NASCAR.com - Races - Practice Results
Oakville's Ron Fellows was sixth-fastest in the first Busch Series practice session in Mexico... and second-fastest in the second session.
GO RON!!!!
Friday, March 04, 2005
TSN.CA has a story on NASCAR coming to Canada... with comments about CASCAR
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - NASCAR race in Canada?
Interesting story on tsn.ca... includes the following statement at the end:
"NASCAR's first steps into Canada have included strengthening its ties with CASCAR, Canada's NASCAR, and licensing some tracks to run Dodge Weekly series races.
[George] Pyne said NASCAR has made a "strategic alliance" with CASCAR and is evaluating whether to buy out its Canadian counterpart."
Interesting story on tsn.ca... includes the following statement at the end:
"NASCAR's first steps into Canada have included strengthening its ties with CASCAR, Canada's NASCAR, and licensing some tracks to run Dodge Weekly series races.
[George] Pyne said NASCAR has made a "strategic alliance" with CASCAR and is evaluating whether to buy out its Canadian counterpart."
KARTING: New Cameron Motorsports track takes shape
HAMILTON, ON - Cameron Motorsports and MMG Financial are well underway with the newest Ontario karting complex called the Mosport International Karting Complex.
“We are really excited about this new venue for Cameron Motorsports and the Ontario karting community,” said Cameron Motorsports Bob Cameron. The new 14-turn 1.4 km track, which can be re-configured into several different shorter layouts, is located on the outside of Mosport International Raceway’s turn 8.
“Paving will be done in April, or early May depending on weather. The new track should be ready for racing on June 1,” Cameron added. Cameron Motorsports has exclusive karting rights to the new Mosport International Karting Complex and the Driver Development track, and they have entered into an agreement with the Mosport Kart club, which has signed a three year exclusive deal with Cameron to be the host club of new track.
Future plans for the facility call for a fully stocked shop and the other facilities that essentially will make a carbon copy of the impressive Cameron Motorsports Park in Hamilton. “We will have over 40 2-cycle karts (F1-K) that will be available for testing, and there will also be arrive and drive programs, plus corporate programs will be available.” Cameron said of programs for the new facility. Day to day operations of the facility will fall into the hands of Cameron Motorsports operating partners Jean Guy Forget and Wrex Roth.
Cameron Motorsports Fast Facts; Cameron Motorsports is Canada’s largest karting entity. It operates Cameron Motorsports Park in Hamilton, and the Mosport International Karting complex. Cameron Motorsports is the importer and distributor of the F1-K International Formula for Canada.
Cameron Motorsports’ arrive and drive programs have over 2200 members that compete annually. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Cameron Motorsports carries a complete line of karting equipment and services for the karting community. Cameron Motorsports also fields a top flight team in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship and selected US based events. For more information on Cameron Motorsports, visit www.cameronmotorsports.com or call them at 905-679-2122
MMG Financial Fast Facts; MMG Financial, Motorsports Division is involved in karting through equity participation in racing facilities and financing of racing equipment. The Dundas based company also has joint venture agreements with commercial partners in China as well as an import-export division. MMG Financial can be reached at 905-627-8969
Story & Photo courtesy Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)
CASCAR: BROWN BACK IN NAPA/AUTOPRO COLOURS FOR ‘05
BRANTFORD, ON - Doug Brown is anxious to get on with his plans for the 2005 stock car racing season now that his coaching duties with Brantford’s Bantam AAA hockey team are winding down.
The veteran driver spent most of the off-season running from arena to arena leading his OMHA/Alliance League team to the league’s regular season title before losing out to Elgin/Middlesex in the final playoff round. And with his two boys playing at different levels on other touring teams, a lot of the off season car modifications and equipment refreshing has been left up to dad Harold in their Brantford-based race shop.
This season, the team’s familiar Monte Carlos will again be decked out in the familiar bright blue and yellow of their Title Sponsor NAPA/AUTOPRO with Valvoline Canada also returning as a Major Associate Sponsorship/Marketing partner.
“We’re certainly pleased that NAPA/AUTOPRO and Valvoline are again back with us in 2005,” Doug stated with a sigh of relief at the confirmations that were later than usual in coming. “A lot of companies are undergoing changes and some new ones that we are pursuing still don’t fully understand the positive impact the recent NASCAR/CASCAR alliance will have on our Series.”
With plans to run the full 14-race national Super Series schedule, the #10 team is still searching for additional sponsorship/marketing partners to help defray the projected operating costs. A conservative cost to run the entire 14 event (15-race) schedule which includes two major support races to the Molson Indy weekends in Toronto and Montreal, two events in the Maritimes and a trip west for races at Calgary and Vernon is in the $200,000 to $250,000 well above the #10 team’s modest budget.
“It will be a challenge making all events, especially the swing West, but we’re going to give it serious shot provided we can attract some additional partners”, Doug continued when discussing his chances of competing for the Series Championship.
By missing the trip west last year (3 points races) he wound up sixteenth in the overall standings.
“When we look at what we accomplished last season -three top-seven finishes in 10 events throughout Southern Ontario- we feel confident we are a top-ten or better team”, Brown added. “We just have to do better in our qualifying runs and improve our road course skills to be a serious threat in the Championship pursuit ”.
The 2005 CASCAR season begins May 21-22 at London’s Delaware Speedway.
Information on Doug Brown and the marketing benefits available through his involvement in CASCAR racing can be obtained by calling Brown Auto at (519) 752-9531 or by email at brownauto@worldchat.com
Prepared By: Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // Brown Auto Racing
kenneth.spencer@sympatico.ca // (905) 844-7902
The veteran driver spent most of the off-season running from arena to arena leading his OMHA/Alliance League team to the league’s regular season title before losing out to Elgin/Middlesex in the final playoff round. And with his two boys playing at different levels on other touring teams, a lot of the off season car modifications and equipment refreshing has been left up to dad Harold in their Brantford-based race shop.
This season, the team’s familiar Monte Carlos will again be decked out in the familiar bright blue and yellow of their Title Sponsor NAPA/AUTOPRO with Valvoline Canada also returning as a Major Associate Sponsorship/Marketing partner.
“We’re certainly pleased that NAPA/AUTOPRO and Valvoline are again back with us in 2005,” Doug stated with a sigh of relief at the confirmations that were later than usual in coming. “A lot of companies are undergoing changes and some new ones that we are pursuing still don’t fully understand the positive impact the recent NASCAR/CASCAR alliance will have on our Series.”
With plans to run the full 14-race national Super Series schedule, the #10 team is still searching for additional sponsorship/marketing partners to help defray the projected operating costs. A conservative cost to run the entire 14 event (15-race) schedule which includes two major support races to the Molson Indy weekends in Toronto and Montreal, two events in the Maritimes and a trip west for races at Calgary and Vernon is in the $200,000 to $250,000 well above the #10 team’s modest budget.
“It will be a challenge making all events, especially the swing West, but we’re going to give it serious shot provided we can attract some additional partners”, Doug continued when discussing his chances of competing for the Series Championship.
By missing the trip west last year (3 points races) he wound up sixteenth in the overall standings.
“When we look at what we accomplished last season -three top-seven finishes in 10 events throughout Southern Ontario- we feel confident we are a top-ten or better team”, Brown added. “We just have to do better in our qualifying runs and improve our road course skills to be a serious threat in the Championship pursuit ”.
The 2005 CASCAR season begins May 21-22 at London’s Delaware Speedway.
Information on Doug Brown and the marketing benefits available through his involvement in CASCAR racing can be obtained by calling Brown Auto at (519) 752-9531 or by email at brownauto@worldchat.com
Prepared By: Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // Brown Auto Racing
kenneth.spencer@sympatico.ca // (905) 844-7902
Thursday, March 03, 2005
CASCAR: Peterborough doubles up!
