Racer cop gets his message across

`Get their attention, then talk about safety'

NIKA ROLCZEWSKI SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Race-prepped Honda helps to impress

As the pickup flew over the crest of the road toward his cruiser, Constable Dan Courtney of Durham Region police knew he might not live to see another day.

The crushing impact shattered the glass, bent the car's frame and left Courtney in shock. He came within centimetres of breaking his neck.

Later at the hospital, the paramedics told him the driver of the mangled truck was found still clutching a now-broken beer bottle.

Courtney, who has probed hundreds of crashes in his 16 years with the police service, had experienced for himself the hurt, pain and devastation that drinking and driving can cause.

Six years as a "breath technician" in charge of administering breathalyzer tests have shown that drivers of all ages and walks of life can be guilty of life-endangering behaviour at the wheel.

So with the help of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a non-profit organization committed to stopping impaired driving, and drawing on his love of motorsport, Courtney decided to try a new way to convince young people that drinking and driving don't mix.

His secret weapon to open the lines of communication is his race car: a 2004 Honda Civic DX coupe.

He will campaign the car in the revived Honda-Michelin Challenge Series, which begins its season during the big Victoria Day race weekend at Mosport Park.

His venture, Positive Influence Racing (PIR), also combats drug use.

"Kids don't want to be preached to these days," notes Courtney, the elementary school liaison for Durham police.

"Once we have their attention, we focus on the message."

He uses his racer to "teach people about safety and responsibility. If you want to go fast in a car, keep speed on the racetrack. If you want to go far in life, you can get there faster without drugs or alcohol. It's that simple."

Speaking to as many as 20 groups of children a day leaves his voice hoarse, but the rewards are great as youngsters respond to the message.

Before climbing into his race car, he tells a gathering of attentive 11-year-olds that his racing suit and helmet reflect how he makes "safety my first concern." He emphasizes the parallel with bicycle safety: wearing a helmet is a smart choice.

After the speech, the group flocks to the Honda, plastering it with fingerprints.

For older kids, Courtney is the "cool cop" as he urges them to focus on the positive and not tarnish their ambitions with drugs, alcohol and crime.

Racing snowmobiles at 17 years old gave him the competitive bug, and moving on to cars was a natural progression.

After honing his skills at two race schools, Courtney started in the open-wheel Formula Ford series.

He ran his Nissan Sentra XE in the now-defunct Ontario Street Stock Challenge, usually qualifying in the top three and winning the last hotly-contested race at Mosport, northeast of Bowmanville.

He sees the new Honda-Michelin Challenge, with its grassroots approach to motorsport, as a perfect venue for lovers of "real door-to-door racing."

With a busy schedule that also includes community events and mall appearances, Courtney hasn't had much time to get his car or himself prepped for next weekend's race.

His Honda's roll cage was installed in his brother's driveway while the brother cooked Mother's Day dinner, he reveals. Sacrifices like this are the norm for regional racing.

Track time to test will be limited before the 40-minute race, slated to start next Sunday at 2:35 p.m.

Courtney's budget is small, but with the support he gets from his sponsors, Wayfarer RV Insurance, Whitby/Oshawa Honda and Jensen Trailer Sales, he is confident a podium finish is obtainable.

Being a police officer has already bestowed a personal checkered flag of success on him.

After years on the road, "the education aspect" of policing is now closest to his heart, Courtney admits. He recalls a veteran officer telling him that "police work is 95 per cent boredom and 5 per cent sheer terror.

"I've experienced my share of that 5 per cent over the years."

He feels that, through PIR, he has much to teach young people.

"And, yes, I get to have fun racing the car!"