Welcome to Barrie Speedway: "Season opener postponed to April 30 ....
The weatherman is forecasting extremely bleak conditions throughout the weekend and well into next week, forcing the speedway to push back the season opener one week to April 30.
'Well, we're real disappointed,' lamented Brad Moran, 'but they're calling for rain or snow right into next week. As much as we'd like to go, we really don't want to be chasing the weather the entire night on our season opener. Everyone's been waiting a long time to get out on the new track, and we really want it to be a special night.'
The track staff have been monitoring the weather forecasts closely all week, and as of Friday morning it was apparent that we're in for either a rainy or snowy weekend. Despite their checkered record for accuracy of late, you have to figure that even the weatherman can't be THAT wrong.
The season will get underway next Saturday night. The pits open at 2pm, a little earlier than normal to give everyone extra time to prepare. The spectator gates open at 5:30 with the green flag in the air at 7pm. See you there! "
Friday, April 22, 2005
NASCAR: Edmonton Int’l Raceway joins NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series
EDMONTON, AB – Edmonton International Raceway, a quarter-mile (0.40225 km) asphalt oval located in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, has joined the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series for the 2005 racing season. Edmonton becomes the third Canadian race track to join NASCAR, following Delaware Speedway in Ontario and Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec, which both joined the series in 2004.
"As we grow NASCAR's international racing programs, the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series has proven to be an excellent fit for our partners in Canada," said Richard Buck, NASCAR Director of Racing Development, Canada. "Edmonton International Raceway is another great addition to the series and we could not be more pleased to add this facility to the NASCAR lineup. Teams and drivers at Edmonton will soon be racing for their first NASCAR championship, and we welcome them to the NASCAR family."
Edmonton International Raceway is one of nine oval tracks in the province of Alberta. The track is located 30 miles (48.2 km) from Edmonton, the sixth-largest city in Canada. The track hosts 10 different racing divisions on Saturday nights. Edmonton’s Late Model class will be NASCAR-sanctioned in 2005, and its drivers will be eligible for the $25,000 (U.S.) NASCAR divisional championship. A total of $1.7 million (U.S.) in point fund awards is distributed to NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competitors annually.
Beginning in 2005, NASCAR has created a new format for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Tracks are grouped into one of four divisions – Division I, Division II, Division III and Division IV. Drivers compete for a divisional championship by accumulating championship points at events held at tracks within each division.
Edmonton will be placed in Division II, which also includes Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa, Autodrome St. Eustache, Concord Motorsport Park in Concord, N.C., Delaware Speedway, Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., Holland International Speedway in Holland, N.Y., I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb., Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H., Lorain Speedway in South Amherst, Ohio, Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, S.D., San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas, Shasta Raceway Park in Anderson, Calif., Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y., Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. and Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif.
In 2004, NASCAR announced a multi-year operational and marketing agreement with the Canadian Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (CASCAR). NASCAR has also formed NASCAR Canada, a partnership with TSN that established a Canadian base of operation in Toronto, as well as NASCAR Mexico, based in Mexico City. These new offices support local racing and extend the marketing of the sport to borders north and south of the U.S.
NASCAR is the top-rated motorsport on Canadian television, and TSN is the most preferred viewing destination. The Canadian fan base is six million strong with Canadians considered among the most passionate NASCAR fans, according to the 2004 Ipsos-Insight NASCAR Canada Brand Tracker Survey. A significant number of Canadians have attended a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.
For More Information, Contact:
Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 681-4173 or jdavidson@nascar.com
Loretta Thiering, Edmonton International Raceway, (780) 467-9276 or speedway@telusplanet.net.
"As we grow NASCAR's international racing programs, the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series has proven to be an excellent fit for our partners in Canada," said Richard Buck, NASCAR Director of Racing Development, Canada. "Edmonton International Raceway is another great addition to the series and we could not be more pleased to add this facility to the NASCAR lineup. Teams and drivers at Edmonton will soon be racing for their first NASCAR championship, and we welcome them to the NASCAR family."
Edmonton International Raceway is one of nine oval tracks in the province of Alberta. The track is located 30 miles (48.2 km) from Edmonton, the sixth-largest city in Canada. The track hosts 10 different racing divisions on Saturday nights. Edmonton’s Late Model class will be NASCAR-sanctioned in 2005, and its drivers will be eligible for the $25,000 (U.S.) NASCAR divisional championship. A total of $1.7 million (U.S.) in point fund awards is distributed to NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competitors annually.
Beginning in 2005, NASCAR has created a new format for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Tracks are grouped into one of four divisions – Division I, Division II, Division III and Division IV. Drivers compete for a divisional championship by accumulating championship points at events held at tracks within each division.
Edmonton will be placed in Division II, which also includes Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa, Autodrome St. Eustache, Concord Motorsport Park in Concord, N.C., Delaware Speedway, Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., Holland International Speedway in Holland, N.Y., I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb., Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H., Lorain Speedway in South Amherst, Ohio, Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, S.D., San Antonio Speedway in San Antonio, Texas, Shasta Raceway Park in Anderson, Calif., Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y., Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. and Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif.
In 2004, NASCAR announced a multi-year operational and marketing agreement with the Canadian Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (CASCAR). NASCAR has also formed NASCAR Canada, a partnership with TSN that established a Canadian base of operation in Toronto, as well as NASCAR Mexico, based in Mexico City. These new offices support local racing and extend the marketing of the sport to borders north and south of the U.S.
NASCAR is the top-rated motorsport on Canadian television, and TSN is the most preferred viewing destination. The Canadian fan base is six million strong with Canadians considered among the most passionate NASCAR fans, according to the 2004 Ipsos-Insight NASCAR Canada Brand Tracker Survey. A significant number of Canadians have attended a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.
For More Information, Contact:
Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 681-4173 or jdavidson@nascar.com
Loretta Thiering, Edmonton International Raceway, (780) 467-9276 or speedway@telusplanet.net.
SOS: Thanks for the support!
A big 'checkered flag' to Bill Oldroyd and the Southern Ontario Sprints for their nice piece letting their fans and club members know that one of their own is up for an award in the Castrol Presents the Inside Track Readers' Chioce Awards!
Click on the link below to see the whole story....
GELDART NOMINATED FOR READERS' CHOICE AWARD
Click on the link below to see the whole story....
GELDART NOMINATED FOR READERS' CHOICE AWARD
DELAWARE SPEEDWAY: OPENER CANCELLED
APC Enduro 250 Rescheduled for Sunday, May 1
DELAWARE, ON (April 22, 2005): Delaware Speedway’s season opening race, originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, April 23, has been cancelled. The APC Enduro 250 race that was scheduled for Sunday, April 24 has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Delaware Speedway’s weekly program will resume with the event on Saturday, April 30, as scheduled. There are no confirmed plans to make up the April 23rd race events at this time.
The lineup for Saturday, April 30 will include three of Delaware Speedway’s four weekly divisions; the Cintas Late Models, Delaware Speedway’s “Feature” division in the NASAR Dodge Weekly Series, the POWERADE Modifieds and Kendall Motor Oil Street Stocks. The Challenger Motor Freight Truck division will now have its first event on Friday, May 6.
Spectator gates open at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Racing will begin at 2:00 p.m.
The APC Enduro 250, originally scheduled for this Sunday, April 24, will run on Sunday, May 1. Spectator gates open at 1:00 p.m. on May 1. The race will begin at 2:00 p.m.
WHITLOCK MOTORSPORTS: Eaton Corporation expands relationship with Whitlock Motorsports
WYOMING, ON – Dave Whitlock plans to have another great season this year, but the three-time CASCAR National Champion is dead serious about adding a fourth Series title to his resume.
"Somebody needs to stop the recent stranglehold that Don Thomson Jr. has on winning Championships - and it needs to be my new Dodge Charger" said Whitlock enthusiastically.
"We and several other teams had a good enough season in 04 to win a Championship almost any other year. Drivers keep getting better and the racing gets tighter. I’m not saying it will be easy but we’ll be doing whatever we can to win that Championship, it will be our focus every lap. We’ve stepped up our motor program again this year to ensure we will be as competitive as anyone and have a new road course car. So we’re going to combine all of that to do the best we can for our sponsors and the fans."
Avenue Motor Works returns as primary sponsor of Whitlock’s new #39 Dodge Charger. John and Diane from Avenue ‘would like to wish Dave and the whole Avenue crew a safe and exciting season and look forward to watching the "Ultimate Parts Machine" burn up the track in 2005’.
Nitrex Metal Technologies also returns for the third season. NMT’s Dave Orosz says, "We’re thrilled to again be supporting Dave and to be involved with one of the finest teams in CASCAR. We wish him well and look forward to his Championship drive this year".
"Whitlock Motorsports is pleased to announce association with Eaton Corporation as proud sponsor of Dave Whitlock's #39 Dodge Charger" says Don Brooks of Whitlock Motorsports. Dave is a big fan of Eaton's high performance products and Whitlock Motorsports uses Eaton's hose and fittings products on all of its racing cars.
"Our relationship with Eaton goes back a few years" said Brooks, "and we're really excited about this new partnership. Whitlock Motorsports will be expanding their support of Eaton's retail distributors with displays at Eaton's Aeroquip Express and Weatherhead Port-to-Port retail store and van openings."
"This is a great opportunity to marry CASCAR and the value added services offered by Eaton's hose centers and vans," says Scott Pharis, Manager of Distributor Programs for Eaton.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety; and intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy. Eaton has 55,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Whitlock Motorsports could not function without our Product & Service Associates, whom we always acknowledge for their valued support. We again thank the following: BOC Gases, CRS Trucking, City Automotive, Glassford Chrysler, Hawk Performance, LUGFASTS, NTech Web Design, Power Water, and ShawnLee Corporation.
The first event on the 2005 CASCAR Super Series is the annual Mopar 250 on May 22 at Delaware Speedway near London ON. That race will mark the second anniversary of Whitlock’s long awaited first-ever Series win at his home track, and also his first race in a Dodge. Last year Whitlock started on the front row, led many laps, and finished fifth after his charge back to the front was hampered by a long late-race caution period. A repeat in Victory Lane this year would be again memorable as that event marks the debut of the new CASCAR Dodge Chargers.
For more information about the schedule and CASCAR see www.cascar.ca. For more information about the team and sponsors see our revised site at www.whitlockmotorsports.com
Contact: Don Brooks don@whitlockmotorsports.com
"Somebody needs to stop the recent stranglehold that Don Thomson Jr. has on winning Championships - and it needs to be my new Dodge Charger" said Whitlock enthusiastically.
"We and several other teams had a good enough season in 04 to win a Championship almost any other year. Drivers keep getting better and the racing gets tighter. I’m not saying it will be easy but we’ll be doing whatever we can to win that Championship, it will be our focus every lap. We’ve stepped up our motor program again this year to ensure we will be as competitive as anyone and have a new road course car. So we’re going to combine all of that to do the best we can for our sponsors and the fans."
Avenue Motor Works returns as primary sponsor of Whitlock’s new #39 Dodge Charger. John and Diane from Avenue ‘would like to wish Dave and the whole Avenue crew a safe and exciting season and look forward to watching the "Ultimate Parts Machine" burn up the track in 2005’.
Nitrex Metal Technologies also returns for the third season. NMT’s Dave Orosz says, "We’re thrilled to again be supporting Dave and to be involved with one of the finest teams in CASCAR. We wish him well and look forward to his Championship drive this year".
"Whitlock Motorsports is pleased to announce association with Eaton Corporation as proud sponsor of Dave Whitlock's #39 Dodge Charger" says Don Brooks of Whitlock Motorsports. Dave is a big fan of Eaton's high performance products and Whitlock Motorsports uses Eaton's hose and fittings products on all of its racing cars.
"Our relationship with Eaton goes back a few years" said Brooks, "and we're really excited about this new partnership. Whitlock Motorsports will be expanding their support of Eaton's retail distributors with displays at Eaton's Aeroquip Express and Weatherhead Port-to-Port retail store and van openings."
"This is a great opportunity to marry CASCAR and the value added services offered by Eaton's hose centers and vans," says Scott Pharis, Manager of Distributor Programs for Eaton.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety; and intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy. Eaton has 55,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Whitlock Motorsports could not function without our Product & Service Associates, whom we always acknowledge for their valued support. We again thank the following: BOC Gases, CRS Trucking, City Automotive, Glassford Chrysler, Hawk Performance, LUGFASTS, NTech Web Design, Power Water, and ShawnLee Corporation.
The first event on the 2005 CASCAR Super Series is the annual Mopar 250 on May 22 at Delaware Speedway near London ON. That race will mark the second anniversary of Whitlock’s long awaited first-ever Series win at his home track, and also his first race in a Dodge. Last year Whitlock started on the front row, led many laps, and finished fifth after his charge back to the front was hampered by a long late-race caution period. A repeat in Victory Lane this year would be again memorable as that event marks the debut of the new CASCAR Dodge Chargers.
For more information about the schedule and CASCAR see www.cascar.ca. For more information about the team and sponsors see our revised site at www.whitlockmotorsports.com
Contact: Don Brooks don@whitlockmotorsports.com
F1: San Marino practice
Villeneuve 12th... 2.4 seconds back of teammate Massa. Ouch.
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader: "De la Rosa tops San Marino practice
TSN.ca Staff
McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa set the pace in the opening two practice sessions for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.
The Spaniard, who is back in a testing role this weekend after subbing for the injured Juan Montoya three weeks ago in Bahrain, set the fastest lap of the day, 1:20.484. That was more than half a second faster than his best lap in the morning session.
'It has been a satisfactory day with the team working well despite a minor technical difficulty this morning on Alex's car,' said McLaren boss Ron Dennis. 'There has been solid work on all cars evaluating our Michelin tire choice for the weekend and working on set up. The whole weekend is clearly going to be competitive.'
Jenson Button was second fastest, showing some promise for the updated BAR-Honda while Kimia Raikkonen in the second McLaren was third. BAR-Honda have yet to finish in three races but the team are optimistic their problems are behind them after completing close to 6,000km in five days of testing last week with no major problems."
... more at the link above....
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader: "De la Rosa tops San Marino practice
TSN.ca Staff
McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa set the pace in the opening two practice sessions for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.
The Spaniard, who is back in a testing role this weekend after subbing for the injured Juan Montoya three weeks ago in Bahrain, set the fastest lap of the day, 1:20.484. That was more than half a second faster than his best lap in the morning session.
'It has been a satisfactory day with the team working well despite a minor technical difficulty this morning on Alex's car,' said McLaren boss Ron Dennis. 'There has been solid work on all cars evaluating our Michelin tire choice for the weekend and working on set up. The whole weekend is clearly going to be competitive.'
Jenson Button was second fastest, showing some promise for the updated BAR-Honda while Kimia Raikkonen in the second McLaren was third. BAR-Honda have yet to finish in three races but the team are optimistic their problems are behind them after completing close to 6,000km in five days of testing last week with no major problems."
... more at the link above....
SOD: Sponsorship list continues to grow for “Sprints On Dirt”
By Ken Pelkie
HOLT, MI – With opening day at Crystal Motor Speedway just over a week away, the sponsorship list for the “Engine Pro, Sprints On Dirt presented by Total Seal” 26th Annual Tour continues to grow.
The solid, fast-paced racing program has gained a reputation under the direction of Jason Fausey as being both exciting and entertaining.
With this, promoter Fausey has been able to once again post twenty-eight strategically placed point events on this year’s 26th annual tour schedule. The willingness of the organization to continue to co-sanction races; promote unique special events such as the 2nd Annual SOD vs. Fremont 305 Challenge; the return to the Shiawassee County Fair; international events like the 2nd Annual CAN/AM Challenge; and participation in the “BRODIX Tournament of Champions” at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa has boosted the total to thirty-four race dates for 2005.
New on the schedule will be the first ever SOD appearances at Crown Point, Indiana (May 7th) and Attica Raceway Park in Ohio (May 20th). That, along with hosting the inaugural “Full Throttle Nationals” at Michigan’s I-96 Speedway August 19/20th and participation in the “Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” at Ontario’s Ohsweken Speedway September 17th will boost the earning potential for the traveling sprint car teams to an all time high.
