The Oct. 11 Globe & Mail had an extensive story on the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. Click here to read it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
G&M story on the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship
The Oct. 11 Globe & Mail had an extensive story on the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. Click here to read it.
DTM Finale in Hockenheim: Spenger points runner-up
DTM, 14th October 2007: 10th round in Hockenheim
Canadian Bruno Spengler Runner-up in the 2007 DTM; Jamie Green Won the Exciting Finale
§ Jamie Green (2007 Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) won the exciting finale of the 2007 DTM in Hockenheim and achieved his second consecutive victory in the championship after his first win in Barcelona three weeks ago. It was the seventh win for the C-Class in the tenth race of the year and the 141st win for Mercedes-Benz in the brand's 300th DTM/ITC race since 1988. After 37 laps, Jamie came home 3.6sec ahead of Timo Scheider (Audi).
§ Bruno Spengler (2007 DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class) came home fourth and ended the season runner-up like last year. The Canadian missed the championship by three points; the new Champion Mattias Ekström has now 50 points, Bruno is second with 47.
§ Bernd Schneider (2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class) came home fifth, Alexandros Margaritis (2006 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class) was seventh ahead of Paul di Resta (2005 JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class).
§ The results of the other C-Class drivers: Daniel la Rosa (2006 TrekStor AMG Mercedes C-Class) tenth ahead of Mathias Lauda (2006 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class); Susie Stoddart (2005 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class) 14th; Mika Häkkinen (2007 AMG Mercedes C-Class) 17th. Gary Paffett (2006 Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class) retired with a damaged undertray following a spin.
§ A crowd of 152,000 attended the 2007 DTM season finale, more than ever before at a DTM event.
The start: Jamie Green started fourth on the grid whilst Bruno Spengler had qualified sixth. At the start, Green dropped to fifth; however, he improved to third place at the hairpin. Here Gary Paffett spun and retired due to a damaged undertray. The Safety Car was deployed for one lap.
Lap 3: Jamie Green overtook Tom Kristensen at the hairpin and improved to second behind Mattias Ekström. Bruno Spengler was fifth ahead of Bernd Schneider and Alexandros Margaritis.
Lap 6: Bruno Spengler and Mika Häkkinen came in for their respective first pit stops.
Lap 9: Jamie Green passed Mattias Ekström at the hairpin and took the lead. Bernd Schneider was fourth ahead of Paul di Resta.
Lap 15: Following his early pit stop, Bruno Spengler charged through the field. He passed Tom Kristensen on lap 12 and Markus Winkelhock on lap 15.
Lap 17: First pit stop of Bernd Schneider.
Lap 21: The two leaders, Jamie Green and Mattias Ekström pitted. Green maintained first place ahead of Timo Scheider, Mattias Ekström, Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler. Ekström and Spengler were within four seconds.
Lap 24: Bernd Schneider came in for his second stop and Bruno Spengler was fourth.
Lap 28: Jamie Green, Alexandros Margaritis and Bruno Spengler made their respective second pit stops. Green resumed in first position, Schneider was now sixth behind Ekström, Spengler followed in seventh place, 2.9sec behind the Swede.
Lap 32: Bruno Spengler overtook Bernd Schneider and was fourth close behind Mattias Ekström with a gap of 1.5sec.
Finish (lap 37): Jamie Green crossed the finish line first, Bruno Spengler came home fourth 0.4sec behind Mattias Ekström. Bernd Schneider ended up fifth.
Jamie Green, 2007 Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class, winner: "I enjoy today's win even more than the first one in Barcelona. It is something really special to win in front such a great crowd with so many of my Mercedes-Benz colleagues. I am very proud. The car was perfect and I didn't make any mistakes this was the key for my success today."
Bruno Spengler, 2007 DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class, fourth: "It is not too bad, to finish runner-up twice in two years; however, I am of course disappointed that I was not able to clinch the title. Our team did a great job and the car ran very well, either with used or with new tyres. Today a better result should have been possible, and then there would have been a better chance in the championship. Congratulations to Mattias Ekström on the title win."
Bernd Schneider, 2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class, fifth: "The race was OK, although there have been some actions by Mike Rockenfeller and Tom Kristensen which I did not agree with. Third place would have been possible today. But now I want to congratulate Mattias Ekström on the championship."
