LUCAS OIL WWS: Weekend Warrior Series adds three more tracks

HAMILTON, ON - Less than two months after its inaugural public release, the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series has gone from being announced... to doubling in size.

Today, three more of Ontario's premier stock car racing facilities announced their participation in the WWS, quickly doubling the series’ size in just eight weeks.

The Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series is proud to announce that Sunset Speedway (Stroud), Delaware Speedway (London), and Barrie Speedway (Barrie) have committed to themselves to the WWS and to the rejuvenation and strengthening of grassroots racing programs.

The three new tracks join Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway (Hamilton), Peterborough Speedway and Kawartha Speedways (both in Peterborough) in this co-operative effort.

“We had hoped that this program would make an impact, but we never imagined that it would have been so quickly accepted,” said series administrator Joshua Paxton.

Increased scope of the WWS has forced organizers and sponsors to quickly re-design the format of the series.
The new format will reward the top 40 home track Late Models in the province with a shared $102,000 points fund.

In 2005, the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series will offer two 'conferences' of competition across the province.
Each conference will offer a $51,000 cash points fund, rewarding the top 20 drivers in the conference, in addition to the individual home track points funds.

Sunset, Barrie and Peterborough Speedways will make up one conference as they all have committed to running a Limited Late Model division as their premier class.

Kawartha Downs, Flamboro, and Delaware Speedways will collectively create the second conference, each running a Late Model sportsman division as their premier class.

The conference concept seemed a natural fit as it succeeded in accomplishing two important goals: 1) bringing Ontario race tracks together in terms of rulebooks to allow drivers the opportunity to visit other facilities on their off-nights; and 2) rewarding the greatest number of drivers possible for their support of weekly grassroots racing shows with a significant award.

Regarding rules packages, the current rule books are not identical, but efforts will continue to bring the rules packages together over the coming seasons to minimize the necessary changes to run competitively when visiting other speedways.

Track promoters and tech officials will be meeting to discuss changes and allowances, but rules decisions will be left to each participating track’s own discretion.

There is recognition that each of the facilities is a different and distinct entity, and that what works well at one may not be universal.

While information will continue to be openly shared and improvements made, each facility will also be encouraged to offer its own identity while remaining consistent with Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series practices.

One example of an agreed practice would be that if a driver were to be suspended from one WWS facility, he/she would not be permitted to race at any other WWS facility until the conclusion of that suspension.
The posted $102,000 point fund is the largest single grassroots point fund offered in Canada.

The Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series fund is designed to reward the greatest supporters and competitors of the grassroots shows, starting at $1600 for 20th position, a figure usually reserved for a top five finisher.
Each track will be looking to actively promote the drivers supporting their weekly shows, with hopes of re-creating the local “heroes versus villains” storylines that have disappeared in recent years as hometown front runners leave their roots to ‘chase the money'.

It is the goal of the WWS to create a ‘chase for the cup’ as the 2005 Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series overall champion will be the inaugural winner of the Lucas Cup, and crowned the overall Ontario champion.
For further information, please contact Paxton Motorsports Marketing: Joshua Paxton (905) 317-4567 // JP@weekendwarriorseries.com or Gerry Paxton: (519) 591-0400 // Gerry@weekendwarriorseries.com or visit: www.WeekendWarriorSeries.com

CASCAR winter driver and team meetings announced

LONDON, ON - CASCAR will hold driver and team information meetings on Wednesday December 15th, and Thursday December 16th, 2004.



Since the announcement of the new NASCAR/CASCAR partnership, there has been an overwhelming response from race teams across Canada seeking to compete in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series and Sportsman Series.

These meetings are intended to inform current and potential teams and drivers of plans for both series' for 2005 and beyond.

CASCAR management will convey a deeper understanding of what the new NASCAR partnership means, and discuss issues such as 2005 schedules, rules and CASCAR's long-term plans to grow the sport of stock car racing in Canada.

Race teams who are considering joining CASCAR competition for the first time are invited to join the meetings along with current competitors. Everyone is welcome.

