MOPAR Day at Barrie... and other things

There were several cars and drivers at Barrie Speedway on Friday for the annual MOPAR Day. You can see from the picture above that these guys are serious about their program. An impressive display!

I'll try to post some more later, but in a nutshell, a big 'thank you' to MOPAR (& DaimlerChrysler / Dodge) for their support of Canadian racing.

MOPAR will be the title sponsor of the Canada Day race at Barrie, and MOPAR Super Series drivers are eligible to collect $250,000 in contingency program awards from MOPAR / DaimlerChrysler / Dodge.

Before I head out to mow the lawn (it's a rare sunny weekend in T.O.!), thanks to everyone who voted in the ITMN Readers' Choice Awards. Voting closed last night at 6 p.m. We'll announce the results very soon... possibly in the next issue.

Winter is finally over as it's sun, sun, sun in souther Ontario and several speedways are set to take the green flag tonight. Safe and fun racing to all!

Finally, I'm heading over to MiniGrid tonight for the Open House get together. Some of the books and models of the late Bob Brockington will be on display. The books will go on auction tomorrow (Sunday), while the family will keep the models. Should be a fun night. Starts at 6 and everyone is welcome.

2008 Subaru Impreza (WRX) to go after VW GTI

Here's another future Subaru Photoshop rendering, this time the next-generation Impreza WRX-STI. Again, as with the previously posted Outback rendering, don't take this as absolute fact, but more as a good indicator of what Subaru might be thinking.
UK's Auto Express is reporting the next WRX has set its sight on the VW GTI, as the target vehicle of choice. They're reporting 3-and 5-door hatches, and no sedans. Now keep in mind this is a UK car magazine, and in the UK and Europe, hatches are the hot ticket. Whether we see those configurations here, I have no idea.

Well, actually I do have an idea, as I've heard from someone who has seen pictures of the US-spec '08 Impreza, and he said a sedan is still on the table. He also said it would have the same 105.1" wheelbase as the current Legacy, but will be no longer than the current Impreza. That means less front and rear overhangs. It also means more interior room—a much desired feature. While I have not heard anything regarding suspensions, my guess it will also use the multilink rear suspension from the Legacy.

This vehicle is reported to debut at the next Tokyo car show in the fall of 2007.

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

New look for PT Cruiser Cabrio

Chrysler has worked out how to stick the steering wheel on the right-hand side of the PT Cruiser Cabrio, which goes on sale in the UK at the end of April.

The four-seater retains its roll-over bar design, while providing seating for four with reasonable headroom with the roof up.

The Cabrio gains the styling changes of the latest PT Cruiser hatch, including the droopy-eyed headlights.

There's only one engine choice for the PT Cruiser Cabrio and it's a 2.4-litre petrol engine with 141bhp. Choose the five-speed manual for £16,650 or the four-speed auto at £17,470.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

LAST DAY TO VOTE!!!!!

Voting ends tonight at 6 p.m. !!!!

Today is your last chance to cast your ballots for the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards.

I'm heading to Barrie Speedway today for the CASCAR / MOPAR Day. Have a great weekend everyone!

Wild new Mustang unleashed

Is this the best-looking Mustang of the modern bunch?
We reckon so, and it's got some serious endorsement from an American racing legend.
The Parnelli Jones Mustang is a limited edition model from US tuning, racing and supercar company Saleen.

Looking every inch the menacing muscle car, the Parnelli Jones Mustang comes in a unique Grabber Orange colour with black striping.

There's also a power hump in the bonnet, rear spoiler and slatted rear window cover on matt black to give that essential 1970s feel.

Running on 19in alloy wheels with broad tyres front and rear, the Parnelli Jones looks the business.

Inside, there's some special seat trimming and a Saleen/Parnelli Jones steering wheel boss.

But this ain't no cosmetic makeover. Under the bonnet, Saleen has brought its knowledge to bear to pump up the 302ci (5.0-litre) V8's grunt up to 370bhp and 370lb ft.

A new exhaust finishes off the engine tweakery and has a seriously addictive V8 rumble.

Only 500 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustangs will be built and prices in the States are expected to start around $55,000 (£33,000), with delivery this September.

Parnelli Jones may sound like a delicatessen in Swansea to some Brit ears, but he is one of the US's most successful racers and steered a Mustang to victory in the 1970 Trans Am championship, the equivalent of winning the British Touring Car Championship nowadays.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

2006 Aston Martin DB9 Sports Pack

From July, Aston Martin will offer the option of a factory-fitted "Sports Pack" specification for the DB9 Coupe, combining revised suspension characteristics with a new alloy wheel design to give subtly different driving dynamics.

The new five-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels are lighter than the standard wheels, the springs and front anti-roll bar are modified and the ride height lowered.

Taking the DB9’s VH architecture as its foundation and retuning some of its key components, the DB9 Sports Pack offers an even more focussed driving experience, with improvements to both high-speed body control and steering response. That means a DB9 Coupe specifically for the enthusiastic driver with a high level of driving skill, who likes to drive quickly, safely and with precision.

The first key to the sharper dynamic balance is a significant reduction in ‘unsprung’ mass which indirectly allows the suspension to react more quickly to inputs such as bumps and cornering forces - resulting in improved grip, steering response, body control and ride quality.

With the DB9 Sports Pack, each five-spoke light alloy wheel gives an unsprung weight saving of more than 1kg, with a small but significant additional saving from the use of titanium wheel nuts. In total, that equates to more than five per cent reduction in unsprung weight on each corner of the car. The new, lighter 19-inch wheels are the same size as the standard wheel and use the same Bridgestone tyre.

The DB9 Sports Pack’s spring rates are increased by 68 per cent at the front of the car and 64 per cent at the rear. The front anti-roll bar is modified, and the dampers are revised to support the new spring and anti-roll bar characteristics. Together, the changes optimise body control and front-end grip without compromising ride quality or adding weight. The ride height is reduced by 6mm, lowering the car’s centre of gravity and further reducing body roll while leaving ample ground clearance and backed up by modified bump stops.

The composite undertray is also replaced, by a load-bearing aluminium panel that performs the same function in managing underbody airflow while adding further structural stiffness, to resist larger lateral loads fed into the front of the car by the uprated front springs and anti-roll bar.

The cumulative effect is significantly improved dynamic response, and especially steering feel - making the DB9 feel lighter, more positive on turn-in, more agile and more involving for the enthusiastic driver. Body control is especially enhanced during high speed manoeuvres, giving the DB9 a more neutral handling feel.

Aston Martin Sales & Marketing Director, Bill Donnelly, says: “This optional Sports Pack will offer driving enthusiasts the opportunity to tailor their DB9 Coupe to deliver an even more rewarding dynamic experience. The Sports Pack offers another addition to the Aston Martin range and provides customers with an even greater choice and the ability to further personalise their DB9.”

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Times are a-changing! Fédération de Sport Automobile du Québec

Courtesy Jean-François Ouellet

Montreal, Canada – April 25, 2006 – Sportimage.net – Just before the official start of the season and its schedule for 2006, Fédération de Sport Automobile du Québec and its members are proud of the changes that took place since the beginning of the year. Since January 2006, a new kind of wind is blowing on the FSAQ, bringing in a new name, a new logo, development of new programs and a new General Manager.

The federation, which has been managing and guiding part of the Québec motorsports scene like track racing, karting, Solo and ice racing, has just set new guidelines with the nomination of a new general manager and the appointment of directors to sport commissions. So it is with renewed optimism that the various FSAQ leaders are moving ahead and pushing training, educational, development and safety programs in each one of its disciplines.

