Hamilton, ON: The Jacombs Racing/Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Ford Taurus team of Dave Jacombs has been preparing for this big Canada Day Weekend event for two weeks and they are set to go racing. The Mopar 300 presented by Dodge Dealers of Ontario is a full three days of activies for the CASCAR race teams starting Friday with a downtown Barrie dispaly at Promenade Days then a Pit Stop Competition for the teams, followed by a Pit Stop Party at the Roxx.
The #88 Taurus team is looking for a better finish than the eleventh they notched here in the May event. My team have been working long hours on the car and motor program to make us better and we are confident we will have a better finish this time," said Jacombs. "It's a fun weekend at Barrie and we are looking forward to it."
Barrie Speedway, the host of the 2005 Canada Day weekend event as well has continued to upgrade their 1/3 mile tri-oval facility for both the fans and drivers. New ashpault has been put down to improve the racing surface after problems last year and fans will find lots of racing action over the two days with three of the home series divisions in attendance along with the CASCAR Sportsman and Super Series teams.
On Saturday, CASCAR practice is from Noon until 2 p.m., spectator gates open at 3:30, with home series heats and B features from 4:20 until 6:20 p.m. CASCAR time trials are at 6:30 with home features to follow. Finally the CASCAR Twin 50 Qualifying Races are set to take the green at 9 p.m. Upon completion there will be fireworks and a music concert and party until 1 a.m.
Sunday's schedule starts with CASCAR Sportsman Series practice at 11:00 a.m, with their 100 lap event to follow at 12:45. The Mopar 300 presented by Dodge Dealers of Ontario is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.
Jacombs currently sits in thirteenth in the owners CASCAR Championship Points after three events.
Major Sponsor Lou’s – TMF – The Meat Factory has celebrated 26 successful years as an industry leader producing Premium Quality Meat Products. TMF oversees the development of their four key brands – Lou’s fully cooked Restaurant Style entrees, Lou’s Peameal Bacon of Canada, Limited Edition portion steaks and The Meat Factory. Their HACCP facility has state of the art equipment and recent expansion has been designed to meet industry food safety needs as well as developing unique time saving products for both their Foodservice and Retail Customers across Canada. For more information visit www.tmffoods.com
Established in 1981,CASCAR (Canadian Association for Stock Car Racing) is the governing body for amateur and professional stock car racing in Canada. Today it boasts the highest level of stock car racing in the nation, and sanctions Canada’s premier (and only national) stock car racing series, the CASCAR Super Series.
The CASCAR Super Series visits tracks all across Canada, from Quebec to British Columbia with 11 events per year. CASCAR also sanctions two other racing series, the CASCAR Sportsman Series (in Ontario and Quebec) and the CASCAR Flo-Pro Western Series (in Western Canada). With more than 150 member teams, CASCAR racing delivers an exciting entertainment package to fans all across Canada, both at the track and on television.
Jacombs Racing is supported by a dedicated group of sponsors and product supporters. They include, Lou’s BBQ, CPS Flooring, New Generation Racing Engines, Canadian Linen, Wix Filters, Corteco, Praxair and Kool Graphics and we would like to welcome aboard Broil King.
For more information on the CASCAR Super Series please visit www.cascar.ca // For more information on the Jacombs Racing please contact: www.jacombsracing.ca or contact Linda Jones // LJM Marketing
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Friday, June 30, 2006
NASCAR's Brian France discusses bringing the Busch Series to Montreal
From a Q&A held yesterday (Thursday) at Dayont Int'l Speedway....
QUESTION: I know some NASCAR officials had some pretty pleasing talks in Montreal recently. I'm wondering your thoughts on expanding into Canada, if that's something you think will happen next year?
BRIAN FRANCE: I don't know that it will happen next year, but my hope is that we're going to figure out the Busch Series in Montreal. That's a great venue. We're having good success, as you know, down south. So my hope is that because we have a big fan base in Canada that is you've heard me say this before, but of course, less population percentage wise though, about the same amount of people follow NASCAR in Canada as they do in the U.S. So we would like to take a live event north of the border. That's the venue in our view to do that. And I hope, I don't know that it will be '07, but we are working with them and we'll see what happens.
"Better than a kick in the pants."
Courtesy Ray Lee
Driver Aaron Povoledo pretty much summed up the Kensai Racing with Compass360 team's Mid-Ohio weekend with those few words. As it has been for the season thus far, it was clear from the outset of the event that both Acura RSX-S's were able to run at the head of pack, being as high as third in the practice sessions, and never out of the top ten, regardless of the conditions.
The practice sessions on Thursday and Friday were good for wet testing but for little else, as fine-tuning of the set-up of the cars was left for the dry conditions of Saturday morning. The team did a great job of getting as much data as possible before qualifying in the afternoon, and adjusting the cars accordingly. The result was a fifth place position for the #75 piloted by Travis Walker, with Karl Thomson in the #76 car 3/100ths of a second behind (qualifying seventh). Yes, competition in Grand Am Cup is THAT close!
Sunday morning practice saw Thomson in third spot, the changes to #76's set-up having made a world of difference.
When the race started on Sunday afternoon, both cars took off, with Walker storming to second place by the end of the first lap! The #75 car was able to hang on to the bumper of the #01 Cobalt SS driven by Jamie Holtom, but wasn't quite able to take the lead. That said, Walker ran an absolutely flawless stint, dealing with traffic ably and being gentle on the car. He handed the car to Taz Harvey on lap 40, still in second place.
Thomson, meanwhile, managed to clear traffic and had some great battles with the BMWs of Turner (#95) and Tuaty (#12), as well as the #144 RSX of Michael Galati. He ran as high as second as the other ST cars made their pit stops on the second yellow flag of the day. Thomson handed the car to co-driver Aaron Povoledo, who exited the pits in fourth after a spectacular pit stop by the Kensai team.
So the Kensai Racing with Compass360 cars were in good position to take two top-five positions -- and potentially finish with both on the podium.
Unfortunately, a short way into his stint, Harvey ran afoul of lapped traffic. Now, Taz needs no introduction to fans of production-car road racing, having been a stalwart pilot of Hondas in SPEED World Challenge since its inception in the early 90s. He's a great driver and a real team player, and Kensai was truly thrilled to welcome him again to the fold after his awesome performance at Phoenix earlier in the year.
On lap 47, second-place Harvey was involved in a spectacular incident with the lapped cars of Mike Leibl and Cyril Hamelin. Harvey moved to pass the #189 Trois-Rivieres Honda Civic of Hamelin going into turn one, while Leibl in the #29 Southern Auto Auction Acura tried to pass Harvey (although not for position). At Mid Ohio, it's usually the case that three into corner one don't go, and all three cars suffered extensive damage as the result of the collision. Hamelin's car flipped end-over-end, while Harvey's RSX-S barrel-rolled five times. Thankfully, all drivers walked away with little more than small bruises on body and ego, with perhaps larger bruises on their checkbooks.
Traffic played a huge role in the outcome of this weekend's GAC race, and this was the most obvious example. Thanks to the Mid Ohio safety workers and medical staff that did such a great job of getting the drivers out of the cars and safely attended to.
Povoledo, meanwhile, was circulating in third position, honing in on the #70 Mazda RX-8 of David Haskell and the #01 Cobalt, now with Eric Curran at the helm. The long yellow flag which resulted from the clean-up in corner one allowed time to cool down the cars and tires, which meant the battle for the podium was on with the drop of the green flag.
With the #75 car out, Aaron worked to keep the #76 car in the hunt, moving through traffic and staying with the Cobalt and RX-8. Meanwhile, the #27 RSX-S of Matt and Hugh Plumb was tight on his bumper, and when a lapped Honda Accord ran Povoledo wide, the Plumb car took advantage, dropping Aaron to fourth place.
That was how the event ended, with the #76 car finishing fourth on the road. However, Grand Am assessed the team a 10-second penalty for a man over the wall before the car came to stop during its pit stop, which relegated them to fifth place in ST.
In all, a weekend of mixed emotions. The team is proud of both cars' performance, and are thrilled with the fifth place for Thomson and Povoledo (its' second-best of the year, after the fourth place finish of Thomson and Billy Johnson at Laguna Seca). They're also grateful that Taz emerged unscathed from the wreck of the #75 car.
Plans are under way already for the construction of a new car that will appear for the next GA Cup race at Barber in a month's time. No doubt, both Kensai Racing with Compass360 cars will have what it takes to get on the podium there.
For more information on Kensai Racing visit www.kensairacing.com.
Driver Aaron Povoledo pretty much summed up the Kensai Racing with Compass360 team's Mid-Ohio weekend with those few words. As it has been for the season thus far, it was clear from the outset of the event that both Acura RSX-S's were able to run at the head of pack, being as high as third in the practice sessions, and never out of the top ten, regardless of the conditions.
The practice sessions on Thursday and Friday were good for wet testing but for little else, as fine-tuning of the set-up of the cars was left for the dry conditions of Saturday morning. The team did a great job of getting as much data as possible before qualifying in the afternoon, and adjusting the cars accordingly. The result was a fifth place position for the #75 piloted by Travis Walker, with Karl Thomson in the #76 car 3/100ths of a second behind (qualifying seventh). Yes, competition in Grand Am Cup is THAT close!
Sunday morning practice saw Thomson in third spot, the changes to #76's set-up having made a world of difference.
When the race started on Sunday afternoon, both cars took off, with Walker storming to second place by the end of the first lap! The #75 car was able to hang on to the bumper of the #01 Cobalt SS driven by Jamie Holtom, but wasn't quite able to take the lead. That said, Walker ran an absolutely flawless stint, dealing with traffic ably and being gentle on the car. He handed the car to Taz Harvey on lap 40, still in second place.
Thomson, meanwhile, managed to clear traffic and had some great battles with the BMWs of Turner (#95) and Tuaty (#12), as well as the #144 RSX of Michael Galati. He ran as high as second as the other ST cars made their pit stops on the second yellow flag of the day. Thomson handed the car to co-driver Aaron Povoledo, who exited the pits in fourth after a spectacular pit stop by the Kensai team.
So the Kensai Racing with Compass360 cars were in good position to take two top-five positions -- and potentially finish with both on the podium.
Unfortunately, a short way into his stint, Harvey ran afoul of lapped traffic. Now, Taz needs no introduction to fans of production-car road racing, having been a stalwart pilot of Hondas in SPEED World Challenge since its inception in the early 90s. He's a great driver and a real team player, and Kensai was truly thrilled to welcome him again to the fold after his awesome performance at Phoenix earlier in the year.
On lap 47, second-place Harvey was involved in a spectacular incident with the lapped cars of Mike Leibl and Cyril Hamelin. Harvey moved to pass the #189 Trois-Rivieres Honda Civic of Hamelin going into turn one, while Leibl in the #29 Southern Auto Auction Acura tried to pass Harvey (although not for position). At Mid Ohio, it's usually the case that three into corner one don't go, and all three cars suffered extensive damage as the result of the collision. Hamelin's car flipped end-over-end, while Harvey's RSX-S barrel-rolled five times. Thankfully, all drivers walked away with little more than small bruises on body and ego, with perhaps larger bruises on their checkbooks.
Traffic played a huge role in the outcome of this weekend's GAC race, and this was the most obvious example. Thanks to the Mid Ohio safety workers and medical staff that did such a great job of getting the drivers out of the cars and safely attended to.
Povoledo, meanwhile, was circulating in third position, honing in on the #70 Mazda RX-8 of David Haskell and the #01 Cobalt, now with Eric Curran at the helm. The long yellow flag which resulted from the clean-up in corner one allowed time to cool down the cars and tires, which meant the battle for the podium was on with the drop of the green flag.
With the #75 car out, Aaron worked to keep the #76 car in the hunt, moving through traffic and staying with the Cobalt and RX-8. Meanwhile, the #27 RSX-S of Matt and Hugh Plumb was tight on his bumper, and when a lapped Honda Accord ran Povoledo wide, the Plumb car took advantage, dropping Aaron to fourth place.
That was how the event ended, with the #76 car finishing fourth on the road. However, Grand Am assessed the team a 10-second penalty for a man over the wall before the car came to stop during its pit stop, which relegated them to fifth place in ST.
