By Ryan Huber, Rallysport Ontario Chief Safety Officer
The Maple Leaf Rally Club is pleased to announce that the 2005 Black Bear Rally presented by Four Star Motorsports, HotBits Performance Parts and Subaru Canada will be going ahead as planned on the rescheduled date of July 23rd.
Due to an extreme weather event in the week prior to the original date, the rally had to be postponed because large portions of the stage roads were washed away. Word this week from the MNR is that a grant has been obtained and repairs have already commenced.
While the MNR will be completing their repairs shortly, the organizers would like to hold a work day on Saturday, July 9th to fix up what they miss; with a possible second date on July 16th depending on if we can't get to everything. Competitors are welcome and encouraged to attend, as always, and help bring the roads up to their best possible condition. The more the merrier. Please contact myself or Ross Wood at ross.wood@sympatico.ca for more information.
Numerous dates listed in the supplemental regulations on the website are no longer correct. We will be posting an updated version of the regulations shortly. Please stay tuned to http://www.mlrc.ca/blackbear/.
While we have already conducted a seeded draw for the event, we have also received word from a few teams either wishing to enter or having to withdraw, and in light of possible seed changes this weekend at Rallye Baiedes Chaleurs, we will be re-drawing the start order at the July MLRC Mini.
rally on Monday, July 11th.
More information will be forthcoming shortly.
Thank you.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
RYAN LITT: MANSFIELD UP NEXT FOR AFTER FINE 2ND PLACE FINISH AT BERLIN
Despite two good runs previously with a wing on, the Ryan Litt Racing team rolled into Michigan’s Berlin Raceway on Saturday night with little in the way of expectations, and some modest goals. What they got was almost a feature win for the 18 year old Lyons, Ontario racer.
The evening began with Ryan posting the 6th fastest lap in time trials, out of 21 cars in attendance for the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints event. In his heat race, Ryan finished 4th, but caught the all important invert which put him on the pole for the feature alongside fellow London-area driver Mike Ling.
On the initial start, Litt was ahead coming out of turn 2 when Ling attempted a pass but made contact with Kevin Feeney, resulting in a spin by Ling and a caution flag. On the re-start, Litt spun his tires coming to the flag, allowing Feeney to get ahead of him.
For the next 21 laps, Litt would pursue Feeney through lapped traffic before Feeney slipped, allowing Ryan the chance to take the lead of the race. Litt began to pull away from the rest of the frontrunners, but a lap 25 caution flag allowed the field to close up on the tail tank of the #07 BRR Media BS&B Radiator Beast Sprint Car.
Litt was able to hold the lead for 3 more laps before eventual race winner Cameron Dodson got by in turn 2, forcing Ryan to “settle” for a very good 2nd place finish.
With the knowledge that they are definitely capable of running up front, and winning, the team moves on this weekend to the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway in Ohio for a Sunday event with the Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series, a club with which Ryan will compete for the first time.
Litt and the team will run most of the rest of the HOSS races this year, along with the remaining dates on the USAC National Sprint Car pavement schedule (with the exception of the Milwaukee Mile in August), as Ryan would like to save his rookie status with the AVSS for next season in order to take a run at the Rookie of the Year title with that series.
The limit for races run before a driver loses his/her rookie status with AVSS is 5, so Ryan will still be able to compete in the 2 remaining dates on the AVSS schedule which are to be held in Ontario this season, at the Kawartha and Flamboro Speedways during the last weekend of August. For more information, photos, merchandise, schedules, and results, visit www.RyanLitt.com.
-From Litt PR
DIRT MotorSports Acquires Volusia Speedway Park and Raises an Additional $4.0 Million
DIRT MotorSports announced today it has completed the purchase of Volusia Speedway Park. Volusia Speedway Park includes a 1/2 mile semi-banked oval, 3/8 mile semi-banked asphalt oval and a 1/8 mile banked clay go-kart track.
Located near Daytona Beach, this famed facility has seating for nearly 10,000 fans. The track is a popular venue for the DIRT owned World of Outlaws Series® and UMP Late Models as well as a variety of other classes including DIRT's big-block modifieds.
Brian Carter, DIRT CFO, stated, "Volusia Speedway Park is an important acquisition for DIRT, continuing our commitment to acquire selected racing facilities to complement our national World of Outlaws touring series and our national and regional dirt racing sanctioning bodies. Volusia Speedway Park is recognized as the southeast's premier dirt track facility. Several of Volusia's biggest events are scheduled to complement NASCAR races at the Daytona Speedway, attracting both dirt and asphalt fans from all over the country."
"We have a committed institutional investor base that supports DIRT's long term business strategy, as demonstrated by this additional $4 million funding. This acquisition is a major step in our operating plan to build revenue drivers by running events at DIRT-owned facilities," said Paul A. Kruger, DIRT Chairman and CEO. "Along with our DIRT-owned Lernerville Speedway in Pennsylvania and Rolling Wheels in New York, Volusia will continue to be a showcase for the best dirt track racing in the country, including DIRT's World of Outlaws national dirt touring series."
In February, The World of Outlaws Sprint Series and World of Outlaws Stacker 2® Late Model Series® kicked off their domestic race season schedules at Volusia Speedway to record crowds during the track's 34th Annual Winter Nationals. This event was broadcast on The Outdoor Channel, the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws Sprint Series. During the 2005 racing season, the Company anticipates that Volusia Speedway Park will host more than 60 events.
Located near Daytona Beach, this famed facility has seating for nearly 10,000 fans. The track is a popular venue for the DIRT owned World of Outlaws Series® and UMP Late Models as well as a variety of other classes including DIRT's big-block modifieds.
Brian Carter, DIRT CFO, stated, "Volusia Speedway Park is an important acquisition for DIRT, continuing our commitment to acquire selected racing facilities to complement our national World of Outlaws touring series and our national and regional dirt racing sanctioning bodies. Volusia Speedway Park is recognized as the southeast's premier dirt track facility. Several of Volusia's biggest events are scheduled to complement NASCAR races at the Daytona Speedway, attracting both dirt and asphalt fans from all over the country."
"We have a committed institutional investor base that supports DIRT's long term business strategy, as demonstrated by this additional $4 million funding. This acquisition is a major step in our operating plan to build revenue drivers by running events at DIRT-owned facilities," said Paul A. Kruger, DIRT Chairman and CEO. "Along with our DIRT-owned Lernerville Speedway in Pennsylvania and Rolling Wheels in New York, Volusia will continue to be a showcase for the best dirt track racing in the country, including DIRT's World of Outlaws national dirt touring series."
In February, The World of Outlaws Sprint Series and World of Outlaws Stacker 2® Late Model Series® kicked off their domestic race season schedules at Volusia Speedway to record crowds during the track's 34th Annual Winter Nationals. This event was broadcast on The Outdoor Channel, the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws Sprint Series. During the 2005 racing season, the Company anticipates that Volusia Speedway Park will host more than 60 events.
DIRT MOTORSPORTS CONSOLIDATES OPERATIONS TO NORMAN, OKLAHOMA HEADQUARTERS
NORMAN, OK – DIRT MotorSportsTM (DIRT) (OTCBB: BMSR) announced that it will be relocating its operation offices from Colorado Springs, CO to the corporate headquarters in Norman, OK. Shane Carson, race event promoter and sprint car driver with more than 27 years’ industry experience, has been named VP Race Operations.
Several key management and staff within the operations office will be relocating to Oklahoma. In connection with this transition, DIRT Chief Operating Officer Bobby Hartslief, who was based in Colorado Springs, has been relieved of his duties with the Company.
The consolidation of operations to the Norman headquarters is an important part of the Company’s strategy to streamline operations and administrative functions, and better position the Company to effectively manage its growth.
“We’re confident that the relocation of the operations office to Oklahoma will enhance the Company’s level of communication and performance with our team owners, drivers, promoters, track owners, sponsors and our most importantly, our dedicated fans,” said Joe Dickey, Chief Administrative Officer. “We will strive to make this a seamless transition that will positively affect every aspect of our business.”
“Our national, regional and weekly DIRT racing series continue to be on the road and focused on the ongoing and exciting battle for championship funds,” said DIRT Chairman and CEO Paul A. Kruger. “For the fans it will be business as usual.”
Several key management and staff within the operations office will be relocating to Oklahoma. In connection with this transition, DIRT Chief Operating Officer Bobby Hartslief, who was based in Colorado Springs, has been relieved of his duties with the Company.
The consolidation of operations to the Norman headquarters is an important part of the Company’s strategy to streamline operations and administrative functions, and better position the Company to effectively manage its growth.
“We’re confident that the relocation of the operations office to Oklahoma will enhance the Company’s level of communication and performance with our team owners, drivers, promoters, track owners, sponsors and our most importantly, our dedicated fans,” said Joe Dickey, Chief Administrative Officer. “We will strive to make this a seamless transition that will positively affect every aspect of our business.”
“Our national, regional and weekly DIRT racing series continue to be on the road and focused on the ongoing and exciting battle for championship funds,” said DIRT Chairman and CEO Paul A. Kruger. “For the fans it will be business as usual.”
OSCAAR OUTLAWS: VISIT MOSPORT SPEEDWAY ON CANADA DAY WEEKEND!
From OSCAAR
BOWMANVILLE, ON – The OSCAAR Outlaws will make their first visit of 2005 to Mosport Speedway on Saturday July 2nd! There’s no better way to celebrate being CANADIAN, than to stop by Mosport and catch the exciting action of Canada’s OSCAAR Super Late Models!
OSCAAR Outlaw teams have been working very hard to prepare for the race at Mosport Speedway. Action at Sauble Speedway was fierce and repairs were required for a number of cars. Early reports are good news for a healthy car count. The #69 of Mike Bricknell has been repaired and while still bruised, is ready for action.
TJ Woolsey had to say goodbye to the #43 car after his serious crash but has had the good fortune of picking up the former ride for Stu Robinson Jr. The team has worked feverishly on the motor and should be in the race come Saturday evening.
Fans can look forward to the fast and exciting race action that OSCAAR brings to Mosport. The Outlaws will reach speeds of 130 mph on the straight stretch. The rumble and growl of their powerful engines, as they circle the half-mile oval, will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Last season's first visit to Mosport was on June 26 and it was Rob Clarke in the #49 Outlaw taking the 50 lap feature. In 2nd place was Shane Maginnis competing in his only feature race of the 2004 season.
This year Shane has made a strong start and heads into Mosport 3rd in the standings. Look for the #03 Outlaw to make a strong run this Saturday. After two rough starts to the season, Jeff Hanley is hoping for the #70 Outlaw's luck to turn around at Mosport, a track where he has traditionally run well. Last year he finished the feature in 3rd place.
New for OSCAAR in 2005 and being debuted at Mosport will be a LADIES’ line of OSCAAR Souvenirs. So be sure to stop by the OSCAAR Souvenir Canopy to get first pick of these products created just for the female outlaw fan.
OSCAAR fans should be sure to tune into The New Chay 93.1 on your FM dial for all OSCAAR pre-race reports and race results on Monday mornings.
Racing action at Mosport Speedway will get under way at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to get there early to watch your favourite Outlaw test and tune for all the intense competition that OSCAAR has to offer!
INSIDE TRACK: 9.05 Desktop Wallpaper
Our art director, Mark Hoffberg, has prepared a computer desktop wallpaper JPG based on the new cover of Inside Track Motorsport News.
The main photo is by Pierre Clemente and it was taken on the May long weekend at Delaware Speedway.
Ron Beauchamp's #60 MOPAR / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger won in its inaugural CASCAR Super Series outing, thereby ending a lengthy winless streak for Beauchamp.
Watch for this issue to appear in subscribers' mailboxes within days.
To have this picture become your desktop image, left click on the image and it will open at full size in a new Internet Explorer window. Then, right click on the image and choose 'Set as Background'.... and it's done.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
VARAC: Mosport Weekend News
Britain West gave gift certificates to the first, second and third place finishers of last Sunday's VARAC race at Mosport, in both class A and B.
Since David Clubine fought his way to the top on Sunday, in a noble gesture, David drew another name from among the other competitors for the Class A first place certificate.
The winners are as follows:
Class A 1st place (by draw) #16 Paul Lawrence; 2nd place Mathieu Audette; and3rd place Rick Doktor
Class B 1st place Bruce Kitchen; 2nd place Glyn Walters; 3rd place Gord Lowe.
VARAC has the certificates and will send them on to the competitors.
On behalf of all the OntarioF1600 Challenge guys/girls a special thanks to the Clubines.
Signed, Jean-Guy Fournier for the Ontario F1600 Challenge series
http://www.ontariof1600challenge.freeservers.com
Since David Clubine fought his way to the top on Sunday, in a noble gesture, David drew another name from among the other competitors for the Class A first place certificate.
The winners are as follows:
Class A 1st place (by draw) #16 Paul Lawrence; 2nd place Mathieu Audette; and3rd place Rick Doktor
Class B 1st place Bruce Kitchen; 2nd place Glyn Walters; 3rd place Gord Lowe.
VARAC has the certificates and will send them on to the competitors.
On behalf of all the OntarioF1600 Challenge guys/girls a special thanks to the Clubines.
Signed, Jean-Guy Fournier for the Ontario F1600 Challenge series
http://www.ontariof1600challenge.freeservers.com
ADVERTISER OF THE DAY: Power on the Go
Visit Power on the Go on the web at: www.POTG.com ... a proud sponsor of the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model Series.
PREVIEW: THE PARTS FOR TRUCKS 100 AT RACEWAY PARK
BY Joan Roué, CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour, (902) 444-0703
OYSTER BED BRIDGE, PEI (2005 June 29) - The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour will make its first stop on beautiful Prince Edward Island this Canada Day weekend for The Parts For Trucks 100 at Raceway Park on Saturday.
Twenty-nine of the top stock car racers in the Maritimes are expected to enter the event including what could be a record number of Island racers defending their "home turf". This is something they managed to do most successfully last year in a clean sweep of series Island events with Kent Livingston (Charlottetown) and Kent Vincent (Crapaud) each scoring wins.
Other Island natives expected to enter include 2004 EIT Race Radio CARQUEST Tour Rookie of the Year Dale Holmes (West Covehead), Chris Hughes (Winsloe), Robbie MacLean (Winsloe), Bob Neilsen (Montague), Greg Proude (N. Wiltshire), Kris Fournier (Charlottetown) and Darren Vanderaa (Winsloe).
Vanderaa is debuting a new racecar after destroying his previous ride in a spectacular crash at New Brunswick International Speedway on June 19.
