Robbie Thompson wins the Shouldice ALSTAR Series race at Sauble Speedway
SAUBLE BEACH, ON – Robbie Thompson extended his Shouldice Designer Stone ALSTAR Late Model Series points lead on Saturday night at Sauble Speedway when he picked up his third feature win of the season. The reigning series champion lined up 20th in the field of 24 starters for the season’s ninth race and used every lap of the Quaker State 75 to work his way to the front.
The SMP / Logel’s Dodge driver executed a dramatic last lap pass on race leader Dan Delisle en route to the win in front of a capacity crowd at Sauble. Thompson edged ahead of Delisle, who drives the KFC / Charter House Chevy, as the two charged toward the checkered flag.
In victory lane, Thompson’s thoughts were with his father, John Thompson, who was at home after being injured in a traffic accident earlier in the week. “I really wanted that win tonight for my dad,” said the Southampton, ON racer, after the victory. “My thoughts are with him at home.”
Delisle, who hails from LaSalle, ON, had taken the lead from Jim Molenhuis on lap 41, after starting 19th, and did everything he could to capture his first ALSTAR victory, but came up just short.
“We got into it with the #7 car [Derrick Tiemersma] earlier, but it still was real good [at the end]. We worked hard to get out front. I don’t know how Robbie [Thompson] pulled that move off but it was a good night. It would have been great to win. Thanks to McColl racing and AP Racing Engines.”
The final podium position at Sauble went to Derrick Tiemersma of Newmarket, ON. Tiemersma came from 18th on the starting grid and maintained his runner-up position in the points as he chases Thompson with three races to go in the 2005 ALSTAR schedule.
“At the beginning of the race we had the flat and after that we had our work cut out for us,” said the Wayfreight Chevrolet driver. “But we found some holes and you gotta enjoy that.”
Richard Holmes started on the pole for the 75 lap chase, but Jim Molenhuis bolted to the lead immediately from the outside of the front row as the pair took the initial green flag. From there, Molenhuis led the first 40 laps before giving way to Delisle, who was fastest during time trials for the Quaker State 75. The race was a positive contrast to Molenhuis’ first ALSTAR outing of 2005, when his car flipped over at Sauble in the early laps of the race on the May long weekend. The Churchill, ON racer went on to finish eighth in the final results.
Chatham, ON racer Kirk Hooker and Jason Shaw (Guelph, ON) rounded out the top five finishers at Sauble Speedway on Saturday night. In earlier heat race action, checkered flags went to: Jeff Cassidy, Dan Delisle, Jason Shaw, Robbie Thompson and Craig Zurbrigg.
The next Shouldice Designer Stone ALSTAR Late Model Series race takes place on Saturday, August 13 at Peterborough Speedway.
Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series
RESULTS: Race #9 of 12 // Sauble Speedway // Sauble Beach, ON // July 30, ‘05 // 75 Laps
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE LAPS
1 20 9 Robbie Thompson (Southampton, ON) Shear Metal Products / Logel’s Dodge 75
2 19 1 Dan Delisle (LaSalle, ON) R www.KFC.ca / Charter House Printing / Morton Industrial Chevrolet 75
3 18 7 Derrick Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Wayfreight / Gates / Wix Chevrolet 75
4 16 38 Kirk Hooker (Chatham, ON) Country View Golf Course / McColl’s / Golf Trends Chevrolet 75
5 10 82 Jason Shaw (Guelph, ON) Spira Fire Protection / Del Metals Ford 75
6 15 53 Kyle Donaldson (Queensville, ON) R Custom Engines / Downtown Rug & Flooring Ford 75
7 13 22 Glenn Watson (Barrie, ON) Racing Radios / Rival Office Solutions / Top Shops Chevrolet 75
8 2 30 Jim Molenhuis (Churchill, ON) R.E.V. Mobile Audio / Performance Chevrolet 75
9 17 76 Tyler Williams (Chesley, ON) B&L Farm Services / Hank’s Auto Wreckers Ford 75
10 8 57 Brett Murray (Minesing, ON) Videoflicks / Cardwell Signs Ford 75
11 23 28 Roy Wilkie (Paisley, ON) R Ford 75
12 4 75 Jeff Cassidy (Cambridge, ON) Highway Sterling – Western Star Ford 75
13 6 11 Chris Morrow (Minesing, ON) Morrow Electric / Edenvale Flying Club Chevrolet 75
14 1 42 Richard Holmes (Hillsburgh, ON) Gormac Roofing / Astro Automotive Ford 75
15 7 4 Craig Zurbrigg (Listowel, ON) Benshaw Motor Controls / Trinity Village Health Care Ford 75
16 9 93 Tim Cole (Courtice, ON) Oshawa Office Equipment / Kwik Signs Chevrolet 75
17 22 23 Steve Thompson (Drayton, ON) Conway Furniture / Priebe Engineering Chevrolet 74
18 12 98 Michael Almand (Alton, ON) Alliston Transmission / Finish Line Graphics Chevrolet 63
19 3 3 Ken Naves (Sauble Beach, ON) Tim-Br Mart / Golden Eagle Cottages Chevrolet 59
20 5 69 Alan Inglis (Mississauga, ON) National Moving & Storage Dodge 59
21 14 72 Rob MacDonnell (Allenford, ON) MacDonnell Fuels / Siegrist Trucking Chevrolet 42
22 21 8 Paul Gresel (Sauble, ON) R Sauble Fall’s Tent & Trailer Park / H&H Patio Encl. Chevrolet 28
23 11 67 Steve Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Aurora Automotive / Pennzoil 10 Min. Oil Change Pontiac 25
24 24 71 Doug Wilson (Owen Sound, ON) Owen Sound Ledgerock / Barnard’s Truck Dodge 24
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
TIME OF RACE: 1 hour and 37 minutes // CAUTIONS: 13 // LAP LEADERS: #30 Jim Molenhuis (1-49), #1 Dan Delisle (50-74), #9 Robbie Thompson (75) // HEAT WINS: #75 Jeff Cassidy, #1 Dan Delisle, #82 Jason Shaw, #9 Robbie Thompson, #22 Glenn Watson, #4 Craig Zurbrigg // MOST LAPS LED: #30 Jim Molenhuis // SPIRA HARD CHARGER AWARD: #9 Robbie Thompson // INSIDE TRACK MYSTERY POSITION AWARD: #82 Jason Shaw // CRC TOP 5: #9 Robbie Thompson, #1 Dan Delisle, #7 Derrick Tiemersma, #38 Kirk Hooker, #82 Jason Shaw // 69 AUTO WHEEL AWARD: #53 Kyle Donaldson // HOOSIER TIRE AWARD: #22 Glenn Watson
Contact ALSTAR at (519) 371-7588 or visit www.alstarseries.com
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, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
MacLeod and Central Merchant Services Team ready for Sun Valley
“It will be the first time we will go into a race on an even playing field.”By Bruce F. Mehlenbacher , Director of Public Relations
July 29, 2005, Vernon, BC – Tara MacLeod will make her first appearance at the scenic half-mile tri-oval at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia this weekend as part of the CASCAR Super Series.
Driving the Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus, the CASCAR rookie competitor is looking for good things.
“It will be the first time we will go into a race on an even playing field,” she stated. “I don’t think any of the eastern CASCAR Super Series drivers have ever raced at Vernon before. That should help the Central Merchant Services Team.”
MacLeod currently leads the PowerWater CASCAR Super Series Rookie of the year standings, and is 13th in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Points Championship.
“Calgary was good to us, as we had two great finishes last weekend,” said MacLeod. “After the race in Alberta we spent two days going over the car before the team got to take a couple of days off. It was great to spend some quality time with the team golfing, fishing, white water rafting and just kicking back and relaxing. Rob Harrison of Performance Driver Services Inc. arranged accommodations for the Central Merchant Services Team at Marble Canyon & Fairmont Creek Deluxe Condominiums in Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia.”
The CASCAR Super Series race at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia will take place Friday and Saturday, July 29-30.
Time trials will open the weekend racing program on Friday night (July 29). The drivers with the two best times will lock themselves into the top two starting positions for Saturday’s 300-lap feature event. Friday night’s racing program will also include a pair of 100-lap, full-points qualifying sprint races. These Twin 100s will set the rest of the field for Saturday’s main event.
For information about the CASCAR Super Series event at Sun Valley Motor Speedway call 250.542.9090 or visit www.sunvalleyspeedway.com.
Reserved Tickets are available at the track or buy tickets at any Lordco or NAPA store in Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops or Armstrong Under the team banner of MacLeod Racing, http://www.taramacleod.com/, 32-year old Tara MacLeod has been a strong competitor on the Ontario short-tracks for the past 10 years, with several awards to her credit.
Vernon BC next stop for Mick’s PowerWater Ford
“I guess it’s time to put our PowerWater Ford where my mouth is.”Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Public Relations
July 29, 2005 - Vernon, BC – Kerry Micks, driving his PowerWater 2005 Micks Motorsports Ford, will make his first appearance at Sun Valley Motor Speedway this weekend when the CASCAR Super Series visits the scenic half-mile tri-oval in Vernon, British Columbia’.
“I’ve always said my favorite track is anything new that’s a challenge,” said the Mount Albert, ON, driver. “Well, we’ve never been to Sun Valley Motor Speedway so I guess it’s time to put our PowerWater Ford where my mouth is.”
Micks, with three wins this season in the PowerWater Micks Motorsports Ford, sits in third position in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Points Championship.
“We had a good trip so far”, added Micks. “We spent the first couple of days after Calgary completely going over the PowerWater Ford. After that we were able to take a couple of days off. Rob Harrison of Performance Driver Services Inc. arranged accommodations for the Micks Motorsport Team at Marble Canyon & Fairmont Creek Deluxe Condominiums in Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia. It was great to spend some quality time with the team golfing, fishing, white water rafting and just kicking back and relaxing.”
The CASCAR Super Series race at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia will take place Friday and Saturday, July 29-30.
Time trials will open the weekend racing program on Friday night (July 29). The drivers with the two best times will lock themselves into the top two starting positions for Saturday’s 300-lap feature event. Friday night’s racing program will also include a pair of 100-lap, full-points qualifying sprint races. These Twin 100s will set the rest of the field for Saturday’s main event.
For information about the CASCAR Super Series event at Sun Valley Motor Speedway call 250.542.9090 or visit www.sunvalleyspeedway.com.
Reserved Tickets are available at the track or buy tickets at any Lordco or NAPA store in Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops or Armstrong.
BUDWEISER WEEKLY RACING FRIDAY NIGHT AT SPEEDWORLD
By Joan Roué, Scotia Speedworld
HALIFAX, NS (2005 July 28) - This Friday night Scotia Speedworld will see Budweiser Weekly Racing in four divisions, the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman, the Nova Automotive Hobby Stock and the Miller Tire BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions.
All four divisions are mid-season in their respective chase to a championship. The driver in each division that accumulates the most points all season long (based on each event feature race finish) wins the coveted championship crown.
Friday's Pepsi Pre-Race Show will see announcer Mike Kaplan have fun with the kids and they can win prizes, too. The annual Flag Day is also on the agenda and kids are encouraged to make a flag to show support for their favourite driver.
The annual Shriner's Classic race will be supported by a full complement of the Dartmouth District Shrine Club.
Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is just $12 for adults and $2 for youth aged 8 to 15. Children 7 and under are admitted free at Scotia Speedworld. Pit admission is $15 and restricted to those 16 and older. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. HST is included in all admission prices
HALIFAX, NS (2005 July 28) - This Friday night Scotia Speedworld will see Budweiser Weekly Racing in four divisions, the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman, the Nova Automotive Hobby Stock and the Miller Tire BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions.
All four divisions are mid-season in their respective chase to a championship. The driver in each division that accumulates the most points all season long (based on each event feature race finish) wins the coveted championship crown.
Friday's Pepsi Pre-Race Show will see announcer Mike Kaplan have fun with the kids and they can win prizes, too. The annual Flag Day is also on the agenda and kids are encouraged to make a flag to show support for their favourite driver.
The annual Shriner's Classic race will be supported by a full complement of the Dartmouth District Shrine Club.
Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is just $12 for adults and $2 for youth aged 8 to 15. Children 7 and under are admitted free at Scotia Speedworld. Pit admission is $15 and restricted to those 16 and older. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. HST is included in all admission prices
7 ACTION PACKED DIVISIONS ON GABRIEL MAINTENANCE NIGHT AS ENDURO ADDED TO BOX CAR SPECIAL EVENT
By Jim IrvineTHOROLD, ONTARIO… The Gabriel Maintenance Night at the Thorold track will feature 7 divisions of racing action as two special events will compliment the DIRT Weekly Racing Series card of L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Dwarf Cars and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
Meridian Credit Union Fat Cat Kid’s Club members will make up a 6th division of racing as the second annual Box Car Race joins the Weekly Racing Series at Merrittville Speedway Saturday August 13th.
“We don’t really know what to expect for this year’s second annual,” relates Bicknell, adding “there were some awesome work done by the kids last year…their cars were from all divisions... we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Although an official Kid’s Club Event – any younger race fan is eligible to enter a box car. Information on the event is available from Kid’s Club leader Mary Beth on Saturday evenings behind the turn 4 grandstands prior to race time in the kid’s club area. The Meridian Credit Union Kids Club is set up opposite the Canadian Custom Fabricating and Ball Hockey International billboards.
Contestants can use their own box or can pick one up from the Speedway this coming Saturday July 30th, Monday August 1st, and Saturday August 6th.
The Gabriel Maintenance Special Event will also have a 7th division as Round Two for Saturday Night Live Enduro enthusiasts have been added to the schedule.
“With the addition of the Enduro,” adds Bicknell, “we don’t know what to expect there either…the June Boltworks event was such a success…and you couldn’t have had more entertainment.”
Saturday August 13th’s 20 lap Saturday Night Live Enduro is open to drivers of all levels. The field will include some of our current and former DIRT Weekly Racing Series Street Stock competitors…entries that have run this type of event before and others who are doing it for the first time.