General manager since last October, 38 year-old Jean-François Ouellet is running the sports organization where numerous challenges are awaiting. He is optimistic about supporting and managing part of our motorsports. “The number of people involved in motorsports in Quebec keeps growing, whether it is for fun or to make a career of it. And since it is increasingly difficult to reach the top levels of motorsports like Formula One and Champ Car, the fans are turning to us to get their kicks, in track racing, Solo or karting. Our job, among other things, is to help track owners, teams, clubs and driving schools to take them in and help them,” said Jean-François Ouellet.

Previously known as Fédération Auto Québec, the federation underwent through rebirth in January 2006 and changed its name to Fédération de Sport Automobile du Québec. In the same stride, it adopted a new logo, more modern and dynamic. “Like any other business, we had to have a younger look. The new name emphasizes the kind of activities we deal in. We are proud of these changes,” the new general manager pointed out.

More present…
Representing national sanctioning body ASN Canada FIA in Quebec, Fédération de Sport Automobile du Québec, which issues nearly 1,000 licenses annually, just undertook a major turnaround. FSAQ plans to be more visible during racing events. “One of FSAQ goals this year is to work together with the industry and to listen to their needs,” said Daniel Forest, president of FSAQ. “Our presence will be essential, in order to better know and understand these needs,” he added.

FSAQ wants to regain its position as the provincial motorsports authority. In order to learn more about this new orientation FSAQ is taking in 2006, Jean-François Ouellet has gracefully agreed to answer our questions.

How do you envision motorsports in Quebec? How would you rate it?
As I mentioned, Québec and Canadian motorsports are doing very well. Each year, Québec hosts two of the most honored racing events in North America from Formula One and Champ Car. We have other great events like Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, the historical event of Québec motorsports and ice-racing event Challenge Continental sur glace de Sherbrooke. Every year, Québec hosts a slew of important motorsports events, and the population is right with us. This year, the sheer huge number of events and participants, for fun or competition, confirms the interest for this type of sport: in 2006, FSAQ, in conjunction with ASN Canada FIA, will sanction more than 30 events.

You are young and you just got nominated to the position of general manager. In the past, Fédération de Sport Automobile du Québec has made decisions that were not always unanimously approved. How do you see your role and the coming year?
I like peace and I enjoy bringing people together. I consider my job and that of FSAQ like that of a bandleader whose goal it is to help those in the various disciplines get answers to their needs while abiding by the rules.

In 2006, FSAQ will help sanctioned events, but will also set up, in each discipline, training, educational, development and safety programs. For FSAQ, there are no small or big players, only players. This way, our involvement will be the same in each discipline.

What can you tell us about the new training, educational, development and safety programs?
The training program involves flaggers, as well as drivers and managers. They all do their thing with diligence and passion, and they all dream of learning more. So our continued program will allow them to keep improving their skills. The educational aspect is very wide and will reach everyone involved with FSAQ. And we are also working on a standardization program for driving schools and racing officials.

In the first stage, the development program will deal with communications, promotion and awareness. As a matter of fact, our brand-new website is part of this development. Feel free to explore it at www.fsaq.qc.ca. Finally, since safety is the utmost in motorsports, we are working closely with the ministère de l’Éducation, du loisir et du sport on a safety standardization project for motorsports.

In 2006, FSAQ wants to create a synergy among all those programs.

You seem very optimistic and enthusiastic about all these programs and FSAQ new communicative approach. In truth, what does it all represent?
First, we demand more transparency. Right now, we are talking about more efficient communications. Second, motorsports come from the people and we have to win back that aspect of the sport that has been lost to the commercial side. To transmit this passion, one has to be passionate. The role of FSAQ will be to establish solid links with the community. This function suits me very well. A media and public relations campaign will be very important. Indeed, 2006 is an important year, and we have to make people work and grow together. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but we need to bring new support to the people who have the power to take important decisions with us.

B-K Motorsports is the new tire partner for KUMHO in the American Le Mans Series.

Courtesy Ryan Smith

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. - KUMHO TIRE U.S.A. has added to its American Le Mans Series involvement, today announcing a partnership with the Mazda-powered B-K Motorsports team in LMP2. KUMHO will supply tires for B-K Motorsports' Mazda rotary-powered Courage C65 starting at the Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston, the next round of the American Le Mans Series.

"We're excited about the opportunity to work with Mazda," said Rudy Consolacion, KUMHO motorsports manager. "Like us, last year was Mazda's first year in the Series, and they're committed to developing their engine and chassis package and are eager to help us develop our tires. And like KUMHO, Mazda has a strong following among amateur racers because the company is involved in grassroots racing at so many levels, such as Spec Miata, Formula Mazda and Star Mazda."

KUMHO will supply racing tires for B-K Motorsports' Mazda-powered Courage C65 for the remaining 2006 American Le Mans Series schedule.



"We're very pleased with this new partnership," said John Doonan, manager of motorsports team development for Mazda North America. "Both KUMHO and Mazda are in somewhat of a development phase with American Le Mans Series programs. We believe this new partnership will take both companies to new heights in professional sports car racing."

KUMHO previously announced that its 2005 Series partner - Miracle Motorsports - decided to focus only on endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans. "We will continue to supply tires to Miracle for endurance events, but we wanted to find another team with which we could contest the full American Le Mans Series season," Consolacion said.

Mazda's B-K Motorsports team finished third in the LMP2 championship last year, with drivers Guy Cosmo and Jamie Bach garnering Series Rookie of the Year honors. Cosmo and Bach are back with B-K again this year, and Marcus Haselgrove - who won two LMP1 championships as an engineer with Champion Racing and the Audi R8 - has joined B-K Motorsports as technical director and team manager.

The Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston will mark the race debut of the KUMHO-B-K Motorsports partnership.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to work with KUMHO because of what the company wants to do with development of the tires," Haselgrove said. "It's an exciting program to be involved with and is also a lot of responsibility. It's huge to actually get to help develop a race tire. The development will obviously help KUMHO and will also help us."

Consolacion is equally excited about the opportunity to work with Mazda, Haselgrove and the rest of the B-K team. "Mazda has succeeded at every level of motorsports in which it has participated," he said. "Marcus brings great experience from Champion Racing, a team that has won Le Mans, Sebring and American Le Mans Series championships. He brings a wealth of knowledge that will help us as we continually develop our tires. And Guy and Jamie are fast, young drivers who are back for a second season in the car, so they'll provide consistency behind the wheel."

Consolacion added that the team will test before the Houston event and has scheduled further development tests throughout the season. "LMP2 is a very competitive class with teams such as Intersport Racing and the Roger Penske-prepared Porsches. Acura is coming into the class next year, so LMP2 will be a great proving ground for Mazda and KUMHO."

The next round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series is the Lone Star Grand Prix, scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT on May 12 in Houston. It will be broadcast at 1 p.m. May 13 EDT on CBS Sports, the first of five straight Series events on network television. Qualifying is set for 6:15 p.m. CDT on May 11. American Le Mans Radio will have live coverage at www.americanlemans.com, which also will have IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.

The history of airfields in Ontario racing

Thanks to Bruce Mehlenbacher for the heads up on Tim Miller's story in today's Hamilton Spectator.