Several past contingency sponsors are again returning for the 26th Season Tour, offering nightly awards. The most unique of these is “BUTLER MOTOR SPEEDWAY/ROSE CITY MOTORS”. “They have upped the award again this year to $1,500 for anyone who can claim the ‘Butler Motor Speedway/Rose City Motors Challenge’ at any SOD Sanctioned event” states Fausey. The challenge award is open to anyone qualifying for the front row of the A-Main who will relinquish their spot, start at the rear of the field, and can win. It will stand all season long until claimed.
Returning with nightly contingency awards are AIRFLOW RESEARCH of Pacoima, California with a $50 Certificate to the Rookie of the Race; B & B OVAL TRACK PRODUCTS of Martin, Ohio; FRANKLIN RACING SUPPLY of Saxoburg, Ohio; HUGGINS CAMS of Olive Branch, Mississippi with a $50 Certificate to the “A Main Winner”; KEAR’S SPEED SHOP of Tiffin, Ohio with a $50 Nightly Hard Luck Award; KEIZER ALUMINUM WHEELS of Orange City, Iowa; PRO SHOCKS of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and HIGH VISTA VIDEO who will present a video tape of the night’s action to the “Hard Charger” of the A-Main.
Continuing sponsorship support from BENIC Enterprises of Fairmount, Indiana; BRODIX of Mena, Arizona; CHERRY TOOL SUPPLY of Toledo, Ohio; FAUSEY Farms of Old Fort, Ohio; KINSER AIR FILTERS of Solsbury, Indiana; LEAF RACEWEAR of London, Ontario; MATHIESON TREE FARMS of Greenville, Michigan; MAXIM CHASSIS of Springfield, Illinois; SCHOENFELD HEADERS of Van Buren, Arizona; and TS LETTERING & GRAPHICS of St. Joseph, Michigan are all welcomed back for the 2005 Season.
The CORRIGAN OIL CO. of Brighton, Michigan returns for 2005 as the official fuel supplier of SOD, while HOOSIER RACING TIRES – spec Right Rear DT3 will be required for each SOD event. And VISION GRAPHICS Inc. of Memphis, Tennessee has produced another outstanding edition of the official SOD Souvenir T-Shirt, which will be available opening day and at every SOD event throughout the season.
In all, over $850 in awards will be distributed nightly through the contingency program in 2005.
Be sure to log on to the official website of SOD at www.sprintsondirt.com and check out the sponsor’s tab for more information on all SOD sponsors, along with the latest news as we move close to opening day, April 30th.
HOLT, MI – With opening day at Crystal Motor Speedway just over a week away, the sponsorship list for the “Engine Pro, Sprints On Dirt presented by Total Seal” 26th Annual Tour continues to grow.
The solid, fast-paced racing program has gained a reputation under the direction of Jason Fausey as being both exciting and entertaining.
With this, promoter Fausey has been able to once again post twenty-eight strategically placed point events on this year’s 26th annual tour schedule. The willingness of the organization to continue to co-sanction races; promote unique special events such as the 2nd Annual SOD vs. Fremont 305 Challenge; the return to the Shiawassee County Fair; international events like the 2nd Annual CAN/AM Challenge; and participation in the “BRODIX Tournament of Champions” at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa has boosted the total to thirty-four race dates for 2005.
New on the schedule will be the first ever SOD appearances at Crown Point, Indiana (May 7th) and Attica Raceway Park in Ohio (May 20th). That, along with hosting the inaugural “Full Throttle Nationals” at Michigan’s I-96 Speedway August 19/20th and participation in the “Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” at Ontario’s Ohsweken Speedway September 17th will boost the earning potential for the traveling sprint car teams to an all time high.
Several past contingency sponsors are again returning for the 26th Season Tour, offering nightly awards. The most unique of these is “BUTLER MOTOR SPEEDWAY/ROSE CITY MOTORS”. “They have upped the award again this year to $1,500 for anyone who can claim the ‘Butler Motor Speedway/Rose City Motors Challenge’ at any SOD Sanctioned event” states Fausey. The challenge award is open to anyone qualifying for the front row of the A-Main who will relinquish their spot, start at the rear of the field, and can win. It will stand all season long until claimed.
Returning with nightly contingency awards are AIRFLOW RESEARCH of Pacoima, California with a $50 Certificate to the Rookie of the Race; B & B OVAL TRACK PRODUCTS of Martin, Ohio; FRANKLIN RACING SUPPLY of Saxoburg, Ohio; HUGGINS CAMS of Olive Branch, Mississippi with a $50 Certificate to the “A Main Winner”; KEAR’S SPEED SHOP of Tiffin, Ohio with a $50 Nightly Hard Luck Award; KEIZER ALUMINUM WHEELS of Orange City, Iowa; PRO SHOCKS of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and HIGH VISTA VIDEO who will present a video tape of the night’s action to the “Hard Charger” of the A-Main.
Continuing sponsorship support from BENIC Enterprises of Fairmount, Indiana; BRODIX of Mena, Arizona; CHERRY TOOL SUPPLY of Toledo, Ohio; FAUSEY Farms of Old Fort, Ohio; KINSER AIR FILTERS of Solsbury, Indiana; LEAF RACEWEAR of London, Ontario; MATHIESON TREE FARMS of Greenville, Michigan; MAXIM CHASSIS of Springfield, Illinois; SCHOENFELD HEADERS of Van Buren, Arizona; and TS LETTERING & GRAPHICS of St. Joseph, Michigan are all welcomed back for the 2005 Season.
The CORRIGAN OIL CO. of Brighton, Michigan returns for 2005 as the official fuel supplier of SOD, while HOOSIER RACING TIRES – spec Right Rear DT3 will be required for each SOD event. And VISION GRAPHICS Inc. of Memphis, Tennessee has produced another outstanding edition of the official SOD Souvenir T-Shirt, which will be available opening day and at every SOD event throughout the season.
In all, over $850 in awards will be distributed nightly through the contingency program in 2005.
Be sure to log on to the official website of SOD at www.sprintsondirt.com and check out the sponsor’s tab for more information on all SOD sponsors, along with the latest news as we move close to opening day, April 30th.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
SAUBLE SPEEDWAY: Now hiring
SAUBLE BEACH, ON - Sauble Speedway is accepting applications for Concession Staff on grandstand Side for the 2005 race season.
We are looking for: "Reliable, Energetic People to be Part of a Great Team!" Must be 15 years of age or older. Please Send Resume to: thebeach@bmts.com or Fax to: 1-519-371-7588. Please note: Only those Hired will be Contacted.
Shell And Ferrari Renew Partnership To 2010
With Files from Shell
Shell is to renew its technical partnership with Ferrari for a further five years from 2006 until the end of 2010. The contract details, which will remain classified, do agree terms under which Shell will continue to provide fuels and lubricants to Ferrari's road car division as well as its racing operation.
Luca Di Montezemolo, Ferrari President and CEO, Jean Todt, Ferrari Managing Director and senior Shell management will re-sign the sponsorship contract in Imola at the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend.
Powering and protecting Ferrari road cars and its racing operations, Shell products were used in the very first Ferrari cars and Shell played a key role in Ferrari's first Formula One appearance in 1950. Since then, Shell has powered Ferrari to eight Formula One Constructors' crowns and 11 Drivers' titles. Since 1996, Shell has pioneered track-side analysis techniques that account in part for Ferrari's phenomenal mechanical reliability record.
Shell is to renew its technical partnership with Ferrari for a further five years from 2006 until the end of 2010. The contract details, which will remain classified, do agree terms under which Shell will continue to provide fuels and lubricants to Ferrari's road car division as well as its racing operation.
Luca Di Montezemolo, Ferrari President and CEO, Jean Todt, Ferrari Managing Director and senior Shell management will re-sign the sponsorship contract in Imola at the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend.
Powering and protecting Ferrari road cars and its racing operations, Shell products were used in the very first Ferrari cars and Shell played a key role in Ferrari's first Formula One appearance in 1950. Since then, Shell has powered Ferrari to eight Formula One Constructors' crowns and 11 Drivers' titles. Since 1996, Shell has pioneered track-side analysis techniques that account in part for Ferrari's phenomenal mechanical reliability record.
GP OF EDMONTON: Sid Priddle named event media manager
EDMONTON – April 21, 2005 – Organizers of the inaugural Grand Prix of Edmonton, which will feature the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, announced today that they have selected veteran Canadian public relations specialist Sid Priddle to spearhead public and media relations initiatives for the event which is scheduled to take place from July 15-17.
Priddle, who has more than 30 years of experience in providing strategic public and media relations’ counsel to an international roster of corporations and event-marketing clients, was the Director of Communications for the first 10 years of the Molson Indy Toronto (1986-1996).
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Sid to the Grand Prix of Edmonton,” said Greg Macdonald, President and General Manager of the event. “Our team is made up of some of the most skilled event and motorsports professionals in North America, all of whom play integral roles in ensuring the success of the Grand Prix. Sid’s event and public relations experience will be an asset to our organization.”
Recognized throughout the motorsports industry as outstanding media relations’ strategist and tactician, Priddle also led the public relations effort for Brown & Williamson Tobacco’s KOOL Champ Car sponsorship program from 1997 to 2002.
Since 2003 Priddle, who resides in Innisfil, Ontario has focused his energies on the development of Priddle & Associates, an international network of independent public relations consultants who provide a wide variety of public relations counsel and services to motorsports, sports and entertainment and corporate clients.
“I look forward to assisting Greg MacDonald and his partners in the development and execution of this inaugural Grand Prix of Edmonton,” said Priddle. “This event is an opportunity to showcase the city of Edmonton as well as western Canada to race fans worldwide. It is our goal to ensure that the Grand Prix of Edmonton is recognized as one of the premier events on the Champ Car World Series calendar.”
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features Canadian racing stars Canadians Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani, as well as rookie Andrew Ranger. Also competing are 2004 Series Champion Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira who compete for Newman Haas Racing, co-owned by legendary film star, Paul Newman.
The Grand Prix of Edmonton will take place from July 15 to 17 at the Finning International Speedway, located at Edmonton City Centre Airport. A 1.96-mile temporary road course will be constructed using the airport’s runway network.
Priddle, who has more than 30 years of experience in providing strategic public and media relations’ counsel to an international roster of corporations and event-marketing clients, was the Director of Communications for the first 10 years of the Molson Indy Toronto (1986-1996).
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Sid to the Grand Prix of Edmonton,” said Greg Macdonald, President and General Manager of the event. “Our team is made up of some of the most skilled event and motorsports professionals in North America, all of whom play integral roles in ensuring the success of the Grand Prix. Sid’s event and public relations experience will be an asset to our organization.”
Recognized throughout the motorsports industry as outstanding media relations’ strategist and tactician, Priddle also led the public relations effort for Brown & Williamson Tobacco’s KOOL Champ Car sponsorship program from 1997 to 2002.
Since 2003 Priddle, who resides in Innisfil, Ontario has focused his energies on the development of Priddle & Associates, an international network of independent public relations consultants who provide a wide variety of public relations counsel and services to motorsports, sports and entertainment and corporate clients.
“I look forward to assisting Greg MacDonald and his partners in the development and execution of this inaugural Grand Prix of Edmonton,” said Priddle. “This event is an opportunity to showcase the city of Edmonton as well as western Canada to race fans worldwide. It is our goal to ensure that the Grand Prix of Edmonton is recognized as one of the premier events on the Champ Car World Series calendar.”
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features Canadian racing stars Canadians Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani, as well as rookie Andrew Ranger. Also competing are 2004 Series Champion Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira who compete for Newman Haas Racing, co-owned by legendary film star, Paul Newman.
The Grand Prix of Edmonton will take place from July 15 to 17 at the Finning International Speedway, located at Edmonton City Centre Airport. A 1.96-mile temporary road course will be constructed using the airport’s runway network.
DIRT MOTORSPORTS: Johnson stripped of win
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. – Alan Johnson was the first driver to take the checkered flag in the 2005 DIRT Modified season-opener at Fulton Speedway on April 16.
Four days later, race runner-up Pat Ward was officially credited with the feature win in Fulton's 8th Annual Showdown at Sundown after Johnson's car was deemed underweight.
"I promised the teams equal treatment," stated Martin Willis, DIRT MotorSports™ V.P. Technical Operations, "and applying the rules per the rulebook is the only fair and equal way I know how to do it. There may be one upset team, but the other way you have twenty plus upset teams. I feel there was a little confusion on the official weight, but once the error was realized, it was rectified in a very professional manner. Our experience is, Fulton is and always will be a fair place to race under DIRT rules."
Since Johnson posted the convincing victory, a number of protests were lodged soonafter concerning the weight of the car, which was 2438 track scale pounds. Fulton promoter Harvey Fink was under the impression that the old weight rule used by DIRT in the past was still in effect, thus allowing the win to stand at that time and overruling the DIRT tech inspectors at the track.
In the days immediately following the event, additional protests were filed with the DIRT MotorSports™ offices in Colorado. Fink was informed about the old weight rules that were no longer in effect and that the 2005 minimum weight is 2450 pounds for a DIRT legal small-block in competition with big-blocks that weigh in at 2500 pounds.
"Due to this infraction it is DIRT’s ruling that the win be credited to the second place finisher, Pat Ward, and that Alan be placed and pointed last along with a handicap for the win," Willis said. "All other drivers will be moved up one position in points for that event. Harvey is taking full responsibility for his actions and has offered that Johnson keep the purse money for the event. Our own staff regrets any misunderstanding although DIRT had no option but to overturn the original result. By following the rules set down by DIRT MotorSports, Fulton Speedway is and will remain a fair and just place to race."
With Johnson's apparent win in the caution free 45-lap DIRT Modified main now scratched, the battle of the race for second position between open-wheel veterans Ward and Danny Johnson ultimately turned out to be for victory. Tim McCreadie, Matt Sheppard and Justin Haers completed the revised top-five feature finishers while Tim Fuller, Gary Tomkins, Tom Sears, Billy Decker and Jeff Rudalavage, Johnson's car owner, filled out the new top-10.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. – Alan Johnson was the first driver to take the checkered flag in the 2005 DIRT Modified season-opener at Fulton Speedway on April 16.
Four days later, race runner-up Pat Ward was officially credited with the feature win in Fulton's 8th Annual Showdown at Sundown after Johnson's car was deemed underweight.
"I promised the teams equal treatment," stated Martin Willis, DIRT MotorSports™ V.P. Technical Operations, "and applying the rules per the rulebook is the only fair and equal way I know how to do it. There may be one upset team, but the other way you have twenty plus upset teams. I feel there was a little confusion on the official weight, but once the error was realized, it was rectified in a very professional manner. Our experience is, Fulton is and always will be a fair place to race under DIRT rules."
Since Johnson posted the convincing victory, a number of protests were lodged soonafter concerning the weight of the car, which was 2438 track scale pounds. Fulton promoter Harvey Fink was under the impression that the old weight rule used by DIRT in the past was still in effect, thus allowing the win to stand at that time and overruling the DIRT tech inspectors at the track.
In the days immediately following the event, additional protests were filed with the DIRT MotorSports™ offices in Colorado. Fink was informed about the old weight rules that were no longer in effect and that the 2005 minimum weight is 2450 pounds for a DIRT legal small-block in competition with big-blocks that weigh in at 2500 pounds.
"Due to this infraction it is DIRT’s ruling that the win be credited to the second place finisher, Pat Ward, and that Alan be placed and pointed last along with a handicap for the win," Willis said. "All other drivers will be moved up one position in points for that event. Harvey is taking full responsibility for his actions and has offered that Johnson keep the purse money for the event. Our own staff regrets any misunderstanding although DIRT had no option but to overturn the original result. By following the rules set down by DIRT MotorSports, Fulton Speedway is and will remain a fair and just place to race."
