With files from Suzuki Canada
RICHMOND HILL, ON – Suzuki Canada announced that it will once again campaign two P2-class Suzuki Swift+ rally cars in the 2005 Canadian Rally Championship.
The 2004 P2 Driver and Co-Driver Championship team of Bill Bacon and Peter Watt are back in their Suzuki Swift+ to defend their title. Placing fifth overall in the Rally of the Tall Pines, Bacon and Watt showed a number of the “bigger” cars the competitiveness of the Suzuki Swift+.
To further strengthen Suzuki Canada’s Rally Team, the second Suzuki Swift+ will be driven by the multi-time Open, North American and Canadian Championship team of rally legends Frank and Dan Sprongl from Georgetown, ON. With the Sprongl duo joining Bacon and Watt, the Suzuki Rally Team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2005.
The two Suzuki Swift+ rally cars have been recently refreshed by Four Star Motorsports in Georgetown and are ready for the 2005 rally season! Their first event will be the Rallye Perce Neige in Maniwaki, QC on February 2-4, 2005.
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Monday, January 31, 2005
NASCAR SOUTHWEST: Canadian Harding in action at PIR
PHOENIX, AZ - Burney Lamar of W. Sacramento, Calif. scored his fourth career win and first for new car owner Kevin Harvick. Lamar led 58 laps en route to a .320 second victory over Ken Schrader in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series portion of the Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway Sunday afternoon.
Canadian racing veteran Pete Harding started 33rd in the field after qualifying was rained out and climbed to 21st in his Chevrolet, finishing on the lead lap.
Three-time PIR winner Eddy McKean finished in the third position for his ninth top three finish in the last 10 PIR races. Eric Holmes, and 2003 series champion Jim Pettit II rounded out the top five finishers in the 75-lap event.
RESULTS: NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series
Copper World Classic "75" // Phoenix Int'l Raceway, Phoenix, January 30, 2005
FINISH (START) DRIVER, MAKE, LAPS, STATUS, WINNINGS
1. (3) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $11,200;
2. (19) Ken Schrader, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $6,500;
3. (2) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 75, Running, $5,400;
4. (4) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $4,100;
5. (1) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 75, Running, $3,900;
6. (37) Jeff Jefferson, Dodge, 75, Running, $4,550;
7. (7) Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $3,300;
8. (16) M.K. Kanke, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;
9. (11) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 75, Running, $2,300;
10. (6) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;
11. (5) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,400;
12. (43) Greg Pursley, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,900;
13. (8) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,800;
14. (14) Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,750;
15. (29) Brandon Riehl, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,225;
16. (41) John Dillon, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,675;
17. (18) Kevin Clark, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,650;
18. (30) Greg Fowler, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,875;
19. (10) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,600;
20. (38) Dustin Jones, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,575;
21. (33) Pete Harding, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,050;
22. (20) Rick Suran, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,500;
23. (40) Jim Inglebright, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,475;
24. (22) Ed Belec, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,450;
25. (36) Dexter Bean, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,425;
26. (21) Rick Carelli, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,400;
27. (12) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,375;
28. (32) Trevor Morrical, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,350;
29. (23) Danny Mientka, Pontiac, 73, Running, $1,325;
30. (25) Mike Gallegos, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;
31. (28) Randy Hvall, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;
32. (9) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,700;
33. (15) Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,300;
34. (27) Don Campbell, Chevrolet, 67, Running, $1,300;
35. (35) Todd Souza, Ford, 61, Running, $1,700;
36. (17) Stan Silva Jr., Chevrolet, 49, Accident, $1,300;
37. (13) Dan Holtz, Ford, 42, Accident, $1,300;
38. (31) Stephan Sadler, Chevrolet, 38, Running, $1,300;
39. (34) Garrett Evans, Chevrolet, 18, Engine, $1,800;
40. (39) Tim Schendel, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $2,550;
41. (42) Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $1,700;
42. (26) Travis Bennett, Chevrolet, 0, Ignition, $1,800;
43. (24) Mike Ledbetter, Chevrolet, 0, DNS, $0;
# Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders
Failed to Qualify: None
TIME OF RACE: 49 minutes, 48 seconds (Race Record) // AVERAGE SPEED: 90.361 mph // MARGIN OF VICTORY: .320 seconds // BUD POLE AWARD: Field set per NASCAR Rulebook dut to inclement weather. Jim Pettit II started from Pole. // POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Jeff Jefferson, LeMay Museum Dodge // FEATHERLITE AWARD: Burney Lamar, Groeniger Chevrolet // ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE: Dustin Jones, A Atlas Chevrolet // CAUTION FLAGS: Three cautions for 19 laps (3-8, 44-49, 51-57) // LAP LEADERS: Two lead changes among three drivers. Jim Pettit II start, Eddy McKean 1-17, Burney Lamar 18-75.
Canadian racing veteran Pete Harding started 33rd in the field after qualifying was rained out and climbed to 21st in his Chevrolet, finishing on the lead lap.
Three-time PIR winner Eddy McKean finished in the third position for his ninth top three finish in the last 10 PIR races. Eric Holmes, and 2003 series champion Jim Pettit II rounded out the top five finishers in the 75-lap event.
RESULTS: NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series
Copper World Classic "75" // Phoenix Int'l Raceway, Phoenix, January 30, 2005
FINISH (START) DRIVER, MAKE, LAPS, STATUS, WINNINGS
1. (3) Burney Lamar, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $11,200;
2. (19) Ken Schrader, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $6,500;
3. (2) Eddy McKean, Pontiac, 75, Running, $5,400;
4. (4) Eric Holmes, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $4,100;
5. (1) Jim Pettit II, Ford, 75, Running, $3,900;
6. (37) Jeff Jefferson, Dodge, 75, Running, $4,550;
7. (7) Nick Lynch, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $3,300;
8. (16) M.K. Kanke, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;
9. (11) Thomas Martin, Pontiac, 75, Running, $2,300;
10. (6) Greg Voigt, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,600;
11. (5) Joe Herold, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,400;
12. (43) Greg Pursley, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,900;
13. (8) Danny Burson, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,800;
14. (14) Auggie Vidovich Jr., Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,750;
15. (29) Brandon Riehl, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,225;
16. (41) John Dillon, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,675;
17. (18) Kevin Clark, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,650;
18. (30) Greg Fowler, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,875;
19. (10) Darrell LaMoure, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,600;
20. (38) Dustin Jones, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $1,575;
21. (33) Pete Harding, Chevrolet, 75, Running, $2,050;
22. (20) Rick Suran, Pontiac, 75, Running, $1,500;
23. (40) Jim Inglebright, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,475;
24. (22) Ed Belec, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,450;
25. (36) Dexter Bean, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,425;
26. (21) Rick Carelli, Chevrolet, 74, Running, $1,400;
27. (12) Bob Lyon, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,375;
28. (32) Trevor Morrical, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,350;
29. (23) Danny Mientka, Pontiac, 73, Running, $1,325;
30. (25) Mike Gallegos, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;
31. (28) Randy Hvall, Chevrolet, 73, Running, $1,300;
32. (9) Doug McCoun, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,700;
33. (15) Richard Johnson, Chevrolet, 72, Running, $1,300;
34. (27) Don Campbell, Chevrolet, 67, Running, $1,300;
35. (35) Todd Souza, Ford, 61, Running, $1,700;
36. (17) Stan Silva Jr., Chevrolet, 49, Accident, $1,300;
37. (13) Dan Holtz, Ford, 42, Accident, $1,300;
38. (31) Stephan Sadler, Chevrolet, 38, Running, $1,300;
39. (34) Garrett Evans, Chevrolet, 18, Engine, $1,800;
40. (39) Tim Schendel, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $2,550;
41. (42) Rip Michels, Chevrolet, 1, Accident, $1,700;
42. (26) Travis Bennett, Chevrolet, 0, Ignition, $1,800;
43. (24) Mike Ledbetter, Chevrolet, 0, DNS, $0;
# Autometer Rookie-of-the-Year Contenders
Failed to Qualify: None
TIME OF RACE: 49 minutes, 48 seconds (Race Record) // AVERAGE SPEED: 90.361 mph // MARGIN OF VICTORY: .320 seconds // BUD POLE AWARD: Field set per NASCAR Rulebook dut to inclement weather. Jim Pettit II started from Pole. // POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Jeff Jefferson, LeMay Museum Dodge // FEATHERLITE AWARD: Burney Lamar, Groeniger Chevrolet // ROOKIE-OF-THE-RACE: Dustin Jones, A Atlas Chevrolet // CAUTION FLAGS: Three cautions for 19 laps (3-8, 44-49, 51-57) // LAP LEADERS: Two lead changes among three drivers. Jim Pettit II start, Eddy McKean 1-17, Burney Lamar 18-75.
FOAR SCORE: Bicknell & Wollaber drivers of the year
BOWMANSVILLE, NY - The Friends of Auto Racing (Foar Score) Fan Club held their awards banquet on January 29th at the Classics V Banquet Hall in Amherst, NY. Over 350 people were in attendance for the 57th such annual awards dinner hosted by the Western New York/Niagara Region of Ontario motorsports Fan Club.
Speedway Illustrated columnist and editor-at-large Mark "Bones" Bourcier, author of the recently published book Richie! The Richie Evans Story was the featured guest speaker of the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Driver of the Year awards to Pete Bicknell (dirt) and Dave Wollaber (asphalt). The newest inductees into the Foar Score Hall of Fame were also presented, as Don McGinnis, Charlie Rudolph, Bobby Sund, and Pete Tingue were added to the prestigious honor roll.
Wollaber earned his award after his precedent establishing year at Lancaster Raceway Park. The University at Buffalo engineering student became the first driver in Lancaster's history to earn track titles in two divisions in the same season, capturing the championships in the Modified and TQ Midget divisions. He earned three feature victories in each of the two divisions, including two race nights in which he swept both divisions' main events.
Bicknell was honored for his sterling 2004 season in which he captured 7 wins at his own Merrittville Speedway en route to an amazing 17th Modified championship at the Thorold, ON oval, and grabbed two more wins at Ransomville (as part of a consistently strong 14 top fives in 15 starts) on the way to his ninth Modified title at the Niagara County, NY speedplant. In addition, he placed third in the Turning Stone Casino 358 Modified Super Dirt Series, with Series race win in Granby, QC.
Bicknell and partner Randy Williamson were also presented with the Mechanical Achievement Award for their efforts in investigating, testing, and promoting engine cost-cutting possibilities for Dirt 358 Modified and Sportsman racers.
Greg Oakes was presented with the Achievement on Dirt Award for his three-pronged championship season in '04, earning the Modified Sportsman titles at Freedom and McKean County as well as the title in the inaugural Regional Racing Series for the Modified Sportsmen, a limited touring series based in Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania.
Shawn Dunning and Tom McGrath each received Achievement on Asphalt Awards. Dunning was recognized for his trifecta of major Late Model wins -- the Firecracker 100 and the Budweiser 100 at Holland and his second consecutive win in the Late Model Race of Champions at Oswego. McGrath's run of major wins was similarly recognized, as the Lancaster Modified pilot snared victories in 3 of Lancaster's 4 annual major Modified showdowns: the Budweiser 50, Firecracker 75, and US Open 125.
The Woman in Racing Award was presented to Patti Pruitt, for her strength of character in returning to the drivers seat in 2004 after her firey 2003 wreck, and scoring feature race victories at Wyoming County and Tioga. The Perseverance Award was presented to the Jeff Brown race team, in recognition of the re-building tasks they endured after their Late Model was destroyed in a grinding crash at Lancaster in June.
The creators of the SST Sportsman program, Jim Majchrzak and Doug Yeo of Wyoming County International Speedway and Chris Zacharias of Tioga Motorsports Park, received the Promotional Achievement Award. Long-time TQ Midget racer, owner, mechanic, and promoter Harry Macy, who overcame a serious medical problem in the previous off-season, received the Dick Hammond Dedication to Auto Racing Award. The Media Award was presented to Buffalo News sports reporter Keith McShea.
Genesee Super Stock driver Jon Rivers was named Rookie of the Year on Dirt, while Lancaster Super Stock driver Mike Scott was named Rookie of the Year on asphalt. Ransomville/Genesee Sportsman pilot Kyle Inman was awarded the Most Improved Driver on Dirt award, while the Most Improved Driver on Asphalt award was presented to third generation driver Scott Wylie, the 2004 Cup Lites Series champion. Holland Pro Modified racer John Gast, Jr. received the Sportsmanship award. Foar Score Vice-President Roger McCabe received the President's Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Club.
Contribution to Auto Racing awards were presented to Bob Cordova of Original Pizza Logs, a major area motorsports sponsor; Dave DeLange, Lancaster Modified car owner and sponsor; Dave Hawk, a former racer and innovative parts designer and machinist; Father Norb Osoletes, the Holland Speedway Chaplain, and Mark Southcott, racing historian and site editor of NYRaceZone.com.
Special Recognition awards were presented to Erin Crocker, as the first female racer ever to win a World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature race; Paul Graff, owner/director of the Cup Lites Series and driving force behind the high dollar Firecracker weekend at Holland; Jeff McGinnis, for his major race successes in DIRT Sportsman action at Ransomville Speedway; Al Graham, Dave McCready, and Pete Yasses from Genesee Speedway, for their efforts at out-foxing Mother Nature and squeezing in Saturday shows under tough weather conditions; and drag racers Mike Janis for his 2nd career IHRA Pro Modified championship and Fred Hahn, who is cutting back on his racing schedule after 16 very successful seasons.
FOUR INDUCTED TO FOAR SCORE HALL OF FAME
At the Friends of Auto Racing (Foar Score) Fan Club 57th annaul Awards Banquet, held on January 29th at the Classics V Banquet Hall in Amherst, NY, four new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Western New York/Niagara Region of Ontario motorsports fan club.
Dirt Late Model and Modified standout Don McGinnis, versatile Modified ace Charlie Rudoph, 60's Late Model star Pete Tingue, and 50's champion Bobby Sund were added to the honor roll.
Don McGinnis first made his mark in dirt Late Model racing in the 70's, amassing 28 wins in 1973, and 16 wins and the titles at Ransomville, Merrittville, and Humberstone in 1975. He later showed his winning style in a Modified, earning the 1989 Ransomville/Merrittville/Humberstone Tri-Track Driver of the Year Award, scoring the 1994 Ransomville Modified title, and for 19 straight seasons, never finishing out of the top ten in points at any track on which he raced regularly. Overall, he earned 97 career feature wins. Currently, Don is very much involved with the successful Dirt Sportsman racing career of son Jeff.
Charlie Rudolph followed the footsteps of his racing father Jim, and quickly established his own identity as a top-level racer. Jumping right into asphalt Modified racing, he earned his first track championship at age 22, grabbing the Lancaster Modified crown in 1980. Two years later, he shifted his focus to Dirt Modified racing, and took the Ransomville crown that season. In 1986, he notched the track Modified titles at Ransomville, Cayuga County, and Rolling Wheels, as well as the overall Mr. DIRT Modified crown. In 1987, he made a foray into NASCAR Winston Cup racing, with a best finish of 13th in the July Pocono race. He returned to DIRT Modified action in 1988, and made the full circle back to asphalt Modifieds in the early 90's, earning Lancaster titles in 1991 and 1993. Overall, his record shows 49 dirt Modified race wins and 38 asphalt Modified victories in his career. With his induction, Charlie joins his father Jim as only the second father/son tandem in the Foar Score Hall of Fame.
The late Bobby Sund was a star of racing at Buffalo's Civic Stadium throughout the 50's, earning Stadium season championships in 1952, 1953, and 1955. His most successful year was '52, during which he rolled to 17 victories in a 30 race season. After the Stadium was closed for racing following the 1959 season, he shifted his racing efforts to Lancaster Speedway, and won that track's Super Modified title in 1961. In 1964, he moved to the ERCA circuit, competing in the 6-cylinder "Super B's" at Holland and Perry before retiring a couple of years later. Fellow Civic Stadium racer and long-time area race official Butch Ball accepted the Hall of Fame trophy in Sund's memory.
