SAUBLE BEACH, ON - Thanks to Sue Chisholm of Sauble Speedway and the Shouldice ALSTAR Series for bringing this to our attention.... specialsupporter.ca is a website that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Ontario.
There is currently a live auction underway that will see the winning bidder end up with a trip to this year's Daytona 500. This auction ends January 31.
Here is the link for this particular auction, which includes: roundtrip airfare from Toronto to Daytona, three nights hotel and two reserved race tickets to the Daytona 500. The starting bid is $2,000.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Thursday, January 20, 2005
KARTING: Rotax Max World Finals
By Russ Bond
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – Canada has sent five drivers to the 2004 World Finals held in Lanzarote, Canary Islands this weekend.
The Senior drivers are Saskatoon´s Scott Campbell, who is attending his second straight World Finals. Joining Campbell is Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Champion, and reigning Canadian Rotax Max champ, Markham, Ontario´s Marco Di Leo. The over 35 driver for Canada is Trois Rivieres, Quebec pilot Slyvain Clair.
Canada also has two juniors. One is former Canadian champion Christophe Boisclair, and the other is Hugo Ouellette – both from Quebec.
Friday in Lanzarote is the first of the big days as qualifying and a heat race are on the schedule. Keep it tuned to Inside Track Breaking News page for the latest updates.
THURSDAY UPDATE
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – On Thursday, Scott Campbell and Christophe Boisclair led the Canadian drivers with each securing a top 10 spot in their respective groups. Campbell was in the first of four Senior groups and for 13 of the 15 minute session, he had the pole.
By the time all four groups had run, Campbell held onto fourth overall. Cristiano Morgado from South Africa had the pole but he was sent back to 16th after running an illegal jet.
Canadian over 35 entrant Slyvain Clair was scored 29th, while Marco Di Leo suffered a pluggled low end jet, which left him 33rd.
In the Juniors, Boisclair used speed and skill to nab fifth on the grid. Boisclair was actually tied to the thousandth with another driver, but he did his lap later, so he will line up fifth. Hugo Ouellette will line up 22nd.
Heat races start this afternoon and will then lead off the action on Friday.
PLEASE CHECK THE 'COMMENTS' SECTION UNDER THIS ITEM FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES FILED BY RUSS BOND DIRECTLY FROM THE TRACK!
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – Canada has sent five drivers to the 2004 World Finals held in Lanzarote, Canary Islands this weekend.
The Senior drivers are Saskatoon´s Scott Campbell, who is attending his second straight World Finals. Joining Campbell is Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Champion, and reigning Canadian Rotax Max champ, Markham, Ontario´s Marco Di Leo. The over 35 driver for Canada is Trois Rivieres, Quebec pilot Slyvain Clair.
Canada also has two juniors. One is former Canadian champion Christophe Boisclair, and the other is Hugo Ouellette – both from Quebec.
Friday in Lanzarote is the first of the big days as qualifying and a heat race are on the schedule. Keep it tuned to Inside Track Breaking News page for the latest updates.
THURSDAY UPDATE
LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS – On Thursday, Scott Campbell and Christophe Boisclair led the Canadian drivers with each securing a top 10 spot in their respective groups. Campbell was in the first of four Senior groups and for 13 of the 15 minute session, he had the pole.
By the time all four groups had run, Campbell held onto fourth overall. Cristiano Morgado from South Africa had the pole but he was sent back to 16th after running an illegal jet.
Canadian over 35 entrant Slyvain Clair was scored 29th, while Marco Di Leo suffered a pluggled low end jet, which left him 33rd.
In the Juniors, Boisclair used speed and skill to nab fifth on the grid. Boisclair was actually tied to the thousandth with another driver, but he did his lap later, so he will line up fifth. Hugo Ouellette will line up 22nd.
Heat races start this afternoon and will then lead off the action on Friday.
PLEASE CHECK THE 'COMMENTS' SECTION UNDER THIS ITEM FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES FILED BY RUSS BOND DIRECTLY FROM THE TRACK!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
F1: Midland Looking Set To Buy Jordan
By James Neilson
Eddie Jordan’s eponymous F1 team looks set to be sold to nationalized Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider as the basis for his Midland F1 team.
It has been suggested Shnaider has decided to purchase Jordan to avoid having to pay the $48 million entrance fee required of all new participants competing in F1.
Christian Horner, owner of 2004 F300 champions Arden International, was in negotiations to purchase Jordan before the deal fell through at the last minute with Horner signing on to run the new Red Bull Racing team out of the ashes of Jaguars woeful, and highly publicized, venture into F1.