By Greg MacPherson
Inside Track Exclusive
PETERBOROUGH, ON – Within days of announcing that Peterborough Speedway will be hosting the 2005 edition of the Don Biederman Memorial OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model Series race, track promoter JP Josiasse announced plans for another historic event at his facility.
On Saturday, August 20, the 1/3-mile, high-banked oval will play host to a pair of CASCAR races; a 100-lap CASCAR Sportsman Series race and a 200-lap CASCAR Super Series race. It will be the first time ever that the two series have competed at the same track on the same day.
“These are two really good races and we think it will be a great show for the fans to have them both at Peterborough Speedway on the same day,” Josiasse told Inside Track.
Until today, Peterborough Speedway did not have a firm date on the 2005 Super Series schedule. The track has hosted a pair of Super Series races in each of the past two seasons, all of which have produced excellent racing and large crowds.
SOS SPRINTS: Spring Meeting
The SOS annual spring meeting will take place on Sunday, March 20th starting at 10:30 am. The meeting will once again be held at the Ohsweken Speedway. All SOS teams, officials, volunteers and members are encouraged to attend.
Please Note: The latest SOS newsletter listed the date as March 19th - this was in error.
Visit http://www.southernontariosprints.com
Please Note: The latest SOS newsletter listed the date as March 19th - this was in error.
Visit http://www.southernontariosprints.com
STOCKS UPDATE: Victory Lane Speedway
By Greg Cybulski
WINNIPEG, MB – With the New Year past and the anticipation of a new racing season on the horizon, so too is the anticipation building in Manitoba for the return of Sprint Car racing to Victory Lane Speedway just south of Winnipeg.
The inaugural "Mid Canada Sprint Car Challenge" featuring the Northern Outlaw Sprint Tour, set for Thursday, July 14th has race fans buzzing. What sets this race event apart from other NOSA Sprint Tour dates is the bonus money incentive package offered to 360 Sprint teams who participate, including the "Prairie Dirt Challenge" which will make for a $1500 payday to the feature winner.
Winnipeg Sprint Car racer Richard Rogers shared his excitement about racing in front of his home town fans. "I've been waiting four years to finally race here. I've been working at the speedway for eight years and have seen the track grow to what it is today. I am very proud to have all the racers come back now and see that we have one of the finest tracks anywhere. I think after this race that Victory Lane Speedway will realize they need to run Sprints again. Winnipeg is the best track around."
The 2004 NOSA racing schedule produced multiple 360 Sprint Car victories over the bigger 410 Sprints in short track competition. Brad Pake of Felton, MN, Jason Linnell of Warren, MN, Greg Nikitenko of Minot, ND, Wade Nygaard of Fargo, ND and Lou Kennedy Jr of Winnipeg, MB all scored wins in NOSA-sanctioned competition using 360 engines. Lou Kennedy Jr's victory came at the $1500-to-win "Inaugural TM&S NOSA vs Wissota/ASCS 360 Sprint Car Challenge" at Estevan Motor Speedway, SK. on August 14th.
An early entrant's list has been established with 13 Sprint Car teams who have verbally agreed to participate in the "Mid Canada Sprint car Challenge" thus far. The teams confirmed are:
#13 Mark Dobmeier, Grand Forks, ND.
#8 Bridgeford (Driver yet to be named)
#X Richard Rogers, Winnipeg, MB.
#1 Chris Shirek, Thompson, ND.
#11 Nick Shirek, Thompson, ND.
#41 Jade Fredrickson, Drayton, ND.
#35 Brendon Wilde, Thief River Falls, MN.
#10tr Bob Martin, East Grand Forks, MN.
#14 Tom Egeland, Climax, MN.
#81 Chris Burke, Grand Forks, ND.
#17 Dave Sobczak, Winnipeg, MB.
#21k Lou Kennedy Jr., Winnipeg, MB.
#K9 Donovan Peterson, Bruce, SD.
NOSA President Dan Shirek issued the following statement on the return of Sprint Car racing to Victory Lane Speedway. "We are very excited and pleased to have reached an agreement to once again bring NOSA back to Victory Lane Speedway.
There has been a lot of continuing efforts on behalf of the Speedway and NOSA, to restore and maintain Sprint Car racing in our north country. We fully intend to build this up to bring NOSA back to Victory Lane Speedway in the future.
With the efforts of everyone involved and the tremendous support from the fans, this will certainly succeed! Come join in the excitement, Thursday, July 14th, 2005 and cheer on your favorite drivers as they battle it out on the track. We look forward to seeing you there!"
For more information about Victory Lane Speedway and the "Mid Canada Sprint Car Challenge" be sure the check out the speedway website at http://www.victorylane.mb.ca and the "Prairie Dirt" website at http://www.racercity.com/members/fanpage/gecwpg
STOCKS: DELAWARE SPEEDWAY, APC / CANUSA ANNOUNCE 2005 PARTNERSHIP
DELAWARE, ON - A.P.C. (Automotive Parts Centres) and CANUSA Automotive Warehousing have confirmed a dynamic, wide-reaching partnership program with Delaware Speedway for 2005.
In addition to returning as title sponsor for the annual Labour Day Weekend CASCAR Super Series event (which will be promoted as the “A.P.C. 300”), the partnership includes another dynamic NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event (June 17th), entitlement sponsorship for what will be known as the “A.P.C. Enduro” division, the fourth-straight season of entitlement sponsorship on the “CANUSA Eliminator” races and support of the track’s Junior Racing League.
“Working with the team from CANUSA and A.P.C. is an incredible privilege,” said Delaware Speedway General Manager Kevin Bulmer. “Not only are CANUSA and A.P.C. supporting our competitors at every level, they have been a top-tier marketing and business partner for Delaware Speedway. They are great people and we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them.”
CANUSA Automotive Warehousing was established in 1981 as an undercar warehouse specializing in “Alternative Branded” exhaust systems and related components. Since then CANUSA has grown into a full-line warehouse distributor offering over 150 different product lines including undercar, underhood, chemicals, equipment and performance-related auto parts. A network of twenty-five enfranchised jobber part stores has been established under the banner Automotive Parts Centres (A.P.C.). A.P.C. stores are located throughout Southwestern and Central Ontario.
"Racing continues to be a core program for CANUSA Automotive through our Motorsports division,” said Steve Drake, Vice President of CANUSA Automotive Warehousing. “Our long association with Delaware Speedway has created a tremendous venue for racing entertainment for our customers, suppliers and the racing public in general. Again this year we are proud to be the lead sponsor for the A.P.C. 300 race on Labour Day weekend."
Delaware Speedway’s 2005 season begins on Saturday, April 23. The first A.P.C. Enduro event is Sunday, April 24. The first CANUSA Eliminator race of the year will start the even on Saturday, April 30. A.P.C. / CANUSA Motorsports Night will take place on June 17, and the A.P.C. 300 will run on Sunday, September 4.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
ALSTAR: STEELBACK BEER TO SPONSOR THE 2005 SHOULDICE ALSTAR FINALE; ‘THE STEELBACK 75’
SHALLOW LAKE, ON – Shouldice Designer Stone ALSTAR Series promoter Joe Chisholm is proud to announce that the 2005 season-ending championship race for the touring ALSTAR Late Model stock car series will have title sponsorship from Steelback Breweries, of Tiverton, Ontario.