Alexandros Margaritis, 2006 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class, seventh: "A perfect race. I started very well and improved to seventh. After my early pit stop I was able to finish the race almost without traffic."
Paul di Resta, 2005 JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class, eighth: "After my 16th place in qualifying I am quite happy finishing eighth. It's nice to end the season in the points."
Daniel la Rosa, 2006 TrekStor AMG Mercedes C-Class, 10th: "A better result was possible today. On the first lap I spun after somebody had pushed me. Due to my late first pit stop my tyres faded and I was not able to improve."
Mathias Lauda, 2006 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class, 11th: "I gave it my all and made my way up from 16th on the grid to 11th at the chequered flag. I might have scored points today, but my tyres were worn in the end and I could not do better."
Susie Stoddart, 2005 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class, 14th: "My team did a great job and my car ran very well. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the best out of it I am disappointed."
Mika Häkkinen, 2007 AMG Mercedes C-Class, 17th: "A difficult race. I gave it my all, but because of my 20th grid position due to my unjustified penalty I had no hopes for a good result. It was just not possible."
Gary Paffett, 2006 Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class, retired following a spin when he damaged his undertray: "At the hairpin exit I drove over the kerbs and when I came back on the track I slid into a hole next to the tarmac and spun. This damaged my undertray severly and I had to retire."
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "Congratulations to Mattias Ekström, Abt-Audi and Audi Sport on their title win a great race won by Jamie Green and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well as a turbulent season are behind us. Including Jamie's victory today we won seven out of the year's ten races, in the end Bruno missed the championship win by three points. We showed a strong performance today and I want to thank all team members for how we presented ourselves in the 300th DTM and ITC race of the brand Mercedes-Benz in which we achieved our 141st victory. We provided the spectators at the venue and in front of the TV with exciting sport in front of a record crowd in picture book weather. Thank you to the HWA team headed by Gerhard Ungar and Hans-Jürgen Mattheis as well as to the teams of Ingmar Persson and Peter Mücke. Now we have a deserved break, but will not rest for long …"
Canadian Bruno Spengler Runner-up in the 2007 DTM; Jamie Green Won the Exciting Finale
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The start: Jamie Green started fourth on the grid whilst Bruno Spengler had qualified sixth. At the start, Green dropped to fifth; however, he improved to third place at the hairpin. Here Gary Paffett spun and retired due to a damaged undertray. The Safety Car was deployed for one lap.
Lap 3: Jamie Green overtook Tom Kristensen at the hairpin and improved to second behind Mattias Ekström. Bruno Spengler was fifth ahead of Bernd Schneider and Alexandros Margaritis.
Lap 6: Bruno Spengler and Mika Häkkinen came in for their respective first pit stops.
Lap 9: Jamie Green passed Mattias Ekström at the hairpin and took the lead. Bernd Schneider was fourth ahead of Paul di Resta.
Lap 15: Following his early pit stop, Bruno Spengler charged through the field. He passed Tom Kristensen on lap 12 and Markus Winkelhock on lap 15.
Lap 17: First pit stop of Bernd Schneider.
Lap 21: The two leaders, Jamie Green and Mattias Ekström pitted. Green maintained first place ahead of Timo Scheider, Mattias Ekström, Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler. Ekström and Spengler were within four seconds.
Lap 24: Bernd Schneider came in for his second stop and Bruno Spengler was fourth.
Lap 28: Jamie Green, Alexandros Margaritis and Bruno Spengler made their respective second pit stops. Green resumed in first position, Schneider was now sixth behind Ekström, Spengler followed in seventh place, 2.9sec behind the Swede.
Lap 32: Bruno Spengler overtook Bernd Schneider and was fourth close behind Mattias Ekström with a gap of 1.5sec.
Finish (lap 37): Jamie Green crossed the finish line first, Bruno Spengler came home fourth 0.4sec behind Mattias Ekström. Bernd Schneider ended up fifth.
Jamie Green, 2007 Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class, winner: "I enjoy today's win even more than the first one in Barcelona. It is something really special to win in front such a great crowd with so many of my Mercedes-Benz colleagues. I am very proud. The car was perfect and I didn't make any mistakes this was the key for my success today."
Bruno Spengler, 2007 DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class, fourth: "It is not too bad, to finish runner-up twice in two years; however, I am of course disappointed that I was not able to clinch the title. Our team did a great job and the car ran very well, either with used or with new tyres. Today a better result should have been possible, and then there would have been a better chance in the championship. Congratulations to Mattias Ekström on the title win."