Pete Tingue was an early star of the ERCA circuit, competing against the likes of Art Clark, Dick Flaig, and Eddie Anchor, with a great 7 year run from 1961 through 1967. During that period, he finished in the top three in Holland Modern Stock (later re-named as the New Cars) points in six of those years, including track titles in 1961, 1964, and 1967. His high point was the '64 season, when he also took the Perry Modern Stock title as well as the overall ERCA Modern Stock championship. He qualified for a start in the Permatex Sportsman race at Daytona in the mid-60's, and continued racing to a mid-70's retirement. However, he "un-retired" in the early 80's, getting back into Street Stock racing at Freedom, McKean County, Perry, and Genesee, picking up a few more wins through 1990 in this second phase of his career.
This newest class of inductees brings the total honored in the Foar Score Hall of Fame to 82.
- From Rick Mooney (RMooneypr@aol.com) and Paul Faleski (716)-983-8008 )
Speedway Illustrated columnist and editor-at-large Mark "Bones" Bourcier, author of the recently published book Richie! The Richie Evans Story was the featured guest speaker of the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Driver of the Year awards to Pete Bicknell (dirt) and Dave Wollaber (asphalt). The newest inductees into the Foar Score Hall of Fame were also presented, as Don McGinnis, Charlie Rudolph, Bobby Sund, and Pete Tingue were added to the prestigious honor roll.
Wollaber earned his award after his precedent establishing year at Lancaster Raceway Park. The University at Buffalo engineering student became the first driver in Lancaster's history to earn track titles in two divisions in the same season, capturing the championships in the Modified and TQ Midget divisions. He earned three feature victories in each of the two divisions, including two race nights in which he swept both divisions' main events.
Bicknell was honored for his sterling 2004 season in which he captured 7 wins at his own Merrittville Speedway en route to an amazing 17th Modified championship at the Thorold, ON oval, and grabbed two more wins at Ransomville (as part of a consistently strong 14 top fives in 15 starts) on the way to his ninth Modified title at the Niagara County, NY speedplant. In addition, he placed third in the Turning Stone Casino 358 Modified Super Dirt Series, with Series race win in Granby, QC.
Bicknell and partner Randy Williamson were also presented with the Mechanical Achievement Award for their efforts in investigating, testing, and promoting engine cost-cutting possibilities for Dirt 358 Modified and Sportsman racers.
Greg Oakes was presented with the Achievement on Dirt Award for his three-pronged championship season in '04, earning the Modified Sportsman titles at Freedom and McKean County as well as the title in the inaugural Regional Racing Series for the Modified Sportsmen, a limited touring series based in Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania.
Shawn Dunning and Tom McGrath each received Achievement on Asphalt Awards. Dunning was recognized for his trifecta of major Late Model wins -- the Firecracker 100 and the Budweiser 100 at Holland and his second consecutive win in the Late Model Race of Champions at Oswego. McGrath's run of major wins was similarly recognized, as the Lancaster Modified pilot snared victories in 3 of Lancaster's 4 annual major Modified showdowns: the Budweiser 50, Firecracker 75, and US Open 125.
The Woman in Racing Award was presented to Patti Pruitt, for her strength of character in returning to the drivers seat in 2004 after her firey 2003 wreck, and scoring feature race victories at Wyoming County and Tioga. The Perseverance Award was presented to the Jeff Brown race team, in recognition of the re-building tasks they endured after their Late Model was destroyed in a grinding crash at Lancaster in June.
The creators of the SST Sportsman program, Jim Majchrzak and Doug Yeo of Wyoming County International Speedway and Chris Zacharias of Tioga Motorsports Park, received the Promotional Achievement Award. Long-time TQ Midget racer, owner, mechanic, and promoter Harry Macy, who overcame a serious medical problem in the previous off-season, received the Dick Hammond Dedication to Auto Racing Award. The Media Award was presented to Buffalo News sports reporter Keith McShea.
Genesee Super Stock driver Jon Rivers was named Rookie of the Year on Dirt, while Lancaster Super Stock driver Mike Scott was named Rookie of the Year on asphalt. Ransomville/Genesee Sportsman pilot Kyle Inman was awarded the Most Improved Driver on Dirt award, while the Most Improved Driver on Asphalt award was presented to third generation driver Scott Wylie, the 2004 Cup Lites Series champion. Holland Pro Modified racer John Gast, Jr. received the Sportsmanship award. Foar Score Vice-President Roger McCabe received the President's Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Club.
Contribution to Auto Racing awards were presented to Bob Cordova of Original Pizza Logs, a major area motorsports sponsor; Dave DeLange, Lancaster Modified car owner and sponsor; Dave Hawk, a former racer and innovative parts designer and machinist; Father Norb Osoletes, the Holland Speedway Chaplain, and Mark Southcott, racing historian and site editor of NYRaceZone.com.
Special Recognition awards were presented to Erin Crocker, as the first female racer ever to win a World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature race; Paul Graff, owner/director of the Cup Lites Series and driving force behind the high dollar Firecracker weekend at Holland; Jeff McGinnis, for his major race successes in DIRT Sportsman action at Ransomville Speedway; Al Graham, Dave McCready, and Pete Yasses from Genesee Speedway, for their efforts at out-foxing Mother Nature and squeezing in Saturday shows under tough weather conditions; and drag racers Mike Janis for his 2nd career IHRA Pro Modified championship and Fred Hahn, who is cutting back on his racing schedule after 16 very successful seasons.
FOUR INDUCTED TO FOAR SCORE HALL OF FAME
At the Friends of Auto Racing (Foar Score) Fan Club 57th annaul Awards Banquet, held on January 29th at the Classics V Banquet Hall in Amherst, NY, four new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Western New York/Niagara Region of Ontario motorsports fan club.
Dirt Late Model and Modified standout Don McGinnis, versatile Modified ace Charlie Rudoph, 60's Late Model star Pete Tingue, and 50's champion Bobby Sund were added to the honor roll.
Don McGinnis first made his mark in dirt Late Model racing in the 70's, amassing 28 wins in 1973, and 16 wins and the titles at Ransomville, Merrittville, and Humberstone in 1975. He later showed his winning style in a Modified, earning the 1989 Ransomville/Merrittville/Humberstone Tri-Track Driver of the Year Award, scoring the 1994 Ransomville Modified title, and for 19 straight seasons, never finishing out of the top ten in points at any track on which he raced regularly. Overall, he earned 97 career feature wins. Currently, Don is very much involved with the successful Dirt Sportsman racing career of son Jeff.
Charlie Rudolph followed the footsteps of his racing father Jim, and quickly established his own identity as a top-level racer. Jumping right into asphalt Modified racing, he earned his first track championship at age 22, grabbing the Lancaster Modified crown in 1980. Two years later, he shifted his focus to Dirt Modified racing, and took the Ransomville crown that season. In 1986, he notched the track Modified titles at Ransomville, Cayuga County, and Rolling Wheels, as well as the overall Mr. DIRT Modified crown. In 1987, he made a foray into NASCAR Winston Cup racing, with a best finish of 13th in the July Pocono race. He returned to DIRT Modified action in 1988, and made the full circle back to asphalt Modifieds in the early 90's, earning Lancaster titles in 1991 and 1993. Overall, his record shows 49 dirt Modified race wins and 38 asphalt Modified victories in his career. With his induction, Charlie joins his father Jim as only the second father/son tandem in the Foar Score Hall of Fame.
The late Bobby Sund was a star of racing at Buffalo's Civic Stadium throughout the 50's, earning Stadium season championships in 1952, 1953, and 1955. His most successful year was '52, during which he rolled to 17 victories in a 30 race season. After the Stadium was closed for racing following the 1959 season, he shifted his racing efforts to Lancaster Speedway, and won that track's Super Modified title in 1961. In 1964, he moved to the ERCA circuit, competing in the 6-cylinder "Super B's" at Holland and Perry before retiring a couple of years later. Fellow Civic Stadium racer and long-time area race official Butch Ball accepted the Hall of Fame trophy in Sund's memory.
Pete Tingue was an early star of the ERCA circuit, competing against the likes of Art Clark, Dick Flaig, and Eddie Anchor, with a great 7 year run from 1961 through 1967. During that period, he finished in the top three in Holland Modern Stock (later re-named as the New Cars) points in six of those years, including track titles in 1961, 1964, and 1967. His high point was the '64 season, when he also took the Perry Modern Stock title as well as the overall ERCA Modern Stock championship. He qualified for a start in the Permatex Sportsman race at Daytona in the mid-60's, and continued racing to a mid-70's retirement. However, he "un-retired" in the early 80's, getting back into Street Stock racing at Freedom, McKean County, Perry, and Genesee, picking up a few more wins through 1990 in this second phase of his career.
This newest class of inductees brings the total honored in the Foar Score Hall of Fame to 82.
- From Rick Mooney (RMooneypr@aol.com) and Paul Faleski (716)-983-8008 )
NASCAR Grand Nat'l, West: Harrs race in Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ – The Canadian father-and-son team of Carl and Daryl Harr were in action at Phoenix Int’l Raceway on the weekend, racing in the United Rentals 100, the season opener for the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series.
Daryl Harr started 22nd in the field and worked his way forward to 10th, one lap down to the leaders. Carl Harr started 19th and finished 24th, five laps back.
David Gilliland used lap traffic to slip by Kevin Harvick and pull away to win the United Rentals 100 at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday.
While Gilliland was cruising to victory, Harvick had to make a quick pit stop for a dash of fuel. The stop led to a 13th-place finish for Harvick, who won the West Series championship in 1998 and is now a regular in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.
Defending series champion Mike Duncan finished the race in second, with series rookie Jason Jefferson taking third. Mike David finished fourth, followed by Brandon Ash in fifth.
Gilliland hopes to challenge for the series championship this season, after winning the Rookie of the Year title a year ago.
RESULTS: UNITED RENTALS 100
NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series // Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 30, 2005
FINISH (START) DRIVER, HOMETOWN, MAKE, LAPS, WINNINGS
1. (1) David Gilliland, Riverside, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, 108.532 mph, $15,225
2. (4) Mike Duncan, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $11,225
3. (7) Jason Jefferson, Naches, Wash., Pontiac Grand Prix, 100, $8,475
4. (8) Mike David, Modesto, Calif., Ford Taurus, 100, $7,925
5. (15) Brandon Ash, Umpqua, Ore., Ford Taurus, 100, $5,600
6. (16) Michel Jourdain Jr, Mexico City, Ford Taurus, 100, $5,000
7. (10) Matt Kobyluck, Uncasville, Conn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $9,500
8. (14) Dale Quarterley, Westfield, Mass., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $9,100
9. (11) Steve Portenga, Sparks, Nev., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $4,550
10. (31) Scott Lynch, Burley, Idaho, Dodge Intrepid, 100, $5,575
11. (12) Tim Woods III, Chino Hills, Calif., Ford Taurus, 100, $4,375
12. (22) Daryl Harr, St. Albert, AB, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $4,275
13. (2) Kevin Harvick, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $2,550
14. (5) Spencer Clark, Las Vegas, Nev., Ford Taurus, 99, $2,360
15. (6) Johnny Borneman, Ramona, Calif., Ford Taurus, 99, $2,525
16. (9) Andrew Lewis, Corona, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $2,050
17. (33) Andrew Myers, Huntington Beach, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $1,950
18. (29) Tim Smith, Roseville, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,225
19. (26) Ed Watson, Mt. Vernon, Wash., Ford Taurus, 98, $1,750
20. (23) Sarah Fisher, Indianapolis, Ind., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,450
21. (13) Brandon Miller, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,025
22. (18) Scott Gaylord, Lakewood, Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 97, $2,725
23. (20) Brett Thompson, Jerome, Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 96, $1,925
24. (19) Carl Harr, Edmonton, AB, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 95, $2,625
25. (30) Jack Sellers, Sacramento, Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 95, $1,825
26. (25) Chris Schmelzle, Victoria, BC, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 94, $1,350
27. (28) Rick Ruzbarsky, Tracy, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 89, Engine, $1,350
28. (17) Jose Luis Ramirez, Mexico City, Ford Taurus, 88, Fuel, $1,725
29. (21) David Cardey, Riverside, Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 56, Oil Leak, $1,725
30. (27) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 43, Too Slow, $1,725
31. (3) Ken Schrader, Fenton, Mo., Pontiac Grand Prix, 34, Vibration, $1,725
32. (24) David Eshleman, Fontana, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 23, Accident, $1,725
33. (32) Bobby Hillis, Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1, Handling, $1,725
Did not qualify: (1) Gene Woods. // Time of race: 55 minutes 17 seconds // Margin of victory: 2.823 seconds // Caution flags: 1 for 5 (26-30) // Lead changes: 1 between 2 drivers // Lap leaders: David Gilliland-grid, Kevin Harvick 1-77, Gilliland 78-100.
Daryl Harr started 22nd in the field and worked his way forward to 10th, one lap down to the leaders. Carl Harr started 19th and finished 24th, five laps back.
David Gilliland used lap traffic to slip by Kevin Harvick and pull away to win the United Rentals 100 at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday.
While Gilliland was cruising to victory, Harvick had to make a quick pit stop for a dash of fuel. The stop led to a 13th-place finish for Harvick, who won the West Series championship in 1998 and is now a regular in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.
Defending series champion Mike Duncan finished the race in second, with series rookie Jason Jefferson taking third. Mike David finished fourth, followed by Brandon Ash in fifth.
Gilliland hopes to challenge for the series championship this season, after winning the Rookie of the Year title a year ago.
RESULTS: UNITED RENTALS 100
NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series // Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 30, 2005
FINISH (START) DRIVER, HOMETOWN, MAKE, LAPS, WINNINGS
1. (1) David Gilliland, Riverside, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, 108.532 mph, $15,225
2. (4) Mike Duncan, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $11,225
3. (7) Jason Jefferson, Naches, Wash., Pontiac Grand Prix, 100, $8,475
4. (8) Mike David, Modesto, Calif., Ford Taurus, 100, $7,925
5. (15) Brandon Ash, Umpqua, Ore., Ford Taurus, 100, $5,600
6. (16) Michel Jourdain Jr, Mexico City, Ford Taurus, 100, $5,000
7. (10) Matt Kobyluck, Uncasville, Conn., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $9,500
8. (14) Dale Quarterley, Westfield, Mass., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $9,100
9. (11) Steve Portenga, Sparks, Nev., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100, $4,550
10. (31) Scott Lynch, Burley, Idaho, Dodge Intrepid, 100, $5,575
11. (12) Tim Woods III, Chino Hills, Calif., Ford Taurus, 100, $4,375
12. (22) Daryl Harr, St. Albert, AB, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $4,275
13. (2) Kevin Harvick, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $2,550
14. (5) Spencer Clark, Las Vegas, Nev., Ford Taurus, 99, $2,360
15. (6) Johnny Borneman, Ramona, Calif., Ford Taurus, 99, $2,525
16. (9) Andrew Lewis, Corona, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 99, $2,050
17. (33) Andrew Myers, Huntington Beach, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $1,950
18. (29) Tim Smith, Roseville, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,225
19. (26) Ed Watson, Mt. Vernon, Wash., Ford Taurus, 98, $1,750
20. (23) Sarah Fisher, Indianapolis, Ind., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,450
21. (13) Brandon Miller, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 98, $2,025
22. (18) Scott Gaylord, Lakewood, Colo., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 97, $2,725
23. (20) Brett Thompson, Jerome, Idaho, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 96, $1,925
24. (19) Carl Harr, Edmonton, AB, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 95, $2,625
25. (30) Jack Sellers, Sacramento, Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 95, $1,825
26. (25) Chris Schmelzle, Victoria, BC, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 94, $1,350
27. (28) Rick Ruzbarsky, Tracy, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 89, Engine, $1,350
28. (17) Jose Luis Ramirez, Mexico City, Ford Taurus, 88, Fuel, $1,725
29. (21) David Cardey, Riverside, Calif., Pontiac Grand Prix, 56, Oil Leak, $1,725
30. (27) Takuma Koga, Nagoya, Japan, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 43, Too Slow, $1,725
31. (3) Ken Schrader, Fenton, Mo., Pontiac Grand Prix, 34, Vibration, $1,725
32. (24) David Eshleman, Fontana, Calif., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 23, Accident, $1,725
33. (32) Bobby Hillis, Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1, Handling, $1,725
Did not qualify: (1) Gene Woods. // Time of race: 55 minutes 17 seconds // Margin of victory: 2.823 seconds // Caution flags: 1 for 5 (26-30) // Lead changes: 1 between 2 drivers // Lap leaders: David Gilliland-grid, Kevin Harvick 1-77, Gilliland 78-100.
