Fueling the Future « DragRaceCanada.com

Fueling the Future

by editor on Dec.22, 2012, under Hotzone

Fueling the Future

Edmonton’s Webb Family Motorsports is doing their part to help introduce and nurture the next generation of Canadian drag racers….

Team owner and founder Darrell Webb, who is himself a very popular driver of the fan favorite Lucas Oil-sponsored ’69 Chevy Nova Funny Car, did provide some initial driving opportunities for two younger members of his family during 2012. Both his stepson Scott Bourdin, and his nephew Jeremy Jelinski, did stints racing the Webb Family Motorsport’s 2^nd team car — an alcohol-burning early model Corvette.

Canadian developing racers — Jeremy Jelinski and Scott Bourdin

Scott (22) and Jeremy (25) had both previously been crewmembers for the race team and they each made 3 initial event driving appearances last season.

“I had the parts and a stacker trailer to assemble and transport two cars so I decided early last season to go ahead and do a 2-car team,” Darrell revealed. “We then listed and picked out the races and Scott and Jeremy interchanged as drivers for the ’78 Corvette. They really took well to it all – I was amazed how easy they made the transition to driving. Both of them have a lot of desire and they both did a fabulous job.”

Darrell Webb

“It’s also been a very rewarding experience for me,” Darrell continued. “Not only do I help to develop some future talent for the sport — it’s very cool because it’s within my family. There has always been a very strong family involvement in our race team including my wife (Leslie) and many relatives — and all of that keeps the sport fun.”

Darrell admits however he is has not yet convinced himself that his own driving days are over.

“I’m not quite ready to give up my ride to standby and just watch in 2013,” he admitted. “But I also am focused on building for the future of this team – because that works well for our sponsor.”

Webb Family Motorsports, which has been in existence since 1994 has received valued backing from Lucas Oil Canada since 1998 and that has played an intricate part in the team’s longevity and success. The race team participates primarily within the 7.20 or 7.50 (depending on the track) IBAA (International Blown Alcohol Association) circuit as well as the 6.99 indexed Rocky Mountain Nostalgia Funny Car Association.

The race team which features crew chiefs Rick “Kato” Yamada and Bob Webb, was also in action during NHRA’s California Hot Rod Reunion event at Bakersfield last October. For 2013 they are currently planning another rather extensive season tour, that in addition to likely stops all over Western Canada (including Saskatoon, Ashcroft, Fort St. John, DraytonValley & Edmonton), may also include a trip down to NHRA’s Holley-sponsored Hot Rod Reunion event at Bowling Green, Kentucky next June.