A Calgary father and son duo are ready to race

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Peter Kalcounis grew up watching his father Anthony go fast in a BMW race car. Now, on the weekend of July 13 and 14, and for the first time ever, the Calgary-based father and son duo will race as the Turn 17 Grand Prix presents Vintage on the Prairies at the new Rocky Mountain Motorsports Racing Circuit near Carstairs, Alberta. This marked the return of Vintage on the Prairies, as the last race was held in August 2012 at Race City Motorsport Park. Race City closed later that year.

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“I remember Peter wearing baby-sized ear protectors on the track in his baby carrier,” Anthony said. He added, “Peter was involved from the start.” With his learner’s license, Peter has logged over 100 hours behind the wheel with Anthony in the passenger seat. And not just on dry pavement. He was also taught to control a vehicle on snow and ice.

“Peter usually drives my vintage car, with a manual transmission and no power steering during his Saturday and Sunday drives,” explains Anthony. “He’s a really good racer, and (earlier this year) my wife and I asked him if he’d be interested in getting his racing license.” Peter, at 15, did have an interest, and he obtained a racing license in early May. “He’s not a speedster, and he’s very competent,” Anthony said.

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Anthony’s interest in vintage racing began after he purchased and restored a 1974 BMW 2002 tii Alpina. Once the car was complete, he began attending driving events at Race City in the early 2000s but quickly switched to a race-prepared 2002 BMW complete with roll cage, fire suppression system, racing seat and five-point harness. In July, Anthony will campaign a highly advanced BMW E30 M3 at Vintage on the Prairies.

“That is progress,” he said. “Next thing you know, I was in racing school, then started racing with vintage clubs, and then full-time GT racing at tracks all over North America.” At that time, the vintage club was the Calgary Vintage Racing Club. Hoping to gain some new members and expand its base, in 2022 the group changed its name to the Alberta Vintage Racing Club.

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Anthony currently serves as president of the AVRC, and says that for the sport to remain healthy, clubs need to attract young enthusiasts like Peter. “Certain types of (automobile) racing are growing in other parts of the world, but not so much in Southern Alberta,” he said. “Peter is the kind of person we need to contact if the hobby is to grow.” To encourage this growth, the AVRC has updated its regulations regarding what constitutes a ‘vintage’ car and adopted new regulations that are valid for 25 years. This means that cars produced in 1999 are eligible to take part in the 2024 event, while next year cars produced in 2000 can take part in the 2025 race.

Peter campaigned the BMW E30 M3 that Anthony brought home from Vancouver Island. The car last raced in Calgary in 2012 and is not currently used for competition. Anthony and Peter acquired it and spent last winter checking out the BMW, preparing it for competition. “Peter has a lot of experience turning wrenches,” says Anthony.

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Unusually, Peter did not make it to the racing ranks in go-karts. He always appreciated the saloon-style racing car campaigned by Anthony’s father under his Giant Killer Racing team banner. “He’s not tied to speed,” Anthony said of his son. “He was careful, and that’s good, because you can always work on speed. Plus, dealing with vintage cars is a huge responsibility. They are not easily replaced or easily repaired.”

That’s why Anthony says he loves what Turn 17–Grand Prix at Rocky Mountain Motorsports Race Circuit has to offer. Turn 17 Garage is the importer and distributor of custom-built Rush SR race cars in Western Canada. Racers can purchase one of these Rush SR light vehicles, powered by a 1000cc Suzuki 4 cylinder motorcycle engine, and choose to have Turn 17 Garage look after the vehicle with exclusive concierge services for hot lapping or spec racing. “They attract people into the hobby (of racing) with these cars,” he said.

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While BMW is the featured brand during Vintage on the Prairies, all types of domestic and import manufacturers will be represented. There will also be a small car show at Carstairs on Friday evening before the race. All are welcome to attend the exhibition.

The competition on July 13 and 14 from 9 am to 5 pm is free of charge. However, a waiver must be signed. Email albertavintageracing@gmail.com to receive a link to the release and complete schedule.

“We also love to inspire kids, and we will put kids in the driver’s seat and fasten their seat belts so they can experience sitting in a race car,” said Anthony. Racing for the first time with his son Peter during Vintage on the Prairies, Anthony concluded, “There will be a little trepidation, but also a lot of excitement.”

Greg Williams is a member of the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Have a column tip? Contact him at 403-287-1067 or gregwilliams@shaw.ca

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