Also on the expected roster are former series champions Wayne Smith (Halifax), John Flemming (Halifax) and Shawn Tucker (Fredericton).
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour has seen three different winners in three events held so far this season, with two first-time series winners: veteran Rollie MacDonald (Pictou) and series newcomer Kevin Moore (Fredericton). Smith won the season opener.
Motor Mart Time Trials and GM Goodwrench Service Heat Races will set the starting grid for The Parts For Trucks 100 at Raceway Park.
The Parts For Trucks 100 at Raceway Park is round four of 11 on the 2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour championship chase, and round two of four on the 2005 Parts For Trucks / Plasti-Kote Challenge.
Besides the pro stocks, fans will be treated to Raceway Park Hobby Stock and Street Stock racing action.
The grandstand and pit gates will open at 12:30 pm. Motor Mart Time Trials start at 5:10 and racing starts at 6 pm.
Raceway Park is located between Charlottetown and Cavendish at the intersection of routes 6 and 7.
OSCAAR Heads to Mosport...
June 27, 2005 - OSCAAR Outlaw teams have been working very hard to prepare for the next race at Mosport Speedway, Saturday July 2. Action at Sauble Speedway was fierce and repairs were required for a number of cars. Early reports are good news for a healthy car count.
Fans are looking forward to the fast and exciting race action that OSCAAR brings to Mosport. The Outlaws will reach speeds of 130 mph on the straight stretch. The rumble and growl of their powerful engines as they circle the track in a pack will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Last season's first visit to Mosport was on June 26 and we witnessed a multi-car pile up on lap 3. John Fletcher and his JNE Consulting looked as if he took the worst of the accident. The team worked hard on the car to get the #61 Monte Carlo back out to limp around for points but John had other plans and drove it to a forth place finish. After two starts this year the battle between John's #61 JNE Consulting and the #49 have left the rest of the competitors wondering how the can be stopped.
We invite everyone out to come see the JNE Consulting #61 piloted by John Fletcher at Mosport. www.jne.ca
Fans are looking forward to the fast and exciting race action that OSCAAR brings to Mosport. The Outlaws will reach speeds of 130 mph on the straight stretch. The rumble and growl of their powerful engines as they circle the track in a pack will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Last season's first visit to Mosport was on June 26 and we witnessed a multi-car pile up on lap 3. John Fletcher and his JNE Consulting looked as if he took the worst of the accident. The team worked hard on the car to get the #61 Monte Carlo back out to limp around for points but John had other plans and drove it to a forth place finish. After two starts this year the battle between John's #61 JNE Consulting and the #49 have left the rest of the competitors wondering how the can be stopped.
We invite everyone out to come see the JNE Consulting #61 piloted by John Fletcher at Mosport. www.jne.ca
Ontario's Own Racing "Thrill" Paul Tracy At Toronto-Area Pizza Pizza To Greet Fans
Ontario's #1 pizza - Pizza Pizza - will welcome Ontario's own 'Thrill from West Hill', Champ Car driver Paul Tracy on Wednesday, July 6th.
Tracy will be taking time from the Champ Car schedule to appear atthe Wellington & Church Pizza Pizza restaurant to meet fans and sign autographs. All are welcome!
Rally of the Tall Pines celebrates Canada Day in Bancroft!
By Francis Richard
Richmond Hill, June 27, 2005 – The Rally of the Tall Pines will be celebrating Canada Day with the Town of Bancroft, Ontario this Friday. The organizing committee for the Rally of the Tall Pines, the 6th and final round on the 2005 Canadian Rally Championship, is excited to announce that we will be celebrating this year’s Canada Day with the Town of Bancroft, Ontario this Friday, July 1st.
Bancroft, “Ontario’s Most Talented Town”, is situated 2 hours North of Toronto and is the host sponsor of the 35th Rally of the Tall Pines, one of the largest and most respected rally events in North America. The Tall Pines will be on hand all day to give back to a great town that has always given so much to the event’s organizers, competitors and spectators.
The Town of Bancroft has organized a fun-filled day of activities for people of all ages starting with a parade through the downtown area at 10AM which will feature a number of rally cars representing all levels of rally competition in Canada.
The Tall Pines has teamed up with Team Triplus (Alan Ryall & Glenn Hamilton) to bring you the Official Tall Pines Rally Car.
The car has been prepared by Four Star Motorsports of Georgetown, Ontario, a sponsor of the Tall Pines. The official rally car will be used as a promotional tool for the Tall Pines at other race events in which Team Triplus plans to compete, at promo days for event sponsors, and will also be displayed at various other events leading up to race weekend on November 25-26th, 2005.
“We hope to bring the excitement of Canadian rallying to people that may not even know that it’s happening right in their backyards, and at the same time offer our sponsors added exposure outside of the late November event. Marketing is a year round effort for the Tall Pines” remarks Richard Hepburn, the Rally of the Tall Pines Coordinator. “The Rally of the Tall Pines is the grand-daddy of rallying in Canada and we’re excited to be involved” boasts
Ryall.
In addition to being a competitor, Ryall is a business owner and fellow-sponsor of Team Triplus and understands the need for effective use of marketing resources. His partnership with the Tall Pines is just that. “It’s a great feeling to be promoting a sport with such explosive growth potential and at the same time be promoting my business. It truly is the best of both worlds” claims Ryall.
Another car on display at this Friday’s Canada Day festivities will be a production-based Mazda 323 rally car driven by twenty-nine-year-old Jen Horsey. Horsey is the driving half of Lo-Fi Racing, the only all-female rally crew in Canada. She and co-driver J.J. Collins started racing a year ago to prove that anything boys can do, girls can do too. The pair is contesting the Ontario Performance Rally Championship this year in a production-based Mazda 323.
Look for Jen at the display on Canada Day. “We can’t think of a better way to kick off the long weekend than to be in Bancroft and celebrate Canada Day and we encourage everyone to head up and participate in the celebrations” says Hepburn, about this Friday’s appearance.
A full schedule of the events can be found on the Tall Pines web site. Festival participants are invited to stop by the rally car display as well as the Tall Pines merchandise booth this Friday from 11AM to dusk. Participants and organizers will be on hand to celebrate Canada Day and answer any questions about the rally of the Tall Pines - coming soon to a road near you this November. Let the countdown begin!
Stay tuned to www.tallpinesrally.com for all the details.
The Rally of the Tall Pines is sanctioned by the Canadian Association of Rallysport and RallySport Ontario and is sponsored by L. Hansen’s Forwarding, CP Rail, the Town of Bancroft, Four Star Motorsports and the Maple LeafRally Club.
For more information on this press release or for more information on the Rally of the Tall Pines, please contact Francis Richard @ 416-844-0102 or by e-mail: francis@tallpinesrally.com
For more information about Team Triplus, please contact Alan Ryall by email: alan@triplus.org
For more information about Lo-Fi Racing, please contact Jen Horsey by email: j-horsey@rogers.com or by phone 416-836-2729.
Richmond Hill, June 27, 2005 – The Rally of the Tall Pines will be celebrating Canada Day with the Town of Bancroft, Ontario this Friday. The organizing committee for the Rally of the Tall Pines, the 6th and final round on the 2005 Canadian Rally Championship, is excited to announce that we will be celebrating this year’s Canada Day with the Town of Bancroft, Ontario this Friday, July 1st.
Bancroft, “Ontario’s Most Talented Town”, is situated 2 hours North of Toronto and is the host sponsor of the 35th Rally of the Tall Pines, one of the largest and most respected rally events in North America. The Tall Pines will be on hand all day to give back to a great town that has always given so much to the event’s organizers, competitors and spectators.
The Town of Bancroft has organized a fun-filled day of activities for people of all ages starting with a parade through the downtown area at 10AM which will feature a number of rally cars representing all levels of rally competition in Canada.
The Tall Pines has teamed up with Team Triplus (Alan Ryall & Glenn Hamilton) to bring you the Official Tall Pines Rally Car.
The car has been prepared by Four Star Motorsports of Georgetown, Ontario, a sponsor of the Tall Pines. The official rally car will be used as a promotional tool for the Tall Pines at other race events in which Team Triplus plans to compete, at promo days for event sponsors, and will also be displayed at various other events leading up to race weekend on November 25-26th, 2005.
“We hope to bring the excitement of Canadian rallying to people that may not even know that it’s happening right in their backyards, and at the same time offer our sponsors added exposure outside of the late November event. Marketing is a year round effort for the Tall Pines” remarks Richard Hepburn, the Rally of the Tall Pines Coordinator. “The Rally of the Tall Pines is the grand-daddy of rallying in Canada and we’re excited to be involved” boasts
Ryall.
In addition to being a competitor, Ryall is a business owner and fellow-sponsor of Team Triplus and understands the need for effective use of marketing resources. His partnership with the Tall Pines is just that. “It’s a great feeling to be promoting a sport with such explosive growth potential and at the same time be promoting my business. It truly is the best of both worlds” claims Ryall.
Another car on display at this Friday’s Canada Day festivities will be a production-based Mazda 323 rally car driven by twenty-nine-year-old Jen Horsey. Horsey is the driving half of Lo-Fi Racing, the only all-female rally crew in Canada. She and co-driver J.J. Collins started racing a year ago to prove that anything boys can do, girls can do too. The pair is contesting the Ontario Performance Rally Championship this year in a production-based Mazda 323.
Look for Jen at the display on Canada Day. “We can’t think of a better way to kick off the long weekend than to be in Bancroft and celebrate Canada Day and we encourage everyone to head up and participate in the celebrations” says Hepburn, about this Friday’s appearance.
A full schedule of the events can be found on the Tall Pines web site. Festival participants are invited to stop by the rally car display as well as the Tall Pines merchandise booth this Friday from 11AM to dusk. Participants and organizers will be on hand to celebrate Canada Day and answer any questions about the rally of the Tall Pines - coming soon to a road near you this November. Let the countdown begin!
Stay tuned to www.tallpinesrally.com for all the details.
The Rally of the Tall Pines is sanctioned by the Canadian Association of Rallysport and RallySport Ontario and is sponsored by L. Hansen’s Forwarding, CP Rail, the Town of Bancroft, Four Star Motorsports and the Maple LeafRally Club.
For more information on this press release or for more information on the Rally of the Tall Pines, please contact Francis Richard @ 416-844-0102 or by e-mail: francis@tallpinesrally.com
For more information about Team Triplus, please contact Alan Ryall by email: alan@triplus.org
For more information about Lo-Fi Racing, please contact Jen Horsey by email: j-horsey@rogers.com or by phone 416-836-2729.
RACE CITY: CANADIAN NATIONAL SUPERBIKE DOUBLEHEADER THIS WEEKEND!
CALGARY, AB - The Parts Canada Superbike Championship, one of only two National Canadian motorsport tours, comes to Calgary this weekend for its only Western Canadian appearance. The Superbike races, presented by Calgary¹s Suzuki dealers, on both Saturday and Sunday are points-paying races, making the Calgary stop vital for the championship hopes of the country¹s top motorcycle road racers.
Calgary¹s Clint McBain is the Great Western Hope for a national title in the Parts Canada series. Riding a factory-backed Suzuki, McBain has an excellent chance to make a strong showing on Race City¹s two-mile roadcourse his home track.
Another Calgarian to watch is young Chris Peris, who has been racing in the USA and Europe this year but will return to the Parts Canada series for the two races this weekend.
Edmonton racer Brian Nielsen could be a real dark horse this weekend. The young Yamaha rider was the track Superbike champion two years ago and makes no secret of his ambition to move up to the Parts Canada series.
Red Deer¹s Tom Cody, in his first year as a Pro rider, could be someone to watch this weekend, too. A strong performance in front of the National teams can lead to tremendous opportunities. It was racing in the Parts Canada event at Race City that brought McBain to the attention of a factory team.
Chad Pasowisty of Invermere, British Columbia, could also be a rider to watch. After taking some time off from the sport, Pasowisty has had very strong showings in the first two regional roadracing rounds at Race City, riding for Westbank, BC-based Newman Racing.
All four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, and several tire makers, have fully-supported factory teams in action this season with talented riders recruited from all over Canada and some foreign countries.
SATURDAY Roadcourse spectator gates open at 11am. Motorcycle Racing begins at 1pm.
SUNDAY Roadcourse spectator gates open at 11am. Motorcycle racing begins at 1pm.
MAC¹S LEGENDS CARS HEADLINE OVAL SHOW
The MAC¹S CONVENIENCE STORES Legends Cars return to Race City for another hard-fought battle for their season championship. Along with the Legends, the NEWALTA Late Models, fresh off last weekend¹s Western 100 at Race City and the I.M.C.A. Stock Cars will be racing, too.
Saturday OVAL Spectator gates open at 6pm. Stock Car Racing begins at 7pm.
- By Robert K. Rooney
Calgary¹s Clint McBain is the Great Western Hope for a national title in the Parts Canada series. Riding a factory-backed Suzuki, McBain has an excellent chance to make a strong showing on Race City¹s two-mile roadcourse his home track.
Another Calgarian to watch is young Chris Peris, who has been racing in the USA and Europe this year but will return to the Parts Canada series for the two races this weekend.
Edmonton racer Brian Nielsen could be a real dark horse this weekend. The young Yamaha rider was the track Superbike champion two years ago and makes no secret of his ambition to move up to the Parts Canada series.
Red Deer¹s Tom Cody, in his first year as a Pro rider, could be someone to watch this weekend, too. A strong performance in front of the National teams can lead to tremendous opportunities. It was racing in the Parts Canada event at Race City that brought McBain to the attention of a factory team.
Chad Pasowisty of Invermere, British Columbia, could also be a rider to watch. After taking some time off from the sport, Pasowisty has had very strong showings in the first two regional roadracing rounds at Race City, riding for Westbank, BC-based Newman Racing.
All four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, and several tire makers, have fully-supported factory teams in action this season with talented riders recruited from all over Canada and some foreign countries.
SATURDAY Roadcourse spectator gates open at 11am. Motorcycle Racing begins at 1pm.
SUNDAY Roadcourse spectator gates open at 11am. Motorcycle racing begins at 1pm.
MAC¹S LEGENDS CARS HEADLINE OVAL SHOW
The MAC¹S CONVENIENCE STORES Legends Cars return to Race City for another hard-fought battle for their season championship. Along with the Legends, the NEWALTA Late Models, fresh off last weekend¹s Western 100 at Race City and the I.M.C.A. Stock Cars will be racing, too.
Saturday OVAL Spectator gates open at 6pm. Stock Car Racing begins at 7pm.
