King City racer aims for a spot on reality show
By Bill Rea

Richard Boake

King City's Richard Boake likes going fast, and he's currently pursuing an opportunity that could enable him to do that in a big way.

He will be among 24 competitors vying for 10 spots for a fall reality show being produced by The Discovery Channel called Star Racer.

Boake, 17, just graduated from King City Secondary School, and he's been racing go-karts since he was 10. He said his father had raced gokarts, and he always loved to go to the rental tracks.

"My dad came home one day and surprised me with a go-kart," he recalled, and things have gone from there.

The field to get into Star Racer is being selected from three events. Boake was chosen with seven others at the recent Barrie Grand Prix. The second event is in Quebec, and the final eight will be named next month at the Canadian Nationals in Edmonton, and that weekend (Aug. 11 to 13) is when the final 10 will be named.

In addition to being able to handle himself on a track, Boake said he has to demonstrate other abilities. After applying for the program, his application was reviewed, and then he was interviewed by the producers of the program. They also wanted to watch him race. In the end, he was among eight of some 230 entries in Barrie.

Boake believes he has a lot going for him when it comes to making the final 10.

"I'm a really good person in front of the camera," he said. "I not really camera shy."

"You really had to be able to stand out in front of the competition," he added.

In the motor racing world, public relations and the ability to be advertised are very important.

"I think they liked my ambition and my perseverance," he commented. "You have to be really good in front of the camera and in front of the sponsors. You pretty much have to be a salesman. You have to sell yourself."

As for his ambition, Boake said her wants to go further in motor sport.

"I've always loved openwheel racing, but if someone offered me a chance to drive in sedans, I'd jump at the opportunity."

The go-karts he dives are open-wheel cars. They have a top speed of about 100 miles per hour.

"I love open-wheel because I think it adds another element or thrill," he explained. He added more care is needed when passing because if the tires touch on open-wheel cars, it can lead to a bad crash. That's different from sedan racing, where "bumping and rubbing" is common.

Although the speed comes from the car, it takes a certain amount of physical ability to get them around the track. Boake said he does a lot of physical training, including regular workouts, as well as cardio-vascular and muscular endurance

training. A car going around a corner at speed can generate up to 3.5 Gs. Doing that 15 times per lap over a 30lap raced puts a lot of stress on the driver.

"The drivers who are physically fit tend to prosper over those who aren't," he observed.

It also takes sponsorship to race, and Boake has benefitted from a few. They include Steelcase Tires N Mags, 3S Go-Karts and Toronto Tire Craft. Boake works at Steelcase in Markham, a company of which his father is part owner.

The 10 drivers who are named as finalists will be competing for the final prize. That driver will be set up with a ride for a full season of open wheel racing in some circuit.

Boake has a number of heroes in the motor racing world. "There's so many," he said.

Canadian Ron Fellows is an "awesome driver."

Paul Tracy has earned his admiration for his "very aggressive" driving style. "He reminds me a bit of myself," he said.

On the Formula 1 circuit, Boakes likes Fernando Alonso (current leader in the Formula 1 standings), who used to drive go-karts.

Driving around a race track carries with it a certain amount of risk. "I've had my fair share of accidents," he said. "It comes with the territory."

He also stressed the importance of not lingering on those memories because it would hinder performance. Boake expects that making

it to the top 10 for Star Racer is going to be a challenge.

"It's going to be really hard," he observed, although he agreed just getting this far has been an accomplishment.

"I think my chances are pretty good," he said. "We'll have to see what happens in Edmonton."