- From Mike Prusinski // Communications Manager // Phoenix International Raceway
Friday, January 28, 2005
SOS INSIDER: Dick Mahoney gets new ride and website for '05
NEWMARKET, ON - Dick Mahoney and the #79 Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) team will be attacking the 2005 season with a full head of steam.
During the off-season it was announced that Dick has purchased a Maxim kit from 2003 URC Champion and former Pennsylvania 410 star Dave Ely.
In addition to the new ride comes the unveiling of the all new Dick Mahoney Online. Located at www.dickmahoney.com the Official Web Site of "The Pig" has been given a facelift by ImageFactor.ca for the upcoming year.
2004 was a rough season for the Newmarket, Ontario native. The teams primary car was destroyed just three races into the season at the Ohsweken Speedway on May 28th. Competing for the majority of the season with his backup car "Lefty", Dick managed to finish 8th in the final SOS tour standings.
Once again Dick will be the competing full time with the Southern Ontario Sprints and will make various other starts with local 360 sprint clubs.
Visit the ALL New Dick Mahoney Online at: http://www.dickmahoney.com
- SOS Online
DRAGS: St. Thomas court decision comes down
Advertiser of the day
Click here to visit CSC Racing on the web:
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From St. Thomas Dragway:
SPARTA, ON – A decision has been released on the lawsuit filed by a group of residents of Sparta against St. Thomas Dragway. In the lawsuit the plaintiffs were seeking one million dollars and the permanent closure of the track.
The court refused to order the closure of the track and only ordered the track to delay the start of racing until one P.M. on Sundays. No other restrictions were placed on the operation of the facility.
The court also commented on the involvement of the Municipality of Central Elgin in this case. The court found that the Municipality had confidentially funded the plaintiffs in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars and that the court was “somewhat troubled” by this conduct on the part of the municipality and this conduct was “ill advised”.
The court also found that the dragway employs many local youth, makes significant economic and charitable contributions to the community and that it also provides an educational component to the students in the community.
For further information, contact Dave Mathers at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at http://www.stthomasdragway.com/ or dragway counsel Daryl Mann at 416-777-5407
Click here to visit CSC Racing on the web:
******************************************
From St. Thomas Dragway:
SPARTA, ON – A decision has been released on the lawsuit filed by a group of residents of Sparta against St. Thomas Dragway. In the lawsuit the plaintiffs were seeking one million dollars and the permanent closure of the track.
The court refused to order the closure of the track and only ordered the track to delay the start of racing until one P.M. on Sundays. No other restrictions were placed on the operation of the facility.
The court also commented on the involvement of the Municipality of Central Elgin in this case. The court found that the Municipality had confidentially funded the plaintiffs in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars and that the court was “somewhat troubled” by this conduct on the part of the municipality and this conduct was “ill advised”.
The court also found that the dragway employs many local youth, makes significant economic and charitable contributions to the community and that it also provides an educational component to the students in the community.
For further information, contact Dave Mathers at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at http://www.stthomasdragway.com/ or dragway counsel Daryl Mann at 416-777-5407
STOCKS: King’s Park to host Sponsorship & Marketing Seminar
SASKATOON, SK – On Saturday, February 5, King’s Park Speedway will host a one-day seminar aimed at helping the track’s teams find and keep sponsors.
During the seminar, the following topics will be discussed:
- How to get more money
- Different types of sponsors
- How to grow sponsorship dollars
- How to find new sponsors
- What you need to do for Sponsors
- Develop a budget
- Develop a profile / proposal
- Why should someone sponsor you?
- And… What to do and say, and what not to do and say
For information about attending this seminar, contact Ron Kelly at (306) 653-6013 (days) or 652-2408 (evenings) or by e-mail at: ron.kelly@directwest.com. The cost is $75 per person and includes lunch.
DRAGS: A true international effort
CAYUGA, ON - The recent uniting of Canada’s Bob Elliott with Sipple Motorsports of Kentucky to campaign a Top Fuel Dragster for 2005 is a true international effort in the world of professional drag racing.
Elliott, who lives in Wingham, Ontario, and well known for his illustrious career behind the wheel of the Northern Force Funny Cars, will be driving the Top Fuel Dragster of the popular Sipple Family of Berea, Kentucky.
John “Doc” Sipple has been involved in drag racing since 1958, progressing through the classes to reach the ultimate in acceleration, Top Fuel.
In 2004, Sipple decided to step away from the driving duties. A mainstay of Funny Car racing in all its forms, including Alcohol-powered, Nitro-powered, and Jet-powered Funny Cars, Elliott has made his mark in Canada and the United States as a strong competitor.
The Team, which will campaign under the Northern Force banner, is currently seeking primary and associate sponsorship. This would complete the equation and allow the Team to compete at the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) major events, including three Canadian venues.
Powered by a TFX Hemi crafted aluminum alloy engine, this Top Fuel Dragster has a wheelbase of 296 inches and weighs 2175 pounds. This car consumes 14 gallons of highly-volatile nitro methane fuel for each quarter-mile pass with speeds of over 300 mph in less than five seconds.
Elliott is not the only Canadian in this teaming. Two members of the Sipple crew are fellow Canadians. John Ford is from Bolton, Ontario, and Larry Panzini is from Sarnia, Ontario. Other crew members include Brad Jones and Kevin Jones, both of Kentucky, Bryce Kenny of North Carolina, and Donnie Wasson, also from Kentucky. The Sipple family, with Doc’s son Mike as crew chief, will maintain the car.
Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitromethane fuel, produce in excess of 6000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating vehicles in the world. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.
For more information, contact:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Team Manager
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // Fax: 905.772.1799
E-mail: bmehlenbacher@northernforce.com // Website: http://www.northernforce.com
Tim Miller // Media Director
Telephone: 905.385.1456 // Fax: 905.772.1799 // E-mail: tmiller@northernforce.com
Elliott, who lives in Wingham, Ontario, and well known for his illustrious career behind the wheel of the Northern Force Funny Cars, will be driving the Top Fuel Dragster of the popular Sipple Family of Berea, Kentucky.
John “Doc” Sipple has been involved in drag racing since 1958, progressing through the classes to reach the ultimate in acceleration, Top Fuel.
In 2004, Sipple decided to step away from the driving duties. A mainstay of Funny Car racing in all its forms, including Alcohol-powered, Nitro-powered, and Jet-powered Funny Cars, Elliott has made his mark in Canada and the United States as a strong competitor.
The Team, which will campaign under the Northern Force banner, is currently seeking primary and associate sponsorship. This would complete the equation and allow the Team to compete at the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) major events, including three Canadian venues.
Powered by a TFX Hemi crafted aluminum alloy engine, this Top Fuel Dragster has a wheelbase of 296 inches and weighs 2175 pounds. This car consumes 14 gallons of highly-volatile nitro methane fuel for each quarter-mile pass with speeds of over 300 mph in less than five seconds.
Elliott is not the only Canadian in this teaming. Two members of the Sipple crew are fellow Canadians. John Ford is from Bolton, Ontario, and Larry Panzini is from Sarnia, Ontario. Other crew members include Brad Jones and Kevin Jones, both of Kentucky, Bryce Kenny of North Carolina, and Donnie Wasson, also from Kentucky. The Sipple family, with Doc’s son Mike as crew chief, will maintain the car.
Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitromethane fuel, produce in excess of 6000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating vehicles in the world. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.
For more information, contact:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Team Manager
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // Fax: 905.772.1799
E-mail: bmehlenbacher@northernforce.com // Website: http://www.northernforce.com
Tim Miller // Media Director
Telephone: 905.385.1456 // Fax: 905.772.1799 // E-mail: tmiller@northernforce.com
DIRT: Chairman Affirms No Changes Planned in DIRT Senior Management
COLORADO, CO - DIRT MotorSports completed the acquisition of Dirt Motorsports, Inc. from Glen Donnelly in August of 2004 for over 3.5 million dollars paid in full.
As part of that Agreement, Mr. Donnelly signed a 2-year Consulting Agreement with DIRT MotorSports. In keeping with this Agreement, Mr. Donnelly attended a portion of the DIRT MotorSports Board of Directors meeting held in New York City on January 26th, 2005.
Paul Kruger, Chairman of the Board, once again confirmed that there will be no restructuring of senior management, nor are there any plans to do so. Mr. Kruger again expressed his utmost confidence in the direction of the company, stating, “We have an amazing team of professionals working together to make each and every one of our products successful. I am confident in the direction of the company and executive leadership that is executing our business plan. I am extremely impressed with our accomplishments to date and look forward to the 2005 racing season.”
DIRT MotorSports opens its 2005 racing season on February 11 at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Florida, where it will host the Sprint Series, Late Model Series, and the Modified Series.
As part of that Agreement, Mr. Donnelly signed a 2-year Consulting Agreement with DIRT MotorSports. In keeping with this Agreement, Mr. Donnelly attended a portion of the DIRT MotorSports Board of Directors meeting held in New York City on January 26th, 2005.
Paul Kruger, Chairman of the Board, once again confirmed that there will be no restructuring of senior management, nor are there any plans to do so. Mr. Kruger again expressed his utmost confidence in the direction of the company, stating, “We have an amazing team of professionals working together to make each and every one of our products successful. I am confident in the direction of the company and executive leadership that is executing our business plan. I am extremely impressed with our accomplishments to date and look forward to the 2005 racing season.”
DIRT MotorSports opens its 2005 racing season on February 11 at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Florida, where it will host the Sprint Series, Late Model Series, and the Modified Series.
— By DirtMotorSports PR Boundless Motor Sports Racing, Inc. d/b/a
Thursday, January 27, 2005
CASCAR: Tim Hortons returns with Fastline
Advertiser of the day...
Click here to visit Castrol Canada Online.
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HAMILTON, ON - Fastline Motorsports is pleased and excited to announce the return of Tim Hortons as a sponsor of Team Fastline Motorsports and drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich for 2005.
"Tim Hortons is proud to extend our sponsorship of Fastline Motorsports" said Bill Moir, Executive Vice-President, Marketing, Tim Hortons. "We've had a long-standing relationship with the Lapcevich brothers and it's great to see that all of their hard work and dedication has resulted in some spectacular victories."
The Tim Hortons chain was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario. The chain’s focus on top quality, always fresh product, value, great service and community leadership has allowed it to grow into the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada specializing in always fresh coffee, baked goods and home-style lunches. There are currently over 2,400 locations across Canada and a steadily growing base of over 250 in the United States.
“Jeff and I are always grateful for Tim Hortons valuable support," explained Team Fastline team driver Jim Lapcevich. “Tim Hortons has been a very valuable sponsor of ours since 1990, and we are very pleased to have them back on board for the CASCAR Super Series Racing schedule in 2005.”
Fastline’s 2004 season was a successful one. Jeff Lapcevich continued to dominate the CASCAR Super Series competition at road courses by winning three events, including the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver for the second consecutive season. Along with several top-ten finishes including the victories, Jeff had his best year to date in the series, finishing fourth in the CASCAR championship point standings.
Jim Lapcevich placed 13th in CASCAR Super Series point championship for the 2004 season, with six top-ten finishes. His best showing for the year was an encouraging second place at the final event of the season.
CASCAR is Canada's top level of stock car racing with a twelve race national schedule that includes the diversity of short oval tracks, road and street course racing.
For more information on Fastline Motorsports contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@nas.net
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher JAJ Entertainment Office: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 Cellular: 905.517.5345Fax: (905) 772-1799E-mail: mehlenbacher@nas.net Web site: http://www.lapcevichracing.com/
LONDON INDOOR SERIES: On hold
I just had a discussion with London Gardens / Canadian Indoor Racing Series Championship promoter Patrick Wood. Unfortunately, it looks like the scheduled event in February will not happen.
And beyond that, there is no confirmation that the building will again be used for indoor racing. While there were many encouraging signs at the inaugural event on Jan. 15, Wood believes that the group putting on the races has to own the London Gardens facility in order to make things feasible.
At this point, according to Wood, he needs to run the facility on his terms if things are going to move forward at the London Gardens. He's currently looking for business partners and support from those who share his vision, which includes using the building for a variety of purposes in addition to racing.
For example, the crowded pits during the inaugural event made it clear that walls would have to be removed in that area of the building, to alleviate the traffic.
So while Wood is writing off the scheduled date in February, he is holding out hope for a spring show if he is able to line up an ownership group in time.
"It’s great to be passionate about things, but it has to make sense, too. I’m trying to get other people to step up to the plate now, too," said Wood.
... We'll keep you posted on further developments. But no matter what the outcome, Wood has to be congratulated for getting off his backside and making something happen. The success of the January 15 event showed that there is a passion for winter racing in the region. Those who share Wood's vision should contact him to help turn it into a reality.
And beyond that, there is no confirmation that the building will again be used for indoor racing. While there were many encouraging signs at the inaugural event on Jan. 15, Wood believes that the group putting on the races has to own the London Gardens facility in order to make things feasible.
At this point, according to Wood, he needs to run the facility on his terms if things are going to move forward at the London Gardens. He's currently looking for business partners and support from those who share his vision, which includes using the building for a variety of purposes in addition to racing.
For example, the crowded pits during the inaugural event made it clear that walls would have to be removed in that area of the building, to alleviate the traffic.
So while Wood is writing off the scheduled date in February, he is holding out hope for a spring show if he is able to line up an ownership group in time.
"It’s great to be passionate about things, but it has to make sense, too. I’m trying to get other people to step up to the plate now, too," said Wood.
... We'll keep you posted on further developments. But no matter what the outcome, Wood has to be congratulated for getting off his backside and making something happen. The success of the January 15 event showed that there is a passion for winter racing in the region. Those who share Wood's vision should contact him to help turn it into a reality.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
DRAGS: PMRA heading to Toronto Motorsports Park
CAYUGA, ON - The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) is pleased to announce two racing dates at Toronto Motorsports Park as part of its five-race series for 2005.
The Kohler Road strip, just outside the town of Cayuga, Ontario, is Canada’s oldest drag racing facility, and has been host to many major events throughout its illustrious career. The track is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), and is the scene of the IHRA ACDelco Canadian Nationals every summer.
"Toronto Motorsports Park is very excited to be part of the PMRA schedule in 2005," explained Track Owner Uli Bieri. "We were pleased to be chosen to host two events and hope our relationship with the Pro Modified Racing Association continues well into the future. These events with the PMRA along with the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series and our regular program of racing fit right into our plans for 2005 and it will be an excellent opportunity for our racers and fans to witness more championship drag racing, added Bieri."
The PMRA will hold races at Toronto Motorsports Park May 20 - 22 and September 2 - 4. With the already-confirmed event at Luskville Dragway situated near Aylmer, Quebec, just 15 minutes from Ottawa, Ontario July 1-3, the series now has three of its five planned events for this year, and is continuing talks with other Ontario and Western New York tracks to fill out its schedule.
“These two events at Toronto Motorsports Park are great,” said Carl Spiering, PMRA Competition Director and also one of the series racers with his Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Cutler-Hammer sponsored Corvette Pro Modified. “I believe that all the PMRA teams have raced at Toronto Motorsports Park over their careers, and all of them enjoy racing at this fine facility.”
Joining the PMRA Pro Modified Racing Association at these events will be the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series. The Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series was formed in 1996 and continues to grow each season. The participants, known for their awesome wheelies, are fan favorites wherever they appear.
In its first year of operation, the PMRA will provide fans in Ontario, Quebec, and New York the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
For more information contact:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Director of Operations
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22
Email: mehlenbacher@promodifiedracing.com
Tim Miller
Media Director
Pro Modified Racing Association
Telephone: 905.870.1456
Email: tmiller@promodifiedracing.com
The Kohler Road strip, just outside the town of Cayuga, Ontario, is Canada’s oldest drag racing facility, and has been host to many major events throughout its illustrious career. The track is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), and is the scene of the IHRA ACDelco Canadian Nationals every summer.
