DIRT: Super DIRT Series sked released

By DIRT MotorSports PR

WEEDSPORT, N.Y. – Among the most highly anticipated announcements made during the entire off-season, DIRT MotorSports officials recently confirmed the 2005 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series schedule.

The Advance Auto Parts SDS remains a major component of the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Modified Championship, which continues to be recognized as one of the most prestigious titles a driver can hold in auto racing today.

"We've put together another great schedule this year with the addition of some new tracks," said Bobby Hartslief, DIRT MotorSports' Chief Operating Officer. "We're mixing in these new markets with our traditional stops enabling more fans around the Northeast the chance to be a part of the big show."

The 2005 edition of this 30 year-old championship run will be contested at 16 tracks throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and North Carolina, along with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Twenty-five scheduled Advance Auto Parts SDS events will once again carry valuable points with each race counting directly towards the coveted crown. [Please visit www.dirtmotorsports.com and click on the Advance Auto Series logo to view the complete 2005 Modified tour schedule]

The Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series kicks off on March 26 with a trip to Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway before the region's top traveling teams venture to Central New York for the 25th DIRT Challenge Cup at Rolling Wheels Raceway on May 1. The first holiday week opens with the return of big-block racing to Lowe's (May 25) and Delaware (May 26) before closing with the 14th DIRT Hall of Fame Classic at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on May 29 of Memorial Day Weekend.

Along with the renewal of trips to Lernerville (Pa.), New Egypt (N.J.), Tri-City (Pa.) and Williams Grove (Pa.) speedways, traditional stops closer to DIRT NorthEast's homebase are made in New York and Canada before the champion is crowned during the inaugural running of Atlantic Coast Championship Weekend, Oct. 21-23, at Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway.

After a 21-year absence from the DIRT tour, Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.) Speedway will host a 100-lap Advance Auto SDS event on June 28. In the 1984 'Super Shoot-Out' at Albany-Saratoga, Merv Treichler, Kenny Tremont and Jimmy Horton won 50-lap feature races while Horton collected first-place points for being the best overall finisher.

Under the promotion of Vince Vicari, big-block DIRT Modified action returns to Williams Grove for the first time since 1992 and following it's recent acquisition by DIRT MotorSports, Lernerville has secured a Super DIRT Series date after waiting seven years. Brett Hearn won the last event staged at 'The Grove' while Danny Johnson captured Lernerville's checkered flag in 1998.

Other additions to the 2005 big-block agenda include returns visits to Fulton Speedway (first time since 2000), Brewerton (2001), Tri-City (2002) and New Egypt (2003), which is slated to host three events during the upcoming oval-track campaign.

Points earned in the season-long Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series will once again account for the bulk of the points issued to determine the overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRT Champion. A new twist in 2005 is that only the best five feature finishes from a driver's hometrack will be figured into the overall total instead of hometrack bonus points that were awarded in the past.

Time Trials will lead off every extra-distance big-block event, with the two-fastest joining the top heat race qualifiers in a special pre-race redraw to determine feature starting positions.

Drivers eligible to use provisional starting positions are only those members of the inaugural 'Elite 11' --- a select group of big-block stars that recently reached an agreement to compete in every SDS event.

The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels and DART Machinery. Promotional Partners include AMB i.t., RACEceiver and Zippo Lighters and the contingency sponsors are Bilstein Shocks, Dynomax, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.

2005 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS MODIFIED SUPER DIRT SERIES