- By Robert K. Rooney
CASCAR: Returns to the new Barrie Speedway for a Super Series / Power Water Sportsman Series doubleheader weekend
LONDON, ON – Following a 10-year gap – almost to the day – since the last time the CASCAR Super Series appeared at Barrie Speedway, Canada’s top racing series is set to pay a return visit to the newly reconfigured one-third-mile, banked tri-oval for a busy weekend of stock car racing.
Sunday afternoon’s ‘Dodge Charger 300 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario’ is the feature event of the Canada Day Northern 500 Weekend at Barrie Speedway, which also includes the CASCAR PowerWater Sportsman Series’ 100-lapper on Saturday night and the MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge in downtown Barrie on Friday evening.
Veteran CASCAR racer Kerry Micks won the 100-lap feature race on July 1, 1995 at Barrie; a track that he called ‘home’ for almost 10 years – off and on – during the early days of his racing career. The format for that last Barrie race included two, 50-lap qualifying races, followed by a 100-lap main event, which the Mt. Albert, ON resident won.
“Barrie Speedway was my hometrack for a long time,” recalled the 1993 Super Series champ, who is excited to head back to the facility after so many years. “It’s nice to see the track in such good shape and everyone is looking forward to going back. We’ve tested there and our PowerWater Taurus was really, really good. The new configuration makes it a totally different place from what it was in the past, though. It’s night and day, really.”
And while he’s looking forward to racing at Barrie again, Micks cautioned that the 300-lap Dodge Charger 300 will be a test for the Super Series competitors. “It’s a short track and there’s not a lot of room, so people will have to use their heads. There’s a good outside groove in turns 3 and 4 but it’s quickest around the bottom in turns 1 and 2. And to get around lapped traffic, you’re going to have to be good up high. It’s gonna be tricky and it’s going to be exciting for the fans.”
The Dodge Charger 300 is the fourth Super Series race of the season. The green flag is scheduled to fly on Sunday afternoon (July 3) at 2 p.m.
CASCAR NOTEBOOK: In addition to the busy weekend of CASCAR racing at Barrie Speedway, the CASCAR Western Series is also in action during the Canada Day Weekend. The Sun Valley 200 takes place on Saturday night at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia. The next day, the series heads to Penticton Speedway in Penticton, BC for the second half of the Western Series’ doubleheader… Barrie, ON racer John Gaunt won the pole for the last Super Series race at Barrie Speedway (in ’95). Gaunt, who currently races at Barrie Speedway on Saturday nights, lapped the then-quarter-mile-oval in 15.720 seconds…
CASCAR ON TV: The Berms R Us presents the Clarington 200 from Mosport Int’l Raceway will air on SPORTSNET on Saturday, July 2 at 1 p.m. on the ONTARIO and EAST channels. The following day, PACIFIC and WESTERN SPORTSNET viewers can catch the premier showings of the race at 3 p.m. For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
SCHEDULE:
DODGE CHARGER 300
PRESENTED BY THE DODGE DEALERS OF ONTARIO
BARRIE SPEEDWAY NORTHERN 500 CANADA DAY WEEKEND
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CASCAR Super Series cars on display in downtown Barrie
on Dunlop St., between Maple Ave. and Mary St.
5:30 p.m. Parade through the streets of downtown Barrie
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge on Lakeshore Dr.
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2005
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon CASCAR Super Series Practice
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PowerWater Series Practice
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. PowerWater Series Time Trials
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Super Series Happy Hour
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Super Series Time Trials
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. GREEN FLAG: POWERWATER SERIES
100 LAP FEATURE RACE
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2005
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon CASCAR Super Series Cars on the Grid
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Super Series Driver Autograph Session
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: THE DODGE CHARGER 300
PRESENTED BY THE DODGE DEALERS OF ONTARIO
POINT STANDINGS:
CASCAR SUPER SERIES POINTS AFTER 3 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Chevrolet / 487); 2. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Dodge / 460); 3. #9 Mark Dilley (Dodge / 436); 4. #1 Peter Gibbons (Chevrolet / 434); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (Dodge / 433); 6. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 419); 7. #02 Kerry Micks (Ford / 408); 8. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 406); 9. #84 J R Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 403); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 400); 11. #17 DJ Kennington (Dodge / 384); 12. #88 Dave Jacombs (Ford / 384); 13. #19 Brad Graham (Pontiac / 380); 14. #71 Bryan Cathcart (Chevrolet / 362); 15. #37 R Tara MacLeod (Ford / 350); 16. #42 Sean Stafford (Chevrolet / 348); 17. #22 Scott Steckly (Pontiac / 340); 18. #3 Stu Robinson (Chevrolet / 322); 19. #18 R Chad McGlynn (Ford / 320); 20. #10 Doug Brown (Chevrolet / 318)
CASCAR POWERWATER SPORTSMAN SERIES POINTS AFTER 1 EVENT: (TOP 20): 1. #28 Steve Robblee (Ford / 172); 2. #32 Mike Alguire (Pontiac / 159); 3. #00 Steve Munro (Chevrolet / 152); 4. #6 Brad Graham (Dodge / 148); 5. #66 R Josh Wood (Pontiac / 144); 6. #95 R Ron Lethbridge (Dodge / 144); 7. #38 Ken Grubb (Ford / 140); 8. #80 Mike Hryniuk (Pontiac / 139); 9. #77 Dion Verhoeven (Pontiac / 139); 10. #97 R Michael Gold (Dodge / 134); 11. #91 Dean Fantin (Dodge / 132); 12. #11 R Cole Weber (Chevrolet / 128); 13. #09 R Kent Nuhn (Pontiac / 126); 14. #12 Mark Patrick (Chevrolet / 124); 15. #02 R Scott O’Connor (Olds / 122); 16. #39 Kevin D'Amore (Dodge / 120); 17. #45 Bob Merrifield (Dodge / 118); 18. #36 R Alan Lebert (Pontiac / 116); 19. #67 Scott Mitchell (Chevrolet / 114); 20. #53 R Todd Musker (Ford / 112)
CASCAR WESTERN SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #30 Derek Polack (Chevrolet / 323); 2. #79 Wade Lee (Chevrolet / 318); 3. #35 Kevin Dowler (Ford / 310); 4. #12 Ron Larson (Dodge / 294); 4. #14 James VanDomselaar (Chevrolet / 294); 6. #6 Todd Nichol (Chevrolet / 285); 7. #36 Jim White (Dodge / 275); 8. #26 Shaun Polack (Chevrolet / 266); 9. #21 R Jason White (Chevrolet / 262); 10. #96 R Norman Hunger (Pontiac / 250); 11 #69 R Randy Kozek (Ford / 246); 12 #64 Chris Shirley (Pontiac / 166); 13 #46 Dan Shirley (Pontiac / 141); 14 #87 James Ward (Ford / 138); 15 #48 R Rusty Martin (Chevrolet / 135); 16 #31 Sean Maltman (Chevrolet / 134); 17 #99 R Jack Freisen (Chevrolet / 134); 18 #07 R Nick Allen (Chevrolet / 129); 19 #04 Gil Gillett (Chevrolet / 124); 19 #00 R Lawrence Skoworodko (Chevrolet / 124)
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 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
Sunday afternoon’s ‘Dodge Charger 300 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario’ is the feature event of the Canada Day Northern 500 Weekend at Barrie Speedway, which also includes the CASCAR PowerWater Sportsman Series’ 100-lapper on Saturday night and the MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge in downtown Barrie on Friday evening.
Veteran CASCAR racer Kerry Micks won the 100-lap feature race on July 1, 1995 at Barrie; a track that he called ‘home’ for almost 10 years – off and on – during the early days of his racing career. The format for that last Barrie race included two, 50-lap qualifying races, followed by a 100-lap main event, which the Mt. Albert, ON resident won.
“Barrie Speedway was my hometrack for a long time,” recalled the 1993 Super Series champ, who is excited to head back to the facility after so many years. “It’s nice to see the track in such good shape and everyone is looking forward to going back. We’ve tested there and our PowerWater Taurus was really, really good. The new configuration makes it a totally different place from what it was in the past, though. It’s night and day, really.”
And while he’s looking forward to racing at Barrie again, Micks cautioned that the 300-lap Dodge Charger 300 will be a test for the Super Series competitors. “It’s a short track and there’s not a lot of room, so people will have to use their heads. There’s a good outside groove in turns 3 and 4 but it’s quickest around the bottom in turns 1 and 2. And to get around lapped traffic, you’re going to have to be good up high. It’s gonna be tricky and it’s going to be exciting for the fans.”
The Dodge Charger 300 is the fourth Super Series race of the season. The green flag is scheduled to fly on Sunday afternoon (July 3) at 2 p.m.
CASCAR NOTEBOOK: In addition to the busy weekend of CASCAR racing at Barrie Speedway, the CASCAR Western Series is also in action during the Canada Day Weekend. The Sun Valley 200 takes place on Saturday night at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia. The next day, the series heads to Penticton Speedway in Penticton, BC for the second half of the Western Series’ doubleheader… Barrie, ON racer John Gaunt won the pole for the last Super Series race at Barrie Speedway (in ’95). Gaunt, who currently races at Barrie Speedway on Saturday nights, lapped the then-quarter-mile-oval in 15.720 seconds…
CASCAR ON TV: The Berms R Us presents the Clarington 200 from Mosport Int’l Raceway will air on SPORTSNET on Saturday, July 2 at 1 p.m. on the ONTARIO and EAST channels. The following day, PACIFIC and WESTERN SPORTSNET viewers can catch the premier showings of the race at 3 p.m. For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
SCHEDULE:
DODGE CHARGER 300
PRESENTED BY THE DODGE DEALERS OF ONTARIO
BARRIE SPEEDWAY NORTHERN 500 CANADA DAY WEEKEND
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CASCAR Super Series cars on display in downtown Barrie
on Dunlop St., between Maple Ave. and Mary St.
5:30 p.m. Parade through the streets of downtown Barrie
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MOPAR Pit Stop Challenge on Lakeshore Dr.
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2005
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon CASCAR Super Series Practice
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PowerWater Series Practice
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. PowerWater Series Time Trials
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Super Series Happy Hour
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Super Series Time Trials
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. GREEN FLAG: POWERWATER SERIES
100 LAP FEATURE RACE
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2005
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon CASCAR Super Series Cars on the Grid
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Super Series Driver Autograph Session
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: THE DODGE CHARGER 300
PRESENTED BY THE DODGE DEALERS OF ONTARIO
POINT STANDINGS:
CASCAR SUPER SERIES POINTS AFTER 3 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Chevrolet / 487); 2. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Dodge / 460); 3. #9 Mark Dilley (Dodge / 436); 4. #1 Peter Gibbons (Chevrolet / 434); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (Dodge / 433); 6. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 419); 7. #02 Kerry Micks (Ford / 408); 8. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 406); 9. #84 J R Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 403); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 400); 11. #17 DJ Kennington (Dodge / 384); 12. #88 Dave Jacombs (Ford / 384); 13. #19 Brad Graham (Pontiac / 380); 14. #71 Bryan Cathcart (Chevrolet / 362); 15. #37 R Tara MacLeod (Ford / 350); 16. #42 Sean Stafford (Chevrolet / 348); 17. #22 Scott Steckly (Pontiac / 340); 18. #3 Stu Robinson (Chevrolet / 322); 19. #18 R Chad McGlynn (Ford / 320); 20. #10 Doug Brown (Chevrolet / 318)
CASCAR POWERWATER SPORTSMAN SERIES POINTS AFTER 1 EVENT: (TOP 20): 1. #28 Steve Robblee (Ford / 172); 2. #32 Mike Alguire (Pontiac / 159); 3. #00 Steve Munro (Chevrolet / 152); 4. #6 Brad Graham (Dodge / 148); 5. #66 R Josh Wood (Pontiac / 144); 6. #95 R Ron Lethbridge (Dodge / 144); 7. #38 Ken Grubb (Ford / 140); 8. #80 Mike Hryniuk (Pontiac / 139); 9. #77 Dion Verhoeven (Pontiac / 139); 10. #97 R Michael Gold (Dodge / 134); 11. #91 Dean Fantin (Dodge / 132); 12. #11 R Cole Weber (Chevrolet / 128); 13. #09 R Kent Nuhn (Pontiac / 126); 14. #12 Mark Patrick (Chevrolet / 124); 15. #02 R Scott O’Connor (Olds / 122); 16. #39 Kevin D'Amore (Dodge / 120); 17. #45 Bob Merrifield (Dodge / 118); 18. #36 R Alan Lebert (Pontiac / 116); 19. #67 Scott Mitchell (Chevrolet / 114); 20. #53 R Todd Musker (Ford / 112)
CASCAR WESTERN SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #30 Derek Polack (Chevrolet / 323); 2. #79 Wade Lee (Chevrolet / 318); 3. #35 Kevin Dowler (Ford / 310); 4. #12 Ron Larson (Dodge / 294); 4. #14 James VanDomselaar (Chevrolet / 294); 6. #6 Todd Nichol (Chevrolet / 285); 7. #36 Jim White (Dodge / 275); 8. #26 Shaun Polack (Chevrolet / 266); 9. #21 R Jason White (Chevrolet / 262); 10. #96 R Norman Hunger (Pontiac / 250); 11 #69 R Randy Kozek (Ford / 246); 12 #64 Chris Shirley (Pontiac / 166); 13 #46 Dan Shirley (Pontiac / 141); 14 #87 James Ward (Ford / 138); 15 #48 R Rusty Martin (Chevrolet / 135); 16 #31 Sean Maltman (Chevrolet / 134); 17 #99 R Jack Freisen (Chevrolet / 134); 18 #07 R Nick Allen (Chevrolet / 129); 19 #04 Gil Gillett (Chevrolet / 124); 19 #00 R Lawrence Skoworodko (Chevrolet / 124)
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 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
CASCAR: Companies support Pete Shepherd at Barrie
As a follow-up to a post earlier this week, three Canadian companies have stepped forward to sponsor Pete Shepherd this weekend at Barrie Speedway for the Dodge Charger 300 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario.
They are:
Logel's Auto Parts. John Logel already sponsors the #19 Challenger / Logel's Dodge Charger of Brad Graham. Good for him for helping out Petey, too, at Barrie.
National Exhaust: They are on the #50 car for Barrie, too.
... and County Interiors of Waterloo, ON (couldn't find the website)... they specialize in commercial renovations... are on for Barrie, as well. Good for all of them for their support.
