DANIEL MORAD SCORES ANOTHER PODIUM IN FORMULA BMW USA

Courtesy Ramsin Morad, Mike Maurini

Markham, Ontario – May 30, 2006 – After claiming his first victory in the opening weekend of the Formula BMW USA Championship, Daniel Morad scored another podium result and improved his position in the Rookie-of-the-Year standings. The third place result came after a disappointing mechanical failure in Saturday’s competition at Lime Rock Park this past weekend.

After severe weather cancelled the 30 minute qualifying session for round three, the starting grid was formed based on current point standings allowing Daniel to start from P1. After loosing two positions at the start, Daniel worked to take the lead back at lap 5 of the race and an impressive compellation of incredible laps, Morad began to draw away from the field opening a large gap to his nearest competitor before an incident brought out a caution. Tragedy was in the making for Morad as the race went back to green. A mechanical failure was slowly lowering the cars ride height in the left rear causing it to bottom out against the racing surface. With every passing lap the BMW’s handling began to deteriorate causing Morad to spin off the track and eventually forcing him to retire from the race.

“It was a disappointing result from the start of a great weekend” explained Morad in a phone interview from the track. “But sometimes we have to face the fact that the parts will fail in racing. We will be back again on Monday. My team will be working most of Sunday to prep my car and I am confident that we will be fighting for the victory.’

With no on track activity on Sunday at Lime Rock Park, the traditional Sunday events were held on the Memorial Day Monday where Morad would start from inside row two. The youngster battled hard with the leaders all race long. Trying to gain as many championship points as possible however, the race was slowed down by the only full course yellow and that was how the race ended. Morad finished 3rd on the track. A post race technical infraction by another competitor elevated Morad to the second step on the podium.

The Formula BMW USA Championship now enjoys a three week hiatus before taking the track in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. Racing with the Formula One World Championship, Daniel is look to forward to race in front of friends, families and sponsors as he hunts for victory in rounds five and six.

Tara MacLeod without sponsorship for ’06 season

INNISFIL, ON – Tara MacLeod is unable start the 2006 season due to lack of sponsorship funding, and the race car sits parked after her first year of CASCAR Super Series competition.

“We had a great season last year,” explained Tara. “Winning the rookie of the year championship was a dream come true and media exposure generated for our team, the series and stock car racing in general was extraordinary.”

MacLeod won the PowerWater CASCAR Super Series Rookie of the year championship, and finished 14th in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Point Championship.

“It takes a considerable amount of financing to field one of these race teams,” added MacLeod. “Despite our team's success in 2005 we were unable to find the primary sponsorship needed to continue at this time.”

Under the team banner of MacLeod Racing, www.taramacleod.com, 33-year old Tara MacLeod has been a strong competitor on the Ontario short-tracks for the past 10 years, with several awards to her credit.
“It’s our goal to get out and run a partial CASCAR program this year and hope that we can return full time in ’07,” MacLeod added. “We are also researching other North American series that may be an option.”

MacLeod's Ford Taurus race cars were prepared by Micks Motorsports of Mt. Albert, Ontario, under the leadership of Kerry Micks, veteran CASCAR Super Series competitor.

New full color Racing Poster features PMRA Teams

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

ST. THOMAS, ON (May 31, 2006) – A large, colorful poster depicting all the ground-shaking action of the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) teams is now available.

The poster brings together action photos of each of the 2006 teams and the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) special event schedule for the season, the KC Auto Parts Family Day Celebration at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON, Saturday, June 24, at Lancaster Raceway Park in Clarence, NY on September 15 and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running inaugural events at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, ON, August 5 and 6, the Eaton PMRA Challenge at Sanair near Montreal scheduled for Saturday, August 19, and at the Grand Bend Motorplex, over the Labor Day weekend.

“The positive response to this PMRA campaign has been great,” said Dwayne Young, of CM Sports. “The poster project was introduced last season when we distributed posters for Grand Bend Motorplex and St. Thomas Dragway.”

The racing poster is the initiative of The Racing Information Network’s CM Sports Dwayne Young. Over 30,000 full color posters will be distributed through specialty motorsport and automotive businesses and by the teams at 2006 PMRA events.

“This is one more way for the teams to promote their sponsors and an excellent way for the PMRA to endorse the series,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA.

For more information contact Dwayne Young at 519.631.6997 or e-mail dyoung@cmsports.com.

JAY Motorsports Leads the Way At Grattan Raceway

Courtesy JAY Motorsports

GRATTAN, MI (May 31, 2006) --- It was a great weekend for SCCA Enterprises newest Customer Service Representative (CSR) and dealer for the popular Spec Racer Ford (SRF) car, JAY Motorsports. The CENDIV East CSR arrived for Friday practice with two equally prepared cars ready to go for owner Jay Green and first-time SCCA racer, Marc Miller, ready to attack the 2.0-mile course. In his very first SCCA event and first race in a Spec Racer Ford, Miller made a big impression taking both poles and leading every lap on the weekend.

“I would say it was a great weekend for JAY Motorsports,” said owner, Jay Green. “We are the new kid on the block and it is important to let people know that we prep every car as meticulously as possible. Coming away with two poles, two wins, fastest race laps and leading every lap is more than any team owner could ask for! I was really proud of Marc, our rental driver. Not many drivers come out and lay down that type of record in their debut.”

Miller, who normally competes as the only American driver in the Canadian Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (CASCAR), was very impressed with how well the weekend went.

“I have driven a lot of different types of race cars and this was one of the most fun cars to drive and the preparation was top-notch,” said Miller. “Jay and his team made the weekend so much fun and they kept telling me to relax and enjoy all weekend. I am already trying to find a break in my schedule so I can do another event!”

JAY Motorsports will next head to Mid-Ohio for the June 3-4 National event before going to Summit Point the following weekend. If you are interested in joining the team throughout the season, visit http://www.jaymotorsports.com/.

About JAY Motorsports
JAY Motorsports, LLC is a family owned and operated business with the goal to make your rental weekend a fun and successful experience. JAY Motorsports will provide you with a well prepared and maintained, competitive car. We will also provide you with plenty of refreshments throughout the day, all in a friendly, family atmosphere. Come join our racing family for a fun filled, exciting race weekend at the track of your choice. JAY Motorsports can also prepare and set-up your SRF! For more information and details regarding our SRF rental programs, visit us at http://www.jaymotorsports.com/.

Sad News: Margaret Gibbons

This morning, I received a note from Denise Gibbons - the wife of CASCAR Super Series veteran Peter Gibbons - announcing the passing of Peter's mom, Margaret Gibbons.

Margaret was a fan of Peter's racing efforts and it was special for him when she was able to join he and the rest of the team in victory lane, following a win.

We pass along our sincerest condolences to the entire Gibbons family for their loss. Denise said she would accept notes at her e-mail address, to pass along to the rest of the family.

Nice Castrol piece, by Wakefield Canada

John Morris of Marcovitch PR sent us a recently completed history of Castrol in Canada and around the world, including the brand's accomplishments, market position in this country. Click here to download a copy.

PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY SET TO HOST LATE MODEL INVITATIONAL THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Peterborough, ON – Continuing in the true tradition of grassroots racing in Ontario, Peterborough Speedway will host its Late Model Invitational this Saturday, June 3rd. Late Model drivers from all across Ontario will take to Canada’s fastest 1/3 mile oval for 100 laps of exciting racing action!

With the 2006 racing season just underway in Ontario, this event is sure to be one of the highlights of the summer. “I am very pleased to be hosting such an event for the Late Models this season,” expressed Peterborough Speedway promoter J.P. Josiasse. “The Late Models always put on an excellent show for the fans, and are a welcomed attraction to the speedway when they visit,” J.P. added.

With $2500 up for grabs to the driver who takes the checkers, and all Late Models across the province having the night off from home track competition, the event is sure to draw the who’s who in Ontario Late Model racing. “A great deal of interest has been expressed by many Late Model drivers for this event,” explained J.P. “We are certainly expecting some of the top name drivers to be in attendance when the green flag drops Saturday night,” he added.

Possible notables for the 100 lap invitational are local favourites Dave Morgan and Dan McHattie. Other Ontario Late Model drivers who have expressed an eager interest in supporting the event are the well-known Tiemersma brothers, current Alstar Champion Kirk Hooker and Jeff Hanley.

To find out who will become Peterborough’s Late Model Invitational Winner, be sure to take to the grandstand this Saturday, June 3rd! Pit gates open at 1:00, spectator gates at 4:00 with the green flag dropping at 6:00 sharp! Visit www.peterboroughspeedway.com or call 705-743-5880 for further event details.

- From Peterborough Speedway

Scotia to Host First Event of the 2006 CARQUEST Tour

HALIFAX, NS (May 30, 2006) - The first event of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is scheduled for Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, June 3, 2006.

