If there’s one thing welcomed with open arms in the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series, it’s groups that come racing as a family affair! Many such arrangements grace the paddock year after year, and as we continue introducing new drivers for the upcoming season we come upon another – and one with a twist! We’ve seen racing siblings, parents wrenching for kids, kids wrenching for parents and kids racing with parents. Now, in the Janeteas family, the series welcomes brothers Conner and Cole set to split seat time in a #45 Spectrum/Honda under the watch of father James. Both 27-year-old Conner and 24-year-old Cole spent serious time in motocross racing in the past, and they have also dabbled in kart racing and lapping days on four wheels. Their addition brings the new car count to nine and 34 drivers are registered for the season ahead! Formula1600.com recently caught up with the brothers to get their full racing story and learn about the path that led them to the paddock.
CONNER JANETEAS
How long, and what, have you raced?
I’ve been racing for 15 years, mostly on two wheels. I’ve raced motocross since I was 7 or so, at one point racing at some select national races. I did a few years in karts in my younger years, and did a stint racing downhill mountain bikes as well. Two wheels or four, if it goes fast I’ll probably end up racing it!
Why racing? How did you get into it?
It all started when I got a PW50 for my 7th birthday – within a month we were at our first race, and have been competing since. From the first ride on that bike I found myself trying to test the limits and see how fast I could go; I think my Dad recognized the need for an outlet, and of course, racing was a natural fit. The injury bug caught up to me in my latter teenage years, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after a few years away from racing.
Have you driven an F1600 car before this season starts?
This will be my first season driving an F1600! I’ll have had a few test days under my belt before the official season gets underway.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
We’re racing with #45 this year – it was my Dad’s football number when he was a kid. Racing has always been a family endeavour for us, and it wouldn’t be possible without him and we wanted to recognize him. Both my brother and I have had a few different numbers throughout the motocross years and we wanted to choose something that had meaning for the whole team.
What track raced/driven has been your favourite?
Probably a common answer, but CTMP. It’s just such a treat to drive and feels excellent in the car when you nail that perfect lap. Having watched races there over the years it feels special to be able to drive it as well. That being said, I’m looking forward to getting to experience some more tracks this year.
What is your greatest racing memory, either as a driver or spectator?
On two wheels, racing the stadium events at the SkyDome was always a treat. We got the same treatment as the pros, and racing indoors in front of a ton of fans was always incredibly nerve racking and exciting at the same time. Another great memory was clinching one of my first championships as a kid – it was down to the last race, which was a mud fest; I started last and ended up lapping most of the field on my way to the championship.
As a spectator, we used to go to the Montreal Grand Prix every year – seeing my favourite drivers and cars in person after watching the races on TV every weekend was something else. And every time the vintage F1 cars come to CTMP I’m like a kid in a candy store.
Who is your favourite driver from any generation and why?
It’s hard to choose a single one – I think every generation of drivers face their own unique challenges that certainly demand respect. If you pressed me for an answer, I’d have to say Gilles Villeneuve. The way he was always pushing the limits in the car, always hunting – I admire that greatly, as well as his personality off the track. I wonder what he could have accomplished had he not been taken from us too early.
What do you do for a living?
I work in the 3D printing industry, managing a group that provides design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning and 3D printing services. We specialize in automotive and aerospace applications, and have had the opportunity to do some work for various race teams in the past. Of everything we get our hands on, the projects involving racing are always my favourite. We’ve also done a tonne of printing for the FSAE cars over the years, and it’s always great to support the university and college teams with such a passion for motorsport.
What are your goals for racing in 2021 and beyond?
For 2021, my focus is on learning as much as I can – both on track and off. There’s a lot to learn, and I am fortunate to be driving with some experienced vets as well as super-quick youngsters; hopefully I’ll pick up a thing or two. I’m hoping to translate my racing background to the F1600s and have some good, clean battles throughout the season. Equally, I’m hoping to improve my understanding of car dynamics and setup. Beyond that, just going to see where the year takes me!
COLE JANETEAS
How long, and what, have you raced?
I started riding dirt bikes when I was 4, then competed in a variety of local motocross clubs from the age of 5-15. I did a couple years of karting starting when I was 10. A few years ago I started participating in track days with my dad.
Why racing? How did you get into it?
It’s hard to put into words, but to put it simply I feel at peace whenever I’m behind the wheel. I like racing because it provides an additional challenge. It’s not just about being the fastest around a single lap, but being consistent and having good race craft as well. I also love the camaraderie that comes with working as a team to improve. I got into racing from a young age through motocross. While racing bikes I also did a few years of karting, but eventually stopped racing altogether to focus on other things. However, the dream has always been to compete in auto racing so I’m very excited to start this next chapter of my racing career.
Have you driven an F1600 car before this season starts?
As I write this, no. But the plan is to get a few test days in prior to the first race weekend.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
Our number is 45. Our dad had this number when he played sports growing up so it felt right to pay homage to that.
What track raced/driven has been your favourite?
The GP circuit at Mosport is great, but I think the DDT track is really underrated. I like the variety of corners and how you’re always busy at the wheel.
What is your greatest racing memory, either as a driver or spectator?
I don’t remember much as I was pretty young the last time I went, but going to the Montreal Grand Prix with my family as a kid holds a special place in my heart. More recently it might be the year I went to Laguna Seca during Monterey Car Week.
Who is your favourite driver from any generation and why?
The first name that comes to mind is Senna. His God-like moments behind the wheel are to this day on another level of raw talent and intuition. But, growing up it was always Jacques Villeneuve. My Dad is a massive Gilles Villeneuve fan so naturally when I was growing up Jacques was the favourite in our family.
What do you do for a living?
My 9-5 is working as a Delivery Specialist for BMW Grand River. When I’m not there I work as a freelance photographer and run Soyer.ca.
What are your goals for racing in 2021 and beyond?
My goal for this season is to get seat time and learn. I’m really just excited to be a part of racing and to take in all it has to offer. Looking into the future, of course a win or two would be nice, but I know it can take some time to build to that point.