In all, a weekend of mixed emotions. The team is proud of both cars' performance, and are thrilled with the fifth place for Thomson and Povoledo (its' second-best of the year, after the fourth place finish of Thomson and Billy Johnson at Laguna Seca). They're also grateful that Taz emerged unscathed from the wreck of the #75 car.
Plans are under way already for the construction of a new car that will appear for the next GA Cup race at Barber in a month's time. No doubt, both Kensai Racing with Compass360 cars will have what it takes to get on the podium there.
For more information on Kensai Racing visit www.kensairacing.com.
NASCAR: "[Richard] Buck formerly was Director of Racing Development, Canada"
This release came from NASCAR today.
Tucked at the bottom is the news that NASCAR's point man in Canada, Richard Buck, has moved on.
As of now, there's no word on his replacement in Canada, or if there will be a replacement.
CLARIFICATION (1:25 p.m): NASCAR's Herb Branham just sent me the following note: "Buck will continue to oversee the Canada development."
***************************
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 30, 2006) – NASCAR announced today that Steve O’Donnell has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Racing Operations, with special emphasis on NASCAR’s three national series.
O’Donnell, 37, formerly served as Managing Director of Events and Operations. He will continue to oversee competition administration, at-track operations, strategic planning issues such as scheduling and sanctioning in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. O’Donnell is based at NASCAR’s headquarters in Daytona Beach.
In addition, three other promotions were announced, all part of a reorganization of NASCAR’s weekly and touring operations.
George Silbermann has been promoted to Managing Director of Racing Operations, with a focus on the weekly and regional racing levels. Prior to joining NASCAR, Silbermann was president of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
Richard Buck, a five-time Indianapolis 500-winning crew chief with Roger Penske’s organization, has been named Director of Touring Series. Buck formerly was Director of Racing Development, Canada.
Bob Duvall has been named Director of Weekly Racing and Contingency Programs. Duvall is a former track operator at Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, Pa.
ProFormance Driving School News
Courtesy Marybeth Harrison
ProFormance is getting quite booked up and we wanted to give you the opportunity to register for any programs you might be interested in before we are completely sold out.
One-Day Racing Course – Vancouver
Thursday August 3rd
Only 3 spots left, $1,200 per person
One-Day Racing Course – Calgary
Thursday August 17th
Sold out ... however, if you are interested in being added to our wait list, please let me know ASAP. If we have enough people, we'll open up another day. Individuals and 'small' groups (ie under 21 people) are welcome.
Two-Day Advanced Racing Course – Calgary
Friday August 18th (evening)Saturday August 19th (all day)
Only 3 spots left, $2,900 per personThis is an exclusive course, restricted to a maximum of 7 individuals. You have a car to yourself and the track to yourself for the day. You also have the option of writing an exam at the end which qualifies you for your race license. No previous experience necessary.
Race Event – Calgary
Saturday August 19th (evening)
Sunday August 20th (all day)
Seats available, $4,500 all inclusive
Corporate Events – CalgaryMonday August 14th
Wednesday September 27th
Corporate Events – Mosport
Wednesday September 12th Corporate Events – Phoenix
Friday December 1st
ProFormance Racing
2244 Lefeuvre Rd.
Abbotsford BC V4X 1C6
Local 604 607 7735
800 567 RACE (7223)
ProFormance is getting quite booked up and we wanted to give you the opportunity to register for any programs you might be interested in before we are completely sold out.
One-Day Racing Course – Vancouver
Thursday August 3rd
Only 3 spots left, $1,200 per person
One-Day Racing Course – Calgary
Thursday August 17th
Sold out ... however, if you are interested in being added to our wait list, please let me know ASAP. If we have enough people, we'll open up another day. Individuals and 'small' groups (ie under 21 people) are welcome.
Two-Day Advanced Racing Course – Calgary
Friday August 18th (evening)Saturday August 19th (all day)
Only 3 spots left, $2,900 per personThis is an exclusive course, restricted to a maximum of 7 individuals. You have a car to yourself and the track to yourself for the day. You also have the option of writing an exam at the end which qualifies you for your race license. No previous experience necessary.
Race Event – Calgary
Saturday August 19th (evening)
Sunday August 20th (all day)
Seats available, $4,500 all inclusive
Corporate Events – CalgaryMonday August 14th
Wednesday September 27th
Corporate Events – Mosport
Wednesday September 12th Corporate Events – Phoenix
Friday December 1st
ProFormance Racing
2244 Lefeuvre Rd.
Abbotsford BC V4X 1C6
Local 604 607 7735
800 567 RACE (7223)
NAPA AUTOPRO TEAM RETURNS TO BARRIE
Courtesy Ken Spencer
Brantford’s Doug Brown heads back to Barrie Speedway this Canada Day Weekend looking for a repeat of his season opening performance at the tough 1/3rd-mile oval. Or better still, he’d like to improve upon his fourth place run on opening day.
The veteran competitor is off to his best start ever in Super Series competition and finds himself tied with defending Series’ Champion Don Thomson Jr or Ayr for fourth spot in the early season points’ race.
They currently trail Series’ leader Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert by 30 points and are just 10 points behind third place runner JR Fitzpatrick of Cambridge. Scott Steckley of Milverton sits in second spot a mere 4 points out of the lead heading to Barrie.
“Just like the season opener, we need to set a fast qualifying time, have a solid run in the 50-lap qualifier and run a steady pace and stick with the leaders lap by lap in the 300-lap main event,” Doug confided while discussing his pre-race strategy.
The team also enters the weekend with some added sponsorship support.
The NAPA Autopro-sponsored competitor will be carrying some extra business logos for this weekend’s race with Haldex Limited of Guelph coming on board the team’s sponsorship/marketing team for the rest of the season.
“We’re really delighted to have Brian Bowerman and his company Haldex join our team, “ Doug remarked when announcing the addition. “We’ve made some approaches to Haldex in the past and hope we can reward them with a strong performance at Barrie and throughout the balance of the season.”
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems has a broad line of products and subsystems that are used in air brake systems (and suspension systems) for heavy vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and buses. The product line includes compressors and air dryers, ABS/EBS systems, valves and brake cylinders, disc brakes, drum brake components and brake linings.
With the addition of Haldex and some added support from NAPA Autopro, the team is now confident it will be heading west for events in Vernon, BC on July 15th and 16th then back to Alberta for the Champ Car Grand Prix Weekend in Edmonton beginning July 21st.
The Brown Auto Racing #10 CASCAR Super Series Team is proud to have NAPA/Autopro as its Title Sponsor with Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Advance Printing; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines, Haldex Limited Davis Fuels and Leaf Racewear on its Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Brantford’s Doug Brown heads back to Barrie Speedway this Canada Day Weekend looking for a repeat of his season opening performance at the tough 1/3rd-mile oval. Or better still, he’d like to improve upon his fourth place run on opening day.
The veteran competitor is off to his best start ever in Super Series competition and finds himself tied with defending Series’ Champion Don Thomson Jr or Ayr for fourth spot in the early season points’ race.
They currently trail Series’ leader Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert by 30 points and are just 10 points behind third place runner JR Fitzpatrick of Cambridge. Scott Steckley of Milverton sits in second spot a mere 4 points out of the lead heading to Barrie.
“Just like the season opener, we need to set a fast qualifying time, have a solid run in the 50-lap qualifier and run a steady pace and stick with the leaders lap by lap in the 300-lap main event,” Doug confided while discussing his pre-race strategy.
The team also enters the weekend with some added sponsorship support.
The NAPA Autopro-sponsored competitor will be carrying some extra business logos for this weekend’s race with Haldex Limited of Guelph coming on board the team’s sponsorship/marketing team for the rest of the season.
“We’re really delighted to have Brian Bowerman and his company Haldex join our team, “ Doug remarked when announcing the addition. “We’ve made some approaches to Haldex in the past and hope we can reward them with a strong performance at Barrie and throughout the balance of the season.”
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems has a broad line of products and subsystems that are used in air brake systems (and suspension systems) for heavy vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and buses. The product line includes compressors and air dryers, ABS/EBS systems, valves and brake cylinders, disc brakes, drum brake components and brake linings.
With the addition of Haldex and some added support from NAPA Autopro, the team is now confident it will be heading west for events in Vernon, BC on July 15th and 16th then back to Alberta for the Champ Car Grand Prix Weekend in Edmonton beginning July 21st.
The Brown Auto Racing #10 CASCAR Super Series Team is proud to have NAPA/Autopro as its Title Sponsor with Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Advance Printing; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines, Haldex Limited Davis Fuels and Leaf Racewear on its Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
CASCAR: WHITLOCK SET FOR MOPAR CANADA DAY 300 AT BARRIE THIS WEEKEND
Three time National Champion Dave Whitlock and his #39 NTN-Bower/Nitrex Metal Technologies team roll into Barrie tomorrow for event three on the CASCAR tour this weekend at Barrie Speedway. Sunday is also a milestone for team owner/driver Whitlock who will be celebrating a special birthday.
When asked about the big 40, Whitlock said, "A win here on Sunday would make it even more of a special day so that would be our game plan."
Festivities surrounding the Mopar 300 weekend start Friday with the CASCAR display in downtown Barrie at the annual Promenade Days event. Several of the drivers will be on hand to sign autographs starting at 10 a.m. and the day will wind up with a parade of CASCAR race cars at 5:30 p.m. through the downtown streets to Lakeshore Drive where they will put on a pit stop competition at 6:00 p.m. for the fans.
Dave Whitlock returns to Barrie after posting a ninth place finish here at event #1 on the Victoria Day long weekend. Since then they have posted a fifth at the famed Mosport Road Course and sit sixth in the National Point Standings.
In Team News: Whitlock Motorsports is pleased to welcome back former crew member Steve Mifsud who will be taking on the Crew Chief duties for Pierre Bourque for his three race foray into CASCAR this year. Mifsud a long time crew chief for CASCAR teams such as Dave Whitlock, Bryan Cathcart and Pete Shepherd III will oversee the Whitlock prepared Dodge being raced by Pierre Bourque at the three events.
Pierre Bourque will compete at the Grand Prix of Edmonton in July, the Grand Prix Trois Rivieres and the Grand Prix of Montreal both in August. Bourque has been busy this year competing in the entire Busch East Championship Series and he is the only Canadian competing full time in NASCAR. Bourque currently sits seventeenth in the points chase just two points out of the lead for Rookie of the Year. He is also competing in selected ARCA events, the first one being at Winchester, IN where he finished thirteenth.
NTN Bearing corporation of Canada, based in Mississauga, Ontario manufactures and distributes a wide range of ball and roller bearings, serving the automotive, industrial and recreational markets. Established in 1968, NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd. has enjoyed continuous growth and expansion over the past 30 years. NTN Bearings are available through more than three hundred distribution outlets across Canada. With this extensive network, NTN is able to offer prompt, off the shelf service anywhere in the country. For more information on NTN Bearings please visit their website at www.ntn.ca
Whitlock Motorsports is a professional racing business located in Wyoming, ON just outside of Sarnia. The 5,000 square foot dedicated motorsports facility houses up to eight race cars, a chassis dyno and all the necessary tools to field a competitive two car race team. Dave Whitlock boasts three National Championships, 1991, 1997 and 1998 along with several top three National Championship finishes, while teammate Mark Dilley has one National Championship to his credit in 1994. Both teams have consistently posted finishes in the Top Six in the National Point Standings since Dilley joined the Whitlock team in 1999. www.whitlockmotorsports.com
For more information please contact:Linda Jones (705) 458-4044 or email: ljmmarketing@look.ca
CASCAR: NAPA AUTOPRO TEAM RETURNS TO BARRIE
Brantford’s Doug Brown heads back to Barrie Speedway this Canada Day Weekend looking for a repeat of his season opening performance at the tough 1/3rd-mile oval. Or better still, he’d like to improve upon his fourth place run on opening day.
The veteran competitor is off to his best start ever in Super Series competition and finds himself tied with defending Series’ Champion Don Thomson Jr or Ayr for fourth spot in the early season points’ race.
They currently trail Series’ leader Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert by 30 points and are just 10 points behind third place runner JR Fitzpatrick of Cambridge. Scott Steckley of Milverton sits in second spot a mere 4 points out of the lead heading to Barrie.
“Just like the season opener, we need to set a fast qualifying time, have a solid run in the 50-lap qualifier and run a steady pace and stick with the leaders lap by lap in the 300-lap main event,” Doug confided while discussing his pre-race strategy.