Day-Date Track (Laps) Location
Mon-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park (30L-NP)......................Barberville, FL
Tue-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park (30L-NP)......................Barberville, FL
Wed-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park (30L-NP)......................Barberville, FL
Fri-Feb 18 Volusia Speedway Park (50L-NP)......................Barberville, FL
Sat-Mar 26 Hagerstown Speedway (100L)...........................Hagerstown, MD
Sun-May 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway (100L)........................Elbridge, NY
Wed-May 25 Lowe's Motor Speedway (50L)...........................Concord, NC
Thr-May 26 Delaware Int'l Speedway (100L).........................Delmar, DE
Sun-May 29 Cayuga County Fair Speedway (100L)..............Weedsport, NY
Tue-Jun 14 Lernerville Speedway (100L).............................Sarver, PA
Wed-Jun 22 New Egypt Speedway (100L).............................New Egypt, NJ
Tue-Jun 28 Albany-Saratoga Speedway (100L)....................Malta, NY
Mon-Jul 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway (100L)........................Elbridge, NY
Thr-Jul 7 Lebanon Valley Speedway (100L).....................West Lebanon, NY
Sun-Jul 10 Cornwall Motor Speedway (100L)......................Cornwall, ONT
Mon-Jul 11 Autodrome Drummond (100L)...........................Drummondville, QUE
Sun-Jul 31 Tri-City Speedway (100L)..................................Franklin, PA
Thr-Aug 11 Canandaigua Speedway (100L)........................Canandaigua, NY
Wed-Aug 24 New Egypt Speedway (100L)............................New Egypt, NJ
Wed-Aug 31 Brewerton Speedway (100L).............................Brewerton, NY
Sun-Sep 4 Cayuga County Fair Speedway (100L).............Weedsport, NY
Mon-Sep 5 Rolling Wheels Raceway (100L).......................Elbridge, NY
Sat-Sep 10 Lebanon Valley Speedway (200L)....................West Lebanon, NY
Sun-Sep 18 Rolling Wheels Raceway (200L).......................Elbridge, NY
Sat-Sep 24 New Egypt Speedway (100L)............................New Egypt, NJ
Sat-Oct 1 Fulton Speedway (200L)...................................Fulton, NY
Sun-Oct 9 New York State Fairgrounds (200L)..................Syracuse, NY
Sun-Oct 16 Williams Grove Speedway (100L) ....................Mechanicsburg, PA
Sun-Oct 23 Bridgeport Speedway (200L) ............................Bridgeport, NJ
*NP = Non-Point event.

F1: Villeneuve 'slams' his tires for poor showing in Aussie opener

During his BAR Honda days, we had a running joke in the office. After each F1 race, Jacques Villeneuve would "slam" some person or thing. Nothing was ever his fault.

The headline on the web pages always went something like: "Villeneuve slams Button", "Villeneuve slams Richards", "Villeneuve slams Honda engines"... you get the idea.

Anyway, it's started again. The TSN article listed below shows that our boy JV hasn't lost the touch. Apparently, the blame for his lame showing in Australia was due to the tires.

So... without further delay... TSN presents: "Villeneuve slams his tires!"....

TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader: "Jacques Villeneuve says bad tires did him in at the season opening Australian Grand Prix. "

TSN.ca - Tagliani set to be bounced from Rocketsports?

If you needed any more proof that Champ Car is turning into a 'pay to race' series, look no further than what's reportedly happening to Alex Tagliani.

According to a report by TSN, the Canadian veteran might find himself out of a ride with Rocketsports because F1 test driver Timo Glock has $4 million burning a hole in his pocket and he's looking for a ride...

TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader: "Alex Tagliani should know by the end of this weekend where he will call home for the 2005 Champ Car season.

After announcing last fall that he had come to a verbal agreement with Rocketsports owner Paul Gentilozzi on a new three year deal, reports of late indicate the Canadian's position with the team is not as secure as first thought."

PERFORMANCE WORLD SHOW: Starts Today

It's a cold and snowy weekend in March... and that can only mean one thing... it's time for the Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show (Truck Show ???) at the International Centre near Pearson Airport. Below is a press release from the show, with all the details.

As usual, Inside Track will be there with a booth. Please stop by and say 'hi'. We'll be handing out schedules and renewing subscriptions. We'll also have the new issue there, hot off the press. It's been in the mail since Monday and we hope it's arrived in your mailbox by today... but if it hasn't, we'll make sure you see one at the booth.
... Greg.


TORONTO, ON – The growing trend of customizing vehicles to look and act as individually as the people who drive them has been brought to the forefront with the increasing popularity of car shows like Pimp My Ride and Overhauling, among others.

For the latest and most comprehensive information on the custom market no true car enthusiast can afford to miss the 2005 Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show. The hardcore show for car enthusiasts takes first pole position at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road) from March 11-13, 2005 with custom cars and trucks competing for $50,000 in cash and awards. The event promises more than 600 top show cars and trucks and over 250 exhibitors, covering 350,000 square feet.