With Johnson's apparent win in the caution free 45-lap DIRT Modified main now scratched, the battle of the race for second position between open-wheel veterans Ward and Danny Johnson ultimately turned out to be for victory. Tim McCreadie, Matt Sheppard and Justin Haers completed the revised top-five feature finishers while Tim Fuller, Gary Tomkins, Tom Sears, Billy Decker and Jeff Rudalavage, Johnson's car owner, filled out the new top-10.
LANCASTER SPEEDWAY: Season Opener Set
LANCASTER, NY - The 2005 racing season has arrived in Western New York and Lancaster Raceway Park is ready to open for its 47th season of operation. Things get started on Saturday, April 30 with one final preseason practice session to give teams a chance to get ready for the season opener.
The regular season will start with a special Sunday afternoon show on May 1 at 1:30 PM. All divisions will be on hand including the Advance Auto Parts Modifieds, Signworks SST Sportsman, Probity Construction Super Stocks, Glen Campbell Chevrolet Street Stocks, and the TQ Midgets. The Bobcat of Buffalo Late Models will open their season taking in part in the opening round of the Lancaster Raceway Park/Holland Speedway Late Model Challenge Series.
Defending series champion and LRP 2004 track champ, John Julicher, will try to defend his title against some of the best Late Model teams in New York.Tremendous interest has been shown with new teams signing up to participate at LRP this season.
A few new faces are on the roster as well as some old faithfuls who will be returning. Special mention that Chuck Hossfeld will be returning to regular competition in the modified class for the month of May and continuing with a limited schedule at LRP whenever his NASCAR tour schedule allows.
Additionally, third generation driver Eric Rudolph, son of former Modified track champ and FOAR Score Hall of Fame driver, Charlie Rudolph, and grandson of the successful crew chief, Jim Rudolph, will be taking a turn behind the wheel of a TQ midget on a regular basis at LRP.
As an added bonus on opening day, Brock Yates Lap Around America will pay Lancaster a visit following the racing program. Cool cars and street rods will tour the LRP oval to complete the great day of racing. As part of a week long tour covering over 3500 miles across the country, LRP is honored to host one hundred highly modified cars including Vipers, Corvettes, Honda NSX’s.
Ford GTs, Porsche Turbos, BMWs and even some thinly disguised race cars like the Ultima GTR and the radical Daytona Coupe.The LRP stock car racing program will return to Saturday nights starting May 7.
Race time has been moved back to start at 6:30 pm to accommodate the later crowd that is typical of LRP, however, management will continue to strive to finish between 10 and 10:30 pm to remain attractive to families and give people a chance to visit their hometown heroes in the pits after the races.
Grandstands gates open will open at 5 PM. Season tickets are still available for the 2005 racing season. Don't miss a week of the exciting racing at Lancaster Raceway Park this season. For more information call (716) 759-6818 or log on to www.lancasterracing.com.
The regular season will start with a special Sunday afternoon show on May 1 at 1:30 PM. All divisions will be on hand including the Advance Auto Parts Modifieds, Signworks SST Sportsman, Probity Construction Super Stocks, Glen Campbell Chevrolet Street Stocks, and the TQ Midgets. The Bobcat of Buffalo Late Models will open their season taking in part in the opening round of the Lancaster Raceway Park/Holland Speedway Late Model Challenge Series.
Defending series champion and LRP 2004 track champ, John Julicher, will try to defend his title against some of the best Late Model teams in New York.Tremendous interest has been shown with new teams signing up to participate at LRP this season.
A few new faces are on the roster as well as some old faithfuls who will be returning. Special mention that Chuck Hossfeld will be returning to regular competition in the modified class for the month of May and continuing with a limited schedule at LRP whenever his NASCAR tour schedule allows.
Additionally, third generation driver Eric Rudolph, son of former Modified track champ and FOAR Score Hall of Fame driver, Charlie Rudolph, and grandson of the successful crew chief, Jim Rudolph, will be taking a turn behind the wheel of a TQ midget on a regular basis at LRP.
As an added bonus on opening day, Brock Yates Lap Around America will pay Lancaster a visit following the racing program. Cool cars and street rods will tour the LRP oval to complete the great day of racing. As part of a week long tour covering over 3500 miles across the country, LRP is honored to host one hundred highly modified cars including Vipers, Corvettes, Honda NSX’s.
Ford GTs, Porsche Turbos, BMWs and even some thinly disguised race cars like the Ultima GTR and the radical Daytona Coupe.The LRP stock car racing program will return to Saturday nights starting May 7.
Race time has been moved back to start at 6:30 pm to accommodate the later crowd that is typical of LRP, however, management will continue to strive to finish between 10 and 10:30 pm to remain attractive to families and give people a chance to visit their hometown heroes in the pits after the races.
Grandstands gates open will open at 5 PM. Season tickets are still available for the 2005 racing season. Don't miss a week of the exciting racing at Lancaster Raceway Park this season. For more information call (716) 759-6818 or log on to www.lancasterracing.com.
Painkillerz News: Johnny B returns to the air
For those who fondly remember John Bordignon (aka Johnny B) from Mojo radio, you can find him in action on the weekends on NewsTalk 610 CKTB in St. Catharines.
The channel easily reaches into Toronto. I know this because I'm a regular listener to the crazy Phil Hendrie Show, which airs on that station at 7 p.m. on weeknights.
For the whole story on the return of Johhny B and what he's up to now, have a look at PAINKILLERZ.CA, the brainchild of Russ Bond and Jim Leggett.
Painkillerz News: "'DRIVELINE RADIO' zooms into Saturday afternoons on NEWSTalk 610 CKTB!
NEWSTalk 610 CKTB AM St. Catharines has kicked it into high gear adding a brand new and exciting automotive radio program to Saturday afternoons.
'Driveline Radio' will air weekly from 3-4pm EST beginning April 23, 2005. Hosted and produced by two men who know all about bringing a comprehensive and entertaining radio experience to the ears of the masses.
John Bordignon 'Johnny B' and Robert Forte created and guided the Guys Garage automotive radio experience for almost 4 years on MOJO Radio.
They return with a vengeance to NEWSTalk 610 CKTB with a new vision but original quality. 'Driveline will be bigger, better and more comprehensive than any automotive radio show on this planet!' explains a confident Johnny B.
'We'll take the lessons learned and contacts made from our previous show and improve on them. Expect the same quality analysis, expert guests and amusement Rob and I can bring. Driveline will be your source for automotive industry news, racing coverage and help with the mechanical workings of everything automotive. From cars, trucks, boats, ATV's and lawnmowers, Driveline has it covered. We've proved it before and we'll do so again.'"
... more at the link above...
The channel easily reaches into Toronto. I know this because I'm a regular listener to the crazy Phil Hendrie Show, which airs on that station at 7 p.m. on weeknights.
For the whole story on the return of Johhny B and what he's up to now, have a look at PAINKILLERZ.CA, the brainchild of Russ Bond and Jim Leggett.
Painkillerz News: "'DRIVELINE RADIO' zooms into Saturday afternoons on NEWSTalk 610 CKTB!
NEWSTalk 610 CKTB AM St. Catharines has kicked it into high gear adding a brand new and exciting automotive radio program to Saturday afternoons.
'Driveline Radio' will air weekly from 3-4pm EST beginning April 23, 2005. Hosted and produced by two men who know all about bringing a comprehensive and entertaining radio experience to the ears of the masses.
John Bordignon 'Johnny B' and Robert Forte created and guided the Guys Garage automotive radio experience for almost 4 years on MOJO Radio.
They return with a vengeance to NEWSTalk 610 CKTB with a new vision but original quality. 'Driveline will be bigger, better and more comprehensive than any automotive radio show on this planet!' explains a confident Johnny B.
'We'll take the lessons learned and contacts made from our previous show and improve on them. Expect the same quality analysis, expert guests and amusement Rob and I can bring. Driveline will be your source for automotive industry news, racing coverage and help with the mechanical workings of everything automotive. From cars, trucks, boats, ATV's and lawnmowers, Driveline has it covered. We've proved it before and we'll do so again.'"
... more at the link above...
WWS: Elliott’s Combine to Run for Late Model Titles
MISSISSAUGA, ON – For much of the past decade, David and Gary Elliott were consistent front-runners in the Canadian Vintage Modified (CVM) class. With a combined six CVM championships, both drivers have proven they know how to win.
Now, both drivers are looking for championships outside the comfortable confines of the CVM Club.
In 2004, David moved up from the CVM ranks, where he had won four championships, to field a Late Model in the touring ALSTAR Super Series and at Flamboro Speedway.
“It was a big step for me and I knew it wouldn’t be easy when I moved up to the Late Model class last year,” said David. “I had a bit of a rough start to the year, but I learned a lot and the team really dialed the car in by the end of the season.”
By combining what he learned in his rookie year and focusing on racing at Flamboro in 2005, David is sure to be a contender for both the Grisdale Late Model and Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series Championships.
“With a great team and sponsors like Lucas Oil behind us, I’m really confident that we can make a run for the championship this year,” said David.
One major change for the 2005 season will be the addition of a new competitor – David’s father, Gary. A 30-year veteran of the CVM ranks, Gary will run for Rookie of the Year in the Late Model class. While the car may be different, the number and colours will be familiar to race fans. Gary will once again be running the #36 with primary sponsorship from Quaker State, extending an incredible driver-sponsor relationship that began in 1974 and is now entering its 32nd year.
Gary will also spend the 2005 season serving as coach and mentor to Jesse Pontello, as the 15 year old begins his stock car racing career in the very competitive and legendary CVM division. Jesse will be driving Gary’s #36 in 18 of the 20 scheduled races for 2005. Gary also take a turn behind the wheel, driving the black Coupe in the 31st Annual Twin 25’s on June 11th and again on August 27th for the open wheel show at Flamboro.
Although David and Gary will be running two separate teams, both will work out of the same shop in Waterdown and will be able to share their information. The combined resources will undoubtedly help both teams, but David feels racing against his father again will also provide some added motivation which will help push him to the front of the pack.
“The only thing worse than finishing second,” he said with a sly grin, “is finishing second to your dad.”
For more information, contact: Brett Paveling (416) 951-6990
Now, both drivers are looking for championships outside the comfortable confines of the CVM Club.
In 2004, David moved up from the CVM ranks, where he had won four championships, to field a Late Model in the touring ALSTAR Super Series and at Flamboro Speedway.
“It was a big step for me and I knew it wouldn’t be easy when I moved up to the Late Model class last year,” said David. “I had a bit of a rough start to the year, but I learned a lot and the team really dialed the car in by the end of the season.”
By combining what he learned in his rookie year and focusing on racing at Flamboro in 2005, David is sure to be a contender for both the Grisdale Late Model and Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series Championships.
“With a great team and sponsors like Lucas Oil behind us, I’m really confident that we can make a run for the championship this year,” said David.
One major change for the 2005 season will be the addition of a new competitor – David’s father, Gary. A 30-year veteran of the CVM ranks, Gary will run for Rookie of the Year in the Late Model class. While the car may be different, the number and colours will be familiar to race fans. Gary will once again be running the #36 with primary sponsorship from Quaker State, extending an incredible driver-sponsor relationship that began in 1974 and is now entering its 32nd year.
Gary will also spend the 2005 season serving as coach and mentor to Jesse Pontello, as the 15 year old begins his stock car racing career in the very competitive and legendary CVM division. Jesse will be driving Gary’s #36 in 18 of the 20 scheduled races for 2005. Gary also take a turn behind the wheel, driving the black Coupe in the 31st Annual Twin 25’s on June 11th and again on August 27th for the open wheel show at Flamboro.
Although David and Gary will be running two separate teams, both will work out of the same shop in Waterdown and will be able to share their information. The combined resources will undoubtedly help both teams, but David feels racing against his father again will also provide some added motivation which will help push him to the front of the pack.
“The only thing worse than finishing second,” he said with a sly grin, “is finishing second to your dad.”
For more information, contact: Brett Paveling (416) 951-6990
VICTORY LANE SPEEDWAY: NAPA Auto Parts is Title Sponsor of the Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge
WINNIPEG, MB – Victory Lane Speedway is pleased to announce Napa Auto Parts as the title sponsor of the Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge on July 14. Gord Oakley, District Manager, Corporate Stores of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario for Napa Auto Parts and Guy Budel, Director of Race Operations for Victory Lane Speedway, are both thrilled about the partnership.
“We are so excited that Napa Auto Parts, a nationally recognized chain of stores, has come on board to support both Victory Lane Speedway and the Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge on July 14,” says Budel. “We’ve been looking forward to this sprint car race since we added it to the schedule in the off season, and with Napa coming on board as the title sponsor, and getting behind this event, it’ll really get the ball rolling for what will be the biggest sprint car show this city has ever seen.”
The Napa Auto Parts Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge is a race that puts 410 Sprint Cars up against 360 Sprint Cars. If a 410 sprint car wins, then the winner takes home a $1000 dollar check, but if a 360 sprint car wins, he will take home a $1500 dollar check. Also, if a 360 car finishes second or third, he will have $250 added to his check. This format is similar to an event held in Estevan, Saskatchewan, last summer, which was a huge success. Lou Kennedy Jr. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, won that race in his 360 sprint car and took home the bonus pay day.
Speedway International Inc/Pro Comp Methanol has also come on board to supply every sprint car team that comes through the gates with 10 gallons of racing fuel and The St. Norbert Hotel has also come on board to provide a special rate for racers and fans who want to spend the night in Winnipeg.
Victory Lane Speedway is Central Canada's largest high bank dirt oval facility, averaging between 80 and 100 competitors every race, with 70,000 people coming through the gates every season. VLS is fully licensed with full-service concessions. Racing every Thursday at 7:30, tickets are available at any Ticketmaster or get them at the gate; Adults $15, Students/Seniors $12, as always, KIDS 12 AND UNDER FREE.
(From Greg Cybulski / VLS)
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY: Second Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School a Success
THOROLD, ON – While many of Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Stock Car Rookies have considerable Tuesday Night histories on the kart track, Saturday Nights will definitely be a learning experience.
Merrittville Speedway was recently host to the 2nd Annual Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School for rookie and veteran drivers alike that enrolled.
“It just doesn’t compare to racing a kart,” relates an awestruck Nick Cupolo after his first few laps in his Cairn Croft Hotel 99c Sportsman. “It was amazing,” boasted Mat Williamson, adding, “I can’t wait until the season starts.” For the 2004 KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Light Kart Champion, this season will also include attempting to defend his kart title in addition to taking on a stock car schedule Saturday Nights.
Chris Steele also looks to do double duty again this season as he did last, continuing on in the Philbrick Farm & Garden Senior kart class while racing in his sophomore season in the Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Car division. Steele attended the conclusion of the RCM Racing Equipment/Philbrick Farm & Garden Kart School on track session helping out some of the novice karters and then put his Saturday Night Mod Lite through the Sunday Stock Car session.
“I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun,” relates Steele’s father Owen, adding, “I’m not sure what results I’ll have though.” The elder Steele is set to follow his son into Dwarf Car racing with Chris’ car of last year.
“It was a real successful morning,” informs instructor Paul Klager, of the track portion of the kart school that began last weekend with and in-class session, adding, “for the many rookies…seat time is important and I was quite surprised in how quickly they became comfortable on the track and the parents and crew members asked a lot of good questions.”
2004 Junior Restricted Light Rookie of the Year driver Andy Tallman is anxiously awaiting the start of the new kart season. Tallman is one of the first competitors to use the new optional Briggs & Stratton Animal Engine that is slates to replace the Raptor Engine in coming years.
“It has a lot more power,” relates Tallman, “the engine and kart combination really performed well…awesome bite out of the turns.”
“There was a good mix of rookies and veterans,” said BRP’s Randy Williamson of both stock car schools. “From Windsor to Quebec into Pennsylvania in addition to Southern Ontario and Western New York.”
Despite fighting the effects of sun and wind on Saturday, several of the drivers broke into the 17 second lap time mark. Sunday’s times were a little better, and for much of the day, participants enjoyed overcast skies.