The team also enters the weekend with some added sponsorship support.
The NAPA Autopro-sponsored competitor will be carrying some extra business logos for this weekend’s race with Haldex Limited of Guelph coming on board the team’s sponsorship/marketing team for the rest of the season.
“We’re really delighted to have Brian Bowerman and his company Haldex join our team, “ Doug remarked when announcing the addition. “We’ve made some approaches to Haldex in the past and hope we can reward them with a strong performance at Barrie and throughout the balance of the season.”
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems has a broad line of products and subsystems that are used in air brake systems (and suspension systems) for heavy vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and buses. The product line includes compressors and air dryers, ABS/EBS systems, valves and brake cylinders, disc brakes, drum brake components and brake linings.
With the addition of Haldex and some added support from NAPA Autopro, the team is now confident it will be heading west for events in Vernon, BC on July 15th and 16th then back to Alberta for the Champ Car Grand Prix Weekend in Edmonton beginning July 21st.
The Brown Auto Racing #10 CASCAR Super Series Team is proud to have NAPA/Autopro as its Title Sponsor with Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Advance Printing; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines, Haldex Limited Davis Fuels and Leaf Racewear on its Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Prepared By: Ken SpencerMarketing and Media Relations // Brown Auto Racing
For additional information on Brown Auto Racing, see www.dougbrown.net
The veteran competitor is off to his best start ever in Super Series competition and finds himself tied with defending Series’ Champion Don Thomson Jr or Ayr for fourth spot in the early season points’ race.
They currently trail Series’ leader Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert by 30 points and are just 10 points behind third place runner JR Fitzpatrick of Cambridge. Scott Steckley of Milverton sits in second spot a mere 4 points out of the lead heading to Barrie.
“Just like the season opener, we need to set a fast qualifying time, have a solid run in the 50-lap qualifier and run a steady pace and stick with the leaders lap by lap in the 300-lap main event,” Doug confided while discussing his pre-race strategy.
The team also enters the weekend with some added sponsorship support.
The NAPA Autopro-sponsored competitor will be carrying some extra business logos for this weekend’s race with Haldex Limited of Guelph coming on board the team’s sponsorship/marketing team for the rest of the season.
“We’re really delighted to have Brian Bowerman and his company Haldex join our team, “ Doug remarked when announcing the addition. “We’ve made some approaches to Haldex in the past and hope we can reward them with a strong performance at Barrie and throughout the balance of the season.”
Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems has a broad line of products and subsystems that are used in air brake systems (and suspension systems) for heavy vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and buses. The product line includes compressors and air dryers, ABS/EBS systems, valves and brake cylinders, disc brakes, drum brake components and brake linings.
With the addition of Haldex and some added support from NAPA Autopro, the team is now confident it will be heading west for events in Vernon, BC on July 15th and 16th then back to Alberta for the Champ Car Grand Prix Weekend in Edmonton beginning July 21st.
The Brown Auto Racing #10 CASCAR Super Series Team is proud to have NAPA/Autopro as its Title Sponsor with Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Advance Printing; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines, Haldex Limited Davis Fuels and Leaf Racewear on its Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Prepared By: Ken SpencerMarketing and Media Relations // Brown Auto Racing
For additional information on Brown Auto Racing, see www.dougbrown.net
Thursday, June 29, 2006
MOPAR Canada Day Weekend at Barrie Speedway: MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge
The MOPAR Canada Day CASCAR Super Series / Sportsman Series Weekend (presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario) kicks off on Friday with several events in downtown Barrie. The public is welcome to attend.
FRIDAY SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m.: Move-in for RACE CAR DISPLAY... at Dunlop Street between Mary Street and Maple Street. Cars will remain on display until parade time.
5:30 p.m.: Race car parade from display area to Mopar Pit Stop Challenge area (on Lakeshore Blvd.)
6:00 p.m.: MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge (on Lakeshore Blvd.)
PAUL TRACY RETURNS TO DAYTONA FOR DOUBLE-DUTY
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – One of the racing world’s most famous drivers will be making an encore performance at one of the racing world’s most famous race tracks. Paul Tracy will be returning to Daytona International Speedway this week for the second time this season, as he will once again be driving in the Grand Am race on Thursday night and then piloting the #34 Sport Clips/American Crew Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday night.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to go back to Daytona and be part of one of the biggest races of the year,” Tracy said. “In February, I had great runs in both the Grand Am car and in the Sport Clips/American Crew Busch Series car and I am looking forward to getting back there and having a great weekend. Daytona is a historic track and I am proud to be able to race there.”
Sport Clips CEO and Founder, Gordon Logan, is excited about his relationship with Paul Tracy.
“We are extremely pleased with our relationship with Paul Tracy for his debut season in the NASCAR Busch Series. Paul brings an excitement and passion to the sport that has greatly expanded the fan base for the Busch Series, resulting in an increased awareness of Sport Clips in all of our markets.” He continued, “We are particularly pleased that American Crew is on board with us on Paul's car. We have a great relationship with American Crew, a leading edge product line specifically formulated for men and boys - our clients!”
Initially, Paul Tracy was scheduled to drive the #34 Sport Clips/American Crew Chevrolet at Indianapolis Raceway Park on August 5th, however since Sport Clips sponsored the Indianapolis 500 car of Max Papis in May, Sport Clips decided to move their Indianapolis sponsorship to Daytona.
Sport Clips, Inc. is a Georgetown, TX-based enterprise that currently has 315 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.
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.
From Doug Barnette // Player Management International, Inc.
CASCAR WEST: Teams 24 & 48 set to promote their appearance at the GP of Edmonton
From Paul Dennis, of CASCAR Western Series Teams #24 (Scott Dennis) & #48 (Chris Dennis)...
"We are promoting our upcoming race at the Edmonton Grand Prix this next week (Jul1-7) at the West Edmonton Mall. Cars will be on display for the whole week, by the Brick Warehouse. Further, we will be on GLOBAL TV on Tuesday, July 4 for an interview on: the CASCAR Western Series, the boys' involvement as rookies, the future of CASCAR, etc.
We have been told the interview is 8:15 a.m. When it will air I'm not sure, but I think it is live. We had a great promotion at the IHRA Rocky mountain Nationals this past week-end and we have been asked us to represent CASCAR in a photoshoot with handicapped children on the Friday practice day at the Edmonton Grand Prix. This will occur after the last morning practice and before 4:00 PM qualifying."
Thanks for the update Paul and good luck with the promotions and the event!
"We are promoting our upcoming race at the Edmonton Grand Prix this next week (Jul1-7) at the West Edmonton Mall. Cars will be on display for the whole week, by the Brick Warehouse. Further, we will be on GLOBAL TV on Tuesday, July 4 for an interview on: the CASCAR Western Series, the boys' involvement as rookies, the future of CASCAR, etc.
We have been told the interview is 8:15 a.m. When it will air I'm not sure, but I think it is live. We had a great promotion at the IHRA Rocky mountain Nationals this past week-end and we have been asked us to represent CASCAR in a photoshoot with handicapped children on the Friday practice day at the Edmonton Grand Prix. This will occur after the last morning practice and before 4:00 PM qualifying."
Thanks for the update Paul and good luck with the promotions and the event!
NPP Late Model Series: $75,000 OILMEN’S INVITATIONAL THIS LONG WEEKEND
EDMONTON, AB – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series touches down at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway this long holiday weekend. Saturday and Sunday night, race teams will compete at the 13th annual N.P.P. Oilmen’s Invitational.
"There is $75,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs this weekend,” says N.P.P. tour announcer Gord Craig. “This is a big dollar Late Model Stock Car race event for everyone involved. It’s also the first back to back race weekend of the 2006 season.” adds Craig, “So far, race teams have had only single race nights to contend with, now it’s a two night battle (Saturday and Sunday).”
One driver that can’t wait for the ‘battle’ is Mike Tom from Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Tom was involved in a serious 3 car crash in Edmonton back on May 27th and hasn’t raced since. “The number 55 car was unfortunately written off and believe it or not, I’m still a little sore from that wreck. One thing’s for sure I can’t wait to get back at it in my new car.”
Another driver that is ready is 3 time N.P.P Late Model Series champion and current point leader Trevor Emond. “I’ve got a great car and a great crew so it’s up to me to take this car to the front both nights.” The Leduc Alberta driver is on a hot streak in 2006. Emond has never finished worse than second in a Feature event this season. Conditioning will be an important factor going into this weekend also. Both Saturday and Sunday night's Feature events will be 50 laps in length double what the drivers are normally used to running (25 laps).
"It’s a long tough two nights of racing,” says Edson Alberta’s Dwight Kennedy, winner of the last NPP series event in Lethbridge, “If I can put this Dodge up front again this weekend I’ll be happy.”
WHAT: 13th ANNUAL OILMENS INVITATIONAL
WHERE: CASTROL RACEWAY // Edmonton, Alberta
DATES: SATURDAY/SUNDAY, July 1st/2nd
GATES: 5PM // RACING: 6:00PM
- From Gord Craig
HAM SPEC: Tim Miller's Column
In today's column, Tim Miller talks about Jeff Lapcevich and other things in the world of motorsports....
(h/t Bruce Mehlenbacher for the link)
(h/t Bruce Mehlenbacher for the link)
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
CASCAR: Barrie Speedway // MOPAR Canada Day Weekend, presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario - Preview
TORONTO, ON – For the second year in a row, CASCAR will be at Barrie Speedway for the MOPAR Canada Day Weekend, presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario. Sunday afternoon’s 300-lap feature race will be the focus of a busy three-day festival of motorsports at the speedway, as well as in downtown Barrie.
And while it will be the Super Series’ second visit of the season to the 1/3-mile tri-oval, located just north of Barrie, ON, the setting will be very different from the May long weekend when CASCAR held its season opener at the popular speedway.
For starters, the May event was held during winter’s last gasp in the Central Ontario region. And in the time since the May 22 opener, track owner Brad Moran has completed extensive work on the facility, which included building up the banking in turn 4 and laying down a high-tech asphalt surface around the entire speedway.
Former Super Series champion Mark Dilley won last year’s MOPAR Canada Day 300 at Barrie Speedway and he’s excited to be returning, especially under warmer conditions and with work on the new track layout complete. The Barrie, ON resident recently had an opportunity to test the reworked configuration. “We put on a racing school up there since the track was re-done, so I had a chance to do quite a few laps at Barrie. The track feels good and I’d really like to do well there again, since it’s my hometrack.” The Dodge Charger driver continued, “We’re really excited about the MOPAR Canada Day 300 at Barrie Speedway. It’s a great race and hopefully we can be as good as we were last year.”
But Dilley is not the only one who is enthused about returning to Barrie. Scott Steckly broke through to CASCAR’s victory lane for the first time in his career during the May race and he’s looking forward to continuing his strong start in 2006. The ERB Dodge Charger racer came home third in Race #2, on the road course at Mosport Int’l Raceway on Father’s Day, and is currently second in the points.
The man they will all be chasing in the MOPAR Canada Day 300 is Ford Taurus driver Kerry Micks, a former CASCAR champion who is riding high after his win at Mosport. Micks hails from Mt. Albert, ON and he holds a four-point lead over Steckly in the championship chase.
Incidentally, this will be the first race since June 2, 2005 at Autodrome St-Eustache that a driver other than Don Thomson Jr. has led the points heading into a Super Series race weekend. MOPAR Dodge Charger driver Ron Beauchamp Jr. led after two events last season. But in every race since – with the exception of this year’s season opener at Barrie – Thomson has entered the race as the points leader. This weekend, however, the five-time and current National Champion finds himself in fourth, in the standings, following his 23rd-place finish at Mosport.
The CASCAR Sportsman Series will also be in action this weekend at Barrie Speedway. Hometown favourite Ron Lethbridge won last year’s Canada Day Weekend Sportsman race at Barrie en route to capturing the Rookie of the Year Award. The MOPAR 100 Sportsman Series feature event is slated to start at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, while the MOPAR Canada Day 300 is scheduled to commence at 3:30 p.m on Sunday. Additional festivities include the $1,000-to-win MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge in downtown Barrie (on Lakeshore Dr.) at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening, while the Super Series Time Trials and Twin 50 Sprint Races will be the focus on Saturday evening at Barrie Speedway.