Pen Center Night kicks off Ladies Race Series at Merrittville: RANKIN CANCER RUN ALSO IN SPOTLIGHT

Courtesy Jim Irvine

THOROLD, ONTARIO … Mother’s Day weekend at Merrittville traditionally kicks off the Ladies Race Series of events at the Thorold track and once again, representatives from the Pen Center – Niagara’s largest shopping destination are guests in the Trackside Hospitality Suite and throughout the grandstands.

May 13th’s race card will be the second point event of 2006 for all divisions featured in the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Premier/Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.

“The Pen Centre and it’s merchants are great supporters of community events,” relates Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell, “ we’re happy to be their hosts during our 55th season … race fans enjoy seeing the race cars on display every March and now it’s time to enjoy them in action on the track.”

One car that drew lots of attention during the March event was the #6 Sportsmen of sophomore driver Mat Williamson.

“My Grandmother recently had cancer,” says Mat, “ when she was in treatment a friend of my mom’s suggested the idea … so along with my sponsors we came out with the Rankin Cancer Run design.”

The right side of Williamson’s 2003 Bicknell Chassis carries a special Rankin Cancer Run message and race fans will see the car on display and can meet the up and coming driver when the front gates open at the new time of 5:30.

Two Ladies Race Series events dot the 2006 schedule and with the traditional Mother’s Day weekend Series kickoff, all eyes will be on Christine Porter as she attempts to win her Mini-Series title in 2006.

If Porter attempts to defend her title, competition will surely come from former Champion Charlene Dooley, Karen Kocarik and others. All ladies wishing further information on the Ladies Race Series can contact the Speedway Office.

While these two Ladies Races will see the girls take to the track in Hoosier Stocks, another Ladies Race will help close the season as a 25 lap Ladies Enduro is scheduled for September 10th.

The Rankin Cancer Run is a new charity event for our own region, named gratefully and proudly after key supporter, Rankin Construction Incorporated. Their heart and community concern is overwhelming. The funds generated from this walk/run, will be given back to our community for help with immediate cancer care.

Prior to the night’s racing, race fans will be encouraged to make a donation to the Rankin Cancer Run by ‘voting’ for the Celebrity that they think will win the Zehr’s Food Plus Shopping Cart Race that will be held during the night.

There will be prizes awarded to a fan that donates to the eventual winner.

“It will surely be a sight to see,” relates Bicknell, “ we’re assembling the participants … hats off to them for helping out and Zehr’s at the Pen too.”

The Rankin Cancer Run will held Saturday May 27th starting at 10:00 AM from the Grantham Lions Club in St. Catharines. Individuals and teams alike are encouraged to participate in the 5K & 1K Walk/Run.

Rankin Cancer Run Committee Members will be on hand also during the night – selling their orange ‘Keep the Spirit’ wristbands and will answer questions for those wishing to get more involved. Race Fans can also visit www.rankincancerrun.com for further information.

May 13th’s event will also be the first event of the new season that representatives from Hooters of Niagara Falls will be in attendance.

The Pen Centre is located at HWY 406 and Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines and Store Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:30 to 6:00 and on Sundays from Noon to 6 PM. For further information visit www.thepencentre.com.

Merrittville Speedway is presenting its 55th consecutive season of dirt track excitement in 2006. For information on DIRT Weekly Racing Series events and upcoming specials call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvilles p eedway.com.

Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario on Merrittville Highway.

It’s Saturday Night … it’s Live and it’s Merrittville Speedway – the best family entertainment in Niagara!

Kevin Lacroix joins Walker Racing BMW team

Courtesy Service Presse

Saint-Eustache, Quebec, April 27. – Kevin Lacroix will have a busy weekend. Thursday and Friday, he will take to the track his Star Mazda rotary powered single seater for two days of extensive testing with Johnny Walko Racing (JWR), preparing for his maiden race in Houston in two weeks. He will fly overnight to South Carolina to join Haberfeld and Walker Racing who will be testing their Formula BMW USA racers at Carolina MotorSports. This team just joined the ladder development series in North America with two rookie drivers and they will use the experience of the 2005 runner-up to get more speed out of their cars.

“Testing with JWR has been going very well, says Kevin. The car is a lot of fun to drive and I got to speed very quickly when we tested at BeaveRun. In the next two days, we’re going to get down to specific tuning: this car has different tires and reaching the proper setup means working with my engineer and the crew. But I know we’re going to be ready for Houston.

I was happy to get a call from Derrick Walker to join their BMW team for the weekend. I want to thank him for his trust. The FB02 is a fine racing machine that needs a little time to understand and I’m going to work with Martin Bates and their two drivers David Rangel and Marco Santos to nurse their setups and get to full speed.’’

United States Rally Championship Events to be broadcast in High Definition on HDNet

Courtesy USRC Media

Laughlin, Nevada (April 26, 2006) The United States Rally Championship announced today plans for the four rounds of the 2006 Championship to be broadcast in high definition TV (HDTV) on the HDNet network.

Rally New York USA held April 7 and 8 in Monticello, New York was the first round of the 2006 United States Rally Championship taped for later broadcast. It will air shortly after the broadcast of the 2005 USRC season finale the Ramada Express International Rally airing this spring. The Subaru Rim of the World Rally, International Rally New York, and Laughlin International Rally are scheduled to follow in the late summer and early fall. Each rally’s program will be repeated in five separate broadcasts. Other events from the Championship maybe added to the schedule at a later date. Broadcasts dates and air times will be posted to the series web site as soon as they are announced.

HDNet is the leader in high definition broadcasting producing and televising more hours of original HDTV sports, entertainment and news programming each week than any other network. Other HDNet sports productions include National Hockey League games, Major League Soccer games, NASCAR Grand National Division auto racing, and The Race of Champions from Paris. HDNet is available on Adelphia Communications, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight Communications, Mediacom Communications, Time Warner Cable and several National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) cable affiliate companies.

The United States Rally Championship, America’s premier rally championship, consists of Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) internationally listed events sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC) and presented by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). More information on the Championship is available at the series website at www.usrallychampionship.com. More information on USAC is available at www.usacracing.com, on NASA at www.nasarallysport.com and on FIA at www.fia.com.

Paul Tracy American Crew/Sport Clips Racing Talladega Pre-Race Notes Paul Tracy on Talladega Superspeedway:

“I’m really looking forward to going to Talladega,” Paul said. “It’s one of those historic race tracks and my understanding is that it’s resemblant of Daytona and I had a lot of fun at Daytona in February. I love the draft and at Daytona I quickly made it into the Top 10 before I was spun. Even then, we were able to make up three laps and finish on the Lead Lap in 24th. Dave Fuge (crew chief) does a great job of preparing the cars and the team has always done a great job of supporting me, so we should be pretty good.” He continued, “I really want to thank American Crew and Sport Clips for giving me the opportunity to get back in the car again. We’ve been able to build some brand awareness for both these guys and Talladega will only contribute to the extensive coverage we’ve already received.”

Paul Tracy on Restrictor Plate Racing:
“It was something different for me to learn, but it has been fun. As Mike Wallace says, the draft is the great equalizer and it allows you to run from the back to the front pretty quick, but it also can send you from the front to the back as well. I talked a lot with Mike Wallace, who is one of the best plate racers around, before Daytona and it seems like you need to have patience and be in the right place; you really have to pay attention to who is going where and what line they are running. I can't wait to get back out there and start mixing it up and get back to the front like we did at Daytona.”

Paul Tracy on his experience at Daytona:
“At Daytona, I accomplished what I went there for,” said Tracy. “I ran from the back to the front and hopefully gained the respect of the other drivers. All I wanted to do was go down there and get some experience and learn everything I could about driving a stock car. I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to Talladega this weekend.”

