BOWMANVILLE, Ontario | At the age of ten, Alexandre Tagliani was offered a small go-kart by his grandfather during a trip to Italy. These first laps of the wheel will mark the start of a successful race course.
If the word retirement is not in the vocabulary of the veteran Quebec pilot, he is nevertheless preparing his post-career.
On Tuesday, he will, along with his business partners, inaugurate a new complex whose main activity will be an unprecedented multi-level karting track erected in Sainte-Thérèse, in the northern suburbs of Montreal.
“Chance does things well,” he admits, in an interview with the Journal of Montreal. When I got off the plane in Italy, my grandfather took me straight to the workshop of the kali-kart company, which would later become CRG. “
However, CRG is the brand of zero-emission electric karts that will be made available to visitors to the TAG E-karting & Amusement center, a
building built along Highway 15.
“Our relationship with this company is not new,” he continues. My father was associated with kali-kart for a long time when, together with journalist Gilles Bourcier and bodybuilder Francis Cardolle, he created the Formula 125 championship in Quebec. “
Karting and … many others
Tagliani made it clear that this center is not only devoted to the practice of karting.
A host of other activities will be offered to visitors.
“It is certain, he explains, that karting is the center of attraction, but we will have a lot more to offer. Our resort represents the future of entertainment. In particular, it will be a festive place for family, work colleagues, etc. The ideal place especially for the organization of corporate events. “
Bowling and ax throwing
Apart from the high karting track with six different layouts, the center will include, among other things, an interactive cinema room, a food court [de la nourriture haut de gamme – tient-il à spécifier], six bowling alleys and a section for throwing the ax.
Giant screens will also allow people to watch sporting events such as the Super Bowl, Formula 1 Grand Prix or tennis tournaments.
“I’m taking the example of hockey fans who, during intermissions, can go karting laps or go bowling,” said
Tagliani. Without wanting to denigrate the current karting centers, we want to improve the experience of our visitors. “
An investment of 18 million
The TAG E-karting & Amusement center required an investment of some $ 18 million thanks to the contribution of experienced business people.
Tagliani is not only one of the shareholders, but also the ambassador. It is a project that the Quebec pilot has been cherishing for a long time.
“I’m making a dream come true,” he says. And who knows, this center may have babies. We have ideas for opening other complexes of the kind elsewhere in Canada. I am well surrounded, I have a winning team and partners who have succeeded in different fields.
“The timing is favorable. We live in a time when people want to reinvent themselves. They need distractions. They will be well served. ”
An intact passion for racing
It was at the Mosport circuit, located about a hundred kilometers east of Toronto, that we met Alexandre Tagliani.
Very excited at the idea of opening a new entertainment center identified with his name on Tuesday in Sainte-Thérèse, north of Montreal, the veteran Quebec driver was preparing to compete in two races in the NASCAR Pinty’s series on Saturday and Sunday.
“The complex occupies me a lot,” he says. It has become my office and practically my home for the past few months. But I am also and still … a racing driver. “
The sacred fire
Photo courtesy, Paolo Pedicelli
The word retirement is certainly not in the vocabulary of veteran pilot, Alexandre Tagliani.
–
–
–
And no question for the one who will celebrate his 48 years in October, to hang his helmet.
His recent victory at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières proved that he was still one of the best in the specialty.
“I still have the sacred fire,” he emphasizes. My passion for racing is intact. Someday I’m going to stop running when something inside me beckons me. But that time has not yet come.
“When I am jaded, adds Tagliani, and when I no longer want to make the effort to fight on the track or to find sponsors, I will put my helmet on a shelf. I won’t need someone to tell me to stop. “
As soon as sanitary conditions permit, he plans to return south of the border to compete in a few races in one of NASCAR’s three major divisions.
“I’ve always stayed in touch with teams like Kyle Busch Motorsports,” he concludes. The adventure is far from over. “
–