The September 3rd race at Sauble Speedway will be called ‘The Steelback 75’ and will determine the overall points champion for the Shouldice ALSTAR Series’ ninth season. Steelback Beer will also be available to race fans at Sauble Speedway throughout the 2005 season, and the brewery will support its presence with a billboard at the popular ¼-mile stock car oval.
“We are honoured that a growing Canadian brewery like Steelback has chosen the Shouldice ALSTAR Series and Sauble Speedway to be their partners in their introduction to stock car racing,” said Chisholm. “Steelback is a premium product that is well on its way to becoming well-known all around Ontario, which is exactly the same way we see the ALSTAR Series right now. I look forward to working with the people at Steelback on ‘The Steelback 75’ to help them realize the benefits of marketing their products through the ALSTAR Series and Canadian motorsports.”
“We’re very excited to announce our sponsorship of ‘The Steelback 75’ at Sauble Speedway,” said Jeremy Ling, of Steelback Brewery. “Stock car fans are famous for their support of the companies that sponsor events and cars. Sponsoring the championship-deciding ALSTAR Series race is a great way to expose our products to Ontario racing fans. The association of Steelback Brewery with ALSTAR stock car action is something we’re looking forward to exploring this season as we research creative and effective ways to market our products.”
Located in Tiverton, Ontario, Steelback Brewery is committed to brewing the highest quality beer, using only premium malted barley and the finest hops, with no additives or preservatives. In addition to ‘Steelback Silver’ and ‘Steelback Red’, the brewery also produces ‘Blue Thunder’, ‘Tiverton Bear Honey Brown’, ‘Tiverton Bear Dark Lager’, ‘Chain’, ‘Link Light’ and ‘Tango’. Steelback’s products are available at Beer Stores across Ontario. For more information about Steelback Brewery, visit www.steelbackbrewery.com.
In other Shouldice ALSTAR Series news, Marty MacDonell will be the series’ new full-time Technical Director. The series starts its ninth season on May 21st at Sauble Speedway. For more information, call the ALSTAR office at (519) 371-7588 or visit www.alstarseries.com or www.saublespeedway.com. Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
TSN and Formula One Extend Agreement Through 2009
TORONTO (March 2, 2005) - TSN today announced it has reached a new five-year deal with Formula One, effective February 2005 through the 2009 season. TSN will televise all races on the F-1 circuit annually, including pre-races and qualifying.
Under terms of the new agreement, TSN will continue to be the official F-1 broadcaster for English Canada. TSN has been televising Formula One since 1989. The previous broadcast deal was for three years.
RDS, Canada's top-rated French-language sports network, has also extended its commitment to F-1 coverage through 2009. RDS will televise all F-1 circuit races annually, including pre-race and qualifying coverage.
TSN will televise all 19 races on the F-1 schedule this season, including the popular Canadian Grand Prix from Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (June 11 and 12) and a new race from Istanbul, Turkey (August 20 and 21).
The 2005 season gets underway this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix - qualifying on Friday, March 4 at 12 midnight ET, followed by the pre-race and race on Saturday, March 5 at 9 p.m. ET.
This season, TSN will once again use the World Feed and augment the feed with ITV commentators. On Saturdays, TSN will televise F-1 qualifying, with Vic Rauter in-studio and Gerald Donaldson on site at the races. On Sundays, Rauter will anchor the F-1 pre-race, which will include key highlights from the second qualifying earlier in the day.
TSN's 2005 Formula One broadcast schedule is as follows:
*March 5 - Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne)
*March 20 - Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang Int'l Circuit, Kuala Lumpur)
*April 3 - Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain)
*April 24 - San Marino Grand Prix (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola)
*May 8 - Spanish Grand Prix (Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona)
*May 22 - Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo Circuit)
*May 29 - European Grand Prix (Nurburgring Circuit, Nurburg)
*June 12 - Canadian Grand Prix (Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, Montreal)
*June 19 - U.S. Grand Prix (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis)
*July 3 - French Grand Prix (Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours)
*July 10 - British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
*July 24 - German Grand Prix (Hockenheimring, Hockenheim)
*July 31 - Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring, Budapest)
*August 21 - Turkish Grand Prix (TBD)
*September 4 - Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
*September 11 - Belgian Grand Prix (Circuit de Spa, Spa-Francorchamps)
*September 25 - Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo)
*October 9 - Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka Int'l Racing Course, Suzuka)
*October 16 - Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
Under terms of the new agreement, TSN will continue to be the official F-1 broadcaster for English Canada. TSN has been televising Formula One since 1989. The previous broadcast deal was for three years.
RDS, Canada's top-rated French-language sports network, has also extended its commitment to F-1 coverage through 2009. RDS will televise all F-1 circuit races annually, including pre-race and qualifying coverage.
TSN will televise all 19 races on the F-1 schedule this season, including the popular Canadian Grand Prix from Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (June 11 and 12) and a new race from Istanbul, Turkey (August 20 and 21).
The 2005 season gets underway this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix - qualifying on Friday, March 4 at 12 midnight ET, followed by the pre-race and race on Saturday, March 5 at 9 p.m. ET.
This season, TSN will once again use the World Feed and augment the feed with ITV commentators. On Saturdays, TSN will televise F-1 qualifying, with Vic Rauter in-studio and Gerald Donaldson on site at the races. On Sundays, Rauter will anchor the F-1 pre-race, which will include key highlights from the second qualifying earlier in the day.
TSN's 2005 Formula One broadcast schedule is as follows:
*March 5 - Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne)
*March 20 - Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang Int'l Circuit, Kuala Lumpur)
*April 3 - Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain)
*April 24 - San Marino Grand Prix (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola)
*May 8 - Spanish Grand Prix (Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona)
*May 22 - Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo Circuit)
*May 29 - European Grand Prix (Nurburgring Circuit, Nurburg)
*June 12 - Canadian Grand Prix (Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, Montreal)
*June 19 - U.S. Grand Prix (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis)
*July 3 - French Grand Prix (Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours)
*July 10 - British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
*July 24 - German Grand Prix (Hockenheimring, Hockenheim)
*July 31 - Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring, Budapest)
*August 21 - Turkish Grand Prix (TBD)
*September 4 - Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
*September 11 - Belgian Grand Prix (Circuit de Spa, Spa-Francorchamps)
*September 25 - Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo)
*October 9 - Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka Int'l Racing Course, Suzuka)
*October 16 - Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
ISSUE TEASER....
Inside Track Art Director Mark Hoffberg has put together a free computer desktop as a bit of a teaser for Volume 9, Issue 1 of Inside Track Motorsport News.
The issue features the new and expanded Canadian road racing and new product section called On the Grid.
Click here to download your own copy. After that, right-click on the image and it will become your new desktop!
The issue features the new and expanded Canadian road racing and new product section called On the Grid.
Click here to download your own copy. After that, right-click on the image and it will become your new desktop!
F1: Minardi gets shaft from Ferrari in Australia
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Minardi may not race in Australia
Interesting story on the TSN website regarding Ferrari denying Minardi the chance to race in Australia with year-old machinery.
Interesting story on the TSN website regarding Ferrari denying Minardi the chance to race in Australia with year-old machinery.
SPRINTS ON DIRT: ENGLER MACHINE & TOOL JOINS SOD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Press Release By Ken Pelkie
HOLT, MI - Sprints On Dirt is proud to announce that Engler Machine and Tool of Princeton, Indiana has joined Sprints On Dirt for the 2005 racing season as a Heat Race Sponsor.
“We at Sprints On Dirt are delighted to have a recognized business the caliber of Engler Machine join our program” stated SOD President Jason Fausey in confirming the affiliation. “We hope that all of our members will utilize their experience and benefit from the years of development Engler Machine has endured”.