Bernd Schneider, 2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class, fifth: "The race was OK, although there have been some actions by Mike Rockenfeller and Tom Kristensen which I did not agree with. Third place would have been possible today. But now I want to congratulate Mattias Ekström on the championship."
Alexandros Margaritis, 2006 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class, seventh: "A perfect race. I started very well and improved to seventh. After my early pit stop I was able to finish the race almost without traffic."
Paul di Resta, 2005 JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class, eighth: "After my 16th place in qualifying I am quite happy finishing eighth. It's nice to end the season in the points."
Daniel la Rosa, 2006 TrekStor AMG Mercedes C-Class, 10th: "A better result was possible today. On the first lap I spun after somebody had pushed me. Due to my late first pit stop my tyres faded and I was not able to improve."
Mathias Lauda, 2006 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class, 11th: "I gave it my all and made my way up from 16th on the grid to 11th at the chequered flag. I might have scored points today, but my tyres were worn in the end and I could not do better."
Susie Stoddart, 2005 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class, 14th: "My team did a great job and my car ran very well. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the best out of it I am disappointed."
Mika Häkkinen, 2007 AMG Mercedes C-Class, 17th: "A difficult race. I gave it my all, but because of my 20th grid position due to my unjustified penalty I had no hopes for a good result. It was just not possible."
Gary Paffett, 2006 Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class, retired following a spin when he damaged his undertray: "At the hairpin exit I drove over the kerbs and when I came back on the track I slid into a hole next to the tarmac and spun. This damaged my undertray severly and I had to retire."
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "Congratulations to Mattias Ekström, Abt-Audi and Audi Sport on their title win a great race won by Jamie Green and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well as a turbulent season are behind us. Including Jamie's victory today we won seven out of the year's ten races, in the end Bruno missed the championship win by three points. We showed a strong performance today and I want to thank all team members for how we presented ourselves in the 300th DTM and ITC race of the brand Mercedes-Benz in which we achieved our 141st victory. We provided the spectators at the venue and in front of the TV with exciting sport in front of a record crowd in picture book weather. Thank you to the HWA team headed by Gerhard Ungar and Hans-Jürgen Mattheis as well as to the teams of Ingmar Persson and Peter Mücke. Now we have a deserved break, but will not rest for long …"
St. Thomas Dragway: Results and What's Coming
St. Thomas Dragway
Sparta, Ontario // Results - Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14, 2007 // Mopar Fun Day (Saturday)
ET 1
1 - Dave Wheeler, Iona - 71 Road Runner 383 - 12.603 (12.62)(R.T.-.044) at 96.98
2 - John Gujban, Windsor - 74 Dart 360 - 12.559 (12.58)(R.T.-.088) at 107.42
ET 2
1 - David Tripney, Windsor - 70 Duster 318 - 14,710 (14.65)(R.T.-.060) at 83.49
2 - Kevin Ward, Cottam - 07 Dakota V6 - 17.695 (17.68)(R.T.-.247) at 77.57
Pratt & Whitney Day (Sunday)
1 - Dave Judson, Toronto - 71 Camaro 412 - 13.510 (13.48)(R.T.-.189) at 104.38
2 - Rick Kostka, Bolton - 00 Corvette 350 - 13.663 (13.55)(R.T.-.125) at 105.15
WHAT'S COMING!! - St. Thomas Dragway
Friday, October 19 - Performance Unlimited Street Legal Racing - 6 -10 // $15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, October 20 - Ontario Pontiac Club Day + Test & Tune // Gates open - 10 Time Trials - 11 Eliminations - 2 // $30/test & tune & Pontiacs $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, October 20 - Run What Ya Brung - CANCELLED
Sunday, October 21 - Test & Tune Gates open - 12 Time Trials - 1 - 5 // $30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
From Dave Mathers / St. Thomas Dragway
Sparta, Ontario // Results - Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14, 2007 // Mopar Fun Day (Saturday)
ET 1
1 - Dave Wheeler, Iona - 71 Road Runner 383 - 12.603 (12.62)(R.T.-.044) at 96.98
2 - John Gujban, Windsor - 74 Dart 360 - 12.559 (12.58)(R.T.-.088) at 107.42
ET 2
1 - David Tripney, Windsor - 70 Duster 318 - 14,710 (14.65)(R.T.-.060) at 83.49
2 - Kevin Ward, Cottam - 07 Dakota V6 - 17.695 (17.68)(R.T.-.247) at 77.57
Pratt & Whitney Day (Sunday)
1 - Dave Judson, Toronto - 71 Camaro 412 - 13.510 (13.48)(R.T.-.189) at 104.38