NEW PROMOTIONAL PARTNER: Last week, Headz Gamez Enterprises Int’l and CASCAR jointly announced a new promotional partnership that will see the company’s ‘Griddly Headz’ brand take a prominent position in the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Championship. The CASCAR race at the Grand Prix of Edmonton will be named the ‘Griddly Headz 100’, while the Labour Day event at Cayuga Int’l Speedway will be the ‘Hot Head Henry 200, powered by Griddly Headz’. For more information, visit www.griddlyheadz.com.
SCHEDULE: BARRIE SPEEDWAY (Barrie, Ontario)
CASCAR Super Series // MOPAR Canada Day 300
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2006
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Promenade Days at Downtown Barrie
5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Barrie Speedway Parade
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge (Lakeshore Drive)
SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2006
3:30 p.m. Spectator Gates Open
6:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Time Trials
7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Barrie Speedway Home Track Feature Races
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Twin 50 Sprint Races
SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2006
11: 00 a.m. Spectator Gates Open
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. CASCAR Sportsman Series Time Trials
12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CASCAR SPORTSMAN SERIES MOPAR 100 FEATURE RACE
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Autograph Session
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Driver Introductions
3:30 p.m. START: MOPAR CANADA DAY 300 CASCAR SUPER SERIES FEATURE
CASCAR ON TV: Catch the MOPAR Canada Day 300 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario from Barrie Speedway on Saturday, July 15 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.
MEDIA INVITATION: Members of the media are invited to attend the MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge on Friday afternoon at 6:00 p.m., and the MOPAR Big Block Party on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at The ROXX, on Dunlop St. in Barrie.
POINT STANDINGS: CASCAR SUPER SERIES: After 2 Events: 1. #02 Kerry Micks (394 pts.); 2. #22 Scott Steckly (390); 3. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (374); 4. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (364); 5. #10 Doug Brown (364); 6. #39 Dave Whitlock (354); 7. #17 DJ Kennington (350); 8. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (350); 9. #1 Peter Gibbons (343); 10. #19 Brad Graham (337); 11. #25 Jim Lapcevich (337); 12. #9 Mark Dilley (330); 13. #14 John Fitzpatrick (319); 14. #3 Jason Hathaway (318); 15. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (314); 16. #77 Derek Lynch (309); 17. #93 Joe Goncalves (288); 18. #11 Ron Van Es (281); 19. #9 Kent Nuhn (271); 20. #88 Dave Jacombs (201)
POINT STANDINGS: CASCAR FLO~PRO.COM WESTERN SERIES: After 2 Events: 1. #35 Kevin Dowler (325); 2. #36 Jim White (320); 3. #71 Daryl Harr (307); 4. #30 Derek Polack (301); 5. #6 Todd Nichol (290); 6. #87 James Ward (278); 7. #21 Jason White (275); 8. #2 Carl Harr (268); 9. #26 Shawn Polack (264); 10. #79 Wade Lee (262); 11. #96 Norm Hunger (254); 12. #48 Chris Dennis (252); 12. #42 Lyle Paulson (252); 13. #24 Scott Dennis (247); 14. #11 Marty White (244); 14. #86 Shawn Press (244); 14. #76 Dale Biesick (244); 14. #31 Shawn Maltman (244)
Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. // Contact: Greg MacPherson (416) 561-2320 (cell).
Comments regarding additions to – or deletions from – this mailing list should be sent to: greg@insidetracknews.com
Montreal Busch Series race slated for the end of July in 2007
TSN is quoting the Winston Salem Journal in saying:
NASCAR's return to Canada after more than 40 years will apparently take place next July in Montreal.
While series officials have yet to make an official announcement, the Winston-Salem Journal quotes sources who say a deal is in place to stage a Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve the weekend of July 28-29.
That is expected to be an off-weekend for the Nextel Cup series, which would ensure that a number of Cup regulars such as Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be able to make it up to Canada to take part in the race.
As I just discussed with one CASCAR driver, the supposedly impending announcement regarding the Busch Series coming to Canada will hopefully be enough to tip the balance for NASCAR to move ahead in buying CASCAR, thereby ending its two year due diligence process.
NASCAR's return to Canada after more than 40 years will apparently take place next July in Montreal.
While series officials have yet to make an official announcement, the Winston-Salem Journal quotes sources who say a deal is in place to stage a Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve the weekend of July 28-29.
That is expected to be an off-weekend for the Nextel Cup series, which would ensure that a number of Cup regulars such as Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be able to make it up to Canada to take part in the race.
As I just discussed with one CASCAR driver, the supposedly impending announcement regarding the Busch Series coming to Canada will hopefully be enough to tip the balance for NASCAR to move ahead in buying CASCAR, thereby ending its two year due diligence process.
Merger not so imminent, according to Tony George
IRL boss Tony George responded to reports that a deal was all but completed between he and ChampCar's Kevin Kalkhoven by saying that the story was "entirely fabricated." George continued, to an Indianapolis TV station, "It's so far from being close to being done, it's not even worth talking about... That is a story entirely fabricated by the people who wrote (it)."
The full story is available at TSN.ca.
The full story is available at TSN.ca.
Malcolm Strachan to try his hand at Stock Car racing
Sports car racing standout, Malcolm Strachan, will make his late model stock car racing debut at Kawartha Speedway on July 14th.
The three-time road racing champion will drive a Kirk Mowat prepared car for 2 race nights at Kawartha while regular driver, Brandon Mowat, is racing at Evans Mills, N.Y. in his dirt modified.
Strachan is also defending his ’05 Quebec GT Championship with the Mobil 1 Corvette and will do several Ontario events at Mosport and Shannonville.
The Toronto Grand Prix Indy Car weekend will also see Strachan driving a Phil Strudwick ’73 vintage Corvette in the ATTO Vintage GT Challenge July 9th weekend.
- From AV Photo
COLUMN: Montreal set to welcome NASCAR
Montreal Gazette writer Jack Todd compares last weekend's F1 show to "lawn bowling". Ouch.
and
Bring on NASCAR. After watching yet another Formula One grand prix grind to a finish as predictable as sunrise, we're ready to give the good ol' boys a whirl.
and
Let's face it: the Formula One grand prix in its current guise is over-sold, over-hyped, over-priced and, for this year at least, just plain over. It is not competitive, there are too few real battles on the track, overtaking is as rare as ice storms in June and the drama, or what there is of it, comes down to pitstop strategy and breakdowns.
And yet the crowds come out: 103,000 for practice Friday, 110,000 for qualifying, 119,000 for the race, a weekend total of 332,000. Like everyone else, I get up and watch the F1 race pretty much every other Sunday during the season. Because it's my job, but also because I do enjoy it for some perverse reason and I cover the race year after year.
The question is why. The world's finest cars, the world's greatest drivers and a spectacle that rates somewhere between the senior badminton tour and lawn bowling.
Pirelli’s Scorpion, a great brand for no matter what SUV or truck you own
Courtesy Marcovitch Public Relations
Montreal June 27, 2006 - Many SUV owners are more interested in hauling kids and groceries and having a commanding view of the road than attacking the Rubicon Trail. For drivers of small SUV’s in particular like RAV4’s, X-trails, CRV’s and Sportages, how their vehicles ride and handle on the highway is as important as having super traction in sand, mud, or snow.
Pirelli’s Scorpion line delivers the style, performance and versatility that people expect from Pirelli street tires while maintaining exceptional all-road, all-weather capabilities.
Designed and built specifically for light trucks and SUV’s, the new all-terrain Scorpion ATR has an advanced compound and tread design that give it the performance and comfort of a street tire, without sacrificing its ability to negotiate back country trails in all weather conditions. A perfect tire for summer cottage or camping trips, it handles freeways as easily as country roads. Scorpion ATR’s are original equipment on Ford pick-ups and the Lincoln LT.
For SUV owners who prefer to stay on the road, the Scorpion STR is the ideal choice for both city and long distance driving, offering outstanding wet and dry grip as well as dependable performance in light terrain and snow. Some sizes are also offered in a more aggressive tread design for heavy hauling pick-ups. The Scorpion STR is standard equipment on a number of vehicles such as the BMW X3, several Ford SUV’s and the Volvo XC70/90.
For aficionados, the Scorpion Zero, with its distinctive “Z” tread design, is the ultimate in high speed on-road performance and the reference point in the SUV/Truck tuning market. The Scorpion Zero is featured as standard equipment on Porsche Cayennes, Volkswagen Touaregs, Land Rovers and is the ideal tire for plus fitment conversions on any SUV or pick-up.
Pirelli also offers the Scorpion Ice & Snow, representing the best in Pirelli’s winter tire know-how and is designed specifically for SUV’s in Canadian winter conditions.
No matter how long or difficult the journey, there is a tire in the Pirelli Scorpion line-up that’s perfect for the trip. Available in a variety of rim sizes from 15” to 30”, the Scorpion line-up is styled to add much to the personality of the vehicle on which it is mounted.
Courtesy Auto Analyser Racing
BARC Grand Prix of Ontari0 - Mosport International Raceway - July 1-2, 2006 - Join the Auto Analyser Racing team this weekend at Mosport International Raceway and prepare to see double with the debut of the second car. The detailed preparations on the #65 Lexus IS300 have been completed and driver Andy Wojteczko will be driving alongside teammate and son, Andrew Wojteczko.
The double-header weekend includes 2 races, with an 85-minute endurance event on Sunday. This will be the highlight event of the BARC Grand Prix of Ontario and fans are invited to join the Auto Analyser Racing team for the race scheduled to commence after lunch on Sunday afternoon (approx. 12:00). Complimentary tickets are available at www.autoanalyser.com/racing or www.casc.on.ca/comptkt/.
Race Recap – CRDA 1hour Shootout
Shannonville Motorsport Park – Andrew Wojteczko got his 2nd win of the 2006 season in his Auto Analyser Racing Lexus IS300 at the CASC Ontario Touring GT Championship on June 4th. Wojteczko started from the pole and led every lap of the race at Shannonville Motorsport Park. He also turned the fasted lap of the race with a time of 1:32:800 on his 2nd lap.
The first place finish earned Wojteczko 230 points, and an additional 20 points were awarded for the pole position and fasted lap time. This made a huge impact on the championship point’s race, moving Wojteczko up 4 spots from 8th to 4th. He is now only 57 points back from the leader, and with continued success can hope to further move up the point’s ladder in the touring class.
For more info visit http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=296978
Lugnuts...
Mike Sutton of Tiemersma Motorsports passed this note along:
From Sunset Speedway's site: Sunset Loses One Of The Family
From their website:
UP NEXT: Canada Day // Saturday July 1, 2006
Late Model, Thunder Cars, Mini Stocks, F4, Canadian Vintage Modifieds vs U.S.A. Vintage Modifieds.
Pits open at 4:00pm // Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm. // Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
Lucas Oil Thunder Car- Mini Stock Invitational // Sunday July 2, 2006
Thunder Car, Mini Stock, Hurricane Midgets, 4cyl. Figure Eights, Demolition Derby.
Pits open at 4:00pm // Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm. // Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
For Ticket Info click here......
Well another weekend is past. The #7 crew was busy this weekend. Friday night both the #7 of Derrick and the #7 of Tony Tiemersma were in action at Kawartha Speedway. Both cars were in great shape at the start of the night with both the late model and the limited late model fighting a slightly tight condition….more on the website at http://www.tiemersmamotorsports.com/
********
From Sunset Speedway's site: Sunset Loses One Of The Family
The race program started off on a sad note on Saturday as many of us learned of the tragic and sudden death Friday night of John Rainey, a veteran driver in our Four Fun division. John has competed in the starter class right from the beginning and always was a friendly face to see in the infield. John succombed to a heart attack on Friday evening. All of us here at Sunset Speedway would like to send our condolences to John's family and friends - he will be missed.
********
Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway has a two-day Canada Day weekend of action planned....From their website:
UP NEXT: Canada Day // Saturday July 1, 2006
Late Model, Thunder Cars, Mini Stocks, F4, Canadian Vintage Modifieds vs U.S.A. Vintage Modifieds.