“For the rookies and experienced drivers alike that had never seen Merrittville’s d-shaped oval, I was quite happy,” adds Williamson, “they all showed considerable improvement from start to finish.”
Saturday’s Stock Car session saw 12 drivers take to the track while Sunday’s session seen 14.
For further information on Bicknell Racing Products or to find a dealer near you, call 905-685-7223 or visit www.bicknellracingproducts.com .
Merrittville Speedway’s 54th consecutive season begins Saturday, April 24th with a practice session for all divisions, followed by Time Trials for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman. Pit gates will open at noon with tech inspection slated to start at 1pm. The race track will open at 5pm for practice.
For more information contact the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com
***
PEN CENTER NIGHT KICKS OFF LADIES RACE SERIES AT MERRITTVILLE
THOROLD, ON – Mother’s Day weekend at Merrittville traditionally kicks off the Ladies Race Series of events at the Thorold track. Representatives from the Pen Center – Niagara’s largest shopping destination are guests in the Trackside Hospitality Suite and throughout the grandstands.
May 7th’s race card will be the second point event of 2004 for all divisions featured in the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders.
Four Ladies Race Series events dot the 2004 schedule and with the traditional Mother’s Day weekend Series kickoff, all eyes will be on Christine Porter as she attempts to win her second straight Mini-Series title in 2005.
If Porter attempts to defend her first title, competition will surely come form former Champion Charlene Dooley, Karen Kocarik and others. All ladies wishing further information on the Ladies Race Series can contact the Speedway Office.
Prior to the start of the season, the Pen Centre played host to a Merrittville Speedway Race Car show and several teams have confirmed their attendance from March 29th to April 3rd.
Merrittville Speedway was well represented by rookies and veterans alike as Mike Bowman, Alan Sleight, Kevin Knapp, and Paul Klager unveiled their new cars – all set for their first years in the Sportsmen, Hoosier Stock and Dwarf Car Classes.
Veterans Scott Wood, Pete Bicknell, Bill Willard, Rob Knapp, Dan Miller, Doug Spiece, Travis Braun and Ken Cosgrove also had their cars on display.
Former Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish and Wayne Adamczak had their BRP Can Am Super Stock Late Models showcased in preparation for their August 20th Gabriel Maintenance special.
Merrittville Speedway’s Kart Club was also well represented by Brett Robbins, Rob Hutchison, Mat Williamson and Steve Sim.
For further information on the Pen Centre visit www.thepencentre.com. The Pen Centre is located at HWY 406 and Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines and Store Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:30 to 6:00 and on Sundays from Noon to 6 PM.
Merrittville Speedway is presenting its 54th consecutive season of dirt track excitement in 2005. For information on DIRT Weekly Racing Series events and upcoming specials call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com .
Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario on Merrittville Highway.
It’s Saturday Night Live and it’s Merrittville Speedway – The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara!
(From Merrittville Speedway / From Jim Irvine)
Merrittville Speedway was recently host to the 2nd Annual Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School for rookie and veteran drivers alike that enrolled.
“It just doesn’t compare to racing a kart,” relates an awestruck Nick Cupolo after his first few laps in his Cairn Croft Hotel 99c Sportsman. “It was amazing,” boasted Mat Williamson, adding, “I can’t wait until the season starts.” For the 2004 KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Light Kart Champion, this season will also include attempting to defend his kart title in addition to taking on a stock car schedule Saturday Nights.
Chris Steele also looks to do double duty again this season as he did last, continuing on in the Philbrick Farm & Garden Senior kart class while racing in his sophomore season in the Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Car division. Steele attended the conclusion of the RCM Racing Equipment/Philbrick Farm & Garden Kart School on track session helping out some of the novice karters and then put his Saturday Night Mod Lite through the Sunday Stock Car session.
“I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun,” relates Steele’s father Owen, adding, “I’m not sure what results I’ll have though.” The elder Steele is set to follow his son into Dwarf Car racing with Chris’ car of last year.
“It was a real successful morning,” informs instructor Paul Klager, of the track portion of the kart school that began last weekend with and in-class session, adding, “for the many rookies…seat time is important and I was quite surprised in how quickly they became comfortable on the track and the parents and crew members asked a lot of good questions.”
2004 Junior Restricted Light Rookie of the Year driver Andy Tallman is anxiously awaiting the start of the new kart season. Tallman is one of the first competitors to use the new optional Briggs & Stratton Animal Engine that is slates to replace the Raptor Engine in coming years.
“It has a lot more power,” relates Tallman, “the engine and kart combination really performed well…awesome bite out of the turns.”
“There was a good mix of rookies and veterans,” said BRP’s Randy Williamson of both stock car schools. “From Windsor to Quebec into Pennsylvania in addition to Southern Ontario and Western New York.”
Despite fighting the effects of sun and wind on Saturday, several of the drivers broke into the 17 second lap time mark. Sunday’s times were a little better, and for much of the day, participants enjoyed overcast skies.
“For the rookies and experienced drivers alike that had never seen Merrittville’s d-shaped oval, I was quite happy,” adds Williamson, “they all showed considerable improvement from start to finish.”
Saturday’s Stock Car session saw 12 drivers take to the track while Sunday’s session seen 14.
For further information on Bicknell Racing Products or to find a dealer near you, call 905-685-7223 or visit www.bicknellracingproducts.com .
Merrittville Speedway’s 54th consecutive season begins Saturday, April 24th with a practice session for all divisions, followed by Time Trials for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman. Pit gates will open at noon with tech inspection slated to start at 1pm. The race track will open at 5pm for practice.
For more information contact the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com
***
PEN CENTER NIGHT KICKS OFF LADIES RACE SERIES AT MERRITTVILLE
THOROLD, ON – Mother’s Day weekend at Merrittville traditionally kicks off the Ladies Race Series of events at the Thorold track. Representatives from the Pen Center – Niagara’s largest shopping destination are guests in the Trackside Hospitality Suite and throughout the grandstands.
May 7th’s race card will be the second point event of 2004 for all divisions featured in the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders.
Four Ladies Race Series events dot the 2004 schedule and with the traditional Mother’s Day weekend Series kickoff, all eyes will be on Christine Porter as she attempts to win her second straight Mini-Series title in 2005.
If Porter attempts to defend her first title, competition will surely come form former Champion Charlene Dooley, Karen Kocarik and others. All ladies wishing further information on the Ladies Race Series can contact the Speedway Office.
Prior to the start of the season, the Pen Centre played host to a Merrittville Speedway Race Car show and several teams have confirmed their attendance from March 29th to April 3rd.
Merrittville Speedway was well represented by rookies and veterans alike as Mike Bowman, Alan Sleight, Kevin Knapp, and Paul Klager unveiled their new cars – all set for their first years in the Sportsmen, Hoosier Stock and Dwarf Car Classes.
Veterans Scott Wood, Pete Bicknell, Bill Willard, Rob Knapp, Dan Miller, Doug Spiece, Travis Braun and Ken Cosgrove also had their cars on display.
Former Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish and Wayne Adamczak had their BRP Can Am Super Stock Late Models showcased in preparation for their August 20th Gabriel Maintenance special.
Merrittville Speedway’s Kart Club was also well represented by Brett Robbins, Rob Hutchison, Mat Williamson and Steve Sim.
For further information on the Pen Centre visit www.thepencentre.com. The Pen Centre is located at HWY 406 and Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines and Store Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:30 to 6:00 and on Sundays from Noon to 6 PM.
Merrittville Speedway is presenting its 54th consecutive season of dirt track excitement in 2005. For information on DIRT Weekly Racing Series events and upcoming specials call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com .
Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario on Merrittville Highway.
It’s Saturday Night Live and it’s Merrittville Speedway – The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara!
(From Merrittville Speedway / From Jim Irvine)
STOCKS: Junior Canadian Auto Racing (JCAR)
Junior Canadian Auto Racing
2005 'Super Series' Schedule
May 28 - Varney Motor Speedway
June 4 - Sauble Speedway
June 18 - Grand Bend Speedway
July 16 - Sauble Speedway
July 30 - Grand Bend Speedway
August 13 - Sauble Speedway
August 27 - Grand Bend Speedway
Sept. 10 - Sauble Speedway
Sept. 24 - Varney Speedway (50 Laps - Final Points)
The JCAR (JUNIOR CANADIAN AUTO RACING) series gives drivers of all ages the opportunity to feel the excitement of auto racing in a fun, safe, and inexpensive environment.
For more information about JCAR, please visit: www.jcarracing.ca
F1 / ADSCAM: T.O. Star story on Montreal GP ticket scam
TheStar.com - Grand Prix ticket costs `hidden' in paperwork: "Grand Prix ticket costs `hidden' in paperwork
MIRO CERNETIG
QUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF
Montreal - Most Canadians would be hard-pressed to pay $2,800 for a three-day ticket into the Montreal Grand Prix's 'Paddock Club,' where the champagne flows and jet-setters and celebrities watch Formula One racing in luxury.
Four tickets to the Formula One in Monza, Italy - price tag $12,000 - would probably be an even bigger stretch.
But it was no problem for Jean Brault, the racing buff and president of Groupaction, the ad firm at the centre of the federal sponsorship scandal. He simply arranged to have the cost buried inside two sponsorship contracts - and had taxpayers foot the bill.
'Is there no integrity in invoicing?' demanded Justice John Gomery, when presented with a series of invoices at the sponsorship inquiry yesterday.
The inquiry was also presented with evidence Chuck Guite the civil servant who once ran Ottawa's $250-million sponsorship program, was offered those tickets to Italy. It was unclear, however, if he used them.
Documents presented to the Gomery commission show about $264,000 worth of Montreal Formula One tickets - enough for about 600 Groupaction guests who have yet to be named - were hidden in a sponsorship contract arranged between the ad firm and Grand Prix F1 du Canada Inc., which runs the Montreal race.
The original sponsorship - costing Ottawa about $1 million to fly the flag at the 1998 Montreal Grand Prix race - was boosted by the amount of the tickets, documents show.
... more ...
MIRO CERNETIG
QUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF
Montreal - Most Canadians would be hard-pressed to pay $2,800 for a three-day ticket into the Montreal Grand Prix's 'Paddock Club,' where the champagne flows and jet-setters and celebrities watch Formula One racing in luxury.
Four tickets to the Formula One in Monza, Italy - price tag $12,000 - would probably be an even bigger stretch.
But it was no problem for Jean Brault, the racing buff and president of Groupaction, the ad firm at the centre of the federal sponsorship scandal. He simply arranged to have the cost buried inside two sponsorship contracts - and had taxpayers foot the bill.
'Is there no integrity in invoicing?' demanded Justice John Gomery, when presented with a series of invoices at the sponsorship inquiry yesterday.
The inquiry was also presented with evidence Chuck Guite the civil servant who once ran Ottawa's $250-million sponsorship program, was offered those tickets to Italy. It was unclear, however, if he used them.
Documents presented to the Gomery commission show about $264,000 worth of Montreal Formula One tickets - enough for about 600 Groupaction guests who have yet to be named - were hidden in a sponsorship contract arranged between the ad firm and Grand Prix F1 du Canada Inc., which runs the Montreal race.
The original sponsorship - costing Ottawa about $1 million to fly the flag at the 1998 Montreal Grand Prix race - was boosted by the amount of the tickets, documents show.
... more ...
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
LUCAS OIL WWS: First Battle of the Weekend Warriors This Weekend
HAMILTON, ON – After a long winter of anticipation the first ever Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series season will finally get underway this weekend, April 23rd.
Delaware Speedway in London will be the first to host a Weekend Warrior Series event, this Saturday afternoon, with Barrie Speedway opening their season just five hours later. Each track’s Late Model competitors will be the first to earn points in their conference, and the winners of the weekend will have the honour of being the first to top the WWS standings.
The following week the efforts are doubled as Peterborough Speedway and Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway (Hamilton) open their doors to competition for the first time in 2005.
The Weekend Warrior Series is very proud to further announce a new promotional partnership with Country 95.3 FM. Starting next week Country 95 will feature a weekly racing report in their Friday morning show, and afternoon drive home. The racing report will cover the top action of the previous week’s competition, and keep everyone up to date with the grass roots racing excitement of the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series.
Country 95.3, whose signal is based out of Hamilton, has an extensive reach across southern Ontario, entering the markets of all seven WWS facilities. The ‘Racing Minute’ will be designed to keep listeners aware of the excellent grass roots racing programs that take place each weekend in their own backyard. Country 95 joins Inside Track Motorsport News as an official media outlet and promotional partner of the WWS.
For more information please visit: www.WeekendWarriorSeries.com
This Weekend’s Racing:
Saturday April 23rd
Delaware Speedway, London (Racing starts at 2pm) www.delawarespeedway.com
Barrie Speedway, Barrie (Racing starts at 7pm) www.barriespeedway.com
For further information please contact:
WWS Administration, Paxton Motorsports Marketing
Gerry Paxton (519) 591-0400 or (519) 442-6849 // e-mail: Gerry@weekendwarriorseries.com
Josh Paxton (905) 317-4567 or (905) 902-4567 // e-mail: JP@weekendwarriorseries.com
MULTIMATIC WINS PRESTIGIOUS PACE AWARD
Canadian company recognized as key automotive supplier for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance
MARKHAM, ON – Multimatic has been named as a 2005 Automotive News PACE Award winner – recognizing the Toronto-based company as key automotive supplier for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.
PHOTO: LARRY HOLT (R) ACCEPTS THE PACE AWARD
Multimatic received the award in Detroit on April 11 for its new proprietary I-Beam Control Arm Technology which was introduced on the 2005 Ford Mustang.
This unique vehicle suspension member is configured to utilize two complex press formed stampings, welded together to form a highly efficient I-beam cross-section.
An I-beam is the most structurally efficient section for a MacPherson strut suspension arrangement. The truly innovative aspect of the Multimatic technology is that each stamping is configured with the correct plan view shape and is formed into a U-shaped section with the upstanding flanges fully returned 180 degrees back upon themselves to effectively double their thickness.
PHOTO: CONTROL ARM
This requires highly sophisticated metal forming techniques to fold the edges back into a double material thickness upstanding flange, especially around the tight radii dictated by the plan view shape. The two stampings are then placed together in a back-to-back arrangement and welded along the free, peripheral edge using a novel and proprietary gas metal arc welding process.
The resulting suspension member offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio in comparison to conventional configurations. The first commercial application of this new technology is on the 2005 Ford Mustang.
“It is a great honor for Mutimatic to receive this PACE award, especially considering the caliber of the other finalists and the quality of their nominated innovations,” said Larry Holt, Vice President of Multimatic’s Engineering Services Group.
“This award is the highest level of recognition a technical innovation can receive and it is especially significant for Multimatic in the present business climate of the global automotive industry as cost sometimes appears to be the only competitive differentiator.
”However, Strength Through Technology is Multimatic’s motto and operating philosophy and the receipt of this PACE award reinforces our resolve to continue bringing innovative products to the automotive industry.
“Finally I would like to thank Ford Motor Company and especially the Chief Engineer of the new Mustang, Hau Thai-Tang, for taking a calculated risk in adopting this product on their new car.
”Most importantly the real credit for receiving this award should go to the two guys who invented the I-Beam Control Arm, Bob Howell and Rudy Gruber, they keep coming up with the good stuff!”
Apart from designing and building the components for the Mustang road car, Multimatic is also successfully testing the components in the high performance racing world in the Grand-Am Cup Championship.
Multimatic drivers Gunnar Jeannette and James Gue currently lead the driver's championship and Ford is top of the manufacturer's championship after three rounds.
The 11th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Capgemini and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.).
The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The Automotive News PACE Award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.
Multimatic won in the ‘Product’ category which recognizes innovations in new products or services or in new product and service development and introduction processes that have significant market impact and act as “game changers” in the automotive industry.