2 - Rick Kostka, Bolton - 00 Corvette 350 - 13.663 (13.55)(R.T.-.125) at 105.15
WHAT'S COMING!! - St. Thomas Dragway
Friday, October 19 - Performance Unlimited Street Legal Racing - 6 -10 // $15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, October 20 - Ontario Pontiac Club Day + Test & Tune // Gates open - 10 Time Trials - 11 Eliminations - 2 // $30/test & tune & Pontiacs $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, October 20 - Run What Ya Brung - CANCELLED
Sunday, October 21 - Test & Tune Gates open - 12 Time Trials - 1 - 5 // $30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
From Dave Mathers / St. Thomas Dragway
NCATS: Full Throttle Team (Brad Graham) Excited About 2008
With the much anticipated arrival of NASCAR and new association with Full Throttle Energy Drinks and Graham Motorsports there was plenty of excitement as the first event arrived in May.
Though the finishing results weren't as strong as everyone had hoped for early on in the season, it was clear that the Full Throttle team was gaining momentum at each race. "I can't say enough about how hard everybody on this team worked all summer long" said Graham. "It's easy to look back at some of the finishing results but they don't tell the whole story. This team is strong, we got even stronger as the year went on and we are so pumped about 2008 that I'd like to start racing right now".
The biggest frustration for the Full Throttle Dodge team all year seemed to be a lack of racing luck. Even though they may not have had the best qualifying runs this was a team that battled hard during the races. Perhaps the best evidence of this was the top-ten finish on the very fast, very challenging road course in Edmonton in the Full Throttle Fury car.
Graham also had hard charging efforts at Trois Rivieres where he gained fourteen positions during the race. At the next event on the 5/8 mile battle ground that is Cayuga Speedway, Brad gained ten positions during the race and claimed a fifth place finish. "These two races really motivated our team and we kept picking up momentum as the season went on" said the driver.
That momentum carried through to the final race of the season where Graham qualified the Full Throttle Dodge on the front row, only a thousandth of a second behind the pole sitter. "We might have lined up second but we were first in our minds" said the driver. "I'm so proud of how hard these guys worked all season. When you switch to a different car manufacturer it takes time to learn the characteristics of the car and how it reacts to adjustments. We've got that book of information now and this will be a team to watch going forward. At the tracks we raced at twice, our performance was better the second time around and the whole team is already set to start racing again next season"
The inaugural NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season featured twelve events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All races were broadcast on TSN. For more information about the series log onto http://www.nascar.ca /and for more news information about the team go to http://www.bradgraham.ca/
NCATS: Kennington & Castrol Dodge Season Highlighted by Two Wins at Barrie
ST. THOMAS, ON - DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Team came into the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ready to prove they were a team to be reckoned with at each event. From the season opener at Cayuga Speedway right to the end of the season Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Team showed what they were made of.
The new era in Canadian Racing began in May of 2007 at Cayuga Speedway and DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team made their mark in history. In time trials Kennington posted the fastest time and became the first ever Bud Pole Award winner for the series. "That was a pretty nice start to the year," said the driver. "Unfortunately the race didn't go the way we wanted, but we were on it pretty good after that."
A suspension part failure caused a disappointing result in race one, but the Castrol Dodge was finished in the top-five in each of the next five races, including the teams first win of the season at Barrie Speedway. "That was a great night for the whole Castrol team," said Kennington. "It proved to us and to everyone how good this team can be."
DJ Kennington and the Castrol Crew continued to roll along until the road course event at Trois Rivieres where they finished outside the top-ten for the first time since the season opener at Cayuga. The team knew they would have to begin the charge if they wanted a shot at the championship. The Castrol team rolled off three straight podium finishes including what has to be one of the most remarkable race wins ever.
