BUSCH: JUAN PABLO MONTOYA TO RACE IN NASCAR BUSCH SERIES FORD 300, NOV. 18, AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

HOMESTEAD, FL – (October 30, 2006) – Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that former Formula One star and NASCAR Busch Series rookie Juan Pablo Montoya will compete in the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18. Montoya will drive the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge under the lights on the Speedway’s 18 to 20-degree variable banking.

As a South Florida resident, Homestead-Miami Speedway is considered the ‘home’ track for the Colombian-born Montoya, where he is often spotted zipping around the Speedway’s karting track in his spare time. Although Montoya made his NASCAR Busch Series debut in Memphis, the Ford 300 will be his first opportunity to compete as a NASCAR driver in his adopted hometown.

“We are very excited about Juan Pablo’s participation in the Busch Series and look forward to welcoming him back to Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend this November,” said Speedway President Curtis Gray. “He has an extremely loyal and dedicated international fan-base and we know that many of his fans live right here within South Florida’s diverse population.

Richard Day writes about his late friend, WOO founder Ted Johnson

Richard Day, who was the longtime PR man for the World of Outlaws, wrote this piece on his late friend Ted Johnson, who founded the popular tour.

"In early January of 1987, I was a young sportswriter searching for a new career path when I saw “World of Outlaws” in the Sports Promotions section of the Dallas Yellow Pages. Not knowing if it was a group of gangsters or a Wild West show, I called the business and Ted Johnson belted out “World o’ Outlaws” as he answered the phone. His explanation of what his company was all about was so intriguing, I immediately said I was interested in working for him even though I had very little experience writing about auto racing. It just so happened that Johnson’s previous publicist, Gary Guehler, left the company a couple of months earlier to pursue other interests."

... continued at the link above.

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PAUL TRACY COMMITTED TO CHAMP CAR

Las Vegas, Nev. (October 27, 2006) - Paul Tracy is Champ Car’s 2003 champion and he leads the series with 30 wins and over 4000 laps led. He is, without question, the face of Champ Car and has entertained fans globally as the driver of Gerald Forsythe’s #3 Indeck car.

He is a man who has passion for his sport and who is driven to win. Most importantly, anyone who knows P.T. well will tell you that he is loyal. In his 15-year career, he has driven for only 4 teams, which is unheard of these days in a sport where drivers are quick to chase the big money and head to where the grass appears to be greener.

One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy has decided to remain loyal to Champ Car and abandon plans to participate in NASCAR in 2007. Tracy participated in six NASCAR Busch Series races in 2006 and showed signs of potentially having a successful career in stock cars.

But, Tracy knows where he comes from.

“I enjoyed my experiences in NASCAR and I appreciate the relationships that I have developed during my first season of stock cars, especially with Sport Clips and American Crew,” Tracy said. “However, Champ Car is where my heart is and it’s where I come from and it’s what has put me where I am today and what has given my family and I this lifestyle. I have a great relationship with Gerry Forsythe and I am committed to returning in 2007 and doing whatever I can to give Forsythe Racing another championship. I have a great team and I am fully committed to working with them to consistently put us in Victory Lane.”

He continued, “I can’t thank Gordon Logan at Sport Clips and John Mulgrew at American Crew enough for believing in me and giving me my first shot at NASCAR. I have great relationships with both of them and they will remain personal friends as well as personal sponsors. I am also appreciative of my relationship with Jim France and everything he did to help facilitate my entry into NASCAR.”

As for his former open-wheel counterparts defecting to NASCAR, Tracy was supportive but once again loyal to his series.

“I wish the best for A.J. Allmendinger and Juan Montoya in NASCAR, however I am committed to continuing my career in Champ Car and building the series in order that it will get both the national and global attention that it deserves. Champ Car is a great series that provides excitement week-in and week-out. In Australia, we had over 300,000 people there. Is that not exciting? Sure it is, and I want to be a part of it. Next season we open in Las Vegas and we also head to China. Great things are happening in Champ Car and people need to pay closer attention to what we have going on over here.”

# # #

From Doug Barnette // PMI

BUSCH: SHEPHERD TO PRACTICE AND QUALIFY ROUSH RACING'S NO. 60 FORD IN MEMPHIS

CONCORD, N.C. (October 25, 2006) - Roush Racing developmental driver, Peter Shepherd, will practice and qualify Carl Edwards' Busch Series No. 60 FreeCreditReport.com Ford Fusion this weekend in Memphis. This will be Shepherd's inaugural Busch Series event. Shepherd has competed in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this season for Roush Racing, the first of which was at Memphis. Shepherd qualified 25th and finished 23rd in that race.