"Toronto Motorsports Park is very excited to be part of the PMRA schedule in 2005," explained Track Owner Uli Bieri. "We were pleased to be chosen to host two events and hope our relationship with the Pro Modified Racing Association continues well into the future. These events with the PMRA along with the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series and our regular program of racing fit right into our plans for 2005 and it will be an excellent opportunity for our racers and fans to witness more championship drag racing, added Bieri."
The PMRA will hold races at Toronto Motorsports Park May 20 - 22 and September 2 - 4. With the already-confirmed event at Luskville Dragway situated near Aylmer, Quebec, just 15 minutes from Ottawa, Ontario July 1-3, the series now has three of its five planned events for this year, and is continuing talks with other Ontario and Western New York tracks to fill out its schedule.
“These two events at Toronto Motorsports Park are great,” said Carl Spiering, PMRA Competition Director and also one of the series racers with his Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Cutler-Hammer sponsored Corvette Pro Modified. “I believe that all the PMRA teams have raced at Toronto Motorsports Park over their careers, and all of them enjoy racing at this fine facility.”
Joining the PMRA Pro Modified Racing Association at these events will be the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series. The Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series was formed in 1996 and continues to grow each season. The participants, known for their awesome wheelies, are fan favorites wherever they appear.
In its first year of operation, the PMRA will provide fans in Ontario, Quebec, and New York the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
For more information contact:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Director of Operations
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22
Email: mehlenbacher@promodifiedracing.com
Tim Miller
Media Director
Pro Modified Racing Association
Telephone: 905.870.1456
Email: tmiller@promodifiedracing.com
ALSTAR Charity Ride.... update
I received this update from Keith Hepburn, regarding ALSTAR Charity Ride, this summer.
Greetings All,
It is with great pleasure that we release the signing of a firefighter motorcycle club "The Red Knight's - Ontario Chapter 3" as assistants to the "ALSTAR Charity Ride" & Road Captains for this event.
This group of people rank on the list of respectable organizations in the same upper echelon category as "The War Amps". We are very pleased to have this fine group associated with this event & look forward to working with them to make this "Ride with Us Tour" a successful one.
Please check out the web site for our up to date status.
Drive Safe.
Keith Hepburn
Greetings All,
It is with great pleasure that we release the signing of a firefighter motorcycle club "The Red Knight's - Ontario Chapter 3" as assistants to the "ALSTAR Charity Ride" & Road Captains for this event.
This group of people rank on the list of respectable organizations in the same upper echelon category as "The War Amps". We are very pleased to have this fine group associated with this event & look forward to working with them to make this "Ride with Us Tour" a successful one.
Please check out the web site for our up to date status.
Drive Safe.
Keith Hepburn
Lancaster Speedway: Season Preview
LANCASTER, NY - Despite the snow on the ground the 2005 racing season is just around the corner in Western New York. With opening weekend just a little more than three months away, Jim Reid and his staff have been hard at work putting together the racing schedule for the upcoming season.
Once again the racing year will begin with Lancaster's annual Pre-Season Kickoff Party at Samuel's Grand Manor on Main St. in Clarence. This year the Kickoff Party will be Sunday, March 13 from 1-5 PM. Drag and stock car drivers can register for the 2005 season as well as meet with track officials and tech inspectors. Pizza and snacks will be served as well as a cash bar. Additionally, there will be televisions showing 2004 LRP race tapes and the live NASCAR race. It's a great way to begin the season.
Vendor opportunities are available for track sponsors and outside businesses. Track sponsors are free to set up a display, while outside vendors must pay a nominal fee. Contact Jennifer Fidanza at the LRP office to reserve your space.
The pre-season continues in April with two practice sessions. Pre-season testing for the stock cars will take place on Saturday, April 23 and 30.
The regular season for the stock cars begins on Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 with the 47th annual Queen City Clash. Highlighting the season opener will be the first round of the 2nd annual Holland Speedway/Lancaster Raceway Park Late Model Challenge Series. The popular battle between the Late Models drivers of both WNY race facilities returns in 2005 with LRP defending their 2004 series championship.
The TQ Midgets, Glen Campbell Chevrolet Street Stocks, Probity Construction Super Stocks, Bobcat of Buffalo Sportsman, and Advance Auto Parts Modifieds will also be in action to begin the year.
The most exciting change to the schedule in 2005 is the new two-day format for one of LRP's most popular events. The 12th annual Sunday Niagara Nostalgia Drags and Car Show will now take place over two days, July 23-24. Sunday Niagara has become one of the biggest drag racing reunions in the country with racers and fans coming in from all over the United States and Canada. In 2004, more than 600 cars participated competed in the race or car show.
To accommodate the expanded format, the stock car program for that weekend will move from Saturday night to Thursday, July 21. This gives a chance to race teams and fans from the surrounding areas and tracks to check out LRP in this special mid-week show.
In 2004, the US Open expanded to a three-day format and that event drew its largest car count ever. For the 17th edition of Lancaster's stock car season finale, the Open will once again take place over three days starting Friday, September 23. Every year, the US Open showcases some of the best stock car drivers in the Northeast with 200+ cars in competition in seven divisions of racing.
The complete 2005 racing schedule will be released shortly. Stay tuned to www.lancasterracing.com for the latest updates. Season tickets are now available, contact the LRP office at (716) 759-6818 for more information.
- By Dave Buchanan - (716) 207-1165 - DaveWBuf@yahoo.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
SOD: Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Honors SOD Champion and Promoter
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club recently held its 39th Annual Awards Banquet at the “Imperial House” in Clinton Township, Michigan.
Two of Sprints On Dirt’s personalities were honored during the awards ceremony presided over by Club President Bill Barnhart.
Two time and defending SOD Champion Dustin Daggett picked up the Henry J. Fitzwater trophy for being named Michigan Racing Scenes “Driver of the Year” for 2005. Dustin became the first ever series driver (not a track champion) to win the award.
SOD President Jason Fausey became the first ever series promoter to win the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club “Promoter of the Year” in the state of Michigan. He succeeded Joe Dewitte who was last years recipient.
The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club meets monthly and is dedicated to the “Benefit and Betterment of Automobile Racing and Those Engaged Therein.”
- Written by Kenetic Photos
HOLLAND SPEEDWAY: News
HOLLAND, NY - The NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series will return to Holland Speedway in 2005 for the Series' 18th visit to the Western New York oval.
Holland was a charter track for the Series in 1987, and with the exception of 1988, when weather forced cancellation of the scheduled event, has held a Busch North event annually. The 2005 race is slated for Saturday, June 25th, and will be a 150 lap event.
In other Holland news, track management has announced that in 2005, the Pro Four and 4-cylinder strictly stock Stingers will combine into one class, known as the Pro Fours.
The Pro Fours, formerly known as the Mini Stocks, have been part of the Holland program for five seasons, designed as a cost-effective 4-cylinder "super stock" style class.
The Stingers were established as their own class in 2003 as an offshoot of the popular 4-cylinder strictly stock Hornet division, with the class designated for higher performance strictly stock cars.
"The rules for the two classes were not that far apart," noted Holland General manager Tim Bennett, "and we let some of the Stinger entries compete with the Pro Fours in 2004 and found them to be competitive. We've adjusted the rules so that we should have a very healthy and very exciting combined class in 2005."
The new Pro Four rules are now available on the Speedway web site at www.hollandspeedway.com.
The Pro Fours will be a Speedway sanctioned division in 2005, and will alternate dates on the regular schedule with the 8-cylinder strictly stock Challengers.
In addition, the Pro Fours and the Challengers will be a part of the "Enduro Madness" specials scheduled throughout the season.For more information, visit the speedway web site or call the Speedway office during business hours at (716)-537-2272.- 30 - (contact - Rick Mooney: (716)-537-2272; RMooneypr@aol.com )
Holland was a charter track for the Series in 1987, and with the exception of 1988, when weather forced cancellation of the scheduled event, has held a Busch North event annually. The 2005 race is slated for Saturday, June 25th, and will be a 150 lap event.
In other Holland news, track management has announced that in 2005, the Pro Four and 4-cylinder strictly stock Stingers will combine into one class, known as the Pro Fours.
The Pro Fours, formerly known as the Mini Stocks, have been part of the Holland program for five seasons, designed as a cost-effective 4-cylinder "super stock" style class.
The Stingers were established as their own class in 2003 as an offshoot of the popular 4-cylinder strictly stock Hornet division, with the class designated for higher performance strictly stock cars.
"The rules for the two classes were not that far apart," noted Holland General manager Tim Bennett, "and we let some of the Stinger entries compete with the Pro Fours in 2004 and found them to be competitive. We've adjusted the rules so that we should have a very healthy and very exciting combined class in 2005."
The new Pro Four rules are now available on the Speedway web site at www.hollandspeedway.com.
The Pro Fours will be a Speedway sanctioned division in 2005, and will alternate dates on the regular schedule with the 8-cylinder strictly stock Challengers.
In addition, the Pro Fours and the Challengers will be a part of the "Enduro Madness" specials scheduled throughout the season.For more information, visit the speedway web site or call the Speedway office during business hours at (716)-537-2272.- 30 - (contact - Rick Mooney: (716)-537-2272; RMooneypr@aol.com )
Monday, January 24, 2005
ALMS: Audi Sport N.A. and Team ADT Champion Racing announce driver line-up
POMPANO BEACH, FL – Audi Sport North America, five-time American Le Mans Series Manufacturer Champion, and Florida-based Champion Racing, last year’s American Le Mans Series LMP1 Champion, return to the American Le Mans Series with not one but two Audi R8 LMP1 cars. Reigning ALMS Driver Champion’s JJ Lehto and Marco Werner will pilot the #1 Audi R8. Past ALMS Driver Champion’s Frank Biela (2003) and Emanuele Pirro (2001) return as teammates for the #2 car.
Assisting Team ADT Champion Racing in their quest for victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans will be six-time Le Mans Champion Tom Kristensen (ALMS Driver Champion in 2002) and 1998 Le Mans Champion Allan McNish (ALMS Driver Champion in 2000). All drivers apart from JJ Lehto are members of the 2005 Audi works driver’s squad, a fact that underlines the importance of the American Le Mans Series for Audi of America. Lehto meanwhile is no stranger to the company and to Team ADT Champion Racing as 2005 marks Lehto’s 3rd year competing for Audi of America and Team ADT Champion Racing.
JJ Lehto (38), born in Espoo, Finland but now resides in Monaco, spent a number of years contesting the Formula One Series before coming to the United States to compete in sports car racing. Since 1999, Lehto has been competing in the American Le Mans Series driving for BMW, Cadillac, and most recently Audi. In last year’s American Le Mans nine-race season, Lehto earned nine podium finishes, six first place finishes, one pole position and a third place podium finish at Le Mans. Lehto also earned his first American Le Mans Series Driver’s Championship.
Marco Werner (38), born in Dortmund, Germany but now resides in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, started racing in 1984 and his career has included success in Formula 3000, touring cars, and GT racing. Werner has two third place podium finishes at Le Mans, the first with the factory Audi team in 2002 and his second with Champion Racing in 2004. Last year in the American Le Mans Series, Werner earned his second consecutive ALMS Driver Championship by achieving one pole position, nine podium finishes, and six first place finishes.
Emanuele Pirro (42), born in Rome, Italy currently residing in Monaco, returns to the American Le Mans Series after a two-year hiatus. Pirro, ALMS Driver Champion in 2001, was the winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2000 and has three consecutive Le Mans victories: 2000, 2001 and 2002. Pirro has teamed up with Champion Racing the last two years for both the 12 Hours of Sebring (two, 2nd place finishes) and Le Mans (two, 3rd place finishes) and spent last year competing for Audi in DTM, the German Touring Car Masters series. This year marks his first season driving for Team ADT Champion Racing in the American Le Mans Series.
Frank Biela (40), born in Neuss, Germany currently residing in Monaco, also returns to the American Le Mans Series after a year in Europe competing for Audi in DTM series. Biela, earned his ALMS Driver Championship in 2003. Past successes include three victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring (2000, 2003, 2004) and three consecutive wins at Le Mans in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Allan McNish (36), born in Dumfries, Great Britain now residing in Monaco, most recently drove for Audi Sport UK in the Le Mans Endurance Series achieving first place finishes at the 1000 km race at Silverstone and at the 1000 km race at Nurburgring. McNish also scored a victory for Audi UK at last year’s 12 Hours of Sebring Race. In McNish’s first and only year of competing in the American Le Mans Series, McNish won the Driver’s Championship in 2000 and also helped Audi to win its first Manufacturer’s Championship. McNish’s illustrious career also includes eight years as an F1 test driver, an F1 driver for Toyota in their inaugural year (2002), and a first place finish at Le Mans in 1998.
Tom Kristensen (37), born in Hobro, Denmark currently residing in Monaco, is a six-time Le Mans winner. His first victory came in 1997 and from 2000 to 2004 Kristensen earned another five wins, four with Audi driving the Audi R8 and one with Bentley in 2003. Kristensen was the American Le Mans Series Driver’s Champion in 2002 and scored a first place finish twice at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1999 and 2000. Last year, Kristensen finished 4th in the DTM Championship.
“Audi of America is very proud to be working again with Champion Racing in 2005,” commented Rod Bymaster, Manager, Audi Sport North America. “The Champion Racing Team has developed into one of the best teams in the world and this year running two Audi R8 cars, they will be even more competitive. We are also fortunate to have a great driver lineup for the ALMS, all are present or past ALMS Champions and they have seven Le Mans wins combined. As for Le Mans, Champion has proven to be very competitive with two third place finishes. However, there is unfinished business and this year we are hoping for a win. The Le Mans trophy has been out of the US for too long."
Founded in 1994 by Dave Maraj, Champion Racing (Pompano Beach, FL) has become a formidable opponent for teams competing in sports car racing. Supported by Audi Sport North America, Team ADT Champion Racing will seek to defend their 2004 American Le Mans Championship title after winning eight times in nine starts (seven by the Lehto/Werner combination). Since scoring its first overall victory in June of 2003, the Florida-based team has recorded 12 overall ALMS race wins from 17 starts.
Audi will achieve another milestone this year as 2005 marks the sixth and final season for the Audi R8, the most successful Le Mans Prototype of all time. Since its debut in Sebring in 2000, the Audi R8 has scored 52 victories from 62 races. In the American Le Mans Series, the prototype has posted 40 LMP900/LMP1 victories, 37 pole positions, the most of any race car in the ALMS history.
Team ADT Champion Racing will compete in North America’s most prestigious and longest running sports car race, the 53rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 16-19 in Sebring, Florida. This inaugural American Le Mans Series race continues to attract the finest and most competitive sports car teams from around the world, 2nd only to the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race in Le Sarthe, France.
For more information on Champion Racing, please visit http://www.championracing.net/. For more information on Audi’s motorsport program, please visit http://www.audiusa.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Grunnah, Audi Sport North America Public Relations (678) 556-0611.
Assisting Team ADT Champion Racing in their quest for victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans will be six-time Le Mans Champion Tom Kristensen (ALMS Driver Champion in 2002) and 1998 Le Mans Champion Allan McNish (ALMS Driver Champion in 2000). All drivers apart from JJ Lehto are members of the 2005 Audi works driver’s squad, a fact that underlines the importance of the American Le Mans Series for Audi of America. Lehto meanwhile is no stranger to the company and to Team ADT Champion Racing as 2005 marks Lehto’s 3rd year competing for Audi of America and Team ADT Champion Racing.
JJ Lehto (38), born in Espoo, Finland but now resides in Monaco, spent a number of years contesting the Formula One Series before coming to the United States to compete in sports car racing. Since 1999, Lehto has been competing in the American Le Mans Series driving for BMW, Cadillac, and most recently Audi. In last year’s American Le Mans nine-race season, Lehto earned nine podium finishes, six first place finishes, one pole position and a third place podium finish at Le Mans. Lehto also earned his first American Le Mans Series Driver’s Championship.
Marco Werner (38), born in Dortmund, Germany but now resides in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, started racing in 1984 and his career has included success in Formula 3000, touring cars, and GT racing. Werner has two third place podium finishes at Le Mans, the first with the factory Audi team in 2002 and his second with Champion Racing in 2004. Last year in the American Le Mans Series, Werner earned his second consecutive ALMS Driver Championship by achieving one pole position, nine podium finishes, and six first place finishes.