In the end though, it is more survival than experience that counts.
Enduro rules are available at the Speedway or online at http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/ until the Special Events section.
The Boltworks Round One event won by former Pro Stock racer Sean Keus and the upcoming Gabriel Maintenance Round Two Event of course are leading up to the 100 lap Konzelmann Estate Wineries Event set for Sunday September 11th – the finale to the J&S Heating and Weekend. Keus has a guaranteed spot, as will the August 13th winner.
The 2005 Season Finale on the 11th will also feature a 25 lap Enduro event for ladies and a Big Car Demolition Derby.
The Gabriel Maintenance Night is also the second night that Merrittville fans can sign up to win NASCAR Nextel Cup tickets. The draw box located in the novelty booth will collect ballots for the remainder of the season.
During the September 10th portion of the season finale, a ballot will be picked from all those received and that ‘super fan’ will win the October Lowe’s Motor Speedway Nextel Cup tickets – courtesy of Lowe’s Roger Slack and Raceline Radio – heard every Sunday Night at 8:05pm in Niagara on 105.1 FM.
For further information on Merrittville Speedway including the Meridian Credit Union Fat Cat Kid’s Club, call 905-892-8266 or visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/.
Monster Truck Madness - Big Foot Coming to NBIS
Courtesy Gord Curran General ManagerJuly 28th, 2005, Fredericton, NB – NBIS is putting the finishing touches on one of the biggest weekends of the season – a weekend of Monster sized proportions. NBIS will be hosting Monster Truck Madness on July 29th, 30th, 31st with identical shows each night featuring Big Foot and four other trucks, Extreme Motocross, and Tournament of Thrills including two of Canada’s best Hell Drivers.
This is the second year that NBIS has hosted a monster truck event, but first with Big Foot as the headline truck. Trucks are the theme throughout the weekend as prior to the Sunday show, NBIS will hosting its first ever truck and car Enduro 200 at 2pm. It’s the second Enduro event of the season, but first ever with quarter ton Chevy, Ford, and Dodge trucks competing against the cars. These races run four times a year and provide fans with exciting entertainment and non-stop action. In these races drivers are ALLOWED to spin, push and tap the other drivers without being black-flagged. The cars used in the Enduro division are specially built and the drivers’ only goal is to outlast, out wit and survive 200 laps.
“It’s one of the busiest weekends of the summer, second only to Speedweekend on Labour Day weekend,” says NBIS General Manager Gord Curran, “Three straight days of entertainment.”
Monster Truck Madness will feature three identical shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening (show times and ticket prices below). The lineup for Monster Truck Madness includes Big Foot, American Guardian, Wild Hair, Anger Management, and Towasaurus. In addition to the Monster Trucks, the events will include freestyle Motocross and the Tournament of Thrills including two of Canada’s best Hell Drivers. Although the Monster Trucks are the focus of attention, the freestyle Motocross put on a great show. “The Monster Trucks are impressive, but last year the motocross riders were unbelievable in their own right. They put on a great show with some amazing jumps and all kinds of gravity-defying stunts in mid-air,” adds Curran. “Overall, it was a very professional show.”
Monster Truck drivers, Extreme Motorcross riders, and Hell Drivers will sign autographs after each event outside of the pit area. However, there will be no access to the pits before, during, or after the event except for the Pit Party prior to the Saturday event.
On Saturday, NBIS will host a Pit Party from 4pm-6pm that allows fans to interact with the drivers of the Monster Trucks and riders of the Freestyle Motocross and get autographs, pictures, and ask questions to the fearless competitors. The Monster Trucks and Motocross will be set up in the infield for the event, so fans can get their pictures taken next to the gigantic trucks or with their favourite daredevil rider. There is a $5 admission and the Pit Party Pass must be accompanied with a valid ticket to the Saturday Monster Truck event at 7pm.
Tickets for the Monster Truck events are available at CARQUEST in Fredericton (Bishop Drive) and Saint John (McAllister Drive) until Saturday at noon. Cash only at the CARQUEST locations.
358's Returning to the Brighton Speedway
By Greg Calnan, www.imagefactor.ca
For the first time in over two decades 358 Dirt Modifieds will be competing at the Brighton Speedway. On Saturday September 24th, 2005 at 7:00 PM the 1/3 mile clay oval will host the ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout. Designed to give local 358 drivers a late season 'big' event to attend, its beginnings were very unique.
During the middle of the 2004 racing season several drivers in the northeast expressed the interest in having a series of 'big' events in the fall as an alternative to making the long haul south of the border. The topic was brought up by 358 driver Jeff Cigilich on an internet web forum at DirtTrackDigest.com. After many replies from interested competitors and fans the news traveled to Brighton Speedway promoter Mark Rinaldi. Mark was intrigued by the idea and considered making a late season addition to the 2004 schedule. However, not having enough time to properly promote an event of this magnitude it was decided that a meeting would take place during the off-season to further discuss the possibility for a race in 2005.
On a cold winter day in February race teams, drivers and fans met in Kingston, Ontario to exchange ideas and work out the details for a possible event in late September at Brighton. Long time driver Mark Hitchcock graciously hosted the gathering at his shop. The meeting was a positive one and when the 2005 Brighton Speedway schedule was released a 358 Dirt Modified race had been slotted in for Saturday September 24th. The event is 50 laps in distance with a solid $10,000 CDN purse up for grabs. Although this is a stand-alone event the race will be run under 2005 DIRT 358 rules. A regular card of racing is also scheduled for the evening, which includes the Canadian Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Novice and Comp 4 divisions.
With the world of northeastern Dirt Modified racing up in the air it is apparent that teams and drivers are searching for alternatives. The ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout will be just that, a chance for local teams to compete for a solid purse without having to travel three or four hours to a nationally sanctioned event just to be upstaged by high dollar tour regulars. Instead of packing up their cars and equipment by the second weekend of September the 358 Dirt Modified drivers in the area can now circle a new date on their calendar at a track most have never competed on.
All 358 teams interested in competing are able to pre-register for the event. Those who enter prior to September 1st, 2005 will receive 4 pit passes (1 driver and 3 crew members) for $75.00 CDN. After September 1st, 2005 all pit passes will be $25.00 CDN per person. As an added incentive, every team that pre-registers for the event will have their name entered into a draw. The team drawn will win 4 free pit passes for the September 24th race.
ImageFactor.ca will proudly present the event. ImageFactor.ca is a Motorsports Marketing and Promotional company designed to help race teams and tracks gain a professional image through many different avenues including web and graphic design. As part of their race partnership a web site solely for the event has been created at www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout. Fans who visit the site can enter to win a pair of tickets for this inaugural event.
The Brighton Speedway is a 1/3 mile tacky clay oval located in Brighton, Ontario Canada. Nestled closely to the shores of Lake Ontario the track plays host to dirt racing every Saturday night from May to September. The Canadian Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Novice and Comp 4 classes make up a regular night of action. Throughout the season they also host special events, which include the Southern Ontario Sprints, Mid State Vintage Modifieds and Ontario Dirt Late Models.
For more information on the Brighton Speedway visit their web site at http://www.brightonspeedway.com/.
Formula Renault UK: McIntosh tops the time sheets in testing
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Vancouver, Canada (July 27, 2005) - Sean McIntosh topped the time sheets in testing yesterday as the Formula Renault UK field headed to Snetterton for some extra track time in advance of Rounds 11 and 12 of the championship at the Norfolk circuit, 5th-7th August.
The 20-year-old Canadian, currently sitting fourth overall in the point standings, was quickly up to speed around the 1.952-mile track, consistently setting the pace in near perfect track conditions. Sean eventually recorded the benchmark time of 1m04.949s in the afternoon session with an average of 108.10mph.
With eight consecutive top-five qualifying starts and a victory at Donington to his credit already this season, Sean’s eager to turn yesterday’s testing pace into solid race results when he returns to Snetterton next month.
Reflecting on a successful test he commented:
I had a great time at Snetterton. The car ran really well straight off the back of the transporter and as a result I was able to set a consistent pace, keeping ahead of everyone even as the day progressed and lap times tumbled.
“The Formula Renault UK Championship is so close that any advantage you can find in terms of set-up is a bonus and I’m hopeful that having run well at the test we can convert that speed into decent results when we return to race here. The title fight is far from over and I intend to close the gap as we enter the second half of the season.”
For further information please log on to: www.renaultsport.com or www.seanmcintosh.com
Vancouver, Canada (July 27, 2005) - Sean McIntosh topped the time sheets in testing yesterday as the Formula Renault UK field headed to Snetterton for some extra track time in advance of Rounds 11 and 12 of the championship at the Norfolk circuit, 5th-7th August.
The 20-year-old Canadian, currently sitting fourth overall in the point standings, was quickly up to speed around the 1.952-mile track, consistently setting the pace in near perfect track conditions. Sean eventually recorded the benchmark time of 1m04.949s in the afternoon session with an average of 108.10mph.
With eight consecutive top-five qualifying starts and a victory at Donington to his credit already this season, Sean’s eager to turn yesterday’s testing pace into solid race results when he returns to Snetterton next month.
Reflecting on a successful test he commented:
I had a great time at Snetterton. The car ran really well straight off the back of the transporter and as a result I was able to set a consistent pace, keeping ahead of everyone even as the day progressed and lap times tumbled.
“The Formula Renault UK Championship is so close that any advantage you can find in terms of set-up is a bonus and I’m hopeful that having run well at the test we can convert that speed into decent results when we return to race here. The title fight is far from over and I intend to close the gap as we enter the second half of the season.”
For further information please log on to: www.renaultsport.com or www.seanmcintosh.com
U.S. RALLY: OLYMPUS IS BACK!
By Wilson von Kessler, United States Rally Championship Series
Former WRC rally to run as 2006 United States Rally Championship event Shelton, WA (July 26, 2005) - Massimo "Miki" Biasion was the last competitor to take the podium in this event, besting teammate Alex Fiorio, both driving Lancia Delta Integrales. American John Buffum completed the podium in his Audi Coupe Quattro.
Winners in previous years included rally legends Markku Alen and Juha Kankkunen, aka the "Flying Finns". The Olympus rally played host to the infamous Group B cars, and now it is back after a 14 year hiatus.
Scheduled for May 19-20, 2006 as the fourth round of the United States Rally Championship, the Olympus International Rally will run many of the same roads as in its previous iterations. It will also be a Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) calendar listed event through the United States Auto Club (USAC), bringing back the international flavor that has made the event part of American and World rally history.
"We are very excited to be returning this event to both the national and international stage," stated Steve McQuaid, Chairman of the rally, "it's nice to bring the event out with a bang at this level of competition and organization."
"We like to think that we have the best rally roads in the United States, if not the world," added McQuaid, "and we're looking forward to hosting the best competitors the United States and the world has to offer on them."
Former WRC rally to run as 2006 United States Rally Championship event Shelton, WA (July 26, 2005) - Massimo "Miki" Biasion was the last competitor to take the podium in this event, besting teammate Alex Fiorio, both driving Lancia Delta Integrales. American John Buffum completed the podium in his Audi Coupe Quattro.
Winners in previous years included rally legends Markku Alen and Juha Kankkunen, aka the "Flying Finns". The Olympus rally played host to the infamous Group B cars, and now it is back after a 14 year hiatus.
Scheduled for May 19-20, 2006 as the fourth round of the United States Rally Championship, the Olympus International Rally will run many of the same roads as in its previous iterations. It will also be a Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) calendar listed event through the United States Auto Club (USAC), bringing back the international flavor that has made the event part of American and World rally history.
"We are very excited to be returning this event to both the national and international stage," stated Steve McQuaid, Chairman of the rally, "it's nice to bring the event out with a bang at this level of competition and organization."
"We like to think that we have the best rally roads in the United States, if not the world," added McQuaid, "and we're looking forward to hosting the best competitors the United States and the world has to offer on them."
SPIEKER PILES ON THE POINTS IN DIVISION II OF NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES
By Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 26, 2005) – Chris Spieker continued to pile up points this week in his quest to win this year’s championship in Division II of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. The Massena, Iowa, Dirt Late Model driver has topped the standings nearly all season and leads the way this week with 1,048 points.
Spieker scored a win at his home track of Adams County Speedway on Saturday and then added to that with a runner-up finish at I-80 Speedway at Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood, Neb., on Sunday. NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Divisional point standings are calculated using each driver’s best 16 finishes from any races held at tracks within their division. Adams County Speedway and I-80 Speedway are both in Division II – meaning drivers can race at both tracks and accumulate points towards the title.
Joe Kosiski, of Omaha, Neb., remains second in the standings – 78 markers back – with 970 points. He finished fourth at I-80 Speedway on Sunday. Mike Hansen, of Alton, Iowa, solidified his third-place standing in Division II by winning a NASCAR Modified 20-lap feature at Park Jefferson Speedway on Saturday. With the victory, he boosted his point total to 836.
Jeff Strunk, of Bethel, Pa., remains fourth in the standings this week with 766; followed by Eric Richardson, of Bakersfield, Calif., in fifth with 712; and Travis Sharpe, of North, S.C., in sixth with 692.
Propelled by his sixth win of the season, Jonathan Bouvrette, of St. Therese, Quebec, continued his climb in the standings – moving up one spot this week to seventh with 654 points. Pete Anderson Jr., of Stockton, Calif., returned to the top 10 in the division standings after finishing third in the Western Late Model feature race at Stockton 99 Speedway on Saturday. Stacey Gerken, of LaGrange, Ohio, remained ninth this week – while Robert Barker, of Boerne, Texas, retained the 10th spot after scoring his sixth win of the season on Saturday at San Antonio (Tex.) Speedway.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 26, 2005) – Chris Spieker continued to pile up points this week in his quest to win this year’s championship in Division II of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. The Massena, Iowa, Dirt Late Model driver has topped the standings nearly all season and leads the way this week with 1,048 points.