A special feature of this year’s Performance World Show is actor, “father of the T-Bucket” and creator of the skull shifter, Norm Grabowski. In 1955, Norm’s Kookie hot rod became a highlight of the hit TV program 77 Sunset Strip, launching him into an acting career in which he appeared in many movies and television shows during the ‘50s and ’60. Norm is bringing his second generation of vehicle, the Kookie II to Performance World. Kookie II has the largest hot rod exhaust pipes in the world at almost 8inch DIA with a custom air curl system and computer sensors that sending air and fuel information to the three onboard computers that monitor the blown 530 Cadillac engine.

The hand carved dash and steering wheel, the Corvette Red leather interior and all the handles, latches, and knobs are of Norm's designs. Rounding off the interior is an over the wind shield trademark skull head shifter.
Also featured at this year’s Show are custom car builders Posies, David Tucci, Kevin Care, Mike Terzich, Jimmy Varcalli, Ken Matsko, Fran Speer and Kickers Nash, all appearing with their latest creations.

Other vehicles of note include: the 50th anniversary Chevy and T-Bird; Coupville, a celebration of Coupes from the ‘20s, 30’s and 40’s; and the "OCC" Signature Series Chopper, signed by Paul Sr. and Paulie Jr. Other not-to-miss highlights include: Title Sponsor, Concepts On Wheels’ massive 20,000 square foot blow out sale, with up to 80% off on all name brand car and video products; Tammy Plante, Playboy’s Cover Model for the College Issue; Linda Jade, Import Super Model; the Miss Audiothunder Bikini Contest; and the Budweiser Talent Search Bikini Contest.

INSIDE TRACK: Smokin' Package Deals on Hero Cards, 'Thank your Sponsor' ads & Subscriptions

Click here to download a larger version of the ad....

For just $247, you can get a 1/4-page ad in Inside Track Motorsport News... as well as 6 FREE ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS to the magazine, that you can have directed to your sponsors or team members.

We also offer packages that will get you even more 'THANK YOUR SPONSORS' ad space in the magazine... as well as professionally designed and produced HERO CARDS and SUBSCRIPTIONS.

For example, $657 will get you a 1/2-page ad in ITMN, 1000 full-colour hero cards, and 6 one-year subscriptions. A small investment like this will put a smile on your sponsors' faces... thereby increasing your chances to get him back on the car next year!

The price of the Ads alone makes it an incredibly affordable way to differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack in the competitive sponsor-hunting market. Throw in the Hero Cards and the Subscriptions and it's a no-brainer.

Think about your sponsor reading about you, all year round, in the only magazine that covers grassroots Canadian motorsports.

And then think about the added exposure you and your sponsors will get when you're handing out your beautiful Hero Cards at your next Mall Show or pre-race autograph session. The topper will be your ad in Inside Track - in an issue of your choosing - thanking your sponsors for their support of your racing efforts. All for a low-ball, turn-key price.

It's an investment in your racing future that you can't afford not to make!

If you're interested in one of these packages, please contact Amanda Connolly and she will be glad to help you. And as always, we'll be at the Performance World Show, so please stop by and say 'hi'.

It's the little things...

Proof positive that companies are going farther and farther in trying to captalize on their huge financial investments when it comes to racecar sponsorships.

At today's launch of the Playstation Team Oreca Audi R8, beyond providing a very attractive paint scheme, the idea to shape the driver flags like Playstation controllers is nothing short of sheer brilliance. - MarkA

Great article on the links between racing cars and your street car

From marketing to the technology that goes into them, racing has a big impact on what ends up on car dealers' lots... the article below is on MSN Autos...

News and Advice Article - MSN Autos: "It doesn't matter if you love car racing or hate it. Chances are, many parts of your new car have been influenced or even engineered with the help of racing.
From the aerodynamic details in the 2006 Dodge Charger to an intake valve in the V8 of the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and the Tiptronic transmission in the 2005 Audi TT Coupe, automotive design, development and components are pushed along, in part, by the competitive spirit of racing.
Even today, when roads are increasingly congested and speed limits put a damper on real-world performance driving, racing remains firmly entrenched in the auto industry as both a laboratory for innovation and a powerful marketing tool. "

GRAND-AM CUP: Multimatic heads to Santo Domingo

MARKHAM, ON – Multimatic Motorsports is looking to build upon the stunning Daytona race debut of the Ford Racing Mustang FR500C when the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship travels to the Dominican Republic for the first time this weekend.

Thirty-Six Grand Sport class entries will do battle at the Las Americas Autodromo for the Miller Grand-Am Cup 200 - the first ever race for the class on the Caribean island.