The Automotive News PACE Award ceremonies also recognized suppliers’ in three additional categories:
• Product – Europe
• Information Technology and Services, Manufacturing Processes and Capital Equipment
• Open
Multimatic earned Automotive News PACE Award winner status following an extensive review by industry, academic and business leaders including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.
For complete details of the 2005 Automotive News PACE Award, including a listing and profile of Multimatic, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace, www.us.capgemini.com/PACE or www.trcpg.com/pace.htm.
Multimatic is a privately held Canadian corporation supplying components, systems and services to the global automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia.
Multimatic specializes in the manufacture of stampings, welded assemblies, mechanisms, and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic uses advanced technologies to achieve outstanding product quality, delivery and functional performance.
KARTING: Barrie GP back on... confirmed by Paul Cooke of ASN Canada FIA
From Paul Cooke // ASN Canada FIA
BARRIE, ON (April 19, 2005) – Last night, the City of Barrie Council gave final approval for the Barrie Karting Grand Prix.
Cameron Motorsport's Bob Cameron and ASN Canada's Paul Cooke were in Barrie today to meet with city officials to begin the process of planning for this important karting event.
"It was with a sense of pride that we drove together to Barrie this morning to meet with the city officials", said Bob Cameron. "We were warmly received. We have all worked together to accomplish our goal of preserving this important Canadian karting event. Cameron Motorsports is pleased to continue presenting the karting community with top quality products."
“ASN Canada FIA was relieved when we heard this morning that Barrie's Council gave final approval to the 2005 event", said Paul Cooke. "One never knows until the official word comes down. We will fully support Cameron Motorsports and their team in the presentation of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship at Barrie and we hope that this is the start of a long presence in Barrie."
(Forwarded by Russ Bond // www.russbondagency.com)
BARRIE, ON (April 19, 2005) – Last night, the City of Barrie Council gave final approval for the Barrie Karting Grand Prix.
Cameron Motorsport's Bob Cameron and ASN Canada's Paul Cooke were in Barrie today to meet with city officials to begin the process of planning for this important karting event.
"It was with a sense of pride that we drove together to Barrie this morning to meet with the city officials", said Bob Cameron. "We were warmly received. We have all worked together to accomplish our goal of preserving this important Canadian karting event. Cameron Motorsports is pleased to continue presenting the karting community with top quality products."
“ASN Canada FIA was relieved when we heard this morning that Barrie's Council gave final approval to the 2005 event", said Paul Cooke. "One never knows until the official word comes down. We will fully support Cameron Motorsports and their team in the presentation of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship at Barrie and we hope that this is the start of a long presence in Barrie."
(Forwarded by Russ Bond // www.russbondagency.com)
NASCAR CANADA: Inks Major Licensing Deal with ‘The Trio Group’
TORONTO, ON - NASCAR Canada and The Trio Group announced today a partnership to launch a NASCAR licensed product collection that includes apparel, soft good accessories and a home furnishing assortment, to be in-store across Canada beginning June 2005.
This multi-year, extensive agreement is a major licensing deal for NASCAR Canada and aligns the NASCAR brand with a Canadian industry leader in The Trio Group.
The NASCAR licensed merchandise collection will be available on a national basis at Mark's Work Wearhouse and select Canadian Tire stores. As The Trio Group's NASCAR-branded product offering grows, distribution in Canada will expand to service all levels of retail.
"NASCAR merchandise is in high demand and to-date has had limited supply in Canada. This new deal with The Trio Group takes the NASCAR brand places it has never been before with strategic and pervasive retail coverage across Canada," said Randy Paul, Managing Director, NASCAR Canada.
"We are extremely pleased about this new partnership as it will help NASCAR penetrate the Canadian marketplace," said Mark Dyer, Vice-President of Licensed Products, NASCAR. "We believe the unique and stylish products created by The Trio Group, combined with NASCAR Canada's marketing support, will greatly benefit consumers and be well-received by Canadian NASCAR fans."
The Trio Group's NASCAR licensed products include high-quality casual clothing such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and jackets, with an emphasis on comfort and easy care. The apparel is available in adult, children, toddler and infant sizes and comes in various fabrics including cotton, cotton-blends, nylon and fleece. The Trio Group will also produce select soft good accessories and home furnishing products. The flagship products of these two categories are backpacks, duffel bags, lunch bags and bedding, which includes sheet sets, shams and comforters.
"We are very excited about this great opportunity with NASCAR Canada," said Lloyd Prizant, Vice-President, The Trio Group. "We're looking forward to many years of servicing the consumers needs and demands."
About The Trio Group: The Trio Group is a multi-divisional organization that supplies fashion-valued clothing to diverse markets across Canada. Established in 1980, The Trio Group has seven corporate offices worldwide and services every level of the market. The Trio Group holds multiple apparel licenses outside the world of sport, including Ocean Pacific, Hang Ten, The Simpsons and Club Med.
About NASCAR Canada: NASCAR Canada supports the continued growth of the NASCAR fan base and further extends the popular NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship and licensing opportunities, marketing initiatives, multi-platform media programs and grassroots projects.
NASCAR is the top-rated motor sport on Canadian television. In the most recent survey of sports properties, conducted by Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal, NASCAR ranked No. 1 in the areas that partners rate as the most important in determining their marketing decisions: the sport's future prospects, responsiveness to customers, fan relationships, and value provided for the money.
NASCAR internal research shows that its fans are three times more likely to try and purchase its partners' products compared to companies not involved in NASCAR. Research also shows that NASCAR fans purchase more than U.S. $2 billion in NASCAR licensed merchandise each year.
About TSN Events: Established in 2003, TSN Events was created to develop a wide-variety of original branded programming and event platforms to supplement TSN's traditional live sports and news coverage.
TSN Events acquires sports marketing rights, develops original programming and grassroots initiatives, and leverages the strength and capabilities of the TSN brand to meet customer objectives and exceed fan expectations. TSN Events' assets include NASCAR Canada and the 9-Ball Billiards Border Battle.
From Andrea Goldstein / TSN
This multi-year, extensive agreement is a major licensing deal for NASCAR Canada and aligns the NASCAR brand with a Canadian industry leader in The Trio Group.
The NASCAR licensed merchandise collection will be available on a national basis at Mark's Work Wearhouse and select Canadian Tire stores. As The Trio Group's NASCAR-branded product offering grows, distribution in Canada will expand to service all levels of retail.
"NASCAR merchandise is in high demand and to-date has had limited supply in Canada. This new deal with The Trio Group takes the NASCAR brand places it has never been before with strategic and pervasive retail coverage across Canada," said Randy Paul, Managing Director, NASCAR Canada.
"We are extremely pleased about this new partnership as it will help NASCAR penetrate the Canadian marketplace," said Mark Dyer, Vice-President of Licensed Products, NASCAR. "We believe the unique and stylish products created by The Trio Group, combined with NASCAR Canada's marketing support, will greatly benefit consumers and be well-received by Canadian NASCAR fans."
The Trio Group's NASCAR licensed products include high-quality casual clothing such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and jackets, with an emphasis on comfort and easy care. The apparel is available in adult, children, toddler and infant sizes and comes in various fabrics including cotton, cotton-blends, nylon and fleece. The Trio Group will also produce select soft good accessories and home furnishing products. The flagship products of these two categories are backpacks, duffel bags, lunch bags and bedding, which includes sheet sets, shams and comforters.
"We are very excited about this great opportunity with NASCAR Canada," said Lloyd Prizant, Vice-President, The Trio Group. "We're looking forward to many years of servicing the consumers needs and demands."
About The Trio Group: The Trio Group is a multi-divisional organization that supplies fashion-valued clothing to diverse markets across Canada. Established in 1980, The Trio Group has seven corporate offices worldwide and services every level of the market. The Trio Group holds multiple apparel licenses outside the world of sport, including Ocean Pacific, Hang Ten, The Simpsons and Club Med.
About NASCAR Canada: NASCAR Canada supports the continued growth of the NASCAR fan base and further extends the popular NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship and licensing opportunities, marketing initiatives, multi-platform media programs and grassroots projects.
NASCAR is the top-rated motor sport on Canadian television. In the most recent survey of sports properties, conducted by Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal, NASCAR ranked No. 1 in the areas that partners rate as the most important in determining their marketing decisions: the sport's future prospects, responsiveness to customers, fan relationships, and value provided for the money.
NASCAR internal research shows that its fans are three times more likely to try and purchase its partners' products compared to companies not involved in NASCAR. Research also shows that NASCAR fans purchase more than U.S. $2 billion in NASCAR licensed merchandise each year.
About TSN Events: Established in 2003, TSN Events was created to develop a wide-variety of original branded programming and event platforms to supplement TSN's traditional live sports and news coverage.
TSN Events acquires sports marketing rights, develops original programming and grassroots initiatives, and leverages the strength and capabilities of the TSN brand to meet customer objectives and exceed fan expectations. TSN Events' assets include NASCAR Canada and the 9-Ball Billiards Border Battle.
From Andrea Goldstein / TSN
DRAGS: PRMA - Bear’s Performance Products partners with PMRA for Contingency Awards
CAYUGA, ON – The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.promodifiedracing.com is pleased to announce a contingency partnership with Bear's Performance Products Inc. of Oldcastle, Ontario.
Bear's has offered the drag racer and hot rodders quality driveline and suspension parts for a wide variety of racing applications since 1981. With a 15,000 square-foot facility, Bear’s can provide state of the art components built and assembled using CAD-designed and CNC-machined techniques.
To be called the “Consistent Qualifier Bonus,” Bear’s Performance Products Inc. will provide contingency awards for the Pro Modified driver posting the quickest average elapsed time for each of the scheduled five PMRA events in 2005.
To view the comprehensive Bear’s website, go to www.bearsperformance.com
The PMRA starts its inaugural season next month at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario on May 20-22.
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
Joining the Pro Modified Racing Association at some of their events, including TMP will be the CAN-AM Stock/Super Stock Series. This popular grass-roots drag series which features competitors from Ontario and Michigan, was formed in 1996, and continues to grow each season. The participants, known for their awesome wheelies, are fan favorites wherever they appear.
In its first year of operation, the PMRA will provide fans in Ontario, Quebec, and New York the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // mehlenbacher@promodifiedracing.com
Bear's has offered the drag racer and hot rodders quality driveline and suspension parts for a wide variety of racing applications since 1981. With a 15,000 square-foot facility, Bear’s can provide state of the art components built and assembled using CAD-designed and CNC-machined techniques.
To be called the “Consistent Qualifier Bonus,” Bear’s Performance Products Inc. will provide contingency awards for the Pro Modified driver posting the quickest average elapsed time for each of the scheduled five PMRA events in 2005.
To view the comprehensive Bear’s website, go to www.bearsperformance.com
The PMRA starts its inaugural season next month at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario on May 20-22.
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
Joining the Pro Modified Racing Association at some of their events, including TMP will be the CAN-AM Stock/Super Stock Series. This popular grass-roots drag series which features competitors from Ontario and Michigan, was formed in 1996, and continues to grow each season. The participants, known for their awesome wheelies, are fan favorites wherever they appear.
In its first year of operation, the PMRA will provide fans in Ontario, Quebec, and New York the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely-diverse group of race cars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // mehlenbacher@promodifiedracing.com
OSCAAR Outlaws: Golf Tournament
OSCAAR Outlaws Home Page: "OSCAAR Golf Tournament
The OSCAAR 2nd Annual Charity Fundraiser Golf Tournament in support of The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, London Chapter
WHEN: Wednesday August 10, 2005 // WHERE: Simcoe Shores Golf & Country Club // COST: $90.00 per person
Be sure to mark August 10 on your calendar as the OSCAAR drivers take off their helmets and bring out the golf clubs! Further details to be announced shortly. Registration forms to be posted on website soon! We are striving to make this the best fundraising tournament in Southern Ontario!"
... see link for more...
(Editor's Note: Thanks to OSCAAR for noting (on their homepage) that two of their racers (Rob Clarke & TJ Woolsey) have benn nominated in the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards, presented by Castrol!)
The OSCAAR 2nd Annual Charity Fundraiser Golf Tournament in support of The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, London Chapter
WHEN: Wednesday August 10, 2005 // WHERE: Simcoe Shores Golf & Country Club // COST: $90.00 per person
Be sure to mark August 10 on your calendar as the OSCAAR drivers take off their helmets and bring out the golf clubs! Further details to be announced shortly. Registration forms to be posted on website soon! We are striving to make this the best fundraising tournament in Southern Ontario!"
... see link for more...
(Editor's Note: Thanks to OSCAAR for noting (on their homepage) that two of their racers (Rob Clarke & TJ Woolsey) have benn nominated in the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards, presented by Castrol!)
CASCAR: JE Pistons announces contingency sponsorships
CASCAR RACING: "TORONTO, ON - CASCAR and JE Pistons announced a new contingency sponsorship program today that will see a cash awards program established for competitors in CASCAR's three series': the Super Series, Power Water Series, and Western Series.
With 50 years experience serving the Pros, JE Pistons is the world's leader in high performance forged pistons for automotive, marine and motorcycle applications. JE Pistons winning record speaks for itself, with championships in NASCAR's Nextel Cup, Busch Grand Nationals, Supertruck, Indy 500, Baja 1000, NHRA (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Prostock), SCCA Trans-Am, 24 Hours of Daytona, LeMans, Hav-A-Tampa, WoO, APBA, Paris to Dakar and many others.
'We are delighted to welcome JE Pistons as a sponsor partner to CASCAR,' stated CASCAR president Tony Novotny. 'JE Pistons has a tremendous performance history in racing, and we will be proud to carry JE Pistons identification on our cars for our three 2005 Championships.'
JE Pistons has established a cash award for each race event in the Super Series, Power Water Series, and Western Series, as well as a season-end cash award for each series. "
... more (From CASCAR)
With 50 years experience serving the Pros, JE Pistons is the world's leader in high performance forged pistons for automotive, marine and motorcycle applications. JE Pistons winning record speaks for itself, with championships in NASCAR's Nextel Cup, Busch Grand Nationals, Supertruck, Indy 500, Baja 1000, NHRA (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Prostock), SCCA Trans-Am, 24 Hours of Daytona, LeMans, Hav-A-Tampa, WoO, APBA, Paris to Dakar and many others.
'We are delighted to welcome JE Pistons as a sponsor partner to CASCAR,' stated CASCAR president Tony Novotny. 'JE Pistons has a tremendous performance history in racing, and we will be proud to carry JE Pistons identification on our cars for our three 2005 Championships.'
JE Pistons has established a cash award for each race event in the Super Series, Power Water Series, and Western Series, as well as a season-end cash award for each series. "
... more (From CASCAR)
SUNSET SPEEDWAY: Mall Show Photos posted
Sunset Speedway Official Website: "The Kozlov Centre Mall Show have now been posted - click on the link above or on Jeff Walt's awesome Grand Prix to view them.
A big thank you once again goes out to Kristi Wolfe, Mike Groves, Brian Love, Rick Drinkwater, Joe Sherman, Chris Morrow, Herb Walters, Jeff Walt, David Woolings, Doug Harvey, Ken Bemrose, Rob Inglis and all their crews for having their cars ready for yet another successful show!"
... more (By Mark Blocksdorf)
A big thank you once again goes out to Kristi Wolfe, Mike Groves, Brian Love, Rick Drinkwater, Joe Sherman, Chris Morrow, Herb Walters, Jeff Walt, David Woolings, Doug Harvey, Ken Bemrose, Rob Inglis and all their crews for having their cars ready for yet another successful show!"
... more (By Mark Blocksdorf)
BARRIE SPEEDWAY: Gearing up for opener this Saturday
Welcome to Barrie Speedway: "Season gets rolling this Saturday night!
BARRIE, ON - The long anticipated debut of the new tri-oval goes this Saturday night at Barrie Speedway. By all accounts, the new track is very, very fast with the teams taking their first laps at last Sunday's inaugural practice session.
All of last season's champion are returning - John Gaunt will defend his Late Model title with 2005 Thunder Car champ Steve Penny joining him in the Late Model division. Pure Stock champ Dave Doucette has also moved up as he'll run a full Thunder Car schedule in 2005.