Paul Tracy on the ‘hanging out in the back’ philosophy:
“At Daytona and Talladega you always have guys whose philosophy is to hang out in the back and wait for the wrecks to happen. I've never hung out in the back in my entire career and I'm not going to start next week at Talladega. At Daytona, I missed a lot of wrecks by going to the front. You never saw Dale Earnhardt hang out in the back, so I’m not hanging out in the back,” he said.

Sponsors: American Crew & Sport Clips
American Crew continues to lead the way in the men’s grooming business. With a passionate commitment to men’s grooming, their purpose is to bring men into salons, provide them with a great new experience and show them new ways of incorporating style into their everyday lives. American Crew recognizes the growing number of men that are concerned with their appearance and who want to look their very best. This trend of image-conscious men spans all ages and backgrounds. American Crew has all of their grooming interests in mind. For more information on American Crew, please visit www.AmericanCrew.com.

Sport Clips, Inc. is a Georgetown, TX-based enterprise that currently has 330 stores in 28 states. Targeting men and boys, Sport Clips provides high-quality haircuts in a fun sports environment, complete with TVs at every Stylist’s station tuned to sports. Every Sport Clips has “guy smart” Stylists who focus on providing the highest level of service to every client. Sport Clips is the Official Haircutter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), whose logo will be prominently featured on Tracy’s car. For a location near you or for franchise information, please visit: www.SportClips.com.

You can learn more about Paul Tracy by visiting www.paultracy.com.

From www.pmifirm.com

CARQUEST TOUR DRIVERS HEADING SOUTH

Courtesy Ken Cunning

Five CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour drivers are making the trip to Oxford Plains Speedway, ME for the April 29th running of the New England Dodge Dealers 150, the first race of the PASS North season.

2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Champion Rollie MacDonald (Pictou, NS) leads his fellow drivers Shawn Tucker, (Fredericton, NB), Shawn Turple (Enfield, NS), Mike MacKenzie (Dartmouth, NS) and John Flemming (Halifax, NS) to the historic oval. These drivers represent three Championships, a number of second place finishes and a Rookie Of The Year winner. Like modern day Border Bandits, they are attempting to cross the border, capture the spoils of the race and return home.

“I haven’t been to Oxford for about 10 years. We ran well in Beech Ridge last September, so I want to see how competitive we are at Oxford” MacDonald said. “If we can run with them, we’ll head down for the 250 in July.”

“We want to see where we fit.” said Tucker, who started his racing career on the US side of the border. “It will give us a chance to get the car set-up for the 250.”

Having a PASS race at Oxford precede both the CARQUEST Tour season and the famous Oxford 250, gives Maritime drivers an almost free opportunity to run at Oxford Speedway with all information learned to be used at the 250. All the drivers commented on the difficulty of being successful at Oxford, but that is part of the lure.

“We had back luck in 2005, with flat tires taking us out of races, maybe running at Oxford will change our luck” said MacKenzie, who has raced the 250 at Oxford a number of times in past years.

With nearly 4,000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.

The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited and features an 11-race series at five different tracks in the three Maritime Provinces. Top drivers from all three provinces compete including former champions Rollie MacDonald, Shawn Tucker, John Flemming and Wayne Smith compete for the coveted Championship title. For more information on the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour please visit MaritimeProStockTour.com or call our admin office Monday to Friday at (902) 481-2531.

Win at VIR puts Jamie Holtom, Chevy into Championship Leads

Courtesy Josh Kive

Driving with Eric Curran, Jamie Holtom won his first race of the year last weekend in the Grand-Am Cup 200 at the infamous VIRginia International Raceway, where weather along with an 84-car field made for interesting, strategic racing.

“Having so many cars on the track all at once in the rain made for some very interesting racing. Luckily we were able to survive the carnage and give the car to Eric in without a scratch on it for the second half of the race.”, Jamie said, “Georgian Bay Motorsports and the guys from the GM Performance Division did an awesome job calling the strategy, giving us the best possible track position so we didn’t have to take too many chances out on the track.”

In a race in which the majority of the time spent was under Full-Course-Yellow conditions, survival was the key. At the start Jamie held position and waited for the race to come to him.

“I knew the race was going to ‘go yellow’ early and often so I just drove my own race and kept the car up front. Our goal for the weekend was to get as many points as possible for Chevrolet in the manufacturers chase. It’s too bad that qualifying was rained out. The guys from GBMS and GM had the 01 ClearSCADA Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged on rails in the rain; I know we could have challenged for pole.”

After placing fourth at the season opener in Daytona, the win in Virginia puts Chevrolet into the lead of the Manufacturers Championship and Holtom and Curran into the Drivers Championship points lead.

“With Georgian Bay Motorsports and the GM Performance Division working on our cars, I always know that my Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged will be dynamite. It’s great that Eric and I can reward their hard work by giving them the Manufacturers, Team and Drivers Championship lead early in the season.”, stated Holtom.

This win marks Jamie’s third in Grand-Am Cup competition.

The next event for the Jamie and Eric will be at the U.S. Sports Car Invitational the weekend of May 5 -7 at Laguna Seca Raceway, in Monterey, California, where they look to solidify their leads in the Drivers, Manufacturers and Team Championships.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Please welcome with me two new volunteer additions to the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge BARC Management Team, they are Ralph Klingmann and Gary Shortt.

Ralph will be the Chief Scorer in the Control Tower with CTA. Ralph is the head of CTA and brings with him a vast knowledge of timing and scoring. Any and all scoring issues will go through Ralph.

Also joining the team is Gary Short as Safety Director. Gary's primary function will be helping out in pit lane and all safety issues that arise at the tracks. Gary will also assist David Bayley in Tech Department. Gary Shortt has years of experience in Motorsports and is also President and CEO of Shortt's Motorsports Support.

I know everyone will welcome the newest members of your team at our season opener, June 3 & 4 at Shannonville.

Thanks,

David P. Hilton
V.P. BARC
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Marketing and Promotion Manager

Spy photo: Honda CR-V

With the RDX already out in the open, we figured it wouldn't be long before the next-generation Honda CR-V appeared.

A sharp-eyed photographer in Australia managed to snag one of the best shots yet of the upcoming compact SUV as it drove along side its RDX cousin. It looks slightly larger than the current model, but most speculation points to the continuation of four-cylinder power only. With rivals like the 269 horsepower Toyota RAV4, Honda could be taking a chance of getting left behind. Then again, with gas prices the way they are maybe Honda has the better plan.

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

Lexus fine-tunes its IS220d

Rather than just slapping on a Sport badge and body kit, Lexus has been tinkering with the IS220d to make it a sharper drive.

The big change is a tweak to the rear axle ratio to give more urgent response in any gear. The result is 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds, which is curiously the same as the standard model's.

There's the expected sports suspension and 18in alloy wheels, while the interior gains metal-effect trim, sports pedals and suede-effect upholstery.

The Lexus IS220d is on sale now for £26,925.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

39th ANNUAL SCHEDULE STARTING THIS WEEK FOR BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK

Courtesy Brighton Speedway

Set to begin its 39th season in operation, the 26th under the management of the Rinaldi Family, Brighton Speedway Park’s promoters have put together a schedule that is jammed with action packed, fast, furious and always entertaining grassroots motor sport racing. Saturday April 29th is the Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener. Admission for this event is only $2.00 with a donation of non-perishable items for the local food bank. Get a jump on the season by being there in time to watch the green flag fly at 7:00pm.