Driver Information Meeting Schedule:

Wednesday December 15th, 2004
7:00 p. m. @ Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre
6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON (Hwy 4 & 401)

Thursday December 16th, 2004
7:00 p.m. @ Best Western Toronto Airport West
5825 Dixie Road, Mississauga, ON (Hwy 401 & Dixie)

For further information call CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca

NASCAR: Jack Daniel's to sponsor RCR / Blaney for '05 Cup effort

NEW YORK, NY - The Jack Daniel Distillery announced today it has entered into a partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as the primary sponsor of the No. 07 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with veteran driver Dave Blaney and crew chief Philippe Lopez.

“We are thrilled to be making this announcement and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with RCR,” said Mike Keyes, senior vice president of Brown-Forman Beverages and global general manger for Jack Daniel’s. “Richard Childress is a legend in NASCAR racing and we believe that this is the beginning of an excellent partnership. Putting together two iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s and RCR opens up a wealth of opportunities and we couldn’t be more excited for our consumers, fans and everyone who loves this sport.”

The company applauded NASCAR’s decision to allow distilled spirits sponsorships next year in the NEXTEL Cup. Keyes noted that the company’s marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns have always been grounded in responsibility and that will continue with the RCR sponsorship.

“This sponsorship makes sense from a business standpoint – and it also makes sense from a responsibility standpoint,” continued Keyes. “We will be promoting our key message, “Pace Yourself, Drink Responsibly” on a recurring basis and, like everything we do, our marketing will be directed to adult audiences of legal drinking age.”

Blaney, the 1995 World of Outlaws sprint car champion, is a veteran of 163 NEXTEL Cup Series starts since 1992. The 42-year-old Hartford, Ohio native began his tenure with RCR in June at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, taking over the reigns of the No. 30 Chevrolet. He was instrumental in advancing the program to a new plateau and was immediately on Childress’ short list to be the team’s full-time pilot in 2005.

“I couldn’t be more excited about representing the Jack Daniel’s brand for RCR next season,” said Blaney. “Promoting responsibility and moderation are hallmarks of Jack Daniel’s and those are exactly the messages we want to convey -- not only to Jack Daniel’s consumers but to NASCAR fans all over the world. We have a great platform in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series to continue this very important message of responsibility. We’ve got a great team in place with Philippe leading the way. We’re looking forward to running up front right out of the box with the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet at Daytona in February.”

Childress is a nine-time NASCAR championship team owner with more than 125 victories. RCR was the first NASCAR organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series.
In 2005, RCR will continue to field three teams in NASCAR’s top division with Blaney wheeling the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s entry, Kevin Harvick driving the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet and Jeff Burton moving to the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Monte Carlo.

“We’re thrilled to enter into such a landmark agreement with Jack Daniel’s,” commented Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. “The folks at Jack Daniel’s have prided themselves on excellence since 1866. What’s most impressive to me is that the company not only strives to put a superior product into the hands of its consumers, but they advance a positive and responsible message to the public. We’re going to focus on the same goals. RCR will provide outstanding equipment on the race track and promote responsibility at the same time.”

The No. 07 Jack Daniels Chevrolet will make its debut Feb., 20, 2005, at Daytona International Speedway.

CASCAR: PowerWater & Micks together again for '05

MT. ALBERT, ON - POWERWATER Corporation has announced the renewal of its major sponsorship agreement with Kerry Micks and Micks Motorsports for the 2005 and 2006 CASCAR Super Series.

"We're very happy to welcome back and renew our support of the Micks Motorsports Team to our PowerWater family," said PowerWater’s Terry Coughlin. "We're delighted to team up with Kerry and be able to help him attain his goal of winning races and his run for the CASCAR Super Series Championship."

Established in 1999, PowerWater Corporation is a Canadian owned and operated bottled drinking water company. Our premier product, PowerWater, is pure, clean, Oxygenated Distilled Water. Utilizing a Trade Secret Industrial Design, our advanced technology provides consumers with a beverage that quenches thirst while energizing the body.

"We are extremely pleased to continue our relationship with PowerWater as the primary sponsor of Micks Motorsports," said team driver Kerry Micks. "We look forward to a long-lasting partnership with PowerWater which will be a beneficial business relationship for the both of us. Our goal will be to continue providing PowerWater with the tremendous return on investment through its participation with us and the CASCAR Super Series at its events across Canada", added Micks.