The great weather has really helped out as Brad Moran and his team get everything ready for the season opener. The light standards were going back up this week, the billboards were being hung and the crews were busily painting everything in site. A new section has been added near the tri-oval doe lawn chairs - a great improvement with so many fans bringing their own seats to the track! As always, not to worry if the weather cools -- the heated grandstands will keep everybody comfortable."
... more
BARRIE, ON - The long anticipated debut of the new tri-oval goes this Saturday night at Barrie Speedway. By all accounts, the new track is very, very fast with the teams taking their first laps at last Sunday's inaugural practice session.
All of last season's champion are returning - John Gaunt will defend his Late Model title with 2005 Thunder Car champ Steve Penny joining him in the Late Model division. Pure Stock champ Dave Doucette has also moved up as he'll run a full Thunder Car schedule in 2005.
The great weather has really helped out as Brad Moran and his team get everything ready for the season opener. The light standards were going back up this week, the billboards were being hung and the crews were busily painting everything in site. A new section has been added near the tri-oval doe lawn chairs - a great improvement with so many fans bringing their own seats to the track! As always, not to worry if the weather cools -- the heated grandstands will keep everybody comfortable."
... more
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
TONY STEWART: CASCAR & Canada mentions....
These quotes from Tony Stewart were included in a press conference transcript distributed by GM. Note the comments about the Canada Day Shootout and how he had a 'blast' racing against the other Cup guys at Cayuga... including Ken Schrader. Apparently, Tony has cooled down since he blamed Schrader for spinning him.
All kidding aside, it's nice to see someone like Stewart be so positive about CASCAR and Canadian racing.
All kidding aside, it's nice to see someone like Stewart be so positive about CASCAR and Canadian racing.
(WHY DO YOU SEEM TO REALLY CONNECT WITH THE CANADIAN FANS? COULD IT BE YOUR UP FRONT AND HONEST ATTITUDE?) "Well, people don't have to guess about what's going on in my mind. I'm usually very open and honest about it. I'm very black and white about how I feel. I've always felt that if somebody asked me an honest question, I should be able to give them an honest answer. I shouldn't have to hold anything back. I know for a fact that's why we have a lot of the race fans that we do have because we get that comment from them a lot that they like that honesty. So, no matter what is done in the future with NASCAR saying what we can and can't do anymore, that's one thing that if it gets to the point where I can't say what I feel, that's probably the day I quit. I don't think we'll have to worry about that anytime soon."
(WOULD YOU LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RACE IN CANADA - POSSIBLY IN A BUSCH RACE?) "Absolutely. We had a blast up there. Matt Kenseth, Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader and myself ran a race up there and we had a great time. The fans were awesome up there and the competitors that we raced with in the CASCAR Series up there had a great time with us and were a lot of fun to be with. So, absolutely, I'd definitely look forward to that."
DIRT MOTORSPORTS: 358-Modified Super DIRT Series: Small-Block Silver Bullets
By Chris Marquart / DIRT 358-Modified Series Reporter
WEEDSPORT, NY – The small-block faithful have reason to smile this week.
And hopefully, some of the nay-sayers will acknowledge that the new 7600-RPM MSD ignition and limiter isn't the new bane of 358-Modified Racing. It won't kill the sport, it won't glaze the class vanilla and it certainly won't hurt the quality of racing.
Alan Johnson, a long-time 358 hero, drove a 2005 DIRT-legal 358-Modified to a pair of victories this weekend, using the less-muscular and chip-restricted small-block to defeat the explosively strong big blocks in Sunday's opener at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Weedsport, NY) and Saturday night's lid-lifter at Fulton (NY) Speedway.
Johnson patrolled the preferred line like a shark following a blood trail, running smooth-as-glass and benefiting from the slick surface he has come to be a master on.
The big-blocks would generate tire spin with the power, requiring more throttle modulation. Johnson's no. 14J was able to hook up off the corners better than the Modified and walked to back-to-back victories for car-owner Jeff Rudalavage.
"It took a lot of work and long hours to get here," Rudalavage said, explaining the small-block power plants that arrived Wednesday night. "Once the big-blocks wore their tires out, he methodically ran them down. He let the race come to him," Rudalavage continued. "In my mind, Alan is the best out there and he proved it this weekend. He loves small-blocks."
"We had to be DIRT-legal and run with the rev limiter," said Johnson, who ran against the limiter in the straight-aways at times, but it never really restricted his car. "We ran with the gear in the car like we would have used whether we had a limiter in it or not," Johnson said. "About halfway down the straight, you would hit it, but it doesn't hurt you too bad on a short track like this."
On a short track such as Cayuga County or Fulton, the power difference is negated because the big-blocks aren't able to carry big straightaway speed like that at Canandaigua Speedway or Rolling Wheels Raceway. The Modified cars must slow so significantly in the corners, it evens the field with the Modifieds. As the track becomes slicker, it tips the scale in the small blocks' favor.
"It's hard to say, but let's say we don't have that caution [on lap 23]," said runner-up Tim McCreadie. "Alan was quicker on the watches than we were, but he was a half-lap behind, so you might not notice. That restart brought him up to us. Either way, even if it stayed green, I think he would have been on our bumper right at the finish. This is what he does best."
On a slick track, small-blocks at Weedsport have beaten their bigger cousins before; Justin Haers won in a fantastic showdown in July of 2002. Haers and Johnson have raced together at Fulton in the small-block ranks in 2002 and 2003. Johnson won track titles in Weedsport's big-block division in 2002 and 2003; he claimed the Fulton Speedway's 358-Mod track title in 2001. Johnson has 94 career small-block victories.
Products of the Fulton Speedway have won three of the last four 358 Super DIRT Series Championships. Last year, Pat Ward and Johnson were separated by just three points at year's end after both ran at Fulton. In 2003, Tim Fuller claimed his second 358 touring title after winning the 358 track title at Fulton. Fuller took the 358 crown again in 2004. In 2002, Matt Sheppard, the tour's Rookie of the Year was a Fulton regular and in 2001, Haers won Tour Rookie laurels and claimed Fulton as a home track.
Next, the test will be to see how the rev-limited cars hold up at a larger facility or on the small venues with tackier surfaces in night-race conditions. As for now, those planning to use the chip-limited power plants have claim to a small - but new - feather in their collective cap.
SKIDMARKS:
Fulton Speedway will again offer home track bonus points in the 358-Modified division. A schedule has been established to crown a Fulton 358-Mod champion and the points will count toward the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT 358 Modified Champion.
Already looking toward the end of the season, both Sean Beardsley and Eldon Payne Jr. are hoping to secure small-block rides as hired guns. Presently, Beardsley and Payne both drive big-block Modifieds for their home-run operations.
Matt Sheppard has a new Nick Ryan-owned Bicknell on the way and Pat Ward will likely be running parts of the 2005 Small-Block tour.
Sportsman regular Russ Hefti (opening day Weedsport winner) expressed some interest in running a partial 358 touring schedule toward the end of the racing season. Hefti is currently running a rev-limited sportsman car with the 6600 chip.
WEEDSPORT, NY – The small-block faithful have reason to smile this week.
And hopefully, some of the nay-sayers will acknowledge that the new 7600-RPM MSD ignition and limiter isn't the new bane of 358-Modified Racing. It won't kill the sport, it won't glaze the class vanilla and it certainly won't hurt the quality of racing.
Alan Johnson, a long-time 358 hero, drove a 2005 DIRT-legal 358-Modified to a pair of victories this weekend, using the less-muscular and chip-restricted small-block to defeat the explosively strong big blocks in Sunday's opener at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Weedsport, NY) and Saturday night's lid-lifter at Fulton (NY) Speedway.
Johnson patrolled the preferred line like a shark following a blood trail, running smooth-as-glass and benefiting from the slick surface he has come to be a master on.
The big-blocks would generate tire spin with the power, requiring more throttle modulation. Johnson's no. 14J was able to hook up off the corners better than the Modified and walked to back-to-back victories for car-owner Jeff Rudalavage.
"It took a lot of work and long hours to get here," Rudalavage said, explaining the small-block power plants that arrived Wednesday night. "Once the big-blocks wore their tires out, he methodically ran them down. He let the race come to him," Rudalavage continued. "In my mind, Alan is the best out there and he proved it this weekend. He loves small-blocks."
"We had to be DIRT-legal and run with the rev limiter," said Johnson, who ran against the limiter in the straight-aways at times, but it never really restricted his car. "We ran with the gear in the car like we would have used whether we had a limiter in it or not," Johnson said. "About halfway down the straight, you would hit it, but it doesn't hurt you too bad on a short track like this."
On a short track such as Cayuga County or Fulton, the power difference is negated because the big-blocks aren't able to carry big straightaway speed like that at Canandaigua Speedway or Rolling Wheels Raceway. The Modified cars must slow so significantly in the corners, it evens the field with the Modifieds. As the track becomes slicker, it tips the scale in the small blocks' favor.
"It's hard to say, but let's say we don't have that caution [on lap 23]," said runner-up Tim McCreadie. "Alan was quicker on the watches than we were, but he was a half-lap behind, so you might not notice. That restart brought him up to us. Either way, even if it stayed green, I think he would have been on our bumper right at the finish. This is what he does best."
On a slick track, small-blocks at Weedsport have beaten their bigger cousins before; Justin Haers won in a fantastic showdown in July of 2002. Haers and Johnson have raced together at Fulton in the small-block ranks in 2002 and 2003. Johnson won track titles in Weedsport's big-block division in 2002 and 2003; he claimed the Fulton Speedway's 358-Mod track title in 2001. Johnson has 94 career small-block victories.
Products of the Fulton Speedway have won three of the last four 358 Super DIRT Series Championships. Last year, Pat Ward and Johnson were separated by just three points at year's end after both ran at Fulton. In 2003, Tim Fuller claimed his second 358 touring title after winning the 358 track title at Fulton. Fuller took the 358 crown again in 2004. In 2002, Matt Sheppard, the tour's Rookie of the Year was a Fulton regular and in 2001, Haers won Tour Rookie laurels and claimed Fulton as a home track.
Next, the test will be to see how the rev-limited cars hold up at a larger facility or on the small venues with tackier surfaces in night-race conditions. As for now, those planning to use the chip-limited power plants have claim to a small - but new - feather in their collective cap.
SKIDMARKS:
Fulton Speedway will again offer home track bonus points in the 358-Modified division. A schedule has been established to crown a Fulton 358-Mod champion and the points will count toward the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT 358 Modified Champion.
Already looking toward the end of the season, both Sean Beardsley and Eldon Payne Jr. are hoping to secure small-block rides as hired guns. Presently, Beardsley and Payne both drive big-block Modifieds for their home-run operations.
Matt Sheppard has a new Nick Ryan-owned Bicknell on the way and Pat Ward will likely be running parts of the 2005 Small-Block tour.
Sportsman regular Russ Hefti (opening day Weedsport winner) expressed some interest in running a partial 358 touring schedule toward the end of the racing season. Hefti is currently running a rev-limited sportsman car with the 6600 chip.
ONTARIO RACING LEGENDS: New Sponsors Announced
COLBORNE, ON – Ontario Legends Racing is pleased to announce that Tribospec Canada and Sunoco Lubricants will be the 2005 Ontario Legends Series sponsors.
The Tribospec / Sunoco Ontario Legends Series is a touring series that will race a five tracks this season, they include Peterborough Speedway, Kawartha Speedway, Mosport International Speedway, Barrie Speedway and, new to the series, Ottodrome International Speedway in Ottawa. The Tribospec / Sunoco Ontario Legends Series is the only series that will race three times this year with the CASCAR Super Series.
Tribospec Canada, the largest blender / compounder of lubricants in Canada and Sunoco Lubricants, leaders in the production of the finest lubricants for over 100 years, will have special events and shows throughout the year and you will find an Ontario Legends Car there.
Legends Cars are one of the fastest growing segments of motorsports today, they are raced at over 200 tracks in Canada and the US. Some of the top drivers in CASCAR and NASCAR have, and still do, race legends cars.
For further information on Tribospec Canada, Sunoco Lubricants or the Ontario Legends Series visit www.ontariolegendsseries.com
From Don Kahn – Ontario Legends Series (905) 576-9174.
BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK: Literacy Program
“Literacy is the key to our fast paced world!”
BRIGHTON, ON – The Racing to Read Program is a program used to encourage students in grade 3 to read outside of school, which in turn helps to promote literacy within our communities. The students are encouraged to read at home with their parents. The time they spend reading is logged along with their parent’s signature and then returned to the school.
Brighton Speedway representatives and race car drivers will be visiting the five pilot schools during the week of April 18, 2005. Log sheets will be handed out to the close to 300 students and then the program will run for two weeks, April 25 May 6. The students will be expected to record the minutes spent reading at home on a daily basis. Parents will be expected to sign off on the minutes each day.
Every student who participates will receive a Congratulations letter and a free pass for them and one adult to attend the Racing to Read night at Brighton Speedway on May 21st, 2005.
The winning class out of the nine that will be participating this year, will win a Pizza Party with Speedway Drivers and will be invited onto the track to be recognized as the winning class in the Racing to Read Program. Each of these students will receive a Brighton Speedway Souvenir along with other prizes supplied by various local companies who have come on board as sponsors.
The top student and his/her family will be invited to enjoy races from a VIP Booth and will get to present all Driver Awards for that night. This student will also receive a Brighton Speedway Souvenir.
Students and parents can visit the Brighton Speedway website and look for school stats at www.brightonspeedway.com. The winning school and student will be announced on Monday, May 9, 2005.
For more information about the Race to Read Program contact Maria Morris, Brighton Speedway Park 613.475.1102.
BRIGHTON, ON – The Racing to Read Program is a program used to encourage students in grade 3 to read outside of school, which in turn helps to promote literacy within our communities. The students are encouraged to read at home with their parents. The time they spend reading is logged along with their parent’s signature and then returned to the school.
Brighton Speedway representatives and race car drivers will be visiting the five pilot schools during the week of April 18, 2005. Log sheets will be handed out to the close to 300 students and then the program will run for two weeks, April 25 May 6. The students will be expected to record the minutes spent reading at home on a daily basis. Parents will be expected to sign off on the minutes each day.
Every student who participates will receive a Congratulations letter and a free pass for them and one adult to attend the Racing to Read night at Brighton Speedway on May 21st, 2005.
The winning class out of the nine that will be participating this year, will win a Pizza Party with Speedway Drivers and will be invited onto the track to be recognized as the winning class in the Racing to Read Program. Each of these students will receive a Brighton Speedway Souvenir along with other prizes supplied by various local companies who have come on board as sponsors.
The top student and his/her family will be invited to enjoy races from a VIP Booth and will get to present all Driver Awards for that night. This student will also receive a Brighton Speedway Souvenir.
Students and parents can visit the Brighton Speedway website and look for school stats at www.brightonspeedway.com. The winning school and student will be announced on Monday, May 9, 2005.
For more information about the Race to Read Program contact Maria Morris, Brighton Speedway Park 613.475.1102.
Monday, April 18, 2005
ADSCAM: Canadian Grand Prix organizers aided Groupaction plan
The stench of the Canadian sponsorship scandal surrounded the Canadian Grand Prix on Monday...
CANOE -- CNEWS - Canada: Grand Prix organizers aided Groupaction plan: "Grand Prix organizers aided Groupaction plan...
By BRIAN DALY (CP)
MONTREAL, QC - Top Canadian Grand Prix organizers conspired with the Groupaction ad firm to hide $264,000 in racing tickets under a sponsorship contract, the federal sponsorship inquiry heard Monday.
Documents show the scheme was one of two occasions where race officials falsified paperwork to shower expensive Formula One tickets on the ad firm at the centre of the sponsorship scandal. Two Grand Prix vice-presidents admitted the federal sponsorship contract for the 1998 auto race was boosted to $900,000 from $700,000 the previous year.