Explored and claimed by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492, the Dominican Replublic accounts for the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti.

Scott Maxwell and David Empringham finished 2nd on debut at Daytona for the Ford factory-backed Multimatic Motorsports squad while the customer entry of Ian James and Tom Nastasi taking the race win for the Mustang FR500C.

The Canadian duo will again be joined this week by team-mates Gunnar Jeannette and James Gue who finished 9th in the opening round after being delayed by a long pit stop.

"Our target this weekend is to grab a solid points finish. Of all the tracks we are going to run at this year, Santo Domingo is probably the one which will be the biggest challenge for us because it is very tight," Multimatic Vice President and team Technincal Director, Larry Holt said.

"The car was great at Daytona and I am sure the Mustang FR500C will excel at places like Mosport, Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca. With continued development over the course of the year we are certainly aiming to challenge very strongly for the championship."

Ford Racing Technology embarked on this program to return the Mustang to the race track, and unveiled the new Mustang FR500C racer at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association Show in Las Vegas in November last year. Ford Racing worked closely with Multimatic on the design, development, and build of the race car to Grand-Am specification.

Ford Racing Performance Parts will offer the Mustang FR500C in Grand-Am Cup specification, as well as all the racing components necessary for race team support and for those enthusiasts interested in enhancing their own Mustangs.

In conjunction with the debut season of the new Mustang FR500C, Multimatic Motorsports has launched a new web site to commemorate the return to the track by the Ford muscle-car. The site is located at www.multimaticmotorsports.com/mustang/ and features driver profiles, race news, photo galleries and Multimatic Motorsports and Mustang history.

SCOTT MAXWELL

"The track does look a little short and tight so it probably won't suit our car as well as Daytona did."Power and straight line speed are our key features so this place may work against us a little but you never know how things are going to turn out."I can see there is going to be a bit of bump and grind over the weekend and we could end up with a few battle scars."But whatever happens, David and I will be out to do our best and hopefully further improve our position in the championship after a strong start at Daytona."

DAVID EMPRINGHAM

"Our vision is certainly to win the championship so we will be out to grab as many points as we can this weekend."I doubt we will be as strong here, but we will certainly be out to win it."It is certainly not a horsepower track and I think the BMW will be very tough here, but Scott and I will give it our best shot."I am excited to be in the championship hunt and our plan will be to ensure we can build on our season before we head to the West coast for Fontana and Laguna Seca.."

FURTHER INFORMATION: Paul Ryan +44 7713 264 024 • +1 678 644 0404 EMAIL: pryan@multimatic.com WEBSITE: www.multimaticmotorsports.com/mustang

IMSA - Pacific Coast Motorsports to field C5-R at Sebring

Looks like David Empringham will get a speedy ride in what looks to be a hugely competitive GT1-class for the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring in a week or so. Looks like Menards have a new place to advertise beyond just the NASCAR Busch Series as well. ...MarkA



IMSA - Pacific Coast Motorsports to Field Corvette in ALMS with Menards Sponsorship

Santa Barbara, Calif.– Pacific Coast Motorsports ("PCM"), the 2004 Toyota Atlantic champions, announced today that commencing with the 2005 race season the team will field a Corvette C5-R full-time in the GT1 category of the American Le Mans Series ("ALMS") with primary sponsorship from home improvement retailer Menards. The first outing for the PCM Menards Corvette will come at the historic and prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring on March 19, 2005.

MIS: Good news for a good guy

Not many of you would have had the pleasure of dealing with Bill Janitz of Michigan Int'l Speedway, but he is both capable and friendly, which can be hard to find. Bill does a great job and it's nice to see him getting ahead in the business. Good luck to Bill in his new capacity as Director of PR at Michingan Int'l Speedway! ... greg.

BILL JANITZ NAMED MIS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

BROOKLYN, MI - Bill Janitz has been named Director of Public Relations for Michigan International Speedway, track president Brett Shelton announced today. Janitz, who has been a member of the MIS public relations department since 2001, will assume his new duties immediately.

A native of Brooklyn, MI, Janitz is a 2000 graduate of Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.

“We are excited to have Bill advance in his career as our Director of Public Relations,” said Shelton. “I look forward to having him lead our public and media relations efforts for years to come.”