Finally, if anyone would like to put out a call for sponsorship support or would like to thank their existing sponsors on this site, we would be more than happy to do either of those things! Please send me a note and we'll post your information. Good luck to everyone in their efforts to attract sponsorship support for their racing programs.
They are:
Logel's Auto Parts. John Logel already sponsors the #19 Challenger / Logel's Dodge Charger of Brad Graham. Good for him for helping out Petey, too, at Barrie.
National Exhaust: They are on the #50 car for Barrie, too.
... and County Interiors of Waterloo, ON (couldn't find the website)... they specialize in commercial renovations... are on for Barrie, as well. Good for all of them for their support.
Finally, if anyone would like to put out a call for sponsorship support or would like to thank their existing sponsors on this site, we would be more than happy to do either of those things! Please send me a note and we'll post your information. Good luck to everyone in their efforts to attract sponsorship support for their racing programs.
CANADIAN DRIVERS ON TRACK IN NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 28, 2005) – The three Canadian tracks in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series have all been placed in Division II, under NASCAR’s new alignment for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Drivers from Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec, Delaware Speedway in Ontario and Edmonton International Raceway in Alberta are competing for the Division II championship, along with drivers from 11 U.S. states from New Hampshire to California.
At Autodrome St. Eustache, a 4/10-mile (0.643 km) asphalt oval located 26 miles (42 km) west of Montreal, Jonathan Bouvrette, of St. Therese, Quebec, improved five positions in the standings after recording his fifth win in the track’s Pro Truck class. Bouvrette is now ranked eighth in the NDWS Division II standings, his best showing this season.
At Delaware Speedway, located west of Toronto near London, Ontario, Pete Vanderwyst continues to lead the track’s Late Model class, with five top-five finishes in his first five starts. Vanderwyst, a resident of London, dropped one position, from 14th to 15th, in the NDWS Division II standings this week. In the Northwestern province of Alberta, Jeremy Lapainis leads the Edmonton International Raceway Super Late Model class with seven wins and five top-five finishes in seven starts. Lapainis, of Airdrie, Alberta, is ranked 12th in the NDWS Division II standings.
Chris Spieker, meanwhile, continues to lead the NDWS Division II standings while competing at Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa and I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb. Joe Kosiski, the 1986 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion from Omaha, Neb., is ranked second.
This Week’s Division II Leaders …
(Driver, Home Track, (Track Location) Points)
1. Chris Spieker, Adams County Speedway (Corning, Iowa), 880 points
2. Joe Kosiski, I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, Neb.), 658
3. Travis Sharpe, Concord Motorsport Park (Concord, N.C.), 580
4. Jeff Strunk, Grandview Speedway (Bechtelsville, Pa.), 578
5. Eric Richardson, Mesa Marin Raceway (Bakersfield, Calif.), 566
6. Mike Hansen, Park Jefferson Speedway (Jefferson, S.D.), 524
7. Robert Barker, San Antonio Speedway (San Antonio, Texas), 470
8. Jonathan Bouvrette, Autodrome St. Eustache (St. Eustache, Quebec, Canada), 460
9. Pete Anderson Jr., Stockton 99 Speedway (Stockton, Calif.), 434
10. Stacey Gerken, Lorain Speedway (South Amherst, Ohio), 432
11. Alan Pyszora, Shasta Raceway Park (Anderson, Calif.), 394
12. Jeremy Lapainis, Edmonton International Raceway (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), 368
13. Robert Powell, Myrtle Beach Speedway (Myrtle Beach, S.C.), 362
14. Dennis Pelphrey, Watsonville Speedway (Watsonville, Calif.), 326
15. Pete Vanderwyst, Delaware Speedway (Delaware, Ontario, Canada), 286
16. Scott Bonney, Lee USA Speedway (Lee, N.H.), 268
17. Bill Hebing Jr., Spencer Speedway (Williamson, N.Y.), 254
18. Eldon King Jr., Holland International Speedway (Holland, N.Y.), 250
For More Information, Contact: Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 681-4173 or jdavidson@nascar.com
CASCAR SUPER SERIES: Mosport road course race on TV
From Joel Robinson....
Watch as BERMS-R-US presents THE CLARINGTON 200 from MOSPORT on SPORTSNET
Premier Viewings
EAST/ONT SATURDAY JULY 2ND @1:00PM EST
WEST/PAC SUNDAY JULY 3RD @3:00PM MT
Replays:
EAST: FRIDAY JULY 8 @ 3:00PM EST
ONTARIO: WED JULY 6 @ 2:00PM EST
WEST: MON JULY 4 @ 3:00PM MST
PACIFIC: SUN JULY 3 @ 12:00AM PST
THURS JULY 7 @ 1:00PM PST
Watch as BERMS-R-US presents THE CLARINGTON 200 from MOSPORT on SPORTSNET
Premier Viewings
EAST/ONT SATURDAY JULY 2ND @1:00PM EST
WEST/PAC SUNDAY JULY 3RD @3:00PM MT
Replays:
EAST: FRIDAY JULY 8 @ 3:00PM EST
ONTARIO: WED JULY 6 @ 2:00PM EST
WEST: MON JULY 4 @ 3:00PM MST
PACIFIC: SUN JULY 3 @ 12:00AM PST
THURS JULY 7 @ 1:00PM PST
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
KARTING: Live web cast planned for Rock Island Grand Prix kart races
Courtesy Roger Ruthhart, Rock Island Grand Prix
The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, and Monks Media, based in suburban Indianapolis, Indiana, have announced plans to broadcast this year’s event live on the Monks Media internet-based radio station on 4 September. This agreement will allow for race fans around the world to hear the action live as it is happening via the internet, or to listen later at their convenience.
“As interest in our event spreads across North America and around the world, it only made sense to find a way to do a web cast for those who are interested in hearing our race action,” said Roger Ruthhart, head of the Rock Island Grand Prix. This year the Rock Island Grand Prix already has driver commitments from England, Canada, Bermuda, Costa Rica and Malaysia, with discussions continuing with several other foreign teams. The live web cast provides a way for race fans at home – wherever the drivers are from -- to follow their progress at “The Rock.”
The Rock Island Grand Prix will again host the Superkarts! USA King of the Streets race. It will co-promote the U.S. Street Grand Prix races for Intercontinental C and Intercontinental A racers with the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League. Its two feature TAG races are the only direct qualifiers to the TAG World Finals. The full day of racing will also include the Briggs & Stratton Rumble at The Rock and Tom Argy Jr. Animal Roundup for Animal motors, as well as a full slate of other 2-cycle, 4-cycle and shifter events.
Monks Media offers a variety of live programming including music, racing, high school sports, community events and informational topics. It is always free to listen and Monks Media also records its programming, which means you can listen to the shows from anywhere at any time. No other form of media allows the listener to tune in at their convenience just by clicking on www.monksmedia.com . Listeners with DSL or a cable modem will get the best quality. Those with telephone modems will still be able to listen but may experience buffering out of the broadcast.
Internet radio has been around for several years but is undergoing a revolution that will extend its reach from the desktop computer and send streaming audio in real time to the listener, eliminating the waiting time for downloads. To listen, all you need is a computer with speakers, an internet connection and WinAmp software which is available at the Monks Media website for FREE.
Rock Island Grand Prix festivities will begin with Opening Ceremonies at about 12 Central Standard Time (17:00 GMT) on Sunday, 4 September, with the first race starting at 12:30 p.m. CST (17:30 GMT). Efforts are ongoing to augment internet radio reports with photos or video.
To find out more about Monks Media, please visit its web site at www.monksmedia.com or check out their kart racing show, “Quicktime Karting” each Thursday at 7 p.m. CST.
The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, and Monks Media, based in suburban Indianapolis, Indiana, have announced plans to broadcast this year’s event live on the Monks Media internet-based radio station on 4 September. This agreement will allow for race fans around the world to hear the action live as it is happening via the internet, or to listen later at their convenience.
“As interest in our event spreads across North America and around the world, it only made sense to find a way to do a web cast for those who are interested in hearing our race action,” said Roger Ruthhart, head of the Rock Island Grand Prix. This year the Rock Island Grand Prix already has driver commitments from England, Canada, Bermuda, Costa Rica and Malaysia, with discussions continuing with several other foreign teams. The live web cast provides a way for race fans at home – wherever the drivers are from -- to follow their progress at “The Rock.”
The Rock Island Grand Prix will again host the Superkarts! USA King of the Streets race. It will co-promote the U.S. Street Grand Prix races for Intercontinental C and Intercontinental A racers with the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League. Its two feature TAG races are the only direct qualifiers to the TAG World Finals. The full day of racing will also include the Briggs & Stratton Rumble at The Rock and Tom Argy Jr. Animal Roundup for Animal motors, as well as a full slate of other 2-cycle, 4-cycle and shifter events.
Monks Media offers a variety of live programming including music, racing, high school sports, community events and informational topics. It is always free to listen and Monks Media also records its programming, which means you can listen to the shows from anywhere at any time. No other form of media allows the listener to tune in at their convenience just by clicking on www.monksmedia.com . Listeners with DSL or a cable modem will get the best quality. Those with telephone modems will still be able to listen but may experience buffering out of the broadcast.
Internet radio has been around for several years but is undergoing a revolution that will extend its reach from the desktop computer and send streaming audio in real time to the listener, eliminating the waiting time for downloads. To listen, all you need is a computer with speakers, an internet connection and WinAmp software which is available at the Monks Media website for FREE.
Rock Island Grand Prix festivities will begin with Opening Ceremonies at about 12 Central Standard Time (17:00 GMT) on Sunday, 4 September, with the first race starting at 12:30 p.m. CST (17:30 GMT). Efforts are ongoing to augment internet radio reports with photos or video.
To find out more about Monks Media, please visit its web site at www.monksmedia.com or check out their kart racing show, “Quicktime Karting” each Thursday at 7 p.m. CST.
SPRINTS ON DIRT: Mann Wins at Thunderbird
Courtesy of Todd Buffenbarger
MUSKEGON, Mich. - Brett Mann won Saturday night's Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by Total Seal feature event at the Thunderbird Race Park in Muskegon, Michigan. Mann worked his way up from the fourth starting position and took the lead from Joe Bares on lap #10 and navigated lapped traffic to win the feature event. Mann was driving the Mann Enterprises, Wolfweld Chassis sponsored by LaneAutomotive, Weld Wheels, and Hoosier Tire.
Bares and J.R. Stewart were on the front row for the 25-lap feature event. Bares led the field into the first corner with Stewart and Mann in tow. Mann moved past Stewart on lap five and set off after Bares for the lead. On lap 10 Mann made the move around Bares for the lead. Stewart moved into second around Bares on lap 12, but then while working lap 14 Stewart went over a wheel of a lapped car and crashed hard into the turn four barrier. During the caution Darren Long also stopped and pulled off with mechanical problems.
Mann took the green with Bares and Rutan in tow. Aaron Shaffer and Bob Nash also were making their presence felt in the top five. Nash moved into the top five on lap 16 after starting ninth.
Up front though it was all Mann taking the victory - Bares held onto to second for 24 and ¾ of a lap until Ben Rutan snuck under Bares to take the runner up spot. Shaffer and Nash rounded out the top five.
MUSKEGON, Mich. - Brett Mann won Saturday night's Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by Total Seal feature event at the Thunderbird Race Park in Muskegon, Michigan. Mann worked his way up from the fourth starting position and took the lead from Joe Bares on lap #10 and navigated lapped traffic to win the feature event. Mann was driving the Mann Enterprises, Wolfweld Chassis sponsored by LaneAutomotive, Weld Wheels, and Hoosier Tire.
Bares and J.R. Stewart were on the front row for the 25-lap feature event. Bares led the field into the first corner with Stewart and Mann in tow. Mann moved past Stewart on lap five and set off after Bares for the lead. On lap 10 Mann made the move around Bares for the lead. Stewart moved into second around Bares on lap 12, but then while working lap 14 Stewart went over a wheel of a lapped car and crashed hard into the turn four barrier. During the caution Darren Long also stopped and pulled off with mechanical problems.
Mann took the green with Bares and Rutan in tow. Aaron Shaffer and Bob Nash also were making their presence felt in the top five. Nash moved into the top five on lap 16 after starting ninth.
Up front though it was all Mann taking the victory - Bares held onto to second for 24 and ¾ of a lap until Ben Rutan snuck under Bares to take the runner up spot. Shaffer and Nash rounded out the top five.
Oschersleben, 25 June 2005 - Interview with Seven-Time Le Mans Winner Tom Kristensen: “I’m the happiest racer in the world”
Courtesy Communication Motorsport, +49 (0)841 89 34200
Last Saturday at 4:01 p.m. and 35 seconds, the triumph was accomplished: Tom Kristensen in his Audi R8 crosses the finish line at Le Mans as the victor, thus writing another chapter in the annals of motorsport history. No other driver before him has managed to win what is arguably the world’s most famous race seven times. Changing from the sportscar to the Audi A4 DTM was obviously not very difficult for the 37-year-old Dane. Merely a week after the victory at Le Mans, he will be starting from the pole position for the first time in his DTM career at Oschersleben. Tom Kristensen comments on his achievements, goals and very special congratulations in the following interview.
Crossing the finish line in front of a crowd of 230,000 at Le Mans, your seventh victory, your new record – what were the thoughts that entered your mind?
Tom Kristensen: "I was – and still am – the happiest racer in the world. For me, a dream has come true, and in a relatively short period of time at that: I contested Le Mans nine times, I finished seven times, and each time I won. Clearly, the major credit for these exploits goes to the Audi R8, the car in which I won five events together with different team-mates in each of these races."
Has this triumph changed you?
Tom Kristensen: "Never in my life have I been as relaxed as I am now, and I have a feeling as though I no longer need to prove anything to anybody. Of course, that’s not true because racing continues again as early as this weekend – nevertheless, I’d somehow like to hold on to this feeling for the rest of my life. I think that in future I’ll be able to relish exploits even more than before.”
What did you do the days after Le Mans?
Tom Kristensen: "Audi Denmark and Jyske Bank – one of our sponsors – invited my entire family and me to Copenhagen for two days. Together with my wife, Hanne, and my children, Carla and Oliver, I stayed at a suite in Denmark’s most expensive hotel and had a few PR appearances at the Tivoli.”
How was the response to your victory?
Tom Kristensen: "Incredible, and much greater and warmer than I had imagined. I received roughly 150 e-mails and more than 200 SMS messages – and I still haven’t had the time to answer them all. On the website of one of Denmark’s leading newspapers, readers cast votes in favour of our victory as the greatest Danish sporting exploit – even ranking ahead of the European Championship win of our footballers in 1992. That made me very happy. By the way, I think our opponent in the final match at that time was Germany…”
And who was the first person to express congratulations?