Spieker scored a win at his home track of Adams County Speedway on Saturday and then added to that with a runner-up finish at I-80 Speedway at Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood, Neb., on Sunday. NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Divisional point standings are calculated using each driver’s best 16 finishes from any races held at tracks within their division. Adams County Speedway and I-80 Speedway are both in Division II – meaning drivers can race at both tracks and accumulate points towards the title.
Joe Kosiski, of Omaha, Neb., remains second in the standings – 78 markers back – with 970 points. He finished fourth at I-80 Speedway on Sunday. Mike Hansen, of Alton, Iowa, solidified his third-place standing in Division II by winning a NASCAR Modified 20-lap feature at Park Jefferson Speedway on Saturday. With the victory, he boosted his point total to 836.
Jeff Strunk, of Bethel, Pa., remains fourth in the standings this week with 766; followed by Eric Richardson, of Bakersfield, Calif., in fifth with 712; and Travis Sharpe, of North, S.C., in sixth with 692.
Propelled by his sixth win of the season, Jonathan Bouvrette, of St. Therese, Quebec, continued his climb in the standings – moving up one spot this week to seventh with 654 points. Pete Anderson Jr., of Stockton, Calif., returned to the top 10 in the division standings after finishing third in the Western Late Model feature race at Stockton 99 Speedway on Saturday. Stacey Gerken, of LaGrange, Ohio, remained ninth this week – while Robert Barker, of Boerne, Texas, retained the 10th spot after scoring his sixth win of the season on Saturday at San Antonio (Tex.) Speedway.
Canadian CNYMS Date at Brighton Cancelled
Sodus, NY - It is with great regret that the Central New York Mini Sprint series management announces the cancellation of its race date at the Brighton Speedway on Saturday, August 13th. Tightened border security has made it very difficult and time consuming for race teams venturing across the US/Canada border in recent weeks. This decision is made exclusively by the CNYMS management team after consultations with its competitors.
Brighton Speedway management is disappointed by the decision, but they understand the circumstances.
"We regret this decision," stated CNYMS Director of Promotions Mike Emhof. "We were looking forward to a Canadian leg to the tour and putting on a great show for the Brighton fans.
Brighton Speedway management is disappointed by the decision, but they understand the circumstances.
"We regret this decision," stated CNYMS Director of Promotions Mike Emhof. "We were looking forward to a Canadian leg to the tour and putting on a great show for the Brighton fans.
Monster Trucks make for weekend tripleheader at Brockville Ontario Speedway
BROCKVILLE-Things will be hopping at the Beast of the East this weekend as Brockville Ontario Speedway gears up for its busiest weekend of the summer. The fast quarter mile on County Road 29, just North of Brockville will feature three events in as many days starting on Friday night and going right through Sunday evening.
Things kick off with a regular four division stock car program featuring the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stock and Rookies on Friday night, July 29th at 7:30 pm. Track officials are also hoping to be able to give stock car fans, a sneak preview of what they can see on Saturday and Sunday nights as well.
Saturday and Sunday nights the track welcomes some of the stars of Monster Truck racing back to the Brockville track where a special course will be constructed on Saturday morning, July 30th. The gates to the track will open at 5:30 pm for a special pre event party before the carnage begins at 7pm featuring trucks like Hot Wheels and Brutus. The Monster Trucks will be back for round 2 at the same times on Sunday night, July 31st.
Tickets have been going fast, but they are still available for both shows through the track office at 613-348-3998, or at McEwens Fuel in Johnstown or JB Kelly Insurance in the Kensington Mall in Brockville or at the track itself throughout the weekend.
Things kick off with a regular four division stock car program featuring the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stock and Rookies on Friday night, July 29th at 7:30 pm. Track officials are also hoping to be able to give stock car fans, a sneak preview of what they can see on Saturday and Sunday nights as well.
Saturday and Sunday nights the track welcomes some of the stars of Monster Truck racing back to the Brockville track where a special course will be constructed on Saturday morning, July 30th. The gates to the track will open at 5:30 pm for a special pre event party before the carnage begins at 7pm featuring trucks like Hot Wheels and Brutus. The Monster Trucks will be back for round 2 at the same times on Sunday night, July 31st.
Tickets have been going fast, but they are still available for both shows through the track office at 613-348-3998, or at McEwens Fuel in Johnstown or JB Kelly Insurance in the Kensington Mall in Brockville or at the track itself throughout the weekend.
RON VANES LIKES THE WEST: Two Top-Ten Finishes in MOPAR 500 Weekend Events
By Ken Spencer – for additional Information contact Ron VanEs at (905) 643-8900Ron VanEs has ventured west to compete in a stock car race only once before this season but Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park is quickly becoming his favourite destination.
Last year the Smithville, Ontario driver fought his way to a 16th place finish in the 300-lap main event after placing fifth in the weekend event’s pre-race 100-lap qualifier.
This past weekend he surprised a lot of people by motoring to an impressive ninth place finish in Saturday’s feature after starting 15th in the 29-car field.
In his 100-lap Friday qualifier Ron was also in fine running form finishing a strong eighth in the event won by local Alberta favourite, Kevin Dowler of Sherwood Park.
It was VanEs’ best overall performance since entering Canada’s leading stock car racing season last year.
Ron maintained a steady pace, stayed out of trouble and made timely pit stops during Saturday’s 300-lap event slowed by 5 caution flags for a total of 50 laps
Although the official results have yet to be confirmed by CASCAR officials, it appears the trip and resulting points gained from this past weekend’s success have boosted the young driver of the Star Van Systems/ All Cover Portable Systems Monte Carlo up to seventeenth place in the Super Series standings as he and the team head to Vernon, BC’s Sun Valley Speedway and race number 7 in the 12-race national schedule.
DJ Kennington of St. Thomas captured his first Super Series race since August 9, 2003 in St. Eustache to win the MOPAR 300 event beating Peter Gibbons of Stouffville and Dave Jacombs of Mt. Hope Ontario to the checkered flag. Sophomore sensation JR Fitzpatrick of Cambridge outran Kevin Dowler to finish fourth.
SPEEDWEEKEND 2005 BIGGER - AND BETTER - THAN EVER
By Joan Roué, Scotia SpeedworldHALIFAX, NS (2005 July 26) - Speedweekend 2005 at Scotia Speedworld is just over two weeks away and it is shaping up to be the biggest - and best - yet! Day one, on Friday, August 12, will feature The Lockhart Truck Center 100. Day Two, Saturday, August 13, will see the running of the sixth annual Atlantic CAT 250.
Both events will see newly added elements for the fans and the racers to enjoy, starting with a Big Rig Show'N'Shine from 5 until 7 on August 12. This inaugural happening is presented by Lockhart Truck Center in support of Feed Nova Scotia. All truckers that enter their big rigs in the Show'N'Shine will receive complementary admission tickets as a guest of Lockhart Truck Center. Those that intend to participate are encouraged to pre-register by calling Marilyn at (902) 468-5900. The on track show begins at 7 p.m. with racing action in three divisions: Miller Tire BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions, two rounds of qualifying for The Atlantic CAT 250 for Pro All Stars Series, and qualifying heats and The Lockhart Truck Center 100 for the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman Super Series.
Audience members that bring a non-perishable food or cash donation for Feed Nova Scotia on August 12 will be eligible to be the Grand Marshall for the evening festivities, getting to give the start engines command, wave the green flag to start the feature, and also get a ride around the track in a Lockhart Truck Center Big Rig.
On Saturday, August 13, The Atlantic CAT 250 Victory Lane Tailgate Party has been added to the agenda. Once the racing stops, the party starts and audience members will enjoy the music of Triumph, a popular local band featuring lead singer Paul Eisan. The Tailgate Party will be the culmination of what has become the biggest event of the year at Scotia Speedworld and indeed one of the most prestigious stock car races in eastern Canada: The Atlantic CAT 250.
Racing action begins at 6 p.m. on August 13. The format includes championship points racing in two Budweiser Weekly Racing divisions, the RV Contacts Legends and the Nova Automotive Hobby Stock. Then the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) will take to the track for the Atlantic CAT 250, where the best short track stock car racers in the Maritimes and New England will battle for the $6000 U.S. winner's cheque, the honour of having their name etched on the Scott Fraser Memorial Cup - and the everlasting prestige of winning this race.
A special Pepsi Pre-Race Show will kick things off at 5 p.m. August 13, with a sneak preview of Triumph, an autograph session and the Atlantic CAT Equipment Parade.
Special two-day grandstand admission tickets are just $35 for adults and $6 for youth aged 8 to
15. Friday only tickets are $15 for adults and $2 for youth aged 8 to 15. Saturday only tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for youth (8 to 15). Children 7 and under are admitted free both nights. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pit admission is $45 for a two-day ticket, $20 for Friday only and $35 for Saturday only. Pit admission is restricted to those 16 and older.
HST is included in all admission prices.
ROUGH RIDE FOR BROWN IN CALGARY
Lapped Car Derails Strong Run In MOPAR 300By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing
July 23, 2005 - Doug Brown looked like his NAPA/Autopro Monte Carlo was on a rail at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park on Saturday night, at least through the first half of the MOPAR 300.
But that was before a spinning lapped car crossed his path.
The veteran racer started the 300-lap event 22nd in the 29-car field but by lap 100 was steadily threading his was into the top ten.
Closing in on the halfway mark of the race he was running seventh and chasing down Pete Shepherd in a borrowed Ford for sixth when the lapped car of Stony Plains, Alberta’s Todd Nichol suddenly spun across his path, collecting Brown in the process.
After some hasty pit work to repair the badly damaged front end and bent tied rod on his machine, Doug returned to the action only to lose two more laps under green for a flat tire.
He was credited with a 23rd-place finish.
It had been a busy weekend for the Brantford-based team. During Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions they fought hard to correct handling problems on the unfamiliar half-mile oval and weren’t able to solve the problems in time for the second of two 100-lap qualifiers in which Doug wrestled the car to an 11th-place finish.
“For Saturday’s main event we elected to make some further chassis adjustments including a spring change and it obviously worked,” Doug reported. “Unfortunately, we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time when the #6 car spun. I had no time to react.”
Despite the disappointing finishing position, Brown has now moved up to fifteenth spot in the standings as the result of points garnered from the 100-lap qualifier and 300-lap main event.
During their stay-over In Calgary the team will have lots of work to do in repairing the damages to their car before moving on to Vernon, B.C for this weekend’s events at Sun Valley Speedway.
DJ Kennington of St. Thomas captured the event with his Castrol Canada sponsored Dodge passing Stouffville, Ontario’s Peter Gibbons in the Canadian Tire Monte Carlo with 15 laps to go. Dave Jacombs of Mt. Hope had an impressive outing in his Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus by finishing third.
RON BEAUCHAMP BATTLES BACK FOR TOP TEN FINISH AT THE MOPAR 300
By Todd Lewis, TL Sports & EntertainmentJuly 24, 2005. The Mopar Parts team headed west and was looking for success at Race City Speedway in Calgary. The annual CASCAR Western swing began with the Mopar 500 weekend at the half-mile high banked oval.
The weekend began with a thrilling ride for the Mopar Charger in the 100 lap qualifying race. When two competitors ahead of him made contact, Beauchamp pounced and took advantage of the last lap battle to gain a podium finish, and secure the fifth starting spot in the 300 lap main event.
When the green flag dropped Ron was smooth and effective behind the wheel. Settling in and running very solid lap times in the first 100 laps before the first caution period on lap 103. Making their first pit stop of the day the team got the Mopar Parts Charger out quickly, but a penalty call resulted in Beauchamp being placed at the back of the pack. Unfazed Beauchamp quickly began to reel in cars, moving smoothly through the traffic and quickly back into the top ten.
Through the middle and late stages the adjustments made were right on the mark, and the Mopar Parts Charger was among the top contenders. As the laps wound down Beauchamp was sitting in fifth position with a fast car, and sights set on the leaders.
Suddenly, without warning the handling on the car began to slip away and Ron dropped back several positions. “The car just all of a sudden got loose” explained Beauchamp afterwards. With only a handful of laps remaining the Mopar Parts Charger were forced to stop under green flag conditions, a flat right rear tires the problem. Showing great determination Ron was still able to muscle home a ninth place finish.
“This was a better car than ninth place” said Beauchamp. “We were in good position, but got bitten by the same problem that took a good finish away from us at this track last year.
The CASCAR Super Series points battle continues to heat up with six events now complete. With another top ten finish Ron Beauchamp now sits seventh overall, only 23 points out of sixth.
The second half of the CASCAR Super Series racing season begins for Team Mopar with a tough 300 lap event at Sun Valley Speedway at Vernon, BC.
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 http://www.cascar.ca/
BRAD GRAHAM FIGHTS TO THE FINISH IN THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE
By Todd Lewis, TL Sports & EntertainmentJuly 24, 2005. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger arrived at ½ mile Race City Speedway track prepared for a busy weekend of practice, 100 lap qualifying races and the 300 lap main event, the Mopar Parts 300. A solid set up in the car gave Brad the third quickest qualifying lap time put him in good shape for the 100 lap qualifier. The car set up went away late in the preliminary event and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge started the race 11th.
Through the first 100 laps Brad rode smoothly and moved comfortably into the top ten. However on lap 103 the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was collected in an incident. Brad would head to pit lane with a flat right front tire and lose a lap making repairs and changes. Graham battled hard and the car was fast he just needed a break.
Following another caution period Brad stayed on course while others made stops, putting him at the tail end of the lead lap. Following the restart Graham had little trouble staying ahead of the pack and when the caution flag flew again he was back in business.
The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was into the top ten and looking strong. Brad continued to move through the lap traffic looking to improve his standing. In the late stages however he began to slip back several positions. “The car didn’t feel right” said the driver afterwards and soon Graham had another flat tire and was forced to make a late pit stop, but still managed an eleventh place finish. “It’s a real shame” commented the driver afterwards. “We had a quick car, we should have been in the top five for sure, but we just had some tough luck.