Carl Edwards is part owner of the USAC Silver Crown race car that Shepherd competed in this year and has helped Shepherd out with driving tips throughout the season. Now Shepherd can return the favor while gaining valuable seat time. With Edwards in Atlanta for the Nextel Cup race he will miss all Busch practice sessions and qualifying for Saturday's Sam's Town 250.

Shepherd will step in to practice and qualify the car while Edwards fulfills his Nextel Cup responsibilities in the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Shepherd is prepared to start the Busch race if Edwards does not make it to Memphis in time for the green flag.

"I am really thrilled for this opportunity," Shepherd said. "Pierre Kuettel (P.K.) and the whole No. 60 team are great at what they do and I can't wait to help out and learn at the same time. I hope we can get the No. 60 FreeCreditReport.com Ford Fusion handling just right so Carl can jump in and win the race."

Edwards said he had confidence in Shepherd's ability to perform.

"Peter has been doing a great job driving," Edwards said. "He finished the season driving my RE Technologies Silver Crown USAC Car, and I got a chance to spot for him in Chicago and was really impressed with him, just like everyone else. He is a super nice kid; he has a great family and will be a great driver. Peter has tested the Silver Crown car at Memphis and ran the truck there so we thought he would be the perfect guy to get the car set up and ready to race."

###

From Nancy Padula // Roush Racing

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Chevy set to swap Monte Carlo for the Impala

Monte Carlo.... Lumina.... Monte Carlo.... Impala....

Next season, GM's Chevrolet brand will run under two banners in NASCAR Nextel Cup. According to a report on TSN.CA, the Chevrolet Impala SS will compete in the 'Car of Tomorrow' events, while the current Monte Carlo - the winningest car in NASCAR history - will be in action in non-COT races.

Rick Hendrick is scheduled to pull the wraps off the car this weekend in Atlanta.

The piece also says that Dodge plans to run a stock version of its Avenger.

Plans for the Busch Series (by 2010) include introducing the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro, the Toyota Solara and the Dodge Challenger

Ron Fellows is appearing at Sherway Gardens Mall

Saturday, November 25, 2006

• 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Autobahn Store - Sherway Gardens Mall
25 The West Mall, Unit 2 (QEW & 427)
Toronto, ON, M9C 1B8, 416-626-9495

Ron will meet fans and sign autographs.

Ron’s Career Highlights Include:
• 2003, 2004 & 2005 FAN Favourite Driver – American LeMans Series
• 2004, 2003 & 2002 American LeMans Series GTS champion
• 2004 & 2003 NASCAR Nextel Cup – DEI
• 2002 & 2001 24 Hours of LeMans GTS champion
• 2001 Overall victory, 24 Hours of Daytona
• Three NASCAR Bush Grand National wins
• Two NASCAR Craftman Truck wins
• 1989 Player’s GM Challenge Champion

INSIDE TRACK: Monday morning notebook

SPORTS CARS: Weaver retires

MONTEREY, CA October 21, 2006 – James Weaver, one of the best sports car racers of all time, announced his retirement today at the conclusion of today’s season ending American Le Mans race at Laguna Seca.

He closed out his unparalleled career on top, winning second place honors in the 2006 American La Mans series championship. Weaver has driven for Dyson Racing for twenty years. He has 100 career victories – achieving that milestone at Mosport in 2005. He is one of the world’s finest sports car racers: he has claimed sixty seven poles, seventy fastest laps, thirty six lap records, and over 200 podium finishes.

“James is phenomenal,” said team owner Rob Dyson. “He has been one of the primary factors in our success these past twenty years. James was always willing to put in more hours than any other driver to get the car right, and that is what separated him from everyone else.” James won thirty-three races and three championships for Dyson Racing. (From Dyson Racing).

***

F1: Massa wins the race, Alonso takes title, Schumi retires

(AP) on TSN.CA: SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) - Fernando Alonso became a Formula One champion again on a day when Michael Schumacher retired to end one of the great careers in sports.

Alonso won his second straight title with a runner-up finish to Felipe Massa at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. He entered the race needing to finish eighth or better for the crown. Last year, the 25-year-old Spaniard became F1's youngest champion by finishing third.