With Horner Out of the picture rumours abound that Shnaider has been seen entering Jordan’s Silverstone, UK headquarters over the last week.
Shnaider was originally set to start his own team from scratch, with Carlin F3 team boss Trevor Carlin, in 2006 running Italian-made Dallara chassis. Dallara last worked in F1 building Honda’s test mule for their re-entry into the world championship in 2000.
Russian-born Shnaider is a phenomenally wealthy entrepreneur and owner of the Midland Group, a global company with their hand in everything from shipping to real estate. He currently resides in Canada where he made the majority of his vast fortune.
It is still unclear whether Jordan would remain with the team after the sale to Shnaider, although Jordan has alluded to remaining with the team on the commercial side of operations.
While still not official, a statement regarding the purchase, and Eddie Jordan’s future in F1, is expected in the next week.
Eddie Jordan’s eponymous F1 team looks set to be sold to nationalized Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider as the basis for his Midland F1 team.
It has been suggested Shnaider has decided to purchase Jordan to avoid having to pay the $48 million entrance fee required of all new participants competing in F1.
... story continued below ad...
**************
ITMN Advertiser of the day.... Visit Fuel Genie on the Web
**************
Christian Horner, owner of 2004 F300 champions Arden International, was in negotiations to purchase Jordan before the deal fell through at the last minute with Horner signing on to run the new Red Bull Racing team out of the ashes of Jaguars woeful, and highly publicized, venture into F1.
With Horner Out of the picture rumours abound that Shnaider has been seen entering Jordan’s Silverstone, UK headquarters over the last week.
Shnaider was originally set to start his own team from scratch, with Carlin F3 team boss Trevor Carlin, in 2006 running Italian-made Dallara chassis. Dallara last worked in F1 building Honda’s test mule for their re-entry into the world championship in 2000.
Russian-born Shnaider is a phenomenally wealthy entrepreneur and owner of the Midland Group, a global company with their hand in everything from shipping to real estate. He currently resides in Canada where he made the majority of his vast fortune.
It is still unclear whether Jordan would remain with the team after the sale to Shnaider, although Jordan has alluded to remaining with the team on the commercial side of operations.
While still not official, a statement regarding the purchase, and Eddie Jordan’s future in F1, is expected in the next week.
F1: Ferrari Puts Support Behind New Concorde Agreement
By James Neilson – Inside Track
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Ferrari has agreed in principal to an extension of the Concorde Agreement, the document that governs the running of Formula 1, through the 2012 season.
The support of Ferrari is seen as a breakthrough for Ecclestone who has had to fight the threat of a breakaway, manufacturers-led, series opposed to F1 for quite some time.
The Grand Prix World Championship (GPWC) was set up by manufacturers, including Ferrari’s parent company Fiat, competing in F1 and has threatened to break away from the series if Ecclestone doesn’t share more of the revenue with the competing manufacturers and teams.
Losing Ferrari, a mainstay of F1 since the series inaugural season in 1950, would have been a huge blow for Ecclestone as the health of F1 is often linked to the presence, and tremendous worldwide popularity, of the Ferrari brand.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Formula One’s commercial rights holder and the oldest team in the championship,” FIA President Max Mosley said in a press release from the FIA. “The agreement is significant because it will ensure the development of the FIA’s most important championship.”
In response to criticism he hoards more than his fair share of F1’s revenue Ecclestone has offered the constructor’s an extra $500 million in shared revenue over the remaining three years of the current Concorde Agreement.
“The parts of the Concorde Agreement they were concerned with will be dealt with and they are going to get more money,” Ecclestone said in an interview with the BBC.
The current agreement is set to expire in 2007 and, if a new agreement is to be reached, there has to be unanimous approval among the teams.
Now that Ferrari have signed on, Ecclestone is said to be in talks with the remaining teams in the hopes that Ferrari’s support will woo them into signing on through 2012 as well.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Ferrari has agreed in principal to an extension of the Concorde Agreement, the document that governs the running of Formula 1, through the 2012 season.
The support of Ferrari is seen as a breakthrough for Ecclestone who has had to fight the threat of a breakaway, manufacturers-led, series opposed to F1 for quite some time.
The Grand Prix World Championship (GPWC) was set up by manufacturers, including Ferrari’s parent company Fiat, competing in F1 and has threatened to break away from the series if Ecclestone doesn’t share more of the revenue with the competing manufacturers and teams.