The regular weekly racing program, including the Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill’s Johns Comp 4 and Mister Signz Pure Stocks, is sure to keep the Coca-Cola Kids Club members and their families on the edge of their seats. Registration for the Coca-Cola kids club starts at 5:30pm, and the first 100 kids get their package free for the season.

Following this evening of fun and adventure for the family, the next race event is a visit from the Southern Ontario Sprints on May 6, 2006. For more information, or to view the full season’s schedule visit the web-site at www.brightonspeedway.com.

McIntosh heads to Zolder for World Series start

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Montreal, Canada (April 26, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s winter world tour might have wrapped with the conclusion of the inaugural A1GP season but the 20-year-old Canadian is all set to begin a new European adventure, starting this weekend, as the 2006 World Series by Renault kicks off at Zolder in Belgium, 29th-30th April.

Stepping up from the domestic Formula Renault (http://www.renault-sport.com/) 2.0 championship in Britain, where he captured his maiden win and ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors in 2004 before going on to score five more victories last season to cap 2005 as Vice Champion,

McIntosh has already showcased his potential in the #6 KTR-entered (http://www.ktr.be/) 425bhp Formula Renault 3.5 he’ll race across Europe this season in the World Series by Renault. Topping the time sheets at the last pre- season test, held at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, the Vancouver racer continued to impress in an international field boasting new fewer than 30 drivers. Having traveled the world racing for A1 Team Canada in the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ Sean’s ability to adapt and learn new circuits will again prove vital as he starts his World Series campaign with this year’s schedule taking in some of Europe’s finest race tracks.

Pre-season testing has taken the A1GP race winner to Circuit de Catalunya in Spain, Le Mans in France and the Nürburgring in Germany. Set to return to compete at those tracks as the season progresses, the calendar also includes trips to Monaco, as a support race to next month’s Formula One race, as well as Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Donington Park, McIntosh already a winner at the British circuit.

This weekend’s double-header at the 4.048km track at Zolder presents a fresh challenge for the Canadian although an added day of testing tomorrow offers a priceless opportunity to gain additional mileage and track knowledge. With the KTR team based in Belgium, Zolder marks a ‘home’ start for the Belgian outfit with Sean’s World Series by Renault debut eagerly anticipated.

The sole Canadian in the field and one of just two North American’s competing in World Series by Renault this season, Sean commented: “I’m really looking forward to the new season! I’m new to Zolder but I’ve studied the layout of the track and raced it on the PlayStation but there’s no substitute for the real thing. I’ve heard it’s a challenging track! Pre-season testing went pretty well but we know we have to be straight on it this weekend. As a nine-round championship you just can’t afford to have an off weekend in the World Series!”

Race 1 (21 Laps) is set for 3:05pm CET on Saturday with Race 2 (28 Laps), including a mandatory pit-stop, following on Sunday afternoon at 2:15pm.

CMHF TRACK DAY... celebrities added!

To quote George D from the Hall of Fame... "it just keeps getting better."

Click here to download the new flyer for this inaugural event, on June 15 at Mosport.

Recent additions to the festivities include celebrity drivers Scott Goodyear, Ludwig Heimrath & Marty Roth.

Star Mazda Championship and Racing For Kids to partner again in 2006

Courtesy Eric McCombs

April 24, 2006. Pacoima, California. Star Mazda Series President Gary Rodrigues and Racing For Kids Executive Director J. Patrick Wright announced today that the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will continue their relationship with Racing For Kids with the 2006 Racing For Kids Driver Performance Award Program, starting with the upcoming Houston Grand Prix weekend on May 13-14.

“We are extremely pleased to be working again this season with the Racing For Kids organization after a three race partnership in 2005,” Rodrigues said. “Drivers that participated in the hospital visits last season expressed that they got a lot out of the program and it was their enthusiasm that led us to expand to five events this season.”

Racing For Kids® is a national charity designed to use the popularity of motorsports to bring attention and funding to the health care needs of children. The hospital visits form the heart of the program. Each RFK driver visits children in children’s hospitals where they race. They spend time with each sick youngster answering questions about their sport, handing out the distinctive Racing For Kids hats and signing autographs.

Founded in 1989 in Detroit, MI, it has captured the imagination of the racing community, the rapt attention of racing fans and the participation of prominent drivers. In that time, Racing For Kids drivers have visited with more than 15,000 sick youngsters in over 340 hospitals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Australia.

In addition to the Houston race weekend the program will also include Mid-Ohio on May 20-21, Salt Lake City on July 15-16, Road Atlanta on September 29-30, and the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 21-22. Racing For Kids will award the highest finishing participating racer at each race $500 with a matching $500 grant going to the local children’s hospital in his/her name. At season's end, the highest ranked Racing For Kids driver will receive a $1000 cash award. In addition, a $1000 Racing For Kids check in their name will be presented to the children's hospital of their choice.

Texas Children’s Hospital, in Houston, Texas, will host the first event of the season at 2:00 PM on May 10th, when Star Mazda Championship competitors Ryan Justice, Daniel Herrington, Russell Walker and Brad Jaeger visit to tour the facilities, sign autographs and give the children Racing For Kids baseball caps and pens.

About the Star Mazda Series
The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear has become the most competitive open-wheel development series in North America. Featuring the Pro Formula Mazda, which features a carbon-fiber chassis, six-speed sequential gearbox, and a 240-horsepower Mazda rotary powerplant, the series has helped propel the careers of drivers such as 2004 Champion Michael McDowell, now driving in ChampCar and a race-winner in the GrandAm Series; 2002 Champion Guy Cosmo, who along with fellow Star Mazda graduate Jamie Bach was named 2005 Rookie-of-the-Year in the American LeMans Series, and 2002 race winner Scott Speed, who will line up on the Formula One grid this season.

2006 Ferrari 599 GTB

With the release of the 599 GTB Ferrari is presenting its most powerful V12-engined production car of all time.

Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari's Vice General Manager will announce today at the Detroit Motor Show the birth of the latest model developed in Maranello.

The new car is a concentration of Ferrari's most innovative and technologically advanced engineering solutions applied to a mid-front engined two-seater coupй. The result is a new benchmark for performance, driver involvement and design.

The Ferrari 599 GTB boasts class-leading power thanks to its 5,999cc V12 - derived directly from the Enzo Ferrari supercar - which produces no less than 620hp at 7,600 rpm for a weight/power ratio of just 2.6 kg per horsepower.

Ferrari has adopted the latest evolution in its tried and tested all-aluminium construction technology for the body and chassis.

The unmistakable Pininfarina design gives the Ferrari 559 GTB aggressive yet elegant lines which are perfectly integrated with the advanced aerodynamic solutions adopted to reach the performance figures attainable.

This new model is the symbol of Ferrari's production - the V12 berlinetta - and represents the latest interpretation of a theme that has seen such classics as the 250 GT, the 275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4.

The Ferrari 599 GTB replaces the last in that great line of berlinettas, the 575M Maranello, of which - together with the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996 - no fewer than 5,700 have been produced, a record for this type of model for the Prancing Horse.

The new car will be officially unveiled on the 28th of February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Ferrari 575 GTZ - official photos

After its debut at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza, here are the official images of the Ferrari 575 GTZ, a one-off made by italian bodyshop Zagato for a japanese collector
© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com

B&M Racing Acquires McLeod Industries

Courtesy Andrew Schear

Chatsworth, CA: B&M Racing & Performance Products, the undisputed leader in automatic transmission technology is proud to announce the acquisition of McLeod Industries.