Tom Kristensen: "That was Jacky Ickx. He left a voice mail message for me at 3.53 p.m., in other words, a few laps before the finish, saying: ‘I know that you’re sitting in the car, because I’m watching you on television right now.’ Then he congratulated me and, with a smile, said that at least he was now the only racer again with six Le Mans victories to his credit. Jacky Ickx is a great individual and ambassador of motor racing. He will always remain the true ‘Mr Le Mans’.”
How difficult is the change from the R8 to the Audi A4 DTM now?
Tom Kristensen: "Of course, these are two completely different cars. But I’m not changing from sports to touring cars for the first time. And it’s being made very easy for me: when you grab the wheel and put your foot on the accelerator pedal, either car makes you realise immediately that you’re sitting in an Audi.”
TRANS-AM: Calgary Driver Qualifies 12th in Cleveland
By: Terry Tarapacki, Trak Media (780) 906-9466, trak@telusplanet.net
CLEVELAND, OH (June 24, 2005)—Facing a bumpy surface and a larger field of competitors, Calgary driver Hima Maher qualified 12th for tomorrow’s Trans-Am on the Tarmac race at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport. Driving his #78 Centennial Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, Maher recorded a lap time of 1:18:303-minutes (96.824 m.p.h.) on the 2.106-mile circuit for tomorrow’s event, the third race in this season’s Trans-Am Road Racing Series.
In his last practice run earlier today, Maher, who recently joined the Derhaag Motorsports racing team, was running as high as fourth place, when he posted a 1:17:327-minute lap (98.046 m.p.h.) —more than three seconds faster than his first session on the track.
"I am getting familiar with the car and have a reasonably good feel for the track," said Maher, who spent time between sessions reviewing data and further studying the course. "Now it's time to go and get it done."
For tomorrow’s race, Maher will start on the grid one position ahead of teammate Randy Ruhlman, who crashed during his first practice. Although Ruhlman was unhurt, repairs to his Chevrolet Corvette meant he had to miss his second practice round and qualifying run.
Formed in 1999, Maher Racing Inc. is dedicated to high-performance driving and enhancing the profile of sport driving in Calgary, Alta. and is supported by the Centennial Motorsports Group of Calgary. Derhaag Motorsports is owned by Jim Derhaag, and is based out of Shakopee, Minn. and has the highest-finishing records on the Trans-Am circuit. For more information, log onto http://www.blogger.com/www.maharracing.com.
TOYOTA TO WITHDRAW FROM U.S. OPEN-WHEEL RACING FOLLOWING 2006
By John Procida, Toyota Motorsports, (313) 822-7924
TORRANCE, Calif. (June 27, 2005) - After 12 years of open-wheel racing in the United States, Toyota will withdraw from the sport following the 2006 Indy Racing League season, it was announced today.
Toyota will not be participating as an engine supplier to either of the major open-wheel sanctioning bodies in the United States after 2006.
"This was simply a decision to move in a different direction after having our major U.S. motorsports emphasis on open-wheel racing since 1994," said J. Davis Illingworth, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., senior vice president. "Just as our participation in IMSA sports car racing ran its course after 12 years of participation, so has our U.S. open-wheel racing program after 12 years in the IRL and CART."
Toyota announced its decision to enter open-wheel racing in January 1994 with its entry into competition in 1996.
The decision to withdraw from open-wheel racing will not affect either the IndyCar Series engine development program for the remainder of 2005 or the 2006 season, or any of the current contracts that Toyota has with individual teams. Toyota is in the process of reviewing how to re-allocate its resources for future motorsports plans.
A Chronological Look at Toyota's U.S. Open-Wheel Racing History:
Aug. 1993 - Toyota begins feasibility study into entering CART competition
Jan. 1994 - Toyota announces it will enter CART competition in 1996
Feb. 1996 - Toyota makes first CART start at Homestead
Oct. 1999 - Scott Pruett wins Toyota's first CART pole at California Speedway
June 2000 - Juan Montoya wins Toyota's first CART race at Milwaukee
July 2000 - Juan Montoya wins Toyota's first 500-mile race at Michigan
April 2001 - Toyota announces it will enter Indy Racing League competition in 2003
2002 - Cristiano da Matta wins CART Driver's championship with Toyota power
2002 - Toyota wins CART Manufacturer's championship
March 2003 - Scott Dixon wins Toyota's debut IndyCar Series race at Homestead
May 2003 - Gil de Ferran wins the Indianapolis 500 in Toyota's first attempt
2003 - Scott Dixon wins IndyCar Series Driver's championship with Toyota power
2003 - Toyota wins IRL Manufacturer's championship
TORRANCE, Calif. (June 27, 2005) - After 12 years of open-wheel racing in the United States, Toyota will withdraw from the sport following the 2006 Indy Racing League season, it was announced today.
Toyota will not be participating as an engine supplier to either of the major open-wheel sanctioning bodies in the United States after 2006.
"This was simply a decision to move in a different direction after having our major U.S. motorsports emphasis on open-wheel racing since 1994," said J. Davis Illingworth, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., senior vice president. "Just as our participation in IMSA sports car racing ran its course after 12 years of participation, so has our U.S. open-wheel racing program after 12 years in the IRL and CART."
Toyota announced its decision to enter open-wheel racing in January 1994 with its entry into competition in 1996.
The decision to withdraw from open-wheel racing will not affect either the IndyCar Series engine development program for the remainder of 2005 or the 2006 season, or any of the current contracts that Toyota has with individual teams. Toyota is in the process of reviewing how to re-allocate its resources for future motorsports plans.
A Chronological Look at Toyota's U.S. Open-Wheel Racing History:
Aug. 1993 - Toyota begins feasibility study into entering CART competition
Jan. 1994 - Toyota announces it will enter CART competition in 1996
Feb. 1996 - Toyota makes first CART start at Homestead
Oct. 1999 - Scott Pruett wins Toyota's first CART pole at California Speedway
June 2000 - Juan Montoya wins Toyota's first CART race at Milwaukee
July 2000 - Juan Montoya wins Toyota's first 500-mile race at Michigan
April 2001 - Toyota announces it will enter Indy Racing League competition in 2003
2002 - Cristiano da Matta wins CART Driver's championship with Toyota power
2002 - Toyota wins CART Manufacturer's championship
March 2003 - Scott Dixon wins Toyota's debut IndyCar Series race at Homestead
May 2003 - Gil de Ferran wins the Indianapolis 500 in Toyota's first attempt
2003 - Scott Dixon wins IndyCar Series Driver's championship with Toyota power
2003 - Toyota wins IRL Manufacturer's championship
www.canadianracingonline.com
The URL for one of the sites I visit regularly has changed and I've received a few comments asking me if the site has gone.
Anyone who is looking for CASCAR ONLINE.... should update their FAVOURITES settings to:
www.canadianracingonline.com
and the FORUM is at: http://www.canadianracingonline.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=index
Anyone who is looking for CASCAR ONLINE.... should update their FAVOURITES settings to:
www.canadianracingonline.com
and the FORUM is at: http://www.canadianracingonline.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=index
Monday, June 27, 2005
HOMETOWN HERO RUHLMAN RECOVERS FROM CRASH: TO WIN TRANS-AM ON THE TARMAC AT CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND (June 25, 2005) — Randy Ruhlman proved yet again that the final spot on the starting grid is the place to be at Cleveland by winning the Trans-Am on the Tarmac after starting last Saturday at Burke Lakefront Airport. In the process, the Cleveland Heights native, in the No. 49 Preformed Line Products Chevrolet Corvette, earned his second win of the season and leaves Cleveland with a 22-point lead in the championship.
John Baucom (No. 86 MAP Quality Engineering/Software Toolbox Ford Mustang) finished second, recording his best Series finish. Joey Scarallo, who suffered from heat exhaustion late in the event, finished third, earning his second consecutive podium, in the No. 06 Group A Wheels/Autotrend/Toyo Tires Chevrolet Corvette. Paul Fix was fourth overall and won the GT-1 Class in the No. 77 StopFlex/Buca di Beppo Ford Mustang, while Mike Davis (No. 10 ACS Express Ford Mustang) completed the top five.
Ruhlman’s Corvette suffered an axle failure in first-round practice Friday morning, sending Ruhlman into the pit-straight wall at nearly 150 miles per hour. Though Ruhlman was unhurt in the incident, the front of his car was destroyed. His Derhaag Motorsports team kicked it into high gear, flying in a fabricator from its Minnesota shop. They worked through the night and repaired the car.
Ruhlman took it from there. Starting 13h, Ruhlman picked his way through the field and came out atop a three-car battle with Scarallo and Baucom on lap 27. He wasn’t headed from there.
“This weekend has been absolutely unbelievable,” said Ruhlman. “I’m really glad I was able to get the job done today and bring this one home for my Derhaag Motorsports team. My team really went above and beyond the call to make this happen.”
“You don’t know what it means every year to come home to this race, see family and friends and to visit with our friends at Preformed Line Products,” said Ruhlman of his Cleveland-based sponsor. “They’ve been steadfast behind us, backing us for years. We’ve always run strong here and we always love it here in Cleveland. People in Cleveland love their sports and the Grand Prix is no different. We love putting on a show for them. To bring this one to the home crowd is just fantastic.”
Baucom was pleased with his first Series podium.
“This is great. We’re just ecstatic,” said the former SCCA Club Racing phenom and President’s Cup winner. “We’ve been working on this for more than five years and we’ve gotten really close a bunch of times, but we’ve never really been able to take advantage of it. It’s just great to be up here.”
Scarallo said his new Tony Ave-led team has made a huge difference this season. Scarallo actually led eight laps in the race, marking his first time leading a Trans-Am race. He passed Klaus Graf (No. 7 Jaguar R Performance XKR), taking the lead on lap 15. Graf recovered the lead on lap 17, but fell out with mechanical problems three laps later. Scarallo inherited the point, but slowed when his cool suit failed late in the event and the heat took its toll.
“We’ve really built ourselves some momentum after Portland,” said Scarallo. “Everything is really gelling with my team. The communication is great. When I want certain things in the car, they know what to give me. This is really bittersweet for me because I think we had the car to win. We really should have won this race. The heat just knocked us out of contention. When the cool suit began to fail and the heat started to soak into me, I started to get worn out. From the caution on, things really began to go down hill.”
Paul Gentilozzi (No. 1 Jaguar R Performance XKR) took the lead in turn one at the start, but slid off course on lap 13, surrendering the point to Graf. Gentilozzi later retired with a mechanical failure.
The race ran in a record one hour, five minutes and 12.480 seconds at an average speed of 93.014 miles per hour. The race was slowed once by the caution flag for five laps. Graf set the race’s fastest lap. Today’s race will air on a tape-delayed basis, Sunday, July 3 at 3 p.m. EDT on SPEED Channel.
John Baucom (No. 86 MAP Quality Engineering/Software Toolbox Ford Mustang) finished second, recording his best Series finish. Joey Scarallo, who suffered from heat exhaustion late in the event, finished third, earning his second consecutive podium, in the No. 06 Group A Wheels/Autotrend/Toyo Tires Chevrolet Corvette. Paul Fix was fourth overall and won the GT-1 Class in the No. 77 StopFlex/Buca di Beppo Ford Mustang, while Mike Davis (No. 10 ACS Express Ford Mustang) completed the top five.
Ruhlman’s Corvette suffered an axle failure in first-round practice Friday morning, sending Ruhlman into the pit-straight wall at nearly 150 miles per hour. Though Ruhlman was unhurt in the incident, the front of his car was destroyed. His Derhaag Motorsports team kicked it into high gear, flying in a fabricator from its Minnesota shop. They worked through the night and repaired the car.
Ruhlman took it from there. Starting 13h, Ruhlman picked his way through the field and came out atop a three-car battle with Scarallo and Baucom on lap 27. He wasn’t headed from there.
“This weekend has been absolutely unbelievable,” said Ruhlman. “I’m really glad I was able to get the job done today and bring this one home for my Derhaag Motorsports team. My team really went above and beyond the call to make this happen.”
“You don’t know what it means every year to come home to this race, see family and friends and to visit with our friends at Preformed Line Products,” said Ruhlman of his Cleveland-based sponsor. “They’ve been steadfast behind us, backing us for years. We’ve always run strong here and we always love it here in Cleveland. People in Cleveland love their sports and the Grand Prix is no different. We love putting on a show for them. To bring this one to the home crowd is just fantastic.”
Baucom was pleased with his first Series podium.
“This is great. We’re just ecstatic,” said the former SCCA Club Racing phenom and President’s Cup winner. “We’ve been working on this for more than five years and we’ve gotten really close a bunch of times, but we’ve never really been able to take advantage of it. It’s just great to be up here.”
Scarallo said his new Tony Ave-led team has made a huge difference this season. Scarallo actually led eight laps in the race, marking his first time leading a Trans-Am race. He passed Klaus Graf (No. 7 Jaguar R Performance XKR), taking the lead on lap 15. Graf recovered the lead on lap 17, but fell out with mechanical problems three laps later. Scarallo inherited the point, but slowed when his cool suit failed late in the event and the heat took its toll.
“We’ve really built ourselves some momentum after Portland,” said Scarallo. “Everything is really gelling with my team. The communication is great. When I want certain things in the car, they know what to give me. This is really bittersweet for me because I think we had the car to win. We really should have won this race. The heat just knocked us out of contention. When the cool suit began to fail and the heat started to soak into me, I started to get worn out. From the caution on, things really began to go down hill.”
Paul Gentilozzi (No. 1 Jaguar R Performance XKR) took the lead in turn one at the start, but slid off course on lap 13, surrendering the point to Graf. Gentilozzi later retired with a mechanical failure.
The race ran in a record one hour, five minutes and 12.480 seconds at an average speed of 93.014 miles per hour. The race was slowed once by the caution flag for five laps. Graf set the race’s fastest lap. Today’s race will air on a tape-delayed basis, Sunday, July 3 at 3 p.m. EDT on SPEED Channel.
FIX WINS GT-1 CLASS AT CLEVELAND'S TRANS-AM ON THE TARMAC
CLEVELAND (June 25, 2005) — Paul Fix made his first 2005 Trans-Am start count as the driver of the No. 77 StopFlex/Buca di Beppo Ford Mustang won the GT-1 portion of the Trans-Am on the Tarmac at Burke Lakefront Airport Saturday. The Lancaster, N.Y. resident earned his second GT-1 victory, and moved to second in the GT-1 Championship.