The company started in 1980 by Tim Engler initially manufactured plastic injection molds. Over the years Tim has diversified widely leaning more towards “high performance products”. They now build fuel injection systems, custom made pulling chassis, gears, shafts, specialty CNC products, racing engines and perform custom machining.
A long time tractor pulling champion holding thirteen National Titles, Tim no longer pulls himself but remains influential to the success of many other pullers through his advice and building capabilities. He does enjoy racing winged sprint cars today when time allows and uses his on-track time for research and development.
Offering UPS shipping daily, Engler Machine builds custom engines for sprint cars, drag racing, boats, and tractor pulling. They also offer dyno services for small block engine testing and a fuel bench for fuel pump testing.
Having completed many high performance projects, such as CART blocks, Aluminum and Magnesium gear drive covers, and fuel injection throttle bodies to name a few, more information on Engler Machine can be obtained by contacting Tim at www.englermachine.com.
Be sure to keep up with all the latest SOD developments at www.sprintsondirt.com as activities continue to move towards opening day April 30th at Crystal Motor Speedway.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
NASCAR: Fun money site
Russ Bond just turned me onto a site that will show you how much every driver who has ever raced in NASCAR has ever made (purse only). There are a bunch of Canadians on the site if you're willing to dig.
Jeff Gordon has won over $67M in purse money (not counting his salary, endorsements, t-shirt sales, etc.) since 1993.
And I have to laugh at Rusty Wallace. During the Daytona 500, he said he's going to have to adjust his lifestyle after he retires because he won't be making the kind of money he is now. But I don't think there's a need for racing fans to pass the hat for 'ol Rusty just yet.
According the the site, Wallace has earned $43M in purse money since 1980, including about $24M alone since 2000. And if he's ever looking at having to join the soup line, I'm sure he can set up a table and sign autographs for about $5Gs an hour.
Anyway, you can search the names for hours.... thanks Russ!
Drivers - Racing-Reference.com
Jeff Gordon has won over $67M in purse money (not counting his salary, endorsements, t-shirt sales, etc.) since 1993.
And I have to laugh at Rusty Wallace. During the Daytona 500, he said he's going to have to adjust his lifestyle after he retires because he won't be making the kind of money he is now. But I don't think there's a need for racing fans to pass the hat for 'ol Rusty just yet.
According the the site, Wallace has earned $43M in purse money since 1980, including about $24M alone since 2000. And if he's ever looking at having to join the soup line, I'm sure he can set up a table and sign autographs for about $5Gs an hour.
Anyway, you can search the names for hours.... thanks Russ!
Drivers - Racing-Reference.com
KARTING: Daniel Di Leo takes over head management position at Goodwood Kartways
TORONTO, ON – Aspiring race car star Daniel Di Leo has taken over the head management position at Goodwood Kartways.
Located near Stouffville, ON, Di Leo hopes to give back to the karting community and provide solid groundwork for Ontario’s karters. One of Canada’s brightest stars is 100% committed to the task at hand but will also try to continue following his dream to be a motorsports star.
Di Leo will bring renewed energy back to Goodwood Kartways and stresses the management changes will be a positive one. A multi-year agreement with First Kart North America has already been put in place for Goodwood Kartways to carry the First Kart product line and promote it through participation in the Toronto Kart Club (TKC) and Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC).
“It has been a challenging few months,” explained Di Leo in a recent phone interview. “Getting all the deals put in place and working on expansion plans has taken up a lot of time. I am pleased with how things are beginning to unfold, and I am really excited about the future of Goodwood Kartways, and the future of karting in Ontario.
Di Leo will also be putting in place a kart shop program that will be tailored to Goodwood’s customers. Experienced driver coaching and set-up advice will allow Di Leo to provide today’s karter’s with more information then what was available when he was coming up through the ranks. TKC and SRFKC race support will also be available through Goodwood Kartways and First Kart North America.
Discussions are currently under way for expansion at the Goodwood facility. An extension to the current circuit is in the works as well as a second track for strictly rentals that would provide the Ontario racers with more ‘on track time’. A larger kart shop and year round service center is also in the plans.
Goodwood Kartways is currently under going renovations. Track memberships and karting products are available for purchase as well as new and used karting equipment.
Stay tuned for exciting news about Goodwood Kartways and Di Leo’s 2005 racing plans, as many promising deals are in the works and should be finalized shortly.
For more information on Goodwood Kartways and Daniel Di Leo please call (905) 640-KART or visit www.danieldileo.com To set-up interview appointments or for media information please contact Autosports Media at 416-678-4939 or via e-mail at autosportsmedia@earthlink.net
Located near Stouffville, ON, Di Leo hopes to give back to the karting community and provide solid groundwork for Ontario’s karters. One of Canada’s brightest stars is 100% committed to the task at hand but will also try to continue following his dream to be a motorsports star.
Di Leo will bring renewed energy back to Goodwood Kartways and stresses the management changes will be a positive one. A multi-year agreement with First Kart North America has already been put in place for Goodwood Kartways to carry the First Kart product line and promote it through participation in the Toronto Kart Club (TKC) and Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC).
“It has been a challenging few months,” explained Di Leo in a recent phone interview. “Getting all the deals put in place and working on expansion plans has taken up a lot of time. I am pleased with how things are beginning to unfold, and I am really excited about the future of Goodwood Kartways, and the future of karting in Ontario.
Di Leo will also be putting in place a kart shop program that will be tailored to Goodwood’s customers. Experienced driver coaching and set-up advice will allow Di Leo to provide today’s karter’s with more information then what was available when he was coming up through the ranks. TKC and SRFKC race support will also be available through Goodwood Kartways and First Kart North America.
Discussions are currently under way for expansion at the Goodwood facility. An extension to the current circuit is in the works as well as a second track for strictly rentals that would provide the Ontario racers with more ‘on track time’. A larger kart shop and year round service center is also in the plans.
Goodwood Kartways is currently under going renovations. Track memberships and karting products are available for purchase as well as new and used karting equipment.
Stay tuned for exciting news about Goodwood Kartways and Di Leo’s 2005 racing plans, as many promising deals are in the works and should be finalized shortly.
For more information on Goodwood Kartways and Daniel Di Leo please call (905) 640-KART or visit www.danieldileo.com To set-up interview appointments or for media information please contact Autosports Media at 416-678-4939 or via e-mail at autosportsmedia@earthlink.net
Monday, February 28, 2005
Fellows gets off to an early start in 2005
Story by Russ Bond // Photo by Ed Gatner
OAKVILLE, ON – Factory GM Corvette driver, Ron Fellows will kick of his 'day job' a little earlier than usual in 2005. Fellows has signed with Joe Nemechek to drive the #87 Chevy in this weekend's Busch race in Mexico City.
Fellows has three Busch wins to date – all at Watkins Glen – and he is looking for another strong run in Nemechek #87 Chevy.
"I have a pretty stout record in Busch," says Fellows. "Three wins, a second and I think a dnf. This deal is very last minute, and we've had no testing. That being said, I only would do a last minute deal like this with DEI or Nemechek."
Fellows is also planning on a busy Friday with the new rules that impound the cars after qualifying. "Friday we get limited practice and we try to get it set for the race, but we have to qualify with what we have."
Fellows has run part of the park circuit in Mexico before – he was on the pole there for a Trans-Am race in 1991.
You can catch Fellows live as the Busch race is scheduled for live network coverage on Sunday - check your local listings.
Speed Channel will cover qualifying live at 1:00 p.m. Saturday
DIRT: Meet #11 Dan Ferguson - 2005 DIRT Sportsman Rookie
PICTON, ON – The world of DIRT Sportsman racing will see a fresh face in the pit area during the 2005 season. Twenty year old Dan Ferguson of Picton, Ontario Canada will pilot the #11 Sportsman at a variety of tracks throughout Southern Ontario and Upstate New York. The team will compete in a Bicknell chassis purchased from Brockville regular Tim Alton.