McLeod has been on the forefront of street performance and racing clutch technology for over a quarter of a century. McLeod, founded in 1971 by clutch guru Red Roberts, manufactures and distributes a full line of clutch assemblies, flywheels, hydraulic throw-out bearings, bellhousings and rail shifters.

“The joining of these two industry icons, with almost 100-years of racing heritage, will now be the most formidable power delivery group in the performance aftermarket,” said Roberts.

According to Jim Adolph, VP of Communications for B&M Racing, “This is the beginning of B&M’s transformation into the one-stop driveline supplier to the performance automotive aftermarket. We intend to supply our customers with all their driveline needs from the flywheel back.”

B&M Racing and Performance Products has been the leader of high performance automatic transmissions, shifters and cooling products for more than 50 years. In nearly all divisions of motorsports B&M is the supplier of quality engineering and race-winning technology.

For more information contact: B&M Racing & Performance Products, Dept, 9142 Independence Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA Ph: 818-882-6422 Fax: 818-882-6694 or on the web at www.bmracing.com.

Race Fans Electrocuted at Talladega

And you thought racing at Talladega was dangerous....

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) - Two NASCAR fans were electrocuted in a campground outside Talladega Superspeedway when a flagpole they were erecting touched power lines.

Donny Lynn Wright, 42, of Remlap and Keith Alan Stell, 39, of Birmingham died Monday, said track spokeswoman Kristi King. Talladega County Coroner Jerry Castleberry pronounced them dead at the scene.
The Aaron's 499 race will be run at the track on Sunday. Fans commonly use poles to fly flags touting their favorite driver.

Witnesses said Wright and Stell were attempting to anchor a flagpole when it was caught by wind and pushed into power lines running along a road outside the track.

"They were trying to pull the flagpole back off the lines," said James Snider, who was sitting about 30 yards away from the victims' camp site. "I heard a loud pop that sounded like a firecracker, and I went running because the power lines fell. They were both lying on the ground, and two women were trying to get to them to get them away from the wires."

From AP / Full Story at Link Above

Pierre Bourque: Update

Canadian road racer Pierre Bourque continued his intense pre-season stock car oval testing schedule on Monday at Indiana's Winchester Speedway.

With teacher Andy Hillenburg in his corner, Bourque lapped the high-speed track in 17.017 seconds before turning a bunch of laps on older tires. According to the Canadian racer / web entrepreneur, Hillenburg estimates the time would be good enough to qualify in the middle of the top 10 for the upcoming ARCA race.

In other Bourque news, he reports that he's signed a three-race CASCAR Super Series and pre-season testing deal with Whitlock Motorsports. Watch for Pierre to race in Edmonton, Trois-Riveres and Montreal (if CASCAR is there). A fourth race with Whitlock Motorsports is a possibility.

(PHOTOS BY ANDY HILLENBURG)

2007 BMW 335i Coupe

THE ALL NEW BMW 3 SERIES COUPE:

· Arrives in showrooms this September
· Unique in its design and interior
· New twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque
· Intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system available for the first time in a coupe
· Xenon Adaptive headlights enhanced by four corona rings for characteristic BMW look
· Exclusive interior with seating for four and an enhanced lighting package
· Automatic seatbelt feed for added convenience


Specifications :

Engine: 3 Liter 6 cylinder
Aspiration: Twin Turbo
Torque: 300 lb ft
HP: 300 hp
HP/Liter: 100 hp per liter
0-60 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Speed: 150 mph (limited)

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Rich People Racing....

Tiger Woods was busy on the weekend. He was in New Zealand with his buddy / caddie for a few days, during which he went bungee jumping from an incredible height... and then participated in a car race at a dirt track. Which he won. (From TSN)

***

And in another story... ohhhhhh, to be rich..... sigh.

Here's a story about Michael Waltrip and his sponsors.

Life in the fast lane (from MSN.com)

An executive who serves 32 years at a company deserves some special commendation. But $890,000 worth of professional race-car driving instruction for his kids?

That’s how much furniture-rental chain Aaron Rents paid last year for driving instruction for two sons of William Butler Jr.

He is a director and president of sales and lease ownership at Aaron Rents. Based in Atlanta, Ga., the company sponsors professional race-car driver Michael Waltrip in the NASCAR Busch Series.

As part of the deal, Waltrip runs a "driver development program." The program has just two students -- Butler sons William Kenneth Butler III and Brett Cameron Butler.

... Brett Butler places 28th in USAR’s Southern Div'n of the Hooters Series, while Ken ranks 32nd in the Northern Div'n. There's still hope for the Butler brothers, though, as they will get close to $1 million worth of training this year, paid for by Aaron Rents.

... full story at the link above...

Jag XJ's fuel feat

"You'll go far, my son, especially if you happen to be driving a Jaguar XJ."

Not usually noted for its frugal habits, the Jag saloon has just been driven for 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The original idea was for a five-strong team of drivers from Jaguar to drive from John O'Groats to Lands End on a single fill.

When the team completed the 840-mile journey, they realised there was still a bit of fuel left, so they carried on to top 1,000 miles.

A total of 1000.2 miles was shown on the odometer before the tank ran dry, with an overall economy of 53.5mpg.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame: Track Day

** Note, the downloadable PDF file has been updated since this was first posted **

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame is hosting its first-ever 'Track Day' on June 15 at Mosport Int'l Raceway.

The goal is to raise funds for the CMHF and to have some fun. Click on the form at right to download a PDF of the application.

The fee is $1,000 and you will receive a Charitable Tax Receipt for up to $750.

Tyler Brown Ready for 2006 Season

Waterdown youngster moves up to Late Models for 2006

Courtesy Russ Bond Agency

WATERDOWN, ONTARIO The new shop, which now houses the 4B Racing operations, has been a hotbed of activity, as the team focuses on 2006. The 4B Racing team and driver Tyler Brown are making the move up to the Late Model division this year. “The move up to competing in the headline ‘Late Model’ division at Delaware Speedway came together at the end of November,” driver Tyler Brown explained. “My family and our team have worked a lot of hours getting us ready to be competitive right away”, Brown added. Tyler will compete this year at one of Canada’s premier oval tracks, Delaware Speedway, which is located just outside of London, Ontario. He also becomes the youngest driver to ever compete in the “Late Model” division. The 14-year-old Grade 9 student has his sights set on the “Rookie of the Year” title.

In addition to completing numerous days of preseason testing in his new #91 Chevy Monte Carlo, Brown spent his March Break attending the Finish Line Racing School in Florida. “Going to Finish Line Racing School really helped me get a head start on this season with the new car,” Brown said. Tyler and his entire 4B Racing team are extremely focused on this opportunity, and they plan to make the most of it. The level of competition is high, some races are very long, and temperatures in the car can become unbearable, and these are all things that Brown will have to battle this year. “I have been working hard off the track on mental and physical preparation,” Brown said. “This is the premier stock car racing division in Canada, and I have to be as ready as possible.”

Team Manager, Cathy Hawkins is very happy that every one of Tyler’s sponsors signed up to be part of the new program for 2006. “All of our sponsors are back on board again this year, which is great. But we are still looking for new marketing partners,” Hawkins said.

The final new item for Brown this year is an all new website, http://www.tyler-brown.com/ and it is the best place to keep up with all the happenings about the team and its driver, Tyler Brown.

For more information on Tyler Brown, contact Russ Bond Agency ( www.russbondagency.com ) 905-475-3052. To learn more about Delaware Speedway and the Late Model division go to http://www.delawarespeedway.com/ .