Pits open at 4:00pm // Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm. // Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
Lucas Oil Thunder Car- Mini Stock Invitational // Sunday July 2, 2006
Thunder Car, Mini Stock, Hurricane Midgets, 4cyl. Figure Eights, Demolition Derby.
Pits open at 4:00pm // Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm. // Racing Starts at 6:00 pm.
For Ticket Info click here......
********
As well, Merrittville Speedway will have a big Canada Day Show, on July 1, including fireworks. BOS: Big Block tour makes maiden voyage to Brockville next Tuesday
BROCKVILLE, ON - There will be 4th of July fireworks on the Canadian side of the border next Tuesday. The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series for Big Block Modifieds makes its first ever stop at Brockville Ontario Speedway for a 100 lap showdown at the Beast of the East.
"This is something that I have wanted to bring to our fans at Brockville for some time," says BOS promoter Paul Kirkland. "The opportunity to have these drivers and crews make a trip to our quarter mile track was a chance we couldn't pass up. We also hope our American neighbours will make the journey and make us part of their Independance Day celebrations," he added.
Brockville ran Big Block modifieds a couple of seasons ago with Steve Paine of Waterloo NY and Kingston's Danny O’Brien tying for the track title, showing small blocks could be quite competitive against their big block counterparts with extra horsepower.
However, there was no tour race on the schedule during that season. Billy Decker leads the point standings on the Advance Tour heading to Brockville, a track he has only run once in his career, followed by Pat Ward who has always been impressive when making the trip north.
O’Brien will be a force to be dealt with, as he leads the Brockville points standings for 358 Modifieds and already has two wins to his credit upping his career win total to 101. In addition to the Big Blocks, the Coca-Cola-Bob FM sponsored event will feature a $500 to win Street Stock event.
Time trails will take place between 6 and 7 pm with the first heats of the night getting underway at 7pm. Brockville Ontario Speedway is located just 13 kilometers north of Brockville on Highway 29.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
NASCAR: New engine & body programs announced for Grand Nat'l Program
CASCAR-like composites and new duties for NASCAR's Canadian point-man Richard Buck
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 27, 2006) – Officials of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Tuesday announced a multi-faceted new program for the NASCAR Grand National Division, which includes the East Series and the West Series.
A new spec engine will be available for teams in those divisions, beginning on Aug. 1; the new engine is expected to save teams considerable amounts of money while delivering stellar performance.
The new spec engine is available through Provident Auto Supply, a North Carolina-based performance parts distributor owned by former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship crew chief Gary Nelson, who also worked with NASCAR as NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Director, Vice President of Competition and Vice President of Research and Development.
In addition to the spec engine, a composite body for Grand National cars is also now available for use in the Grand National Division. Composite bodies are currently available from Summit Racing, BSR Products and Eshleman Racing.
The combination of the spec engine, composite body and the option of running either 105- or 110-inch wheel bases, comprise a wide variety of cost-saving initiatives for the Grand National Division, which will serve as a developmental series for up-and-coming future stars of NASCAR.
The sanctioning organization also plans to reduce its minimum driving age to 16 for the Grand National and Modified tours beginning in 2007.
“We’re taking these steps with the Grand National Division to reduce the cost of racing at these levels,” said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. “The combination of the spec engine, composite body and a choice of what wheelbase to use, either 105 or 110, should provide great competition for teams that eventually want to work their way into NASCAR’s three national series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.”
Teams will be able to run the spec engine and composite bodies this year. Spec engine kits can be ordered through Provident and assembled by independent engine builders.
“We want to phase the spec engines into these tours,” said Pemberton. “We’ve done a lot of testing with the engines in the past few months and these motors are going to be very competitive and very durable.”
The cost is going to be well below what teams are currently spending on engines. Composite bodies should also trim costs from the budgets of Grand National racers.
NASCAR has already announced it will discontinue its Elite Division at the end of this season.
The 2007 schedules for both the West and East Series will be announced later this year.
“We’re going to spend a lot of time developing these two series,” said Pemberton. “With the competitive environment getting tougher all the time, we must have a series to develop young talent.”
Richard Buck, based at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C., will lead NASCAR’s competition efforts with these tours while Director of Administration George Silbermann and Senior Manager of Events and Operations Bob Duvall will oversee scheduling and administration. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Buck, Silbermann or Duvall.
The NASCAR Grand National Division has been the starting point for the careers of many NASCAR stars on both the east and west coasts. Ricky Craven, Ryan Moore, Martin Truex Jr. and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion crew chief Greg Zipadelli began their careers in the East Series, while Brendan Gaughan, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick and Ron Hornaday Jr. are products of the West Series.
The two series meet annually for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, an invitational event featuring the top 15 drivers in each series. This year’s Toyota All-Star Showdown is scheduled for Oct. 20-21 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway.
- From NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 27, 2006) – Officials of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Tuesday announced a multi-faceted new program for the NASCAR Grand National Division, which includes the East Series and the West Series.
A new spec engine will be available for teams in those divisions, beginning on Aug. 1; the new engine is expected to save teams considerable amounts of money while delivering stellar performance.
The new spec engine is available through Provident Auto Supply, a North Carolina-based performance parts distributor owned by former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship crew chief Gary Nelson, who also worked with NASCAR as NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Director, Vice President of Competition and Vice President of Research and Development.
In addition to the spec engine, a composite body for Grand National cars is also now available for use in the Grand National Division. Composite bodies are currently available from Summit Racing, BSR Products and Eshleman Racing.
The combination of the spec engine, composite body and the option of running either 105- or 110-inch wheel bases, comprise a wide variety of cost-saving initiatives for the Grand National Division, which will serve as a developmental series for up-and-coming future stars of NASCAR.
The sanctioning organization also plans to reduce its minimum driving age to 16 for the Grand National and Modified tours beginning in 2007.
“We’re taking these steps with the Grand National Division to reduce the cost of racing at these levels,” said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. “The combination of the spec engine, composite body and a choice of what wheelbase to use, either 105 or 110, should provide great competition for teams that eventually want to work their way into NASCAR’s three national series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.”
Teams will be able to run the spec engine and composite bodies this year. Spec engine kits can be ordered through Provident and assembled by independent engine builders.
“We want to phase the spec engines into these tours,” said Pemberton. “We’ve done a lot of testing with the engines in the past few months and these motors are going to be very competitive and very durable.”
The cost is going to be well below what teams are currently spending on engines. Composite bodies should also trim costs from the budgets of Grand National racers.
NASCAR has already announced it will discontinue its Elite Division at the end of this season.
The 2007 schedules for both the West and East Series will be announced later this year.
“We’re going to spend a lot of time developing these two series,” said Pemberton. “With the competitive environment getting tougher all the time, we must have a series to develop young talent.”
Richard Buck, based at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C., will lead NASCAR’s competition efforts with these tours while Director of Administration George Silbermann and Senior Manager of Events and Operations Bob Duvall will oversee scheduling and administration. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Buck, Silbermann or Duvall.
The NASCAR Grand National Division has been the starting point for the careers of many NASCAR stars on both the east and west coasts. Ricky Craven, Ryan Moore, Martin Truex Jr. and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion crew chief Greg Zipadelli began their careers in the East Series, while Brendan Gaughan, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick and Ron Hornaday Jr. are products of the West Series.
The two series meet annually for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, an invitational event featuring the top 15 drivers in each series. This year’s Toyota All-Star Showdown is scheduled for Oct. 20-21 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway.
- From NASCAR
FORMER CHAMPION CROUCH LOOKS FORWARD TO ACT’S SANAIR STOP
Courtesy Marjorie Mulligan Fay
St. Pie, Qc - Robbie Crouch, former American Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion is excited for the return of ACT to Sanair Super Speedway. Crouch, better known as the “Tampa Tornado” set records during his racing career which continue to challenge current ACT competitors, even though he hasn’t raced since the 1990’s. He clinched a total of six championships during his career, but five time champion Jean-Paul Cyr is closing in on that impressive record. The ACT Late Models and Tiger Sportsman Series will make the voyage to the St-Pie, Quebec track for the “La Mega Classique” on Sat/Sun, July 8th and 9th.
A native of Tampa, Florida, Crouch relocated to Vermont and found success racing in New England. “Everyone loves racing at Thunder Road but Sanair is so different. It’s not like the usual bullrings we raced.” Crouch captured two victories at the 7/8th mile speedplant in 1985 and 1988 but is haunted by the losses he was served at the speedway. "I remember the losses more then I remember the wins because they were some of the toughest of my entire career.”
The former champion recalled, “I was leading the Stock Car Connection event at Sanair and Butch Miller was dumping water on the track. I caught the water in the tri-oval and wrecked. There have been numerous times there that I should have won, but as luck would have it, I didn’t.” He added, “To win at Sanair is special just because the track is so different than anything we had ever been to.”
Unlike previous trips to the Quebec track, Crouch will return to his favorite track as a fan. “When we raced Sanair, it took our Tour to a whole new level. It can do the same for this group of guys too.” They have nice cars and the racing should be great.”
When asked to pick a favorite for the two-day event he was quick to choose the one driver challenging his records. “Based on what I’ve seen, I think Jean-Paul Cyr will be tough to beat, he seems to step up at the big races.” Crouch continued, “I wouldn’t count out Rich Lowery or Brent Dragon though because they seem to be running well.”
Crouch stated that the drivers should have a great time racing at Sanair, “It’s a fast track, especially on the backstretch heading into the tri-oval.” On August 6, 1982, Crouch set a 17.464s lap record at the Quebec speedway; however Crouch anticipates that the current race cars will have no problem exceeding that lap time. “These cars are going to put on a great show, anyone who hasn’t been to Sanair will just have to wait ‘til they see the track, it’s really something special.”
St. Pie, Qc - Robbie Crouch, former American Canadian Tour (ACT) Champion is excited for the return of ACT to Sanair Super Speedway. Crouch, better known as the “Tampa Tornado” set records during his racing career which continue to challenge current ACT competitors, even though he hasn’t raced since the 1990’s. He clinched a total of six championships during his career, but five time champion Jean-Paul Cyr is closing in on that impressive record. The ACT Late Models and Tiger Sportsman Series will make the voyage to the St-Pie, Quebec track for the “La Mega Classique” on Sat/Sun, July 8th and 9th.
A native of Tampa, Florida, Crouch relocated to Vermont and found success racing in New England. “Everyone loves racing at Thunder Road but Sanair is so different. It’s not like the usual bullrings we raced.” Crouch captured two victories at the 7/8th mile speedplant in 1985 and 1988 but is haunted by the losses he was served at the speedway. "I remember the losses more then I remember the wins because they were some of the toughest of my entire career.”
The former champion recalled, “I was leading the Stock Car Connection event at Sanair and Butch Miller was dumping water on the track. I caught the water in the tri-oval and wrecked. There have been numerous times there that I should have won, but as luck would have it, I didn’t.” He added, “To win at Sanair is special just because the track is so different than anything we had ever been to.”
Unlike previous trips to the Quebec track, Crouch will return to his favorite track as a fan. “When we raced Sanair, it took our Tour to a whole new level. It can do the same for this group of guys too.” They have nice cars and the racing should be great.”
When asked to pick a favorite for the two-day event he was quick to choose the one driver challenging his records. “Based on what I’ve seen, I think Jean-Paul Cyr will be tough to beat, he seems to step up at the big races.” Crouch continued, “I wouldn’t count out Rich Lowery or Brent Dragon though because they seem to be running well.”
Crouch stated that the drivers should have a great time racing at Sanair, “It’s a fast track, especially on the backstretch heading into the tri-oval.” On August 6, 1982, Crouch set a 17.464s lap record at the Quebec speedway; however Crouch anticipates that the current race cars will have no problem exceeding that lap time. “These cars are going to put on a great show, anyone who hasn’t been to Sanair will just have to wait ‘til they see the track, it’s really something special.”
BOURQUE: Holland Speedway report and testing update
Pierre Bourque dropped us a note from the road....
"Greetings from the highway, en route back to Ottawa from Loudon, NH!
Rained most of the morning at the New Hampshire International Speedway. We were there for an official NASCAR test day in advance of the upcoming Cup race where we're the main support race in a couple weeks.
After lunch, I did 10 laps or so, came in for an adjustment, went back to to pits to go back out, then the skies opened up and everything's wet here again. The sun came out for a bit 90 mins later, and the jets spent the rest of the afternoon trying to dry things up, but no luck. The track closed officially at 4:45 pm.