With another strong run Brad Graham sits ninth in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.
The CASCAR Super Series continues its western swing with a 300 lap feature event at Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.
The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.
For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto www.cascar.ca.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
CASCAR: CASCAR returns to British Columbia for this weekend’s Super Series event at Vernon’s Sun Valley Speedway
CASCAR Super Series
Preview: Sun Valley Speedway
VERNON, BC – Canada’s top stock car series will make its inaugural appearance at Sun Valley Speedway this weekend when the CASCAR Super Series visits Vernon, British Columbia’s scenic half-mile tri-oval. The format for the event will be the same as for last weekend’s MOPAR 500 Weekend in Calgary.
Time trials will open the weekend racing program on Friday night (July 29). The drivers with the two best times will lock themselves into the top two starting positions for Saturday’s 300-lap feature event. Friday night’s racing program will also include a pair of 100-lap, full-points qualifying sprint races. These Twin 100s will set the rest of the field for Saturday’s main event.
While the majority of the Super Series competitors in action this weekend at Sun Valley will be seeing the track for the first time, multi-time Western Series champ Kevin Dowler has lots of experience at the unique facility. The EMCO Ford driver – who has several Super Series road racing wins to his credit – is hoping his knowledge of Sun Valley helps him earn his first-ever Super Series feature win on an oval.
“I’m excited about racing at Vernon,” said Dowler, who lives in Edmonton, Alberta. “The Western Series has probably raced there 16 times or so and I believe we have half-a-dozen wins. If there’s a chance of me getting it done in a Super Series oval race, I really think it could be this one.”
Describing Sun Valley’s configuration, Dowler says it’s a special place. “It’s just a great little racetrack. It’s fast and it’s been good to us. There’s no other track like it in Canada. There are two totally different turns at each end of the track. There’s progressive banking in turns 3 and 4, and turn 1 is just about flat. And there’s a kink in the middle of the front straight. It’s almost like a small road course, or maybe like Richmond International Raceway, with alternate ends.”
Dowler, who is riding high after winning his Twin 100 race in Calgary and scoring a fifth-place finish in the MOPAR 300, is banking on his extensive experience at Sun Valley to make a difference this weekend. The veteran racer joked about his newfound popularity among the visiting eastern-based Super Series regulars. “As the old story goes, I was surprised how many Eastern friends I had when we started talking about the Vernon race, last weekend in Calgary. Everyone was my friend when they wanted to know about Sun Valley. ‘What gear? What springs?’ I told them all, ‘You’ve got lots of gears and springs… try ‘em all.’”
SUN VALLEY NOTEBOOK: EMCO has sponsored a three-stage pit stop competition in the region in advance of this weekend’s inaugural CASCAR Super Series stop at Sun Valley Speedway. The first portion took place on Wednesday afternoon in Kamloops, BC. The second is scheduled for Thursday afternoon (1 p.m.) at The Brick in Kelowna, BC. The final Pit Stop Contest starts at 4 p.m. at Watkins Motors in Vernon, BC… After the racing action is finished on Friday evening, well-known country music artist Lee Dinwoodee will headline a concert for the fans at Sun Valley… In addition to being a Super Series race, the races at Sun Valley are also full points events for the CASCAR Western Series…
CASCAR ON TV: 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: SUN VALLEY SPEEDWAY
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005
1:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
6:00 p.m. Time Trials to set the top two positions for the MOPAR 300
7:00 p.m. MOPAR 100 Qualifying Sprint Race #1
MOPAR 100 Qualifying Sprint Race #2
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2005
6:30 p.m. Driver Introductions
7:00 p.m. START: 300 LAP FEATURE RACE
POINT STANDINGS: After 6 events. Unofficial as of July 28, 2005: 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1100 pts.); 2. #1 Peter Gibbons (1044); 3. #02 Kerry Micks (1031); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (1029); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (984); 6. #17 DJ Kennington (975); 7. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (952); 8. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (951); 9. #19 Brad Graham (941); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (920); 11. #88 Dave Jacombs (900); 12. #22 Scott Steckly (866); 13. #37 Tara MacLeod ® (844); 14. #50/71 Pete Shepherd (830); 15. #10 Doug Brown (826)
® Denotes Rookie of the Year.
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Preview: Sun Valley Speedway
VERNON, BC – Canada’s top stock car series will make its inaugural appearance at Sun Valley Speedway this weekend when the CASCAR Super Series visits Vernon, British Columbia’s scenic half-mile tri-oval. The format for the event will be the same as for last weekend’s MOPAR 500 Weekend in Calgary.
Time trials will open the weekend racing program on Friday night (July 29). The drivers with the two best times will lock themselves into the top two starting positions for Saturday’s 300-lap feature event. Friday night’s racing program will also include a pair of 100-lap, full-points qualifying sprint races. These Twin 100s will set the rest of the field for Saturday’s main event.
While the majority of the Super Series competitors in action this weekend at Sun Valley will be seeing the track for the first time, multi-time Western Series champ Kevin Dowler has lots of experience at the unique facility. The EMCO Ford driver – who has several Super Series road racing wins to his credit – is hoping his knowledge of Sun Valley helps him earn his first-ever Super Series feature win on an oval.
“I’m excited about racing at Vernon,” said Dowler, who lives in Edmonton, Alberta. “The Western Series has probably raced there 16 times or so and I believe we have half-a-dozen wins. If there’s a chance of me getting it done in a Super Series oval race, I really think it could be this one.”
Describing Sun Valley’s configuration, Dowler says it’s a special place. “It’s just a great little racetrack. It’s fast and it’s been good to us. There’s no other track like it in Canada. There are two totally different turns at each end of the track. There’s progressive banking in turns 3 and 4, and turn 1 is just about flat. And there’s a kink in the middle of the front straight. It’s almost like a small road course, or maybe like Richmond International Raceway, with alternate ends.”
Dowler, who is riding high after winning his Twin 100 race in Calgary and scoring a fifth-place finish in the MOPAR 300, is banking on his extensive experience at Sun Valley to make a difference this weekend. The veteran racer joked about his newfound popularity among the visiting eastern-based Super Series regulars. “As the old story goes, I was surprised how many Eastern friends I had when we started talking about the Vernon race, last weekend in Calgary. Everyone was my friend when they wanted to know about Sun Valley. ‘What gear? What springs?’ I told them all, ‘You’ve got lots of gears and springs… try ‘em all.’”
SUN VALLEY NOTEBOOK: EMCO has sponsored a three-stage pit stop competition in the region in advance of this weekend’s inaugural CASCAR Super Series stop at Sun Valley Speedway. The first portion took place on Wednesday afternoon in Kamloops, BC. The second is scheduled for Thursday afternoon (1 p.m.) at The Brick in Kelowna, BC. The final Pit Stop Contest starts at 4 p.m. at Watkins Motors in Vernon, BC… After the racing action is finished on Friday evening, well-known country music artist Lee Dinwoodee will headline a concert for the fans at Sun Valley… In addition to being a Super Series race, the races at Sun Valley are also full points events for the CASCAR Western Series…
CASCAR ON TV: 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: SUN VALLEY SPEEDWAY
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005
1:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
6:00 p.m. Time Trials to set the top two positions for the MOPAR 300
7:00 p.m. MOPAR 100 Qualifying Sprint Race #1
MOPAR 100 Qualifying Sprint Race #2
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2005
6:30 p.m. Driver Introductions
7:00 p.m. START: 300 LAP FEATURE RACE
POINT STANDINGS: After 6 events. Unofficial as of July 28, 2005: 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1100 pts.); 2. #1 Peter Gibbons (1044); 3. #02 Kerry Micks (1031); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (1029); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (984); 6. #17 DJ Kennington (975); 7. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (952); 8. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (951); 9. #19 Brad Graham (941); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (920); 11. #88 Dave Jacombs (900); 12. #22 Scott Steckly (866); 13. #37 Tara MacLeod ® (844); 14. #50/71 Pete Shepherd (830); 15. #10 Doug Brown (826)
® Denotes Rookie of the Year.
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
BRAD GRAHAM FIGHTS TO THE FINISH IN THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE
Courtesy the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge TeamJuly 24, 2005. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger arrived at ½ mile Race City Speedway track prepared for a busy weekend of practice, 100 lap qualifying races and the 300 lap main event, the Mopar Parts 300. A solid set up in the car gave Brad the third quickest qualifying lap time put him in good shape for the 100 lap qualifier. The car set up went away late in the preliminary event and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge started the race 11th.
Through the first 100 laps Brad rode smoothly and moved comfortably into the top ten. However on lap 103 the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was collected in an incident. Brad would head to pit lane with a flat right front tire and lose a lap making repairs and changes. Graham battled hard and the car was fast he just needed a break.
Following another caution period Brad stayed on course while others made stops, putting him at the tail end of the lead lap. Following the restart Graham had little trouble staying ahead of the pack and when the caution flag flew again he was back in business.
The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was into the top ten and looking strong. Brad continued to move through the lap traffic looking to improve his standing. In the late stages however he began to slip back several positions. “The car didn’t feel right” said the driver afterwards and soon Graham had another flat tire and was forced to make a late pit stop, but still managed an eleventh place finish. “It’s a real shame” commented the driver afterwards. “We had a quick car, we should have been in the top five for sure, but we just had some tough luck.
With another strong run Brad Graham sits ninth in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.
The CASCAR Super Series continues its western swing with a 300 lap feature event at Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.
The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.
For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto www.cascar.ca.
CHAMPCAR: EDMONTON DRIVER DIARY – By Timo Glock
Courtesy Heather HauptAs I headed to Edmonton, my expectations were the same as they would be going into any Champ Car event. Being a rookie, and not having the chance to run in Toyota Atlantics, I have a bit of a disadvantage compared to most of the drivers in this series when starting a race weekend. I have to first learn the track, and then I can get to work with my engineer on finding the right set up for the #8 DHL Global Mail car.
Finning International Speedway is a great track. It is a technical course, with slow and quick combinations, a perfect mix between an airport and street course. The track was challenging, to say the least, mix that in with the bumps and how close the walls were to the track, it is a definitely a great course and terrific addition to the Champ Car World Series schedule.
Being the first time we raced in Edmonton, I was amazed by the support of the Canadian fans during the whole weekend. I could not believe that on Friday there was over 55,000 people that came out to see what our series was all about. It was outstanding to drive in front of these Canadian race fans with the goal to put on a good show for them.
Friday morning started out well. We ran the car for the first time on the track, and it was not feeling too bad. The biggest problem that I seemed to be having with the car was oversteer in the rear when I was going over the bumps.
The afternoon, I was looking forward to more time on the track. I only ran about five laps during the 15-minute practice segment of provisional qualifying because of a red flag. When the green flag waved for the provisional qualifying session, I headed out early to get in some open laps. As our luck goes, a red flag came out. I went back out for a couple of more laps when the track went green again, before changing to the Bridgestone Option Tire for my second run of the session. On my 12th lap out of 15 allotted, I posted my fastest time of the day, which put me fifth on the charts. My last three laps I was caught in traffic, and did not get the chance for another good run. The car seemed good, so I was happy. By the end of the Friday qualifying session, I had dropped a few positions, as there was still time left in the session after I had to come in so a few cars improved their times. Overall, P9 is not a bad start to the weekend, especially knowing that I could have gone faster if I hadn’t run into the traffic during my last laps of the afternoon.
Saturday I was surprised to wake up and see all the rain, and it was really coming down. I had mixed feelings about all this. I enjoy driving in the rain, but at the same time, we are still trying to gain knowledge of this track and the rain throws in another obstacle to the learning process.
As we sat in the pits under tents trying to stay dry and warm, we looked up into the grandstands to see them full of fans awaiting the morning practice. They were all bundled up to stay warm as the winds picked up and trying to stay dry under umbrellas and rain ponchos. Our Team Manager Phil Howard went up into the stands with the fans. My teammate, Ryan (Hunter-Reay), and I followed to interact with our new Canadian fans. We signed autographs and took pictures with many, chatting about the cars, event, rain, etc. It was nice to relate with the fans in that way, especially when they were sticking around to see us drive.
Unfortunately, that morning practice was cancelled, or rather, postponed until the afternoon. So I went back to the garage-tent area and hung out. The Rocketsports team decided to let some fans in from out of the rain and get a closer look at the cars. A few people became many, and it was insane. We had people touring through the inside of the transporter and all over inside the tent. It was a nice jester from the team, letting those people inside to see what was going on up close and getting a chance to talk with the crew members.
Then we headed out for practice and qualifying. The track was really dirty, but mostly dry by the afternoon once the rain stopped. After making some changes on Friday, the car felt pretty neutral. I was still experiencing some understeer, but the car was running a lot softer over the bumps. I was running real well at the beginning, with the track still being slightly wet. I posted quick laps times, ones that saw me in the top three during the beginning of the session.
Qualifying was the same story for us, red flags. I went out for two laps, before a red flag came out due to contact between Mario Dominguez and Alex Tagliani. Then I went out on the Bridgestone Option Tire and only got to run two laps before getting knocked out by Justin Wilson. I do not know what he was doing because there was absolutely no room for him to pass me. It was a stupid mistake on his part, and it ruined my qualifying session.
Since the times did not improve from Friday’s session (as Champ Car takes the combined times from both qualifying session), I remained P9 for the starting grid.
We did everything right in the race on Sunday. It was a clean start for us and I made some good passes in the early laps of the event. Our race strategy was right and things seemed to be going our way. I found myself as high as fourth place, when a yellow came out and bunched up the field again. When we went green, I charged hard to catch Paul Tracy for third. I was closing in on him, but then I made a mistake and brushed the wall. That hurt my car a bit, so I just tried hard to hold on and bring it home with less than ten laps to go in one piece.
I was looking to have my best finish in Edmonton, when my day came to an end, thanks to my friend, Justin Wilson. We were fighting for forth place, when he tried the same thing on me as he did on Saturday in qualifying, and took me out again four laps before the race finished. It was unbelievable, that it happened again.