''The important thing today was to become champion again for the second time and we did it,'' Alonso said. ''Yes, it has been a fantastic weekend.''

Schumacher, a seven-time Formula One champ, needed to win his farewell race to keep alive his remote chance of another title. But the German punctured a tire less than 10 laps into the race, dropped out of contention early and finished fourth.

''Today my racing career comes to an end,'' he said. ''Obviously, it is a special moment for me, and I am proud to have lived my career with some fantastic people, namely everyone who is part of the Ferrari family.''

He retires after 16 years in Formula One with most of the driver records, including 91 victories and 68 pole positions. The 37-year-old driver, racing in his 250th Grand Prix, had a final word for his legions of fans.

... more at the link above...

***

NASCAR: Johnson wins at Martinsville

From NASCAR.com: MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Trouble for the points leader and good runs for many of his closest pursuers left the Chase wide open on Sunday, setting up what is likely to be a wild four-race battle for the title.

Jimmie Johnson took the lead from Bobby Labonte with 55 laps to go and held it through several restarts to win the crash-filled Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway, while 2003 champion Matt Kenseth replaced Jeff Burton atop the standings.

Johnson moved from seventh to third in the standings with four races left, and appears to be the driver with the most momentum heading into the final month.

"I'm just happy to finish where we should have," said Johnson, who was denied at least a second-place finish at Talladega when he was spun out on the last lap two weeks ago, then finished second last week at Charlotte. "We've been running up front the last three of four races and haven't been able to close the deal. [Sunday] we did."

Kenseth assumed the points lead when Burton pulled his car into the garage after just 217 laps because of engine trouble, and most everyone took advantage.

... more at the link above...

***

CHAMP CAR: Philippe wins as Bourdais 'three-peats' as champ

SURFERS PARADISE, Australia (October 22, 2006) - On a day when the history-making championship drama of the Lexmark Indy 300 ended after just 18 laps, Nelson Philippe (#4 CTE Racing - HVM Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) made some history of his own in winning his first Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford event.

Philippe became the youngest driver in the 98-year history of the series to win a Champ Car race, holding off a stern charge from Mario Dominguez (#8 Pemex Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) to score the win in front of a crowd of 101,066. The win was the first for Philippe and the first for CTE Racing - HVM since 2004, and also clinches the Nation's Cup for France for the second consecutive season.

But Philippe was not the only Frenchman celebrating a great milestone today at Surfers Paradise, Australia as while the 20-year-old was cheered for his race win, his fellow Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais (#1 McDonald's Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) was celebrating his own history-making day, after winning his third consecutive Champ Car title.

Bourdais sealed the title on Lap 19 when A.J. Allmendinger (#7 Indeck Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) ended his day - and his title hunt - in the Turn Three wall, eliminating Allmendinger from title contention and ensuring that Bourdais would join Ted Horn as the only drivers ever to win three consecutive Champ Car titles.

... more at the link above...

BUSTED: Quebec automotive writer tries out for the Daytona 500 on a public highway

Today's Toronto Star has a piece on an automotive writer who was nailed doing 222 km/h in a test car.

Quebec auto writer Philippe Laguë was charged this month with driving at 222 km/h in a 100 km/h speed zone. If convicted, he faces a fine of $948 and a suspension of his driver's licence. Laguë, whose auto reviews have appeared in Montreal's Le Devoir newspaper, told the TQS television network that he'd made "an error of judgment" before he was pulled over by police Oct. 9 at 5:15 a.m. on Hwy. 132 at Longueuil. He was driving a Dodge Charger SRT8 press tester. However, he defended his driving by saying that manufacturers often don't allow their high-performance press vehicles to be driven on closed race- tracks, while they also warn auto writers to watch out for police. He added that he believes that other Quebec auto writers frequently drive at similar speeds. Laguë said that he wants an investigation into why provincial police released the details of his charge to the media.

... more at the link above.

BUMMER: Flamboro calls off Oktoberfest finale

Just got a heads-up from photographer Joe Hamilton who caught this on the Flamboro website (the one that's still up). I guess it's only fitting to end the soggy Ontario short track season with a rainout. Sigh.