“We knew if we had a fairly good starting position that the race would come to us,” said Fix. “The car was very consistent through the end. I knew I could outlast some of my competitors. Amy (Ruman) put up a good fight, but I took advantage of her misfortune and went from there.
Fix plans to compete in five races this year, eyeing the GT-1 title.
“Our goal is to win the GT-1 Championship this year,” said Fix, “and this is just the first step in that direction.”
The GT-1 Development Program recognizes the highest-finishing GT-1 competitor at each 2005 event during winner’s circle festivities. The top-finishing GT-1 driver will also be invited to take part in post-race media interviews, and, when possible, will participate in television interviews. As in years past, the highest finishing GT-1 competitor in final driver points will also be honored as the GT-1 Champion. GT-1 competitors are still eligible for regular Trans-Am championship points, contingency monies and race awards.
The Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based, V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is America’s oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its 40th consecutive year of competition in 2005.
“We knew if we had a fairly good starting position that the race would come to us,” said Fix. “The car was very consistent through the end. I knew I could outlast some of my competitors. Amy (Ruman) put up a good fight, but I took advantage of her misfortune and went from there.
Fix plans to compete in five races this year, eyeing the GT-1 title.
“Our goal is to win the GT-1 Championship this year,” said Fix, “and this is just the first step in that direction.”
The GT-1 Development Program recognizes the highest-finishing GT-1 competitor at each 2005 event during winner’s circle festivities. The top-finishing GT-1 driver will also be invited to take part in post-race media interviews, and, when possible, will participate in television interviews. As in years past, the highest finishing GT-1 competitor in final driver points will also be honored as the GT-1 Champion. GT-1 competitors are still eligible for regular Trans-Am championship points, contingency monies and race awards.
The Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based, V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is America’s oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its 40th consecutive year of competition in 2005.
Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Saturday: Class wrap up: Marcelli wins big in Barrie to kick off Saturday classes
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)
BARRIE, ONTARIO - The third round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels is probably the highest profile race of the season. It is held around the scenic bay at Barrie, Ontario, which makes it both a favourite track for fans and racers. The Saturday headline class, Formula Junior was billed as a battle of the provinces, as Mike Vincec and Maxime Pelletier were expected to battle for the win. Stouffville's Kyle Marcelli had other ideas, and he put them into practice by taking the pole and Formula Junior win on Saturday. Other winners were Joshua Gilbert in Canada Junior Light, Samuel Charland in Rotax Max Jr., Jeff May in World Formula Junior and Dave Patrick in Canada Senior.
Formula Junior:
Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Kyle Marcelli, took his first Pfaff Fast Qualifier award of the year. Then he went on to dominate the feature race, winning by 11 seconds over Birel's Kenny Riedmann and fellow Cameron Motorsports teammate Maxime Pelletier, who overcame an early race spin to finish third. Pelletier wasn't the only one to have a mishap, as Marcelli got his braking all crossed up in turn 1, and did a lazy half spin. He managed to keep the engine running, and maintain the lead. Marcelli won with a true spin-and-win move.
Rotax Max Junior:
Quebec's Samuel Charland came to Barrie with a purpose to win. He took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, and then backed it up with a race win. It wasn't easy for Charland as he was demoted back to fifth at the start. He carefully picked his way back to the top of the sheets and went on to win. First Kart's Kevin Monteith held onto the rear bumper of Charland, and took the lead once, only to loose it again to Charland. Monteith finished second, and third was Cameron Motorsports' Mike Vincec.
Canada Junior Light:
Stayner's Brendon Watson took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, but problems in the race left him 14th. Taking the win was London's Joshua Gilbert ahead of Huntsville's Jonathan Treadwell. Both battled all race long, swapping the lead numerous times, before Gilbert made the pass that gave him the win. Third went to Coldwater's Mitchell Casey.
World Formula Junior:
Joshua Korenyi had the pole for the World Formula Junior race, but he failed to finish the event. Mount Hope's Jeff May and Hamilton's Owen Tracy put on a great display of driving as they went nose to tail for the entire race. May was unfazed by the presence of Tracy and he went flag-to-flag for the win his first of the year. Third was Mount Hope's Scott Laporte.
Canada Senior:
Pfaff Fast Qualifier, Leamington's Jennifer Rempel was left wondering what could have been on Saturday. Rempel led from the start, and she, and fellow Point Pelee racer, Dave Patrick pulled away from the pack. They intended to settle the top two spots by themselves, but after being passed by Patrick for the lead, Rempel's Honda cried 'enough' and she rolled to a stop. Patrick went on to win over LaSalle's Marc Stehle and round one winner Darryl Timmers.
For more information, please contact:
Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com
Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN
Canada FIA 905-403-9000.
BARRIE, ONTARIO - The third round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels is probably the highest profile race of the season. It is held around the scenic bay at Barrie, Ontario, which makes it both a favourite track for fans and racers. The Saturday headline class, Formula Junior was billed as a battle of the provinces, as Mike Vincec and Maxime Pelletier were expected to battle for the win. Stouffville's Kyle Marcelli had other ideas, and he put them into practice by taking the pole and Formula Junior win on Saturday. Other winners were Joshua Gilbert in Canada Junior Light, Samuel Charland in Rotax Max Jr., Jeff May in World Formula Junior and Dave Patrick in Canada Senior.
Formula Junior:
Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Kyle Marcelli, took his first Pfaff Fast Qualifier award of the year. Then he went on to dominate the feature race, winning by 11 seconds over Birel's Kenny Riedmann and fellow Cameron Motorsports teammate Maxime Pelletier, who overcame an early race spin to finish third. Pelletier wasn't the only one to have a mishap, as Marcelli got his braking all crossed up in turn 1, and did a lazy half spin. He managed to keep the engine running, and maintain the lead. Marcelli won with a true spin-and-win move.
Rotax Max Junior:
Quebec's Samuel Charland came to Barrie with a purpose to win. He took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, and then backed it up with a race win. It wasn't easy for Charland as he was demoted back to fifth at the start. He carefully picked his way back to the top of the sheets and went on to win. First Kart's Kevin Monteith held onto the rear bumper of Charland, and took the lead once, only to loose it again to Charland. Monteith finished second, and third was Cameron Motorsports' Mike Vincec.
Canada Junior Light:
Stayner's Brendon Watson took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, but problems in the race left him 14th. Taking the win was London's Joshua Gilbert ahead of Huntsville's Jonathan Treadwell. Both battled all race long, swapping the lead numerous times, before Gilbert made the pass that gave him the win. Third went to Coldwater's Mitchell Casey.
World Formula Junior:
Joshua Korenyi had the pole for the World Formula Junior race, but he failed to finish the event. Mount Hope's Jeff May and Hamilton's Owen Tracy put on a great display of driving as they went nose to tail for the entire race. May was unfazed by the presence of Tracy and he went flag-to-flag for the win his first of the year. Third was Mount Hope's Scott Laporte.
Canada Senior:
Pfaff Fast Qualifier, Leamington's Jennifer Rempel was left wondering what could have been on Saturday. Rempel led from the start, and she, and fellow Point Pelee racer, Dave Patrick pulled away from the pack. They intended to settle the top two spots by themselves, but after being passed by Patrick for the lead, Rempel's Honda cried 'enough' and she rolled to a stop. Patrick went on to win over LaSalle's Marc Stehle and round one winner Darryl Timmers.
For more information, please contact:
Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com
Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN
Canada FIA 905-403-9000.
Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 takes two wins in first Bridgestone Academy weekend: Pritiko wins round two, Di Leo takes round three
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency
MOSPORT, ONTARIO - Sunoco's team Ultra 94 drivers Matt Pritiko and Marco Di Leo got off to a fantastic start in the opening three rounds of the Bridgestone Academy's F2000 Series. "We know the reputation this team has," Pritiko said. "And now it is up to Marco and me to uphold the honour of this team for Sunoco and Ron Fellows."
The team did just that, despite a bit of a shaky start. In round 1, Pritiko qualified second, but he was nearly a second off the pace of the polesitter. Di Leo was marred back in fourth, and not looking to positive about his chances to move up. "We have some drops," Di Leo said. "I was hoping not to use one in the first race, but we'll see how it goes."
Pritiko held second for the entire race, while Di Leo came home fourth. In the second race, things turned around for the team. "Both drivers looked much more comfortable in the second race," said Ultra 94 driver coach Lee Bentham. "They were a little more relaxed, and both drove very well."
Di Leo took the pole for round two, with Pritiko right behind him. In the race, the two motored off into the distance, but Di Leo was encountering shifting problems, and he missed a gear, and Pritiko was through into the lead. The order stayed that way, giving the team a one-two finish.
For the final round of the weekend on Saturday, Di Leo once again took the pole, but he was not going to be denied in this race. He drove a mistake free race to take the win over his teammate. "After the first race, I was a little worried," Di Leo said. "But overall it was a good weekend for Matt and me."
Pritiko was happy to leave Mosport with the points lead. "It was a good weekend," Pritiko said. "I just tried to get the best results possible, and put myself in a position to win this championship."
Bentham was happy with the team's progress. "It is great to work with young guys like these. Both of them are talented, and they both listen well to what we are telling them. I think they got better all weekend long. It should be an exciting second round in a few weeks."
For more information on Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 contact;
Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com
Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727
TEAM MOPAR READY FOR BUSY WEEKEND IN BARRIE!
Courtesy Ron Beauchamp Sr., Beauchamp Motorsports (519) 726-9600
June 27, 2005 - Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts Charger team will be front and centre at the CASCAR Super Series return to Barrie Speedway this weekend for the Canada Day Northern 500 Weekend. With a victory and a third place finish in the first two oval track events on the schedule Beauchamp will be one of the favourites to win. "We had a very good test at Barrie and I think we'll have a good car for the race" said the pilot of the #60 Mopar Parts Charger.
The Canada Day Northern 500 weekend spectacular will feature three full days of activities in Barrie and at the Speedway. Beginning Friday night as part of downtown Barrie's Promenade Days activities will take place on Dunlop St in between Maple Ave & Mary St.
CASCAR Super Series teams will participate in a parade and pit stop challenge. It's a tremendous opportunity for fans to get an up close look at how the best teams in the country perform their pit stop ballet. After watching "the pros" do their best, race fans will then have their chance to test their skills in a pit stop challenge of their own. Friday night activity also includes; a display of CASCAR haulers and cars.
Racing action at the newly reconfigured 1/3 mile "D" shaped oval at Barrie Speedway begins Saturday night with the Power Water Series 100 lap event plus qualifying for the CASCAR Super Series teams and other support series. Sunday features the stars of the CASCAR Super Series with the Dodge Charger 300 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario. Spectator gates will open Sunday at 11AM and the green flag waves at 2PM. More details can be found at www.barriespeedway.com.
The CASCAR Super Series is the only National Stock Car Racing series with events scheduled this year at famed oval tracks including Delaware Speedway & Cayuga Speedway along with road courses and temporary street circuits like the Toronto Indy. You can keep up with the latest news on the CASCAR Super Series by logging onto the website at www.cascar.ca.
BROWN LOOKING FOR REBOUND AT BARRIE: Determined Team Heads North For Race #4 in CASCAR Super Series
Prepared By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing
It will be an unfamiliar track that Doug Brown and his team faces this weekend as they venture to Barrie Speedway for the “Dodge Charger300” –race number 4 on the CASCAR Super Series schedule.
The track was reconfigured over the winter from a tight paper clip-shaped ¼-mile oval into an unusual ¾-mile tri–oval.
Regardless of its shape, it will be the Brantford racing veteran’s first visit to the speedway since he joined the Super Series ranks on a full-time basis three years ago.
Adding to the challenge, is the team’s need to get their programs back on track after coming off a devastating race two weeks ago at the Mosport road course in which Doug completed just six of the scheduled 51 laps around the 2.5 mile circuit. Engine problems resulting from debris through the radiator of his NAPA/Autopro Monte Carlo ended his afternoon early.
He’s hoping his fortunes will change for the Canada Day Weekend special.
“We have to have better luck than the luck we’ve been having so far this season,” Doug remarked when asked about the Barrie race. “I know some teams have already practiced on the new racing surface and the reports aren’t all that encouraging. Some of those who have been testing at Barrie feel the track may cause some problems so it could make for an interesting race. We just hope we can find the right set-up during Saturday’s practice sessions and get ourselves a good starting position for Sunday’s main event.”
For this event, the Brantford-based team will again be reverting to its Sportsman engine having experienced oil pressure problems with its primary engine on opening day at Delaware and again during practice sessions for the Mosport race.
“We’ll continue to use the Sportsman engine until we’re satisfied the problems with the primary engine are resolved,” Doug added in discussing his team’s strategy.
As for the balance of the season, he is confident of achieving some top-ten and even top five runs once the engine issues are resolved. The team is currently mired in 20th place, a long way from their original goal.
“It will be a battle to finish in the top fifteen standing-wise in the seasonal points especially when you consider the teams heading west in late July for events in Calgary and Vernon (4 point’s races). But at this time there is just no way we can see making that trek,” Doug added in looking down the road. “We’re still certain we can put together some strong runs in August through mid September that we can build upon for the future.
Following this weekend, Doug will hop into his road course car for CASCAR’s annual appearance during the July 8th through 10th Molson Indy special in Toronto.
For additional information on Brown Auto Racing, see www.dougbrown.net or contact Doug Brown at (519) 752-9531.
TOYOTA ATLANTICS: Bessette nets another podium with 2nd place
Courtesy Michel Poirier-Defoy, Bessette Racing Team: (514)942–8463
Cleveland, June 26. – Antoine Bessette is more than ever in the title chase for the 2005 Toyota Formula Atlantic championship after a well deserved second place, his second podium so far this season; Bessette still holds third place in the standings. Starting from 3rd place at the wheel of the #3 UNIK Auto Design car, AB quickly moved up to second place before assuming the lead by lap 5 of 32. He stayed ahead until lap 14 when he had to give way to eventual winner (Charles) Zwolsman when he started experiencing brake problems. From then on, the Quebec-born driver nursed his car to second place for the remaining 18 laps. The day before, he had to retire from the first race after brushing the wall in turn 8 trying to setup a pass for second place at the end of the start-finish stretch.
“I really thought I could stay ahead when I passed Tonis (Kasemets) for the lead, said AB. But when Charles started dicing for the lead, my brake pedal got very hard while not stopping the car. I let him by because I had a good lead on Andreas (Wirth) and Katherine (Legge). As for yesterday, I really thought I was going to make it around the corner and setup a pass for second, but I just ran out of real estate.”