Overall, it was a great weekend. At the end of the race, we were running up in the top five, which is where I wanted and expect to be. So that was some improvement for us. I look forward to coming back to Edmonton next year, but I hope we get even bigger grand stands for next year because I think even more people will come out since it was such a great sporting event. Now we have some positive momentum to carry onto our next event in San Jose, which will also be a new venue for the series, in two weeks.
FINAL SMALL CAR DEMO CONCLUDES HINGSTON METAL RACELINE SUPER FAN KICKOFF NIGHT AT MERRITTVILLE
By Jim Irvine 905-892-8266 (Office)THOROLD, ONTARIO … An action-packed DIRT Weekly Racing Series event at Merrittville will conclude with a Small Car Demolition Derby Saturday August 6th at the Thorold speed plant presented by one of the newest event sponsors – Hingston Metal Fabricators of St. Catharines Ontario.
“race fans can look forward to some real exciting metal fabricating with our final Small Car Derby,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, “and some real exciting racing action too.”
Hingston Metal Fabricators – who celebrated their 50th year of operation in 2003 – will present the special night that will feature racing in all DIRT Weekly Racing Series divisions – the L. St. Amand 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/ Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
Hingston Metal Fabricators specialize in flame cutting, custom punching, shearing, expansion joints (metal and fabric) sand blasting, press braking and aluminum and stainless steel welding.
For your next project give Hingston a call at 905-682-8338 or visit their location at 490 Eastchester Avenue East in St. Catharines.
Although the night will conclude with the final Small Car Demo – one Big Car Derby remains – Sunday September 11th – the finale of the Konzelmann Estates Winery 100 lap Enduro – also the grand finale of the season.
For the remainder of the season – race fans will be able to fill out a ballot to win the Raceline Radio 105.1 The River Super Fan Contest that kicks off as part of the Hingston Night.
On September 10th – during the J&S Heating Weekend, one ballot will be picked and the winner will receive two tickets to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Race at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte North Carolina in October.
Listen to Raceline Radio locally on 105.1 – The River on your FM Dial – Sunday Nights at 8:05 PM.
Gates will open at 5:00 with Showtime at 7:00.
For information on the Demolition Derby rules call the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/.
Michael Gold nets 5th on first visit to Cayuga Speedway
Courtesy Don BrooksWyoming, ON – Jul 20 2005: Rain washed out the complete Saturday evening schedule at Cayuga 2000 Speedway, forcing a move to Sunday for this 100-lap Round #3 of the CASCAR Power Water Series. This marked the only visit scheduled for Sportsman racers at this fast 5/8 mile oval, which is always a driver favorite.
For 22-year old Michael Gold of Sault Ste Marie ON, it was his first view of the famous race facility. During practice, Gold’s Whitlock Motorsports-prepared #97 Compass Imaging Group Dodge was as fast as any of them. But when it came to qualifying, the 6’3” youngster came up a bit short mustering a 10th place start.
Gold steadily worked his way forward, carefully saving the tires. A great battle ensued when he reached Barrie Event #2 winner Ron Lethbridge, who was fighting Brad Graham for position. But Gold persevered and eventually got by both drivers to move into 4th. Meanwhile, Steve Munro had captured the lead at lap 47and was being hotly pursued by pole-sitter Dion Verhoeven and 6th-place starter Steve Robblee. gold opened up a considerable distance from 5th place Mike Alquire until it all vanished when a caution flag appeared with two laps to go. Rules dictate a single file restart so as to avoid issues with lapped cars when there are less than five laps remaining. Veteran Alguire got up on the wheel and slipped past Gold on that restart to claim 4th, relegating Michael to a 5th place finish.
“That restart was so disappointing” said Gold, who was quick to point out that until now, he had never been passed by another car this year, apart from his spin during the first event at Mosport. “There is so much to learn in this Series, and I just learned a big one the hard way. Mike was doing what he had to, and I just messed up. We need to step up our qualifying to get better track position, which should bring better finishes. This is an awesome track and I was really getting into it, although my tires had gone away after my battle with the 95 and 6 cars, and I didn’t really have anything for the leaders. I was going to be happy with my 4th …”
With half of the Series events now complete, Gold sits 7th in points just 26 points behind leader Verhoeven. Lethbridge leads the Rookie chase, being hotly pursued by Gold who had never seen any of the tracks that hosted these first three events. Since all remaining races will be at now-familiar tracks, young Michael is confident he can improve his results. The Series returns to Barrie Speedway next on August 13th.
For more info about the Power Water Series and CASCAR, see http://www.cascar.ca/
Tyler Brown “officially” starts rookie career in 4B Racing Dodge Intrepid
Tyler Brown starts rookie orientation at Peterborough!
Courtesy 4BRacing
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO Tyler Brown had a birthday last week, then announced he was racing for the CanWest Raise a Reader Charity, and on Saturday night, became the youngest driver ever to ‘officially’ start an Ontario Pro Challenge Series race.
“I have waited a long time for this day,” Brown said. “Our Assante Dodge is ready to compete, and now I can officially start my season.”
Brown was welcomed by all the regular series drivers at the drivers meeting, and he handed out M&M’s to all the other series drivers to officially kick off his rookie campaign.
Brown’s rookie orientation will last for three races, and then he will be able to take his regular spot in the field. “The way the series has welcomed the whole team and myself is just great,” Brown said. “The other teams and drivers have all offered their help, and I am really happy to be racing in this series.”
Brown had two ninth place finishes in the heat races, and moved up to an eighth place finish in the feature. “I will admit to being a little nervous here tonight,” Brown said. “But, as a team we did well tonight, and we’ll now look forward to taking our regular place in the line-up in a few races from now.
To find out more about the 4B Racing team, Tyler Brown and the CanWest Raise a Reader program, including Tyler’s appearance schedule go to www.4bracing.com .
Courtesy 4BRacing
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO Tyler Brown had a birthday last week, then announced he was racing for the CanWest Raise a Reader Charity, and on Saturday night, became the youngest driver ever to ‘officially’ start an Ontario Pro Challenge Series race.
“I have waited a long time for this day,” Brown said. “Our Assante Dodge is ready to compete, and now I can officially start my season.”
Brown was welcomed by all the regular series drivers at the drivers meeting, and he handed out M&M’s to all the other series drivers to officially kick off his rookie campaign.
Brown’s rookie orientation will last for three races, and then he will be able to take his regular spot in the field. “The way the series has welcomed the whole team and myself is just great,” Brown said. “The other teams and drivers have all offered their help, and I am really happy to be racing in this series.”
Brown had two ninth place finishes in the heat races, and moved up to an eighth place finish in the feature. “I will admit to being a little nervous here tonight,” Brown said. “But, as a team we did well tonight, and we’ll now look forward to taking our regular place in the line-up in a few races from now.
To find out more about the 4B Racing team, Tyler Brown and the CanWest Raise a Reader program, including Tyler’s appearance schedule go to www.4bracing.com .
CIBC WOOD GUNDY INVESTMENT ADVISOR RECOGNIZES SPORTSMANSHIP AT CANADIAN KARTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Courtesy Sasha Djurdjevic, 416-594-7941, sasha.djurdjevic@cibc.ca
www.cibcwoodgundy.com/sasha_djurdjevic
TORONTO, ON – July 1, 2005 – CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor, Sasha Djurdjevic, will recognize a young kart racer’s efforts on July 31, 2005 at the Canadian Nationals Karting Championships. The new “Karting Sportsmanship Award” will be presented by Djurdjevic to the racer who most exemplifies sportsmanship.
Djurdjevic, a former racing champion is no stranger to the racetrack. “Managing investments is quite similar to motor racing: the desired results come from being conservative, using the best equipment and surrounding yourself with the top people. Creating this new award is a natural fit for me.”
Djurdjevic identifies with the participants’ efforts and their love for the sport. “I competed in formula cars and karts, domestically and internationally. Some of my old friends still drive, including a portion of the current Grand Prix grid. I hope that by recognizing sportsmanship and fairness, this award will help karting in Canada continue to grow.”
‘CANADIAN SPRINT CAR NATIONALS’ PRE-ENTRY LIST CLIMBS TO 48
By Ken Pelkie, Event Coordinator, Canadian Sprint Car Nationals
With the Early Bird pre-entry deadline of July 1st now past, the pre-entry list for the “Eldorado Logistics” CANADIAN Sprint Car Nationals has swelled to 48.
The inaugural September 17th event to be held at Ohsweken Speedway in Ohsweken, Ontario has received pre-entries representing 8 States, 2 Provinces and New Zealand. “We waited a couple of weeks after the closing date for the mail system to purge itself, stated Event Registrar, Cheryl Pelkie in announcing the final tally of entries taking advantage of the special early bird incentives. All 48 had met the criteria for early-bird entries and will receive one free Pit pass. “We will continue to accept pre-entries up to September 10th at a slightly higher fee ($50 U.S. or $70 Can.) but we encourage people not to wait to the last minute if they plan to pre-enter”. Pre-entries now no longer include a free pit pass. Race day Pit Passes will be $30 U.S. ($40 Can.) While entry fees on race day will be $70 U.S. ($95 Can.) All cars are guaranteed $100 U.S. for taking a green flag but must pass pre-tech before being allowed on the race track.
Included in the early bird pre-entries are thirteen each from Sprints On Dirt, Empire Super Sprints and Southern Ontario Sprints. The Patriots have four entered while there are five independents registered. Notables on the list include Adam West, Tim Norman, Bryan Howland and Lance Young along with Mike Woodring, Tim Allison, Stevie Walsh and Cody Geldart.
Be sure to logon to the official website of Ohsweken Speedway at http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com/ and click on the Nationals Icon on the front page to keep up on the latest news on the “CANADIAN Sprint Car Nationals”.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Johnson supports Canadian NASCAR race
Johnson supports Canadian NASCAR race
Canadian Press
7/25/2005 2:21:15 PM
TORONTO (CP) - The idea of NASCAR coming north has the full support of its top driver.
Jimmie Johnson, who leads the Nextel Cup overall standings in his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, said the time has come for wildly popular stock-car circuit to stage a race in Canada.
''To come north is a no-brainer,'' Johnson said Monday during an informal gathering with reporters at Wayne Gretzky's restaurant in Toronto. ''We need to be here and hopefully it can happen.
''I think Canada can support Busch, (Nextel) Cup and (Craftsman) Trucks. I know NASCAR is working real hard to have the growth of our sport go the right way at the right time. It's just going to take a bit of time for everything to come into place. I'm encouraged by everything I've heard.''
Canada hosts a Formula One event (the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal) and Champ Car races in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton but no NASCAR events. NASCAR expanded into Mexico this year, staging a junior Busch Series race at a road course in Mexico City.
''I know there was some concern to go to Mexico as far as team owners getting equipment down and being in a safe environment,'' Johnson said. ''But everyone made it down safely and they had a great, great race.
''Obviously travelling north into Canada is a totally different situation.''
Last month, Normand Legault, the promoter of Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, said he had talked with NASCAR officials about staging a road race there but nothing had been finalized.
Ovals are the predominant track in NASCAR, allowing for the spectacle of cars travelling more than 200 m.p.h. (320 km/h) going three-wide in a mad dash to the finish line.
''I have mixed feelings for a race in Canada,'' Johnson said. ''First, I'd like to see an oval because that's where we put on our best show and that's what we're known for.
''At the same time I love road-course racing and I know there are great road courses here. I feel with us having two road-course events we're at a point where it's either lose them or add a few more . . . if we're going to go road-course racing we'd like to see three or four.''
The five-foot-11, 175-pound Johnson was 12th Sunday in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Despite that modest finish, Johnson still leads the overall standings with 2,799 points, 66 ahead of Tony Stewart and 87 in front of Greg Biffle.
Johnson, 29, has finished second in the driver's standings the last two years but is putting his bid for a first NASCAR title temporarily on hold. The next race is Aug. 7 with the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway so Johnson plans to head to Italy this week and spend some down time with his wife Chandra.
''I love to eat so my plan is to eat pasta and drink some wine,'' Johnson said with a chuckle.
NASCAR has been called the fastest-growing sport in North America. Some of its most fanatical fans travel to the various tracks, spending the weekend in motor homes and watching races either in jam-packed stands or perched atop buses or motorhomes, all donning hats, shirts and other related merchandise of their favourite drivers.
''I can say I meet Canadian fans at every single race we go to, even as far south as Talladega, Alabama,'' said Johnson. ''I know there is a huge race market up here and a lot of fans.''
And there are plenty more in Canada watching on television.
TSN has averaged 276,000 viewers for the eight races it has carried so far this season, excluding the Daytona 500, an increase of 41 per cent over the same time last year. Add in the Daytona 500, along with its two support events, and TSN's average jumps to 293,000.
The network attracted 550,00 viewers for the Daytona 500 alone, an increase of 166 per cent over 2004.
''The reason for NASCAR's success is a complicated answer,'' said Johnson. ''First, we have great racing and there's entertainment value for the fans.
''Fans are also able to be close to the drivers who are in cars that you can attempt to buy on the showroom floor and there are products on the cars that you attempt to use. There's a lot of things that connect with fans.
''Being a speed enthusiast, I love watching F1. I've been to F1 races and had a great time watching them in practice and especially qualifying. But once the race started, you could predict basically how the outcome would be. I think competition plays a big part why NASCAR has done so well.''
But not all of the attention in auto racing has been focused on NASCAR. Danica Patrick, a 23-year-old rookie in the Indy Racing League, has continued to grab headlines after becoming the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 en route to an impressive fourth-place finish in the race.
Johnson said the attention Patrick is attracting is great for the sport and he expects there to be a full-time female driver in the NASCAR ranks very soon.
''It's great for sports, period,'' Johnson said. ''Danica had a great showing at Indy and has been showing great progress every week.
''It (full-time female NASCAR driver) is a matter of time. That's something I'd predict seeing very soon.''
Greasemonkey.
