Celebrating a Milestone the Crazy Way with Race Lab

The air at the "Crazy Farm" outside Markham was thick with dust and the promise of speed. This wasn't a rally stage; this was Race Lab's 10th-anniversary celebration—a high-octane birthday bash organized by founder, "Crazy Leo" Urlichich.

For years, my friends and I have documented rallies like Voyageurs and Black Bear. But this past weekend, we traded the camera lens for racing helmets. It was the perfect way to mark a milestone of my own: my 50th birthday.

Patrons and fans gathered, treated to the sight of old Subaru training vehicles parked next to Leo’s menacing, bright orange stage rally car. The event format was simple: teams of three met with an instructor for an instructional demonstration, followed by a hot lap for each driver, and a final, thrilling benchmark lap by the pro.

Getting Dirty at the Crazy Farm

Once fitted with helmets, our instructor, Mike, gave us a thorough tutorial on the dirt course. His instructional lap focused on the crucial role of the best racing line on the loose surface.

Then came our turn. Sliding behind the wheel, we felt the rush of tossing the car at speeds, guided by Mike's watchful eye. He was sharp and helpful, providing the necessary guidance to correct our entries and keep us on the racing line. It was controlled chaos, exhilarating and dirty.  Vitalii required some extra hand signals as he was working on his English skills along with his race craft. 😎

Vitalii Kobliakov enjoying a hot lap!

Mike closed out our session with his benchmark hot lap, pushing us to the edge of our seats, witnessing firsthand the skill differential between keen amateurs and a seasoned pro.

The Grand Finale: Crazy Leo’s Show

The biggest spectacle was saved for the man himself. Crazy Leo climbed into his signature orange rally machine. He took the course at maximum attack, but the real treat came when he showcased his mastery in the open field.

Executing a flawless series of Ken Block-esque drift donuts, Leo sent up massive plumes of grass and dust, providing a breathtaking finale.

Crazy Leo showing us how it's done!

Trading the spectator stage for the driver's seat was an absolute blast. It was a unique thrill that perfectly celebrated Race Lab's anniversary and, in my book, an exciting way to welcome 50 years—with dust, speed, and unforgettable memories.