At the second Barrie Speedway event the throttle spring broke on the #17 Castrol car. During a caution period, Kennington made a pit stop and his crew passed him a bungee cord that he hooked around the steering wheel and to the throttle. It worked well enough to allow Kennington to claim his second win of the season. "I was desperate and I knew we didn't have a chance with the throttle sticking, so we tried it and it worked out for us," he exclaimed.
Heading into the final race of the season, Kennington and the Castrol team were second in the overall standings but knew they had to have a perfect day to have a shot at the title. As the race began things were going smoothly, however a part failure would end their day early. While they were disappointed in the race result, the team can be proud of all they accomplished during the year.
Two race victories, including that remarkable bungee cord repair win and two other podium finishes. An incredible eight top-five runs and nine top-tens also helped Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team claim the "Mopar Cup" as the top finishing Dodge powered team. A $5,000 bonus goes to the team as well. "It really is great to win this award," said Kennington. "I'm very pleased to be part of this Dodge group that did so well this year and helped Dodge win the Manufacturer's Championship. They are such great supporters of not only us but the other teams in the series they really deserve it."
In addition to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season Kennington has participated in several Busch Series events driving for fellow Canadian Randy McDonald. Kennington�s next drive is scheduled for Memphis on October 27th. The team will also begin to plan for the 2008 season. "There's not really an off season," said Kennington. "We'll be working at the shop regularly all winter to get this Castrol Dodge ready for next season. I really want another shot at that Championship for Castrol, it's been such a great association we've had for many years, I can't thank them enough. I also have to thank Dwight Kennedy at Northern Provincial Pipeline for their support."
The inaugural twelve race NCATS schedule featured events from coast to coast in Canada including stops at the best ovals in the Country along with temporary street circuits in Edmonton and Trois Rivieres. Look for more information all season at www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
The new era in Canadian Racing began in May of 2007 at Cayuga Speedway and DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team made their mark in history. In time trials Kennington posted the fastest time and became the first ever Bud Pole Award winner for the series. "That was a pretty nice start to the year," said the driver. "Unfortunately the race didn't go the way we wanted, but we were on it pretty good after that."
A suspension part failure caused a disappointing result in race one, but the Castrol Dodge was finished in the top-five in each of the next five races, including the teams first win of the season at Barrie Speedway. "That was a great night for the whole Castrol team," said Kennington. "It proved to us and to everyone how good this team can be."
DJ Kennington and the Castrol Crew continued to roll along until the road course event at Trois Rivieres where they finished outside the top-ten for the first time since the season opener at Cayuga. The team knew they would have to begin the charge if they wanted a shot at the championship. The Castrol team rolled off three straight podium finishes including what has to be one of the most remarkable race wins ever.
At the second Barrie Speedway event the throttle spring broke on the #17 Castrol car. During a caution period, Kennington made a pit stop and his crew passed him a bungee cord that he hooked around the steering wheel and to the throttle. It worked well enough to allow Kennington to claim his second win of the season. "I was desperate and I knew we didn't have a chance with the throttle sticking, so we tried it and it worked out for us," he exclaimed.
Heading into the final race of the season, Kennington and the Castrol team were second in the overall standings but knew they had to have a perfect day to have a shot at the title. As the race began things were going smoothly, however a part failure would end their day early. While they were disappointed in the race result, the team can be proud of all they accomplished during the year.
Two race victories, including that remarkable bungee cord repair win and two other podium finishes. An incredible eight top-five runs and nine top-tens also helped Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team claim the "Mopar Cup" as the top finishing Dodge powered team. A $5,000 bonus goes to the team as well. "It really is great to win this award," said Kennington. "I'm very pleased to be part of this Dodge group that did so well this year and helped Dodge win the Manufacturer's Championship. They are such great supporters of not only us but the other teams in the series they really deserve it."
In addition to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season Kennington has participated in several Busch Series events driving for fellow Canadian Randy McDonald. Kennington�s next drive is scheduled for Memphis on October 27th. The team will also begin to plan for the 2008 season. "There's not really an off season," said Kennington. "We'll be working at the shop regularly all winter to get this Castrol Dodge ready for next season. I really want another shot at that Championship for Castrol, it's been such a great association we've had for many years, I can't thank them enough. I also have to thank Dwight Kennedy at Northern Provincial Pipeline for their support."