Emanuele Pirro (42), born in Rome, Italy currently residing in Monaco, returns to the American Le Mans Series after a two-year hiatus. Pirro, ALMS Driver Champion in 2001, was the winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2000 and has three consecutive Le Mans victories: 2000, 2001 and 2002. Pirro has teamed up with Champion Racing the last two years for both the 12 Hours of Sebring (two, 2nd place finishes) and Le Mans (two, 3rd place finishes) and spent last year competing for Audi in DTM, the German Touring Car Masters series. This year marks his first season driving for Team ADT Champion Racing in the American Le Mans Series.
Frank Biela (40), born in Neuss, Germany currently residing in Monaco, also returns to the American Le Mans Series after a year in Europe competing for Audi in DTM series. Biela, earned his ALMS Driver Championship in 2003. Past successes include three victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring (2000, 2003, 2004) and three consecutive wins at Le Mans in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Allan McNish (36), born in Dumfries, Great Britain now residing in Monaco, most recently drove for Audi Sport UK in the Le Mans Endurance Series achieving first place finishes at the 1000 km race at Silverstone and at the 1000 km race at Nurburgring. McNish also scored a victory for Audi UK at last year’s 12 Hours of Sebring Race. In McNish’s first and only year of competing in the American Le Mans Series, McNish won the Driver’s Championship in 2000 and also helped Audi to win its first Manufacturer’s Championship. McNish’s illustrious career also includes eight years as an F1 test driver, an F1 driver for Toyota in their inaugural year (2002), and a first place finish at Le Mans in 1998.
Tom Kristensen (37), born in Hobro, Denmark currently residing in Monaco, is a six-time Le Mans winner. His first victory came in 1997 and from 2000 to 2004 Kristensen earned another five wins, four with Audi driving the Audi R8 and one with Bentley in 2003. Kristensen was the American Le Mans Series Driver’s Champion in 2002 and scored a first place finish twice at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1999 and 2000. Last year, Kristensen finished 4th in the DTM Championship.
“Audi of America is very proud to be working again with Champion Racing in 2005,” commented Rod Bymaster, Manager, Audi Sport North America. “The Champion Racing Team has developed into one of the best teams in the world and this year running two Audi R8 cars, they will be even more competitive. We are also fortunate to have a great driver lineup for the ALMS, all are present or past ALMS Champions and they have seven Le Mans wins combined. As for Le Mans, Champion has proven to be very competitive with two third place finishes. However, there is unfinished business and this year we are hoping for a win. The Le Mans trophy has been out of the US for too long."
Founded in 1994 by Dave Maraj, Champion Racing (Pompano Beach, FL) has become a formidable opponent for teams competing in sports car racing. Supported by Audi Sport North America, Team ADT Champion Racing will seek to defend their 2004 American Le Mans Championship title after winning eight times in nine starts (seven by the Lehto/Werner combination). Since scoring its first overall victory in June of 2003, the Florida-based team has recorded 12 overall ALMS race wins from 17 starts.
Audi will achieve another milestone this year as 2005 marks the sixth and final season for the Audi R8, the most successful Le Mans Prototype of all time. Since its debut in Sebring in 2000, the Audi R8 has scored 52 victories from 62 races. In the American Le Mans Series, the prototype has posted 40 LMP900/LMP1 victories, 37 pole positions, the most of any race car in the ALMS history.
Team ADT Champion Racing will compete in North America’s most prestigious and longest running sports car race, the 53rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 16-19 in Sebring, Florida. This inaugural American Le Mans Series race continues to attract the finest and most competitive sports car teams from around the world, 2nd only to the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race in Le Sarthe, France.
For more information on Champion Racing, please visit http://www.championracing.net/. For more information on Audi’s motorsport program, please visit http://www.audiusa.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Grunnah, Audi Sport North America Public Relations (678) 556-0611.
BRIGHTON: Getting ready for ice racing
BRIGHTON, ON – Mark Rinaldi of Brighton Speedway Park reports that track crews are taking advantage of the recent cold snap to flood the 1/3-mile oval in advance of this weekend’s action at the eastern-Ontario oval.
Snowmobiles and Four-Wheelers will take to the track as part of the Brighton Winterfest, on Saturday, January 29. Racing starts at noon.
For more information about the event, visit the track’s website or call (613) 475-1102.
Snowmobiles and Four-Wheelers will take to the track as part of the Brighton Winterfest, on Saturday, January 29. Racing starts at noon.
For more information about the event, visit the track’s website or call (613) 475-1102.
Friday, January 21, 2005
GOOD CAUSE: Special Supporter Daytona 500 draw
SAUBLE BEACH, ON - Thanks to Sue Chisholm of Sauble Speedway and the Shouldice ALSTAR Series for bringing this to our attention.... specialsupporter.ca is a website that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Ontario.
There is currently a live auction underway that will see the winning bidder end up with a trip to this year's Daytona 500. This auction ends January 31.
Here is the link for this particular auction, which includes: roundtrip airfare from Toronto to Daytona, three nights hotel and two reserved race tickets to the Daytona 500. The starting bid is $2,000.
There is currently a live auction underway that will see the winning bidder end up with a trip to this year's Daytona 500. This auction ends January 31.
Here is the link for this particular auction, which includes: roundtrip airfare from Toronto to Daytona, three nights hotel and two reserved race tickets to the Daytona 500. The starting bid is $2,000.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
KARTING: Rotax Max World Finals
By Russ Bond
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – Canada has sent five drivers to the 2004 World Finals held in Lanzarote, Canary Islands this weekend.
The Senior drivers are Saskatoon´s Scott Campbell, who is attending his second straight World Finals. Joining Campbell is Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Champion, and reigning Canadian Rotax Max champ, Markham, Ontario´s Marco Di Leo. The over 35 driver for Canada is Trois Rivieres, Quebec pilot Slyvain Clair.
Canada also has two juniors. One is former Canadian champion Christophe Boisclair, and the other is Hugo Ouellette – both from Quebec.
Friday in Lanzarote is the first of the big days as qualifying and a heat race are on the schedule. Keep it tuned to Inside Track Breaking News page for the latest updates.
THURSDAY UPDATE
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – On Thursday, Scott Campbell and Christophe Boisclair led the Canadian drivers with each securing a top 10 spot in their respective groups. Campbell was in the first of four Senior groups and for 13 of the 15 minute session, he had the pole.
By the time all four groups had run, Campbell held onto fourth overall. Cristiano Morgado from South Africa had the pole but he was sent back to 16th after running an illegal jet.
Canadian over 35 entrant Slyvain Clair was scored 29th, while Marco Di Leo suffered a pluggled low end jet, which left him 33rd.
In the Juniors, Boisclair used speed and skill to nab fifth on the grid. Boisclair was actually tied to the thousandth with another driver, but he did his lap later, so he will line up fifth. Hugo Ouellette will line up 22nd.
Heat races start this afternoon and will then lead off the action on Friday.
PLEASE CHECK THE 'COMMENTS' SECTION UNDER THIS ITEM FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES FILED BY RUSS BOND DIRECTLY FROM THE TRACK!
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – Canada has sent five drivers to the 2004 World Finals held in Lanzarote, Canary Islands this weekend.
The Senior drivers are Saskatoon´s Scott Campbell, who is attending his second straight World Finals. Joining Campbell is Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Champion, and reigning Canadian Rotax Max champ, Markham, Ontario´s Marco Di Leo. The over 35 driver for Canada is Trois Rivieres, Quebec pilot Slyvain Clair.
Canada also has two juniors. One is former Canadian champion Christophe Boisclair, and the other is Hugo Ouellette – both from Quebec.
Friday in Lanzarote is the first of the big days as qualifying and a heat race are on the schedule. Keep it tuned to Inside Track Breaking News page for the latest updates.
THURSDAY UPDATE
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – On Thursday, Scott Campbell and Christophe Boisclair led the Canadian drivers with each securing a top 10 spot in their respective groups. Campbell was in the first of four Senior groups and for 13 of the 15 minute session, he had the pole.
By the time all four groups had run, Campbell held onto fourth overall. Cristiano Morgado from South Africa had the pole but he was sent back to 16th after running an illegal jet.
Canadian over 35 entrant Slyvain Clair was scored 29th, while Marco Di Leo suffered a pluggled low end jet, which left him 33rd.
In the Juniors, Boisclair used speed and skill to nab fifth on the grid. Boisclair was actually tied to the thousandth with another driver, but he did his lap later, so he will line up fifth. Hugo Ouellette will line up 22nd.
Heat races start this afternoon and will then lead off the action on Friday.
PLEASE CHECK THE 'COMMENTS' SECTION UNDER THIS ITEM FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES FILED BY RUSS BOND DIRECTLY FROM THE TRACK!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
F1: Midland Looking Set To Buy Jordan
By James Neilson
Eddie Jordan’s eponymous F1 team looks set to be sold to nationalized Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider as the basis for his Midland F1 team.
It has been suggested Shnaider has decided to purchase Jordan to avoid having to pay the $48 million entrance fee required of all new participants competing in F1.
Christian Horner, owner of 2004 F300 champions Arden International, was in negotiations to purchase Jordan before the deal fell through at the last minute with Horner signing on to run the new Red Bull Racing team out of the ashes of Jaguars woeful, and highly publicized, venture into F1.
With Horner Out of the picture rumours abound that Shnaider has been seen entering Jordan’s Silverstone, UK headquarters over the last week.
Shnaider was originally set to start his own team from scratch, with Carlin F3 team boss Trevor Carlin, in 2006 running Italian-made Dallara chassis. Dallara last worked in F1 building Honda’s test mule for their re-entry into the world championship in 2000.
Russian-born Shnaider is a phenomenally wealthy entrepreneur and owner of the Midland Group, a global company with their hand in everything from shipping to real estate. He currently resides in Canada where he made the majority of his vast fortune.
It is still unclear whether Jordan would remain with the team after the sale to Shnaider, although Jordan has alluded to remaining with the team on the commercial side of operations.
While still not official, a statement regarding the purchase, and Eddie Jordan’s future in F1, is expected in the next week.
Eddie Jordan’s eponymous F1 team looks set to be sold to nationalized Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider as the basis for his Midland F1 team.
It has been suggested Shnaider has decided to purchase Jordan to avoid having to pay the $48 million entrance fee required of all new participants competing in F1.
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Christian Horner, owner of 2004 F300 champions Arden International, was in negotiations to purchase Jordan before the deal fell through at the last minute with Horner signing on to run the new Red Bull Racing team out of the ashes of Jaguars woeful, and highly publicized, venture into F1.
With Horner Out of the picture rumours abound that Shnaider has been seen entering Jordan’s Silverstone, UK headquarters over the last week.
Shnaider was originally set to start his own team from scratch, with Carlin F3 team boss Trevor Carlin, in 2006 running Italian-made Dallara chassis. Dallara last worked in F1 building Honda’s test mule for their re-entry into the world championship in 2000.
Russian-born Shnaider is a phenomenally wealthy entrepreneur and owner of the Midland Group, a global company with their hand in everything from shipping to real estate. He currently resides in Canada where he made the majority of his vast fortune.
It is still unclear whether Jordan would remain with the team after the sale to Shnaider, although Jordan has alluded to remaining with the team on the commercial side of operations.
While still not official, a statement regarding the purchase, and Eddie Jordan’s future in F1, is expected in the next week.
F1: Ferrari Puts Support Behind New Concorde Agreement
By James Neilson – Inside Track
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Ferrari has agreed in principal to an extension of the Concorde Agreement, the document that governs the running of Formula 1, through the 2012 season.
The support of Ferrari is seen as a breakthrough for Ecclestone who has had to fight the threat of a breakaway, manufacturers-led, series opposed to F1 for quite some time.
The Grand Prix World Championship (GPWC) was set up by manufacturers, including Ferrari’s parent company Fiat, competing in F1 and has threatened to break away from the series if Ecclestone doesn’t share more of the revenue with the competing manufacturers and teams.
Losing Ferrari, a mainstay of F1 since the series inaugural season in 1950, would have been a huge blow for Ecclestone as the health of F1 is often linked to the presence, and tremendous worldwide popularity, of the Ferrari brand.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Formula One’s commercial rights holder and the oldest team in the championship,” FIA President Max Mosley said in a press release from the FIA. “The agreement is significant because it will ensure the development of the FIA’s most important championship.”
In response to criticism he hoards more than his fair share of F1’s revenue Ecclestone has offered the constructor’s an extra $500 million in shared revenue over the remaining three years of the current Concorde Agreement.
“The parts of the Concorde Agreement they were concerned with will be dealt with and they are going to get more money,” Ecclestone said in an interview with the BBC.
The current agreement is set to expire in 2007 and, if a new agreement is to be reached, there has to be unanimous approval among the teams.
Now that Ferrari have signed on, Ecclestone is said to be in talks with the remaining teams in the hopes that Ferrari’s support will woo them into signing on through 2012 as well.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Ferrari has agreed in principal to an extension of the Concorde Agreement, the document that governs the running of Formula 1, through the 2012 season.
The support of Ferrari is seen as a breakthrough for Ecclestone who has had to fight the threat of a breakaway, manufacturers-led, series opposed to F1 for quite some time.
The Grand Prix World Championship (GPWC) was set up by manufacturers, including Ferrari’s parent company Fiat, competing in F1 and has threatened to break away from the series if Ecclestone doesn’t share more of the revenue with the competing manufacturers and teams.
Losing Ferrari, a mainstay of F1 since the series inaugural season in 1950, would have been a huge blow for Ecclestone as the health of F1 is often linked to the presence, and tremendous worldwide popularity, of the Ferrari brand.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Formula One’s commercial rights holder and the oldest team in the championship,” FIA President Max Mosley said in a press release from the FIA. “The agreement is significant because it will ensure the development of the FIA’s most important championship.”
In response to criticism he hoards more than his fair share of F1’s revenue Ecclestone has offered the constructor’s an extra $500 million in shared revenue over the remaining three years of the current Concorde Agreement.
“The parts of the Concorde Agreement they were concerned with will be dealt with and they are going to get more money,” Ecclestone said in an interview with the BBC.
The current agreement is set to expire in 2007 and, if a new agreement is to be reached, there has to be unanimous approval among the teams.
Now that Ferrari have signed on, Ecclestone is said to be in talks with the remaining teams in the hopes that Ferrari’s support will woo them into signing on through 2012 as well.
CASCAR: Logel's joins Brad Graham and Challenger for '05 Super Series effort
KITCHENER, ON - It’s with great pleasure that Brad Graham and Challenger Motor Freight welcome John Logel and Team Logel as major associate sponsor for the 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
Beginning with the opening event at Delaware Speedway on the Victoria Day weekend in May, Brad Graham will pilot the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge competing in the entire 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
“I’m very happy to be a part of CASCAR once again” said an excited John Logel, Owner & Operator of Logel’s Auto Parts. “I believe with some very minor changes I can assist Challenger Motor Freight and Brad to achieve the kind of success we’re all looking for. Brad knows what it takes to be a success in business and has a burning desire to succeed at the track.”
As for the new Dodge that Brad will campaign in 2005 John Logel was very passionate, “There isn’t a better power plant out there than Mopar. The support is number one; the people at Dodge and Mopar are very knowledgeable and made the decision very easy.”
“Challenger Motor Freight has been a proud sponsor of Brad Graham Racing for five seasons and we’re very pleased with this new relationship,” said company spokesperson Lynn Couch. “Brad has a professional approach to everything he does and is an excellent representative of our company brand.”
Speaking of the deal, Graham said, “This is a partnership that is going to be very successful. With John’s knowledge we’ll be able to take this program up that final step to achieve the success we’re capable of."
Beauchamp Motorsports will build the new Mopar engines and that has Graham thinking positive. “We had a great season with the Dodge I drove for Alan Pinsoneault in the Sportsman series last year winning a couple of races and eventually the championship, I know we can perform well in the Super Series with Mopar power.”
The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on temporary street circuits at the Molson Indy events. All CASCAR Super Series events in 2005 will again be aired on Rogers Sportsnet.