For the 2005 season, PowerWater will continue to explore new and innovative ways to make attending an CASCAR Super Series event an exciting and memorable experience for the loyal fans, competitors and supporters who are essential to the sport of stock car racing.

PowerWater is a unique beverage that quenches thirst and rejuvenates the body. Utilizing a process that dissolves medical grade oxygen molecules into distilled water (Trade Secret Industrial Design), the company produces the best possible drinking water available.

The unique process produces one of the highest oxygen content, clear, and odourless bottled waters in the world. Now you can actually satisfy the body's demand for oxygen while replenishing its need for water. Enjoyed by many for its taste, and appreciated by an even greater number for its hydrating, cleansing, health-inducing and energizing properties, PowerWater is a beverage like no other.

For more information please contact: Susan Micks at Micks Motorsports // Telephone: 905.473.9544 // Cellular: 905.853.3876 // E-mail: kmicks@neptune.on.ca

DRAGS: New Pro Mod Racing Assoc. Established

HAMILTON, ON – A new drag race series has been established for 2005 featuring the popular and entertaining Pro Modified cars, known as the “world’s fastest doorslammers.”



Under the direction of the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), the Ontario-based series will provide five events at several drag strips in Ontario, Quebec, and New York.

With close to two dozen Pro Modified teams in Ontario and Western New York, there was a need for these teams to compete on a regular basis in front of their local fans. After meetings with several teams, a race format was established with regulations, race dates, and purses.

The PMRA is also meeting with several recognized drag race groups such as the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series with the possibility of presenting several divisions at its events. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division.

Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph. Event dates, details, and PMRA competitors will be presented in the near future. A comprehensive and informative website will also be available soon.

For more information contact: Tim MillerMedia Director / Pro Modified Racing AssociationTelephone: 905.870.1456Email: tmiller@mountaincable.net

KARTING: Mike Vincec Season Review

STOUFFVILLE, ON – For the past 11 months, 13-year-old Mike Vincec has competed in his high powered First Kart across North America. Focusing on the Snap-On Stars of Karting Championship (SoK) and the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC), Vincec filled his off weekends with several other national and regional level events.

Competing in 52 finals throughout the ’04 season, Vincec and his BIG Race Team scored nine feature wins, 19 podium positions, 29 top fives and 45 top ten results. Competing in the entire Stars of Karting Championship, Vincec carded the 10th place position in the Eastern championship with a strong run at the season finale finishing in 7th place.

Vincec and his BIG Race Team also competed in all five rounds of the SRFKC fairing extremely well. Doing battle in the Formula Junior, Rotax Junior and Junior Heavy classes, Vincec had his SRFKC weekends jam packed. The young Canadian had ups and downs throughout the season including his demanding 80cc shifter victory at Mosport to his carburetor problems in Sutton which forced him to retire from the pole before receiving the green flag.

With four wins and five top five results, Vincec claimed the runner up position in both the Formula Junior and Rotax Junior classes as well as 4th place in the Junior Heavy category. In the latter half of the ’04 season, Vincec hooked up with First Kart tuner Mike Maurini and the duo claimed several victories and podium positions together. Vincec also claimed the $500 GM Winners Circle Award at the SRFKC which was presented to the driver judged to have displayed outstanding competition skills and sportsmanship.

Never wanting to take a weekend off, the BIG Race Team went to their local Mosport Kart Club to gather as much seat time as possible and to perform some testing for the National series events. Garnering several victories through out the year, Vincec was a threat to take the checkered each and every time he was on the track. When the season came to a close in early October, Vincec managed a 5th and 6th place result in the Junior Heavy and 80cc Junior classes respectively.

The Stouffville, ON resident plans to start off the ’05 season the same way he did in 2004. The BIG Race Team will travel south to Daytona Beach, FL to compete in the World Karting Association (WKA) season opener which will take place in the infield of Daytona International Speedway.

“2004 was a good year for me but I am ready to get on with 2005,” explained the excited Vincec. “It will be tough, but I know that we can run up front and contend for victories and championships in every race and series that we compete in.” With the ’05 schedule not yet finalized, Vincec is expected to announce competition in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship, the WKA Manufactures Cup and the Snap-On Stars of Karting Championship.

