a whole bunch of stuff.”

Besides an interest in going fast, the father said he and his son are both mechanically-inclined.

At his second race of the season in the senior class, Patrick Leclair (number 12) led the pack through the race, before getting passed on the second last lap. Photo by Laurel Myers

“I do know how to turn a wrench or two,” Mike said with a smile.

“And it’s a great learning experience for Patrick. Being 14, now he has taken on certain responsibilities on the go-kart, and he can actually do some of his own wrenching, which is nice, instead of just driving and getting all the glory.”

The father gave accolades to the Sudbury Kart Club.

“There’s a great racing community here. Everybody helps everybody here and that’s what’s so wonderful about it.
“We’re here for the kids and we’re having a great time doing it.”

For more information about go-kart racing in Sudbury, visit www.sudburykartclub.com