The inaugural twelve race NCATS schedule featured events from coast to coast in Canada including stops at the best ovals in the Country along with temporary street circuits in Edmonton and Trois Rivieres. Look for more information all season at www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
NCATS: Home Hardware Team Celebrate Successful Season
Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team can be proud of their accomplishments in the inaugural season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) in 2007. Becoming the first ever race winner in the series would certainly be among the highlights.
It was a long wait for NASCAR to officially come aboard and bring to life the NCATS but the wait was worth it. From the first race there was a sense of pride and professionalism evident in the series. As the green flag began competition for the inaugural race at Cayuga Speedway, every driver dreamed of having their name on the trophy and in the record book as the first ever series winner. Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team would realize that dream. Taking the lead for good on lap 187 Thomson would take the checkered flag and make his mark in history. "It is kind of special,"he said "that we won the first ever race in the series."
As the summer rolled on so did the successes of the Home Hardware team. Thomson would claim his first of two Bud Pole Awards at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC; the other would come as the series returned to Cayuga on the Labour Day weekend. The second victory of the season for the Home Hardware team would come in dominating fashion at the half-mile paperclip shaped track at Mosport Speedway. Thomson would lead 181 of the 200 laps on the way to his second win of the season. "I've had some really good races here in the past but we definitely had the dominant car in this one," said Thomson.
The year was not without its bumps for the Home Hardware team. A mechanical breakdown at the Mosport Road course, and a bump from behind that damaged the car beyond repair at the second Cayuga event and other problems would frustrate the team. "We set our standards very high"said Thomson. We won a couple of races, but we had a few mistakes during the year as well, I made mistakes, sometimes the set up of the car was a bit off, it was a few different things. It was a pretty good year, but not our best."
Overall the numbers are very positive. Two victories, including the inaugural series race. Two Bud Pole Awards, five top-five finishes, and eight top-ten finishes helped power the Home Hardware team to a fourth overall finish in the championship standings.
This past weekend at the NCATS year end awards banquet, Thomson and the Home Hardware team were among those honoured for their performance this past season. Thomson was presented with the crystal Pegasus award from Mobil 1 for winning the most 'Command Performance Driver of the Race' awards this season. "I'm really happy for everyone at Fitzpatrick Motorsports and Home Hardware to receive this award," said Thomson.
Fall has arrived but plans are already being made for the 2008 season by the Home Hardware Chevrolet team. "We're looking at building some new cars over the winter to get ready for the 2008 season," said Thomson. "We want to find some of the magic that we had in the past where we won championships in seven straight years and I'm confident we can do that," he added.
The NCATS inaugural season consisted of a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. All twelve races this season also aired on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
It was a long wait for NASCAR to officially come aboard and bring to life the NCATS but the wait was worth it. From the first race there was a sense of pride and professionalism evident in the series. As the green flag began competition for the inaugural race at Cayuga Speedway, every driver dreamed of having their name on the trophy and in the record book as the first ever series winner. Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team would realize that dream. Taking the lead for good on lap 187 Thomson would take the checkered flag and make his mark in history. "It is kind of special,"he said "that we won the first ever race in the series."
As the summer rolled on so did the successes of the Home Hardware team. Thomson would claim his first of two Bud Pole Awards at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC; the other would come as the series returned to Cayuga on the Labour Day weekend. The second victory of the season for the Home Hardware team would come in dominating fashion at the half-mile paperclip shaped track at Mosport Speedway. Thomson would lead 181 of the 200 laps on the way to his second win of the season. "I've had some really good races here in the past but we definitely had the dominant car in this one," said Thomson.
The year was not without its bumps for the Home Hardware team. A mechanical breakdown at the Mosport Road course, and a bump from behind that damaged the car beyond repair at the second Cayuga event and other problems would frustrate the team. "We set our standards very high"said Thomson. We won a couple of races, but we had a few mistakes during the year as well, I made mistakes, sometimes the set up of the car was a bit off, it was a few different things. It was a pretty good year, but not our best."
Overall the numbers are very positive. Two victories, including the inaugural series race. Two Bud Pole Awards, five top-five finishes, and eight top-ten finishes helped power the Home Hardware team to a fourth overall finish in the championship standings.
This past weekend at the NCATS year end awards banquet, Thomson and the Home Hardware team were among those honoured for their performance this past season. Thomson was presented with the crystal Pegasus award from Mobil 1 for winning the most 'Command Performance Driver of the Race' awards this season. "I'm really happy for everyone at Fitzpatrick Motorsports and Home Hardware to receive this award," said Thomson.