So now I'm driving home tonight, 7 hrs, then head to the Connecticutt race Wednesday afternoon.
We had a wild race at Holland Speedway (NY) near Buffalo on Saturday night. A little 3/10ths track, 150 laps.
I qualified terribly (still gotta work on those 2-lap bonzai laps), but I ran with the leaders for much of the race, until the wire to the kill switch on my steering wheel disconnected and I had to coast into the pits with a dead engine to get it repaired. That lost us 7 laps and we finally finished 20th place.
But a heck of a learning curve and a great experience to know I can run with the leaders. As you can imagine, a lot of driving NASCAR is about self-confidence. And we notched it up quite a bit the other night on that little track in upstate NY."
Thanks Pierre!
Pete Shepherd update
Pete Shepherd's mom Sharon called yesterday to give an update on his outing last weekend at Richmond Int'l Raceway.
Here are some notes:
- 14 cars in the field
- It was Pete's first time ever racing at RIR
- He was 3rd fastest in the first warm-up and 7th fastest (on old tires) in the second
- Qualifying was rained out, so he started 7th.
- He was up to third by lap 10 and stayed there until lap 80 (of the 100-lap race), when he fell to fourth... before his wheel fell off. Sounds like it's regular thing with the new Silver Crown cars. He went on to finish 6th based on how many cars he'd lapped prior to losing the wheel.
- Petey's next race is July 7 at Chicagoland, during the Cup / Busch Series weekend.
Here is a full round-up from the team's PR man, Blake Johnson of RE Technologies.
CRC: L’Estage-Erickson: Head to Head again!
Stouffville, ON – June 27, 2006 – The Canadian Rally Championship will hold the Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally this weekend in New-Richmond, QC, the third of six rounds in its 2006 schedule.
Winner of last year’s edition and winner the first two rounds of this season, Quebecker Antoine L’Estage and American co-driver Mark Williams are this year’s favorites in their Hyundai Tiburon 4WD. But the spectacular Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally holds lots of surprises for everyone and L’Estage/Williams may not be immune to them.
Among the teams who dream of winning in the back roads of Gaspésie, are Sylvain and Chloé Erickson in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4. Second in both previous rounds this season, the father and daughter team from Gatineau, QC, remains a very serious contender for this year’s event and championship.
With their first overall career win a few weeks ago in Pennsylvania, Americans Matthew Iorio and co-driver Ole Holter represent the strongest challenge for victory from among the numerous teams driving Subaru Impreza WRXs. However, Quebec teams Joel Levac/Eric Bourbonnais and Mathieu L’Estage/Laurence-Fanny L’Estage, both in WRXs, are also among the crowd’s favorites and should do well.
In 2-wheel-drive, many times Canadian champion Frank Sprongl and co-driver Brian Maxwell in their Suzuki Swift+, are leading their Production 2 class. It should also be noted that among the 2-wheel-drive cars will be Albertans Zbigniew Szewcyzk/Tomasz Karzinski in a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Ontarian Ian Crerar in a Porsche 911, running in the new Group 5 (2-WD vehicles with a higher displacement than Group 2).
Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally will start over 30 teams, including five local teams, competing on the back roads of the region. As usual, special stages will be held on gravel roads, but for the first time, the organizers are holding a super stage at Circuit RPM/Sani-Sable in New Richmond. The rally will start Friday at 6:00 PM and the first car will finish around 5:00 PM on Saturday.
For more information on rallying and rally events, please visit the Canadian Association of Rallysport website, at www.carsrally.ca. And for information and full results on the Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally, please visit www.rallyebdc.com
For more information : Canadian Association of Rallysport, (905) 640-6444.
Winner of last year’s edition and winner the first two rounds of this season, Quebecker Antoine L’Estage and American co-driver Mark Williams are this year’s favorites in their Hyundai Tiburon 4WD. But the spectacular Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally holds lots of surprises for everyone and L’Estage/Williams may not be immune to them.
Among the teams who dream of winning in the back roads of Gaspésie, are Sylvain and Chloé Erickson in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4. Second in both previous rounds this season, the father and daughter team from Gatineau, QC, remains a very serious contender for this year’s event and championship.
With their first overall career win a few weeks ago in Pennsylvania, Americans Matthew Iorio and co-driver Ole Holter represent the strongest challenge for victory from among the numerous teams driving Subaru Impreza WRXs. However, Quebec teams Joel Levac/Eric Bourbonnais and Mathieu L’Estage/Laurence-Fanny L’Estage, both in WRXs, are also among the crowd’s favorites and should do well.
In 2-wheel-drive, many times Canadian champion Frank Sprongl and co-driver Brian Maxwell in their Suzuki Swift+, are leading their Production 2 class. It should also be noted that among the 2-wheel-drive cars will be Albertans Zbigniew Szewcyzk/Tomasz Karzinski in a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Ontarian Ian Crerar in a Porsche 911, running in the new Group 5 (2-WD vehicles with a higher displacement than Group 2).
Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally will start over 30 teams, including five local teams, competing on the back roads of the region. As usual, special stages will be held on gravel roads, but for the first time, the organizers are holding a super stage at Circuit RPM/Sani-Sable in New Richmond. The rally will start Friday at 6:00 PM and the first car will finish around 5:00 PM on Saturday.
For more information on rallying and rally events, please visit the Canadian Association of Rallysport website, at www.carsrally.ca. And for information and full results on the Baie-des-Chaleurs Rally, please visit www.rallyebdc.com
For more information : Canadian Association of Rallysport, (905) 640-6444.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Land Rover Freelander 2
More photos and details on the Land Rover Freelander 2. It will be available in Europe at the end of 2006, with prices starting from 30.000 €. Performance and engine data - 3.2 liters V6 gasoline engine outputting 233 ps, a 2.2 liters turbo-diesel with 160 ps.
The Freelander 2 will grow by 77 mm in length (4.50 meters), by 101 mm in width (1.91 m - 2.18 m with mirrors) and by 23 mm in height (1.82 or 1.74 m, depending on whether roof rails are present). The luggage comparment has a capacity of 755 liters.
The 4WD system is based on a Haldex multi-disk clutch. In optimal conditions, torque will be going almost exclusively to the front axle. When needed, the Haldex clutch will transfer torque to the rear axle. The response time is 150 ms, but the clutch can be "pre-loaded", thanks to the PreX system, already seen on the Volvo XC90.
The Freelander 2 will be available with alloy rims going from 16" to 19", (tyres from 215/75R16 to 235/55R19).
© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com
The Freelander 2 will grow by 77 mm in length (4.50 meters), by 101 mm in width (1.91 m - 2.18 m with mirrors) and by 23 mm in height (1.82 or 1.74 m, depending on whether roof rails are present). The luggage comparment has a capacity of 755 liters.The 4WD system is based on a Haldex multi-disk clutch. In optimal conditions, torque will be going almost exclusively to the front axle. When needed, the Haldex clutch will transfer torque to the rear axle. The response time is 150 ms, but the clutch can be "pre-loaded", thanks to the PreX system, already seen on the Volvo XC90.
The Freelander 2 will be available with alloy rims going from 16" to 19", (tyres from 215/75R16 to 235/55R19).
© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com
New Chrylser Sebring
This is Chrysler's effort to tempt Mondeo man - the new Sebring. Think of it as a scaled-down, less menacing version of the 300C.
It's not due on sale in the UK until next year, but you can catch the first glimpse of the new car at next month's British motor show.
A choice of two engines will be available at launch - a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with 172bhp and a 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. US markets will also get more powerful V6 versions, but there's no word yet on whether we'll have the same pleasure.
Other headline features of the front-wheel-drive Sebring include a six-speed auto box and, crucially, a steering wheel on the right - which is what stopped previous versions of the Sebring making it to the UK. That, and the fact that it was a little bit too, well, American.
This new car looks much nearer the mark, though, and we expect to be able to tell you more about it once the covers are lifted in London next month.
One rumour worth listening to in the meantime is the potential arrival of a two-door Sebring with a folding metal roof. The convertible version of the old Sebring was a massive seller in the US, so it's not hard to imagine such a model being put into production.
Chrysler's British motor show stand will also feature the Dodge Nitro concept (due in the UK next year), plus Jeep Commander, Chrysler PT Cabrio, Chrysler 300C Touring and Dodge Caliber.
© Source: original article on topgear.com
It's not due on sale in the UK until next year, but you can catch the first glimpse of the new car at next month's British motor show.A choice of two engines will be available at launch - a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with 172bhp and a 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. US markets will also get more powerful V6 versions, but there's no word yet on whether we'll have the same pleasure.
Other headline features of the front-wheel-drive Sebring include a six-speed auto box and, crucially, a steering wheel on the right - which is what stopped previous versions of the Sebring making it to the UK. That, and the fact that it was a little bit too, well, American.
This new car looks much nearer the mark, though, and we expect to be able to tell you more about it once the covers are lifted in London next month.
One rumour worth listening to in the meantime is the potential arrival of a two-door Sebring with a folding metal roof. The convertible version of the old Sebring was a massive seller in the US, so it's not hard to imagine such a model being put into production.
Chrysler's British motor show stand will also feature the Dodge Nitro concept (due in the UK next year), plus Jeep Commander, Chrysler PT Cabrio, Chrysler 300C Touring and Dodge Caliber.
© Source: original article on topgear.com
PROJECT TRACK CHAMPION: Heading to Sauble Speedway on July 8
Denny Snider called us to let us know that the Project Track Champion racecar will make its speedway debut at Steelback Sauble Speedway on July 8.
4th Place for Ryan Litt at Berlin; Dixie, Angola Up Next
Courtesy Tommy Goudge
After a small hiccup last weekend, Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC SPX Tools Sprinter got back on track on Saturday night at the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. One of the best short track racing venues in the country, Berlin is always a favourite stop on the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints tour with drivers and fans alike. It also happens to be one of Ryan’s favourite stops as it is the site of the Lyons, Ontario, Canada driver’s first laps led in sprint car feature competition, and the site of his best finish last season – a 2nd place on this very same weekend one year ago.
The event began well with Ryan running the 7th fastest lap in time trials. This improvement over his usual time trial performances would come into play later in the evening. Next up was the heat race, in which Ryan started 3rd, took the lead a few laps in, and drove away with a convincing victory.
Come feature time, Ryan was able to start outside pole in the 2nd position as the inversion on this night, determined by a roll of the dice by fast timer Dorman Snyder, was 8. On the initial start, Ryan got the jump on polesitter Chad Goff and pulled ahead coming out of turn 2, but a spin deeper in the pack negated this and forced a complete restart. Goff would not be fooled twice and took the lead off the restart with Ryan falling into 2nd. Eventual race winner Brian Lay came through the field quickly and passed Ryan for the 2nd position a few laps later, but shortly thereafter Ryan was able to put the #07 in front of Goff again while racing through lapped traffic and began to settle comfortably into 2nd position as nobody was in the same area code as Lay on this evening.
The very fast and tricky Berlin Raceway surface began to make its presence felt with 10 laps to go as Ryan began to experience severe tire wear - the left rear so badly worn in fact that it began to go flat. Over the last 10 laps, the hard charging cars of veteran drivers Jason Blonde and Tommy Fedewa were able to get by the ill-handling #07 machine, but Ryan was able to nurse the car home to a 4th place finish – once again the highest finishing rookie of the year candidate - despite the basically flat left rear and the right rear worn down to the cords.
The Top 5 finish should keep Ryan solidly 3rd in the points standings and leading the Owens Petroleum Rookie of the Year standings as well going into this weekend’s doubleheader for the AVSS series. Friday night the tour moves to the beautiful high banked 4/10’s mile Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan before heading South to the semi-banked 3/8’s mile Angola Motor Speedway in Angola, Indiana on Saturday night. For Canadian fans wishing to see Ryan compete, Dixie Motor Speedway is just about 90 miles from the Port Huron/Sarnia border crossing. The track was renovated and expanded a few years ago and is now a beautiful and fast high banked 4/10’s mile oval with one of the best lighting systems you are likely to see at a short oval track. Ryan suffered mechanical failure in his first visit to Dixie in August of last season, but came back in September with a strong 10th place finish in the AVSS season finale and has never visited Angola before, but expects to be a force to be reckoned with at both venues this weekend.