For more information about Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge log onto cascar.ca. CONTACT INFORMATION: Brad Graham, Driver of Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge(519) 671-4095 // John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts1-800-818-9118 // Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight1-800-265-6358.
Beginning with the opening event at Delaware Speedway on the Victoria Day weekend in May, Brad Graham will pilot the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge competing in the entire 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
“I’m very happy to be a part of CASCAR once again” said an excited John Logel, Owner & Operator of Logel’s Auto Parts. “I believe with some very minor changes I can assist Challenger Motor Freight and Brad to achieve the kind of success we’re all looking for. Brad knows what it takes to be a success in business and has a burning desire to succeed at the track.”
As for the new Dodge that Brad will campaign in 2005 John Logel was very passionate, “There isn’t a better power plant out there than Mopar. The support is number one; the people at Dodge and Mopar are very knowledgeable and made the decision very easy.”
“Challenger Motor Freight has been a proud sponsor of Brad Graham Racing for five seasons and we’re very pleased with this new relationship,” said company spokesperson Lynn Couch. “Brad has a professional approach to everything he does and is an excellent representative of our company brand.”
Speaking of the deal, Graham said, “This is a partnership that is going to be very successful. With John’s knowledge we’ll be able to take this program up that final step to achieve the success we’re capable of."
Beauchamp Motorsports will build the new Mopar engines and that has Graham thinking positive. “We had a great season with the Dodge I drove for Alan Pinsoneault in the Sportsman series last year winning a couple of races and eventually the championship, I know we can perform well in the Super Series with Mopar power.”
The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on temporary street circuits at the Molson Indy events. All CASCAR Super Series events in 2005 will again be aired on Rogers Sportsnet.
For more information about Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge log onto cascar.ca. CONTACT INFORMATION: Brad Graham, Driver of Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge(519) 671-4095 // John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts1-800-818-9118 // Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight1-800-265-6358.
NEXTEL CUP: Lucas Oil to sponsor Morgan McClure entry
ABINGDON,VA - Forrest Lucas, President and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, and Larry McClure, President of Morgan McClure Motorsports, have announced that Lucas Oil will be the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Morgan McClure NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team for the entire 2005 season.
"As a sponsor of the Morgan McClure race car for a limited number of races in 2004, we were very pleased with the relationship and caliber of the entire Morgan McClure team" said Lucas. "We are increasing our level of commitment in 2005 to round out our entire motor sports program and look forward to increasing success with the team to fully leverage our sales initiatives."
Morgan-McClure Motorsports was formed in 1983, when Larry McClure, Ed McClure, Jerry McClure, Teddy McClure and Tim Morgan bought a car from G.C. Spencer.
Larry McClure and Tim Morgan had been long-time business partners, operating a successful automobile dealership which they continue today. One of the team’s first drivers was a then 24-year-old Mark Martin. The team first broke in to the win column in 1990 with driver Ernie Irvan, marking the beginning of an eight-year run during which the team won 14 races – including eight superspeedway wins – between 1990-`98.
Among those wins were three at the Daytona 500, with Irvan in 1991 and consecutive titles in ’94 and ’95 by Sterling Marlin. The ’95 season by Marlin also gave the organization its best finish in the championship when he finished third. Since 1983, 21 different drivers have piloted the team’s No. 4 cars.
For More Information, Contact:Jerry WallnerVice President, MarketingMorgan McClure Motorsports 678-584-0442 // Email: gerard.wallner@morgan-mcclure.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Renault Sport launches Pan American Formula Renault Championships
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Renault Sport officials announced the creation of the Pan American Formula Renault Championships this weekend at the Autosport International show.
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will host two championships, with one utilizing the 2.0-liter Formula Renault platform, and a second concurrent championship featuring the high-technology Formula Renault V6.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: KUMHO TIRES... VISIT KUMHO TIRES ON THE WEB
The eight-round Championship will be contested in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.
The Championships are part of the structured Renault ladder to Formula 1, with the 2.0 liter Formula Renault platform providing the entry level for young racers, and the Formula Renault V6 being the next step up in speed and complexity.
“Renault has already established a solid industrial and commercial activity in Latin America,” said Renault Sport Technologies Competition and Communication Manager Jean-Paul Mari.
“Today Renault Sport is aiming to give a strong support to the Pan-American Series. Not only technical but also a marketing one by providing to the V6 Pan-Am champion a fully sponsored season in the World Series by Renault in 2006.”
“We believe that the FR V6 single seater-car, developed by Renault Sport, while demonstrating high tech expertise will became soon a showcase in the countries hosting the series,” continued Mari. “It will stand as a unique opportunity to enhance a dynamic image of Renault brand and products and consolidate the position held by Renault Sport in this part of the world.”
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will be managed by Series Director Allen Berg, a former Formula 1 racer who also has experience as a team owner.
“This is an exciting announcement to be making, as the Pan American Formula Renault Championships are breaking new ground in terms of providing value for the drivers and teams participating, and the cars have already proven themselves on a global scale as being excellent development tools for young drivers,” said Berg.
“We are also excited about the caliber of teams that have already purchased cars and who are committed to campaigning both the 2.0 liter and V6 Championships, and about the opportunities that being a ‘container series’ will create.”
The series, which has no ties to any organization that has utilized the Formula Renault chassis in any of the Pan American markets, is a partnership between British businessman John Jakes and Renault Sport of France.
"I feel very privileged to be working so closely with Renault Sport, an organization with a passion for motorsport development, and I am real fan of the V6,” said Jakes. “We raced throughout Europe alongside this car, and I know how impressive they are when racing. The appointment of Allen Berg as managing director ensures that the race series is not only professional but also has the benefit of the hands on experience of this much respected icon of the racing fraternity. I spent some time in South America last year attending race meetings in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico where the following and media focus was astounding, it is enormous. I have no doubt as to the future success of this series."
As a developmental category, the race weekend format is designed to give the drivers not only plenty of seat time, but more importantly, extensive experience in race conditions. The 2-liter Formula Renault race weekends will feature three races-two sprint races and then a feature race. The Formula Renault V6 drivers will get two races each weekend. One race will be in the European fashion with a standing start, and the other will utilize the American method of a rolling start.
There will be eight days of testing in advance of the season, and the schedule has been designed to give drivers and teams one test day as part of each race weekend, as in-season testing is prohibited as part of the cost-containment strategy of the series.
Renault is totally dedicated to the success of drivers participating in the full ladder of Renault championships, and the prize structure demonstrates their commitment to the future. The prize structure for the Championships are designed to promote the drivers who find success and help them move up the motorsports ladder.
The winner of the Formula Renault V6 Championship will earn a test with a Formula 1 team, and will also receive a season of racing paid for by PanAmerican Racing in the World Series by Renault, which is the next step up the Renault ladder and contests the majority of its races in Europe.
The winner of the Formula Renault 2.0-liter Championship will win a season of racing in the 2006 Pan American Formula Renault V6 Championship, paid for by PanAmerican Racing.
The 2.0-liter Formula Renault cars will be run with the 2004-specification, utilizing a revised aero package and producing 192 bhp. The Formula Renault V6 cars, which produce in excess of 370 bhp, will be the same cars that were raced in Europe last season, and are currently being rebuilt by Renault Sport, with deliveries available on February 5th.
The engines are guaranteed to run 6500 km between rebuilds, and will be €75,000 for a pre-raced version, or €150,000 for a new-build. The series is intended to provide value to the drivers and teams participating, and cost-containment is a central goal of the Championships.
In addition to the ban on in-season testing, the goal of cost-containment will also be addressed by the series being operated as a “container series,” meaning that Series organizers will manage the logistics of transporting the cars from race to race.
This will allow a new generation of team owners to participate, as it precludes the need for significant capital investment in many of the elements (such as transporters or a shop) which were traditionally required to operate a race team.The budget for a 2.0-liter program is believed to be $225,000, with a full season of Formula Renault V6 requiring $550,000. The full season schedule is currently being finalized, and the series is expected to make additional announcements in the coming weeks.
Prospective teams and drivers can find additional information at www.panamracing.com, or contact Allen Berg directly toll-free at 1-866-230-2193 and via email at: allen.berg@panamracing.com .
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will host two championships, with one utilizing the 2.0-liter Formula Renault platform, and a second concurrent championship featuring the high-technology Formula Renault V6.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: KUMHO TIRES... VISIT KUMHO TIRES ON THE WEB
The eight-round Championship will be contested in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.
The Championships are part of the structured Renault ladder to Formula 1, with the 2.0 liter Formula Renault platform providing the entry level for young racers, and the Formula Renault V6 being the next step up in speed and complexity.
“Renault has already established a solid industrial and commercial activity in Latin America,” said Renault Sport Technologies Competition and Communication Manager Jean-Paul Mari.
“Today Renault Sport is aiming to give a strong support to the Pan-American Series. Not only technical but also a marketing one by providing to the V6 Pan-Am champion a fully sponsored season in the World Series by Renault in 2006.”
“We believe that the FR V6 single seater-car, developed by Renault Sport, while demonstrating high tech expertise will became soon a showcase in the countries hosting the series,” continued Mari. “It will stand as a unique opportunity to enhance a dynamic image of Renault brand and products and consolidate the position held by Renault Sport in this part of the world.”
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will be managed by Series Director Allen Berg, a former Formula 1 racer who also has experience as a team owner.
“This is an exciting announcement to be making, as the Pan American Formula Renault Championships are breaking new ground in terms of providing value for the drivers and teams participating, and the cars have already proven themselves on a global scale as being excellent development tools for young drivers,” said Berg.
“We are also excited about the caliber of teams that have already purchased cars and who are committed to campaigning both the 2.0 liter and V6 Championships, and about the opportunities that being a ‘container series’ will create.”
The series, which has no ties to any organization that has utilized the Formula Renault chassis in any of the Pan American markets, is a partnership between British businessman John Jakes and Renault Sport of France.
"I feel very privileged to be working so closely with Renault Sport, an organization with a passion for motorsport development, and I am real fan of the V6,” said Jakes. “We raced throughout Europe alongside this car, and I know how impressive they are when racing. The appointment of Allen Berg as managing director ensures that the race series is not only professional but also has the benefit of the hands on experience of this much respected icon of the racing fraternity. I spent some time in South America last year attending race meetings in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico where the following and media focus was astounding, it is enormous. I have no doubt as to the future success of this series."
As a developmental category, the race weekend format is designed to give the drivers not only plenty of seat time, but more importantly, extensive experience in race conditions. The 2-liter Formula Renault race weekends will feature three races-two sprint races and then a feature race. The Formula Renault V6 drivers will get two races each weekend. One race will be in the European fashion with a standing start, and the other will utilize the American method of a rolling start.
There will be eight days of testing in advance of the season, and the schedule has been designed to give drivers and teams one test day as part of each race weekend, as in-season testing is prohibited as part of the cost-containment strategy of the series.
Renault is totally dedicated to the success of drivers participating in the full ladder of Renault championships, and the prize structure demonstrates their commitment to the future. The prize structure for the Championships are designed to promote the drivers who find success and help them move up the motorsports ladder.
The winner of the Formula Renault V6 Championship will earn a test with a Formula 1 team, and will also receive a season of racing paid for by PanAmerican Racing in the World Series by Renault, which is the next step up the Renault ladder and contests the majority of its races in Europe.
The winner of the Formula Renault 2.0-liter Championship will win a season of racing in the 2006 Pan American Formula Renault V6 Championship, paid for by PanAmerican Racing.
The 2.0-liter Formula Renault cars will be run with the 2004-specification, utilizing a revised aero package and producing 192 bhp. The Formula Renault V6 cars, which produce in excess of 370 bhp, will be the same cars that were raced in Europe last season, and are currently being rebuilt by Renault Sport, with deliveries available on February 5th.
The engines are guaranteed to run 6500 km between rebuilds, and will be €75,000 for a pre-raced version, or €150,000 for a new-build. The series is intended to provide value to the drivers and teams participating, and cost-containment is a central goal of the Championships.
In addition to the ban on in-season testing, the goal of cost-containment will also be addressed by the series being operated as a “container series,” meaning that Series organizers will manage the logistics of transporting the cars from race to race.
This will allow a new generation of team owners to participate, as it precludes the need for significant capital investment in many of the elements (such as transporters or a shop) which were traditionally required to operate a race team.The budget for a 2.0-liter program is believed to be $225,000, with a full season of Formula Renault V6 requiring $550,000. The full season schedule is currently being finalized, and the series is expected to make additional announcements in the coming weeks.
Prospective teams and drivers can find additional information at www.panamracing.com, or contact Allen Berg directly toll-free at 1-866-230-2193 and via email at: allen.berg@panamracing.com .
Monday, January 17, 2005
KARTING: Champs honoured at SRFKC banquet
OAKVILLE, ON - The Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels drew to a close its 2004 season with the champion’s banquet held at the Oakville Conference Center. Voice of the American Le Mans Series Jim Martyn was the host, and nine champions in ten classes were honoured.
PHOTO: BY ED GATNER/RBA - LEFT TO RIGHT - BACK ROW - AARON DE HEUS, MIKE ROTH, TAYLOR HOLDAWAY, COREY USHER, FRANK DI LEO (FATHER OF MARCO DI LEO. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT - DANIEL MORAD, EVAN HAYDEN, PEARCE HERDER, WILLIAM KEATINGS.
Leading the group was Marco Di Leo, who unfortunately wasn't able to attend as he is on his way to the Canary Islands to represent Canada in the Rotax Max World Finals. Di Leo took home Rotax Max and Canada Senior Light championships.
Formula Senior champ Mike Roth officially announced his retirement from karting, and he is expected to move on to car racing later in 2005. “I want to thank First Kart North America,” Roth said. “They gave me great equipment all year, and they, along with my dad are the reason I am here now.”
Other Senior class champions that were honoured included, Woodstock’s Corey Usher in World Formula Senior and Sunoco Team Ultra 94 alumni driver, Uxbridge’s Aaron de Heus in Canada Senior Heavy. De hues like usual proved he is once again as good behind the microphone as he is behind the wheel as he pledged to donate any race winnings in 2005 to Cancer Research.
Junior championships went to Orillia’s Taylor Holdaway in Canada Junior Light, Markham’s Evan Hayden in the hotly contested Rotax Max Junior class, Markham’s Daniel Morad in Formula Junior, Woodstock’s Willliam Keatings in World Formula Junior and Stouffville’s Pearce Herder in Canada Junior Heavy.
Tom Mikrut of Pratt & Miller, sponsors of the Pratt & Miller Team Spirit Award was on hand to accept one of the sponsor’s awards, and Mikrut gave an informative speech where he announced that Pratt & Miller would again return as a sponsor in 2005. Dennis Morgan of the Toronto Star Wheels, along with Patricia Anderson of Sunoco and Neil Sheidow, of Briggs & Stratton were also on hand to pledge ongoing support for the series.
The series will now finalize the schedule and class structure for 2005, which is expected to be announced early next week.
The objective of the the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Presented by Toronto Star Wheels is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact: Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com // Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000
PHOTO: BY ED GATNER/RBA - LEFT TO RIGHT - BACK ROW - AARON DE HEUS, MIKE ROTH, TAYLOR HOLDAWAY, COREY USHER, FRANK DI LEO (FATHER OF MARCO DI LEO. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT - DANIEL MORAD, EVAN HAYDEN, PEARCE HERDER, WILLIAM KEATINGS.
Leading the group was Marco Di Leo, who unfortunately wasn't able to attend as he is on his way to the Canary Islands to represent Canada in the Rotax Max World Finals. Di Leo took home Rotax Max and Canada Senior Light championships.
Formula Senior champ Mike Roth officially announced his retirement from karting, and he is expected to move on to car racing later in 2005. “I want to thank First Kart North America,” Roth said. “They gave me great equipment all year, and they, along with my dad are the reason I am here now.”
Other Senior class champions that were honoured included, Woodstock’s Corey Usher in World Formula Senior and Sunoco Team Ultra 94 alumni driver, Uxbridge’s Aaron de Heus in Canada Senior Heavy. De hues like usual proved he is once again as good behind the microphone as he is behind the wheel as he pledged to donate any race winnings in 2005 to Cancer Research.