"October 20, 2006. 3:45 pm
Oktoberfest Classic Features Cancelled
Dear Race Fans, Competitors and Sponsors
It is with heavy heart that I must inform you that we will be unable to run the Oktoberfest second day events this year. Due to the enormous amount of rain in the past month, the pits and parking lot are in a flooded condition, and it is impossible to stage the event. Several of the Series are unable to return past this weekend, so it is not possible to reschedule to a later date. Any person that has a two day ticket for this event may use the ticket for entrance at the beginning of the 2007 season. I am very sorry for any inconvenience. I hope to see you all in 2007. Lets hope it will be a much drier season."

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First batch of inductees announced for the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame

ITMN contributor Joan Roue has a piece here, announcing the first-ever group of inductees to the new Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.

From the MMHF site:

The names of the 10 inaugural inductees to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHOF) have been announced. The inductees were chosen by a committee that based their decision on nominations received. The inductions will take place November 18 in Moncton.

The 2006 inductees to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame are (click here for more information):

• Ken Brace
• Walter Brooks
• James D'Accy Jr.
• Caleb Dunn
• Scott Fraser
• Alton (Bootie) Jackson
• Alex Kirkpatrick
• Moncton Motor Sport Club
• Nickerson Family (Son, Norma, Barry, Glenn)
• Shane Scott

The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame inaugural induction ceremony will take place in Moncton at The Right Choice Catering on Saturday, November 19.

Ticket availability is limited and include a reception, dinner and the awards ceremony; they are $75 each. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 and the induction ceremony at 7:30. For more information please call 1-866-355-8206.

2007 F1 Schedule unveiled.... Canada on June 10... No San Marino

The FIA announced the 2007 Formula 1 schedule. There are 17 races on the calendar, which doesn't include San Marino who are reportedly dragging their feet on changes to the Imola track.

There is a month-long gap in the sked, though, so don't have a stroke if it magically re-appears. It's been known to happen.

(At right, 'Our Lady of Tears' of Sicily)

2007 FIA Formula One World Championship:
18 March Australia
8 April Malaysia
15 April Bahrain
13 May Spain
27 May Monaco
10 June Canada
17 June United States
1 July France
8 July Great Britain
22 July Germany
5 August Hungary
26 August Turkey
9 September Italy
16 September Belgium
30 September Japan
7 October China
21 October Brazil

China's F1 boss in corruption inquiry

The head of Shanghai's showcase Formula One motor racing circuit is being questioned over a major corruption inquiry, a state newspaper reported.

Yu Zhifei, manager of the Shanghai International Circuit, is assisting police in the high-profile case, the Shanghai Securities News said.

Mr Yu is being questioned over "illegal operations" at the $240m (£128m ) F1 track, according to the Shanghai Securities News report.

The BBC has more on the story at this link.

IRL releases its 2007 IndyCar schedule

So much for talk of having the IRL be part of the NASCAR Busch Series weekend in Montreal. The IndyCars will be at Michigan Int'l Speedway that weekend.

From IndyCar:

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) -- With the confirmation of Michigan International Speedway on the schedule, Indy Racing League officials have completed a 17-race schedule for the 2007 IndyCar® Series season, featuring the most diverse championship in all of motorsports.

The schedule, which will have races on 12 ovals, three on permanent road courses and two on temporary street circuits, includes every venue which hosted the IndyCar Series in 2006 plus new events at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio and the Raceway at Belle Isle near Detroit.

“The 2007 schedule is clearly the most diverse schedule in IndyCar Series history and one of the most diverse in motorsports today,” said Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series. “The schedule offers night races, short ovals, speedways, street courses and road courses with each track offering its unique personality that should produce exciting racing.”

Each IndyCar Series event will be televised nationally by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. The 2007 television schedule will include seven events on ABC, five on ESPN and five on ESPN2.

“We are pleased to once again bring the speed and excitement of IndyCar Series racing to the viewers of ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in 2007,” said John Wildhack, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN. “This will be our 43rd year at the Indianapolis 500 and our 12th with the IndyCar Series. We look forward to more of the close competition and thrilling races that this series is famous for.”

For the sixth consecutive season, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host for the season opener, but for the first time, IndyCar Series teams begin the season under the lights with a prime-time race scheduled for Saturday, March 24.

The race is one of five prime-time races on the schedule joining races at Texas Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway and Kentucky Speedway as events held under the lights.

