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."