In '05 Mike will continue on in the junior category as 2006 will be a senior option year for the young Canadian. Vincec will go all out and compete for several championships in most of the pro series across the nation. With big plans and tons of potential, Vincec is a name that you will hear a lot of in the next 12 months.

Mike Vincec would like to thank BIG Racing, Pilot Race Gear, GoDecalZone.com, First Kart North America, Arnold Engines, Hi-Tech Performance Race Engines, TXM Race Engines, The ATC Corral, Cosmo Communications and Tri-V Manufacturing.

For more information on Mike Vincec and the BIG Race Team, please contact Team Manager Mary Vincec from the information on www.mikev.ca.

By Mike Maurini, 416-678-4939, autosportsmedia@earthlink.net

CHAMPCAR: Canucks Valiante & Ranger Top Rookie Test at Sebring

SEBRING, FL - Two of Canada's hottest open-wheel racers got the chance to shine at Sebring International Raceway yesterday.

Michael Valiante, who made his Champ Car World Series debut at the season-ending race in Mexico City driving a Walker Racing Reynard, was unofficially the fastest of five Toyota Atlantic Series drivers taking part.

This time, however, Valiante was behind the wheel of one of Dale Coyne Racing’s Lola chassis, which he put to great use setting a 51.88-second lap around the abandoned airfield.

Eighteen-year-old Andrew Ranger got his first-ever taste of a 750-horsepower Champ Car, turning 133 laps in a Forsythe Racing Lola. However, Ranger didn’t let his unfamiliarity with the racecar prevent him from setting the second-fastest lap of the day, a 52.07.

Both drivers were reportedly very satisfied with how the tests went, and hopefully one – or both – could be looking at a full-time CCWS ride for 2005.

Also at Sebring was 17-year-old James Hinchcliffe, who captured the Formula BMW Series Rookie of the Year Award in 2004. Hinchcliffe was testing with Polestar Racing in an effort to get familiarized with the Toyota Atlantic car before graduating to the series later this year.

By Mark Atkinson, ITMN Associate Editor

CRC: RallySport Ontario President offers his perspective on CARS' termination of the RDG contract

A message from the President of RSO - November 29, 2004
Ray Felice // President Rallysport Ontario // Ontario Regional Director, CARS

I apologize for not informing the membership of RSO before this but I had to wait until all parties involved published their official statements and that only just happened a few days ago.

I have been fielding calls and emails over the past week on the topic of the CARS / RDG termination. All asking what happened? What was my position on it? What are we left with?

So I thought it would be best to post an official response from me directly to the members of Rallysport Ontario to help clarify.

In the 5-year contract there was a clause that allowed either party to terminate the contract after the first year, if notice was given by October 31, 2004.

On Oct. 18/04 the president of CARS asked for and received from RDG an extension to the termination clause date to Nov. 08/04.

On Nov. 08/04 RDG asked for an extension of the termination date to Friday Nov. 12/04.
The President of CARS agreed to this extension as RDG said they were still working out further details of the next few years but were confident a positive answer would come.

On Thurs. Nov 11/04 the president of CARS attempted to contact all the board members. The President was able to reach three of the board members that evening but not myself. I spoke with him on the morning of Fri. Nov. 12/04.

It was on the morning of Friday Nov. 12/04 that the president said he wanted to discuss with RDG three changes that he felt needed to be added in to protect not only CARS but also RDG. He explained the three to me. These can be found on the CARS web site under News tab in the information bulletin dated, Nov. 18, 2004. I gave my responses on each one verbally on the phone.

-The clause about failing to honour commitments was a protection clause and I did not see a problem discussing it with RDG and get their feelings on it, as it would also protect them in case the series could not put on all the events.

-The clause about RDG consulting with the President on “all matters relating to sponsor negotiations and media campaigns” was in my opinion a bit strong. I said they could inform us, but once they got closer to an agreement or final proposal. Not for every phone call or cold call as this would be a wasteful use of time.

-The third point was that the President wanted to “renegotiate the financial relationship between the parties.” CARS knew at the start of the year we would possibly lose money in 2004 as we had set the budget before having any sponsor agreement in place. When I was told this I mentioned that I did not feel RDG was in a position to do this as they themselves were likely losing money. As some new companies do, it takes a couple years to break out of the red and into the black. It was a five-year plan and contract and I believe that RDG invested a lot of their own funds to keep the plan going with hopes of getting a return on their investment in the later part of the contract. The CARS president even said to me that he did not see how RDG was making money. If this is so, I asked how we could ask for more funds to help out the CARS financial situation. We discussed a possible redistribution of some funds. I also suggested we look at “other ways of generating income for CARS as RSO had to this year when the membership fee structure changed.”