This second generation driver may be young but he brings a lifetime of experience to the Sportsman ranks. In 1999, with already three years of experience in karts, Dan made his first attempt at racing a full sized stock car at the tender age of 14 in the Comp 4 division.
As part of an agreement that would allow Ferguson to race at such a young age a stipulation was made that he must start last in each of his first three events in order to gain experience. That wouldn’t hamper this young drivers’ talent though as he would go on to win a feature event that season as well as capture the division championship. Dan remains the youngest driver in Brighton Speedway history to both start and win a race.
Over the following seasons, Ferguson methodically worked his way to Brighton’s top division, the Canadian Modifieds. In 2004 he claimed 4 feature wins and the season championship along with being awarded as the fans favourite driver for the third time in six seasons at the track.
Dan will be leaving his home track in 2005 and will compete at either the Brockville or Thunder Alley Speedpark on Friday nights. The team has also scheduled appearances at Ohsweken, Ransomville, Merrittville, Humberstone, Cayuga County and Rolling Wheels throughout the year.
As Ferguson Racing prepares for the upcoming season many expect this youngster to be competitive out of the box. He has always shown that he has a short learning curve and unmatched enthusiasm when it comes to a new challenge. “I am really excited to get behind the wheel of a sportsman” said Dan. “The car is starting to take shape but some sponsorship help could really make us that much more competitive” he added.
Working together with ImageFactor.ca the team recently unveiled its new web site for the 2005 season. The site contains in-depth information about Dan and his career as well as his 2005 schedule and rookie season diary.
With the beginning of the new season just around the corner Ferguson Racing is busy preparing the car for what should be an educational rookie year. So make sure to watch for the #11 Sportsman this summer at a track near you.
For more information visit Dan Ferguson Online at www.imagefactor.ca/danferguson or by email at fergusonracing2002@hotmail.com
This second generation driver may be young but he brings a lifetime of experience to the Sportsman ranks. In 1999, with already three years of experience in karts, Dan made his first attempt at racing a full sized stock car at the tender age of 14 in the Comp 4 division.
As part of an agreement that would allow Ferguson to race at such a young age a stipulation was made that he must start last in each of his first three events in order to gain experience. That wouldn’t hamper this young drivers’ talent though as he would go on to win a feature event that season as well as capture the division championship. Dan remains the youngest driver in Brighton Speedway history to both start and win a race.
Over the following seasons, Ferguson methodically worked his way to Brighton’s top division, the Canadian Modifieds. In 2004 he claimed 4 feature wins and the season championship along with being awarded as the fans favourite driver for the third time in six seasons at the track.
Dan will be leaving his home track in 2005 and will compete at either the Brockville or Thunder Alley Speedpark on Friday nights. The team has also scheduled appearances at Ohsweken, Ransomville, Merrittville, Humberstone, Cayuga County and Rolling Wheels throughout the year.
As Ferguson Racing prepares for the upcoming season many expect this youngster to be competitive out of the box. He has always shown that he has a short learning curve and unmatched enthusiasm when it comes to a new challenge. “I am really excited to get behind the wheel of a sportsman” said Dan. “The car is starting to take shape but some sponsorship help could really make us that much more competitive” he added.
Working together with ImageFactor.ca the team recently unveiled its new web site for the 2005 season. The site contains in-depth information about Dan and his career as well as his 2005 schedule and rookie season diary.
With the beginning of the new season just around the corner Ferguson Racing is busy preparing the car for what should be an educational rookie year. So make sure to watch for the #11 Sportsman this summer at a track near you.
For more information visit Dan Ferguson Online at www.imagefactor.ca/danferguson or by email at fergusonracing2002@hotmail.com
DELAWARE SPEEDWAY: Wins NASCAR award... Best First Year Track!!!
Congratulations to Delaware Speedway!!!
DELAWARE, ON - Delaware Speedway was recently named “Best First Year Track” by NASCAR. The award was announced as part of the recently completed “Speedweeks” celebrations in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sixty-seven tracks across North America participated in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series in 2004.
“It’s great to be recognized by NASCAR,” said Delaware Speedway General Manager Kevin Bulmer. “The honour is a direct reflection on the race teams, fans, sponsors and staff members who work so hard to produce one of the best weekly racing shows in North America.”
Delaware Speedway began racing as part of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series last year. Along with Autodrome St-Eustache in Quebec, they were the first tracks ever to be sanctioned by NASCAR outside of the United States.
The 2004 championship chase, the track’s first as part of NASCAR, was one of the most exciting in recent memory. The battle came down to the final night, with Scott Lindsay of St. Marys and Steve Robblee of Dorchester within a point of each other for the title. Lindsay won and became the first NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series champion at Delaware Speedway. His season was good enough for fourth overall in NASCAR’s Heartland Region.
“Throughout the 2004 season we had several visits from NASCAR staff members,” Bulmer said. “They all commented that we had ‘something special’ here at Delaware. We’re just so proud of how our competitors represented the track, the province and, really, the whole country in our first year with NASCAR. Years down the road, we’ll probably look back on 2004 as the start of something really exciting.”
Delaware Speedway’s 2005 season begins on Saturday, April 23.
DELAWARE, ON - Delaware Speedway was recently named “Best First Year Track” by NASCAR. The award was announced as part of the recently completed “Speedweeks” celebrations in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sixty-seven tracks across North America participated in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series in 2004.
“It’s great to be recognized by NASCAR,” said Delaware Speedway General Manager Kevin Bulmer. “The honour is a direct reflection on the race teams, fans, sponsors and staff members who work so hard to produce one of the best weekly racing shows in North America.”
Delaware Speedway began racing as part of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series last year. Along with Autodrome St-Eustache in Quebec, they were the first tracks ever to be sanctioned by NASCAR outside of the United States.
The 2004 championship chase, the track’s first as part of NASCAR, was one of the most exciting in recent memory. The battle came down to the final night, with Scott Lindsay of St. Marys and Steve Robblee of Dorchester within a point of each other for the title. Lindsay won and became the first NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series champion at Delaware Speedway. His season was good enough for fourth overall in NASCAR’s Heartland Region.
“Throughout the 2004 season we had several visits from NASCAR staff members,” Bulmer said. “They all commented that we had ‘something special’ here at Delaware. We’re just so proud of how our competitors represented the track, the province and, really, the whole country in our first year with NASCAR. Years down the road, we’ll probably look back on 2004 as the start of something really exciting.”
Delaware Speedway’s 2005 season begins on Saturday, April 23.
BARRIE SPEEDWAY: Mall shows set for March & April
This was on the Barrie Speedway site...
BARRIE, ON - Dates for this year's Barrie Speedway mall show are now set. Once again the track will have shows in both Barrie & Orillia. Drivers interested in participating in either show can call the track @ 705-487-0279.
Orillia Square Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Thurs. March 17 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday March 20 at 5:00 pm. There is only a limited amount of space so for anyone interested a photo must be submitted to ensure that cars are completed and show ready. Cars will be drawn from a pool a week prior to the show and applicants will be posted on internet. Good luck!
Bayfield Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Friday April 1 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday April 10 at 5:00 pm.
BARRIE, ON - Dates for this year's Barrie Speedway mall show are now set. Once again the track will have shows in both Barrie & Orillia. Drivers interested in participating in either show can call the track @ 705-487-0279.