Canadian Press
7/25/2005 2:21:15 PM
TORONTO (CP) - The idea of NASCAR coming north has the full support of its top driver.
Jimmie Johnson, who leads the Nextel Cup overall standings in his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, said the time has come for wildly popular stock-car circuit to stage a race in Canada.
''To come north is a no-brainer,'' Johnson said Monday during an informal gathering with reporters at Wayne Gretzky's restaurant in Toronto. ''We need to be here and hopefully it can happen.
''I think Canada can support Busch, (Nextel) Cup and (Craftsman) Trucks. I know NASCAR is working real hard to have the growth of our sport go the right way at the right time. It's just going to take a bit of time for everything to come into place. I'm encouraged by everything I've heard.''
Canada hosts a Formula One event (the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal) and Champ Car races in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton but no NASCAR events. NASCAR expanded into Mexico this year, staging a junior Busch Series race at a road course in Mexico City.
''I know there was some concern to go to Mexico as far as team owners getting equipment down and being in a safe environment,'' Johnson said. ''But everyone made it down safely and they had a great, great race.
''Obviously travelling north into Canada is a totally different situation.''
Last month, Normand Legault, the promoter of Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, said he had talked with NASCAR officials about staging a road race there but nothing had been finalized.
Ovals are the predominant track in NASCAR, allowing for the spectacle of cars travelling more than 200 m.p.h. (320 km/h) going three-wide in a mad dash to the finish line.
''I have mixed feelings for a race in Canada,'' Johnson said. ''First, I'd like to see an oval because that's where we put on our best show and that's what we're known for.
''At the same time I love road-course racing and I know there are great road courses here. I feel with us having two road-course events we're at a point where it's either lose them or add a few more . . . if we're going to go road-course racing we'd like to see three or four.''
The five-foot-11, 175-pound Johnson was 12th Sunday in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Despite that modest finish, Johnson still leads the overall standings with 2,799 points, 66 ahead of Tony Stewart and 87 in front of Greg Biffle.
Johnson, 29, has finished second in the driver's standings the last two years but is putting his bid for a first NASCAR title temporarily on hold. The next race is Aug. 7 with the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway so Johnson plans to head to Italy this week and spend some down time with his wife Chandra.
''I love to eat so my plan is to eat pasta and drink some wine,'' Johnson said with a chuckle.
NASCAR has been called the fastest-growing sport in North America. Some of its most fanatical fans travel to the various tracks, spending the weekend in motor homes and watching races either in jam-packed stands or perched atop buses or motorhomes, all donning hats, shirts and other related merchandise of their favourite drivers.
''I can say I meet Canadian fans at every single race we go to, even as far south as Talladega, Alabama,'' said Johnson. ''I know there is a huge race market up here and a lot of fans.''
And there are plenty more in Canada watching on television.
TSN has averaged 276,000 viewers for the eight races it has carried so far this season, excluding the Daytona 500, an increase of 41 per cent over the same time last year. Add in the Daytona 500, along with its two support events, and TSN's average jumps to 293,000.
The network attracted 550,00 viewers for the Daytona 500 alone, an increase of 166 per cent over 2004.
''The reason for NASCAR's success is a complicated answer,'' said Johnson. ''First, we have great racing and there's entertainment value for the fans.
''Fans are also able to be close to the drivers who are in cars that you can attempt to buy on the showroom floor and there are products on the cars that you attempt to use. There's a lot of things that connect with fans.
''Being a speed enthusiast, I love watching F1. I've been to F1 races and had a great time watching them in practice and especially qualifying. But once the race started, you could predict basically how the outcome would be. I think competition plays a big part why NASCAR has done so well.''
But not all of the attention in auto racing has been focused on NASCAR. Danica Patrick, a 23-year-old rookie in the Indy Racing League, has continued to grab headlines after becoming the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 en route to an impressive fourth-place finish in the race.
Johnson said the attention Patrick is attracting is great for the sport and he expects there to be a full-time female driver in the NASCAR ranks very soon.
''It's great for sports, period,'' Johnson said. ''Danica had a great showing at Indy and has been showing great progress every week.
''It (full-time female NASCAR driver) is a matter of time. That's something I'd predict seeing very soon.''
Greasemonkey.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
CASCAR SUPER SERIES: MOPAR 300 Summary & Results
CALGARY, AB – CASCAR Super Series veteran DJ Kennington won Saturday night’s MOPAR 300 at Race City Motorsport Park. The Castrol Dodge driver started sixth in the field of 29 who took to the high-banked, half-mile oval for the 300-lap race but quickly carved his way to the front en route to scoring his first-ever win at the Calgary oval.
The St. Thomas, ON resident led a total of 125 laps of the MOPAR 300, including the final 15 tours after passing two-time National champ Peter Gibbons, who showed the way from lap 202 to 285. Gibbons went on to finish second in the race in his Canadian Tire Chevy, ahead of veteran Super Series competitor Dave Jacombs of Mt. Hope, ON in his Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus. Jacombs’ run was all the more impressive considering he lined up 18th on the starting grid.
Fourth-place went to last year’s rookie of the year runner-up J.R. Fitzpatrick of Ayr, ON. The Cambridge Rigging Chevy driver continues to impress in his sophomore season on the Super Series tour. Rounding out the top five in Calgary was Edmonton, AB resident Kevin Dowler. The multi-time Western Series champ was the top finishing western competitor in the MOPAR 300, which also served as a points race for the Western Series.
Points leader Don Thomson was scored in 14th-place after the motor in his Home Hardware Chevy expired with five laps to go. Fortunately for Thomson, his nearest rivals in the points chase (Mark Dilley and Kerry Micks) also experienced their own troubles, so Thomson will retain a healthy points lead heading to the next event. Gibbons’ solid finish in the MOPAR 300 moved him to second in the standings following the conclusion of the first half of the schedule.
A pair of 100-lap qualifying sprint races took place on Friday night at Race City Motorsport Park. In addition to setting the starting field for the MOPAR 300, they were also full Super Series points races. PowerWater Ford driver Kerry Micks and Kevin Dowler (EMCO Ford) picked up checkered flags in their respective sprint races. Kennington’s win in the MOPAR 300 was his first Super Series victory since August 9, 2003 at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache.
The next CASCAR Super Series event takes place next weekend (July 29-30) at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia. The race will follow the same Twin 100 plus a 300 lap feature format at the MOPAR 500 Weekend.
POINT STANDINGS: After 6 events. Unofficial as of July 23, 2005: 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1100 pts.); 2. #1 Peter Gibbons (1044); 3. #02 Kerry Micks (1031); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (1029); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (984); 6. #17 DJ Kennington (975); 7. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (952); 8. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (951); 9. #19 Brad Graham (941); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (920); 11. #88 Dave Jacombs (900); 12. #22 Scott Steckly (866); 13. #37 Tara MacLeod ® (844); 14. #50/71 Pete Shepherd (830); 15. #10 Doug Brown (826)
® Denotes Rookie of the Year.
CASCAR Super Series
RESULTS: MOPAR 300
Round #6 of 12 // July 23, 2005 // Race City Motorsport Park
Calgary, Alberta // 300 Laps // ½-mile, high-banked oval
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 6 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Canada Dodge 300
2 7 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire Corporation Chevrolet Monte Carlo 300
3 18 88 Dave Jacombs (Mt. Hope, ON) Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus 300
4 9 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo 300
5 3 35 Kevin Dowler (Sherwood Park, AB) EMCO Ford Taurus 300
6 10 71 Pete Shepherd (Brampton, ON) PowerWater Ford Taurus 299
7 21 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Clothing Dodge 299
8 16 30 Derek Polack (Stony Plain, AB) Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo 299
9 15 11 Ron VanEs (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems / All Cover Chevrolet Monte Carlo 299
10 5 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger 298
11 11 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Frt. / Logel’s Dodge Charger 298
12 14 14 John Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Latta Cranes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 298
13 20 36 Jim White (Kamloops, BC) MOPAR Dodge Charger 298
14 2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 295
15 17 37 Tara MacLeod (Innisfil, ON) R Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus 295
16 12 79 Wade Lee (Calgary, AB) James Western Star / Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet M.C. 292
17 25 3 Stu Robinson Jr. (Holland Landing, ON) Snap-On Tools Dodge 292
18 24 21 Jason White (Kamloops, BC) Zimmer Wheaton GM Chevrolet Monte Carlo 289
19 29 27 Mark Derks (Calgary, AB) Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chevrolet Monte Carlo 286
20 30 26 Shaun Polack (Stony Plain, AB) Unifirst Chevrolet Monte Carlo 282
21 8 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / PowerWater / Mobil 1 / Exide Dodge Charger 276
22 4 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) PowerWater Ford Taurus 270
23 22 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo 268
24 27 15 Mike Browne (Calgary, AB) Bartin Pipe / Waste Management Pontiac Grand Prix 201
25 1 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) Avenue Motor Works / NMT Dodge Charger 169
26 23 74 Dennis Masse (Lethbridge, AB) Auto Value / Quaker State Dodge 137
27 26 6 Todd Nichol (St. Albert, AB) Pennzoil / Rocky Mountain Sales Chevrolet Monte Carlo 132
28 19 44 James VanDomselaar (Ft. Sask., AB) South Fort Chevy Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
29 13 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) Alltruck Int’l / ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix 5
30 28 87 James Ward (Kelowna, BC) Lordco Auto Parts Ford Taurus DNS
31 31 69 Randy Kozek (Kelowna, BC) Ford Taurus DNS
32 32 53 Scott Kessler (Calgary, AB) Chevrolet Monte Carlo DNS
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
POLESITTER: #39 Dave Whitlock // TIME OF RACE: 1 hour, 58 minutes and 2.51 seconds // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 2.143 seconds // CAUTIONS: 5 for a total of 50 laps // LAP LEADERS: #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1-20), #39 Dave Whitlock (21-30), #17 DJ Kennington (31-106), #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (107-110), #39 Dave Whitlock (111-167), #17 DJ Kennington (168-201), #1 Peter Gibbons (202-285), #17 DJ Kennington (286-300) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #39 Dave Whitlock on Lap 5.
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
The St. Thomas, ON resident led a total of 125 laps of the MOPAR 300, including the final 15 tours after passing two-time National champ Peter Gibbons, who showed the way from lap 202 to 285. Gibbons went on to finish second in the race in his Canadian Tire Chevy, ahead of veteran Super Series competitor Dave Jacombs of Mt. Hope, ON in his Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus. Jacombs’ run was all the more impressive considering he lined up 18th on the starting grid.
Fourth-place went to last year’s rookie of the year runner-up J.R. Fitzpatrick of Ayr, ON. The Cambridge Rigging Chevy driver continues to impress in his sophomore season on the Super Series tour. Rounding out the top five in Calgary was Edmonton, AB resident Kevin Dowler. The multi-time Western Series champ was the top finishing western competitor in the MOPAR 300, which also served as a points race for the Western Series.
Points leader Don Thomson was scored in 14th-place after the motor in his Home Hardware Chevy expired with five laps to go. Fortunately for Thomson, his nearest rivals in the points chase (Mark Dilley and Kerry Micks) also experienced their own troubles, so Thomson will retain a healthy points lead heading to the next event. Gibbons’ solid finish in the MOPAR 300 moved him to second in the standings following the conclusion of the first half of the schedule.
A pair of 100-lap qualifying sprint races took place on Friday night at Race City Motorsport Park. In addition to setting the starting field for the MOPAR 300, they were also full Super Series points races. PowerWater Ford driver Kerry Micks and Kevin Dowler (EMCO Ford) picked up checkered flags in their respective sprint races. Kennington’s win in the MOPAR 300 was his first Super Series victory since August 9, 2003 at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache.
The next CASCAR Super Series event takes place next weekend (July 29-30) at Sun Valley Motor Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia. The race will follow the same Twin 100 plus a 300 lap feature format at the MOPAR 500 Weekend.
POINT STANDINGS: After 6 events. Unofficial as of July 23, 2005: 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1100 pts.); 2. #1 Peter Gibbons (1044); 3. #02 Kerry Micks (1031); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (1029); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (984); 6. #17 DJ Kennington (975); 7. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (952); 8. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (951); 9. #19 Brad Graham (941); 10. #14 John Fitzpatrick (920); 11. #88 Dave Jacombs (900); 12. #22 Scott Steckly (866); 13. #37 Tara MacLeod ® (844); 14. #50/71 Pete Shepherd (830); 15. #10 Doug Brown (826)
® Denotes Rookie of the Year.