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 and their quest for the Rookie of the Year title this season, 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.
After a small hiccup last weekend, Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC SPX Tools Sprinter got back on track on Saturday night at the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. One of the best short track racing venues in the country, Berlin is always a favourite stop on the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints tour with drivers and fans alike. It also happens to be one of Ryan’s favourite stops as it is the site of the Lyons, Ontario, Canada driver’s first laps led in sprint car feature competition, and the site of his best finish last season – a 2nd place on this very same weekend one year ago.
The event began well with Ryan running the 7th fastest lap in time trials. This improvement over his usual time trial performances would come into play later in the evening. Next up was the heat race, in which Ryan started 3rd, took the lead a few laps in, and drove away with a convincing victory.
Come feature time, Ryan was able to start outside pole in the 2nd position as the inversion on this night, determined by a roll of the dice by fast timer Dorman Snyder, was 8. On the initial start, Ryan got the jump on polesitter Chad Goff and pulled ahead coming out of turn 2, but a spin deeper in the pack negated this and forced a complete restart. Goff would not be fooled twice and took the lead off the restart with Ryan falling into 2nd. Eventual race winner Brian Lay came through the field quickly and passed Ryan for the 2nd position a few laps later, but shortly thereafter Ryan was able to put the #07 in front of Goff again while racing through lapped traffic and began to settle comfortably into 2nd position as nobody was in the same area code as Lay on this evening.
The very fast and tricky Berlin Raceway surface began to make its presence felt with 10 laps to go as Ryan began to experience severe tire wear - the left rear so badly worn in fact that it began to go flat. Over the last 10 laps, the hard charging cars of veteran drivers Jason Blonde and Tommy Fedewa were able to get by the ill-handling #07 machine, but Ryan was able to nurse the car home to a 4th place finish – once again the highest finishing rookie of the year candidate - despite the basically flat left rear and the right rear worn down to the cords.
The Top 5 finish should keep Ryan solidly 3rd in the points standings and leading the Owens Petroleum Rookie of the Year standings as well going into this weekend’s doubleheader for the AVSS series. Friday night the tour moves to the beautiful high banked 4/10’s mile Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan before heading South to the semi-banked 3/8’s mile Angola Motor Speedway in Angola, Indiana on Saturday night. For Canadian fans wishing to see Ryan compete, Dixie Motor Speedway is just about 90 miles from the Port Huron/Sarnia border crossing. The track was renovated and expanded a few years ago and is now a beautiful and fast high banked 4/10’s mile oval with one of the best lighting systems you are likely to see at a short oval track. Ryan suffered mechanical failure in his first visit to Dixie in August of last season, but came back in September with a strong 10th place finish in the AVSS season finale and has never visited Angola before, but expects to be a force to be reckoned with at both venues this weekend.
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 and their quest for the Rookie of the Year title this season, 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.
OSCAAR: Team JNE Consulting Runner Up at Mosport
BOWMANVILLE, ON – For the second straight race the fans have left after an OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model Event wanting more. Some rule changes - instituted since last season - have resulted in incredible action on the speedways.
This was no different at the fast ½ mile Mosport Speedway Saturday evening. John Fletcher and Team JNE Consulting went in this race as defending race winner at Barrie Speedway, winner of the last two of three at Mosport and current OSCAAR points leader.
The early action in the qualifying did not see the Milton resident with the usual speed expected from the #61 car, but the team stayed Hyped and work hard to readjust the car for John in the 50-lap feature race. John started the race in the sixth starting position with main rival Cars by Clarke/JBM Leasing Rob Clarke starting forth and eventual race winner Kerr Cadillac driver Shane Maginnis on the outside pole.
As the green flew and the action on the track began the torrid race pace started to unfold. The Team JNE Consulting pilot with backing from Wix Filters and Hype Energy Drink let notice the early evening woes were behind them.
John quickly jumped into the third spot behind leaders Maginnis and Clarke and the three began to show that this was three car race until fellow Cunningham Racing Engine s backed James Evens rocketed from the ninth spot to take the third spot from John. John retook the spot and set sails on Clarke, passing him for second with a handful of laps to case down Maginnis only to finish in the runner up spot.
We usually have a caution here, but to go the 50 laps without one I just ran out of laps to get to Shane John also added Shane and his crew earned and deserved this one&. He was fast all night.
The caution free race was run under 18 minutes in front of Mosport Speedway s best crowd of 2006 and saw 18 of OSCAAR s best racers thrill them. Rounding out the top five Maginnis, Fletcher, Clarke, Drew Spicer and James Evens.
Team JNE Consulting had in attendance associate sponsor Jim of Trailer s By Jim Bray and Fred and Tammy of APX Racewear. Look for a spotlight spot on John s this week on Rogers Cable Sports. The teams next race is July 8th at Sunset Speedway, see you there.
From: Scott Fletcher // Director of Motorsports // Team JNE Consulting #61
Those interested in photos from this event can contact Dave Franks at (905) 846-3615 or via e-mail at: davefranksphotos@sympatico.ca
DELAWARE: McCullough Scores a Top 3 Finish!
Delaware, ON - The McCullough Motorsports racing team headed to Delaware Speedway on Friday June 23, 2006 with the #39 David McCullough Hosie D's Donuts / Ross Welding / Boswood Homes / BRITE SITE / Carl's Used Cars and Trucks / Hugh McKellar / BOC Gases POWERADE Modified for another night of exciting racing at Delaware Speedwat located only minutes away from London Ontario.
Glencoe native David McCullough started in the 4th position for the 10 lap Heat race. After the 10 laps of hard racing driver David McCullough picked up one position and finished 2nd in his Qualifying heat race.
The finish from the Heat races determine the starting line up for the 25 lap Feature Race. Since McCullough qualified well in his heat race he got to start in the 4th position for the feature event.
At the drop of the green flag McCullough started his charge to the front of the 17 car field. Within laps David McCullough moved up into the third position and was pressuring the #7 of Rob Starr for the second position but was unable to advance further than the 3rd position by the end of the 25 lap race. The race was won by the #3 of Jamie Cox followed by the #7 of Rob Starr and #39 of McCullough was third.
The team's next event is at Delaware Speedway in two weeks, on Friday July 7th along with the Kendall Motor Oil Street Stocks for their annual "Showdown Races" and the Challenger Motor Freight Trucks. Racing starts at 8 P.M. Sharp!
McCullough Motorsports and driver David McCullough would like to thank their sponsors for all of their continuing support. McCullough Motorsports is still searching for primary and associate sponsor for the 2006 season and beyond. If you or anyone you know would like to feel the advantages of a Motorsports Marketing and Advertising package please feel free to contact Kim McCullough at (519) 287-3917 or Jeff Wernham at (519) 281-2419 for more information.
Prepared By: Jeff Wernham // Wernham Motorsports
CASCAR: Mosport Clarington 200 Replays on Sportsnet
Catch Kerry Micks' winning 'Pass through the Grass' en route to victory at Mosport on:
- Wednesday, June 28th at 9:00PM EST
- Saturday, July 1st at 2:00PM EST
- Wednesday, June 28th at 3:00PM MST
Canadians wowed by A1 Team Canada A1GP car in Montreal
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsMontreal, Québec (June 26, 2006) – Sean McIntosh and Patrick Carpentier were on-hand to see A1 Team Canada’s A1GP car displayed in Canada for the very first time as it stole the limelight on Montreal’s St. Laurent Boulevard during the Grand Prix festivities last weekend, 22nd-25th June.
Famous for its restaurants and bars, St. Laurent Boulevard is one of THE places to be seen in Montreal and put simply it formed the perfect backdrop for A1 Team Canada’s A1GP car as it literally stopped people in their tracks as they took in the sight of the stunning maple-leaf racer and the action and excitement of A1GP being broadcast on the large-screen display.
Friday night saw A1 Team Canada drivers Sean McIntosh and Patrick Carpentier joined at the stage for an autograph session by Marc Gagnon, Canada’s second most decorated Winter Olympian and four-time Short Track Speed Skating World Champion. Gagnon, from Chicoutimi, Québec, in addition to winning three Olympic gold medals, is a huge motorsport fan and jumped at the opportunity to see the A1GP car while it was in Montreal. McIntosh, Carpentier and Gagnon spent an hour at the display signing autographs and having their pictures taken as the passing public was introduced to the sights and sounds of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations.
They weren’t the only ones interested as McIntosh and Carpentier fulfilled a string of media engagements to coincide with the A1GP car being in town. Sean McIntosh was invited in to Global TV’s ‘This Morning Live’ program last Thursday to talk about his A1 Team Canada commitments and his famous last-to-first victory for his country in Indonesia. In addition he dropped in to Grand Prix Karting on Friday morning where he appeared on ‘Terry, Ted and Kim in the Morning’ on CHOM 97.7FM as the city’s leading breakfast show broadcast from the kart track to get into the sprit of the Grand Prix weekend. McIntosh later fulfilled further radio commitments, this time on Crescent Street as he stopped by CJAD, Montreal’s premier news and sports talk radio show, before appearing on Tim Morgan’s afternoon show, again on CHOM 97.7FM.
Patrick Carpentier, who raced for A1 Team Canada in the final three rounds of the inaugural season, was no less busy with an appearance alongside his team-mate on CJAD as well as press interviews with the Toronto Sun and Montreal Gazette before a TV appearance on Sunday morning on RDI.
For more info visit www.a1teamcan.com.
Nielson captures PMRA season opener
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherCAYUGA, (June 24, 2006) – Mark Nielson captured his first victory in Pro Modified Racing Association PMRA) competition with a popular win to open the 2006 PMRA season.
The PMRA race was part of the KC Auto Family Day Thunder Fest event at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Nielsen, of Brantford, ON. “I’m feeling pretty good.”
Qualifying fifth in the Nielson Motorsports 2000 Camaro-bodied Pro Modified, Nielsen bested 2005 PMRA Champion Joe Lilienthal of Kenmore, NY, in a wild and slippery final.
“The track was pretty wet out there,” said Nielson after the race. “I had to get out of it real early.”
Lilienthal, who qualified third with his Jeep-bodied Pro Modified, was running consistent passes all day in the mid-six-second range, but his 7.866-second final was not good enough for Nielson’s 7.233-second winning pass.
Semi-finalists were Ralph Andreacchi of Maple, ON, in his 1953 Studebaker, and Terry Brown of Caledonia, ON, in his 1971 Dodge RT Challenger.
Top qualifier Kasey Janzen of St. Catharines set the pace for the field with a 6.490-second, 214.86-mph pass, but was eliminated by Andreacchi in the first round.
Nielson was quick to thank his crew after his win, and to thank Carl Spiering of ERD (Engine Research and Development) and Jim Salemi of G-Force Race cars.
Spiering built an awesome motor,” said Nielson. “This is a whole new deal for us. This car has a lot more in it.”
Adrian Carrio drives to first Star Mazda victory at Montreal
Courtesy Eric McCombsJune 24, 2006. Montreal Quebec, Canada. Driving the #14 Rockford Fosgate World Speed Motorsports Mazda, Adrian Carrio, from Monument, Colorado, earned his first career Star Mazda victory today on the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Round Five of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, being held in conjunction with the Formula One Grand Prix of Canada. Carrio would lead every lap to take the checkered flag ahead of Matt Varsha by 1.482 seconds in a race marred by an opening lap incident towards the front of the field that knocked 15 of the 42 competitors out of the event and shortened the race, originally scheduled for 26 laps down to eleven laps.
The opening lap trouble came as the cars entered the high-speed right-hand kink on the backstraight when Herrington and Michael Potekhen touched wheels, sending Herrington into the tire barrier and back onto the circuit. Chaos followed as the cars behind all tried to avoid Herrington and each other. "I came up on the blind corner flat out and all I could see was smoke and waving yellow flags," John Faulker described. "I hit my brakes as hard as I could and flat spotted my right front tire but was able to find a way through the accident."
"Coming down to the green flag for the start of the race Daniel and I were wheel to wheel and I was able to hold on on the outside of turn one and then move into first place in the right-hander so I was ahead of the incident and really didn't know what happened until we came around and stopped for the red flag," Carrio explained. "Once the race resumed it came down to managing my tire temperatures and running consistent laps. I have to thank World Speed team owner Telo Stewart, my engineer Mike Doyle and everyone else at World Speed for all their hard work this weekend and hope that all the other drivers are okay."
