Pubdate: Sat, 09 Nov 2002 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2002 Osprey Media Group Inc Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Author: Kathleen Hay NO TIME FOR DRUGS ON FAST TRACK Local News - A city teenager is on a fast track to success that doesn't have any pit stops for drug use. Kelly-Mark Michaud, a Grade 11 St. Joseph's Secondary School student, began go-karting almost 10 years ago. Recently joining the professional circuit, he has an ambition to some day be selected to the Formula Atlantic or CART circuits, like Canadian Paul Tracy. But his journey won't include taking drugs. "It's a waste of time and a waste of your life," said the 15-year-old, a special guest at the Race Against Drugs, held at the Cornwall Armoury. "I've had people come up to me and ask me if I want some. "You have to be strong and stand up to them." Michaud began the sport, along with his younger brother, Derek, through the encouragement of his dad, Kelly J.P. Michaud, a city firefighter who also raced competitively. Since beginning the sport at age six, Kelly-Mark has accumulated about 90 trophies, including an impressive fourth-place finish (among more than 30 racers) at the Canadian Grand Nationals this year. Contrary to what most people think when they imagine go-karts, the machine Michaud drives isn't any rejuvenated wooden soap box. Instead, it's a $10,000 vehicle, complete with a 125cc shifter engine, plus a six-gear box, that can hit speeds of 220 kilometres per hour. And there's no seat belt. Basic gear includes a crash helmet, rib protector, racing suit and boots, plus gloves. Michaud said it can be difficult for people to get beyond the image of the traditional wooden box, especially when he's out searching for sponsorships. "There's no money (for) competitors at this stage of the game, only recognition, so we need sponsors," he said. "It's a future step for us towards professional car racing. "In fact, some professionals, like Paul Tracy, still race go-karts. He even has his own line of them." Blake Paquin, media spokesperson for the Cornwall Community Police Services, applauded Michaud's support of the Race Against Drugs. "It's the fourth year Kelly-Mark has been here to talk to students," said Paquin. "He's a real good example for them to demonstrate you don't need drugs to get high. "There are other ways to have good thrills." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth