SOS INSIDER: Dick Mahoney gets new ride and website for '05

NEWMARKET, ON - Dick Mahoney and the #79 Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) team will be attacking the 2005 season with a full head of steam.

During the off-season it was announced that Dick has purchased a Maxim kit from 2003 URC Champion and former Pennsylvania 410 star Dave Ely.

In addition to the new ride comes the unveiling of the all new Dick Mahoney Online. Located at www.dickmahoney.com the Official Web Site of "The Pig" has been given a facelift by ImageFactor.ca for the upcoming year.

2004 was a rough season for the Newmarket, Ontario native. The teams primary car was destroyed just three races into the season at the Ohsweken Speedway on May 28th. Competing for the majority of the season with his backup car "Lefty", Dick managed to finish 8th in the final SOS tour standings.

Once again Dick will be the competing full time with the Southern Ontario Sprints and will make various other starts with local 360 sprint clubs.

Visit the ALL New Dick Mahoney Online at: http://www.dickmahoney.com

- SOS Online

DRAGS: St. Thomas court decision comes down

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From St. Thomas Dragway:

SPARTA, ON – A decision has been released on the lawsuit filed by a group of residents of Sparta against St. Thomas Dragway. In the lawsuit the plaintiffs were seeking one million dollars and the permanent closure of the track.

The court refused to order the closure of the track and only ordered the track to delay the start of racing until one P.M. on Sundays. No other restrictions were placed on the operation of the facility.

The court also commented on the involvement of the Municipality of Central Elgin in this case. The court found that the Municipality had confidentially funded the plaintiffs in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars and that the court was “somewhat troubled” by this conduct on the part of the municipality and this conduct was “ill advised”.

The court also found that the dragway employs many local youth, makes significant economic and charitable contributions to the community and that it also provides an educational component to the students in the community.

For further information, contact Dave Mathers at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at http://www.stthomasdragway.com/ or dragway counsel Daryl Mann at 416-777-5407

STOCKS: King’s Park to host Sponsorship & Marketing Seminar

SASKATOON, SK – On Saturday, February 5, King’s Park Speedway will host a one-day seminar aimed at helping the track’s teams find and keep sponsors.

During the seminar, the following topics will be discussed:

• How to get more money
• Different types of sponsors
• How to grow sponsorship dollars
• How to find new sponsors
• What you need to do for Sponsors
• Develop a budget
• Develop a profile / proposal
• Why should someone sponsor you?
• And… What to do and say, and what not to do and say

For information about attending this seminar, contact Ron Kelly at (306) 653-6013 (days) or 652-2408 (evenings) or by e-mail at: ron.kelly@directwest.com. The cost is $75 per person and includes lunch.

DRAGS: A true international effort

CAYUGA, ON - The recent uniting of Canada’s Bob Elliott with Sipple Motorsports of Kentucky to campaign a Top Fuel Dragster for 2005 is a true international effort in the world of professional drag racing.



Elliott, who lives in Wingham, Ontario, and well known for his illustrious career behind the wheel of the Northern Force Funny Cars, will be driving the Top Fuel Dragster of the popular Sipple Family of Berea, Kentucky.

John “Doc” Sipple has been involved in drag racing since 1958, progressing through the classes to reach the ultimate in acceleration, Top Fuel.

In 2004, Sipple decided to step away from the driving duties. A mainstay of Funny Car racing in all its forms, including Alcohol-powered, Nitro-powered, and Jet-powered Funny Cars, Elliott has made his mark in Canada and the United States as a strong competitor.

The Team, which will campaign under the Northern Force banner, is currently seeking primary and associate sponsorship. This would complete the equation and allow the Team to compete at the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) major events, including three Canadian venues.

Powered by a TFX Hemi crafted aluminum alloy engine, this Top Fuel Dragster has a wheelbase of 296 inches and weighs 2175 pounds. This car consumes 14 gallons of highly-volatile nitro methane fuel for each quarter-mile pass with speeds of over 300 mph in less than five seconds.

Elliott is not the only Canadian in this teaming. Two members of the Sipple crew are fellow Canadians. John Ford is from Bolton, Ontario, and Larry Panzini is from Sarnia, Ontario. Other crew members include Brad Jones and Kevin Jones, both of Kentucky, Bryce Kenny of North Carolina, and Donnie Wasson, also from Kentucky. The Sipple family, with Doc’s son Mike as crew chief, will maintain the car.

Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitromethane fuel, produce in excess of 6000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating vehicles in the world. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.

For more information, contact:

Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Team Manager
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // Fax: 905.772.1799
E-mail: bmehlenbacher@northernforce.com // Website: http://www.northernforce.com

Tim Miller // Media Director
Telephone: 905.385.1456 // Fax: 905.772.1799 // E-mail: tmiller@northernforce.com

DIRT: Chairman Affirms No Changes Planned in DIRT Senior Management

COLORADO, CO - DIRT MotorSports completed the acquisition of Dirt Motorsports, Inc. from Glen Donnelly in August of 2004 for over 3.5 million dollars paid in full.

As part of that Agreement, Mr. Donnelly signed a 2-year Consulting Agreement with DIRT MotorSports. In keeping with this Agreement, Mr. Donnelly attended a portion of the DIRT MotorSports Board of Directors meeting held in New York City on January 26th, 2005.

Paul Kruger, Chairman of the Board, once again confirmed that there will be no restructuring of senior management, nor are there any plans to do so. Mr. Kruger again expressed his utmost confidence in the direction of the company, stating, “We have an amazing team of professionals working together to make each and every one of our products successful. I am confident in the direction of the company and executive leadership that is executing our business plan. I am extremely impressed with our accomplishments to date and look forward to the 2005 racing season.”

DIRT MotorSports opens its 2005 racing season on February 11 at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Florida, where it will host the Sprint Series, Late Model Series, and the Modified Series.

— By DirtMotorSports PR Boundless Motor Sports Racing, Inc. d/b/a

CASCAR: Tim Hortons returns with Fastline

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HAMILTON, ON - Fastline Motorsports is pleased and excited to announce the return of Tim Hortons as a sponsor of Team Fastline Motorsports and drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich for 2005.

"Tim Hortons is proud to extend our sponsorship of Fastline Motorsports" said Bill Moir, Executive Vice-President, Marketing, Tim Hortons. "We've had a long-standing relationship with the Lapcevich brothers and it's great to see that all of their hard work and dedication has resulted in some spectacular victories."

The Tim Hortons chain was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario. The chain’s focus on top quality, always fresh product, value, great service and community leadership has allowed it to grow into the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada specializing in always fresh coffee, baked goods and home-style lunches. There are currently over 2,400 locations across Canada and a steadily growing base of over 250 in the United States.

“Jeff and I are always grateful for Tim Hortons valuable support," explained Team Fastline team driver Jim Lapcevich. “Tim Hortons has been a very valuable sponsor of ours since 1990, and we are very pleased to have them back on board for the CASCAR Super Series Racing schedule in 2005.”

Fastline’s 2004 season was a successful one. Jeff Lapcevich continued to dominate the CASCAR Super Series competition at road courses by winning three events, including the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver for the second consecutive season. Along with several top-ten finishes including the victories, Jeff had his best year to date in the series, finishing fourth in the CASCAR championship point standings.

Jim Lapcevich placed 13th in CASCAR Super Series point championship for the 2004 season, with six top-ten finishes. His best showing for the year was an encouraging second place at the final event of the season.
CASCAR is Canada's top level of stock car racing with a twelve race national schedule that includes the diversity of short oval tracks, road and street course racing.

For more information on Fastline Motorsports contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@nas.net
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher JAJ Entertainment Office: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 Cellular: 905.517.5345Fax: (905) 772-1799E-mail: mehlenbacher@nas.net Web site: http://www.lapcevichracing.com/

LONDON INDOOR SERIES: On hold

I just had a discussion with London Gardens / Canadian Indoor Racing Series Championship promoter Patrick Wood. Unfortunately, it looks like the scheduled event in February will not happen.

And beyond that, there is no confirmation that the building will again be used for indoor racing. While there were many encouraging signs at the inaugural event on Jan. 15, Wood believes that the group putting on the races has to own the London Gardens facility in order to make things feasible.

At this point, according to Wood, he needs to run the facility on his terms if things are going to move forward at the London Gardens. He's currently looking for business partners and support from those who share his vision, which includes using the building for a variety of purposes in addition to racing.

For example, the crowded pits during the inaugural event made it clear that walls would have to be removed in that area of the building, to alleviate the traffic.

So while Wood is writing off the scheduled date in February, he is holding out hope for a spring show if he is able to line up an ownership group in time.

"It’s great to be passionate about things, but it has to make sense, too. I’m trying to get other people to step up to the plate now, too," said Wood.

... We'll keep you posted on further developments. But no matter what the outcome, Wood has to be congratulated for getting off his backside and making something happen. The success of the January 15 event showed that there is a passion for winter racing in the region. Those who share Wood's vision should contact him to help turn it into a reality.

DRAGS: PMRA heading to Toronto Motorsports Park

CAYUGA, ON - The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) is pleased to announce two racing dates at Toronto Motorsports Park as part of its five-race series for 2005.



The Kohler Road strip, just outside the town of Cayuga, Ontario, is Canada’s oldest drag racing facility, and has been host to many major events throughout its illustrious career. The track is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), and is the scene of the IHRA ACDelco Canadian Nationals every summer.

"Toronto Motorsports Park is very excited to be part of the PMRA schedule in 2005," explained Track Owner Uli Bieri. "We were pleased to be chosen to host two events and hope our relationship with the Pro Modified Racing Association continues well into the future. These events with the PMRA along with the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series and our regular program of racing fit right into our plans for 2005 and it will be an excellent opportunity for our racers and fans to witness more championship drag racing, added Bieri."

The PMRA will hold races at Toronto Motorsports Park May 20 - 22 and September 2 - 4. With the already-confirmed event at Luskville Dragway situated near Aylmer, Quebec, just 15 minutes from Ottawa, Ontario July 1-3, the series now has three of its five planned events for this year, and is continuing talks with other Ontario and Western New York tracks to fill out its schedule.

“These two events at Toronto Motorsports Park are great,” said Carl Spiering, PMRA Competition Director and also one of the series racers with his Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Cutler-Hammer sponsored Corvette Pro Modified. “I believe that all the PMRA teams have raced at Toronto Motorsports Park over their careers, and all of them enjoy racing at this fine facility.”

Joining the PMRA Pro Modified Racing Association at these events will be the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series. The Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series was formed in 1996 and continues to grow each season. The participants, known for their awesome wheelies, are fan favorites wherever they appear.

In its first year of operation, the PMRA will provide fans in Ontario, Quebec, and New York the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”

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.

For more information contact:

Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Director of Operations
Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22
Email: mehlenbacher@promodifiedracing.com

Tim Miller
Media Director
Pro Modified Racing Association
Telephone: 905.870.1456
Email: tmiller@promodifiedracing.com

ALSTAR Charity Ride.... update

I received this update from Keith Hepburn, regarding ALSTAR Charity Ride, this summer.

Greetings All,

It is with great pleasure that we release the signing of a firefighter motorcycle club "The Red Knight's - Ontario Chapter 3" as assistants to the "ALSTAR Charity Ride" & Road Captains for this event.

This group of people rank on the list of respectable organizations in the same upper echelon category as "The War Amps". We are very pleased to have this fine group associated with this event & look forward to working with them to make this "Ride with Us Tour" a successful one.

Please check out the web site for our up to date status.

Drive Safe.

Keith Hepburn

Lancaster Speedway: Season Preview

LANCASTER, NY - Despite the snow on the ground the 2005 racing season is just around the corner in Western New York. With opening weekend just a little more than three months away, Jim Reid and his staff have been hard at work putting together the racing schedule for the upcoming season.

Once again the racing year will begin with Lancaster's annual Pre-Season Kickoff Party at Samuel's Grand Manor on Main St. in Clarence. This year the Kickoff Party will be Sunday, March 13 from 1-5 PM. Drag and stock car drivers can register for the 2005 season as well as meet with track officials and tech inspectors. Pizza and snacks will be served as well as a cash bar. Additionally, there will be televisions showing 2004 LRP race tapes and the live NASCAR race. It's a great way to begin the season.

Vendor opportunities are available for track sponsors and outside businesses. Track sponsors are free to set up a display, while outside vendors must pay a nominal fee. Contact Jennifer Fidanza at the LRP office to reserve your space.

The pre-season continues in April with two practice sessions. Pre-season testing for the stock cars will take place on Saturday, April 23 and 30.

The regular season for the stock cars begins on Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 with the 47th annual Queen City Clash. Highlighting the season opener will be the first round of the 2nd annual Holland Speedway/Lancaster Raceway Park Late Model Challenge Series. The popular battle between the Late Models drivers of both WNY race facilities returns in 2005 with LRP defending their 2004 series championship.

The TQ Midgets, Glen Campbell Chevrolet Street Stocks, Probity Construction Super Stocks, Bobcat of Buffalo Sportsman, and Advance Auto Parts Modifieds will also be in action to begin the year.

The most exciting change to the schedule in 2005 is the new two-day format for one of LRP's most popular events. The 12th annual Sunday Niagara Nostalgia Drags and Car Show will now take place over two days, July 23-24. Sunday Niagara has become one of the biggest drag racing reunions in the country with racers and fans coming in from all over the United States and Canada. In 2004, more than 600 cars participated competed in the race or car show.

To accommodate the expanded format, the stock car program for that weekend will move from Saturday night to Thursday, July 21. This gives a chance to race teams and fans from the surrounding areas and tracks to check out LRP in this special mid-week show.

In 2004, the US Open expanded to a three-day format and that event drew its largest car count ever. For the 17th edition of Lancaster's stock car season finale, the Open will once again take place over three days starting Friday, September 23. Every year, the US Open showcases some of the best stock car drivers in the Northeast with 200+ cars in competition in seven divisions of racing.

The complete 2005 racing schedule will be released shortly. Stay tuned to www.lancasterracing.com for the latest updates. Season tickets are now available, contact the LRP office at (716) 759-6818 for more information.

- By Dave Buchanan - (716) 207-1165 - DaveWBuf@yahoo.com

SOD: Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Honors SOD Champion and Promoter

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club recently held its 39th Annual Awards Banquet at the “Imperial House” in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Two of Sprints On Dirt’s personalities were honored during the awards ceremony presided over by Club President Bill Barnhart.

Two time and defending SOD Champion Dustin Daggett picked up the Henry J. Fitzwater trophy for being named Michigan Racing Scenes “Driver of the Year” for 2005. Dustin became the first ever series driver (not a track champion) to win the award.

SOD President Jason Fausey became the first ever series promoter to win the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club “Promoter of the Year” in the state of Michigan. He succeeded Joe Dewitte who was last years recipient.

The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club meets monthly and is dedicated to the “Benefit and Betterment of Automobile Racing and Those Engaged Therein.”

- Written by Kenetic Photos

HOLLAND SPEEDWAY: News

HOLLAND, NY - The NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series will return to Holland Speedway in 2005 for the Series' 18th visit to the Western New York oval.

Holland was a charter track for the Series in 1987, and with the exception of 1988, when weather forced cancellation of the scheduled event, has held a Busch North event annually. The 2005 race is slated for Saturday, June 25th, and will be a 150 lap event.

In other Holland news, track management has announced that in 2005, the Pro Four and 4-cylinder strictly stock Stingers will combine into one class, known as the Pro Fours.

The Pro Fours, formerly known as the Mini Stocks, have been part of the Holland program for five seasons, designed as a cost-effective 4-cylinder "super stock" style class.

The Stingers were established as their own class in 2003 as an offshoot of the popular 4-cylinder strictly stock Hornet division, with the class designated for higher performance strictly stock cars.

"The rules for the two classes were not that far apart," noted Holland General manager Tim Bennett, "and we let some of the Stinger entries compete with the Pro Fours in 2004 and found them to be competitive. We've adjusted the rules so that we should have a very healthy and very exciting combined class in 2005."

The new Pro Four rules are now available on the Speedway web site at www.hollandspeedway.com.

The Pro Fours will be a Speedway sanctioned division in 2005, and will alternate dates on the regular schedule with the 8-cylinder strictly stock Challengers.

In addition, the Pro Fours and the Challengers will be a part of the "Enduro Madness" specials scheduled throughout the season.For more information, visit the speedway web site or call the Speedway office during business hours at (716)-537-2272.- 30 - (contact - Rick Mooney: (716)-537-2272; RMooneypr@aol.com )

ALMS: Audi Sport N.A. and Team ADT Champion Racing announce driver line-up

POMPANO BEACH, FL – Audi Sport North America, five-time American Le Mans Series Manufacturer Champion, and Florida-based Champion Racing, last year’s American Le Mans Series LMP1 Champion, return to the American Le Mans Series with not one but two Audi R8 LMP1 cars. Reigning ALMS Driver Champion’s JJ Lehto and Marco Werner will pilot the #1 Audi R8. Past ALMS Driver Champion’s Frank Biela (2003) and Emanuele Pirro (2001) return as teammates for the #2 car.

Assisting Team ADT Champion Racing in their quest for victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans will be six-time Le Mans Champion Tom Kristensen (ALMS Driver Champion in 2002) and 1998 Le Mans Champion Allan McNish (ALMS Driver Champion in 2000). All drivers apart from JJ Lehto are members of the 2005 Audi works driver’s squad, a fact that underlines the importance of the American Le Mans Series for Audi of America. Lehto meanwhile is no stranger to the company and to Team ADT Champion Racing as 2005 marks Lehto’s 3rd year competing for Audi of America and Team ADT Champion Racing.

JJ Lehto (38), born in Espoo, Finland but now resides in Monaco, spent a number of years contesting the Formula One Series before coming to the United States to compete in sports car racing. Since 1999, Lehto has been competing in the American Le Mans Series driving for BMW, Cadillac, and most recently Audi. In last year’s American Le Mans nine-race season, Lehto earned nine podium finishes, six first place finishes, one pole position and a third place podium finish at Le Mans. Lehto also earned his first American Le Mans Series Driver’s Championship.

Marco Werner (38), born in Dortmund, Germany but now resides in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, started racing in 1984 and his career has included success in Formula 3000, touring cars, and GT racing. Werner has two third place podium finishes at Le Mans, the first with the factory Audi team in 2002 and his second with Champion Racing in 2004. Last year in the American Le Mans Series, Werner earned his second consecutive ALMS Driver Championship by achieving one pole position, nine podium finishes, and six first place finishes.

Emanuele Pirro (42), born in Rome, Italy currently residing in Monaco, returns to the American Le Mans Series after a two-year hiatus. Pirro, ALMS Driver Champion in 2001, was the winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2000 and has three consecutive Le Mans victories: 2000, 2001 and 2002. Pirro has teamed up with Champion Racing the last two years for both the 12 Hours of Sebring (two, 2nd place finishes) and Le Mans (two, 3rd place finishes) and spent last year competing for Audi in DTM, the German Touring Car Masters series. This year marks his first season driving for Team ADT Champion Racing in the American Le Mans Series.

Frank Biela (40), born in Neuss, Germany currently residing in Monaco, also returns to the American Le Mans Series after a year in Europe competing for Audi in DTM series. Biela, earned his ALMS Driver Championship in 2003. Past successes include three victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring (2000, 2003, 2004) and three consecutive wins at Le Mans in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Allan McNish (36), born in Dumfries, Great Britain now residing in Monaco, most recently drove for Audi Sport UK in the Le Mans Endurance Series achieving first place finishes at the 1000 km race at Silverstone and at the 1000 km race at Nurburgring. McNish also scored a victory for Audi UK at last year’s 12 Hours of Sebring Race. In McNish’s first and only year of competing in the American Le Mans Series, McNish won the Driver’s Championship in 2000 and also helped Audi to win its first Manufacturer’s Championship. McNish’s illustrious career also includes eight years as an F1 test driver, an F1 driver for Toyota in their inaugural year (2002), and a first place finish at Le Mans in 1998.

Tom Kristensen (37), born in Hobro, Denmark currently residing in Monaco, is a six-time Le Mans winner. His first victory came in 1997 and from 2000 to 2004 Kristensen earned another five wins, four with Audi driving the Audi R8 and one with Bentley in 2003. Kristensen was the American Le Mans Series Driver’s Champion in 2002 and scored a first place finish twice at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1999 and 2000. Last year, Kristensen finished 4th in the DTM Championship.

“Audi of America is very proud to be working again with Champion Racing in 2005,” commented Rod Bymaster, Manager, Audi Sport North America. “The Champion Racing Team has developed into one of the best teams in the world and this year running two Audi R8 cars, they will be even more competitive. We are also fortunate to have a great driver lineup for the ALMS, all are present or past ALMS Champions and they have seven Le Mans wins combined. As for Le Mans, Champion has proven to be very competitive with two third place finishes. However, there is unfinished business and this year we are hoping for a win. The Le Mans trophy has been out of the US for too long."

Founded in 1994 by Dave Maraj, Champion Racing (Pompano Beach, FL) has become a formidable opponent for teams competing in sports car racing. Supported by Audi Sport North America, Team ADT Champion Racing will seek to defend their 2004 American Le Mans Championship title after winning eight times in nine starts (seven by the Lehto/Werner combination). Since scoring its first overall victory in June of 2003, the Florida-based team has recorded 12 overall ALMS race wins from 17 starts.

Audi will achieve another milestone this year as 2005 marks the sixth and final season for the Audi R8, the most successful Le Mans Prototype of all time. Since its debut in Sebring in 2000, the Audi R8 has scored 52 victories from 62 races. In the American Le Mans Series, the prototype has posted 40 LMP900/LMP1 victories, 37 pole positions, the most of any race car in the ALMS history.

Team ADT Champion Racing will compete in North America’s most prestigious and longest running sports car race, the 53rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 16-19 in Sebring, Florida. This inaugural American Le Mans Series race continues to attract the finest and most competitive sports car teams from around the world, 2nd only to the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race in Le Sarthe, France.

For more information on Champion Racing, please visit http://www.championracing.net/. For more information on Audi’s motorsport program, please visit http://www.audiusa.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Grunnah, Audi Sport North America Public Relations (678) 556-0611.

BRIGHTON: Getting ready for ice racing

BRIGHTON, ON – Mark Rinaldi of Brighton Speedway Park reports that track crews are taking advantage of the recent cold snap to flood the 1/3-mile oval in advance of this weekend’s action at the eastern-Ontario oval.

Snowmobiles and Four-Wheelers will take to the track as part of the Brighton Winterfest, on Saturday, January 29. Racing starts at noon.

For more information about the event, visit the track’s website or call (613) 475-1102.