Orillia Square Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Thurs. March 17 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday March 20 at 5:00 pm. There is only a limited amount of space so for anyone interested a photo must be submitted to ensure that cars are completed and show ready. Cars will be drawn from a pool a week prior to the show and applicants will be posted on internet. Good luck!
Bayfield Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Friday April 1 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday April 10 at 5:00 pm.
KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: License Forms for 2005 due now!
Found this note on the Kawartha Speedway site...
FRASERVILLE, ON – Urgent Notice to all Kawartha Speedway competitors. We must receive your license forms as soon as possible.
As of March 1st, numbers for all divisions will be on first come, first serve basis. In order to register your number or preserve your existing number, please return your license forms as soon as possible.
Kawartha Speedway is also trying to put together an aggressive driver-oriented promotional package for the newspaper and radio for the 2005 season. If we don't know you're coming, you and your sponsors will not be included. If you need license forms, please contact the race office at 705 939 8881.
Kawartha Speedway will be at the Performance World show in March. Hope to see you there!
FRASERVILLE, ON – Urgent Notice to all Kawartha Speedway competitors. We must receive your license forms as soon as possible.
As of March 1st, numbers for all divisions will be on first come, first serve basis. In order to register your number or preserve your existing number, please return your license forms as soon as possible.
Kawartha Speedway is also trying to put together an aggressive driver-oriented promotional package for the newspaper and radio for the 2005 season. If we don't know you're coming, you and your sponsors will not be included. If you need license forms, please contact the race office at 705 939 8881.
Kawartha Speedway will be at the Performance World show in March. Hope to see you there!
KARTS: KART START event a grand success
MARKHAM, ON – KART START, Ontario’s largest indoor go-kart show and swap meet was recently held at the Markham Fairgrounds. The event took place on Feb. 5 and drew almost 400 people from Windsor to Montreal.
Hosted by the Mosport Kart Club, this was the second year of what will continue to be an annual event. Maurice Bachand of MSM Motorsports, has been in the sport for many years and thought the area could use such a venue. “It was the only time for buyers to view and compare products all in one location. Never before had these major vendors displayed their products all under one roof!” commented Mr. Bachand. Many private individuals used this unique occasion to offer their used parts and go-karts for sale.
Tina Marie Bachand, KART START Event Planner and Coordinator, credits the day’s success to several factors. “Despite the early morning fog, the brilliant sun later attracted the people. Attendees doubled from last year. Vendors filled the building, doubling their numbers also. The Mosport Kart Club volunteers assisted with the smooth running of the day. Hunger was satisfied as Neil and Charmain Hamill of My Little Pizzeria and Deli sponsored the pizza.”
Go-karting is a family affair. One can begin at 8 years, and there are gentlemen in their 70's. Karting is a great sport for the whole family with many father and son and sibling teams. Girls and women are certainly not excluded! Children (and parents) learn much about engines, clutches, gear ratios, sportsmanship, focused concentration, not to mention the exhilaration of speed in a safer environment than hockey!
Competitiveness is evident – but it is not necessary to spend exorbitant amounts of money to have fun! To promote karting, go-kart clubs were allowed free display tables. Representatives from Mosport, Toronto, Waterloo, Point Pelee, Simcoe and Innisfil answered questions about their unique tracks. More information about each club can be found at their web sites. To book for KART START 2006, contact Tina at maurice@msmmotorsports.com.
Hosted by the Mosport Kart Club, this was the second year of what will continue to be an annual event. Maurice Bachand of MSM Motorsports, has been in the sport for many years and thought the area could use such a venue. “It was the only time for buyers to view and compare products all in one location. Never before had these major vendors displayed their products all under one roof!” commented Mr. Bachand. Many private individuals used this unique occasion to offer their used parts and go-karts for sale.
Tina Marie Bachand, KART START Event Planner and Coordinator, credits the day’s success to several factors. “Despite the early morning fog, the brilliant sun later attracted the people. Attendees doubled from last year. Vendors filled the building, doubling their numbers also. The Mosport Kart Club volunteers assisted with the smooth running of the day. Hunger was satisfied as Neil and Charmain Hamill of My Little Pizzeria and Deli sponsored the pizza.”
Go-karting is a family affair. One can begin at 8 years, and there are gentlemen in their 70's. Karting is a great sport for the whole family with many father and son and sibling teams. Girls and women are certainly not excluded! Children (and parents) learn much about engines, clutches, gear ratios, sportsmanship, focused concentration, not to mention the exhilaration of speed in a safer environment than hockey!
Competitiveness is evident – but it is not necessary to spend exorbitant amounts of money to have fun! To promote karting, go-kart clubs were allowed free display tables. Representatives from Mosport, Toronto, Waterloo, Point Pelee, Simcoe and Innisfil answered questions about their unique tracks. More information about each club can be found at their web sites. To book for KART START 2006, contact Tina at maurice@msmmotorsports.com.
DRAGS: Rudy Held's Performance Centre boosts support for Grand Bend competitors
GRAND BEND, ON – Grand Bend Motorplex is pleased to announce that Rudy Held’s Performance Centre, of New Hamburg, ON is stepping up their program at GBM for 2005.
Already a leading supporter of the facility and its racers as the sponsor of three weekly classes in the GBM ‘Thunder Series’, Rudy Held’s Performance Centre has just inked a deal to become the new series sponsor of the popular Top Sportsman series this season.
“Rudy just blows me away,” said GBM General Manager Ron Biekx. “This is not a huge chain of stores we’re talking about here. This is one outlet with a small group of staff that work very hard to support drag racers in Ontario and to increase that support again this year is truly inspiring.
“It’s easy to say you’re supporting your customer, but I’ve yet to see anyone put their money where their mouth is quite like Rudy Held’s Performance Centre.”
The Rudy Held’s Performance Centre “Double Up Dollars” program will also continue for the Top, Modified and Street E.T. classes at GBM in 2005.
This program rewards competitors who do well in their respective series, while at the same time making purchases at Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. Simply put, qualifying points earners have the chance to double their purse winnings at seasons end, as Rudy Held’s will match their GBM points purse, dollar for dollar.
“With the purchase requirements being removed from the Summit program,” said GBM Chief of Operations Paul Spriet, “there’s absolutely no reason a racer can’t take part in both programs for 2005 and the chances of winning with Rudy’s program are a whole lot better. Especially with the double points season we’re trying this year. That’s twice as many chances to win with Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. I think our racers have a really unique ‘win-win’ program now.”
For more information, visit them on the web at www.rudyhelds.com or call (519) 662-2821.
Already a leading supporter of the facility and its racers as the sponsor of three weekly classes in the GBM ‘Thunder Series’, Rudy Held’s Performance Centre has just inked a deal to become the new series sponsor of the popular Top Sportsman series this season.
“Rudy just blows me away,” said GBM General Manager Ron Biekx. “This is not a huge chain of stores we’re talking about here. This is one outlet with a small group of staff that work very hard to support drag racers in Ontario and to increase that support again this year is truly inspiring.
“It’s easy to say you’re supporting your customer, but I’ve yet to see anyone put their money where their mouth is quite like Rudy Held’s Performance Centre.”
The Rudy Held’s Performance Centre “Double Up Dollars” program will also continue for the Top, Modified and Street E.T. classes at GBM in 2005.
This program rewards competitors who do well in their respective series, while at the same time making purchases at Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. Simply put, qualifying points earners have the chance to double their purse winnings at seasons end, as Rudy Held’s will match their GBM points purse, dollar for dollar.
“With the purchase requirements being removed from the Summit program,” said GBM Chief of Operations Paul Spriet, “there’s absolutely no reason a racer can’t take part in both programs for 2005 and the chances of winning with Rudy’s program are a whole lot better. Especially with the double points season we’re trying this year. That’s twice as many chances to win with Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. I think our racers have a really unique ‘win-win’ program now.”
