Champion crowned in Slingshot Racing Cup

Winnipeg-based Probe Research acquired by Abacus Data

The results are in: Winnipeg-based market research firm Probe Research has been acquired.

One-hundred per cent of leadership reported being happy with the deal, which sees Probe joining Abacus Data as it seeks to expand nationally.

“This is … the best of both worlds,” said Mary Agnes Welch, a Probe Research partner. “We at Probe get to stay doing the things we’ve always loved to do for Manitobans, but we now get to take those perspectives to the national level.”

Probe Research counts government entities, non-profits and credit unions among its clients. It’s published thousands of surveys during its 32-year tenure, Welch said.

Champion crowned in Slingshot Racing Cup

A winner has been crowned in the Slingshot Racing Cup, the world’s first-ever racing championship to feature three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot roadsters.

David Richert, a Manitoba-born professional race car driver, who last year completed a race through the streets of Monte Carlo at the world-famous Formula One Monaco Grand Prix weekend, was crowned the Slingshot Racing Cup overall champion last week after dominating throughout the summer and winning rounds nine and 10 of the unique racing series at Gimli Motorsport Park.

Richert, who helped launched the Slingshot Racing Cup with S.A.R. Sport and Recreation, a Polaris and Husqvarna dealership in Steinbach, enjoyed the win, but was even more happy with the tight results and racing created by the championship.

“I’m unbelievably excited with the extremely close racing produced by the Slingshot and a field of very talented drivers throughout this year,” Richert said in a press release. “It’s been a privilege to work with, and compete against, all of our participants this season.”

Three charged after victims robbed, held against their will in dating scam

A Winnipeg woman and two men allegedly lured male victims on dating websites before robbing and holding them against their will, prompting safety reminders for people looking for love online. Detectives believe there may be additional victims who’ve not yet come forward.

‘Buy Canadian’ takes on new meaning

The “Buy Canadian” push has re-emerged as the federal government rolls out tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of imports from the United States.

Premier Wab Kinew led the Manitoba charge Tuesday, hours after the federal government announced the retaliatory levies that will take effect Sept. 8.

“Whether you look at it as an affordability initiative, or you look at it as a way to support our economy here, buying local always makes sense,” Kinew said at an unrelated press conference. “It makes even more sense right now.”

Mark Carney’s government has responded to new 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on $27.6 billion worth of Canadian products. Trade talks between the countries broke down late Friday.

Bombers offensive co-ordinator Condell takes accountability for loss to Elks

Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.