Junior championships went to Orillia’s Taylor Holdaway in Canada Junior Light, Markham’s Evan Hayden in the hotly contested Rotax Max Junior class, Markham’s Daniel Morad in Formula Junior, Woodstock’s Willliam Keatings in World Formula Junior and Stouffville’s Pearce Herder in Canada Junior Heavy.
Tom Mikrut of Pratt & Miller, sponsors of the Pratt & Miller Team Spirit Award was on hand to accept one of the sponsor’s awards, and Mikrut gave an informative speech where he announced that Pratt & Miller would again return as a sponsor in 2005. Dennis Morgan of the Toronto Star Wheels, along with Patricia Anderson of Sunoco and Neil Sheidow, of Briggs & Stratton were also on hand to pledge ongoing support for the series.
The series will now finalize the schedule and class structure for 2005, which is expected to be announced early next week.
The objective of the the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Presented by Toronto Star Wheels is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact: Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com // Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000
Sunday, January 16, 2005
London Indoor: Mackereth wins inaugural event
LONDON, ON - Winter Indoor Auto Racing took a large step forward Saturday night as promoter Patrick Wood took a chance and breathed life into the former London Gardens, now called the London Garden Special Events Centre.
Andy Mackereth in victory lane following his win on Saturday night at the London Gardens.
With temperatures outside hovering in the minus double digits, the atmosphere inside warmed the air as the sound of racing engines came to life. With adequate car counts in all four divisions and a curious crowd, eager to get rid of mid-winter racing withdrawal, the stage was set. When the final checkered flag fell at 10:30 p.m. all had been treated to a competitive, quick paced and entertaining program.
Click here to watch a video clip of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature action at London Gardens.
Junior Micro Sprints leg the program off with heat race action. Joey Herremans (#8) took the first heat race over Jamie Marsh and Steven Goldner, while Dillon West captured heat race #2. The 20 lap feature event was captured by Joey Herremans (#8) from his fifth starting spot. Following Herremans across the line was #48 – Dillon West; #30 – Steven Goldner; #55 – Jesse Earnshaw; #60 – Kyle Goldner; #81; #6B – Jamie Marsh; and #6Y – Courtney Marsh.
Next up were the Senior Micro Sprints with Caleb Woods (#00) taking Heat #1 over Jamie Cox (#70) and Sean Durand (#76). Eric Gledhill (#7) captured heat #2 over Kevin Moore (#32) and Stan Adams (#203). Kevin Marsh (#32) took the win in the Dash over Cox (#70); Caleb Wood (#00) and Erick Gledhill (#7).
Delaware Open Wheel Modified dominator Jamie Cox (#70) captured the 30 lap Feature from his seventh starting position over Stan Adams (#203) and Sean Durand (#76).
Outlaw Sprint action found Hugh Smibert (#02) winning the first heat over Don English (#14) and Barry Dunn (#44). Heat 2 was won by Steve Burlotte (#62) over Darin Hanna (#24) and R. Veroughstrate (#301). Burlotte (#62) took the Dash over Darin Hanna (#24); Hugh Smibert (#62) and Don English (#14).
Dan Laemers (#32) captured the 30 lap Feature Event over Steve Hurlotte (#62) and R. Veroughstrate (#301) in a thriller that saw three wide racing throughout the event.
The LUCAS OIL Can/Am Midgets headlined the event with J.J. Johnstone (#49) taking Heat #1 over Wayne Turnball (#31) and Don May (#7). Andy Mackereth (#40) took heat #2 over Jeff Riberdy (#6) and Craig Mackereth (#43).
Wayne Turnball (#31) captured the Dash over Jeff Riberdy (#6); J.J. Johnstone (#49) and Andy Mackereth (#40).
Andy Mackereth took the lead on lap 19 of the 50 lap main event and led the rest of the distance to take the inaugural Canadian Indoor Racing Championship Series event over J.J. Johnstone. Jeff Riberdy; Dave McIntosh and Tyler Mackereth rounded out the top five.
For updates on further racing please keep in touch by checking out www.indoorracinglondon.com.
Andy Mackereth in victory lane following his win on Saturday night at the London Gardens.
Photo by G. MacPherson
With temperatures outside hovering in the minus double digits, the atmosphere inside warmed the air as the sound of racing engines came to life. With adequate car counts in all four divisions and a curious crowd, eager to get rid of mid-winter racing withdrawal, the stage was set. When the final checkered flag fell at 10:30 p.m. all had been treated to a competitive, quick paced and entertaining program.
Click here to watch a video clip of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature action at London Gardens.
Junior Micro Sprints leg the program off with heat race action. Joey Herremans (#8) took the first heat race over Jamie Marsh and Steven Goldner, while Dillon West captured heat race #2. The 20 lap feature event was captured by Joey Herremans (#8) from his fifth starting spot. Following Herremans across the line was #48 – Dillon West; #30 – Steven Goldner; #55 – Jesse Earnshaw; #60 – Kyle Goldner; #81; #6B – Jamie Marsh; and #6Y – Courtney Marsh.
Next up were the Senior Micro Sprints with Caleb Woods (#00) taking Heat #1 over Jamie Cox (#70) and Sean Durand (#76). Eric Gledhill (#7) captured heat #2 over Kevin Moore (#32) and Stan Adams (#203). Kevin Marsh (#32) took the win in the Dash over Cox (#70); Caleb Wood (#00) and Erick Gledhill (#7).
Delaware Open Wheel Modified dominator Jamie Cox (#70) captured the 30 lap Feature from his seventh starting position over Stan Adams (#203) and Sean Durand (#76).
Outlaw Sprint action found Hugh Smibert (#02) winning the first heat over Don English (#14) and Barry Dunn (#44). Heat 2 was won by Steve Burlotte (#62) over Darin Hanna (#24) and R. Veroughstrate (#301). Burlotte (#62) took the Dash over Darin Hanna (#24); Hugh Smibert (#62) and Don English (#14).
Dan Laemers (#32) captured the 30 lap Feature Event over Steve Hurlotte (#62) and R. Veroughstrate (#301) in a thriller that saw three wide racing throughout the event.
The LUCAS OIL Can/Am Midgets headlined the event with J.J. Johnstone (#49) taking Heat #1 over Wayne Turnball (#31) and Don May (#7). Andy Mackereth (#40) took heat #2 over Jeff Riberdy (#6) and Craig Mackereth (#43).
Wayne Turnball (#31) captured the Dash over Jeff Riberdy (#6); J.J. Johnstone (#49) and Andy Mackereth (#40).
Andy Mackereth took the lead on lap 19 of the 50 lap main event and led the rest of the distance to take the inaugural Canadian Indoor Racing Championship Series event over J.J. Johnstone. Jeff Riberdy; Dave McIntosh and Tyler Mackereth rounded out the top five.
For updates on further racing please keep in touch by checking out www.indoorracinglondon.com.
Press release by Kenetic Photos.
Video clip by Greg MacPherson / Inside Track.
Friday, January 14, 2005
DELAWARE SNOWCROSS: Rescheduled
DELAWARE, ON - The CSRA Pro Snowcross at Delaware Speedway has been rescheduled and will run on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. Any tickets already purchased are good for the rescheduled date.
In other Delaware news, the track has released its 2005 tentative event dates. The schedule features a variety of racing, centered around the track’s four weekly divisions, the Cintas Late Models, POWERADE® Modifieds, Kendall Motor Oil Street Stocks and Challenger Motor Freight Trucks.
Scott Lindsay of St. Marys will begin defense of his NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track championship with the Cintas Late Models on Opening Day; Saturday, April 23. Last year, Lindsay won the first-ever NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series championship in Canada by just 12 points over track legend, Steve Robblee of Dorchester, who was second. Lindsay finished fourth overall in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Heartland Region (won by Andy Bozell from Kalamazoo Speedway in Michigan) and was honoured for the achievement at a banquet in Nashville, Tennessee last October.
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New for the Cintas Late Model division drivers this season is the addition of the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series, a competition and promotional partnership between Ontario race tracks spearheaded by Lucas Oil and Paxton Motorsports Marketing. Delaware Speedway Cintas Late Model drivers will have the chance to compete for an additional $51,000.00 in point fund rewards by continuing to run weekly at their home track. They may also race at other facilities in the program, such as Kawartha Speedway and Flamboro Speedway. In turn, Late Model drivers from Kawartha and Flamboro will be encouraged to participate at Delaware when their schedule allows.
Purses have been raised for all Delaware Speedway weekly divisions. Other changes for 2005 include 50-lap (minimum) Cintas Late Model feature races and 25-lap weekly POWERADE® Modified feature races. The Enduro division will feature its top drivers in a new all-star-style race on Saturday, September 3, as part of the Great Canadian Race Weekend.
Additional details about individual events are yet to be announced. Each weekly division will run some unique events, such as longer races or the occasional invitational race. These details will be announced as they are confirmed.
The CASCAR Super Series will return for its two traditional dates, on the Victoria Day Weekend in May and the Labour Day Weekend in September.
Groups returning to Delaware Speedway in 2005 include the Auto Value Super Sprints (May 20), Canadian Vintage Modifieds (June 10) and the Shouldice Stone Alstar Late Model Super Series (July 22). None of those three series have run at Delaware Speedway in the last two years.
New to Delaware Speedway in 2005 is the Lincoln Welders ARCA Truck Series, who will run as part of an “all-truck night” (the Challenger Motor Freight Trucks will also be in the lineup) on Friday, July 29. Another new twist is the addition of a Demolition Derby on Saturday, October 1, the first day of the two-day Enduro Nationals weekend.
Advanced tickets for specific events will go on sale shortly. 2005 Season Passes are now available.
Delaware Speedway’s Junior Racing League will begin its season on Wednesday, June 1. The Junior Racing League runs each Wednesday night throughout the summer, and will conclude its season with championship races on Friday, August 26. The Friday-night race will provide weekly race fans the opportunity to see the Junior Racing League competitors (ages 8 to 17 years) race in their Wednesday-night format, using a track configuration that runs through the infield and uses the “big” track’s turn two and first half of the back straightaway.
- Delaware Speedway PR
Cdn. Sprint Car Nat'ls Adds Fourth Affiliate Sanction
OHSWEKEN, ON - The Canadian Sprint Car Nationals scheduled for Saturday, September 17th at Glenn & Tina Styres’ Ohsweken Speedway has added a fourth affiliate sanctioning body to the program.
Southern Ontario Sprints who call Ohsweken Speedway their home, have signed on to the 1st Annual Event. Joining the Empire Super Sprints and the Patriot Sprint Group from New York, along with Sprints On Dirt from Michigan, the signing of the Southern Ontario Sprints sets up a showdown between the sanctioning bodies that race at the track throughout the season.
The event that is open to any sprint car team who meets the prescribed rules package is sure to draw some interest from other organizations as well. Knoxville Raceway has also committed to sending a representative team and the NRA and URC Groups both have open dates on their schedules.
- Bill Oldroyd / SOS PR
Thursday, January 13, 2005
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With that in mind, we are going to start to intersperse ads from Inside Track Motorsport News into the stories on the Breaking News Blog. Our advertisers are key to our ability to cover Canadian motorsports and their continued participation depends on them getting support from our readers - be they from the magazine or the Breaking News Blog.
Thank you for visiting our site and for supporting the businesses that support Canadian racing.
Visit Bicknell Racing Products on the Web.
With that in mind, we are going to start to intersperse ads from Inside Track Motorsport News into the stories on the Breaking News Blog. Our advertisers are key to our ability to cover Canadian motorsports and their continued participation depends on them getting support from our readers - be they from the magazine or the Breaking News Blog.
Thank you for visiting our site and for supporting the businesses that support Canadian racing.
- Greg MacPherson
DIRT Mods set for Florida Tour Shootout
WEEDSPORT, NY - When the top big-block teams in the Northeast set course for Florida in February they will be waving good-bye to the snow banks at home as they prepare to welcome the familiar clay that is the foundation for Volusia Speedway Park.
DIRT MotorSports' popular Modified mini-tour at Volusia begins Feb. 14 with a 30-lap feature headlining the program. The open-wheel action continues at the Barberville half-mile oval with 30-lap feature events on Tuesday and Wednesday before a big $5,000-to-win 50-lapper brings the curtain down Fri., Feb. 18.
Special appearances by the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (Feb. 11 & 13) and World of Outlaws Late Model Series (Feb. 18 & 19) complete the big tripleheader that spotlight the biggest short track stars in the nation.
Florida continues to be a second home for open-wheel star Brett Hearn.
Since DIRT MotorSports returned to the Sunshine State in 1998, the Sussex, N.J. veteran has captured DIRT Winter Tour high point honors four times and amassed a record 13 feature wins during those same eight seasons.
Among the 43 drivers competing in three events at Volusia last February, Hearn joined first-time winners Billy Decker and J.R. Heffner in victory lane while New York veteran Pat Ward used a pair of runner-up finishes to garner his first-ever Florida Tour points championship by just two markers over both Hearn and Pennsylvanian Doug Hoffman.
The upcoming DIRT Tour marks the 20th trip to Florida for Northeastern Modified teams since 1978. It will be DIRT's 14th visit to Volusia since staging its inaugural event in 1982 under current owner/operator Dick Murphy.
Expect drivers like all-time DIRT MotorSports big-block Modified feature winner Alan Johnson, younger brother Danny Johnson, teammates Pat Ward and Billy Decker to join Hearn and Heffner while many more open-wheel hotshoes will be in competition hoping to write their own headlines in '05.
Don't be surprized to see former Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart land another DIRT ride as he has competed in four of the past five Winter Nationals, posting a 5th-place best finish in 2002.
Fans and race teams already planning to attend Volusia Speedway Park (386/985-4402) are encouraged to contact the track public relations offices for area hotel/motel accomodations. Overnight camping at Volusia is available across the road adjacent to the track for self-contained units.
Volusia Speedway Park is located 15 miles west of Daytona Beach on State Road 40 in Barberville, Fla. Mail is received at: 1500 E. Highway 40, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130.
Be sure to check out www.dirtmotorsports.com often to view the Florida Tour pre-race roster as the first edition will be posted later in January. Further information regarding the host track can be obtained from www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com.
DIRT MotorSports' popular Modified mini-tour at Volusia begins Feb. 14 with a 30-lap feature headlining the program. The open-wheel action continues at the Barberville half-mile oval with 30-lap feature events on Tuesday and Wednesday before a big $5,000-to-win 50-lapper brings the curtain down Fri., Feb. 18.
Special appearances by the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (Feb. 11 & 13) and World of Outlaws Late Model Series (Feb. 18 & 19) complete the big tripleheader that spotlight the biggest short track stars in the nation.
Florida continues to be a second home for open-wheel star Brett Hearn.
Since DIRT MotorSports returned to the Sunshine State in 1998, the Sussex, N.J. veteran has captured DIRT Winter Tour high point honors four times and amassed a record 13 feature wins during those same eight seasons.
Among the 43 drivers competing in three events at Volusia last February, Hearn joined first-time winners Billy Decker and J.R. Heffner in victory lane while New York veteran Pat Ward used a pair of runner-up finishes to garner his first-ever Florida Tour points championship by just two markers over both Hearn and Pennsylvanian Doug Hoffman.
The upcoming DIRT Tour marks the 20th trip to Florida for Northeastern Modified teams since 1978. It will be DIRT's 14th visit to Volusia since staging its inaugural event in 1982 under current owner/operator Dick Murphy.
Expect drivers like all-time DIRT MotorSports big-block Modified feature winner Alan Johnson, younger brother Danny Johnson, teammates Pat Ward and Billy Decker to join Hearn and Heffner while many more open-wheel hotshoes will be in competition hoping to write their own headlines in '05.
Don't be surprized to see former Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart land another DIRT ride as he has competed in four of the past five Winter Nationals, posting a 5th-place best finish in 2002.
Fans and race teams already planning to attend Volusia Speedway Park (386/985-4402) are encouraged to contact the track public relations offices for area hotel/motel accomodations. Overnight camping at Volusia is available across the road adjacent to the track for self-contained units.
Volusia Speedway Park is located 15 miles west of Daytona Beach on State Road 40 in Barberville, Fla. Mail is received at: 1500 E. Highway 40, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130.
Be sure to check out www.dirtmotorsports.com often to view the Florida Tour pre-race roster as the first edition will be posted later in January. Further information regarding the host track can be obtained from www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com.