A strong field of entries has registered for the CARQUEST 100, including past champions Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB), John Fleming (Halifax, NS) and Wayne Smith (Timber, NS). Drivers in the top ten in the points in 2005 such as 05 Rookie of the Year, Shawn Turtle (Enfield, NS), Geordie Ryan (Wellington, NS), Brad Mann (Glen Levity, NB), Kent Livingston (Charlottetown, PE), Kent Vincent (Carped, PE) and Greg Prouder (North Wiltshire, PE) are all making the trip to Scotia Speedworld.

Add rookie drivers Mike Stevens (Riverview, NB), Sandy Livingston (Springhill, NS), Bobby Nielsen (Vernon River, PE), Paul Gahanna (Lower St. Mary’s, NB), Roger Crane Montague, PE) and Russell Smith (Timber, NS) make for exciting field of cars.

Two rounds of qualifying, which Time Trials, the Motor Mart Dash and Heat Races, will set the field for the 100-lap pro stock feature, include . Over 30 cars are expected to challenge for a spot in the feature race.

The CARQUEST 100 is round one of 11 in the 06 edition of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour - a points championship event that will set the stage in the battle for over $50,000 in year-end awards - including a $10,000 cheque for the champion.

Also on the agenda June 3 will be the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman from the Budweiser Weekly Racing Series and the Legends Tour.

The Pepsi Pre-Race Show will start things off at 4:30 pm, followed by Time Trials at 5:10 pm and racing at 6 pm.

The grandstand gates open at 3 pm, so come early to get a good seat!

Grandstand admission is just $22 for adults, $5 for youth (8-15) and children 7 and under admitted free. All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pit admission is $25 and restricted to those 16 and older.

Advance tickets are now available at the following locations: DARTMOUTH - Forbes Chev Olds; Parts For Trucks; Amber Contracting; CARQUEST Auto Parts. HALIFAX - CARQUEST Auto Parts; Oland Cold Beer Store. BEDFORD - Rocky Lake Quarry. MOUNT UNIACKE - RV Contacts.

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 different tracks in the three Maritime Provinces. Top drivers from all three provinces compete. 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.

Budweiser, the world's best-selling beer brand and a long-time supporter of motorsports, is a proud sponsor of Scotia Speedworld. Besides their support of Scotia Speedworld, the 2005 Budweiser Racing program also features NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Scotia Speedworld is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval stock car racing track featuring Budweiser Weekly Racing for five divisions and several special events during the race season, which runs from May to September. Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6, Hwy. 102, across from the Halifax International Airport. For more information on Scotia Speedworld please visit ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277.

Marc Miller Takes Two In First Career SCCA Weekend

Michigan driver started on pole and led every lap in both SRF events at Grattan’s SCCA Double Regional Event

Courtesy Marc Miller, MMP Design

HOLLAND, MI (May 30, 2006) --- Holland, MI native, Marc Miller, used this past Memorial Day weekend as a warm-up for the 2006 season, but instead of staying home and watching the races on TV, he spent the weekend burning up the track at Grattan Raceway, a scenic 2.0-mile road course in Grattan, MI. Driving for JAY Motorsports, Miller drove a Spec Racer Ford to victories both Saturday and Sunday after leading the 22-car group from the pole position each day.

“This deal came about last minute and I am really thankful the opportunity was there,” said Miller. “I have been doing a lot of kart racing lately for exercise and to help me focus mentally and physically. I think that helped me prepare for this double race event in the SRF and ultimately I hope that this event helped prepare me for the upcoming CASCAR season in my Carhartt Dodge. I really want to thank MMP Design, TLM Design Services and JAY Motorsports for giving me this opportunity for the added seat time.”

Miller normally competes as the only American driver in the Canadian Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (CASCAR), Canada’s national professional racing series. He will pilot the #8 Carhartt Clothing Dodge Charger in six events in 2006 starting at the June 18 road course event at Mosport International Raceway.

“I hope I can continue these successes headed into the rest of the season,” said Miller. “The CASCAR series is extremely tough and I have worked hard to prepare myself mentally for a good season and really want to represent my team and sponsors well.”

For in-depth team news, photos, videos and wallpapers, visit www.themarcmillershow.com or www.racesportz.com. For CASCAR schedules and television air times, go to www.cascar.com or www.tvracer.com.

About Marc
Marc began racing at the age of 12 in dirt-track karting while living in Virginia. By 14, he had progressed into Stock Car racing and won Rookie of the Year and tallied a runner-up in final points at two separate tracks in the Modified 4-cylinder class, racing against drivers twice his age. After moving from Virginia to Michigan, he focused on learning more about chassis tuning, working for a top USAC/ARCA Midget race team. At 17, Marc jumped back into karting to keep his skills sharp and in the ensuing years won 5 National karting championships in three different classes. Years later he would win several races and more championships in shifterkart racing, being ranked as one of the top shifter road racers in North America. In 1998, he made his first ever start in an open-wheel racecar, winning his first time out in the Canadian Pro F1200 Championship Series. Marc claimed Rookie of the Year and 2nd in the overall points battle with 4 poles and 5 wins. 1999 brought the move to Formula Ford and Marc picked up where he left off, leading in his first attempt until a mechanical failure dropped him out of the race. It only took his third race to win again and he went on to become the Mosport Celebration Formula Ford Champion.

Marc will enter his fourth season of running a limited schedule in the CASCAR Super Series in the Carhartt Racing #8. He had amassed five "top-rookie qualifying" awards and was "top rookie" twice in 2004. In 2005, Miller took the Carhartt Dodge to a pair of 7th place finishes at the Toronto Molson Indy street circuit and the 300-lap event at Race City in Calgary, running very strong at other events in older equipment for his small team. He hopes to bring the Carhartt Racing DODGE Charger to top of the podium this season.

Marc currently owns a successful Marketing and Graphic Design Firm, MMP Design, while also acting as a professional driving instructor. He pursued a degree in Marketing and Communications from Western Michigan University to help him be better suited as a professional race driver.

Cayden Lapcevich: Update

As many of you know, Cayden Lapcevich - the son of CASCAR / road racing veteran Jeff Lapcevich - is becoming active as a racer. Jeff regularly sends us updates on Cayden's progress, and we're happy to pass them along here. Thanks Jeff and good luck Cayden!
G.

***********

Hi Greg, I just wanted to drop a short note to let you know how we made out this past weekend.

The Syracuse Quarter Midget Club hosted the Region 2 Championships this weekend. Region 2 consists of nine tracks from NY, NJ, PA, DE, and MD. You must compete in a regional event to be able to qualify for the Grands in June which is a week long National event which will attract likely over 500 cars from across the country.

This was our first trip to an event of this size. There were nearly 200 cars entered among the different classes. Cayden's class; Jr. Honda, had 11 cars of which only eight would qualify for the A-Main.

Although there were only 11 cars, there were some pretty heavy hitters which included Anthony Losurdo who was the 2005 Region 2 Champ, 2005 Syracuse Co-champ, and 2005 Oswego champ, Jonathon Laureigh who was the 2005 Wall Speedway Champ, Austin O'Reilly who was the 2005 Syracuse Co-champ, and Oswego runner up, as well as 2006 A-Main winners Kyle Demo from Fulton, NY and Derek Krum from Wall, NJ.

Due to bad rain, Friday's practice was washed out but we were given one five minute round of practice on Saturday morning. It turned out to be good for us since Cayden was fighting a bug or something on Friday and really didn't feel up to racing. He spent much of the day sleeping in the motorhome and I considered taking him home but he wanted to stay and race and assured me that he would feel better for Saturday.

Saturday morning he felt a little better but was still not quite himself. He made it out for the one short practice but I could see that he wasn't really into it. After practice he went back to the motorhome to rest before time trials.

For time trials, the kids are given three warm-up laps and the three timed laps. The top four cars from time trials advance directly to the A-Main and the rest to the B-Main since there were only 11 this time. Cayden really picked it up in qualifying and posted the fourth fastest time behind pace setter Anthony Losurdo, Kyle Demo, and Jonathon Laureigh. This was great since there was a four car inversion for the A-Main that put Cayden on the pole.

Sunday morning Cayden was feeling much better and him and I watched the B-Main which was won by eight year old Austin O'Reilly of Mexico, NY.

Cayden took the green for the A-Main from the pole and began to pull away from the field. He was wicked fast, lapping consistently below the track record. By midway through the 30 lap feature Anthony Losurdo had moved to second from his fourth place starting spot followed by Kyle Demo in third. A caution for a spin bunched the field together and Cayden got beat on the restart and fell to second behind eight year old Anthony Losurdo.

Cayden would maintain the second spot tight on the bumper of Losurdo's car as the two of them separated themselves from the rest of the field. I think Cayden was actually quicker but was reluctant to make a move for the lead after being involved in a couple small altercations earlier in the season while attempting to pass. At only six years old he was the youngest in the field and the least experienced but he is certainly making an impression. He finished comfortably in second on the tail of Losurdo followed distantly by Kyle Demo.

They impounded the top three cars from each class. We had to remove the engines and after all the features were run they began tear down. Tech didn't finish until nearly midnight at which time they had the trophy presentation.

This Friday is a regular race at Syracuse and then a regular show at Oswego on Sunday. More to come.

