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Becker Claims Can-Am Stk/SS Championship
Bruce Biegler - November 19, 2007
 Port Colburne's Rob Becker prevailed in a very hard fought 2007 points chase for the very popular Eastern Canadian-based Can-Am Stock/Super Stock series.
Armed with his highly improved GT/DA-classed 1987 Camaro, Becker parlayed three event wins with some super consistency to win the championship, edging out opponents Chuck Nagy and Kirk Vanni in the final points standings.
Rob (and his crew chief) Tony Valerio received some well deserved recognition for their season accomplishments during the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series Championship brunch, held recently at the Ruthven Park National Historic Site Mansion (near Cayuga ON).
 For Becker, who first began drag racing in 1994, but switched to Super Stock racing in 2002, the past season was by far his most rewarding.
"Our series features a very tough bunch of Professional Sportsman racers," said Becker, who is employed as a machinist at Carl Spiering's ERD engine building facility. "So this is a real accomplishment for me personally. I didn't lead the points until September at Grand Bend Motorplex. But when I beat Kirk Vanni in the first round and went on to win that race, that put me into first place in points and I never relinquished it."
Becker was quick to cite his valued sponsors and supporting cast, including ERD, Vic Belenay, Bicknel Racing Products (Hoosier Tires) and Luciano's Pizza (Welland).
"I couldn't have done this without the help of a lot of people," he added. "My wife Amanda (who took a big interest in what I am doing), fellow racer Wally Clark (who gives me all the valuable guidance), and F.J. Smith (who is always there when I need him)."
Rob was particularly appreciative of his crew chief Tony Valerio, who will in fact begin racing his won car in the Can-Am Series beginning next season. "I can't thank Tony enough for all the positive support he gave me throughout the year. He is the person that kept both me and my car in tune."
The Can-Am Series, which is spear-headed by F.J. Smith along with his wife Betsy and daughter Victoria, had during their 11th year of existence continued impressive growth with new sponsors, increased paid members and very competitive racing. The high point of the 2007 season came during the Labour Day weekend event at Toronto Motorsports Park, which drew no less then 40 NHRA/IHRA Stock and Super Stock legal cars. Overall, the series welcomed 12 new racers over its 12 events, including a great turnout of cars at a race in Lancaster, New York.
 The Final Top Ten Points Standings for 2007:
1. Rob Becker - 25
2. Chuck Nagy - 21
Kirk Vanni - 21
4. Brian Clayton - 19
5. Dave Comeau - 18
6. Gene Emes - 14
7. Tom Simon – 13
8. Jim Lindsay – 12
John Ulinskas – 12
10. Victoria Smith - 11
Dan Velenosi – 11
For more information on the series visit: www.smithperformance.com/can_am.html
(Bruce Biegler Photos)
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