Including production costs, the total value of the contract increased by an amount nearly identical to the cost of 230 tickets to the Formula One race. "
... more
CANOE -- CNEWS - Canada: Grand Prix organizers aided Groupaction plan: "Grand Prix organizers aided Groupaction plan...
By BRIAN DALY (CP)
MONTREAL, QC - Top Canadian Grand Prix organizers conspired with the Groupaction ad firm to hide $264,000 in racing tickets under a sponsorship contract, the federal sponsorship inquiry heard Monday.
Documents show the scheme was one of two occasions where race officials falsified paperwork to shower expensive Formula One tickets on the ad firm at the centre of the sponsorship scandal. Two Grand Prix vice-presidents admitted the federal sponsorship contract for the 1998 auto race was boosted to $900,000 from $700,000 the previous year.
Including production costs, the total value of the contract increased by an amount nearly identical to the cost of 230 tickets to the Formula One race. "
... more
KARTS: FIRSTKART.COM SPLITS SQUAD FOR TWO NATIONAL SERIES EVENTS
By Mike Maurini
GUELPH, ON – The FirstKart.com race team will be running a split squad this weekend as the team looks to garner victories at both the Stars of Karting (SoK) event at Moran Raceway and the World Karting Association (WKA) race at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex.
Zach Schiff
Leading the team into Moran is newly crowned Florida Winter Tour Pro IC champion Daniel Morad. The talented Canadian will look to rebound from Oklahoma’s result where bad luck forced him out of competition early. Teaming with Morad in the headline ICC class will be up and comer Rene Silva. Silva has enjoyed some success as of late and has confirmed his presence in both the East and West coast championships.
FirstKart.com will also enter to drivers in the Junior ICA (JICA) category. Five-time Colombian National Champion Gustavo Yacaman will team with Canadian pilot Arly Irish as the duo will look towards victory. Yacaman, who is a threat for victory when ever he is on track, will look to use some experience gained from the first round of the Italian Open Masters Championship held two weeks ago.
Rene Silva
Across the country in Pennsylvania, FirstKart.com will have three drivers competing in the second round of the WKA Manufacturers Cup. David Ostella and Zach Schiff will look to take the victory in the competitive 80cc Junior class. After the first round in Daytona, Schiff, a double race winner, occupies first in the point standings and is looking to expand his point lead on the rest of the field this weekend.
Young David Ostella proved to be fast in Daytona but an accident on the start of day two’s final ended his chances early. The Canadian pilot has had some strong runs over the winter months at the Florida Winter Tour finishing on the podium in three of four races and will be a force in BeaveRun.
“The challenge of running SoK East and West, WKA, the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship and selected special events was a bit daunting at first,” explained an excited Ventresca when final plans were put in place. “However the entire First Kart squad has worked hard to make sure that the equipment, manpower and logistical challenges were all in place without sacrificing our team or support programs in anyway.”
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.
First Kart North America is also looking to expand its dealer network across the country. With the quality and craftsmanship in the First Kart product line and the support the dealers receive, First Kart North America is making the choice easy. 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.
KARTING: Barrie GP back on
From the Barrie Advance....
Barrie GP back on.: "Barrie council has given the green light to a new organizer to run the Barrie Grand Prix.
A couple of weeks ago, Xtreme Motorsports opted not to operate the 6th-annual Grand Prix of Barrie this June, due partially to the city's refusal to allow a motorcycle show.
After that announcement, ASN Canada, the primary motorsports sanctioning authority in Canada, spearheaded a search for a replacement organization to run the event, scheduled for June 24 to 26.
'ASN Canada has been involved with the Grand Prix of Barrie for the past five years and considers this event a vital component of their karting program which provides the youth of Ontario with a family-oriented and positive behaviour driven activity,' said Barrie's community events co-ordinator Fred Andrews.
Cameron Motorsports will run the races. The Ontario-based kart sport company runs complexes in Hamilton and Bowmanville. "
... more
Barrie GP back on.: "Barrie council has given the green light to a new organizer to run the Barrie Grand Prix.
A couple of weeks ago, Xtreme Motorsports opted not to operate the 6th-annual Grand Prix of Barrie this June, due partially to the city's refusal to allow a motorcycle show.
After that announcement, ASN Canada, the primary motorsports sanctioning authority in Canada, spearheaded a search for a replacement organization to run the event, scheduled for June 24 to 26.
'ASN Canada has been involved with the Grand Prix of Barrie for the past five years and considers this event a vital component of their karting program which provides the youth of Ontario with a family-oriented and positive behaviour driven activity,' said Barrie's community events co-ordinator Fred Andrews.
Cameron Motorsports will run the races. The Ontario-based kart sport company runs complexes in Hamilton and Bowmanville. "
... more
ALMS: Panoz Earns First-Ever GT2-Class Win
With Files from ALMS
BRASELTON, GA – The day could not have been more perfect for the exciting conclusion of the Sportsbook.com Grand Prix of Atlanta where Panoz Motor Sports finished on top of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT2 class podium for the first time.
The #50 Panoz Esperante GTLM piloted by Bill Auberlen and Robin Liddell managed to edge out the team of Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas in the #23 Alex Job Racing Porsche 911 GT3. This ends the seven-race Porsche win streak that began at Infineon Raceway in 2004.
Starting from the front of the GT2 field as a result of the first Panoz GT2 pole position set by Auberlen, the Panoz Esperante GTLM led all but 43 minutes of the two-hour and 45 minute race. Liddell successfully blocked the #23 Porsche for the last 10 minutes of the sprint to the finish until Bernhard tapped Liddell's right rear bumper sending him into a spin. Bernhard was immediately black flagged by IMSA for a stop and go penalty, ultimately giving the lead back to the #50. The Esperante was credited with a 27.5 second margin of victory.
On site at Road Atlanta for the win were Don Panoz, founder of the ALMS, and his son, Dan, President of Panoz Auto Development (makers of the Panoz Esperante consumer sports car).
“This is the culmination of hard work and preparation,” said Don Panoz. “The credit goes to the team for their sincere dedication to building a successful racing team. The fact that we are at the top of the podium is incredible and the win is shared with all of our partners especially Pirelli. I could not have asked for a better (70th) birthday present!”
Panoz Motor Sports will now head to Round 3 of the 2005 ALMS schedule at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a win under its belt and a confidence to keep the momentum going.
STAR MAZDA: BITTERSWEET WEEKEND FOR HINCHCLIFFE AT ROAD ATLANTA
By Mike Maurini / Autosports Media
OAKVILLE, ON – 18-year-old open wheel star James Hinchcliffe (Noco Racing , Mobile 1, Pit Fit Training, AIM Autosport #98), had a tough event this past weekend at the Star Mazda series presented by Goodyear at the Road Atlanta race course. After a very good test day that saw Hinchcliffe near the top of the charts, qualifying did not go as planned as the Canadian was mired back in 13th place.
Friday’s final practice saw Hinchcliffe and his AIM Autosport squad mount a new set of slicks in preparation for qualifying. As Hinchcliffe left the pits his car was side swiped by another competitor who was spinning off the track in corner one. The ride side of Hinchcliffe’s car was heavily damaged and his day was over.
After a long night of rebuilding, the AIM Autosport crew had Hinchcliffe’s Pro Mazda back on track for Saturday morning’s qualifying session. With new suspension parts, an ill handling car and a bad coil in the motor, the talented Canadian was able to muscle his car around Road Atlanta to claim the 13th starting position.
“We were pretty disappointed after qualifying and with the motor trouble, I was not getting down the straight like I needed to.” explained Hinchcliffe. “We reset the new suspension, adjusted the corner weights and made a few more minor changes for the race and it seemed to work pretty well.”
On the first lap, Hinchcliffe fell back to 15th as he was patiently waiting for the field to settle. Slight contact with another competitor bent the left front suspension on lap two and the Oakville, Ontario resident was forced to be very careful for the rest of the race. Hinchcliffe progressively moved forward throughout the event, closing a six second gap on Grahame Rahal, eventually finishing in the 8th position.
“From lap two on, the car wanted to drive straight off the track on the entry of every corner. Then the car would gain grip and snap around causing me to almost spin out on several occasions. I don’t think that we had the car for the win today but if the weekend had gone a little smoother, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have been on the podium. After I got used to the way the car was going to react, we were as fast as the leaders at the end of the race. There was defiantly more drama than I would have liked this weekend, but for us to come back and still grab 8th is a true testament to how good the whole AIM Autosport crew is.”
Hinchcliffe currently sits 6th in the overall series championship and will look to move forward at the next event. The Canadian driver also sits 3rd in the Rookie-of-the-Year honors.
In other news, Hinchcliffe recently competed in his first Grand Am Cup event at Fontana Speedway. James teamed with driver and friend Billy Johnson as the duo finished 9th in the Speed Source Mazda RX8. Another event is scheduled for later on in the year and an announcement will be forthcoming.
Hinchcliffe’s next on track activity will be May 10th as he will test the Pro Mazda at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in preparation for the May 20-22 event.
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on James Hinchcliffe and the Star Mazda series, please contact James at 416-522-7470 or via e-mail at james@jameshinchcliffe.com. For up-to-date news releases, race schedules, results and photos, please visit www.jameshinchcliffe.com.
OAKVILLE, ON – 18-year-old open wheel star James Hinchcliffe (Noco Racing , Mobile 1, Pit Fit Training, AIM Autosport #98), had a tough event this past weekend at the Star Mazda series presented by Goodyear at the Road Atlanta race course. After a very good test day that saw Hinchcliffe near the top of the charts, qualifying did not go as planned as the Canadian was mired back in 13th place.
Friday’s final practice saw Hinchcliffe and his AIM Autosport squad mount a new set of slicks in preparation for qualifying. As Hinchcliffe left the pits his car was side swiped by another competitor who was spinning off the track in corner one. The ride side of Hinchcliffe’s car was heavily damaged and his day was over.
After a long night of rebuilding, the AIM Autosport crew had Hinchcliffe’s Pro Mazda back on track for Saturday morning’s qualifying session. With new suspension parts, an ill handling car and a bad coil in the motor, the talented Canadian was able to muscle his car around Road Atlanta to claim the 13th starting position.
“We were pretty disappointed after qualifying and with the motor trouble, I was not getting down the straight like I needed to.” explained Hinchcliffe. “We reset the new suspension, adjusted the corner weights and made a few more minor changes for the race and it seemed to work pretty well.”
On the first lap, Hinchcliffe fell back to 15th as he was patiently waiting for the field to settle. Slight contact with another competitor bent the left front suspension on lap two and the Oakville, Ontario resident was forced to be very careful for the rest of the race. Hinchcliffe progressively moved forward throughout the event, closing a six second gap on Grahame Rahal, eventually finishing in the 8th position.
“From lap two on, the car wanted to drive straight off the track on the entry of every corner. Then the car would gain grip and snap around causing me to almost spin out on several occasions. I don’t think that we had the car for the win today but if the weekend had gone a little smoother, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have been on the podium. After I got used to the way the car was going to react, we were as fast as the leaders at the end of the race. There was defiantly more drama than I would have liked this weekend, but for us to come back and still grab 8th is a true testament to how good the whole AIM Autosport crew is.”
Hinchcliffe currently sits 6th in the overall series championship and will look to move forward at the next event. The Canadian driver also sits 3rd in the Rookie-of-the-Year honors.
In other news, Hinchcliffe recently competed in his first Grand Am Cup event at Fontana Speedway. James teamed with driver and friend Billy Johnson as the duo finished 9th in the Speed Source Mazda RX8. Another event is scheduled for later on in the year and an announcement will be forthcoming.
Hinchcliffe’s next on track activity will be May 10th as he will test the Pro Mazda at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in preparation for the May 20-22 event.
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on James Hinchcliffe and the Star Mazda series, please contact James at 416-522-7470 or via e-mail at james@jameshinchcliffe.com. For up-to-date news releases, race schedules, results and photos, please visit www.jameshinchcliffe.com.
ALMS: Burgess steers Yokohama Porsche to 7th in GT2
Special to Inside Track
BRASELTON, GA – Toronto’s Tony Burgess finished seventh in class (GT2) at the Grand Prix of Atlanta on April 17, the second round of the 2005 American Le Mans Series.
Burgess, and co-driver Porsche factory pilot Sascha Maassen, struggled with grip for most of the race around the 2.54 mile, 12-turn circuit, in the BAM Motorsport Yohohama Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. It was a disappointing day for both drivers after qualifying fourth on Saturday.
“After a relatively good practice and qualifying, (qualified fourth in class) we had a poor race,” Burgess said. “The development tires we used lost grip after 40 minutes of a 70 minute stint. This happened to both me and Sascha (Maassen). Unfortunately I drove most of the race, so I had a real struggle not to be overtaken for position toward the end. We are confident that we will have the problem remedied by the next event at Mid-Ohio, May 22.”
BRASELTON, GA – Toronto’s Tony Burgess finished seventh in class (GT2) at the Grand Prix of Atlanta on April 17, the second round of the 2005 American Le Mans Series.
Burgess, and co-driver Porsche factory pilot Sascha Maassen, struggled with grip for most of the race around the 2.54 mile, 12-turn circuit, in the BAM Motorsport Yohohama Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. It was a disappointing day for both drivers after qualifying fourth on Saturday.
“After a relatively good practice and qualifying, (qualified fourth in class) we had a poor race,” Burgess said. “The development tires we used lost grip after 40 minutes of a 70 minute stint. This happened to both me and Sascha (Maassen). Unfortunately I drove most of the race, so I had a real struggle not to be overtaken for position toward the end. We are confident that we will have the problem remedied by the next event at Mid-Ohio, May 22.”
ALMS: Fellows, O’Connell Score First Victory for C6.R
With Files from GM Racing
BRASELTON, GA – Corvette Racing made history on April 17 at Road Atlanta when Johnny O’Connell and Ron Fellows drove the new Corvette C6.R to its first victory.
Following in the tire tracks of the championship-winning Corvette C5-R, the production-based Corvette C6.R notched Corvette Racing’s 36th win at the Sportsbook.com Grand Prix of Atlanta. Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta were second across the strip to score a 1-2 finish for Corvette Racing.
With Sunday’s win by the #3 Compuware Corvette, teammates O’Connell and Fellows tallied their 22nd ALMS victories, tying the series record for career wins. O’Connell put the C6.R on the GT1 pole, and the duo led the class for the entire 2-hour, 45-minute race. They finished fifth overall and one lap ahead of Gavin and Beretta in the #4 Compuware Corvette.
“It’s been a tremendous team effort by Corvette Racing since I joined the program in November 1997,” Fellows said. “I’m really proud to be part of it.
“I want to dedicate this win to an old friend who died last week,” Fellows said. “He built a race track in Ontario and gave a lot of us a place to race. This one’s for John Nelson.”
DRAGS: St. Thomas Dragway.... what's coming
WHAT’S COMING!! - St. Thomas Dragway
Friday, April 22 - Street Legal Racing - 6 - 10$15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 23 - Test & Tune - 10 - 4$30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 23 - Run What Ya Brung - 6 - 10$20/car & driver $10/crew or spectator
Sunday, April 24 - Bracket Race # 1Gates open - 1 Time Trials - 1 Eliminations to follow$30/test & tune $15/crew or spectator
Friday, April 29 - Street Legal Racing - 6 - 10$15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 30 - Test & Tune - 10 - 4$30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 30 - Run What Ya Brung - 6 - 10$20/car & driver $10/crew or spectator
Sunday, May 1 - Bracket Race # 2Gates open - 1 Time Trials - 1 Eliminations to follow$30/test & tune $15/crew or spectator
Friday, April 22 - Street Legal Racing - 6 - 10$15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 23 - Test & Tune - 10 - 4$30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 23 - Run What Ya Brung - 6 - 10$20/car & driver $10/crew or spectator
Sunday, April 24 - Bracket Race # 1Gates open - 1 Time Trials - 1 Eliminations to follow$30/test & tune $15/crew or spectator
Friday, April 29 - Street Legal Racing - 6 - 10$15/car & driver $5/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 30 - Test & Tune - 10 - 4$30/test & tune $10/crew or spectator
Saturday, April 30 - Run What Ya Brung - 6 - 10$20/car & driver $10/crew or spectator
Sunday, May 1 - Bracket Race # 2Gates open - 1 Time Trials - 1 Eliminations to follow$30/test & tune $15/crew or spectator
ISMA: NO MORE EXCUSES FOR ISMA’S JOE PETRO
By Carol D. Haynes
OSWEGO, NY – Joe Petro has been an on and off competitor on the tough ISMA Lucas Oil/Helping Hands of America supermodified series circuit, mainly due to his work schedule. In 2005, Joe is ready to meet the challenge of a full season head on. He has a new car, a new car number (33) and the strong desire to prove to himself he can be competitive. “The real goal for 2005,” said Joe, “is to take all the excuses off the table. We’ve got the car and the engine, now it’s up to me.”