For more information, visit them on the web at www.rudyhelds.com or call (519) 662-2821.
- From Dwayne Young / RINet / CMSports
STOCKS: New points format for NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - NASCAR has established a new method for determining the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series championship, and has reallocated its annual point fund to provide more awards for more drivers in the series. For the first time in 15 years, a traditional NASCAR championship points system will replace the Competition Performance Index (CPI), which ranked the drivers by a statistical index and was used to determine the series champion each year from 1990-2004.
Beginning in 2005, drivers in each track’s top NASCAR class will be awarded championship points at each race. The driver with the highest total – based on their best 16 finishes of the season – will win a championship in one of NASCAR’s four newly-designated divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III and Division IV. Each division includes a group of randomly-assigned tracks and is not based on geography or types of cars. Point fund awards will be distributed equally to all four divisions. The divisional champion with the highest point total overall will be crowned as the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion.
“This new championship points system marks a new era for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “Since it was founded in 1982, this series has grown to become the premier short track series in North America and this new format will continue to create excitement for teams, tracks, drivers and fans, while ensuring a fair and competitive race for the championship. NASCAR is going to strengthen this series and provide greater support to the true foundation of our sport.”
The divisional and national championships are open to drivers competing in the top class at each NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track – including Late Model Stock Cars, Modifieds, Dirt Modifieds, Dirt Late Models, Late Model Sportsman, Super Late Models, Super Stocks and other styles of cars.
Highlights of the new format include:
Ø A simple points system … Championship points will be awarded as follows: 50 points to the winner of each race, 48 points for second place, 46 points for third place, 44 points for fourth place, and so on. The driver with the highest points total within each division will win that divisional title.
Ø Bonus points for higher car counts … Bonus points will be awarded based on the number of cars competing at each track. Ten bonus points will be awarded per driver, per finish, at each race with between 15-20 cars in the field. Twenty bonus points will be awarded per driver, per finish, at each race with 21 or more cars in the field. If a track has fewer than 15 cars in the field, no bonus points will be awarded in that race.
Ø Drivers can earn points at any NASCAR track … Drivers can collect points toward a NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series divisional or national title at more than one NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track, provided they are competing in the top NASCAR-sanctioned class at that track.
Ø Best 16 finishes decide championships … A driver’s best 16 finishes between January 1-September 18, 2005 will be counted towards the divisional and national championships. There is no minimum or maximum number of races a driver must compete in to be eligible.
In the event of a tie in the point standings, ties will be broken per the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series rule book, which breaks the tie by determining which driver has more victories. If the drivers remain tied after comparing the number of race victories, the number of second-place finishes (and so on) will be compared until the tie is broken.
Ø New point fund format rewards more competitors … NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competitors will continue to receive a championship point fund of nearly $1.7 million – the largest point fund of any short track racing series in North America. The top finishing drivers in each of NASCAR’s four championship divisions will share approximately $150,000 in point fund awards – a total prize offering of nearly $600,000 among the top divisional finishers in the series. The top 10 drivers in the top class at each track will share an additional $8,900 in point fund and contingency sponsor awards.
Drivers in “support” classes will receive greater point fund payouts than ever before. In each track’s second-tier racing division, which includes Street Stocks, Trucks, Sportsman, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and other classes, the top 10 drivers will share $3,000 while drivers in each track’s third-tier, or “Charger” class, will share $2,000 in post-season prize money. NASCAR has discontinued its ShorTrack Division, which provided prizes for second-tier drivers only, in favor of a wider distribution of point fund awards to the top 10 competitors in each of these three classes.
The four championship divisions include the following tracks: *
Division I
Ace Speedway – Altamahaw, N.C.
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway – Scarborough, Maine
Bowman Gray Stadium – Winston-Salem, N.C.
Big Diamond Raceway – Minersville, Pa.
Caraway Speedway – Asheboro, N.C.
Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, Wash.
Greenville-Pickens Speedway – Greenville, S.C.
JAX Raceways – Jacksonville, Fla.
Lakeside Speedway – Kansas City, Kan.
Langley Speedway – Hampton, Va.
Lanier National Speedway – Braselton, Ga.
Lonesome Pine International Raceway – Coeburn, Va.
Motor Mile Speedway – Radford, Va.
Rockford Speedway – Rockford, Ill.
Rocky Mountain Raceways – West Valley City, Utah
South Boston Speedway – South Boston, Va.
Division II
Adams County Speedway – Corning, Iowa
Autodrome St. Eustache – St. Eustache, Quebec, Canada
Concord Motorsport Park – Concord, N.C.
Delaware Speedway – Delaware, Ontario, Canada
Grandview Speedway – Bechtelsville, Pa.
Holland International Speedway – Holland, N.Y.
I-80 Speedway – Greenwood, Neb.
Lee USA Speedway – Lee, N.H.
Lorain Speedway – South Amherst, Ohio
Mesa Marin Raceway – Bakersfield, Calif.
Myrtle Beach Speedway – Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Park Jefferson Speedway – Jefferson, S.D.
San Antonio Speedway – San Antonio, Tex.
Shasta Raceway Park – Anderson, Calif.
Spencer Speedway – Williamson, N.Y.
Stockton 99 Speedway – Stockton, Calif.
Watsonville Speedway – Watsonville, Calif.
Division III
Cajon Speedway – El Cajon, Calif.
Colorado National Speedway – Erie, Colo.
Columbus Motor Speedway – Columbus, Ohio
Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway – Dubuque, Iowa
Hickory Motor Speedway – Hickory, N.C.
Kalamazoo Speedway – Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kil Kare Speedway – Xenia, Ohio
LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway – LaCrosse, Wis.
Lake Erie Speedway – North East, Pa.
Magic Valley Speedway – Twin Falls, Idaho
Old Dominion Speedway – Manassas, Va.
Peoria Speedway – Peoria, Ill.
Riverhead Raceway – Riverhead, N.Y.
Seekonk Speedway – Seekonk, Mass.
The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nev.
Division IV
Elko Speedway – Elko, Minn.
Farley Speedway – Farley, Iowa
Irwindale Speedway – Irwindale, Calif.
Jennerstown Speedway – Jennerstown, Pa.
Monadnock Speedway – Winchester, N.H.
Motordrome Speedway – Smithton, Pa.
Music City Motorplex – Nashville, Tenn.
Oglethorpe Speedway Park – Savannah, Ga.
Raceway Park – Shakopee, Minn.
Stafford Motor Speedway – Stafford Springs, Conn.
Star Speedway – Epping, N.H.
Thompson International Speedway – Thompson, Conn.
Tucson Raceway Park – Tucson, Ariz.
Twin State Speedway – Claremont, N.H.
Wall Township Speedway – Wall Township, N.J.
Waterford Speedbowl – Waterford, Conn.
* Divisional alignment as of 2/13/05
Sunday, February 27, 2005
NHRA: SCHUMACHER, FORCE AND JOHNSON WIN
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Defending NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher raced to victory Sunday at the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix.
John Force and Allen Johnson also were winners at the $1.8 million race, the second of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Schumacher earned his 22nd career Top Fuel victory and third at FIR by posting a final round performance of 4.485 seconds at 329.50 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to defeat upstart Morgan Lucas, whose Lucas Oil dragster lost power past mid-track and recorded a 4.967 at 207.53.
Schumacher drove his consistently quick dragster to early round wins over Bruce Litton, Cory McClenathan and Brandon Bernstein before racing past Lucas in the final-round.