Janitz will oversee media and public relations for the state’s largest sporting facility after serving as MIS Public Relations Manager from June 2001-November 2002 and Public Relations/News Manager from November 2002- February 2005. In those positions, Janitz handled an array of duties including media relations, writing press releases, pre and post-race activities, maintaining content on the MIS official website and credentialing.

“I am proud to be able to serve as Director of Public Relations at a facility with so much NASCAR and open-wheel history right here in my backyard,” said Janitz. “Ever since I attended my first race here when I was six-years old, my fondest memories of attending sporting events were here at MIS each summer. The history and people involved continue to make MIS a great sporting facility.”

“With the exciting renovation project and the enhancement in our race weekend schedules, there couldn’t be a more thrilling time to be working at a facility with such a bright future. I also look forward to continuing my relationships with the local, regional and national media, along with many other friends in the racing industry for years to come.”

Tickets to all 2005 events at MIS are on sale now, including the season-opening Father’s Day weekend, which features exciting enhancements to the weekend schedule, including the ARCA RE/MAX Series Hantz Group 200 on June 17, the MIS June debut of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on June 18 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on June 19. Tickets can be purchased by logging on to www.MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.

OSCAAR: New partnership with CHAY-FM

OSCAAR is proud to announce a new partnership with a member of the Corus Entertainment family group of radio stations, The New CHAY 93.1 FM, located in South Central Ontario.

With the 2005 racing season just around the corner, this partnership comes at an ideal time. “OSCAAR believes that promotion and advertising are key components to its future growth and success” according to Kim Mahony, OSCAAR Vice-President.

“I am very excited about OSCAAR’s association with The New CHAY, and the promotion possibilities that exist. Our initial meetings have been very productive and encouraging. Frank Allinson and his staff have been a pleasure to deal with,” Kim continued.

“We are delighted to be the Official Radio Station of OSCAAR”, commented Frank Allinson, the Retail Sales Manager of The New CHAY 93.1 FM. “While every OSCAAR fan may not be a CHAY listener, we believe that there are many potential new listeners that attend OSCAAR events, and through association and support of the racing series, we will be able to expose The New CHAY to many new faces”, Allinson continued.

“The broadcasting coverage area of The New CHAY 93.1 FM will play a key role in the promotion of our 2005 schedule, given that all of the race tracks which support our events are encompassed in CHAY’s broadcasting range,” said Kim Mahony. The New CHAY caters to listeners from Georgian Bay to Peterborough and Toronto to north of Huntsville.

The New CHAY 93.1 FM will promote and advertise all OSCAAR events in 2005. Race fans will be able to hear the latest OSCAAR news when tuning into 93.1 as well as race results on the stations Monday morning sports broadcasts.

The New CHAY 93.1 FM provides “true variety” playing a blend of music featuring hits from the past three decades as well as current hits while including a strong contingent of information programming. The New CHAY believes in accountability to its listeners, and is committed to the highest standard of broadcasting.

The New CHAY typically caters to families, professionals, business owners, travelers, boaters, campers, cottagers and now OSCAAR Super Late Model race fans. To learn more about The New CHAY visit www.thenewchay.com and turn your FM dial to 93.1!

CENTRE FOR SPEED: No races this weekend

SHEDIAC, NB - The Centre for Speed, located in Shediac, would like to inform the public that the Atlantic Snow and Ice Racing Championships, previously postponed to March 12, have been cancelled due to weather.

Not a racing issue.... but probably of interest to most

I just heard an interview on the radio and thought I'd pass this link along. The gentleman at the link below is starting a class-action lawsuit to win back money from Canadian cellphone customers who have been burned by bogus charges over the years.

Cellular Class Action: "Class action lawyer Tony Merchant, Q.C. launched lawsuits in August 2004 against all of Canada's Cellular Providers challenging the legitimacy of system access fees, system licensing charges, system admin fees, and similarly described surcharges, charged to cellular accounts, normally in the amount of $6.95 per month. We intend to establish that Canadians were generally misled to believe that access fees were collected as a government tax or CRTC levy."

CASCAR: MID AMERICA MOTORSPORTS NEWS

The Ancaster, Ontario Shop for Mid America Motorsports has been a busy place during the winter months for Team President Dave Didero and company.