Tyler Brown Fast Facts
Tyler Brown is a 14 year old racer from Waterdown, Ontario. In 2005 Tyler won his 1st race in his 2nd official start in the Ontario Pro Challenge series. In seven years of karting he started more than 225 races and won one “Championship”, “Most Improved Driver Award”, and a “Team of the Year” award. At the local level he has never finished lower than 5th in series points and at the regional or national level he has never finished lower than 10th.Brown drives for 4B Racing ( www.4bracing.com ) and he is supported by Assante Wealth Management, VH Web Dezine, Leaf Racewear, The Adin Group Inc ( www.adin.ca), and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Terry Brown confident going into 2006 PMRA season

Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified poised for PMRA special event schedule

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

CALEDONIA, (April 24, 2006) – With a new blower for the engine and fresh new copperhead orange paint for the Challenger body, Terry Brown and his team are energetic to start the 2006 Pro Modified Racing Association season.

The three-time OSCA Outlaw Champion and driver of the Terry Brown Racing 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified is poised for the PMRA special event schedule.

“The new PSI Screw Blower should give us a powerful edge over last year,” said Brown. “Over all we’ve had back-to-back–to-back great seasons. The PMRA has some good competitors and we have our work cut out for us with these guys”.

Brown’s, http://www.terrybrownracing.com/, 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified is powered by a 526-cubic inch Keith Black Hemi engine, a PSI Screw Blower, a Watermen fuel system, hooked to a Lenco three-speed transmission with a Crowler clutch.

“We are hoping to continue right where we left off last year,” said team crew chief Jason Greenland. “The team is strong, our driver is one of the best, and are plan is to win some races and repeat our championship form.”

C&R Racing, Inc. Expands its Offerings of Quality Intercomp Products and Services

Courtesy Debbie Crowley, C&R Racing

Indianapolis, IN – C&R Racing, Inc. has expanded its offerings and will continue selling Intercomp Racing Products while now offering a full Intercomp Service and Calibration Center in the Mooresville, NC location. C&R Racing Performance will distribute products from both C&R facilities - Indianapolis, IN and C&R South located in Mooresville, NC.

“C&R is proud to announce our agreement with Intercomp,” states Chris Paulsen, President and Owner of C&R Racing, Inc., “we’ve worked hard to align our racing performance division with quality companies like Intercomp. The expansion of Intercomp Racing Products will enhance our current product line continuing towards our goal to make C&R a source for high tech high quality racing parts and services.”

Intercomp is a precision instruments and scale manufacturer committed to serving the high performance racing industry. Intercomp is the leading designer in scales and related chassis setup equipment for all forms of racing and is ISO9001:2000 certified.

C&R will distribute, service, and calibrate a full line of Intercomp Racing Products. With locations strategically placed in Indianapolis, IN and Mooresville, NC C&R is positioned to offer complete sales and support to all teams, with service and calibration available at the Mooresville, NC location. C&R is equipped with a full line of certified calibration deadweights, and trained technicians to do annual calibrations services and handle any warranty or scale maintenance programs.

Intercomp quality scale systems feature 6061 T6 Billet Aluminum scale pads for greater flatness, certified calibration to 0.1%, and a standard 2 year warranty. Official Tech Scale for ARCA, ADBA, SCCA/World Challenge, CASCAR, UMP, AMA, IMCA, IDBA, MASCS, CORR, WKA, Indiana Late Model Series, All Star Sprints, INEX 600 Racing, N.A.L.M.S. and NAMARS.

Founded in 1988, C&R is the leading manufacturer of cooling systems and drivetrain components for the motorsport industry. For all forms of racing, C&R manufactures and distributes parts and equipment; including thermo protection products for high performance applications – complete cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components, and wind tunnel models.

C&R is the largest and preferred supplier of custom all-aluminum radiators to NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series. C&R is also the preferred supplier to IRL IndyCar Series, Champ Car, and various open wheel, off-road, and late model series.

C&R utilizes the latest in CNC machine tools, metal fabrication equipment, and CAD/CAM technology.

C&R South manufactures and distributes drivetrain components (including the NASCAR approved BB1 transmission), Dynotech driveshafts, Visteon 9” Racing Gear Sets and current C&R products, excluding custom-built radiators.

C&R Racing is comprised of C&R Racing, Inc., C&R Racing Performance, C&R Racing Radiators, and C&R Racing South.

&R Racing Radiators is proud to be technical and R&D partner with Visteon – one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world.

In 2005, C&R customers won races and championships in every form of professional and amateur racing around the world.

Approximately 40% of total business is radiators

Carl Spiering - Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Camaro - Update

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

Carl Spiering, who hails from Jordan Station, ON will debut the new Eaton Electrical Supercharged 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Modified built by G-Force Race Cars entry at the upcoming Nicko’s NY Style Pizza 36th Annual Spring Nationals.

The 41-year-old Spiering crashed the Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette in the quarterfinals at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway March 26 in Texas. The Camaro will be replacing the Corvette:
“A 200 mph trip into the wall is not my idea of how to begin the season. We had some terrible luck and got beat up pretty bad in San Antonio. I will be fine and the Eaton Electrical team will rebound stronger than ever.”

Spiering was taken to hospital after the incident and released the same night with broken ribs, bumps, and bruises:
“We had big corporate plans for the introduction of the new Camaro with Eaton. The situation at Texas changed all of those plans and we immediately started to get the new Eaton Road Warrior ready for the next race.”

In 2005, Spiering had strong season, winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals and placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour:“We are excited once again to have the opportunity to represent Eaton's electrical business for another year. Eaton Electrical has given us the necessary backing to do this right and we thank them for it and all our other associate sponsors who have all contributed to our success in the past and continue to support us, giving the effort all the tools to create a great team.”

With a serious passion for fast machines in any type of competition, Carl Spiering is quickly becoming one of the hottest Pro Modified racers on the drag race circuit:“We are looking forward to starting the new season. Our car is better, our people are better, the attitudes are better, everything is just better.”

Spiering leads the points chase for the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and had a strong season in 2005. Winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals. The Eaton Electrical Pro Modified placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour.

The Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified built by G-Force Race Cars Chevrolet Camaro is powered by a 526-cubic inch Brad Anderson Hemi power plant with Alan Johnson cylinder heads, a SSI Supercharger, and a Carl Spiering ERD (Engine Research and Development) fuel system, all united to a Lenco three-speed transmission with an Applied Friction Technologies (AFT) clutch.

Blogger has been down all day

Sorry to those who have stopped by today looking for some 'news'.

Blogger has been down all day with technical issues. If you can read this, it means it is back up again and we'll post some tidbits shortly.

Thank you for visiting! By the way, voting the for the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards closes on Friday, so be sure to vote for your favourites before it's too late.

Charlotte Observer: Roger Slack

There was a nice story on Canadian Roger Slack in yesterday's Charlotte Observer.
Thanks to Bruce Mehlenbacher for sending me this link.

Slack creates Wheeler-sized dirt-track race
By DAVID POOLE

Long before the pit gates for the Circle K Colossal 100 opened Thursday afternoon, Roger Slack already had a lot to worry about.

Slack, director of events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and his team had lined off spaces for 210 cars in a pit area using just about every inch of available space at The Dirt Track @ LMS. It was there an attention-grabbing purse of $200,000 was on the line in Saturday night's 100-lap main event for dirt super late model cars.

As much as still had to get done, however, it all was a labor of love for Slack.