Losing Ferrari, a mainstay of F1 since the series inaugural season in 1950, would have been a huge blow for Ecclestone as the health of F1 is often linked to the presence, and tremendous worldwide popularity, of the Ferrari brand.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Formula One’s commercial rights holder and the oldest team in the championship,” FIA President Max Mosley said in a press release from the FIA. “The agreement is significant because it will ensure the development of the FIA’s most important championship.”
In response to criticism he hoards more than his fair share of F1’s revenue Ecclestone has offered the constructor’s an extra $500 million in shared revenue over the remaining three years of the current Concorde Agreement.
“The parts of the Concorde Agreement they were concerned with will be dealt with and they are going to get more money,” Ecclestone said in an interview with the BBC.
The current agreement is set to expire in 2007 and, if a new agreement is to be reached, there has to be unanimous approval among the teams.
Now that Ferrari have signed on, Ecclestone is said to be in talks with the remaining teams in the hopes that Ferrari’s support will woo them into signing on through 2012 as well.
CASCAR: Logel's joins Brad Graham and Challenger for '05 Super Series effort
KITCHENER, ON - It’s with great pleasure that Brad Graham and Challenger Motor Freight welcome John Logel and Team Logel as major associate sponsor for the 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
Beginning with the opening event at Delaware Speedway on the Victoria Day weekend in May, Brad Graham will pilot the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge competing in the entire 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
“I’m very happy to be a part of CASCAR once again” said an excited John Logel, Owner & Operator of Logel’s Auto Parts. “I believe with some very minor changes I can assist Challenger Motor Freight and Brad to achieve the kind of success we’re all looking for. Brad knows what it takes to be a success in business and has a burning desire to succeed at the track.”
As for the new Dodge that Brad will campaign in 2005 John Logel was very passionate, “There isn’t a better power plant out there than Mopar. The support is number one; the people at Dodge and Mopar are very knowledgeable and made the decision very easy.”
“Challenger Motor Freight has been a proud sponsor of Brad Graham Racing for five seasons and we’re very pleased with this new relationship,” said company spokesperson Lynn Couch. “Brad has a professional approach to everything he does and is an excellent representative of our company brand.”
Speaking of the deal, Graham said, “This is a partnership that is going to be very successful. With John’s knowledge we’ll be able to take this program up that final step to achieve the success we’re capable of."
Beauchamp Motorsports will build the new Mopar engines and that has Graham thinking positive. “We had a great season with the Dodge I drove for Alan Pinsoneault in the Sportsman series last year winning a couple of races and eventually the championship, I know we can perform well in the Super Series with Mopar power.”
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 temporary street circuits at the Molson Indy events. All CASCAR Super Series events in 2005 will again be aired on Rogers Sportsnet.
For more information about Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge log onto cascar.ca. CONTACT INFORMATION: Brad Graham, Driver of Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge(519) 671-4095 // John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts1-800-818-9118 // Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight1-800-265-6358.
This release prepared by Todd Lewis, TL Sports & Entertainment, tandt@pathcom.com
Beginning with the opening event at Delaware Speedway on the Victoria Day weekend in May, Brad Graham will pilot the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge competing in the entire 2005 CASCAR Super Series racing season.
“I’m very happy to be a part of CASCAR once again” said an excited John Logel, Owner & Operator of Logel’s Auto Parts. “I believe with some very minor changes I can assist Challenger Motor Freight and Brad to achieve the kind of success we’re all looking for. Brad knows what it takes to be a success in business and has a burning desire to succeed at the track.”
As for the new Dodge that Brad will campaign in 2005 John Logel was very passionate, “There isn’t a better power plant out there than Mopar. The support is number one; the people at Dodge and Mopar are very knowledgeable and made the decision very easy.”
“Challenger Motor Freight has been a proud sponsor of Brad Graham Racing for five seasons and we’re very pleased with this new relationship,” said company spokesperson Lynn Couch. “Brad has a professional approach to everything he does and is an excellent representative of our company brand.”
Speaking of the deal, Graham said, “This is a partnership that is going to be very successful. With John’s knowledge we’ll be able to take this program up that final step to achieve the success we’re capable of."
Beauchamp Motorsports will build the new Mopar engines and that has Graham thinking positive. “We had a great season with the Dodge I drove for Alan Pinsoneault in the Sportsman series last year winning a couple of races and eventually the championship, I know we can perform well in the Super Series with Mopar power.”