CASCAR Super Series
RESULTS: MOPAR 300
Round #6 of 12 // July 23, 2005 // Race City Motorsport Park
Calgary, Alberta // 300 Laps // ½-mile, high-banked oval
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 6 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Canada Dodge 300
2 7 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire Corporation Chevrolet Monte Carlo 300
3 18 88 Dave Jacombs (Mt. Hope, ON) Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus 300
4 9 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo 300
5 3 35 Kevin Dowler (Sherwood Park, AB) EMCO Ford Taurus 300
6 10 71 Pete Shepherd (Brampton, ON) PowerWater Ford Taurus 299
7 21 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Clothing Dodge 299
8 16 30 Derek Polack (Stony Plain, AB) Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo 299
9 15 11 Ron VanEs (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems / All Cover Chevrolet Monte Carlo 299
10 5 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger 298
11 11 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Frt. / Logel’s Dodge Charger 298
12 14 14 John Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Latta Cranes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 298
13 20 36 Jim White (Kamloops, BC) MOPAR Dodge Charger 298
14 2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 295
15 17 37 Tara MacLeod (Innisfil, ON) R Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus 295
16 12 79 Wade Lee (Calgary, AB) James Western Star / Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet M.C. 292
17 25 3 Stu Robinson Jr. (Holland Landing, ON) Snap-On Tools Dodge 292
18 24 21 Jason White (Kamloops, BC) Zimmer Wheaton GM Chevrolet Monte Carlo 289
19 29 27 Mark Derks (Calgary, AB) Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chevrolet Monte Carlo 286
20 30 26 Shaun Polack (Stony Plain, AB) Unifirst Chevrolet Monte Carlo 282
21 8 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / PowerWater / Mobil 1 / Exide Dodge Charger 276
22 4 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) PowerWater Ford Taurus 270
23 22 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo 268
24 27 15 Mike Browne (Calgary, AB) Bartin Pipe / Waste Management Pontiac Grand Prix 201
25 1 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) Avenue Motor Works / NMT Dodge Charger 169
26 23 74 Dennis Masse (Lethbridge, AB) Auto Value / Quaker State Dodge 137
27 26 6 Todd Nichol (St. Albert, AB) Pennzoil / Rocky Mountain Sales Chevrolet Monte Carlo 132
28 19 44 James VanDomselaar (Ft. Sask., AB) South Fort Chevy Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
29 13 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) Alltruck Int’l / ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix 5
30 28 87 James Ward (Kelowna, BC) Lordco Auto Parts Ford Taurus DNS
31 31 69 Randy Kozek (Kelowna, BC) Ford Taurus DNS
32 32 53 Scott Kessler (Calgary, AB) Chevrolet Monte Carlo DNS
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
POLESITTER: #39 Dave Whitlock // TIME OF RACE: 1 hour, 58 minutes and 2.51 seconds // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 2.143 seconds // CAUTIONS: 5 for a total of 50 laps // LAP LEADERS: #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1-20), #39 Dave Whitlock (21-30), #17 DJ Kennington (31-106), #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (107-110), #39 Dave Whitlock (111-167), #17 DJ Kennington (168-201), #1 Peter Gibbons (202-285), #17 DJ Kennington (286-300) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #39 Dave Whitlock on Lap 5.
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 MOPAR 500 Weekend: Twin 100s and Starting Grid
By Robert K. Rooney
DOWLER & MICKS WIN CENTENNIAL 100s
CALGARY, AB - The first two 100 lap races of the MOPAR PARTS 500 Weekend at Race City, the Centennial 100s, ended up with a pair of veterans taking the winners’ trophies in front of 3,615 fans.
In the Alberta Centennial 100, Ontario drivers Dave Whitlock (#39) who will start on pole in tomorrow¹s 300-lapper) and Peter Gibbons (#1) battled for the entire race with Kevin Dowler of Sherwood Park (#35) making frequent challenges from third.
When Gibbons slipped coming off turn two on the last lap, Whitlock stuffed his Dodge¹s nose into the resulting gap at the bottom of the track. The two rubbed fenders all the way into turn three. When they slid high, Dowler leaped his EMCO #35 under them both and crossed the finish line a few feet ahead of Whitlock. Ron Beauchamp of Windsor, Ontario managed to nip around Gibbons for third.
In the Saskatchewan Centennial 100, Kerry Micks of Mount Albert, Ontario out-dragged Don Thompson of Hamilton, Ontario at the green flag and held off every challenge to take the win. Thompson was second and D. J. Kennington of St. Thomas was third.
Spectator gates open today at 1 p.m. for the MOPAR FanFest. The autograph session will be from 5pm to 6pm and driver introductions begin at 6:30. The MOPAR PARTS 300, Canada¹s biggest stock car race, begins at 7pm.
Friday's Results
Centennial Twin 100 Sprint Races
Alberta Centennial 100
(finish, start in parentheses, driver, hometown, car number, sponsor, make and model, and laps completed)
1. (6) Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park, No. 35 EMCO Ford Taurus, 100; 2. (1) Dave Whitlock, Wyoming, Ont., No. 39 Avenue Motor Works/NMT Dodge Charger, 100; 3. (5) Ron Beauchamp Jr., Windsor, Ont., No. 60 MOPAR Parts/Exide Dodge Charger, 100; 4. (1) Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont., No. 1 Canadian Tire Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 5. (4) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 6. (2) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., No. 19 Challenger Motor Freight/Logel's Dodge Charger, 100; 7. (11) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., No. 22 Alltruck Int'l/ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix, 100; 8. (8) Ron VanEs, Smithville, Ont., No. 11 Star Van Systems/AllCover Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 9. (7) Tara MacLeod, Innisfil, Ont., No. 37 Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus, 100; 10. (13) James VanDomselaar, Fort Saskatchewan, No. 44 South Fort Chevrolet Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100.
Saskatchewan Centennial 100
(driver, hometown, car number, sponsor, make and model, and laps completed)
1. (2) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., No. 02 Power Water/APX/Carstar Ford Taurus, 100; 2. (1) Don Thomson Jr., Hamilton, Ont., No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 3. (4) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., No. 17 Castrol Canada Dodge Charger, 100; 4. (3) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., No. 9 Dodge/Mobil 1/Exide/PowerWater Dodge Charger, 100; 5. (5) Pete Shepherd III, Brampton, Ont., No. 71 PowerWater Ford Taurus, 100; 6. (13) Wade Lee, Calgary, No. 79 James Western Star/Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 7. (7) John Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 14 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 8. (12) Derek Polack, Stony Plain, No. 30 Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 9. (6) Dave Jacombs, Mt. Hope, Ont., No. 88 Lou's BBQ Ford Taurus, 99; 10. (8) Jim White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 36 Mopar Dodge Charger, 99.
CASCAR Super Series
Mopar Parts 300
Starting Grid
(spectator gates open at 1 p.m. for fanfest with live music, racing displays and CASCAR practice; autograph session at 3 p.m.; driver introductions at 6:30 p.m.; racing begins at 7 p.m.)
(driver, hometown, and car number, sponsor, make and model; x-qualified on pole via fastest lap of 17.714 seconds in time trials; y-qualified on outside pole via second-fastest lap of 17.720 seconds in time trials; z-starting position determined by finishing position in Friday's Alberta 100; a-starting position determined by finishing position in Friday's Saskatchewan 100; b-starting position determined by time trials; c-starting position determined by provisional)
x-1. Dave Whitlock, Wyoming, Ont., No. 39 Avenue Motor Works/NMT Dodge Charger; y-2. Don Thomson Jr., Hamilton, Ont., No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-3. 2005 - Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park; Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; a-4. Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., No. 02 Power Water/APX/Carstar Ford Taurus; z-5. Ron Beauchamp Jr., Windsor, Ont., No. 60 MOPAR Parts/Exide Dodge Charger; a-6. D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., No. 17 Castrol Canada Dodge Charger; z-7. Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont., No. 1 Canadian Tire Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-8. Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., No. 9 Dodge/Mobil 1/Exide/PowerWater Dodge Charger; z-9. J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-10. Pete Shepherd III, Brampton, Ont., No. 71 PowerWater Ford Taurus; z-11. Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., No. 19 Challenger Motor Freight/Logel's Dodge Charger; a-12. Wade Lee, Calgary, No. 79 James Western Star/Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-13. Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., No. 22 Alltruck Int'l/ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix; a-14. John Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 14 Latta Crane Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-15. Ron VanEs, Smithville, Ont., No. 11 Star Van Lines Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-16. Derek Polack, Stony Plain, No. 30 Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-17. Tara MacLeod, Innisfil, Ont., No. 37 Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus; a-18. Dave Jacombs, Mt. Hope, Ont., No. 88 Lou's BBQ Co. Ford Taurus; z-19. James VanDomselaar, Fort Saskatchewan, No. 44 South Fort Chevrolet Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-20. Jim White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 36 Mopar Dodge Charger; z-21. Marc Miller, Holland, Mich., No. 8 Carhartt Clothing Dodge Charger; a-22. Doug Brown, Brantford, Ont., No. 10 NAPA/Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-23. Dennis Masse, Lethbridge, No. 74 Auto Value/Quaker State Dodge Charger; a-24. Jason White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 21 Zimmer Wheaton GM Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-25. Stu Robinson Jr., Beaverton, Ont., No. 3 Snap-On Tools Dodge Charger; a-26. Todd Nichol, St Albert, No. 6 Pennzoil/Rocky Mountain Sales Chevrolet Monte Carlo; b-27. Mike Browne, Calgary, No. 15 Bartin Pipe/Waste Management Pontiac Grand Prix; b-28. James Ward, Kelowna, B.C., No. 87 Lordco Auto Parts Ford Taurus; c-29. Mark Derks, Calgary, No. 27 Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chevrolet Monte Carlo; c-30. Shaun Polack, Stony Plain, No. 26 UniFirst Chevrolet Monte Carlo; c-31. Randy Kozek, Kelowna, B.C., No. 69 Ford Taurus; c-32. Scott Kessler, Calgary, No. 53 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
CALGARY: Twin 100 Qualifying Race Winners
2005 - Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park; Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.
2004 - Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2003 - D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2002 - D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2001 - Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2000 - Neil Fair, Ancaster, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
1999 - Wade Lee, Calgary; D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.
1998 - Dan Shirley, Saskatoon; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
1997 - John Gaunt, Barrie, Ont.; Ted McIntyre, Windsor, Ont.
1996 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; Wade Lee, Calgary
1995 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park
1994 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; N/A
DOWLER & MICKS WIN CENTENNIAL 100s
CALGARY, AB - The first two 100 lap races of the MOPAR PARTS 500 Weekend at Race City, the Centennial 100s, ended up with a pair of veterans taking the winners’ trophies in front of 3,615 fans.
In the Alberta Centennial 100, Ontario drivers Dave Whitlock (#39) who will start on pole in tomorrow¹s 300-lapper) and Peter Gibbons (#1) battled for the entire race with Kevin Dowler of Sherwood Park (#35) making frequent challenges from third.
When Gibbons slipped coming off turn two on the last lap, Whitlock stuffed his Dodge¹s nose into the resulting gap at the bottom of the track. The two rubbed fenders all the way into turn three. When they slid high, Dowler leaped his EMCO #35 under them both and crossed the finish line a few feet ahead of Whitlock. Ron Beauchamp of Windsor, Ontario managed to nip around Gibbons for third.
In the Saskatchewan Centennial 100, Kerry Micks of Mount Albert, Ontario out-dragged Don Thompson of Hamilton, Ontario at the green flag and held off every challenge to take the win. Thompson was second and D. J. Kennington of St. Thomas was third.
Spectator gates open today at 1 p.m. for the MOPAR FanFest. The autograph session will be from 5pm to 6pm and driver introductions begin at 6:30. The MOPAR PARTS 300, Canada¹s biggest stock car race, begins at 7pm.
Friday's Results
Centennial Twin 100 Sprint Races
Alberta Centennial 100
(finish, start in parentheses, driver, hometown, car number, sponsor, make and model, and laps completed)
1. (6) Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park, No. 35 EMCO Ford Taurus, 100; 2. (1) Dave Whitlock, Wyoming, Ont., No. 39 Avenue Motor Works/NMT Dodge Charger, 100; 3. (5) Ron Beauchamp Jr., Windsor, Ont., No. 60 MOPAR Parts/Exide Dodge Charger, 100; 4. (1) Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont., No. 1 Canadian Tire Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 5. (4) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 6. (2) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., No. 19 Challenger Motor Freight/Logel's Dodge Charger, 100; 7. (11) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., No. 22 Alltruck Int'l/ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix, 100; 8. (8) Ron VanEs, Smithville, Ont., No. 11 Star Van Systems/AllCover Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 9. (7) Tara MacLeod, Innisfil, Ont., No. 37 Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus, 100; 10. (13) James VanDomselaar, Fort Saskatchewan, No. 44 South Fort Chevrolet Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100.
Saskatchewan Centennial 100
(driver, hometown, car number, sponsor, make and model, and laps completed)
1. (2) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., No. 02 Power Water/APX/Carstar Ford Taurus, 100; 2. (1) Don Thomson Jr., Hamilton, Ont., No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 3. (4) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., No. 17 Castrol Canada Dodge Charger, 100; 4. (3) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., No. 9 Dodge/Mobil 1/Exide/PowerWater Dodge Charger, 100; 5. (5) Pete Shepherd III, Brampton, Ont., No. 71 PowerWater Ford Taurus, 100; 6. (13) Wade Lee, Calgary, No. 79 James Western Star/Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 7. (7) John Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 14 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 8. (12) Derek Polack, Stony Plain, No. 30 Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 100; 9. (6) Dave Jacombs, Mt. Hope, Ont., No. 88 Lou's BBQ Ford Taurus, 99; 10. (8) Jim White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 36 Mopar Dodge Charger, 99.
CASCAR Super Series
Mopar Parts 300
Starting Grid
(spectator gates open at 1 p.m. for fanfest with live music, racing displays and CASCAR practice; autograph session at 3 p.m.; driver introductions at 6:30 p.m.; racing begins at 7 p.m.)