Plans are coming together for what will be a hectic but very stimulating racing program for 2005 in the CASCAR Super Series. “This year I want to devote myself full-time to racing” said Didero. “I’ve rearranged my life to allow me that opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

It will be a new look for the #42 Chevrolet Monte Carlo as they welcome aboard LE Walker Transport of St. Thomas, Ontario as the primary sponsor. LE Walker Transport was established in 1947 and currently boasts 200 trucks, employs more than 300 and generates revenue of approximately $40,000,000

Mid America Freight Systems will be back as an associate sponsor of the #42 Chevy and the team is also pleased to welcome Mobil 1 as an associate.

Piloting the LE Walker Transport Chevrolet for the full season will once again be Sean Stafford. Stafford has adapted nicely to the predominantly oval track venues on the CASCAR Super Series. “We sure had some struggles last year in the early season, but as things went on it all started coming together. We picked up a top ten finish at Peterborough and in the last two races at Delaware and Kawartha we gained a total of 36 positions. We’re going to carry that momentum into the start of this season.”

Joining the Mid America Motorsports family this year is Mark Swain. Swain got his feet wet in six Super Series events last year and is looking forward to more this season. “I had a good run at the Toronto Indy weekend. After starting 24th we battled and just missed the top ten winding up 11th.” I’m really pleased to be working with a guy like Dave Didero who knows so much about running a race team.

“There are some sponsorship issues with Mark that are out of our hands right now” said Didero “so we can only commit to a couple of races. However if cooler heads prevail we’ll have no problem running the full season”.

Stafford and Swain may not be the only competitors coming out of the Mid America Motorsports stable this season. “We’ve got another car that’s ready to race and we’re talking with some guys from the US that might be interested in running a race or two.”

CASCAR Super Series competition begins on the Victoria Day Weekend at Delaware Speedway just outside London, Ontario. This is the first event on the schedule that will see teams race literally from coast to coast. For more information on Mid America Motorsports and the CASCAR Super series log onto www.cascar.ca and be sure to watch all of the races on Rogers Sportsnet.

Contact Information: Mid America Motorsports Dave Didero, President (905) 741-9244
LE Walker Transport 1800 265-4326
This release prepared by Todd Lewis, TL Sports & Entertainment, tandt@pathcom.com

SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS: Q&A with Glenn Styres

The Official Web Site of the Southern Ontario Sprints: "Team Styres is heading to Las Vegas this weekend to compete with the World of Outlaws. Prior to leaving we were able to sit down with both Glenn Styres and Crew Chief Kevin Loveys for a video Q&A."

SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS: Video Q&A on SOS Site

The Official Web Site of the Southern Ontario Sprints: "Team Styres is heading to Las Vegas this weekend to compete with the World of Outlaws. Prior to leaving we were able to sit down with both Glenn Styres and Crew Chief Kevin Loveys for a video Q&A."

STOCKS: Sunset site promotes mall show at Kozlov Centre

Sunset Speedway Official Website: "A sure sign that the 2005 season is close is the announcement of the 2005 Annual Kozlov Centre Show. Once again the show has been set for a matter of days before the start of the season, giving everyone a fresh look at some of the finest stock stock cars in Ontario before they commence battle on the track.
Vehicles will go in the mall at 6:00pm on Sunday, April 10 and will come out at 6:00pm on Sunday, April 17. We need to hear from the teams who plan to show their cars - please e-mail us at webmaster@sunsetspeedway.ca or call Glenn directly at (705) 727-0376. "

DRAGS: IHRA Chassis Certification Day

ST. THOMAS, ON - An IHRA Chassis Certification Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 16/05 and will be conducted by IHRA Chassis Certification Inspector Korey Herman. Times will be scheduled at one half hour intervals with the first one at 10 A.M through until the final at 3.30 P.M.

To book your inspection time please contact the track. The times will be assigned on a first-come basis. Sunday, April 17 will be used for any overflow from Saturday.

For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at www.stthomasdragway.com. Korey Herman can be contacted at 519-238-6471 or on his cell phone at 519-670-0394.

KARTS: FIRSTKART.COM OKLAHOMA PREVIEW

GUELPH, ON – FirstKart.com has put together another stellar team for the Stars of Karting opener at the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex in Norman, OK. With drivers competing in the ICC, 80cc Junior and Junior ICA (JICA) categories, First Kart will be looking to garner victories in several pro classes.