Fall has arrived but plans are already being made for the 2008 season by the Home Hardware Chevrolet team. "We're looking at building some new cars over the winter to get ready for the 2008 season," said Thomson. "We want to find some of the magic that we had in the past where we won championships in seven straight years and I'm confident we can do that," he added.
The NCATS inaugural season consisted of a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. All twelve races this season also aired on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
#37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Team: Gains 9 spots in late-going at Lowe's
Aside from one start in 2006, Brad Baker has not raced in the NASCAR Busch Series in four years. To say Baker impressed and turned heads in his 2007 debut would be accurate. Baker and the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team had two impressive practice sessions on Thursday. During the first practice session, Baker and team were among the top-15 for the majority of practice. The final practice session backed up the previous practice with Baker and the team 20th quick overall. Shawn Parker, Crew Chief, radioed to his team at the end of practice, "Good job today team. Tomorrow will be a good day."
Qualifying was held Friday a few hours prior to race time; Brad turned a quick lap of 29.945 seconds at 180.331 mph earning the 22nd starting position. Prior to the race going green, Shawn Parker told his team, "Thanks for all your hard work this weekend and all year long. Today was a good day with Brad. Good luck tonight and stay safe." Brad Baker and the team had high hopes going into the race.
The Dollar General 300 was an action-packed race from the beginning. With multiple racing grooves and intense racing Baker just wanted to log laps and be there at the end of 300 miles. On lap 24 Baker radioed to the team, "I am loose center off." Baker would pit four laps later during the first caution of the night for 4-tires and a chassis adjustment. After the race went back green, Baker radioed in, "The car's not bad on the restart." Baker's spotter and Shawn Parker both coached and offered advice to Brad during the race, "Arc the corner. Get a good rhythm going. You are doing a good job."
On lap 84, Baker told his team the car was "loose getting in tight center off." The caution would come out a few laps later; Baker brought the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford Fusion to the attention of his pit crew for 4-tires and another chassis adjustment. Another caution occurred a few laps later. Baker's racecar was still loose getting in but better getting off the corner. He would again pit under this caution to top off with fuel and for a wedge adjustment. During lap 103 Parker told his driver, "Get a rhythm here. You are running faster lap times than you have all night."
A handful of laps later Baker radioed, "We are in it. It is bad." The #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford was involved in the fifth caution of the night. Crew Chief Shawn Parker called for the car to go behind the wall for repairs. The Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team quickly made repairs to the car so Baker could return to the racetrack. After spending 29 laps behind the wall Baker returned to the racing action. Parker told his team, "This is not the night we wanted but we will pick up and move on. Don't feel bad Brad. The leaders are doing the same thing. You are a good smart racecar driver. Don't get down." Baker and the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford avoided the other three cautions and came home in the 28th position, gaining nine positions after returning to the racetrack.
Quotes from Brad Baker: "I have to thank Brewco and Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz for giving me such a good racecar. I had a great car this weekend; we were good when we unloaded and were running quick lap times. Shawn Parker and the guys made great adjustments to the car all weekend. We were running our quickest laps of the race right before we were in that wreck. My team never gave up and quickly repaired the car to get me back out on the track. I hate it for all of the guys back at the shop though. I enjoyed working with everyone on the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford this weekend."
The next race for the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team will be the Sam�s Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday, October 27th. Race time is 3:30 EST with live television coverage beginning at 3:00 EST on ESPN2.
No. 37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Dollar General 300 Race Stats
Qualified: 22nd // Finished: 28th // Laps: 168/200 // Status: Running // Owner Points Standings: 23rd // Next Up: Memphis Motorsports Park
About Fun Energy Foods, Inc.:
Fun Energy Foods Inc. was created in 2004 with the goal of developing a niche energy food with the same attributes as the most effective energy-enhancing products on the market. The company's 'Amped Energy Ballz' consist of a proprietary blend of top-quality energy-enhancing ingredients in a great tasting and totally unique delivery format. With distribution and a manufacturing plant in Markham Ontario, Canada, Fun Energy Foods Inc. is looking to introduce is products to the United States in the fall of 2007.
For More Information on Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz visit www.funenergyfoods.com
From Tiffany Bouldin // Media Relations, Brewco Motorsports
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