Dirt-track racing goes back two generations for Slack, a 31-year-old native of York, Ontario, who also counts LMS president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, who's his boss, as one of his lifelong heroes

"This is what I've always wanted to do," Slack said. "I love these people. They're a lot of fun to be around, and people who work hard and appreciate what hard work brings."

... continued at the link above...

Best news I've heard all week!

A few days ago, I posted something about one of the Big Three getting out of NASCAR.

Today at Phoenix, John Fernandez, the Director of Dodge's Motorsports Operations, said that the rumour doesn't involve Dodge.

Speaking of Dodge, I saw a new Caliber at a gas station the other day. Looks sharp.

But getting back to the point.... Dodge is staying in NASCAR. And they're one of the biggest supporters of Canadian racing. Makes you want to buy one of their cars and let them know you appreciate their support, doesn't it?


JOHN FERNANDEZ (Director, Dodge Motorsports Operations)

COMMENT ON WEB SITE REPORT THAT ONE OF THE BIG THREE MANUFACTURERS IS GOING TO LEAVE NASCAR “I’ve heard the rumor, but obviously we’re not involved in it. I haven’t heard anything from General Motors or Ford that indicates they’re in any jeopardy. Obviously their total companies right now are having a tough time in the marketplace, but that’s happened before and it’ll happen again I’m sure. As far as I know, GM and Ford are still committed to NASCAR and committed to racing in the Cup Series. As far as I know right now it’s only a rumor.”

HOW LONG IS DODGE’S CURRENT COMMITMENT TO NASCAR? “I don’t think there’s anything set out there right now as far as how long we’re committed for. I think we still believe it’s the right place to be to show off the image we’re trying to project for the Dodge brand performance, the capableness of our cars. Quite frankly we’re just getting in position now to win some races and show some strength with our program. They’re starting to mature to the point where hopefully we can take a run at it this year. We’ve built up our drivers to the point where we’ve got four or five capable drivers with some young guys coming along. That’s strong. It’s the second year for the Charger, and it’s starting to show some strength. You’ve heard me say this before. Inherently that’s a better car than we’ve ever had. It’s taken awhile to figure out and there were some complications last year, but I think we’ve shown and demonstrated this year that the car is capable of winning races. We’ve won three of the first seven and we probably should have won Daytona. We had a good enough car to win there, but it was a we just didn’t win kind of thing. I’m pretty comfortable with where we’re at. We’ve got a long way to go before we want to quit.”

- with files from Ray Cooper / Clear!Blue

Autosport hails Canada’s McIntosh as A1GP revelation

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Montreal, Québec (April 21, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s efforts over the winter behind the wheel of Canada’s entry in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations caught the attention of many industry observers and media alike, not least the 20-year-old’s sublime drive from last-to-first in Indonesia in February to capture A1 Team Canada’s maiden victory.

With the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ concluding in China earlier this month the traditional period of reflection has now kicked in with Autosport magazine running a season review in this week’s edition, published Thursday April 20th. The world-famous weekly motorsport publication, in addition to reviewing all the action on-track from a thrilling first season of A1GP competition, compiled its own top-ten driver ranking for the class of 05-06 placing A1 Team Canada’s Sean McIntosh seventh overall from a stellar line-up of international talent, Sean contesting the first eight rounds before handing over to Patrick Carpentier for the final three events. In reviewing Sean’s impressive A1GP campaign, where he led Canada to 10th overall in the final Nations Standings.

Autosport stated: “For a driver only called up with days to spare before Round 1, Formula Renault UK runner-up Sean McIntosh was one of the revelations of A1GP. Understandably out of his depth at Brands Hatch but he was on the podium at the second meeting at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. His win in his final race of the season f om the back of the grid in Indonesia was deserved.” r rit s r- In addition to reviewing the A1GP season, this week’s Autosport also previews the 2006 World Series by Renault which starts next weekend, 29th-30th April, at Zolder in Belgium.

Sean graduates to the European-based World Series by Renault with the Belgian KTR squad following two highly successful seasons racing in the Formula Renault UK Championship. Looking at Sean’s credentials as he continues his career path to Formula One Autosport commented: “McIntosh was one of the stars of A1GP and last year’s Formula Renault runner-up has been quick in testing. His A1 experience should also make the transition to World Series level easier and he should prove himself to be Jacques Villeneuve’s long-term successor as Canada’s best driver.”

Sean’s international successes haven’t gone unnoticed here in his home country either.

Canada’s Inside Track Magazine featured McIntosh’s Indonesian A1GP victory as the cover story on its April edition and with one week of voting left in the annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, Sean’s burgeoning open-wheel career could be set for further acknowledgement by Canadian motorsport fans. Eligible in three categories, ‘Canadian Road Racer of the Year’, ‘Up and Coming Road Racer of the Year’ and ‘Overall Canadian Racer of the Year’, fans can vote for Sean by logging on to http://www.insidetracknews.com/ and follow the link to the Readers’ Choice Awards ballot page. Voting closes at 6pm on Friday April 28th.

Castrol game online

Castrol has an online racing game called the Speed Challenge.

I'm not proud of my score....

Click here to give it a try.

Outlander takes off in Japan

Mitsubishi is indulging in a bit of feather preening with the news that its latest Outlander is the best-selling SUV in Japan since its launch there in last October.

UK buyers will have to wait until the start of 2007 to get their mitts on the Mitsubishi, with prices expected around £17,500.

An all-new platform sits under a more smoothly styled body to provide a greatly improved drive.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander was featured at the recent New York Auto Show.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

BMW 3 Series Coupe - official data and pictures

Time for the official press release and some moro photos of the new BMW 3 Series Coupe E92. An interesting thing: the new coupe, besides being the first BMW with a turbocharged gasoline engine in a long while, will also be the first BMW coupe to offer the xDrive 4 wheel drive system.

Elegance at Its Best: The new BMW 3 Series Coupe.
• Coupe unique in its design and interior.
• Debut: straight-six turbocharged power unit developing 225 kW/306 bhp.
• Intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system featured for the first time in a coupe.
• Lightweight steel body: stronger and lighter.
• Bi-xenon headlights embellished by corona rings for daytime use.
• Exclusive interior: lights package and wide range of individual features.
• Automatic belt feed as an innovative comfort feature.

Individual style now comes in a new expression: the BMW 3 Series Coupe. Offering a brand-new look of all-round elegance, BMW’s two-door coupé sets a new benchmark in terms of elegant looks, value, and comfort.

And at the same time it significantly raises the standard of driving dynamics, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe introducing a truly exceptional power unit now making its debut in the world market: the first straight-six complete with a twin turbocharger, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminium crankcase.

Through its supreme potential alone, this 225 kW/306 hp power unit in the BMW 335i Coupe ensures a significant increase in torque and acceleration, while keeping fuel economy on the same low level as before.

The other variants of the new BMW 3 Series Coupe entering the market in September 2006 – the BMW 330i Coupe (200 kW/272 hp), the BMW 325i Coupe (160 kW/218 hp), and the BMW 330d Coupe (170 kW/231 hp) – again reflect the principle of BMW Efficient Dynamics in every respect. Further versions of the new two-door model with six- and four-cylinder power units will round off the model range at a later point in time.

As an alternative to its six-speed manual gearbox, the BMW 3 Series Coupe will also be available with BMW’s new six-speed automatic transmission. Keeping gearshift times extremely short, the new automatic transmission ensures an even more spontaneous response to the gas pedal, thus enhancing not only driving comfort, but also driving dynamics.

© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com