Heading the ICC field will be First Kart rookie Daniel Morad. Morad who currently leads the Florida Winter Tour (FWT) point standings has never finished outside the top five in five ICC events. Nick Maddison will be back with the team again this year as the Canadian pilot will be competing in both the East and West championships. Maddison is coming off one of his strongest runs of his karting career at Moroso Motorsports Park and will look to keep his success going with the tuning input of Bobby Wilson.

Rene Silva will also be under the tent as he looks to start his Stars season off on strong. Team newcomer Andrew Wall from Minnesota will make his move to the First Kart squad as he looks to improve from the knowledge and experience from the team.

FirstKart.com’s largest fielded entry will come in the 80cc Junior class. Five drivers will look to take the victory and head to the next event with the point lead. Double WKA Daytona race winner Zach Schiff will look to keep his First Kart top five streak alive as he tries to fend off challenges from rising stars David Carmendy, David Ostella, Lucas Smith and Mike Vincec. Both Ostella and Smith are coming off Florida Winter Tour podium results and will look to do the same in Norman. Vincec is one of Canada’s brightest junior drivers and currently sits 2nd in the WKA Manufactures Cup series as both he and Smith will compete for several national championships in ’05.

British Columbia’s Arly Irish and five-time Colombian national champion Gustavo Yacaman will do battle in the JICA category. Irish, who has several championships at the regional level will take the step and compete nationally in 2005. Yacaman will look to continue his ’05 success as the young Colombian currently leads the Rotax Junior points standings in the Florida Winter Tour. The Trevor Daley tuned chassis has reached the top step of the podium in three of four races.

2005 is going to be an exciting year for the team as First Kart North America will travel to all East and West coast events in the Stars of Karting Championship, the World Karting Association Manufactures Cup and the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship. Arrive and Drive opportunities are available for any interested parties.

For more information on First Kart North America, product sales, the FirstKart.com race team and exciting dealership opportunities including information on how to get into kart racing please contact First Kart President Tony Ventresca or Mike Maurini at 519-824-4343, toll free at 1-888-884-4851 or visit them online at www.firstkart.com.

Yahoo! Sports - NASCAR - Mexico....

Yahoo! Sports - NASCAR - Good and bad: "And with its recent affiliation with CASCAR, Canada's stock car sanctioning body, NASCAR also is casting its gaze north of the border. Talk of the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series holding races in the Great White North isn't just conjecture anymore � it likely will become a reality within the next few years. "

... where there's smoke there's fire. The story, on Yahoo Sports, discusses the impact of yesterday's Busch Series race in Mexico on NASCAR. The piece also includes another mention of CASCAR, NASCAR and major touring events in Canada.

BUSCH MEXICO: Monday morning musings...

Watched the Busch race from Mexico on the weekend. I really thought Ron Fellows was going to win it there for a while because the race felt like it was going to continue for 24 hours and 'our Ronnie' is the master of endurance races.

Unfortunately, however, Ron had a target on his back and his race looked more like a game of "Pinball the Canuck" than a car race. I hope they cut the distance of that race down next year because I think it ran about an hour-and-a-half longer than it was supposed to.

And don't you just love it when you see a Canadian sponsor involved in the sport... outside of Canada? I know it's a Mexican division of the head operation, but my jaw dropped when polesitter and race leader Jorge Goeters drove into the pits (too slowly) to reveal sponsorship from SCOTIABANK!!! Talk about frustrating.

STOCKS: New Brunswick Int'l Speedway Update

FREDERICTON, NB - The 2005 season is just around the corner and the first pre-season event is on the radar. For the first time ever, New Brunswick International Speedway’s annual pre-season mall car show will be at The Fredericton Mall from April 15th-17th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The mall show is an annual favourite for fans and drivers and officially kicks off the 2005 pre-season event schedule.

NBIS will have 12-15 stock cars on display in the Fredericton Mall plus the Riverview Ford Lincoln Pace Vehicle. Many of the drivers will also be present. The mall show only kicks off the pre-season event schedule, as NBIS will also be attending the Radical Speed Show in Moncton from April 22nd-24th. Then on Saturday, April 30th, Riverview Ford Lincoln will host its annual outdoor car show for NBIS stock cars.

The cars will hit the track for the first time on May 1st with practice day. On May 8th, NBIS kicks off the season with the Riverview Ford Lincoln Season Opener starting at 2pm.

NBIS management is the final stages of fine-tuning the 2005 schedule and expects to release an official version soon. NBIS realizes that fans are anxiously awaiting the schedule and appreciates their patience.