Satisfied with race setup:
In the practice qualifying sessions, Antoine worked with team owner engineer Bruce Potter to find the proper race setup. “We have done a lot of good work in the last two weeks and I’m sure it will pay off in the coming races. I’m the only guy who has always qualified his car in the Top 5 since Long Beach. I would have liked to turn this into more points but I got my share of contacts with other cars up to now. I long for Toronto in two weeks because I’m one of the few guys who raced on this temporary track before.”
Holding to third in the standings:
Bessette retains third place with 137 points behind Kasemets (162) and Zwolsman (169). Polestar Racing Group will cross the border to Toronto, Ontario for the Molson Indy in two weeks, the first of three events in Canada.
The next round of the 32nd season of the Toyota Formula Atlantic will take place on July 8 to 10 at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, a temporary 1,755-mile 11-turn temporary street course. Antoine Bessette will drive the Polestar Racing Group #3 UNIK Auto Design car.
You may visit Antoine Bessette's web site at www.bessetteracing.com and the Toyota Atlantic series at www.toyotaatlantic.com.
EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS: Another Strong Weekend for Bergeron
Courtesy Alain Forcier, Team Bergeron, (819) 397-5179
After he finished second Friday night at Ohsweken, Alain Bergeron continued his good work finishing third in the A-Main at Merrittville Speedway. The A-Main was won by Lance Yonge. Bergeron was seventh on the starting grid and made his way to the front and completed the race on the tale of the leaders.
The night had started with a second place finish in his heat and a second place in the DASH race.The third place finish was a little unexpected as Bergeron's team had to place an engine, rear end and front wheel axle into a new frame.
It's a great weekend for Alain Bergeron that can be proud of his second and third place following the bad luck he had last weekend. Bergeron never gives up he's proud and wants to thank his team for all the work done this week. The results are there. That's a really nice gift for all the team.Alain Bergeron wants to also thank his sponsors for the help during the racing season.
Those two great performances has allowed Alain Bergeron to gain a spot in the series standings. He now sits in fifth position in the Empire Super Sprints Championship. Bergeron is also Fifth in the 'Walt's Hobby Dash series', Fourth in the 'Canadian Challenge' and First in the 'Gater Racing News Lap Leader' points series.
Thanks for your support.
Nextel Cup to undergo name change
Nextel Cup to undergo name change.
TSN.ca Staff
6/24/2005 12:13:29 PM
NASCAR's Nextel Cup series is expected to undergo its third name change in four years in 2007.
Last December, telecommunications companies Sprint and Nextel announced a merger. The new company will be known as Sprint with the Nextel name continuing as a key product brand.
Company executives say they are "committed to its partnership with NASCAR and its more than 75 million fans" and that the Nextel Cup series name will remain through 2006. A decision on the new series name and branding will be announced prior to the start of next season but its likely Sprint will be prominant in the new name.
One early suggestion when the merger was first announced had Nextel remaining as the title sponsor of the series with the "Sprint to the Nextel Cup" taking over as the Chase for the Championship portion of the season.
From 1971 to 2003, NASCAR's top series was known as the Winston Cup. Nextel took over naming rights from R.J. Reynolds in 2004 after paying a reported $700-million US over the next 10 years
__________________________________________________
When NASCAR was looking for a replacment sponsor they wanted one that was as stable as Winston. So they chose Nextel, now after just a few seasons the name is to change again. Might not mean much to the average personbut to race teams and manufactureres of memorabilia it will.
Greasemonkey.
TSN.ca Staff
6/24/2005 12:13:29 PM
NASCAR's Nextel Cup series is expected to undergo its third name change in four years in 2007.
Last December, telecommunications companies Sprint and Nextel announced a merger. The new company will be known as Sprint with the Nextel name continuing as a key product brand.
Company executives say they are "committed to its partnership with NASCAR and its more than 75 million fans" and that the Nextel Cup series name will remain through 2006. A decision on the new series name and branding will be announced prior to the start of next season but its likely Sprint will be prominant in the new name.
One early suggestion when the merger was first announced had Nextel remaining as the title sponsor of the series with the "Sprint to the Nextel Cup" taking over as the Chase for the Championship portion of the season.
From 1971 to 2003, NASCAR's top series was known as the Winston Cup. Nextel took over naming rights from R.J. Reynolds in 2004 after paying a reported $700-million US over the next 10 years
__________________________________________________
When NASCAR was looking for a replacment sponsor they wanted one that was as stable as Winston. So they chose Nextel, now after just a few seasons the name is to change again. Might not mean much to the average personbut to race teams and manufactureres of memorabilia it will.
Greasemonkey.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
ALSTAR: Derrick Tiemersma wins Shouldice ALSTAR race at Peterborough
PETERBOROUGH, ON – On Saturday night at Peterborough Speedway, the Shouldice Stone ALSTAR Late Model Series produced its fifth different feature winner in as many races in ’05 when Derrick Tiemersma won the 75-lap main event.
The Newmarket, ON racer started 13th in the 21-car field and patiently worked his way forward. Tiemersma’s Wayfreight Chevy cracked the top five for the first time on lap 40. Once within striking distance, Tiemersma quickly picked his way to the front.
Polesitter Richard Holmes led the first 46 laps around the high-banked, one-third-mile Peterborough oval in his Gormac Roofing Ford, but eventually lost the top spot to Brett Murray (Videoflicks Ford) after getting loose and falling several positions.
Murray, who hails from Minesing, ON, held the lead for four laps but he was no match for Tiemersma, who powered his way to the front of the field at the start of the final third of the race. From there, only defending ALSTAR Series champ Robbie Thompson (SMP / Logel’s Dodge) could hang with Tiemersma as the lead duo carved through lapped traffic in the caution-free run to the finish.
Tiemersma took the white flag to start the final lap with Thompson glued to his rear bumper. Coming out of turn 4 on the way to the checkered flag, Thompson managed to squeeze underneath the race leader and pulled to the inside, but came up just a bumper short of earning his second checkered flag of the season.
Tiemersma’s win was the second of his ALSTAR career. In victory lane, the veteran racer compared his win at Peterborough to his Barrie Speedway victory, last season, when the top two racers took each other out in the final laps. “The last win was given to me,” said Tiemersma. “This one, I earned.” He also recognized the efforts of his crew to get the #7 Wayfreight Chevy back into racing form after taking a heavy hit last week at Barrie Speedway. “The car felt great. It was not that good at the beginning, but it came around at the end. The guys had to fix just about everything on the right side of the car after Barrie.”
Runner-up finisher Robbie Thompson entered the race tied atop the points chase with Kirk Hooker, who came home seventh at Peterborough. Thompson will head to the next race with sole possession of the Shouldice ALSTAR points lead. “It was just tough,” said Thompson of the result. “I came up one spot short. I overcame a lot, but just finished half-a-fender short.”
Bryan Mercer of Mt. Hope, ON took the final podium position. The Sine’s Flooring Chevy driver has had several strong ALSTAR outings in the past, but managed to run into problems before the end of the race. Mercer ended his string of ALSTAR bad luck at Peterborough with a run from 19th to third. In earlier heat race action, checkered flags went to Alan Inglis, Kirk Hooker, Brett Murray and Kyle Donaldson.
The next Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series race takes place on Friday, July 8 at Kawartha Speedway, near Peterborough, Ontario.
Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series
RESULTS: Race #5 of 12 // Peterborough Speedway // Peterborough, ON // June 25, ‘05 // 75 Laps
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE LAPS
1 13 7 Derrick Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Wayfreight / Gates / Wix Chevrolet 75
2 18 9 Robbie Thompson (Southampton, ON) Shear Metal Products / Logel’s Dodge 75
3 19 81 Bryan Mercer (Mt. Hope, ON) Sine’s Flooring Chevrolet 75
4 7 57 Brett Murray (Minesing, ON) Videoflicks / Cardwell Signs Ford 75
5 6 11 Chris Morrow (Minesing, ON) Morrow Electric / Edenvale Flying Club Chevrolet 75
6 8 4 Craig Zurbrigg (Listowel, ON) Benshaw Motor Controls / Trinity Village Health Care Ford 75
7 17 38 Kirk Hooker (Chatham, ON) Country View Golf Course / McColl’s / Golf Trends Chevrolet 75
8 16 53 Kyle Donaldson (Queensville, ON) R Custom Engines / Downtown Rug & Flooring Ford 75
9 14 72 Rob MacDonnell (Allenford, ON) MacDonnell Fuels / Siegrist Trucking Chevrolet 75
10 12 98 Michael Almand (Alton, ON) Alliston Transmission / Finish Line Graphics Chevrolet 75
11 15 76 Tyler Williams (Chesley, ON) B&L Farm Services / Hank’s Auto Wreckers Ford 74
12 20 82 Jason Shaw (Guelph, ON) Spira Fire Protection / Del Metals Ford 74
13 1 42 Richard Holmes (Hillsburgh, ON) Gormac Roofing / Astro Automotive Ford 74
14 10 22 Glenn Watson (Barrie, ON) Racing Radios / Rival Office Solutions Chevrolet 72
15 21 23 Steve Thompson (Drayton, ON) Conway Furniture / Priebe Engineering Chevrolet 72
16 4 30 Jim Molenhuis (Churchill, ON) R.E.V. Mobile Audio / Performance Chevrolet 71
17 9 69 Alan Inglis (Mississauga, ON) National Moving & Storage Dodge 68
18 11 67 Steve Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Aurora Automotive / Pennzoil 10 Min. Oil Change Pontiac 54
19 3 3 Ken Naves (Sauble Beach, ON) TIM-BR Mart / Golden Eagle Cottages Chevrolet 24
20 5 75 Jeff Cassidy (Cambridge, ON) Highway Sterling – Western Star Ford 20
21 2 8 Paul Gresel (Sauble, ON) R Sauble Fall’s Tent & Trailer Park / H&H Patio Encl. Chevrolet 3
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
TIME OF RACE: 1 Hour // CAUTIONS: 5 // LAP LEADERS: #42 Richard Holmes (1-46), #57 Brett Murray (47-50) and #7 Derrick Tiemersma (51-75) // HEAT WINS: #69 Alan Inglis, #38 Kirk Hooker, #57 Brett Murray & #53 Kyle Donaldson // BROWN’S TOWING MOST LAPS LED AWARD: #42 Richard Holmes // SPIRA HARD CHARGER AWARD: #9 Robbie Thompson & #81 Bryan Mercer (Both will receive $150 bonus from Spira) // INSIDE TRACK MYSTERY POSITION AWARD: #8 Paul Gresel // CRC TOP 5: Derrick Tiemersma, Robbie Thompson, Bryan Mercer, Brett Murray, Chris Morrow // 69 AUTO WHEEL AWARD: #4 Craig Zurbrigg
Contact ALSTAR at (519) 371-7588 or visit www.alstarseries.com
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Friday, June 24, 2005
SPRINTS: Ryan Litt Heads to Berlin...Michigan
Courtesy Tommy Goudge, PR Manager, Ryan Litt
Ontario's Ryan Litt is very excited about going right back at it this weekend with the wing over his head. The team has decided to forgo the USAC National Sprint Car event at the Richmond International Raceway tonight, which they had tentatively planned on attending, in favour of once again competing with the AVSS Sprint Cars at the famous and historic Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday, June 25.
"We decided it would be best both for me and for the team economically, to stick close to home and run Berlin instead of traveling down south to Richmond," said Ryan this week. "I'm a little sad I won't be able to race at Richmond as I have been looking forward to it since the winter, but we'll just have to wait until next year. Berlin will be a fun place to run, it is a tricky joint to drive at and get the setup right, and so I am looking forward to the challenge. I have to thank all my sponsors for allowing me to compete both non wing and winged this season: Thanks to BS&B Radiators, BRR Media, Kolors by Kropy, Leaf Racewear, Pro Shocks, BOC Gases, Fast Eddie Racewear and Bell Helmets."
The team's tentative plans for the rest of the year are to compete in the remainder of the pavement USAC National Sprint Car events, with the exception of Milwaukee in August (The AVSS tour makes a return visit to Ontario that weekend), as well as some more AVSS and HOSS events with the wing on, although no plans are officially set in stone.
Looking back on Toledo, Ryan had this to say: "Toledo was sweet, I had a lot of fun, and it was a neat feeling being able to almost flat-foot it around the high banks of a half mile racetrack. It gave me a similar feeling to what an Indy car looks like on T.V. I was happy with how our entire night went, and we even qualified well for a change. I am pretty new to the two lap style qualifying, but I think I'm finally catching on.”
Ontario's Ryan Litt is very excited about going right back at it this weekend with the wing over his head. The team has decided to forgo the USAC National Sprint Car event at the Richmond International Raceway tonight, which they had tentatively planned on attending, in favour of once again competing with the AVSS Sprint Cars at the famous and historic Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday, June 25.
"We decided it would be best both for me and for the team economically, to stick close to home and run Berlin instead of traveling down south to Richmond," said Ryan this week. "I'm a little sad I won't be able to race at Richmond as I have been looking forward to it since the winter, but we'll just have to wait until next year. Berlin will be a fun place to run, it is a tricky joint to drive at and get the setup right, and so I am looking forward to the challenge. I have to thank all my sponsors for allowing me to compete both non wing and winged this season: Thanks to BS&B Radiators, BRR Media, Kolors by Kropy, Leaf Racewear, Pro Shocks, BOC Gases, Fast Eddie Racewear and Bell Helmets."
The team's tentative plans for the rest of the year are to compete in the remainder of the pavement USAC National Sprint Car events, with the exception of Milwaukee in August (The AVSS tour makes a return visit to Ontario that weekend), as well as some more AVSS and HOSS events with the wing on, although no plans are officially set in stone.
Looking back on Toledo, Ryan had this to say: "Toledo was sweet, I had a lot of fun, and it was a neat feeling being able to almost flat-foot it around the high banks of a half mile racetrack. It gave me a similar feeling to what an Indy car looks like on T.V. I was happy with how our entire night went, and we even qualified well for a change. I am pretty new to the two lap style qualifying, but I think I'm finally catching on.”
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!!!
Pete Shepherd Jr. is currently testing the #50 Dodge Charger at Barrie Speedway in advance of next weekend's CASCAR Super Series race at the newly reconfigured oval.
Last year's top rookie is returning to action at Barrie - after a one-race hiatus - and is looking for sponsorship support for the remainder of the Super Series season. The #50 team is returning to action under the new Shepherd Motorsports banner.