Thanks,
Jeff

Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Camaro heads for Grand Bend

JORDAN STATION, ON (May 29, 2006) – Carl Spiering will make his 2006 Canadian debut in the new Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Pro Modified Supercharged 1967 Chevrolet Camaro entry at the upcoming 7th Annual Mopar Canadian Nationals. This event is the third in the 2006 IHRA eMax Drag Racing Series and will be held in Grand Bend, Ontario, June 2-4 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Spiering had a very positive 2005 season, and he plans on continuing the pursuit this year. In 2005, Spiering had strong season, winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals. The 41-year old placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour.

“Grand Bend is like being at home, we are really looking forward to the race at the Motorplex,” said Spiering, who hails from Jordan Station, Ontario. “The new car performed well at its first race in Rockingham and we are looking for big performance out of the new Camaro.”

Spiering crashed the Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette at the first race of the year in the quarterfinals at the Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway March 26 in Texas. Spiering was taken to hospital after the incident and released the same night with broken ribs, bumps, and bruises. The Camaro replaced the Corvette.

“We are excited once again to have the opportunity to represent Eaton's electrical business for another year,” Spiering noted. “Eaton Electrical has given us the necessary backing to do this right and we thank them for it. We also thank all our other associate sponsors who have all contributed to our success in the past and continue to support us, giving us the tools to create a great team.”

With a serious passion for fast machines in any type of competition, Carl Spiering and his Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Supercharged Pro Modified is quickly becoming one of the hottest Pro Modified racers on the drag race circuit.

The Mopar Canadian Nationals will begin Friday, June 2, at the Grand Bend Motorplex and will conclude with championship eliminations Sunday, June 4. For more information about the Grand Bend Motorplex, call 519.238.7223 or visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

Carl Spiering Motorsports, www.CarlSpiering.com, thanks all of its sponsors and supporters including Eaton Electrical, Aluminum Trailer Co., Competition Tire Canada - Goodyear Racing Tires, ERD (Engine Research and Development), Excel Tool & Die, G-Force Race Cars Inc., NGK Spark Plugs, RBS Superchargers, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corporation, SSI Superchargers, (ATC), Bicknell Racing Products (BRP), The Trailer Shop, and VP Racing Fuels.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), http://www.ihra.com/ has been a leader in sanctioning drag racing events in the United States and Canada since the organization was formed in 1970. The IHRA features 13 classes of competition including the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modifieds. It provides drag race fans the opportunity to experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as “the world’s fastest door slammers”.

This class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and volatile classes, capturing the true spirit of hot rodding and offering a wildly diverse group of racecars with different types of 2,000 -horsepower engines. Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted to extensively modify and enhance both appearance and performance. Competitors are offered the option of supercharging or adding nitrous oxide injection to the power plants. The cars burn gasoline or methanol propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 225 miles per hour.

The displacement limit of 740 cubic inches remains on non-supercharged engines while supercharged versions face a ceiling of 527 cubic inches. Minimum weights include 2,375 pounds (nitrous) and 2,700 pounds (supercharged). The Pro Modified field is composed of the 16 quickest teams from the qualifying rounds.

Eaton's Electrical Business (Canadian Operations)Eaton's Electrical business is a global leader in electrical control, power distribution, and industrial automation products and services. Through advanced product development, world-class manufacturing methods and global engineering services and support, Eaton's Electrical business provides customer driven solutions under brand names such as Cutler-Hammer®, Powerware®, Durant®, Heinemann®, Holec® and MEM®, which globally serve the changing needs of the industrial, utility, light commercial, residential, and OEM markets.

Visit us at http://www.eatonelectrical.ca/ Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 60,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries.

For more information, visit www.eaton.com // For more information, please contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at bruce@jajentertainment.com

Elliott Leading the Pack Early in the Season

ACTON (May 29, 2006) - 2005 Weekend Warrior Series Late Model Champion David Elliott isn’t resting on his laurels.

After capturing the inaugural WWS Late Model Championship, Elliott began 2006 with two goals – win another WWS title and capture the Late Model title at Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway.

“We worked really hard preparing the car during the off-season,” said Elliott. “When we rolled off the trailer for opening night, the Lucas Oil Monte Carlo was fast.”

Unfortunately for the competition, the car has remained fast throughout the first month of the season.

Elliott has finished with one win, two seconds and one third in the first four feature races of the year. In addition, the #37 has recorded five heat wins. Consistent top-three finishes have vaulted Elliott to early season leads in both the WWS and Flamboro Speedway’s Grisdale Late Model point standings.

“Last year we struggled with engine problems by mid-season, fell behind in the Flamboro points and could only climb back to 3rd by the end of the year,” said Elliott. “We definitely want to improve on last season’s results.”

If the Lucas Oil-sponsored team continues at its early-season pace, the rest of the drivers will have their work cut out for them if they plan to wrestle either Late Model title from Elliott by the end of the 2006 campaign.

-- 30 --

Photo courtesy of Photofinish Sports.
For more information, please contact: Brett Paveling // David Elliott Racing // (647) 237-1335

McIntosh just outside the points with 11th place Monaco debut

World Series by Renault, Monte Carlo, Monaco Sean McIntosh, #6 Team KTR – Qualified 18th, Finished 11th

Courtesy A1 Team Canada, Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Sean McIntosh just missed out on opening his World Series by Renault points account today as the Canadian stand-out finished 11th on his debut at the illustrious Monaco street circuit, a mere five tenths of a second the gap to the tenth and the final points paying position.

With the start of each race at Monaco offering the best opportunity for overtaking, Sean failed to disappoint as the 26-strong field sprinted to the first turn on the 3.34km track, the 21-year-old picking up a handful of places in the #6 KTR entry. Amazingly the entire field successfully threaded itself through the turn but it wasn’t long before Sean found himself defending his line from Carlin Motorsport’s Mikhail Aleshin. Having seen off the challenge from the Russian, Sean found himself hooked up to the gearbox of Interwetten’s Andy Soucek.

While McIntosh undoubtedly had the faster of the two race cars, Monaco’s tight confines ensured his rival could safeguard his position and despite the Vancouver racer’s best efforts, Soucek held his station. The two would run nose- to-tail all the way to the checkered flag at the end of a caution-free 25-laps.

McIntosh came home 11th for his first finish of the season, just five tenths of a second behind Soucek who picked up the final point for rounding out the top-ten. Pastor Maldonado collected today’s win, the Venezuelan driver scoring Draco Multiracing USA’s second successive victory in the Principality.

Sean McIntosh - #6 Team KTR:
“Well it was good to finally get some laps in! I made a great start but it was very difficult to pass Soucek. I was beside him twice, once at the first turn, the other time at Rascasse but it’s virtually impossible to pass at Monaco. Given I’ve never raced here before and with the way qualifying went I’m reasonably satisfied with today’s outcome. I obviously wanted to finish in the points but I learned a lot today and it was simply a great experience to race here!”

The World Series by Renault now heads to Istanbul Park, Turkey for Round 3, 17th-18th June, 2006.

Team JNE Consulting look to open the OSCAAR season strong

Courtesy Team JNE Consulting

Milton, On; With back to back runner up position’s in the previous two OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model seasons Team JNE Consulting are looking forward to finally get 2006 season underway.

What better way then at Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville on Friday June 2. John Fletcher and Team JNE Consulting are heading into this weeks race as defending race winner and winner of two in a row at the track. Kawartha’s famed 3/8 mile track is situated inside the horse track with a casino on site and makes for an entire evening of entertainment.

Team JNE Consulting is hyped and ready to roll as well as challenge Rob Clarke and his team once again along with all the top super late model drivers. Be sure to arrive as early as possible as in 2005 the OSCAAR’s brought a full house.

Visit www.fletchjr61.com and www.oscaar.ca for more information

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR STOLEN KARTS

From SRA Karting....

COMMUNIQUÉ: STOLEN KARTS

St-Roch-de-L'Achigan, May 29th 2006.

Thieves committed a robbery at SRA Karting during the night between Sunday and Monday. Amongst the goods stolen were three Arrow 2006 B max Karts with 2 Rotax FR125 Max senior engines with Mojo Tires. The karts had numbers 8-66 and 92 stickered on all sides.

The chassis serials numbers are A12024 et A12051 (the third number to follow shortly).

The engines serials numbers are : 8330937 and 8330951

Be vigilant if you are offered these karts. Please get in touch with us if you have any information whatsoever in regards to these goods of if you are approached to purchase the karts.

As for the thieves, because you will never be able to liquidate the karts in the restricted world of karting in North America, we invite you to let us retrieve our material as soon as possible.

SRA Karting international
A/S Michel Boisclair
270, Ludger-Rochon
St-Roch-de-L'Achigan (Québec)
450-588-5622, # 22
info@srakarting.com

PREVIEW: IHRA Heads North for Mopar Canadian Nationals

NORWALK, Ohio (May 29, 2006) – Grand Bend Motorplex, the home of the eMax Drag Racing Series’ Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol June 2-4, will always hold a special place in Clay Millican’s heart. The five-time defending Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel World Champion captured his first career professional Ironman at Grand Bend in 2000, topping racing legend Shirley Muldowney in the final. He has won an astounding 44 national events since then, but is still looking for his first trip to the Winner’s Circle in 2006. Millican is always happy to go back to Grand Bend.