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 temporary street circuits at the Molson Indy events. All CASCAR Super Series events in 2005 will again be aired on Rogers Sportsnet.
For more information about Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge log onto cascar.ca. CONTACT INFORMATION: Brad Graham, Driver of Challenger Motor Freight/Team Logel Dodge(519) 671-4095 // John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts1-800-818-9118 // Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight1-800-265-6358.
This release prepared by Todd Lewis, TL Sports & Entertainment, tandt@pathcom.com
NEXTEL CUP: Lucas Oil to sponsor Morgan McClure entry
ABINGDON,VA - Forrest Lucas, President and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, and Larry McClure, President of Morgan McClure Motorsports, have announced that Lucas Oil will be the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Morgan McClure NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team for the entire 2005 season.
"As a sponsor of the Morgan McClure race car for a limited number of races in 2004, we were very pleased with the relationship and caliber of the entire Morgan McClure team" said Lucas. "We are increasing our level of commitment in 2005 to round out our entire motor sports program and look forward to increasing success with the team to fully leverage our sales initiatives."
Morgan-McClure Motorsports was formed in 1983, when Larry McClure, Ed McClure, Jerry McClure, Teddy McClure and Tim Morgan bought a car from G.C. Spencer.
Larry McClure and Tim Morgan had been long-time business partners, operating a successful automobile dealership which they continue today. One of the team’s first drivers was a then 24-year-old Mark Martin. The team first broke in to the win column in 1990 with driver Ernie Irvan, marking the beginning of an eight-year run during which the team won 14 races – including eight superspeedway wins – between 1990-`98.
Among those wins were three at the Daytona 500, with Irvan in 1991 and consecutive titles in ’94 and ’95 by Sterling Marlin. The ’95 season by Marlin also gave the organization its best finish in the championship when he finished third. Since 1983, 21 different drivers have piloted the team’s No. 4 cars.
For More Information, Contact:Jerry WallnerVice President, MarketingMorgan McClure Motorsports 678-584-0442 // Email: gerard.wallner@morgan-mcclure.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Renault Sport launches Pan American Formula Renault Championships
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Renault Sport officials announced the creation of the Pan American Formula Renault Championships this weekend at the Autosport International show.
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will host two championships, with one utilizing the 2.0-liter Formula Renault platform, and a second concurrent championship featuring the high-technology Formula Renault V6.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: KUMHO TIRES... VISIT KUMHO TIRES ON THE WEB
The eight-round Championship will be contested in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.
The Championships are part of the structured Renault ladder to Formula 1, with the 2.0 liter Formula Renault platform providing the entry level for young racers, and the Formula Renault V6 being the next step up in speed and complexity.
“Renault has already established a solid industrial and commercial activity in Latin America,” said Renault Sport Technologies Competition and Communication Manager Jean-Paul Mari.
“Today Renault Sport is aiming to give a strong support to the Pan-American Series. Not only technical but also a marketing one by providing to the V6 Pan-Am champion a fully sponsored season in the World Series by Renault in 2006.”
“We believe that the FR V6 single seater-car, developed by Renault Sport, while demonstrating high tech expertise will became soon a showcase in the countries hosting the series,” continued Mari. “It will stand as a unique opportunity to enhance a dynamic image of Renault brand and products and consolidate the position held by Renault Sport in this part of the world.”
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will be managed by Series Director Allen Berg, a former Formula 1 racer who also has experience as a team owner.
“This is an exciting announcement to be making, as the Pan American Formula Renault Championships are breaking new ground in terms of providing value for the drivers and teams participating, and the cars have already proven themselves on a global scale as being excellent development tools for young drivers,” said Berg.
“We are also excited about the caliber of teams that have already purchased cars and who are committed to campaigning both the 2.0 liter and V6 Championships, and about the opportunities that being a ‘container series’ will create.”
The series, which has no ties to any organization that has utilized the Formula Renault chassis in any of the Pan American markets, is a partnership between British businessman John Jakes and Renault Sport of France.
"I feel very privileged to be working so closely with Renault Sport, an organization with a passion for motorsport development, and I am real fan of the V6,” said Jakes. “We raced throughout Europe alongside this car, and I know how impressive they are when racing. The appointment of Allen Berg as managing director ensures that the race series is not only professional but also has the benefit of the hands on experience of this much respected icon of the racing fraternity. I spent some time in South America last year attending race meetings in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico where the following and media focus was astounding, it is enormous. I have no doubt as to the future success of this series."