"It's so cool to drive a car for the best Top Fuel team I've ever seen, from either the inside or across the pit with someone else," said Schumacher, who regained the series points lead with the victory. "Alan (Johnson, crew chief) is at a level that's better than anything he's ever done before. The car is perfect.”
It was the third runner-up finish for Lucas, who has been to three finals in 10 career Top Fuel starts.
"I feel a little sorry for Morgan,” Schumacher said. “I know what that's like. I went to nine finals before I won so I know you start thinking things like, 'What do I need to do to win one of these things?' He'll get his. That's a great car and he's a good driver."
Defending series champ Force earned his 115th Funny Car victory by powering to a 4.802 second run at 344.12 mph in his Castrol GTX Start Up Ford Mustang to hold off Ron Capps, who drove his Brut Dodge Stratus to a 4.856 at 321.27 in his first final round appearance since 2003.
It was Force’s eighth victory at FIR, the most by any NHRA driver.
“We love coming to Arizona,” Force said. “This was a good win. We were running 4.60s last year like magic and went to Pomona two weeks ago and got overconfident and stopped reading the track and started running on ego. (Austin) Coil (crew chief) told me we were going to fix it this weekend and we did.”
Force, who increased his head-to-head record against Capps to 34-7 with the victory (7-2 in final round meetings), was happy to renew his rivalry with his old friend.
"I'm glad to see Capps back in the mix because he's been down for awhile," Force said. "I gave him a big ol' kiss down there because I was happy for him. He said, 'What's that?' and I told him it was that cologne he's wearing, I couldn't resist. He's running good now and that's another car to worry about.”
Capps, whose last victory came at Phoenix in 2003, was pleased to be back in a final round after enduring his worst season ever in ‘04.
“We were close,” Capps said. “It’s disappointing because we wanted to get Brut and Dodge a win. To come out on the losing end hurts a little bit, but it’s OK. We made huge, huge gains. I’m really excited about going to the next race in Gainesville (Fla.).”
Semifinalist Phil Burkart, who upset Cruz Pedregon in the first round and defeated Whit Bazemore in the second, claimed the series points lead in Funny Car for the first time in his career.
“It’s not like we need any extra motivation, but it made a chill run down my back to hear that,” said Burkart, who was runner-up at the season-opener in Pomona, Calif. “We know it’s only the second race of a 23-race season, and we have the mindset that we’ll probably have to win at Gainesville to keep the top spot, so we’ll go down there and try to do that. For the next couple of weeks I’m going to be looking closely at the newspaper in the hope they run the standings. It’s going to be an honor to see my name at the top.”
Johnson scored his third career victory and first since 2002 by beating Ron Krisher in the final round. Johnson, who moved into the series points lead for the first time in his career with the win, covered the distance in 6.801 at 202.36 in his J&J Racing Team Mopar Dodge Stratus, while Krisher trailed in his Valvoline Chevy Cavalier, clocking a 6.887 at 190.65.
"I think the parity is back in Pro Stock," Johnson said. "We've been dominated by Greg (Anderson) for the last two years so the rest of us are pretty anxious to get some wins ourselves. He's been two or three hundredths ahead of everyone, but I don't think there were many races today decided by more than a thousandth of-a-second. We'll probably see 12 to 14 winners this year like we did in 2002.”
Johnson defeated V. Gaines, Jason Line and Jeg Coughlin to advance to the final round. It was the first Pro Stock win for Dodge since 2002 (Larry Morgan, Sonoma, Calif.).
"This was a big win for our program and for Mopar,” Johnson added. “It's been awhile since Mopar has won a race in Pro Stock so it's nice to put them back in the winner's circle.”
John Force and Allen Johnson also were winners at the $1.8 million race, the second of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Schumacher earned his 22nd career Top Fuel victory and third at FIR by posting a final round performance of 4.485 seconds at 329.50 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to defeat upstart Morgan Lucas, whose Lucas Oil dragster lost power past mid-track and recorded a 4.967 at 207.53.
Schumacher drove his consistently quick dragster to early round wins over Bruce Litton, Cory McClenathan and Brandon Bernstein before racing past Lucas in the final-round.
"It's so cool to drive a car for the best Top Fuel team I've ever seen, from either the inside or across the pit with someone else," said Schumacher, who regained the series points lead with the victory. "Alan (Johnson, crew chief) is at a level that's better than anything he's ever done before. The car is perfect.”
It was the third runner-up finish for Lucas, who has been to three finals in 10 career Top Fuel starts.
"I feel a little sorry for Morgan,” Schumacher said. “I know what that's like. I went to nine finals before I won so I know you start thinking things like, 'What do I need to do to win one of these things?' He'll get his. That's a great car and he's a good driver."
Defending series champ Force earned his 115th Funny Car victory by powering to a 4.802 second run at 344.12 mph in his Castrol GTX Start Up Ford Mustang to hold off Ron Capps, who drove his Brut Dodge Stratus to a 4.856 at 321.27 in his first final round appearance since 2003.
It was Force’s eighth victory at FIR, the most by any NHRA driver.
“We love coming to Arizona,” Force said. “This was a good win. We were running 4.60s last year like magic and went to Pomona two weeks ago and got overconfident and stopped reading the track and started running on ego. (Austin) Coil (crew chief) told me we were going to fix it this weekend and we did.”
Force, who increased his head-to-head record against Capps to 34-7 with the victory (7-2 in final round meetings), was happy to renew his rivalry with his old friend.
"I'm glad to see Capps back in the mix because he's been down for awhile," Force said. "I gave him a big ol' kiss down there because I was happy for him. He said, 'What's that?' and I told him it was that cologne he's wearing, I couldn't resist. He's running good now and that's another car to worry about.”
Capps, whose last victory came at Phoenix in 2003, was pleased to be back in a final round after enduring his worst season ever in ‘04.
“We were close,” Capps said. “It’s disappointing because we wanted to get Brut and Dodge a win. To come out on the losing end hurts a little bit, but it’s OK. We made huge, huge gains. I’m really excited about going to the next race in Gainesville (Fla.).”
Semifinalist Phil Burkart, who upset Cruz Pedregon in the first round and defeated Whit Bazemore in the second, claimed the series points lead in Funny Car for the first time in his career.
“It’s not like we need any extra motivation, but it made a chill run down my back to hear that,” said Burkart, who was runner-up at the season-opener in Pomona, Calif. “We know it’s only the second race of a 23-race season, and we have the mindset that we’ll probably have to win at Gainesville to keep the top spot, so we’ll go down there and try to do that. For the next couple of weeks I’m going to be looking closely at the newspaper in the hope they run the standings. It’s going to be an honor to see my name at the top.”
Johnson scored his third career victory and first since 2002 by beating Ron Krisher in the final round. Johnson, who moved into the series points lead for the first time in his career with the win, covered the distance in 6.801 at 202.36 in his J&J Racing Team Mopar Dodge Stratus, while Krisher trailed in his Valvoline Chevy Cavalier, clocking a 6.887 at 190.65.
"I think the parity is back in Pro Stock," Johnson said. "We've been dominated by Greg (Anderson) for the last two years so the rest of us are pretty anxious to get some wins ourselves. He's been two or three hundredths ahead of everyone, but I don't think there were many races today decided by more than a thousandth of-a-second. We'll probably see 12 to 14 winners this year like we did in 2002.”
Johnson defeated V. Gaines, Jason Line and Jeg Coughlin to advance to the final round. It was the first Pro Stock win for Dodge since 2002 (Larry Morgan, Sonoma, Calif.).
"This was a big win for our program and for Mopar,” Johnson added. “It's been awhile since Mopar has won a race in Pro Stock so it's nice to put them back in the winner's circle.”
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