“Grand Bend always brings a smile to my face because that’s where I got to race Shirley,” he said. “Win or lose, racing against her was one of the highlights of my career. She is such an icon in our sport.”

Millican also feels comfortable heading back to Canada. He loves Grand Bend Motorplex for a number of reasons. One is the face that he has won five of the last six Top Fuel Ironmen there. Another is the people.

“Grand Bend is one of those places you feel good going to, no matter how the car is running,” he said. “The people are always so nice and happy to see you. They really appreciate us coming to Canada and it usually makes for a great weekend.”

Despite not winning an event this season, Millican remains very much alive in the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel points race. He is in second place, just 24 points behind front-running Doug Foley.

“Twenty-four points is 24 points,” Millican said. “It’s awesome that so many other Top Fuel teams have stepped their programs up and are running well. It really makes what we do a lot of fun.”

Millican and his Kenny Koretsky Motorsports team have recently gone back to the car they drove to the 2005 World Championship. The car, nicknamed “Flipper” for its blow-over in Milan, Mich., last season, was brought out for the first time this year at the NHRA event in Atlanta.

The championship race in Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car is already a scramble. Gary Densham, who won the season opener in San Antonio, currently leads the pack with 204 points. Vinny Arcadi and Bob Gilbertson are right on his heels with 138 points while the winner in Rockingham, Jack Wyatt, sits in fourth with 130 points.

Due to a scheduling conflict, Densham will not make the trip to Grand Bend, leaving the class wide open and giving the other members of the top five a chance to make a move.

Canadian Glen Kerunsky sits atop the Torco Pro Modified point standings, having won the season opener in San Antonio and advancing to the final in Rockingham. He currently has 213 points, 54 ahead of second place Tommy D’Aprile.

Mark Thomas has a slight lead over three-time defending Alcohol Funny Car champion Rob Atchison in the points race, 195 to 182. But Grand Bend is Atchison’s home track. Atchison, however, has not won at Grand Bend Motorplex since 2003. Thomas and Atchison have a rivalry that reaches back five years. Most times it’s friendly, but the pair has been known to trade a few barbs here and there.

“I love going to Grand Bend and doing well,” Thomas said. “Grand Bend to Rob is like Norwalk to me, its home. Rob has never won or been the top qualifier at Norwalk while I have won and qualified #1 at Grand Bend. That really spices up the rivalry a little bit. Rob always wants to win at Grand Bend so badly, and that makes me want to win there even worse. What can I say, we like kicking sand in each other’s faces when we can.”

The Torco Pro Stock points race is as close as it could possibly be. Frank Gugliotta and Tony Gillig, who each have one event win and advanced to the semifinals in the other eMax Drag Racing Series event, are tied for the lead with 193 points.

More information on the MOPAR Canadian Nationals is available at http://www.ihra.com/.

Don’t miss the first ever Nitro Jam concert series June 2 at 8 p.m., when Blue Rodeo and Johnny Reid will perform at Grand Bend Motorplex following the evening professional qualifying session. Buy a ticket to the race for $35, see the concert for free.

- From IHRA.

Monday ramblings...

TTC strike in Toronto this morning. Lots of fun. Where's Ronald Reagan when you need him?

On the bright side, we had good weather on Saturday night so tracks were able to get their shows in, which was a relief. My backside is a little tender from time spent on the couch yesterday. I never thought I'd say it, but the F1 race was the best Memorial Day offering, IMO.

Schumacher's run from the back was fun to watch and there was lots of close racing throughout. Those in-car shots at Monaco are insane.

The pre-race show at Indy was too much. Thank God Michael Andretti came out to race or it would have been ALL DANICA. At what point do people start calling her racing's Kournikova?

As for Charlotte, the 600 was another caution-fest. You know it's bad when Jeff Gordon comes on complaining about Goodyear missing so badly on the tires.... again. FIFTEEN cautions made for a great sleep sedative at the end of a long day of race-watching.

CNN: Michelin CEO killed in accident

Edouard Michelin was killed in a boating accident in Lille de Sein in Brittany in western France.

NEW YORK (CNN) - Michelin CEO Edouard Michelin was killed Friday in a boating accident in Lille de Sein in Brittany in western France, the company said.
The French tire maker said an investigation has been launched into the accident and that managing partner Michel Rollier has assumed leadership of the company.
Edouard Michelin graduated with an engineering degree from the Ecole Centrale de Paris, before joining his family's company in 1985, according to Reuters.
He had a stint in France's navy from 1987 to 1988 before going back to the Michelin group where he held various posts in areas such as production and sales before succeeding his father Francois as head of the company in 1999.

... more at the link above...

NASCAR: Hawk resigns

According to my NASCAR reporter, Stan Creekmore (who is in the media room at Lowe's Motor Speedway) NASCAR has confirmed to him that Don Hawk, NASCAR's Director of Regional Racing Development (NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series), tendered his resignation on Wednesday.

Weather watchers....

Jeff Wilcox at Delaware Speedway just told me that their track is dry and they're still a go for tonight, but one good downpour would most likely be the end of their show for this evening. He suggests keeping an eye on the Delaware website for the most current updates.

Just had a look at the Ohsweken Speedway site and they were to make a call about their Friday night show at 2 p.m. UPDATE (2:40 P.M.: OHSWEKEN JUST CANCELLED THEIR SHOW FOR THIS EVENING!

We welcome any track or series to send us updates so we can help spread the word about shows going ahead or being cancelled.

Good luck everyone! Is there such a thing as an anti-Rain Dance? Here is the weathermap for the region. Here is another.

OSCAAR's First Race of 2006 Set for Friday, June 2 at Kawartha Speedway

By Don McLeod and Sandy Macfarlane / May 26, 2006

The weather created a change in plans which put the first OSCAAR race of 2006 at Kawartha Speedway. There was a mixed bag of reactions Sunday afternoon when the Flamboro race had to be called. Weather set the tone for the day in typical unpredictable spring-like fashion.


But there were several drivers waiting at the gate and fans on the way, all anxious to get racing. Unfortunately all had to turn around and go home. Everyone is now looking ahead to the famous Kawartha Speedway.

The high-banked, 2-3 lanes of racing, 3/8 mile oval has become legendary for great stock car racing. Many OSCAAR Outlaw drivers count Kawartha among their favourite tracks.While last seasons witnessed only one visit to Kawartha, this year there are two stops, June 2 and August 11. The June 3rd race of 2005 saw one of the biggest crowds and car counts of the year.

With Kawartha's opening night on June 2, there should be plenty of fans in attendance and a full field of Outlaw drivers ready for action. John Fletcher and the #61 team had one of their best nights of 2005 while winning the season opener at Kawartha. It was a great evening of racing with fantastic weather and a big crowd.

John will go for a repeat winning performance but will have to fend off a pack of hungry contenders. Everyone realizes that there is a clean slate for 2006 and will work hard to achieve a strong opening night performance.If you made plans for something else on next Friday night - change them! There is simply no better place to be than at Kawartha Speedway on opening night. See you there! Let's go racing!!!

Pierre Bourque: The Newest Addition To Racing

“New Diversity Driver Already Turning Heads”

OTTAWA, Ont (May 26th, 2006) - - At a time where driver diversity is at a high peak, the newest newcomer to the program, Pierre Bourque storms onto the racing circuit with goals as strong as any veteran driver, victory. The Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) driver has got a jump start to his racing career by taking an early stab at the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series is well-known to be a circuit where up and coming competitors get their feet wet into the fierce competition of stock car racing. Thus far, Bourque has made an impression.

Latching himself with 1995 ARCA champion Andy Hillenburg has already started to pay off for the successful businessman. Under the guidance of Hillenburg, the duo headed to the treacherous and fast short track of Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana earlier this month for his “stock car debut”.

The goal for Bourque in practice was feel the track and get comfortable with his Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Goals were easily met in practice after turning a lap good enough for 27th best (17.356 seconds, 103.711 mph). Without the proper security to guarantee the credentials for the starting grid, Bourque would have to race his way into the lineup by qualifying on time.

During his two-lap session, Bourque turned a lap of 16.974 seconds or 106.045 mph quick enough for 24th on the starting grid. It was a competitive lap for the rookie, allowing him to further learn about the cars, series and his team.

Short tracks usually bring out a brawl and that race was no exception. Throughout the course of the 202-lap event, Bourque raced hard and clean. While many used the race as a chance to aim towards a championship, Bourque used it as a rookie session. By the time the checkered flag flew, the No. 11 Full Metals Minerals Chevrolet was 13th. Many teams lost their cars to the rollback, but not this rookie. He performed brilliantly leaving the team with confidence and Bourque satisfied.

“Winchester was a grueling race, but I am very happy with the way that weekend went,” recalled Bourque. “We made the show, raced well and the car was in one piece, I don’t think we could have asked for anything more.”