As a developmental category, the race weekend format is designed to give the drivers not only plenty of seat time, but more importantly, extensive experience in race conditions. The 2-liter Formula Renault race weekends will feature three races-two sprint races and then a feature race. The Formula Renault V6 drivers will get two races each weekend. One race will be in the European fashion with a standing start, and the other will utilize the American method of a rolling start.
There will be eight days of testing in advance of the season, and the schedule has been designed to give drivers and teams one test day as part of each race weekend, as in-season testing is prohibited as part of the cost-containment strategy of the series.
Renault is totally dedicated to the success of drivers participating in the full ladder of Renault championships, and the prize structure demonstrates their commitment to the future. The prize structure for the Championships are designed to promote the drivers who find success and help them move up the motorsports ladder.
The winner of the Formula Renault V6 Championship will earn a test with a Formula 1 team, and will also receive a season of racing paid for by PanAmerican Racing in the World Series by Renault, which is the next step up the Renault ladder and contests the majority of its races in Europe.
The winner of the Formula Renault 2.0-liter Championship will win a season of racing in the 2006 Pan American Formula Renault V6 Championship, paid for by PanAmerican Racing.
The 2.0-liter Formula Renault cars will be run with the 2004-specification, utilizing a revised aero package and producing 192 bhp. The Formula Renault V6 cars, which produce in excess of 370 bhp, will be the same cars that were raced in Europe last season, and are currently being rebuilt by Renault Sport, with deliveries available on February 5th.
The engines are guaranteed to run 6500 km between rebuilds, and will be €75,000 for a pre-raced version, or €150,000 for a new-build. The series is intended to provide value to the drivers and teams participating, and cost-containment is a central goal of the Championships.
In addition to the ban on in-season testing, the goal of cost-containment will also be addressed by the series being operated as a “container series,” meaning that Series organizers will manage the logistics of transporting the cars from race to race.
This will allow a new generation of team owners to participate, as it precludes the need for significant capital investment in many of the elements (such as transporters or a shop) which were traditionally required to operate a race team.The budget for a 2.0-liter program is believed to be $225,000, with a full season of Formula Renault V6 requiring $550,000. The full season schedule is currently being finalized, and the series is expected to make additional announcements in the coming weeks.
Prospective teams and drivers can find additional information at www.panamracing.com, or contact Allen Berg directly toll-free at 1-866-230-2193 and via email at: allen.berg@panamracing.com .
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will host two championships, with one utilizing the 2.0-liter Formula Renault platform, and a second concurrent championship featuring the high-technology Formula Renault V6.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: KUMHO TIRES... VISIT KUMHO TIRES ON THE WEB
The eight-round Championship will be contested in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.
The Championships are part of the structured Renault ladder to Formula 1, with the 2.0 liter Formula Renault platform providing the entry level for young racers, and the Formula Renault V6 being the next step up in speed and complexity.
“Renault has already established a solid industrial and commercial activity in Latin America,” said Renault Sport Technologies Competition and Communication Manager Jean-Paul Mari.
“Today Renault Sport is aiming to give a strong support to the Pan-American Series. Not only technical but also a marketing one by providing to the V6 Pan-Am champion a fully sponsored season in the World Series by Renault in 2006.”
“We believe that the FR V6 single seater-car, developed by Renault Sport, while demonstrating high tech expertise will became soon a showcase in the countries hosting the series,” continued Mari. “It will stand as a unique opportunity to enhance a dynamic image of Renault brand and products and consolidate the position held by Renault Sport in this part of the world.”
The Pan American Formula Renault Championships will be managed by Series Director Allen Berg, a former Formula 1 racer who also has experience as a team owner.
“This is an exciting announcement to be making, as the Pan American Formula Renault Championships are breaking new ground in terms of providing value for the drivers and teams participating, and the cars have already proven themselves on a global scale as being excellent development tools for young drivers,” said Berg.
“We are also excited about the caliber of teams that have already purchased cars and who are committed to campaigning both the 2.0 liter and V6 Championships, and about the opportunities that being a ‘container series’ will create.”
The series, which has no ties to any organization that has utilized the Formula Renault chassis in any of the Pan American markets, is a partnership between British businessman John Jakes and Renault Sport of France.
