GY Student Shifts into High Gear
Corson Panneton ‘17 always had an interest in auto racing. It’s a passion he inherited from his father who would take him to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ont. every Victoria Day long weekend. The soul-shaking sound of the engines, the beauty of each individual car, and the high-risk competition were all attractive features of the sport, something they both share to this day. “I love standing next to the track while a car revs by at 300 km/h, you get a feeling you simply can’t describe.”
Last summer, Corson joined Mantella Racing on the Pirelli World Challenge Championships GTS series. As a member of the pit crew, Corson travelled all over North America helping out in the garage and on the track.
Corson might be only 17-years-old, but he comes with experience. Previously he worked with Capaldi Racing and Ford Mustangs in the same series, simply cleaning cars, tires and fitting in wherever the team needed help.
His journey with Capaldi ended last year, so he sought a new opportunity. After reaching out to CDS Alumni parent, Anthony Mantella, who asked Corson to submit a resume and then invited to come out to their testing session at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. At the time, he was simply excited to work on the KTM Crossbow GT4 car. “I thought it was the coolest thing, a prototype that is a pure racecar.” As for the day itself, Corson was nervous but excited “I didn’t know what to expect, but after speaking with Anthony, it was clear that they take such a professional approach to everything.”
After a familiar day of helping out around the track and paddock, Corson was summoned to the team’s office and offered a summer internship. “This was not what I was expecting, and I figured it would be the same as before. But they threw heaven at me, they wanted me at every race and were going to pay for all of my expenses while with the team.”
After a discussion with his parents, Corson’s summer began quicker than he was anticipating. With two weeks remaining until exams, he had to make sure his school schedule could mesh with his new role as a Mantella Racing crew member. This meant he would only be able to attend school one day a week, but his teachers helped ensure a smooth transition.
The busy summer saw him traveling to some very impressive motor racing venues across North America. He traveled to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, Road America in Wisconsin, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Utah Motorsports Campus, and then finally the two California stops, Sonoma Raceway and Laguna Seca.
Initially Corson’s focus was to fit in, learn quickly, and help in any way he could. He laughs about the nicknames they gave him; boy, junior, kid. His affable quality and easy nature helped him fit in immediately. But it wasn’t until near the end of the season where he felt he really contributed. Corson began to edge out roles for himself on the team; jobs he could be relied upon for.
By the 2nd race of his internship, Corson was given the important responsibility of assisting a spotter on the track. Spotters are strategically placed around the circuit and are required to relay any pertinent information to the drivers like track conditions, weather or collisions. “The intensity of the role was there right away, I make a wrong call and it could mean the car wrecks.”
After assisting initially, the team’s confidence in Corson grew exponentially and he was sent out to spot by himself at Laguna Seca later in the season. Little did he know, he would have the opportunity to make a crucial call that would help decide the race. With his car in 2nd place, Corson radioed in a sudden dust cloud that had caused the first place car to crash. Thankfully for Corson, his driver adjusted and missed the wreck, taking over as race leader and crossing the finish line in first.
It was a moment he’ll never forget. “Laguna Seca was the best win because I was more involved than any other time. [Winning] was an exciting moment, the paddock and celebrating in the Winner’s Circle was definitely the best part.”
Last summer proved instrumental in helping Corson determine his future plans for university and beyond. Next year, he plans on pursuing Motorsport or Automotive Engineering in Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom.
Story by Zach Lawton
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