At 8:30pm that evening the CARS office sent out an email to the four board members that were available (one was away and not able to be contacted). In that email it was also stated that it was realized that “if we terminate the agreement, we could be without the funds to televise the CRC for next year and we would risk losing other sponsors as well as Subaru from the sport.” I responded immediately reminding of my thoughts and adding to them and strongly opposing the termination of the contract with RDG. The reasons I stated were that I was certain that if we did we would run a very high risk of losing Subaru completely as they would possibly look upon CARS as being short sighted. I could not have put it more clearly. Why we would not ask for another extension is beyond me.

At 11:14pm that evening the CARS office sent out an emailed letter to terminate the contract explaining, “CARS would like to continue its relationship with RDG in 2005 and beyond. However, there are three changes that CARS requires in the CARS-RDG Marketing and Broadcast Rights Agreement.” The letter finished stating that CARS would withdraw its option to terminate the agreement if a mutually acceptable agreement was reached between CARS and RDG. RDG, after consulting with its partners and sponsors, decided to accept the termination as they were not prepared to make the required changes requested by CARS.

I am truly sorry to see Subaru leave the Canadian Rally Championship. Their support over the years to not only the series but to other competitors was tremendous and will truly be missed. Their team was always helpful to others in need and the management, drivers and co-drivers were all first class.

We now must look forward to 2005 and put on the best championship we possibly can.
CARS is actively seeking a new marketing company to assist in securing new sponsorship for the 2005 championship. We are also working on contingency programs to further assist the competitors.

Ray Felice
President Rallysport Ontario,
Ontario Regional Director, CARS

Geldart and Moulton headed to All Stars

Coming off a sensational year on the Southern Ontario Sprints Circuit, 16 year old Champion, Cody Geldart is preparing to move up to the All Star Circuit of Champions in 2005.


Cody Geldart.... by Bill Oldroyd

“We have wanted to do this and when Steve Moulton became available, it added the piece that was missing. We are going to run for All Star Circuit of Champions, Rookie of the Year," said Geldart.

Working this past season with Mike Woodring Racing and Erin Crocker, Moulton also has experience as Crew Chief for Ryan Coniam and Keith Dempster in sprint cars as well as countless years with the Supermodifieds of Oswego, NY and the CanAm TQ Midgets.

Moulton will report to work at the Geldart Race Shops in Mossley, Ontario on Wednesday, where he will take on responsibilities preparing the Eagle Chassis sprinters. Hampshire power will be used as the team plans to debut in East Bay in January. Geldart Transportation and Ohsweken Speedway will provide the sponsorship.

Press Release: by Ken Pelkie for Geldart Racing

ALSTAR Charity Ride to Benefit War Amps

COLLINGWOOD, ON - Next summer, the Aug. 20 Shouldice ALSTAR Super Series race at Barrie Speedway will be the end-point of a charity motorcycle ride to raise funds for the War Amps.



Keith and Brent Hepburn

Keith Hepburn is the event organizer for the "Ride With Us!" tour; his brother Brent lost a leg in a motorcycle accident in '03. The War Amps is a cause that is close to the hearts of several in the ALSTAR community.

There is a page on the ALSTAR website that includes a registration form, pledge sheets, a rider list and a route map. The ride will start at Shouldice Stone in Shallow Lake and proceed to Barrie Speedway.

Kennington 10th in Hooter's Race at Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL - CASCAR regular DJ Kennington took part in the Four Champions Memorial Hooters 300 Championship Series race on Saturday night at USA Int'l Speedway in Lakeland, FL. The race was won by Bobby Gill, ahead of Shane Huffman and Jay Fogelman.

Photo by Rich Iceland

Kennington, from St. Thomas, ON, started 26th in the #77N S M Freight Inc. / Great Dane Trailers / Fast Eddie Racewear Pontiac Grand Prix and came home 10th, on the lead lap.