“We are committed to continuing the compacted schedule we introduced in 2006 with 17 races scheduled in a 25-week period, including the Month of May at Indianapolis and the two-week lead time for the event at Twin Ring Motegi,” Barnhart said. “In completing the schedule we achieved our two primary goals of returning to all of the venues that were on our 2006 calendar while adding three events to the schedule, and we truly appreciate the efforts made by all of the tracks on our schedule allowing the IndyCar Series to maximize the potential of its 2007 schedule.”

Chicagoland Speedway again will host the season finale on Sunday, Sept. 9. It will mark the second consecutive season that 1.5-mile oval will host the season finale. The 91st Indianapolis 500 is slated for May 27. Other highlights on the 2007 schedule include:

· The IndyCar Series’ stop at Kansas Speedway moves to April 29 giving the IndyCar Series an extra event prior to the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2002 while allowing the Kansas Speedway to offer fans a cooler springtime date rather than a hot, humid July date.

· The Milwaukee Mile event moves to June 3, one week after the Indianapolis 500, resurrecting a tradition that began in 1946. From 1947-1995, The Milwaukee Mile traditionally hosted the cars and drivers of the Indianapolis 500 in the weeks following the 500-Mile race. Eight drivers have been able to pull the Indianapolis-Milwaukee double, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, for whom the IndyCar Series race is named. In addition to Foyt, many Indianapolis 500 champions have competed at The Mile, including every Indianapolis 500 winner since 1946, with the exception of 1966 “500” winner Graham Hill.

· With Kansas’ shift, the historic 3.37-mile road course at Watkins Glen International will have its third date in as many years, July 8, but the Fourth of July weekend has always been the track’s preferred choice for the IndyCar Series event with the intent to make the weekend a mid-summer institution.

· Michigan International Speedway will move from its traditional July weekend to August 5 allowing the IndyCar Series to reach its intended goal of 17 events.

The ESPN alliance dates back to the league’s inaugural 1996 event with ABC’s’ first broadcast of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in 1965, a relationship that is the second-longest in sports between a network and sports property.

The complete 2007 IndyCar Series schedule follows:

Date // Venue
March 24 // Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)

April 1 // Streets of St. Petersburg, 1.8-mile street course

April 21 // Twin Ring Motegi, 1.5-mile oval

April 29 // Kansas Speedway, 1.5-mile oval

May 27 // Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2.5-mile oval

June 3 // The Milwaukee Mile, 1-mile oval

June 9 // Texas Motor Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)

June 24 // Iowa Speedway, .875-mile oval

June 30 // Richmond International Raceway, .75-mile oval (Night)

July 8 // Watkins Glen International, 3.37-mile road course

July 14 // Nashville Superspeedway, 1.33-mile oval (Night)

July 22 // Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 2.258-mile road course

Aug. 5 // Michigan International Speedway, 2-mile oval

Aug. 11 // Kentucky Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)

Aug. 26 // Infineon Raceway, 2.4-mile road course

Sept. 2 // The Raceway at Belle Isle, 2.096-mile street course

Sept. 9 // Chicagoland Speedway, 1.5-mile oval

Inside Track Monday Notebook

The Renault F1 team is butting out by shedding its tobacco sponsorship in favour of financial institution ING. I don't know what I'll do to myself if in the same commercial break, I see an ad for the ING "Save your money!" guy AND the "LEE-LEE-DAHHHHL Cheeken" dude. I might go Elvis on my television.

Not sure what they were thinking cancelling the Flamboro Oktoberfest this past weekend. Saturday morning may have been ugly, but the rest of the weekend was great. Hopefully, next weekend will be as nice.

Canadian Bruno Spengler claimed his third DTM win of the season this week-end on Bugatti circuit in Le Mans. The young Canadian takes second position in championship back. There's more on this here.

And proving that time can heal some wounds, Robby Gordon is heading back to Ford 10 years after he poured gasoline all over his longterm relationship with them and set it alight with his mouth. Gordon doesn't feel he's getting his props from Chevy. Never thought I'd see the day.....

FLAMBORO: Oktoberfest conclusion postponed to Oct. 21

From Flamboro Speedway's website:

We regret to inform that due to the unsettled weather conditions this weekends race program is postponed until Saturday, October 21.
Pits open at 10:00 am
Racing Starts at 3:00 pm.

Kendall Hebert's mother responds....

In a piece in today's Toronto Star Wheels section, Beth Hebert says that her daughter Kendall did not die in vain. The article is in response to Norris McDonald's article one week ago.

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