"I feel very privileged to be working so closely with Renault Sport, an organization with a passion for motorsport development, and I am real fan of the V6,” said Jakes. “We raced throughout Europe alongside this car, and I know how impressive they are when racing. The appointment of Allen Berg as managing director ensures that the race series is not only professional but also has the benefit of the hands on experience of this much respected icon of the racing fraternity. I spent some time in South America last year attending race meetings in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico where the following and media focus was astounding, it is enormous. I have no doubt as to the future success of this series."
As a developmental category, the race weekend format is designed to give the drivers not only plenty of seat time, but more importantly, extensive experience in race conditions. The 2-liter Formula Renault race weekends will feature three races-two sprint races and then a feature race. The Formula Renault V6 drivers will get two races each weekend. One race will be in the European fashion with a standing start, and the other will utilize the American method of a rolling start.
There will be eight days of testing in advance of the season, and the schedule has been designed to give drivers and teams one test day as part of each race weekend, as in-season testing is prohibited as part of the cost-containment strategy of the series.
Renault is totally dedicated to the success of drivers participating in the full ladder of Renault championships, and the prize structure demonstrates their commitment to the future. The prize structure for the Championships are designed to promote the drivers who find success and help them move up the motorsports ladder.
The winner of the Formula Renault V6 Championship will earn a test with a Formula 1 team, and will also receive a season of racing paid for by PanAmerican Racing in the World Series by Renault, which is the next step up the Renault ladder and contests the majority of its races in Europe.
The winner of the Formula Renault 2.0-liter Championship will win a season of racing in the 2006 Pan American Formula Renault V6 Championship, paid for by PanAmerican Racing.
The 2.0-liter Formula Renault cars will be run with the 2004-specification, utilizing a revised aero package and producing 192 bhp. The Formula Renault V6 cars, which produce in excess of 370 bhp, will be the same cars that were raced in Europe last season, and are currently being rebuilt by Renault Sport, with deliveries available on February 5th.
The engines are guaranteed to run 6500 km between rebuilds, and will be €75,000 for a pre-raced version, or €150,000 for a new-build. The series is intended to provide value to the drivers and teams participating, and cost-containment is a central goal of the Championships.
In addition to the ban on in-season testing, the goal of cost-containment will also be addressed by the series being operated as a “container series,” meaning that Series organizers will manage the logistics of transporting the cars from race to race.
This will allow a new generation of team owners to participate, as it precludes the need for significant capital investment in many of the elements (such as transporters or a shop) which were traditionally required to operate a race team.The budget for a 2.0-liter program is believed to be $225,000, with a full season of Formula Renault V6 requiring $550,000. The full season schedule is currently being finalized, and the series is expected to make additional announcements in the coming weeks.
Prospective teams and drivers can find additional information at www.panamracing.com, or contact Allen Berg directly toll-free at 1-866-230-2193 and via email at: allen.berg@panamracing.com .
Monday, January 17, 2005
KARTING: Champs honoured at SRFKC banquet
OAKVILLE, ON - The Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels drew to a close its 2004 season with the champion’s banquet held at the Oakville Conference Center. Voice of the American Le Mans Series Jim Martyn was the host, and nine champions in ten classes were honoured.
PHOTO: BY ED GATNER/RBA - LEFT TO RIGHT - BACK ROW - AARON DE HEUS, MIKE ROTH, TAYLOR HOLDAWAY, COREY USHER, FRANK DI LEO (FATHER OF MARCO DI LEO. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT - DANIEL MORAD, EVAN HAYDEN, PEARCE HERDER, WILLIAM KEATINGS.
Leading the group was Marco Di Leo, who unfortunately wasn't able to attend as he is on his way to the Canary Islands to represent Canada in the Rotax Max World Finals. Di Leo took home Rotax Max and Canada Senior Light championships.
Formula Senior champ Mike Roth officially announced his retirement from karting, and he is expected to move on to car racing later in 2005. “I want to thank First Kart North America,” Roth said. “They gave me great equipment all year, and they, along with my dad are the reason I am here now.”
Other Senior class champions that were honoured included, Woodstock’s Corey Usher in World Formula Senior and Sunoco Team Ultra 94 alumni driver, Uxbridge’s Aaron de Heus in Canada Senior Heavy. De hues like usual proved he is once again as good behind the microphone as he is behind the wheel as he pledged to donate any race winnings in 2005 to Cancer Research.
Junior championships went to Orillia’s Taylor Holdaway in Canada Junior Light, Markham’s Evan Hayden in the hotly contested Rotax Max Junior class, Markham’s Daniel Morad in Formula Junior, Woodstock’s Willliam Keatings in World Formula Junior and Stouffville’s Pearce Herder in Canada Junior Heavy.