(driver, hometown, and car number, sponsor, make and model; x-qualified on pole via fastest lap of 17.714 seconds in time trials; y-qualified on outside pole via second-fastest lap of 17.720 seconds in time trials; z-starting position determined by finishing position in Friday's Alberta 100; a-starting position determined by finishing position in Friday's Saskatchewan 100; b-starting position determined by time trials; c-starting position determined by provisional)
x-1. Dave Whitlock, Wyoming, Ont., No. 39 Avenue Motor Works/NMT Dodge Charger; y-2. Don Thomson Jr., Hamilton, Ont., No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-3. 2005 - Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park; Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; a-4. Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., No. 02 Power Water/APX/Carstar Ford Taurus; z-5. Ron Beauchamp Jr., Windsor, Ont., No. 60 MOPAR Parts/Exide Dodge Charger; a-6. D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., No. 17 Castrol Canada Dodge Charger; z-7. Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont., No. 1 Canadian Tire Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-8. Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., No. 9 Dodge/Mobil 1/Exide/PowerWater Dodge Charger; z-9. J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-10. Pete Shepherd III, Brampton, Ont., No. 71 PowerWater Ford Taurus; z-11. Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., No. 19 Challenger Motor Freight/Logel's Dodge Charger; a-12. Wade Lee, Calgary, No. 79 James Western Star/Sun Valley Motor Speedway Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-13. Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., No. 22 Alltruck Int'l/ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix; a-14. John Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., No. 14 Latta Crane Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-15. Ron VanEs, Smithville, Ont., No. 11 Star Van Lines Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-16. Derek Polack, Stony Plain, No. 30 Bulldog Box Liners Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-17. Tara MacLeod, Innisfil, Ont., No. 37 Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus; a-18. Dave Jacombs, Mt. Hope, Ont., No. 88 Lou's BBQ Co. Ford Taurus; z-19. James VanDomselaar, Fort Saskatchewan, No. 44 South Fort Chevrolet Chevrolet Monte Carlo; a-20. Jim White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 36 Mopar Dodge Charger; z-21. Marc Miller, Holland, Mich., No. 8 Carhartt Clothing Dodge Charger; a-22. Doug Brown, Brantford, Ont., No. 10 NAPA/Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-23. Dennis Masse, Lethbridge, No. 74 Auto Value/Quaker State Dodge Charger; a-24. Jason White, Kamloops, B.C., No. 21 Zimmer Wheaton GM Chevrolet Monte Carlo; z-25. Stu Robinson Jr., Beaverton, Ont., No. 3 Snap-On Tools Dodge Charger; a-26. Todd Nichol, St Albert, No. 6 Pennzoil/Rocky Mountain Sales Chevrolet Monte Carlo; b-27. Mike Browne, Calgary, No. 15 Bartin Pipe/Waste Management Pontiac Grand Prix; b-28. James Ward, Kelowna, B.C., No. 87 Lordco Auto Parts Ford Taurus; c-29. Mark Derks, Calgary, No. 27 Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chevrolet Monte Carlo; c-30. Shaun Polack, Stony Plain, No. 26 UniFirst Chevrolet Monte Carlo; c-31. Randy Kozek, Kelowna, B.C., No. 69 Ford Taurus; c-32. Scott Kessler, Calgary, No. 53 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
CALGARY: Twin 100 Qualifying Race Winners
2005 - Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park; Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.
2004 - Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2003 - D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2002 - D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2001 - Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
2000 - Neil Fair, Ancaster, Ont.; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
1999 - Wade Lee, Calgary; D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont.
1998 - Dan Shirley, Saskatoon; Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont.
1997 - John Gaunt, Barrie, Ont.; Ted McIntyre, Windsor, Ont.
1996 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; Wade Lee, Calgary
1995 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; Kevin Dowler, Sherwood Park
1994 - Dan Shirtliff, Huntsville, Ont.; N/A
Friday, July 22, 2005
ALSTAR: Steve Tiemersma two-for-two in Shouldice ALSTAR outings at Delaware Speedway
LONDON, ON – Steve Tiemersma is hoping that it won’t be another three years before the Shouldice Designer Stone ALSTAR Late Model Series returns to Delaware Speedway. The Newmarket, ON won the last time the series visited the half-mile, London, ON-area oval in 2002, and he won again on Friday night, putting an end to a personal winless streak that dated back to his previous Delaware victory.
The driver of the #67 Aurora Automotive / Pennzoil 10 Minute Oil Change Pontiac started sixth in the field of 20 who took part in the eighth ALSTAR feature race of the season. But by lap 12, he was up to second place. Four laps later, he was underneath early leader Jim Molenhuis and into the lead.
Following a yellow flag near lap 20 of the 75-lap chase, the event went green for more than 50 laps, during which time eventual runner-up Kyle Donaldson was able to close to within inches of Tiemersma on several occasions. But as the race wore on, the former ALSTAR champ put some distance between himself and the rookie Donaldson.
A caution with two laps to go bunched the field for a final sprint, but it wouldn’t change the outcome of the race. Tiemersma earned his second Shouldice ALSTAR feature win at Delaware Speedway and the fifth victory of his ALSTAR career. Meanwhile Donaldson’s Custom Engines Ford came home a respectable second after an impressive outing by the young star.
“We’ve been here twice and we won both times. This place is great,” said Tiemersma, who said his car was actually stronger in the heat races before some changes to the car actually slowed it down. “I think we have some more speed in her.”
The third and final podium spot went to Kirk Hooker from nearby Chatham, ON. The Country View Golf Course Chevy driver charged from 14th at the start to earn a top result at Delaware in front of many of his fans. Dan Delisle of LaSalle, ON was fourth.
Claiming the final top-five spot at the end was reigning ALSTAR champ and current points leader Robbie Thompson in his SMP / Logel’s Dodge. The Southampton, ON resident came from 18th at the initial green flag and when all was said and done, he boosted his points lead over Derrick Tiemersma by a single point in the championship chase. Tiemersma’s Wayfreight Pontiac was sixth at Delaware.
A pair of 15-lap heat races took place prior to Friday night’s 75-lap main event. Robbie Thompson won the first to bring his series-leading heat-race checkered flag total to seven for the season, while another former series champ, Jason Shaw, won the other sprint to collect his fifth heat win of ’05.
The next Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series race takes place on Saturday, July 30 at Sauble Speedway, just west of Owen Sound, Ontario. In terms of the overall title race, Thompson leads Derrick Tiemersma by 16 points as the racers prepare to start the final third of the 2005 Shouldice ALSTAR schedule.
Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series
RESULTS: Race #8 of 12 // Delaware Speedway // London, ON // July 22, ‘05 // 75 Laps
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE LAPS
1 6 67 Steve Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Aurora Automotive / Pennzoil 10 Min. Oil Change Pontiac 75
2 11 53 Kyle Donaldson (Queensville, ON) R Custom Engines / Downtown Rug & Flooring Ford 75
3 14 38 Kirk Hooker (Chatham, ON) Country View Golf Course / McColl’s / Golf Trends Chevrolet 75
4 17 1 Dan Delisle (Lasalle, ON) R www.KFC.ca / Charter House Printing / Morton Industrial Chevrolet 75
5 18 9 Robbie Thompson (Southampton, ON) Shear Metal Products / Logel’s Dodge 75
6 16 7 Derrick Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Wayfreight / Gates / Wix Chevrolet 75
7 13 72 Rob MacDonnell (Allenford, ON) MacDonnell Fuels / Siegrist Trucking Chevrolet 75
8 10 98 Michael Almand (Alton, ON) Alliston Transmission / Finish Line Graphics Chevrolet 75
9 7 57 Brett Murray (Minesing, ON) Videoflicks / Cardwell Signs Ford 75
10 15 76 Tyler Williams (Chesley, ON) B&L Farm Services / Hank’s Auto Wreckers Ford 75
11 9 82 Jason Shaw (Guelph, ON) Spira Fire Protection / Del Metals Ford 75
12 12 22 Glenn Watson (Barrie, ON) Racing Radios / Rival Office Solutions / Top Shops Chevrolet 75
13 5 11 Chris Morrow (Minesing, ON) Morrow Electric / Edenvale Flying Club Chevrolet 75
14 4 69 Alan Inglis (Mississauga, ON) National Moving & Storage Dodge 74
15 8 4 Craig Zurbrigg (Listowel, ON) Benshaw Motor Controls / Trinity Village Health Care Ford 73
16 19 93 Tim Cole (Courtice, ON) Oshawa Office Equipment / Kwik Signs Chevrolet 73
17 1 42 Richard Holmes (Hillsburgh, ON) Gormac Roofing / Astro Automotive Ford 73
18 20 8 Andrew Gresel (Sauble, ON) R Sauble Fall’s Tent & Trailer Park / H&H Patio Encl. Chevrolet 71
19 3 75 Jeff Cassidy (Cambridge, ON) Highway Sterling – Western Star Ford 70
20 2 30 Jim Molenhuis (Churchill, ON) R.E.V. Mobile Audio / Performance Chevrolet 29
21 21 23 Steve Thompson (Drayton, ON) Conway Furniture / Priebe Engineering Chevrolet DNS
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
TIME OF RACE: 48 minutes // CAUTIONS: 3 // LAP LEADERS: #30 Jim Molenhuis (1-16) and #67 Steve Tiemersma (17-75) // HEAT WINS: #82 Jason Shaw & #9 Robbie Thompson // MOST LAPS LED: #67 Steve Tiemersma // SPIRA HARD CHARGER AWARD: #1 Dan Delisle // INSIDE TRACK MYSTERY POSITION AWARD: #72 Rob MacDonnell // CRC TOP 5: #67 Derrick Tiemersma, #53 Kyle Donaldson, #38 Kirk Hooker, #1 Dan Delisle, #9 Robbie Thompson // 69 AUTO WHEEL AWARD: #57 Brett Murray // HOOSIER TIRE AWARD: #53 Kyle Donaldson
Contact ALSTAR at (519) 371-7588 or visit www.alstarseries.com
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
FAST FASHION: NASCAR Driver Shows How to Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans in Seconds
Top ranked NASCAR driver, Jimmie Johnson is teaming up with Levi Strauss Signature® to help fans find the best jeans for their body type in record time. The Levi Strauss Signature® Fit Pit takes the guesswork out of buying jeans with Intellefit™, an award-winning electronic body scanner. When a fully-clothed person steps into the booth, the Intellifit system will scan their body in approximately 10 seconds and recommended sizes and styles of Levi Strauss Signature® jeans cross referenced with their measurements. The Levi Strauss Signature® Fit Pit is making a pit stop at the Wal-Mart in Vaughan on July 25. Jimmie Johnson will be on hand to take media through the interactive Fit Pit, answer questions and sign autographs.
WHO:
Top ranked NASCAR Driver no. 48 Jimmie Johnson Hundreds of Jimmie Johnson fans
WHAT:
Jimmie Johnson will tour media through the Fit Pit, including the Intellifit™ body scanning system. Media and consumers can step into a booth to be electronically measured and receive an output of the style and size of jeans best suited for their body type. There will also be a Jimmie Johnson autograph session and the 2005 Levi Strauss Signature® collection on display
WHEN: Monday, July 25 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. – media interviews
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – autograph session
11:00 am – 8:00 p.m. – Levi Strauss Signature® Fit Pit
WHERE: Wal-Mart Vaughan
101 Edgeley Blvd.
(located near Jane and Hwy 7)
To confirm your attendance, please contact:Sylvia SicusoAPEX Public Relations(416) 924-4442 ext 255ssicuso@apexpr.com
WHO:
Top ranked NASCAR Driver no. 48 Jimmie Johnson Hundreds of Jimmie Johnson fans
WHAT:
Jimmie Johnson will tour media through the Fit Pit, including the Intellifit™ body scanning system. Media and consumers can step into a booth to be electronically measured and receive an output of the style and size of jeans best suited for their body type. There will also be a Jimmie Johnson autograph session and the 2005 Levi Strauss Signature® collection on display
WHEN: Monday, July 25 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. – media interviews
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – autograph session
11:00 am – 8:00 p.m. – Levi Strauss Signature® Fit Pit
WHERE: Wal-Mart Vaughan
101 Edgeley Blvd.
(located near Jane and Hwy 7)
To confirm your attendance, please contact:Sylvia SicusoAPEX Public Relations(416) 924-4442 ext 255ssicuso@apexpr.com
CASCAR MOPAR 500 WEEKEND: Pit Stop Competition
The team crewing D. J. Kennington's Castrol-sponsored Dodge won the Pit Stop
Competition at Eau Claire Market in downtown Calgary today. When the
winning team's prizes were presented, however, courtesy of sponsors Super 8
and Snap-On Tools, Kennington's shirt was different from everyone else's in
the winning group.
The reason for the sartorial mismatch was that the regular pit crew for
Kennington's St. Thomas, Ontario-based Dodge was still in transit. The
jackman, tire carriers and tire changers who completed the stop in a
blisteringly-quick 10.22 seconds were actually borrowed from the #02 Power
Water team of Kennington's friendly rival Kerry Micks from Mount Albert,
Ontario.
Second-fastest among the teams participating was the #60 MOPAR Dodge outfit
of Ron Beauchamp from Windsor, Ontario which did their stop in 10.83
seconds. Mark Dilley's #9 Dodge crew was third.
TOMORROW the CASCAR teams get down to business with qualifying at 6pm and
the Twin Centennial 100s beginning at 7pm. Both the Alberta Centennial 100
and the Saskatchewan Centennial 100 are full-points races.
Spectator gates open at 5pm.
SATURDAY night, it¹s the MOPAR PARTS 300. Pitting the top CASCAR National
Super Series teams from Eastern Canada against the best of the Western
Series, the 300 will fall to the driver and crew who best combine speed,
strategy and racing luck.
SPECTATOR GATES open at 1pm for FanFest with an autograph session with all
the drivers late in the afternoon. The MOPAR Parts 300 goes green at 7pm
- From Robert K. Rooney
Competition at Eau Claire Market in downtown Calgary today. When the
winning team's prizes were presented, however, courtesy of sponsors Super 8
and Snap-On Tools, Kennington's shirt was different from everyone else's in
the winning group.
The reason for the sartorial mismatch was that the regular pit crew for
Kennington's St. Thomas, Ontario-based Dodge was still in transit. The
jackman, tire carriers and tire changers who completed the stop in a
blisteringly-quick 10.22 seconds were actually borrowed from the #02 Power
Water team of Kennington's friendly rival Kerry Micks from Mount Albert,
Ontario.
Second-fastest among the teams participating was the #60 MOPAR Dodge outfit
of Ron Beauchamp from Windsor, Ontario which did their stop in 10.83
seconds. Mark Dilley's #9 Dodge crew was third.
TOMORROW the CASCAR teams get down to business with qualifying at 6pm and
the Twin Centennial 100s beginning at 7pm. Both the Alberta Centennial 100
and the Saskatchewan Centennial 100 are full-points races.
Spectator gates open at 5pm.
SATURDAY night, it¹s the MOPAR PARTS 300. Pitting the top CASCAR National
Super Series teams from Eastern Canada against the best of the Western
Series, the 300 will fall to the driver and crew who best combine speed,
strategy and racing luck.
SPECTATOR GATES open at 1pm for FanFest with an autograph session with all
the drivers late in the afternoon. The MOPAR Parts 300 goes green at 7pm
- From Robert K. Rooney
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