Major took a different approach to most youngsters coming out of karting into car racing. Whereas most drivers will go like madmen
just to get on the pace, Philip took a more methodical approach and opted to have one goal each weekend - to get better. This paid off in several ways. Most young drivers will go through a few cars - the results of which are crashes, or 'rookie' mistakes - but Major kept his Honda in good shape, and he got better each event. By the end of the year he was on the pace with the front runners in the series, and he had learned just what it's like to be basically a 'kid' in a 'man's' sport.
"I learned a lot in the Honda," Philip says. "I don't think most drivers realize just how much there is to learn. This is much more than just driving fast. There is the setup of the car, learning new tracks, interacting with the fans, gaining respect from your competitors - it is like a full time job!"
By the end of the year Major had gained valuable experience, and also collected the MCO's (Motorsport Club of Ottawa) Dewar Trophy for the club's
Novice driver of the year - which incidentally was donated to MCO by Gordon Dewar in memory of his son, Gordon Michael Dewar. It was a reward for learning his craft, and it got Major off to a good start in motorsports.
It was then that father Norm, and the rest of the family decided that a career path was required for Philip. This was quite a contradiction to the approach of many drivers. Most live race to race, or year to year, with out much thought to the future.
"We signed Philip with the Atlantic Racing Team for 2006 and beyond," Norm Major said. "Our plan was to have Philip join a quality team, and make a challenge for the North American Formula BMW title in 2006."
This in itself is a good plan and a good challenge for Major. But Norm Major also has a vision, a plan, and he added to his commitment to get Philip the support he needs for his best shot at success.
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| While a big leap from stock Hondas, Major looks to do well in open-wheel cars. (Photo: Jim Leggett, RussBondAgency.com) |
"I learned a lot in the Honda," Philip says. "I don't think most drivers realize just how much there is to learn. This is much more than just driving fast. There is the setup of the car, learning new tracks, interacting with the fans, gaining respect from your competitors - it is like a full time job!"
By the end of the year Major had gained valuable experience, and also collected the MCO's (Motorsport Club of Ottawa) Dewar Trophy for the club's
 |
| "We signed Philip with the Atlantic Racing Team for 2006 and beyond," said father, Norm Major. (Photo: Jim Leggett, RussBondAgency.com) |
It was then that father Norm, and the rest of the family decided that a career path was required for Philip. This was quite a contradiction to the approach of many drivers. Most live race to race, or year to year, with out much thought to the future.
"We signed Philip with the Atlantic Racing Team for 2006 and beyond," Norm Major said. "Our plan was to have Philip join a quality team, and make a challenge for the North American Formula BMW title in 2006."
This in itself is a good plan and a good challenge for Major. But Norm Major also has a vision, a plan, and he added to his commitment to get Philip the support he needs for his best shot at success.