Tom Mikrut of Pratt & Miller, sponsors of the Pratt & Miller Team Spirit Award was on hand to accept one of the sponsor’s awards, and Mikrut gave an informative speech where he announced that Pratt & Miller would again return as a sponsor in 2005. Dennis Morgan of the Toronto Star Wheels, along with Patricia Anderson of Sunoco and Neil Sheidow, of Briggs & Stratton were also on hand to pledge ongoing support for the series.
The series will now finalize the schedule and class structure for 2005, which is expected to be announced early next week.
The objective of the the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Presented by Toronto Star Wheels is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact: Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com // Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000
PHOTO: BY ED GATNER/RBA - LEFT TO RIGHT - BACK ROW - AARON DE HEUS, MIKE ROTH, TAYLOR HOLDAWAY, COREY USHER, FRANK DI LEO (FATHER OF MARCO DI LEO. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT - DANIEL MORAD, EVAN HAYDEN, PEARCE HERDER, WILLIAM KEATINGS.
Leading the group was Marco Di Leo, who unfortunately wasn't able to attend as he is on his way to the Canary Islands to represent Canada in the Rotax Max World Finals. Di Leo took home Rotax Max and Canada Senior Light championships.
Formula Senior champ Mike Roth officially announced his retirement from karting, and he is expected to move on to car racing later in 2005. “I want to thank First Kart North America,” Roth said. “They gave me great equipment all year, and they, along with my dad are the reason I am here now.”
Other Senior class champions that were honoured included, Woodstock’s Corey Usher in World Formula Senior and Sunoco Team Ultra 94 alumni driver, Uxbridge’s Aaron de Heus in Canada Senior Heavy. De hues like usual proved he is once again as good behind the microphone as he is behind the wheel as he pledged to donate any race winnings in 2005 to Cancer Research.
Junior championships went to Orillia’s Taylor Holdaway in Canada Junior Light, Markham’s Evan Hayden in the hotly contested Rotax Max Junior class, Markham’s Daniel Morad in Formula Junior, Woodstock’s Willliam Keatings in World Formula Junior and Stouffville’s Pearce Herder in Canada Junior Heavy.
Tom Mikrut of Pratt & Miller, sponsors of the Pratt & Miller Team Spirit Award was on hand to accept one of the sponsor’s awards, and Mikrut gave an informative speech where he announced that Pratt & Miller would again return as a sponsor in 2005. Dennis Morgan of the Toronto Star Wheels, along with Patricia Anderson of Sunoco and Neil Sheidow, of Briggs & Stratton were also on hand to pledge ongoing support for the series.
The series will now finalize the schedule and class structure for 2005, which is expected to be announced early next week.
The objective of the the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship Presented by Toronto Star Wheels is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact: Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com // Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000
Sunday, January 16, 2005
London Indoor: Mackereth wins inaugural event
LONDON, ON - Winter Indoor Auto Racing took a large step forward Saturday night as promoter Patrick Wood took a chance and breathed life into the former London Gardens, now called the London Garden Special Events Centre.
Andy Mackereth in victory lane following his win on Saturday night at the London Gardens.
With temperatures outside hovering in the minus double digits, the atmosphere inside warmed the air as the sound of racing engines came to life. With adequate car counts in all four divisions and a curious crowd, eager to get rid of mid-winter racing withdrawal, the stage was set. When the final checkered flag fell at 10:30 p.m. all had been treated to a competitive, quick paced and entertaining program.
Click here to watch a video clip of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature action at London Gardens.
Junior Micro Sprints leg the program off with heat race action. Joey Herremans (#8) took the first heat race over Jamie Marsh and Steven Goldner, while Dillon West captured heat race #2. The 20 lap feature event was captured by Joey Herremans (#8) from his fifth starting spot. Following Herremans across the line was #48 – Dillon West; #30 – Steven Goldner; #55 – Jesse Earnshaw; #60 – Kyle Goldner; #81; #6B – Jamie Marsh; and #6Y – Courtney Marsh.
Next up were the Senior Micro Sprints with Caleb Woods (#00) taking Heat #1 over Jamie Cox (#70) and Sean Durand (#76). Eric Gledhill (#7) captured heat #2 over Kevin Moore (#32) and Stan Adams (#203). Kevin Marsh (#32) took the win in the Dash over Cox (#70); Caleb Wood (#00) and Erick Gledhill (#7).