With a clean finish under his belt, Bourque recently headed to the open test session at Michigan International Speedway with Andy Hillenburg and his crew in toe preparing for Bourque’s first Superspeedway attempt in the ARCA RE/MAX Series later this year.

22 teams endured an eight hour test with Bourque turning in the 16th fastest time of 42.290 seconds equaling a fast speed of 170.253 mph. While it wasn’t the fastest time on the board, the AHR (Andy Hillenburg Racing) was exceptionally pleased with their efforts.

“The Michigan test went very well,” continued Bourque. “Tuesday’s test marked the first ever time I drove on a Speedway and it was exciting. We did exactly what we wanted to do, gather seat time and post some respectable laps. We surpassed the team’s expectations for the event, so no one on this team is feeling off the pace.”

The remainder of the 2006 racing season will be a very busy one for Bourque and Andy Hillenburg Racing. In addition to selected starts in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, the group will run the full NASCAR Busch East Schedule beginning in a few weeks aiming for the championship and Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Thursday (May 25th, 2006) marked the second testing session of the week for the team leaping from Superspeedway to the short track at Greensville-Pickens Speedway. Greensville-Pickens is the first race on the NBE tour and the team wants to get a jump-start on the rest of the competition.

Drivers in any form of auto racing deal with the heat. Thursday, Bourque experienced that first hand as sizzling temperatures in the mid 90s greeted the team. Before climbing into his car for the first time at the demanding short track, the team had an open mind.

Bourque kept a solid pace all day long turning competitive times and just a half-second off of the fastest car at the track driven by Sean Cassie under the direction of former NASCAR Busch East champion Andy Santerre.

“The test was a learning curve,” remarked Bourque. “I’ve never experienced the heat before like that in a racecar and it was a good experience, it prepares me for the future. Overall, the test went exceptionally well and I know that we’ll be in good shape when we come back for the race.”

With testing complete and the start of the 2006 NBE (NASCAR Busch East) Series drawing near, Bourque feels that he is ready for this new endeavor.

“We are ready to make a difference and I want everyone to know that we are not going in to run last,” explained Bourque. “I am very comfortable with my driving abilities and I feel having the guidance and coaching of Andy Hillenburg has already made me feel in the winner’s circle.”

The 2006 NASCAR BSE schedules consist of 11 races beginning with the Busch Series East 150 at Greensville-Pickens Speedway on June 10th, 2006. Bourque will pilot the No. 10 Full Metals Minerals entry all season.

“While the goal is to win, I want to finish the races this season in the Busch East schedule. We’ve set a couple goals for ourselves for the rest of the year and I think we can achieve them. The goal is to use the remainder of the year as a “test session” preparing for 2007 which we plan to run the full ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. I know that Andy Hillenburg and his staff will provide me with the equipment allowing me to be very competitive off the truck, I’m really looking forward to the future.”

In the coming weeks, Bourque will unveil a new racing website.

Prepared by Chris Knight for Bourque Newswatch/Andy Hillenburg Racing

Weatherman makes a huge mistake!

It's raining AGAIN in southern Ontario ... and it's not even officially the weekend yet.

Someone's gonna get their hand slapped... sigh.

No wonder he didn't get elected..... OR ... Introducing the next Chairman of Augusta National Golf Course....

TSN has a story quoting Richard Petty saying that women don't belong in racecars.

''I just don't think it's a sport for women,''

''When I shook hands with Richard Petty I thought I'd get frostbite,'' [Janet] Guthrie wrote. ''Later, he [Petty] would be quoted as saying of me: 'She's no lady. If she was she'd be at home. There's a lot of differences in being a lady and being a woman.' ''

... more at the link above...

Mercedes Special-edition C-Class unveiled

Mercedes is bolstering its C-Class Sport Coupe range with a special edition called the Evolution S.

Yours from £19,995, the Evolution S comes in C180 Kompressor or C220 CDi guises and is fitted with an AMG sports package.

The AMG pack includes a body kit, 17in alloy wheels and aluminium inserts in the cabin's trim.

The Evolution S is on sale now.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Brighton Speedway Announces the "Lucas Oil Clash for Cash"

For Immediate Release - May 25th, 2006

BRIGHTON, ON - Brighton Speedway and Lucas Oil are once again teaming up to provide some of the best racing in Ontario. On Saturday September 23rd, the same night of the CARQUEST Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout presented by ImageFactor.ca, Lucas Oil will pit the best of the East against the best of the West in a 15 lap “Clash for Cash”.

Qualifiers for this event will comprise of the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Canadian Series and the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Shootout 358 series presented by DirtTrackDigest.com as well as the winner of each qualifying heat on the night of the 23rd.

This 15 lap race will pay the winner $1,500.00 with a total purse of $5,000.00 above and beyond the scheduled 40 lap event. This means that the ten drivers who qualify for the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” will be guaranteed to take home no less than $600.00. If one of those ten drivers can put together a win in both the 15 lap Clash and the 40 lap main event then that driver will leave the Brighton Speedway with $3,200.00 in his/her pocket.

The Lucas Oil Canadian Series is a five race series made up of two Eastern Ontario and three Quebec tracks. Now in its 4th season the Lucas Oil Canadian Series hosts events at Autodrome Granby, Autodrome Drummond, Autodrome Edelweiss, Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway throughout the months of June and July.

The Lucas Oil Shootout presented by DirtTrackDigest.com is a separate five race series that takes place in Western Ontario and Western New York State. Its inaugural season will see the series hold events at Ransomville Speedway, Genesee Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Humberstone Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway.

“Seeing the top drivers from these two great series compete at Brighton Speedway in the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” will be one of my 2006 highlights” claims Brighton Speedway Promoter Mark Rinaldi. “There has been a lot of cooperation between promoters to make all these series and events happen but Lucas Oil is a big part of making this all happen with their support of dirt racing!”

Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. Lucas Oil Products was established by Forrest Lucas in 1989 in the United States and wasn’t introduced in Canada until 1997.

Since 1999, DirtTrackDigest.com has been one of the few racing news web sites to have a professional feel, easy navigation, fast loading and high content – DTD presents a unique experience for users. DirtTrackDigest.com features all the news on DIRT Northeast. In addition to breaking news and features by some of the top internet columnists, Dirt TrackDigest.com also features Photos, Classifieds, Links, Contests and more.

For more info on the CARQUEST 358 DIRT Modified Shootout presented by Imagefactor.ca or the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” visit www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout or www.brightonspeedway.com

~30~

LONDON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BACK A1 GRAND PRIX

Courtesy A1GP Team Cananda

Montreal, Québec (25 May 2006) – Attracted by the success of A1 Grand Prix’s (A1GP) first racing season, major London investors have committed to providing full funding for the Series, assuring a strong future for the first ever World Cup of Motorsport.

A1GP has engaged Nomura to raise an institutionally targeted debt financing prior to an Initial Public Offering (IPO), to support the growth of the Series over the coming years. RAB Capital plc, a leading investment manager listed in London, acting as lead investor along with other financial institutions, has committed sufficient capital through equity investments and convertible stock to complement the debt financing arranged by Nomura with the intention that A1 Holdings Ltd will IPO in the forthcoming months.

Through this financing, A1 Grand Prix is able to commit to a long term future with sponsors, suppliers, promoters and national A1 teams.

Commenting on the new financing, A1GP Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder, Tony Teixeira said: ‘Since the launch of A1GP in March 2004, the company has gone from strength to strength. I am delighted that after a strong first season, A1 Grand Prix has attracted the support of high profile investors committed to progressing the Series to the next level. In A1 Grand Prix, we have a unique and innovative product, a fact which has been recognized by RAB Capital plc and Nomura. I would like to thank all parties involved and look forward to a bright future for A1 Grand Prix, supported by these established City institutions.’

A1 Grand Prix is now finalizing the race calendar for the 2006/07 season ahead of an announcement to be made shortly. Demonstrating the popularity of the Series, grandstand tickets for the first race of the season at Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands on 1 October 2006, sold out in just five days.

A1 Team Canada finished 10th in the inaugural season of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations with the highlight of the year undoubtedly Sean McIntosh’s last-to-first victory in Round 8’s Feature race in Indonesia in February.

Prime Minister pledges to tackle street racing

Vancouver, B.C. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that the government will introduce legislation this spring to crack down on street racing. “Let’s be clear, street racing isn’t about kids having fun. It's reckless, dangerous, and all too often it kills." said the Prime Minister. “That is why our government will introduce legislation to tackle this serious problem head on.”

The effect of the legislation will be twofold. First, the legislation will create a new Criminal Code offence for street racing, one which will result in stiffer sentences for street racers. Second, the legislation will introduce driving prohibitions for those who are convicted.There have already been a number of street racing deaths this year.

In January, a Toronto cab driver was killed instantly when his car was hit by an alleged street racer. Less than a week later, four young men were killed as a result of a street racing accident in Vancouver. Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the government’s effort to crack down on crime.