We at Inside Track have known Petey and the Shepherd family for many years and we are proud to join others in the racing community who are working to get him back on track for the rest of the season.
He is a talented racer and a fine young gentleman. He proved last season that he is ready to contend for race wins. He is also pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, so he would be an excellent representative for any company wishing to promote its goods and/or services through Canadian motorsports.
The bottom line is that it would be a shame for one Canada's future stars to be left sitting on the sidelines for even one more race.
If you have considered promoting your business through racing, this is a golden opportunity to associate your company with a great racer and a great racing family.
If would like to talk with someone about sponsoring Pete Sheperd Jr., please contact Sharon Shepherd at: (home) 905-970-0777 // (shop) 905-453-9810.
Thanks and good luck to Shepherd Motorsports!!!
Greg MacPherson
Inside Track Communications.
Last year's top rookie is returning to action at Barrie - after a one-race hiatus - and is looking for sponsorship support for the remainder of the Super Series season. The #50 team is returning to action under the new Shepherd Motorsports banner.
We at Inside Track have known Petey and the Shepherd family for many years and we are proud to join others in the racing community who are working to get him back on track for the rest of the season.
He is a talented racer and a fine young gentleman. He proved last season that he is ready to contend for race wins. He is also pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, so he would be an excellent representative for any company wishing to promote its goods and/or services through Canadian motorsports.
The bottom line is that it would be a shame for one Canada's future stars to be left sitting on the sidelines for even one more race.
If you have considered promoting your business through racing, this is a golden opportunity to associate your company with a great racer and a great racing family.
If would like to talk with someone about sponsoring Pete Sheperd Jr., please contact Sharon Shepherd at: (home) 905-970-0777 // (shop) 905-453-9810.
Thanks and good luck to Shepherd Motorsports!!!
Greg MacPherson
Inside Track Communications.
EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS: New partner for Team Bergeron
Courtesy Team Bergeron
Alain Bergeron, owner-driver of Sprint Car number 8b, is proud to annonce a new partnership between Team Bergeron and Fast Wings of Mountain Lake, MN.
Alain Bergeron is racing the full season of the Empire Super Sprints championship and got the win at the second race of the season. It was his sixth win in his career with the ESS in his sixth season in 360 Sprint Cars.
Despite a heavy crash last weekend at Autodrome Drummond, Alain Bergeron is sixth in points.
Fast Wings, the industry leader in sprint car racing wings, fills all of your fast track wing needs with top-notch products and support. The extensive catalogue, experience, and craftsmanship is proven across the nation week-to-week in victory lane.
Visit www.getfastwings.com often and read up on the updated 2005 product line, drivers, and distributors. Fast Wings, the leader in sprint car wings, victorylane approved!
Thanks for your support
Alain Bergeron, owner-driver of Sprint Car number 8b, is proud to annonce a new partnership between Team Bergeron and Fast Wings of Mountain Lake, MN.
Alain Bergeron is racing the full season of the Empire Super Sprints championship and got the win at the second race of the season. It was his sixth win in his career with the ESS in his sixth season in 360 Sprint Cars.
Despite a heavy crash last weekend at Autodrome Drummond, Alain Bergeron is sixth in points.
Fast Wings, the industry leader in sprint car racing wings, fills all of your fast track wing needs with top-notch products and support. The extensive catalogue, experience, and craftsmanship is proven across the nation week-to-week in victory lane.
Visit www.getfastwings.com often and read up on the updated 2005 product line, drivers, and distributors. Fast Wings, the leader in sprint car wings, victorylane approved!
Thanks for your support
BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY: Hospitality Towers await...
Courtesy Brighton Speedway Enjoy the races from the 4th corner spot. Fans and Sponsors can enjoy a Full view of the track at Brighton Speedway's Hospitality Towers.
Also, enjoy a beverage when the Beer Gardens are open.
THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER...
Thursday, June 23, 2005
This Weekend at Ohsweken Speedway:
Courtesy Ohsweken Speedway
Ohsweken Speedway welcomes the Empire Super Sprints Series, presented by GRE, to the Speedway for a Friday night race. Ontop of the ESS crew there will be a full schedule of racing over the weekend.
For more information log onto www.ohswekenspeedway.com
This Weekend at Merrittville Speedway:
Courtesy Merritville Speedway
Thorold, Ontario … After a successful return last season, the Empire Super Sprints will be featured at Merrittville Speedway Saturday June 25th - a special presentation of David Chevrolet.
Prior to the only Sprint show of 2005 at Merrittville, the ESS will compete in a marathon Spectro Oils Canadian Invasion with a weekend at Granby, Drummondville and Cornwall preceding the Southern Ontario Shoot-out that begins at Ohsweken Speedway June 24th.
After Brockville’s event, Lance Yonge leads the Canadian Invasion and overall ESS Points with two victories to date. Veteran Ray Preston won the season opener, Canadian star Alain Bergeron has also scored a win while Dan Kaszubinski was the last winner at Utica-Rome.
Kaszubinski was the winner of last year’s Merrittville Empire Super Sprint Show and currently sits in 4th spot in current overall points. Leader Yonge, Jeff VanDusen, Jeff Cook and Don Sharp Jr sit in top 5 in points and will be among the field of the fan favorite alcohol belching speedsters.
In the Spectro Oil Canadian Invasion Point Standings after Brockville’s event, Billy White, Kyle Wilson, Bobby Podolak and Bergeron sit behind Yonge as the top 5.
With 4 Canadian events scheduled before the trip to Merrittville – both Point Races could have a different look though as the season heats up.
Since 1985, the ESS have provided some of the most exciting racing on the challenging d-shaped Thorold oval in front of some of the most enthusiastic fans on the circuit.
David Chevrolet has been providing the Speedway with Official Pace Vehicles for a number of years and 2005’s edition is a real attention getter. The red 2005 Colorado Pickup is one of the sharpest looking of any race track.
Located at 915 Niagara Street in Welland, David Chevrolet invites all race fans and teams to their dealership to view their new and used Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Corvette and Chevy Truck lines.
Call 905-735-3690 or visit www.davidchev.gmcanada.com.
With the ESS in the spotlight, the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds will not be in competition. The night will also feature the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
Gates will open at 5:00pm with Showtime set for 7:00pm.
This Weekend at Sauble Speedway:
Courtesy Sauble Speedway
Sauble Speedway is raring to go with another round of weekend racing on the cards.
this weekend, june 25th, 2005, Sauble Speedway welcomes track regulars from the Late Model, Pro Stock and Pure Stock ranks.
Does your child have a two-wheel fixation? bring them down to Sauble this weekend for a special kids bike night event.
For more information visit www.saublespeedway.com
Come Meet The Flamboro Regulars Saturday Night!
Courtesy Flamboro Speedway
On Saturday June 25th, 2005, Flamboro Speedway will be holding a Meet-the-Drivers night for its race fans.
Late Models, Lucas Oil Vintage Mods, Thunder Cars and Mini-Stocks will all be in action. Pre-show starts at 6pm before the racing gets under way.
At the intermission fans will have a chance to get an autograph from their favourite Flamboro Speedway driver.
Coming up this weekend in the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series:
Courtesy Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series
Delaware Speedway and Peterborough Speedway Late Model drivers have the weekend off, so keep a look out for visiting invaders this weekend at any of the other WWS tracks. Kawartha Speedway hosts the only Friday evening show this weekend for Late Models; Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway, as well as Mosport, Barrie and Sunset, will all run Late Model programs on Saturday night.
Friday, June 24:
7:00pm Kawartha Speedway, Fraserville
Saturday, June 25:
6:30pm Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway, Hamilton
6:30pm Mosport Speedway, Bowmanville
7:00pm Barrie Speedway, Barrie
7:00pm Sunset Speedway, Stroud
ALSTAR SERIES HEADED TO PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY
Courtesy ALSTAR
Round 5 of the Shouldice ALSTAR series is set for Peterborough speedway this weekend, June 25th, 2005.
Gates will open at 1pm with practice scheduled from 2 to 5pm. Racing starts at 6pm with an autograph session scheduled, post-race, for 8:30pm. A live radio show will follow on radio Owen Sound at 8:55pm. For more information on the racing and the radio broadcast visit www.alstarseries.com.
KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: June 17 Late Model 75-Lapper Rescheduled
Courtesy Kawartha Speedway
The Canada Day Shootout on July 3 will now be a "Twin 75" event with 75 laps for the Limited Late Models and 75 laps for the Late Models. Also, Mini Stocks for 20 laps and Thunder Cars for 25 Laps.
BARRIE SPEEDWAY: This Weekend
Courtesy Barrie Speedway
Monster "King of the Hill" June 25
The good folks at DOG-A-PAC Manufacturing are putting up a cool $1,000 for a monster King of the Hill on June 25 at Barrie Speedway! Participants MUST drive their cars to the track, be the legal owner of the car and have proof of insurance. Drivers can pre-register at the pit gate on any race night.
BRYAN FRETZ FINANCIAL PRESENTS 3RD LADIES RACE AT MERRITTVILLE
By Jim Irvine, Merrittville Speedway
THOROLD, ONTARIO … Racing at Merrittville Speedway July 9th will feature another exciting and unpredictable Ladies Race for the Cup Event.
Bryan L. Fretz CFP Night at the races will also feature the 5 division action-packed Dirt Weekly Racing Series of L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/ Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders
In the two previous Ladies Race Events, as part of the Pen Centre Night May 7th and the Ball Hockey International /Niagara Lions & Glen Rolston event June 12th – thee have been two different winners.
Defending Series Champion, and current point leader, Christine Porter won the opener and appeared to have the second one won before a late race breakdown sent her spinning down the frontstretch. Karen Kocarik – who has made the trip to Victory Lane in her husband Kevin’s 7K Hoosier Stock numerous times – came home the winner.
Two regular Saturday night competitors – Dan Miller and Alan Sleight will both be looking for their first feature wins of the season. Miller is a veteran of the L. St. Amand 358 Division and has been running strong all year. Sleight is a rookie in the Sportsmen Division and also has had some strong runs in his # 3 that is powered by a GM Crate Engine.
Both drivers are sponsored by Bryan L. Fretz and will be set up in the grandstands prior to race time.
Bryan L. Fretz has been involved in Retirement and Estate Planning in Niagara for more than 12 Years and has been a certified financial planner since 1998. Realizing that his clients are the most important past of his success, Fretz’ specialty is a written financial plan which sets out financial goals and provides a road map of how he gets you there.
THOROLD, ONTARIO … Racing at Merrittville Speedway July 9th will feature another exciting and unpredictable Ladies Race for the Cup Event.
Bryan L. Fretz CFP Night at the races will also feature the 5 division action-packed Dirt Weekly Racing Series of L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/ Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders
In the two previous Ladies Race Events, as part of the Pen Centre Night May 7th and the Ball Hockey International /Niagara Lions & Glen Rolston event June 12th – thee have been two different winners.
Defending Series Champion, and current point leader, Christine Porter won the opener and appeared to have the second one won before a late race breakdown sent her spinning down the frontstretch. Karen Kocarik – who has made the trip to Victory Lane in her husband Kevin’s 7K Hoosier Stock numerous times – came home the winner.
Two regular Saturday night competitors – Dan Miller and Alan Sleight will both be looking for their first feature wins of the season. Miller is a veteran of the L. St. Amand 358 Division and has been running strong all year. Sleight is a rookie in the Sportsmen Division and also has had some strong runs in his # 3 that is powered by a GM Crate Engine.
Both drivers are sponsored by Bryan L. Fretz and will be set up in the grandstands prior to race time.
Bryan L. Fretz has been involved in Retirement and Estate Planning in Niagara for more than 12 Years and has been a certified financial planner since 1998. Realizing that his clients are the most important past of his success, Fretz’ specialty is a written financial plan which sets out financial goals and provides a road map of how he gets you there.
SHANE HMIEL SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST 2007
Courtesy NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 22, 2005) Driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended from NASCAR competition until at least 2007, NASCAR officials said Tuesday.
At that time, NASCAR will evaluate whether or not he will be allowed to return to competition.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 22, 2005) Driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended from NASCAR competition until at least 2007, NASCAR officials said Tuesday.
At that time, NASCAR will evaluate whether or not he will be allowed to return to competition.
TRANS-AM: Calgary Driver Faces Cleveland Challenge
Courtesy Maher Racing
CALGARY, AB, June 22, 2005—A week after his Trans-Am Racing Series debut in Portland last week, Calgary driver Hima Maher will face an even greater challenge this weekend at the Grand Prix of Cleveland. Driving his Centennial Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, Maher will take on the bumpy, 2.1-mile course at the Burke Lakefront Airport for the Trans-Am on the Tarmac, Saturday, June 25 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
However, Maher says, “I am physically and mentally prepared for the track which is very demanding, especially in the very wide Turn One where the cars spread out going in and come together at the corner.” A larger field of competitors will also add to the suspense.
“This track is faster than Portland and physically hard on a driver,” says Maher, adding that he will use his Portland experience to plot strategy for his second appearance with the Derhaag Motorsports racing team. “There are very few landmarks and it is difficult to find the correct turn in points in order to post consistent lap times.”
However, Maher, who says he is in the best shape in his extensive racing career, is counting on a strong result. “I have worked hard, done my homework and studied the track,” he says. “The team is working well together and we look forward to a solid race and another solid top-10 finish.”
Viewers wanting the check out Maher’s performance at the Portland Rose City 100 last Saturday can watch the pretaped race, airing on Speed Channel, Sunday, June 26 at 1 p.m. ET.
Formed in 1999, Maher Racing Inc. is dedicated to high-performance driving and enhancing the profile of sport driving in Calgary, Alta. and is supported by the Centennial Motorsports Group of Calgary. Derhaag Motorsports is owned by Jim Derhaag, and is based out of Shakopee, Minn. and has the highest-finishing records on the Trans-Am circuit. For more information, log onto www.maharracing.com.
ESS: Bergeron et al Head to Ohsweken, Merrittville...
Courtesy Team Bergeron
And the Season Continues...
With a long, hard, weekend behind them, Alain Bergeron and his team take to the road again tomorrow. On Friday June 24, the drivers of the Empire Super Sprints series will be back on the track at Ohsweken Speedway in the Niagara Falls area. The following day, Saturday June 25, the ESS drivers will be in action at Merrittville Speedway.
With the regular frame a write-off due to the big crash last week at Drummond, Team Bergeron will be forced to use their backup car. Despite the bad luck last weekend, Alain Bergeron is always in the race for the series championship, still in 6th place.
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