Delaware Open Wheel Modified dominator Jamie Cox (#70) captured the 30 lap Feature from his seventh starting position over Stan Adams (#203) and Sean Durand (#76).
Outlaw Sprint action found Hugh Smibert (#02) winning the first heat over Don English (#14) and Barry Dunn (#44). Heat 2 was won by Steve Burlotte (#62) over Darin Hanna (#24) and R. Veroughstrate (#301). Burlotte (#62) took the Dash over Darin Hanna (#24); Hugh Smibert (#62) and Don English (#14).
Dan Laemers (#32) captured the 30 lap Feature Event over Steve Hurlotte (#62) and R. Veroughstrate (#301) in a thriller that saw three wide racing throughout the event.
The LUCAS OIL Can/Am Midgets headlined the event with J.J. Johnstone (#49) taking Heat #1 over Wayne Turnball (#31) and Don May (#7). Andy Mackereth (#40) took heat #2 over Jeff Riberdy (#6) and Craig Mackereth (#43).
Wayne Turnball (#31) captured the Dash over Jeff Riberdy (#6); J.J. Johnstone (#49) and Andy Mackereth (#40).
Andy Mackereth took the lead on lap 19 of the 50 lap main event and led the rest of the distance to take the inaugural Canadian Indoor Racing Championship Series event over J.J. Johnstone. Jeff Riberdy; Dave McIntosh and Tyler Mackereth rounded out the top five.
For updates on further racing please keep in touch by checking out www.indoorracinglondon.com.
Andy Mackereth in victory lane following his win on Saturday night at the London Gardens.
Photo by G. MacPherson
With temperatures outside hovering in the minus double digits, the atmosphere inside warmed the air as the sound of racing engines came to life. With adequate car counts in all four divisions and a curious crowd, eager to get rid of mid-winter racing withdrawal, the stage was set. When the final checkered flag fell at 10:30 p.m. all had been treated to a competitive, quick paced and entertaining program.
Click here to watch a video clip of the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature action at London Gardens.
Junior Micro Sprints leg the program off with heat race action. Joey Herremans (#8) took the first heat race over Jamie Marsh and Steven Goldner, while Dillon West captured heat race #2. The 20 lap feature event was captured by Joey Herremans (#8) from his fifth starting spot. Following Herremans across the line was #48 – Dillon West; #30 – Steven Goldner; #55 – Jesse Earnshaw; #60 – Kyle Goldner; #81; #6B – Jamie Marsh; and #6Y – Courtney Marsh.
Next up were the Senior Micro Sprints with Caleb Woods (#00) taking Heat #1 over Jamie Cox (#70) and Sean Durand (#76). Eric Gledhill (#7) captured heat #2 over Kevin Moore (#32) and Stan Adams (#203). Kevin Marsh (#32) took the win in the Dash over Cox (#70); Caleb Wood (#00) and Erick Gledhill (#7).
Delaware Open Wheel Modified dominator Jamie Cox (#70) captured the 30 lap Feature from his seventh starting position over Stan Adams (#203) and Sean Durand (#76).
Outlaw Sprint action found Hugh Smibert (#02) winning the first heat over Don English (#14) and Barry Dunn (#44). Heat 2 was won by Steve Burlotte (#62) over Darin Hanna (#24) and R. Veroughstrate (#301). Burlotte (#62) took the Dash over Darin Hanna (#24); Hugh Smibert (#62) and Don English (#14).
Dan Laemers (#32) captured the 30 lap Feature Event over Steve Hurlotte (#62) and R. Veroughstrate (#301) in a thriller that saw three wide racing throughout the event.
The LUCAS OIL Can/Am Midgets headlined the event with J.J. Johnstone (#49) taking Heat #1 over Wayne Turnball (#31) and Don May (#7). Andy Mackereth (#40) took heat #2 over Jeff Riberdy (#6) and Craig Mackereth (#43).
Wayne Turnball (#31) captured the Dash over Jeff Riberdy (#6); J.J. Johnstone (#49) and Andy Mackereth (#40).
Andy Mackereth took the lead on lap 19 of the 50 lap main event and led the rest of the distance to take the inaugural Canadian Indoor Racing Championship Series event over J.J. Johnstone. Jeff Riberdy; Dave McIntosh and Tyler Mackereth rounded out the top five.
For updates on further racing please keep in touch by checking out www.indoorracinglondon.com.
Press release by Kenetic Photos.
Video clip by Greg MacPherson / Inside Track.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