Earlier this month, Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to put an end to condition sentences for serious offences and establish mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes. The Prime Minister pledged to continue moving forward on the government’s agenda of making Canadian communities safer.

- From the PMO

Merrittville Speedway: June 10 event preview

FINANCIAL CARE GROUP NIAGARA LIONS NIGHT TO FEATURE ROLSTON SPORTSMEN DASH AND AUTOGRAPHS BY SHARPIE IN KIDS CLUB SIGN UP AT MERRITTVILLE

THOROLD, ONTARIO … While the Sportsmen will be in the spotlight Saturday June 10th in a Dash for Cash sponsored by Glen Rolston in on track action, much of the focus will be in the grandstand area with Merrittville Speedway’s 2006 Kids Club Registrations taking place in the Financial Care Group Event.

Meridian Credit Union returns as sponsors of the all new Kids Club which this season will feature quite a number of new things to entertain the younger race fans Saturday Nights.

“ We’re really looking forward to this year’s Club,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “ when the kids arrive on the 10th – they’ll see new ideas joining favorites that will challenge them all season … and what can we say about Glen and the Niagara Lions – they love their racing and like to help where they can.” …

Glen is a big supporter of Dirt Racing … from Scott Wood’s #38 Modified and Mike Dooley’s 310C Hoosier Stock … and the growing Little Knapp Motorsports entries of the Knapp Brothers – Rob’s 2K Sportsmen and Kevin’s 4K Hoosier Stock and it’s newest addition – the # 24 Novice Kart of 2006 Rookie Driver Greg Kohut

All of the vehicles will be on display when the gates open as the Financial Care Group makes their first visit to Merrittville also as presenters of the night’s action.

The Meridian Credit Union Kids Club Registration will take place in the Kids Club area located behind the main grandstand – opposite the Archer Truck Services Billboard.

Located at 209 Hwy 20 East in Fonthill, Financial Care Group is a truly independent financial planning organization that thrives on developing new and better ways to help their clients … right here in the heart of Niagara!

They specialize in cash flow planning, tax planning, investment planning and estate planning utilizing their exclusive Plan4Life and Portfolio Maximi$er programs.

To learn more about the Financial Care Group call Customer Service at 905-892-1631 or visit www.financialcaregroup.com.

Race fans can look forward to a rare break in the action with the first of two 2006 Autograph Sessions presented by Sharpie to be a featured part of the night.

“Our race teams look forward to meeting our fans,” relates Bicknell, “ drivers will have autograph cards of all kinds and their Sharpies … you’ll be able to see them and their cars up close on the front-stretch.”

Sharpie is marking 40 years and with it’s Autographs for Education program - plans to collect one million autographs this year, resulting in a donation of $1 million in school supplies and funding.

For further information on Sharpie products and to participate in the Autographs for Education program visit www.sanford.com.

In addition to the Rolston Dash, the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division will join their Dirt Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Hoosier Stocks, Premier/Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic/Mod Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders in an action-packed night of racing.

Gates will open at 5:30 with Showtime set for 7:15.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 55th Consecutive Season – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

FORZA MOTORSPORT 2, XBOX 360 RIDE WITH RISI FERRARI

Forza Motorsport 2 and XBox 360 sponsoring Risi Competizione's Ferrari F430GT in the ALMS

Courtesy Ryan Smith

Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios have announced their involvement and sponsorship of Risi Competizione's Ferrari 430GT for the American Le Mans Series. As the official racing simulator during the entire race season, the Ferrari's paint scheme will display Forza Motorsport 2 and Xbox 360® on the hood of the car.

The new look 430GT debuted during the inaugural Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston where Risi drivers Mika Salo took third place and teammate Jaime Melo posted the fastest lap time of the race at 1:11.383.

American Le Mans Series fans will also get an in-depth look at life in the fast lane when the Forza Motorsport 2 team gets its hands dirty from inside the Risi racing pits. Racing fans and gamers can visit http://www.forzamotorsport.net.net for behind the scenes look at all the competitive action.

Forza Motorsport 2, the sequel to Microsoft's award-winning, fully-customizable driving simulator Forza Motorsport, speeds its way onto the Xbox 360 this Holiday. With authentic simulation physics, bone-jarring damage and photo-realistic graphics as well as licensed tuning and customization options the franchise improves on the unprecedented features gamers enjoyed in its debut installment. Loaded with more than 300 of the world's hottest cars to collect, personalize and race; Forza Motorsport 2 gives you the complete racing experience.

"The addition of Forza Motorsport to the Risi Competizione team is a landmark for me personally," stated Risi Competizione Managing Director Giuseppe Risi. "This type of opportunity is very rare in our sport and came about as the result of a lot of hard work, over a period of almost three years, by members of both teams. It's a new world, both on and off the track."

The 2006 debut of the Ferrari 430GT has served the Risi Competizione race team well thus far with third-place finishes at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Lone Star Grand Prix. Risi is one of the most consistent race teams in the Series. To date, the team has won two championships, achieved 29 podium finishes and has a race completion ratio of 84 percent along with a podium place ratio of 64 percent. More information is available at http://www.risicompetizione.comcom.

"During the development of (the original) Forza Motorsport, our relationship with racing teams including Risi Competizione was vital to achieving a real and challenging racing experience for our fans," said Alan Hartman, Turn 10 Studio Manager. "Taking our partnership with Risi to the next level will enable us to engage the drivers as well as a world class support team to push Forza Motorsport 2 on the Xbox 360 to a whole new level of realism. Plus, the Ferrari 430GT is HOT!"

The next round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series is the New England Grand Prix, set for July 1 at Lime Rock Park. The race is scheduled for a 3 p.m. EDT start. CBS Sports will televise the event from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT on July 2. Live coverage will be available at www.americanlemans.com with American Le Mans Radio and IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.

Grueling start for Team Fastline Motorsports at Barrie

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

BARRIE, ON (May 22, 2006) – It was not a good day for Fastline Motorsports team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich, as the team finished 14th and 16th respectively in Monday’s CASCAR Super Series GO-RACING.CA 300 at Barrie Speedway.

“I managed to get into problems on the very first lap of the race and that pretty much ended my chances for a good finish,” said team driver Jim Lapcevich. “We had a good car but it was just too little too late after getting down a couple of laps at the start,” added Lapcevich, who placed 16th after starting 22nd. “I can’t say enough about the EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Team. They put in a strong effort all weekend under some very extreme conditions all weekend long.”

Scott Steckly won the GO-RACING.CA 300 followed closely by Don Thomson Jr. in second and J.R. Fitzpatrick in third.

“There is no question we had a top-ten car in Barrie until we got caught up in some lapped traffic that got us down some laps,” explained Jeff Lapcevich, who finished 14th after starting 12th. “The day got even more complicated when we lost a cylinder and you’re not going to pass Donnie (Thomson) on seven cylinders. We had no choice but to put the Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo on cruise and try to stay out of trouble.”

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Fastline Motorsports is a two-car race team that has become one of Canada's most prominent racing enterprises in both oval track and road course competition.

The next CASCAR Super Series race of the season will take place Saturday, June 10 at Autodrome St-Eustache located west of Montreal, Quebec on the 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval.

For information about Autodrome St-Eustache tickets and camping, call the Autodrome Hotline at 450.472.6222 or visit online at www.autodrome-st-eustache.com

Team Fastline, www.LapcevichRacing.ca, is sponsored by Tim Hortons, EMCEA Transport, Gates Canada, Mr. Lube, Springer's Meats, Troy Cove Marine and B & J Electric to compete for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Racing Championship.

Ryan Litt Ready for Little 500

Courtesy Tommy Goudge, Litt Racing P.R

The Little 500 is not your average sprint car race. In fact, it’s not even your average auto race. With 33 traditional sprint cars - each pushing out upwards of 850 horsepower - taking the green flag 3-abreast to begin 500 gruelling laps on a high banked ¼ mile oval, complete with pit stops in cars that were never designed for pit stops, the Little 500 is not your average anything.

The historic Anderson Speedway in Anderson Speedway is the venue, and the 58th Annual Pay-Less Little 500 is the event. The Little 500 purposely shares many similarities with the Indianapolis 500, including the format for time trials, and how the starting grid lines up. To even qualify for the event – which is the world’s richest pavement sprint car event - in the unique 4 lap time trial format is an accomplishment in and of itself.

In his Little 500 debut last May, Lyons, Ontario, Canada’s own Ryan Litt managed to come home with a 7th place finish – pretty good for a rookie with a hastily assembled pit crew and very little experience in a full size sprint car. This season, with more sprint car racing experience under his belt, a better prepared pit crew, and a new sponsor in OTC/SPX Tools on board, the 19 year old has his sights set squarely on a top 5 finish or better. It may be a lofty goal, but given last year’s result, definitely not an unattainable one.

Before the Little 500, teams will have a chance to tune up for the race on Wednesday night, May 24th in a USAC National Sprint Car event featuring a 50 lap feature – just one tenth of the distance the drivers will face on Saturday night, May 27th. On Thursday May 25th it will be time for first round qualifying for the big show. Friday May 26th features second and final round qualifying for the big race, and Saturday is the big day.

Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s full time campaign on the AVSS tour this season, as well as in these special events, including OTC/SPX Tools, BS&B Radiator, Velocity Wings, BRR Media, BOC Gases, and Leaf Racewear.

For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, photos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com .

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Update

Go to http://www.casc.on.ca/documents/eventdocs/schedsas06.pdf for an up to date schedule for our opening weekend.

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

CASCAR: TIGHT TRACK BITES BEAUCHAMP & TEAM MOPAR IN SEASON OPENER

Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts team were among the quickest cars all weekend at the first CASCAR Super Series race at Barrie Speedway, however tight competition often results in contact, and in this case it caused the Mopar Dodge all kinds of trouble.

During practice and qualifying on Saturday the Mopar Dodge performed pretty much as expected. “We had the kind of car we expected” said Ron Beauchamp Jr. “Earlier in the month we were here and ran a few laps to see how the car handled and it was pretty much the same. When we have room to race, we’re fast”. Beauchamp and Team Mopar had no trouble posting quick laps and were among the top runners during the 50 lap qualifying races. Beauchamp would start the 250 lap main event in seventh.

After a one day delay due to weather, the Mopar Dodge took the green flag on Monday afternoon and once again had the speed and handling necessary to have a successful day. “Things were good for the first half of the race” said the driver. “Our lap times were consistent and we just wanted to have something for the end of the race”.

Following routine scheduled service for tires and fuel Beauchamp was back on track but in heavy traffic. “The car was just as we expected it to be, however there was some pretty aggressive driving going on. We wound up getting bumped and pushed into the back of another car and that pushed the hood up making it difficult to see. I was managing okay, but CASCAR made the call that we had to come in and that took away any chance of a top finish”.

The Mopar Dodge pit crew removed the hood to allow better visibility and Beauchamp was back on track to try and make up as many positions and collect as many championship points as possible. Beauchamp would wind up 13th at the end of day.

“It’s unfortunate how things worked out, and we’ve got plenty of work to do on the car now” said Beauchamp. “But we’re headed to St Eustache for the next race and we’ve won at that track before so we’re pretty motivated”.

The CASCAR Super Series is the only National Stock Car Racing series with events scheduled this year at great oval tracks including Kawartha Speedway and & Cayuga Speedway along with road courses and temporary street circuits like the Grand Prix of Edmonton & Trois Rivieres. You can keep up with the latest news on the CASCAR Super Series and check out the complete 2006 racing schedule by logging onto the website at www.cascar.ca. And be sure to watch the CASCAR Super Series races on Rogers Sportsnet all year long.

Prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING AT NEW LOCATION

Museum to celebrate the Golden Era of Racing

May 2006 (Halton Hills) – On June 10, 2006, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) welcomes everyone to the Official Grand Opening at its new location in Halton Hills. The all-day event has lots in-store for race fans including a display of some of the museum’s unique collection of race vehicles from all disciplines along with exhibits of memorabilia and archival information.

Highlighting the day will be a celebration for “The Golden Era of Racing in Toronto” to honor Pinecrest Speedway, which has been closed 30 years, and the CNE Speedway, which has been closed 40 years. Both tracks were hosts to some of the most exciting races of their time for stock car fans.

Period-era race cars will be on display at the CMHF’s new home located at Legendary Motorcar at 8242 Fifth Line in Halton Hills. Admission is $5 per car and includes access to the “Golden Era of Racing in Toronto” festivities as well as the Museum itself. Food and refreshments will be available.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame was forced to leave its former home at Exhibition Place in January of this year to make room for the construction of the new soccer stadium. The CMHF operates as a not-for-profit, charitable institution. Its aim is to honor and recognize those who have made significant contributions to motorsports in Canada.

Lucky you....

My wife's watching the American Idol final (blech!) so I'm going to post some of the press releases and news that people have been nice enough to send our way...... here goes.

CASCAR: CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE TEAM OPEN 2006 WITH TOP TEN FINISH

Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team hit the track at Barrie Speedway over the weekend for round number one of the 2006 CASCAR Super Series. While the results placed the team with a solid top ten finish, everyone felt a little disappointed with the final placing.

Photo by G. MacPherson / Inside Track

The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge was quick right from the first practice session and driver Brad Graham was able to not only run quick time trial laps, but also completed his 50 lap heat race with third place podium finish. Not only did this secure the sixth starting spot for the 250 lap main event, but the heat races award full race championship points toward the final standings. “Our car was fast all weekend” stated Graham after the event. “It’s easy to forget about the points in these heat races because you get so focused on starting position, I’m glad we were able to get a good finish”.

The 250 feature race was delayed until Monday afternoon due to inclement weather however the cold temperatures throughout the weekend didn’t slow down the car or the pit crew. “The first 100 or laps or so everyone was doing pretty good staying out of trouble, but then things got kind of heated later in the race” said the driver. “We were doing our thing, running up front in the top five or six all afternoon long and then we decided to make our pit stop for tires and fuel. I thought the guys did an awesome job to get our service and get us back on track before the pace car came around, but CASCAR saw it differently.”

Brad was ruled not to have made it out of the pits before the pace car and was scored one lap down. “That deflated us, no question about it” said a dejected Graham. “There seemed to be some confusion on a couple of issues during the race and that’s frustrating. We had the car to run up front all day but that judgment sure worked against us”.

Still among the fastest runners all afternoon Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge did score an 8th place finish in the main event. “While initially we were a bit disappointed we’ll move on and get ready for St. Eustache in a couple of weeks. It’s a track we ran well at last year and we’ll be prepared to do that again” said the driver.

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 and will also compete at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres. You can see the Challenger Motor Freight Recruitment Coaches at most CASCAR Super Series events.”

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge check out the newly renovated website at http://www.bradgraham.ca/ You can follow the CASCAR Super Series all season on Rogers Sportsnet. The first race of the season airs Saturday June 10th at 2:30PM.


CONTACT INFORMATION
Brad Graham, Driver, Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge
(519) 671-4095

John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts
1-800-818-9118 Ext 221

Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight
1-800-265-6358

Prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

CASCAR: Top-ten finish for Kerry Micks at Barrie Speedway

BARRIE, ON (May 22, 2006) – Kerry Micks drove the Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal 2006 Micks Motorsports Ford to a sixth place finish at the GO-RACING.CA 300 CASCAR Super Series race on Monday at Barrie Speedway.


“A top-ten finish coupled with a win in the Saturday qualifier is a great way to start the CASCAR Super Series season,” said veteran Kerry Micks 45, from Mt. Albert. “I’m really proud of my team for all of their hard work and for sticking with our team.”

Scott Steckly won the GO-RACING.CA 300 followed closely by Don Thomson Jr. in second and J.R. Fitzpatrick in third.

“It was no surprise that lapped traffic was a little difficult to deal with,” added Micks. “The support from Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal at Barrie and our finishes on the weekend was a very positive start to the season.”

Micks finished the 2005 season in seventh position with four top-three podium finishes, including a win at the Molson Indy in Toronto and at Autodrome St-Eustache in St-Eustache, QC.

TTR – Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal, a commercial and industrial waste and recycling collection Services Company based in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.The next CASCAR Super Series race of the season will take place Saturday, June 10 at Autodrome St-Eustache located west of Montreal, Quebec on the 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval.

For information about Autodrome St-Eustache tickets and camping, call the Autodrome Hotline at 450.472.6222 or visit online at www.autodrome-st-eustache.com

Micks Motorsports is sponsored by APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc., Cathcart Trucking and Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Racing Championship.

CASCAR ON TV: Catch the GO-RACING.CA 300 CASCAR Super Series season opener from Barrie Speedway on June 10 on SPORTSNET. For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.

About Kerry Micks:A long established and popular competitor, Kerry Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion is the driver of the #02 Micks Motorsports 2006 Ford Taurus in the CASCAR Super Series.

Micks 45, of Mount Albert, Ontario finished the 2005 season in seventh position with four top-three podium finishes from a total of 12 CASCAR Super Series races, including a win at the Molson Indy in Toronto and at Autodrome St-Eustache in St-Eustache, QC. Micks collected two poles in 2005 at Barrie Speedway and Peterborough Speedway.

About Micks Motorsports:Established in 1993, as a Canadian Motorsports marketing company Micks Motorsports is owned and operated by Kerry and Susan Micks from Mt. Albert, Ontario and operates a top CASCAR Super Series team with Kerry Micks as the driver.

Kerry Micks has been driving Ford products since 1995 when Ford of Canada came on board with Micks Motorsports, and it continues to support Ford and retain close relationships with all involved.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher bruce@jajentertainment.com

PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY: Coming up

Some items sent along by Peterborough Speedway...

$500 TO WIN ROLL OVER COMPETITION THIS WEEKEND This Saturday May 26, 06 we will be holding our first roll-over competition. The event is open to everyone. The rules are available in the rules section of this site. Points will be awarded on how far you roll. One point per side with 2 bonus for making it back on your wheels. Every competitor will get three attempts.