By Tom Skibinski / DIRT Motorsports PR
Monday, January 10, 2005
CASCAR: RaceSportz and DJK Racing team up for 2005
DEARBORN, MI – Carhartt Clothing have announced their return as the primary sponsor of Team RaceSportz of Arnprior, ON. The Carhartt name will be on the number “8” CASCAR SuperSeries entry driven by American driver; Marc Miller.
Established in 1889, Carhartt Clothing has become the leading workwear and rugged outdoor apparel company in North America. They look to extend that brand image to the thousands of racing fans and enthusiasts throughout Canada.
"As Carhartt continues to grow in Canada we feel that it is important to not only provide premium workwear for the Canadian worker but to also support that worker's hobbies and past-times,” said Andrius Viskantas, Marketing & Communications Manager for Carhartt. “We’re excited to be working with Marc and Team RaceSportz again in 2005 and look forward to being involved in Canada’s #1 Racing Series; the CASCAR Super Series."
The team will be joining up with veteran driver DJ Kennington and run cars prepared out of their St. Thomas race shop. “We’re excited to be working with DJ, he’s got a ton of experience at all the tracks that Cascar competes in and his equipment is top notch. There’s no doubt that by working with DJ it’s going to save us a lot of time on the learning curve” says Dave Connelly owner of RaceSportz.
“DJ and I got to know each other well during the 2004 season, and I think we’ll have a great synergy going into 2005. We’re both extremely competitive people and I know that we’ll both push each other as hard as we can on the track” states Marc Miller.
“Marc and Dave work very hard at their race program, I think by teaming up next year we can really elevate their on track efforts and get Marc on the podium. Marc ran strong at Mosport, Toronto, and Vancouver last year and I know with my help, we can carry that momentum to the oval tracks as well” commented DJ.
Mark’s Work Wearhouse will be partnering with the team this year and running a national consumer contest featuring the Carhartt #8 CASCAR. Look for the Carhartt Racing Team to be visiting a Mark’s Work Wearhouse in your area.
For more information, contact Dave Connelly and RaceSportz at (613) 623-1511 or visit www.carharttracing.com
Brighton’s 2nd annual Winterfest approaches
BRIGHTON, ON – For the second year in a row, Brighton Speedway Park will host its popular Winterfest event. Scheduled for Saturday, January 25, the 1/3-mile oval will see snowmobile and four-wheel action.
New classes have been added to the card this year, including youth and four-wheel-drive events. Competitor gates open at 10 a.m. Practice starts at 11 a.m. and racing starts at noon.
Admission for the day is $10. Children under 10 are free. For more information call the speedway’s race line at (613)-475-1102, or email brighton.speedway@sympatico.ca.
Thursday, January 6, 2005
DRAGS: Elliott and Sipple team up for IHRA Top Fuel assault
CAYUGA, ON - Bob Elliott, one of Canada’s most prominent drag racers, has partnered with the John “Doc” Sipple Top Fuel Dragster team to run at major International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) events.
Known for his successes in Funny Car racing, Elliott and Northern Force Team Manager Bruce Mehlenbacher recently met with the Sipple family at its Berea, Kentucky headquarters. This meeting and subsequent discussions have led to a partnership where Elliott will drive Doc Sipple’s Top Fuel Dragster.
“This is a terrific deal that completes a major part of the puzzle,” stated Elliott. “Doc and I hit it off and I will be proud to be a part of this racing effort. After spending many hours with John, and his son Mike, an agreement was reached in principle where I will drive the car that the Sipples will continue to own and maintain.”
Doc Sipple is taking a sabbatical from driving his Top Fuel Dragster, and the team, which includes crew chief and son Mike Sipple, will continue to campaign the car. The team placed in the top ten of the 2004 IHRA Top Fuel Dragster World Championship competition, highlighted with a runner-up finish at the Motor City Nationals in Milan, Michigan in July.
Speaking for the Sipple family, Mike Sipple is very supportive of the partnership, and believes not only is there a stronger opportunity with this teaming, but thinks the team will mesh well.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to enhance our racing efforts and gives us a stronger car,” said Sipple. “And Bob’s personality matches up with Dad as close as possible.”
The Elliott-Sipple team will race under the Northern Force banner at IHRA events. The Sipple crew, including Canadians Larry Panzini and John Ford, will continue their duties with the racing effort while Elliott will drive the 6000-plus horsepower car, and Doc Sipple will oversee the entire racing operation.
Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitro methane fuel, produce upwards of 7000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating race cars in motorsports. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.
For more information, contact: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Team Manager // Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // Fax: 905.772.1799 // E-mail: bmehlenbacher@northernforce.com // Website: http://www.northernforce.com
Known for his successes in Funny Car racing, Elliott and Northern Force Team Manager Bruce Mehlenbacher recently met with the Sipple family at its Berea, Kentucky headquarters. This meeting and subsequent discussions have led to a partnership where Elliott will drive Doc Sipple’s Top Fuel Dragster.
“This is a terrific deal that completes a major part of the puzzle,” stated Elliott. “Doc and I hit it off and I will be proud to be a part of this racing effort. After spending many hours with John, and his son Mike, an agreement was reached in principle where I will drive the car that the Sipples will continue to own and maintain.”
Doc Sipple is taking a sabbatical from driving his Top Fuel Dragster, and the team, which includes crew chief and son Mike Sipple, will continue to campaign the car. The team placed in the top ten of the 2004 IHRA Top Fuel Dragster World Championship competition, highlighted with a runner-up finish at the Motor City Nationals in Milan, Michigan in July.
Speaking for the Sipple family, Mike Sipple is very supportive of the partnership, and believes not only is there a stronger opportunity with this teaming, but thinks the team will mesh well.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to enhance our racing efforts and gives us a stronger car,” said Sipple. “And Bob’s personality matches up with Dad as close as possible.”
The Elliott-Sipple team will race under the Northern Force banner at IHRA events. The Sipple crew, including Canadians Larry Panzini and John Ford, will continue their duties with the racing effort while Elliott will drive the 6000-plus horsepower car, and Doc Sipple will oversee the entire racing operation.
Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitro methane fuel, produce upwards of 7000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating race cars in motorsports. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.
For more information, contact: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Team Manager // Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // Fax: 905.772.1799 // E-mail: bmehlenbacher@northernforce.com // Website: http://www.northernforce.com
London Indoor Event: No tire rule
LONDON, ON - London Gardens indoor race promoter Patrick Wood contacted Inside Track to say that there has been a rule change regarding the upcoming inaugural Canadian Indoor Racing Championship Series event at the London Gardens on Jan. 14-15.
The change concerns the tire rules for the event. According to Wood, there is now no tire rule, which means competitors can bring whatever tires they would like. The move is intended to open the event to more racers.
In other event news, promoter Wood has forwarded a copy of the event schedule for the first event:
Friday, January 14: Noon- Doors open
-5:45pm – 6:45pm- Back doors closed (Race car Loading\Unloading area) to start allowing heat in….. to warm concrete floor in preparation of track set-up. (Same scenario as Indoors in New York).
-7pm – 10pm practice /outside groove
-10pm Track closed and we’ll prepare to close facilities for the evening. All equipment may stay indoors. Security is on duty all night.
Saturday, January 15: Doors Open at8:30am
Practice – 10am – 1pm (All divisions)
Track review and touch up if required
-If approximately 18 cars or more show in Outlaws and Sr. Micro’s, Schedule A applies….
-If 16 or less, Schedule B applies.
Schedule: A
2-4:30pm Break
Micro heat 1,2,3 alternating
Outlaw heat 1,2,3 alternating
4:30pm Drivers Meeting
5-6pm Last hot laps
7pm sharp – Anthems & Races Start
TQ Midget heats 1-4
Outlaw Dash
TQ Dash
TQ B Main
Sr. Micro B Main
Outlaw B Main
Sr. Micro Feature
Outlaw Feature
TQ Midget Feature
Schedule: B
2-4:30pm Break
4:30pm Drivers Meeting
5-6pm Last hot laps
7pm sharp - Anthems & Races Start
TQ Midget heats 1-4
Sr. Micro heats 1-2
Sr. Micro Dash
Outlaw heats 1-2 (alternate w\Micros)
TQ Midget Dash
Sr. Micro Dash
Outlaw Dash
TQ B Main
Sr. Micro Feature
Outlaw Feature
TQ Midget Feature
Note: We may have time for driver introductions at some or all features- depending on the races and car counts. Be ready and prepared for both scenarios.
Race distances
TQ Midgets, Sr. Micro & Outlaw Heats- 12 laps
TQ Midgets, Sr. Micro & Outlaw Dashes- 12 laps
Sr. Micro & Outlaw Feature- 30 laps
TQ Midget Feature- 50 laps
The change concerns the tire rules for the event. According to Wood, there is now no tire rule, which means competitors can bring whatever tires they would like. The move is intended to open the event to more racers.
In other event news, promoter Wood has forwarded a copy of the event schedule for the first event:
Friday, January 14: Noon- Doors open
-5:45pm – 6:45pm- Back doors closed (Race car Loading\Unloading area) to start allowing heat in….. to warm concrete floor in preparation of track set-up. (Same scenario as Indoors in New York).
-7pm – 10pm practice /outside groove
-10pm Track closed and we’ll prepare to close facilities for the evening. All equipment may stay indoors. Security is on duty all night.
Saturday, January 15: Doors Open at8:30am
Practice – 10am – 1pm (All divisions)
Track review and touch up if required
-If approximately 18 cars or more show in Outlaws and Sr. Micro’s, Schedule A applies….
-If 16 or less, Schedule B applies.
Schedule: A
2-4:30pm Break
Micro heat 1,2,3 alternating
Outlaw heat 1,2,3 alternating
4:30pm Drivers Meeting
5-6pm Last hot laps
7pm sharp – Anthems & Races Start
TQ Midget heats 1-4
Outlaw Dash
TQ Dash
TQ B Main
Sr. Micro B Main
Outlaw B Main
Sr. Micro Feature
Outlaw Feature
TQ Midget Feature
Schedule: B
2-4:30pm Break
4:30pm Drivers Meeting
5-6pm Last hot laps
7pm sharp - Anthems & Races Start
TQ Midget heats 1-4
Sr. Micro heats 1-2
Sr. Micro Dash
Outlaw heats 1-2 (alternate w\Micros)
TQ Midget Dash
Sr. Micro Dash
Outlaw Dash
TQ B Main
Sr. Micro Feature
Outlaw Feature
TQ Midget Feature
Note: We may have time for driver introductions at some or all features- depending on the races and car counts. Be ready and prepared for both scenarios.
Race distances
TQ Midgets, Sr. Micro & Outlaw Heats- 12 laps
TQ Midgets, Sr. Micro & Outlaw Dashes- 12 laps
Sr. Micro & Outlaw Feature- 30 laps
TQ Midget Feature- 50 laps
Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Merrittville looks to expand membership rewards program
THOROLD, ON - In 2004, Merrittville Speedway’s member drivers shared in an awards program that totaled more than $83,000 in point fund monies, certificates and other prizes. For 2005, drivers will expierence further growth as Opening Day nears.
“Initial response has almost been overwhelming,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding “we’re almost at capacity with our returning and new event sponsors…other areas are also showing enthusiastic support.”
“While we are still finalizing many promotional details,” adds Bicknell, “race fans can look forward to many new and unique promotions and activities leading up to Showtime each week and for our race teams…many new companies have shown interest in our contingency program.”
The 2005 Membership Rewards program will be revealed in the upcoming Driver’s Meetings at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines on Sunday, January 16th.
Making a return will be the 2nd Annual Pasta Night presented by Club Castropignano which is part of the Trevor Wilkens Memorical 358 Modified Classic on Monday August 1st. Awaiting a date confirmation, the popular Lobsterfest Night will once again provide fans and teams a unique dining experience at a dirt track prior to that night’s racing action.
While DIRT MotorSports is finalizing details on 2005 Super DIRT Series events for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman Divisions, race fans can look forward to many special events throughout the season.
Making returns in 2005 will be the popular Empire Super Sprints and the BRP Can-Am Super Stocks. The full-bodied Late Model cars will headline the August 20th race card. A date for the BRP Big Block Modified Tour is yet to be finalized.
To help celebrate the 54th consecutive season of stock car racing, Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee will once again host the Jerry Winger Memorial for 358 Modifieds in addition to the pre-race Reunion Night and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame inductions.
J&S Heating and Air Conditioning will once again present the Rose Weber Memorial International Dwarf Car Classic for Dwarf Cars and Mod Lites that will also see a 50 lap special for the Hoosier Stocks and 25 laps for the 4 Cylinder Division. For the second straight year, the season will close with a special Sunday show with the running of the 2nd Annual Wine Country Run Enduro – September 11th.
After pre-season Race Car and Kart shows throughout Niagara, Merrittville Speedway is once again preparing to host the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Driving School the weekend of April 16th and 17th. Race teams looking to reserve a spot can do so by calling Erica or Nancy at 905-685-7223.
An Inspection, Test & Tune Day for all the divisions that make up the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders is set for Saturday April 23rd. During the open track sessions, the 358 Modified and Sportsman drivers will time trial for qualifying spots for the 2005 Season Opener presented by Hoosier Tire Canada, Saturday April 30th.
Race fans in Southern Ontario can look for Speedway representatives at the upcoming Speedorama Show being held at the National Trade Center at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario the weekend of January 28 – 30th.
Reserved and General Admission Season Tickets are currently available from the Speedway’s Winter Office by calling 905-685-7223. Economical Saturday Night Live Grandstand Ticket Flexbook’s and Family passes are also available.
For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Season call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266, or visit us at www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
“Initial response has almost been overwhelming,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding “we’re almost at capacity with our returning and new event sponsors…other areas are also showing enthusiastic support.”
“While we are still finalizing many promotional details,” adds Bicknell, “race fans can look forward to many new and unique promotions and activities leading up to Showtime each week and for our race teams…many new companies have shown interest in our contingency program.”
The 2005 Membership Rewards program will be revealed in the upcoming Driver’s Meetings at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines on Sunday, January 16th.
Making a return will be the 2nd Annual Pasta Night presented by Club Castropignano which is part of the Trevor Wilkens Memorical 358 Modified Classic on Monday August 1st. Awaiting a date confirmation, the popular Lobsterfest Night will once again provide fans and teams a unique dining experience at a dirt track prior to that night’s racing action.
While DIRT MotorSports is finalizing details on 2005 Super DIRT Series events for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman Divisions, race fans can look forward to many special events throughout the season.
Making returns in 2005 will be the popular Empire Super Sprints and the BRP Can-Am Super Stocks. The full-bodied Late Model cars will headline the August 20th race card. A date for the BRP Big Block Modified Tour is yet to be finalized.
To help celebrate the 54th consecutive season of stock car racing, Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee will once again host the Jerry Winger Memorial for 358 Modifieds in addition to the pre-race Reunion Night and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame inductions.
J&S Heating and Air Conditioning will once again present the Rose Weber Memorial International Dwarf Car Classic for Dwarf Cars and Mod Lites that will also see a 50 lap special for the Hoosier Stocks and 25 laps for the 4 Cylinder Division. For the second straight year, the season will close with a special Sunday show with the running of the 2nd Annual Wine Country Run Enduro – September 11th.
After pre-season Race Car and Kart shows throughout Niagara, Merrittville Speedway is once again preparing to host the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Driving School the weekend of April 16th and 17th. Race teams looking to reserve a spot can do so by calling Erica or Nancy at 905-685-7223.
An Inspection, Test & Tune Day for all the divisions that make up the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders is set for Saturday April 23rd. During the open track sessions, the 358 Modified and Sportsman drivers will time trial for qualifying spots for the 2005 Season Opener presented by Hoosier Tire Canada, Saturday April 30th.
Race fans in Southern Ontario can look for Speedway representatives at the upcoming Speedorama Show being held at the National Trade Center at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario the weekend of January 28 – 30th.
Reserved and General Admission Season Tickets are currently available from the Speedway’s Winter Office by calling 905-685-7223. Economical Saturday Night Live Grandstand Ticket Flexbook’s and Family passes are also available.
For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Season call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266, or visit us at www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
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