Varsha, who earned his first podium finish of the season with the second place finish in the #45 Racers Edge Motorsports Mazda, was also ahead of the incident but disappointed to lose the chance to put on a show for the fans. "As I came into the hairpin on that first lap I could see the screen showing the crash and at first I thought it was a replay of something else," the Atlanta, Georgia native explained. "If we had made it through that first lap I think we could've put on a great show for all the Formula One fans and it was sad to see so many good drivers knocked out of the race. When the race resumed I was able to get around Ryan Justice, who had to stop on pit lane for a penalty, and then jump past Potekhen and Kevin Lacroix as they fought each other in the hairpin. Despite everything that happened it is still nice to get a podium finish as we continue to look for sponsorship to keep the season going."
Potekhen, driving the #53 Avenue Communities Apex Racing Mazda, emerged from the opening lap contact with Herrington with relatively minor damage and was able to battle his way to the final podium spot of the weekend. "Daniel and I were running side by side through the sweeper and I was as close to the inside wall as I could get, my car got a little loose and we touched wheels", Potekhen explained. "The marbles from the Formula One cars in that corner were really bad if you went off the racing line and there was no grip. After the red flag I was locked in a battle with Kevin Lacroix for second place but Matt was able to get around both of us when Lacroix pushed me out wide in the hairpin, as we drove side by side Matt was able to open a gap on me to the finish."
Daniel Herrington, Gerardo Bonilla, Brad Jaeger and John Pew were all transported to local Montreal hospitals for further evaluation for non life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash and all were reported to be in stable condition.
As a result of the melee the championship points standings have been shuffled with Carrio assuming the championship points lead with 189 points. Potekhen climbs from third to second place with 179 points while Herrington drops to third place with 168 points.
In the Expert Championship, for drivers aged 30-44, Mark Pavan, of Toronto, Canada, drove to the class victory on home soil in his #92 Molecule/Canaccord Adams Phenom Racing Group Mazda, finishing 12th overall. Though he was knocked out on the opening lap, Bonilla, pilot of the #9 Skip Barber Racing Andersen Racing Team Mazda holds onto the Expert Series points lead with 82 points. Brian Thienes remains in second place with 68 points in the #77 Thienes Engineering JDC Motorsports Mazda and Dan Tomlin III, driving the #56 Team Tomlin Mazda holds onto third place with 66 points
In the Masters Championship, for drivers aged 45 and older, John Faulkner, driving the #93 Molecule/Canaccord Adams Phenom Racing Group Mazda was the class winner finishing 9th overall, sending him from 6th to 3rd place with 67 points. Ken Losch remains in first place in the championship with 73 points while John Pew holds second place in his #15 NVG Velocity Motorsports Mazda with 68 points.
In the Team Championship World Speed Motorsports moves from second to first with 99 points while Apex Racing rises to second with 85 points. AIM Autosport drops from first to third place with 80 points.
The series now regroups and heads to the recently opened Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah for Round Six of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, marking the halfway point for the season, on July 13-15.
Round Five from the Montreal Grand Prix weekend is scheduled to air at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, July 9th. For more information please visit www.starmazda.com.
Kerry Micks energized for his return to Barrie Speedway
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherMT. ALBERT, ON (June 26, 2006) – Veteran CASCAR Super Series driver Kerry Micks, driving his 2006 Micks Motorsports Ford, is enthused about getting back to Barrie Speedway for the MOPAR Canada Day Weekend presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario.
“I’m really excited about going back to Barrie,” said the 45-year old Micks, who hails from Mt. Albert. “I tested there last week and the new track surface is awesome. My hat is off to Brad Moran and Jo Okada at Barrie” he added. “They continually work very hard to improve their facility and it pays off. The racing should be even more exciting on Canada Day.”
Kerry Micks leads the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Points Championship following the teams win at the Clarington 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anti Crime Response Corporation at Mosport International Raceway’s 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, Ontario.
“My team has worked incredibly hard this season and they deserve to be in first place. We’ve also had a lot of luck on our side so far which hasn’t been the case for most of the top-running teams at this time of year,” stated Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series Champion. “Unfortunately, with no major sponsor to take to the winner’s circle, I don’t know how long I can compete. I’ve been very lucky to attract local sponsors such as Two-Tyme Recycling, Trailers by Jim Bray and Canadian Detailing Services. I also have APX Racewear keeping the team looking good and Brian Cathcart from Cathcart Trucking who gives me the truck which hauls the trailer. These sponsors have graciously helped to cover the costs of tires and fuel. The Western trip is much bigger and while we have a few deals in the works, nothing is concrete as of yet. We are going to keep digging and think positively to maintain the lead after Barrie and see where things go from there.”
The MOPAR Canada Day Weekend presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario CASCAR Super Series race will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2 at Barrie Speedway located north of Barrie, Ontario on the 1/3 mile tri-oval. The green flag is scheduled to fly Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.
For information about Barrie Speedway tickets and camping, call the Barrie Hotline at 705.487.0279 or visit online at www.barriespeedway.com.
OLD-TIMERS BACK AT OSWEGO SPEEDWAY
OSWEGO, NY - Excitement is growing rapidly for the first annual Oswego Speedway "Old-Timers" Reunion-Picnic to be held on the speedway grounds on Saturday, July 15th. On that date, many of the supermodified heroes of the past will return to the famed "steel palace" for this special event. Mike "The Riz" Rizzo and his wife Sharon were the first to purchase tickets in March for the reunion-picnic. Since that time several more drivers, owners, mechanics, speedway employees, press members, and a large number of race fans have indicated they are anxious and excited to become part of this fantastic reunion!
Here's an impressive list of drivers who will be attending: Bentley Warren, Todd Gibson, Norm Mackereth and his three sons Brian, Craig and Andy; Warren Coniam, Jimmy Gray, Johnny Spencer, Mark Letcher, Johnny Casey, Irish Jack Murphy, Doug Syer, Tiger Tommy Leeson, Gary Reichert, Chuck Ciprich, Wayne Landon, Billy Sharkey, Kempton Dates, Steve Gioia and we are awaiting confirmation from another dozen or so competitors!!!!!
From the car-owner ranks we have received confirmation from Eleanor (Rutledge) Frye and family (Rutledge Rockets 45 & 46), Roy & Phyll Murphy (Shamrock 13), Jim & Judy DeLucia (Solvay Automotive 04), Jerry and Bill Knoof (white Super 21), Andy Susco (Joe Orso's 96 super), Sean Magari (10 super), Billy Wright (10pins super) Kenny Reece (Ohio super 00), Bobby June (59 super), Ron Buckner (36 super) and several others expected to be added to the list soon!
Among other notables that definitely plan to attend are Linda (O'Brien) Holdeman along with her daughter Kimberly Brantigan, Aida Conkey (Show Car Speed Shop), Joanne (MacLeod) Bartlett along with former and current speedway officials Jerry Rich, Carol Haynes, Roy Sova, Don and Marcia Bartlett and Joe Marotta.
The reunion-picnic will be held behind the back grandstands where a huge tent, along with tables and chairs will serve as the meeting point. A fantastic picnic style buffet will be served continually from 12noon to 3pm which will include hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian Sausage along with a variety of salads and other goodies!! Non-alcoholic beverages are included as well. Overnight camping will be allowed.
Everyone is welcome to attend!! This gives all the fans a chance to meet their former racing heroes in a casual atmosphere where they can take pictures, get autographs and just enjoy recalling the glory days of the past.
Tickets are available for $20 per person, which includes admission to that evening's racing program. Those who just want to attend the reunion only will have a $15 charge. Ticket requests may obtained by sending a check in U.S. funds to Old Timers Reunion, c/o Jim Liccardi, 213 Duer St., Oswego, NY. 13126.
By Jim Ferlito. Forwarded by Adam Ross / Leaf Racewear
OPEN WHEEL WAR: The end is near
TSN has a story saying that IRL boss Tony George and ChampCar head Kevin Kalkhoven have made a deal. All that remains is a dispute settling mechanism.
After more than a decade of sniping at each other, there are signs of peace in the North American open-wheel war. According to the Indianapolis Star, Indy Racing League founder Tony George and Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven have come to a power-sharing arrangement which would see drivers and teams from both series competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 2007.
"We've agreed conceptually (to share ownership), yes," George tells the newspaper from Richmond International Raceway, where the IRL was racing on Saturday. "Now we have to agree on how we would go about resolving differences that might come up." (Continued here)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Montreal Mayor gives Legault "exclusivity". Hello NASCAR?!
From TSN.CA
Regardless of the facts, it was a helpful 'leverage' tool and the end result is that this August's ChampCar race in Montreal will probably be the last.
Logically, this should pave the way for Legault to bring NASCAR's Busch Series to Montreal next summer. In terms of Canadian racing, this outcome may be the best possible situation for CASCAR, which is in bed with NASCAR.
On one side, we have ChampCar. Alone. On the other, is NASCAR, Legault.... and CASCAR (through its association with NASCAR).
The bottom line is that when you consider the festering hostilities between ChampCar and NASCAR, and ChampCar's history of using CASCAR as a whipping boy, the chances of CASCAR racing at le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve every August for the next five years are considerably better with Legault calling the shots (during NASCAR weekends), than if the ChampCar series was the main event. By the way, that is not a comment on Labrosse, who has signed CASCAR to race in Montreal this August, according to CASCAR officials, this past Thursday.
Sticking with the topic of CASCAR, hopefully now that the way has been cleared for the Busch Series to race in Montreal, NASCAR will be more likely to put an end to its dithering over its purchase of CASCAR. By purchasing Canada's top stock car series, NASCAR would be making a huge statement that it is committed to the sport in this country as it prepares to look for support for its race in Montreal.
In 2004, at the Toronto Indy, NASCAR's Gary Nelson led a gaggle of NASCAR staffers through the pits as they eye-balled the CASCAR equipment. In a few weeks, the due diligence period will reach two years. It wouldn't take two years to determine whether or not you were going to buy Microsoft from Bill Gates.
F1 Montreal promoter Norman Legault threatened that giving the track to Labrosse for ChampCar races would jeopardize the future of the sacred F1 event, given that F1 supposedly demands that promoters of its events must control its facilities year-round. Whether or not that was the case, that is the reason being cited by the Mayor of Montreal for giving both dates to Legault. How convenient.MONTREAL (CP) - Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay announced a five-year lease renewal Friday with Canadian Grand Prix organizer Normand Legault, giving him exclusive rights to present races at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve through 2011. The announcement puts into jeopardy the annual Champ Car race held on the Montreal track because it is promoted by Alan Labrosse, and Legault has expressed interest in bringing a NASCAR Busch Series race to Montreal.
Regardless of the facts, it was a helpful 'leverage' tool and the end result is that this August's ChampCar race in Montreal will probably be the last.
Logically, this should pave the way for Legault to bring NASCAR's Busch Series to Montreal next summer. In terms of Canadian racing, this outcome may be the best possible situation for CASCAR, which is in bed with NASCAR.
On one side, we have ChampCar. Alone. On the other, is NASCAR, Legault.... and CASCAR (through its association with NASCAR).
The bottom line is that when you consider the festering hostilities between ChampCar and NASCAR, and ChampCar's history of using CASCAR as a whipping boy, the chances of CASCAR racing at le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve every August for the next five years are considerably better with Legault calling the shots (during NASCAR weekends), than if the ChampCar series was the main event. By the way, that is not a comment on Labrosse, who has signed CASCAR to race in Montreal this August, according to CASCAR officials, this past Thursday.
Sticking with the topic of CASCAR, hopefully now that the way has been cleared for the Busch Series to race in Montreal, NASCAR will be more likely to put an end to its dithering over its purchase of CASCAR. By purchasing Canada's top stock car series, NASCAR would be making a huge statement that it is committed to the sport in this country as it prepares to look for support for its race in Montreal.
In 2004, at the Toronto Indy, NASCAR's Gary Nelson led a gaggle of NASCAR staffers through the pits as they eye-balled the CASCAR equipment. In a few weeks, the due diligence period will reach two years. It wouldn't take two years to determine whether or not you were going to buy Microsoft from Bill Gates.
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