100 LAP LATE MODEL EVENT JUNE 3. We will be hosting a 100 Lap Late Model invitational on Saturday June 3, 2006. The event is open to everyone and an outline of the rules, payout, and itinerary are posted in the rules section of this site. The total purse is $14,000 and will be $2500 to win. Alot of interest has been expressed from the drivers for this event.

For Peterborough Speedway info, please call 705-743-5880.

CASCAR: J.R. Fitzpatrick Opens Season with Sizzle at Barrie in New Sponsor’s Debut

From Maudsley Motorsports

(Barrie, Ontario) – With a new sponsor on board, J.R. Fitzpatrick and his Milwaukee Electric Tool Chevrolet Monte Carlo arrived in Barrie on Victoria Day weekend for the first race of the 2006 CASCAR Super Series season.

Fitzpatrick entered the event, riding his ninth-place finish in the 2005 championship campaign, and was 12th on the speed chart with a lap of 14.504 seconds following practice, but less than a quarter of a second off the fastest time.

A couple of hours later, with a qualifying position on the line, Fitzpatrick stepped it up and blitzed a lap of 14.410 seconds, good enough for the fifth-fastest time of the day, and almost a tenth of a second better than practice. “We were really pleased with that run. We fought a lot today. We had a broken carburetor, and some other things, but the guys worked hard all day and got me really pumped up before we went out.”

The next time the #84 machine hit the track was for a 50-lap qualifying race under the lights on Saturday night. J.R. rolled off third behind teammate Don Thomson Jr., and D.J. Kennington, but Peter Gibbons was on the outside of Fitzpatrick on the start and grabbed third position, shuffling J.R. back to fourth. The young driver went on the hunt, trying to find a way behind the two-time National champion, and after a couple of close calls, Fitzpatrick got position for good heading into turn three. He would complete the pass, but never caught Thomson, or Kennington, who finished first and second, with John Ryan bringing his mount home third. “That was really cool, passing Peter. I’ve always been a little intimidated by him, but tonight was the first time I had ever even stayed on his bumper. Tonight I was fast enough to pass him as well.”

Sunday’s feature was cancelled on account of rain most of the day, and run on Monday afternoon. Fitzpatrick rolled off fifth for the start of the go-racing.ca 250. He was quick to fall into line and ride through the early portion of the race. The third-year driver explained, “This is a tough place. You have to be around at the end and I know I have to have patience. The guys kept me calm, and I was able to stay out of trouble. I didn’t push on the start, and later, when Kerry Micks was faster, I just let him go. I knew if I save my car, then I’ll have a shot at the end.”

J.R. brought his car to pit road for two tires and fuel just after the halfway point of the race and returned to action just inside the top-ten. He worked his way forward, as his setup allowed him to be one of the only cars to be able to run the outside of the race track. Fitzpatrick also showed his quickness, picking up the Good Year award for turning the fastest lap during the race.

As the laps wore down, J.R. was able to attach himself to his teammate while the pair worked through traffic, and avoided trouble to be shown in sixth on a restart with just 20 laps to go, trailing Thomson, Micks, Kennington, Mark Dilley, and Scott Steckly. One lap after the green dropped, Kennington spun, and Micks visited pit road with damage from the contact. This moved Fitzpatrick to fourth before Dilley spun in oil with only a handful of circuits remaining. The three-lap sprint to the finish saw Steckly, Thomson and Fitzpatrick cross the line in that order, as none could advance their positions. J.R. was thrilled with the solid finish to open the season. “After the way Saturday started, this is an awesome end to the weekend. I wanted a change to the car partway through when we made our pit stop, and Ted talked me out of it. I have to hand it to him, because the car just got better and better the later we went in the race. I was able to work the outside better then almost everyone. That made it a little easier working through traffic.” For Steckly, it was his first career Super Series victory, as he led the final 107 laps, and held off a number of charges to take the checkers.
1. Steckly, 2. Thomson, 3. J.R. Fitzpatrick, 4. Brown, 5. Dilley.

Unofficial Point Standings (after one event) – 1. Thomson (249 points), 2. Steckly (238), 3. Brown (230), 4. J.R. Fitzpatrick (228), 5. Micks (223).

It was an excellent way to open the season, and J.R. is already looking forward to event number two, June tenth at Autodrome Ste. Eustache, just outside of Montreal. “This was a great way to start the season, but last year we got off to a good start at Delaware, and then had trouble at Ste. Eustache. Hopefully this year will be different. We’re going to try to ride the momentum of this week to next race.”

For more information on J.R. Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Motorsports, CASCAR, Barrie Speedway, or Autodrome Ste. Eustache, please visit http://www.cascar.ca/, http://www.barriespeedway.com/, or http://www.autodrome-st-eustache.com/.

For more information on Milwaukee Electric Tool, please visit http://www.milwaukeetools.com/.

CASCAR: The Quest for an Even Half-Dozen Titles Began in Barrie for Thomson

From Maudsley Motorsports
(Barrie, Ontario) – As the 2006 CASCAR Super Series season opened last weekend in Barrie, Hamilton’s Don Thomson Jr. and his Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo were prepared to defend the championship for the fifth time, as Thomson looked to add a sixth National championship to the trophy case.

The weekend started with practice on Saturday afternoon, and Thomson was the second-fastest car of the session, turning a lap of 14.325 seconds, a mere .049 ticks of the clock behind Doug Brown. A short while later, it was payoff time and Thomson ripped off a lap of 14.313 seconds around the 3/10th-mile track, besting Brown by .036 seconds, and claiming his CASCAR record 26th pole position.

Festivities continued with a pair of 50-lap qualifying races, and Don led the field to the green in the first twin event, with second-place starter D.J. Kennington tucking into line behind the black # 4. Thomson would have his way with the field, pacing all 50 laps and keeping D.J. at bay to pick up the win. “The car was really good early in the race. It got a little tight later in the run, but nothing major. It was a great way to start the season. We got the pole and led every one of the 50 laps.”

Sunday night’s feature would get ‘frozen out’ leaving the go-racing.ca 250 to be run on Victoria Day Monday. Thomson brought the field to the green with Brown alongside him, and immediately jumped into the lead. “I knew right off the bat we had a good car. We made a couple of changes to the car Sunday morning and it was awesome as soon as the green dropped.”

Thomson would pace the field, surviving a number of restarts before taking an opportunity to pit on lap 142 under yellow for new right side tires. “That’s a little later than when we wanted to pit, because that was at the end of a long green-flag run.” A number of the leaders darted to pit road for service, and the Fitzpatrick Motorsports Team whipped off a tremendous stop, getting Don back into action in sixth. The traffic on the tight track was tense, and while Thomson was trying to move to the front, he was also under attack from behind. He was still shown in sixth with just over 50 laps to go, but started to climb back into contention, reaching fifth by lap 230, with his teammate, J.R. Fitzpatrick behind him.

Shortly after a lap 230 restart, Kennington and Kerry Micks collided in front of Thomson, but Don did a tremendous job of avoiding the wreck and keeping the wheels straight. He found himself in third with a handful of laps remaining and only Mark Dilley and Scott Steckly - who took the lead when Don pitted – in front of him. As the field went green near the closing stages of the race, a layer of oil coated turns one and two. Steckly made it through, while Thomson made contact with Dilley as the pair tried to slow down enough for the corner. “It was a bad deal. I saw Mark start to slide, and I was all over the brakes, but I just slid into him. There was a lot of fluid down there and nothing anyone could do.”

This would leave Thomson on Steckly’s bumper for the final three-lap run to the finish, but Don couldn’t do anything with Scott as he chased him to the checkered flag. Teammate J.R. Fitzpatrick filled the final step on the podium. “We’ll take this run, and the points lead to start the season,” Thomson explained after the race. “I think we were better than Scott at the end, but never got a chance to prove it. This place is very tough to pass on, and we just needed the track position that we lost pitting when we did. Scott pitted on the caution before us and it was enough to get him the win.”
1. Steckly, 2. Don Thomson Jr., 3. J.R. Fitzpatrick, 4. Brown, 5. Dilley.

Unofficial Point Standings (after one event) – 1. Don Thomson Jr. (249 points), 2. Steckly (238), 3. Brown (230), 4. J.R. Fitzpatrick (228), 5. Micks (223).

Event number two for Don Thomson Jr. and the Fitzpatrick Motorsports Team will be Saturday, June tenth at Autodrome Ste. Eustache, just outside of Montreal. Don is excited about visiting the flat 4/10th-mile track, where he has tasted victory before, “Ste. Eustache is a great track to race at. It’s a challenge, because both ends are so different. Turns one and two are so tight, but three and four have almost a double apex to it. We always seem to run well there, so I’m pretty pumped up about it.”

For more information on Don Thomson Jr., Fitzpatrick Motorsports, CASCAR, Barrie Speedway, or Autodrome Ste. Eustache, please visit http://www.cascar.ca/, http://www.barriespeedway.com/, or www.autodrome-st-eustache.com.

For more information on Home Hardware, please visit http://www.milwaukeetools.com/.