Petro may not look like the ordinary guy around the racetrack. He may look more at home as an executive in a board meeting, but Joe’s family background yielded both his racing and business careers.
His dad, a veteran of drag racing, brought his son into the fold at an early age. As Joe puts it, “My dad was a drag racer I followed him from the time I was about 7. He went from gas dragsters, alcohol, rear engine dragsters, funny cars and then he ended up with a jet dragster when I was 17 when he decided to retire. He was actually quite successful, and was known as the guy who could get things done on the least amount of money. He was beating the Joe Amato’s at the time who were just coming up.
Joe’s dad’s retirement from drag racing launched a college career for Joe. “I made the decision to go to engineering school because I wanted to drive and I thought I was going to end up driving jets. After dad had sold the car, I sat in my room and kind of said ‘what’s next?’ I knew I couldn’t really do it myself because I didn’t have the money. I went to my guidance counselors and they told me about engineering, about liking math and working with your hands. That’s when I decided to attend the University of New Hampshire and got my degree.
“I moved to Michigan and worked for General Motors right after getting my bachelor’s. A master’s degree from Kettering University came next. Then one day my dad called me and said he had discovered these things called supermodifieds. I was 26 or 27 years old by then and had no idea what a supermodified was. I had never even seen one. In fact I had never been to a live, oval track race before. He told me he was building one of them and going racing again. He talked to Tim T (Trefethen) and Butch (Valley) after he had bought an old car and he started refurbishing it for Star Speedway. When I went home that Christmas for a visit, the car was in the garage and I began to work on it a little bit. I hadn’t actually worked on racecars for a long time but it didn’t take long to get back into it.
“And, there we were again, back racing. I was his crew chief for a couple years. Soon I knew that I really wanted to get into it myself and I realized that dad wasn’t going to step away so I bought Chris Perley’s old car (44) that he had run at Star for a long time. It was an old Belfiore car. Basically I refabbed that and we ran a two-car team for about a year – my dad and I – at the local tracks, basically at Star. This was around 1995. That was just a nightmare, doing two cars, because we basically had the same crew that we have now – me, my parents and my wife at the time and one or two crew guys.”
Soon after the nightmare 2-car year, Joe’s dad hung up his gloves and Joe decided t o run ISMA. “It’s funny.” Joe continued. “We went up to Oswego because I had never been there before. I had heard about it. We sat in the back grandstand to watch the ISMA race. I can remember to this day turning to my father and saying ‘ this is NOT local racing’. I was watching Ordway and Doug Saunier battle in a heat race and realizing that ISMA was going to be a different game and it would take awhile. That race was awesome and I still think about it coming out of turn two at Oswego.”
So Joe did what many drivers of the era did, he went to one of the best car builders in the sport. “I contacted Fred Graves just as he was leaving to go down south and bought one of his cars. That’s still basically the car I have. It was a standard Graves with the leaf spring in the front. Over time we have changed it. After I saw the independent cars, I wanted the independent front end. Because of my engineering background I felt I could do it. I sat down with a bunch of documents on how to do this and designed a car. Then my dad and I fabbed it.”
Joe embarked on his ISMA career , but his plan on running fulltime was short-lived. Work caught up to Joe at this juncture as he tried to juggle both ends of his career. “We stopped trying to run a full schedule about five years ago. It was because of the travel and how many hours I spent at work. I remember getting ready to leave for Sandusky about five years ago and I was on a conference call. Something was blowing up at work . My parents were already on the road with the rig coming to pick me up. I had to walk outside and say ‘I can’t go’. There was this catastrophe at work and I was going to have to take care of that first.
This year the situation is different. Joe has switched jobs. “I had always worked for somebody else,” said Joe, “but this year I am Vice President of Product Development and Operations for a software company where we develop content software. I have people who work for me here and in India. I should have more time for racing.”
Joe is serious about competing this season with ISMA. He’s a franchise car owner. He has a new car and a new number 33 which he asked for after Jen Chesbro’s retirement. “We have built a new car. We worked with Jim Bodnar who helped with the design. It’s a 2005 version of a Bodnar creation – cantilever up front and torsion in the back. We missed Thompson last year because we started the new car then and I haven’t had a day off since!
Joe also found time to get married again and this time he jokingly added a clause in his marriage vows that indicated he would put the relationship first – except for when he was racing. Actually his wife Lisa is one of his staunchest supporters along with dad and mom.
As to the goals for 2005? “Obviously we want to win. But, realistically we know that you have to run in the top five before you can win. If we’re not running in the top five each week, I know either I don’t have it or the car doesn’t have it. The real goal for 2005 is to take all the excuses off the table. You know it’s because ‘the car’s a little older or we didn’t do certain things with the engine’ – just take those off the table. The new car is one component. We worked with Ricky at R&R on some of the machine work and then assembled the engine ourselves. That’s another element. For 2005, I wanted to just put it in my hands as the driver, crew chief and tuner to get us up front. I hate getting out of the car at the end of the night and saying, ‘if I’d just done this or that’. So, we’re taking all those rationalizations away and putting it in my hands. No more excuses.”
Joe lists his crew for this season as Joe Sr. (JAP), crew chief, his mom Nancy – resident psychic, his wife Lisa, CFO and Jason, who does the real work. All kidding aside, Joe says he could never do any of it without the help of his dad. “He’s the guy who gets me there. He’s retired and works full time in the garage. With all the million hours I put in at work, I couldn’t do it without my dad.”
The number 33 team is sponsored this year by Yours truly, Oliver Racing Products, Peterson Fluid Systems and Dan’s EmbroidMe. The new car will either be pure silver (unpainted) or Lamborghini Orange, depending on who wins the vote, which is 3-1 against silver right now. Whatever the color, the Petro supermodified No. 33 will roll onto the track at Waterford Speedbowl on May 28 with the whole family behind it. Getting to the front will be up to the driver!
Joe Petro Jr. and his wife Lisa reside in Windham, New Hampshire with their pit bull Sr. Isaac Newton. Petro’s new super is housed dad’s garage in Londonderry, NH.
OSWEGO, NY – Joe Petro has been an on and off competitor on the tough ISMA Lucas Oil/Helping Hands of America supermodified series circuit, mainly due to his work schedule. In 2005, Joe is ready to meet the challenge of a full season head on. He has a new car, a new car number (33) and the strong desire to prove to himself he can be competitive. “The real goal for 2005,” said Joe, “is to take all the excuses off the table. We’ve got the car and the engine, now it’s up to me.”
Petro may not look like the ordinary guy around the racetrack. He may look more at home as an executive in a board meeting, but Joe’s family background yielded both his racing and business careers.
His dad, a veteran of drag racing, brought his son into the fold at an early age. As Joe puts it, “My dad was a drag racer I followed him from the time I was about 7. He went from gas dragsters, alcohol, rear engine dragsters, funny cars and then he ended up with a jet dragster when I was 17 when he decided to retire. He was actually quite successful, and was known as the guy who could get things done on the least amount of money. He was beating the Joe Amato’s at the time who were just coming up.
Joe’s dad’s retirement from drag racing launched a college career for Joe. “I made the decision to go to engineering school because I wanted to drive and I thought I was going to end up driving jets. After dad had sold the car, I sat in my room and kind of said ‘what’s next?’ I knew I couldn’t really do it myself because I didn’t have the money. I went to my guidance counselors and they told me about engineering, about liking math and working with your hands. That’s when I decided to attend the University of New Hampshire and got my degree.
“I moved to Michigan and worked for General Motors right after getting my bachelor’s. A master’s degree from Kettering University came next. Then one day my dad called me and said he had discovered these things called supermodifieds. I was 26 or 27 years old by then and had no idea what a supermodified was. I had never even seen one. In fact I had never been to a live, oval track race before. He told me he was building one of them and going racing again. He talked to Tim T (Trefethen) and Butch (Valley) after he had bought an old car and he started refurbishing it for Star Speedway. When I went home that Christmas for a visit, the car was in the garage and I began to work on it a little bit. I hadn’t actually worked on racecars for a long time but it didn’t take long to get back into it.
“And, there we were again, back racing. I was his crew chief for a couple years. Soon I knew that I really wanted to get into it myself and I realized that dad wasn’t going to step away so I bought Chris Perley’s old car (44) that he had run at Star for a long time. It was an old Belfiore car. Basically I refabbed that and we ran a two-car team for about a year – my dad and I – at the local tracks, basically at Star. This was around 1995. That was just a nightmare, doing two cars, because we basically had the same crew that we have now – me, my parents and my wife at the time and one or two crew guys.”
Soon after the nightmare 2-car year, Joe’s dad hung up his gloves and Joe decided t o run ISMA. “It’s funny.” Joe continued. “We went up to Oswego because I had never been there before. I had heard about it. We sat in the back grandstand to watch the ISMA race. I can remember to this day turning to my father and saying ‘ this is NOT local racing’. I was watching Ordway and Doug Saunier battle in a heat race and realizing that ISMA was going to be a different game and it would take awhile. That race was awesome and I still think about it coming out of turn two at Oswego.”
So Joe did what many drivers of the era did, he went to one of the best car builders in the sport. “I contacted Fred Graves just as he was leaving to go down south and bought one of his cars. That’s still basically the car I have. It was a standard Graves with the leaf spring in the front. Over time we have changed it. After I saw the independent cars, I wanted the independent front end. Because of my engineering background I felt I could do it. I sat down with a bunch of documents on how to do this and designed a car. Then my dad and I fabbed it.”
Joe embarked on his ISMA career , but his plan on running fulltime was short-lived. Work caught up to Joe at this juncture as he tried to juggle both ends of his career. “We stopped trying to run a full schedule about five years ago. It was because of the travel and how many hours I spent at work. I remember getting ready to leave for Sandusky about five years ago and I was on a conference call. Something was blowing up at work . My parents were already on the road with the rig coming to pick me up. I had to walk outside and say ‘I can’t go’. There was this catastrophe at work and I was going to have to take care of that first.
This year the situation is different. Joe has switched jobs. “I had always worked for somebody else,” said Joe, “but this year I am Vice President of Product Development and Operations for a software company where we develop content software. I have people who work for me here and in India. I should have more time for racing.”
Joe is serious about competing this season with ISMA. He’s a franchise car owner. He has a new car and a new number 33 which he asked for after Jen Chesbro’s retirement. “We have built a new car. We worked with Jim Bodnar who helped with the design. It’s a 2005 version of a Bodnar creation – cantilever up front and torsion in the back. We missed Thompson last year because we started the new car then and I haven’t had a day off since!
Joe also found time to get married again and this time he jokingly added a clause in his marriage vows that indicated he would put the relationship first – except for when he was racing. Actually his wife Lisa is one of his staunchest supporters along with dad and mom.
As to the goals for 2005? “Obviously we want to win. But, realistically we know that you have to run in the top five before you can win. If we’re not running in the top five each week, I know either I don’t have it or the car doesn’t have it. The real goal for 2005 is to take all the excuses off the table. You know it’s because ‘the car’s a little older or we didn’t do certain things with the engine’ – just take those off the table. The new car is one component. We worked with Ricky at R&R on some of the machine work and then assembled the engine ourselves. That’s another element. For 2005, I wanted to just put it in my hands as the driver, crew chief and tuner to get us up front. I hate getting out of the car at the end of the night and saying, ‘if I’d just done this or that’. So, we’re taking all those rationalizations away and putting it in my hands. No more excuses.”
Joe lists his crew for this season as Joe Sr. (JAP), crew chief, his mom Nancy – resident psychic, his wife Lisa, CFO and Jason, who does the real work. All kidding aside, Joe says he could never do any of it without the help of his dad. “He’s the guy who gets me there. He’s retired and works full time in the garage. With all the million hours I put in at work, I couldn’t do it without my dad.”
The number 33 team is sponsored this year by Yours truly, Oliver Racing Products, Peterson Fluid Systems and Dan’s EmbroidMe. The new car will either be pure silver (unpainted) or Lamborghini Orange, depending on who wins the vote, which is 3-1 against silver right now. Whatever the color, the Petro supermodified No. 33 will roll onto the track at Waterford Speedbowl on May 28 with the whole family behind it. Getting to the front will be up to the driver!
Joe Petro Jr. and his wife Lisa reside in Windham, New Hampshire with their pit bull Sr. Isaac Newton. Petro’s new super is housed dad’s garage in Londonderry, NH.
DRAGS: Bob Elliott & the Northern Force Leave Their Mark on History
WINGHAM, ON (April 18, 2005) Legendary Canadian drag racer Bob Elliott of Wingham, Ontario now has his original funny car fire-suit on display at the Canadian Motorsport Hall Of Fame in Toronto Ontario. Elliott, who was nominated for induction into the Hall Of Fame two years ago, had a popular and successful career behind the wheel of his Northern Force Funny Cars and is one of only four drivers in the world to have competed in all three styles of funny car: alcohol, nitro-methane, and jet turbine powered.
Elliott, who is currently working on funding to compete in the Top Fuel Dragster class, stated; “I am so proud to be a part of this tribute to Canadian motor-sports. “When Hall of Fame Administrator Tim Miller called to see if I had my original suit and asked if I would be interested in donating it to the Hall Of Fame I was truly honored.”
The suit is still in its original form from the last time it was worn down the quarter mile. When looking at it Elliott said “It looks like something out of the Middle Ages but this old beauty kept me safe for many 200 mph passes down the quarter mile. I was, however, happy to have improved technology as my cars approached the 300 mph mark.”
Bob’s fire-suit display is part of an expanding exhibit featuring drag racing memorabilia that will include a working “Christmas tree” and one of the original timing systems used to monitor speed and elapsed time.
For more information on the Hall Of Fame visit their website at www.cmhf.ca
For more information on Bob Elliott visit his website at www.northernforce.com
For more information, please contact:
Jory Elliott // Marketing Director // Telephone: 519.859.5679
Email: jelliott@northernforce.com
Elliott, who is currently working on funding to compete in the Top Fuel Dragster class, stated; “I am so proud to be a part of this tribute to Canadian motor-sports. “When Hall of Fame Administrator Tim Miller called to see if I had my original suit and asked if I would be interested in donating it to the Hall Of Fame I was truly honored.”
The suit is still in its original form from the last time it was worn down the quarter mile. When looking at it Elliott said “It looks like something out of the Middle Ages but this old beauty kept me safe for many 200 mph passes down the quarter mile. I was, however, happy to have improved technology as my cars approached the 300 mph mark.”
Bob’s fire-suit display is part of an expanding exhibit featuring drag racing memorabilia that will include a working “Christmas tree” and one of the original timing systems used to monitor speed and elapsed time.
For more information on the Hall Of Fame visit their website at www.cmhf.ca
For more information on Bob Elliott visit his website at www.northernforce.com
For more information, please contact:
Jory Elliott // Marketing Director // Telephone: 519.859.5679
Email: jelliott@northernforce.com
ALSTAR: Tiemersma Motorsports
In a recent issue of Inside Track, we ran some photos from Mike Sutton of Tiemersma Motorsports as the team prepared for the upcoming Shouldice ALSTAR Series.
Mike has recently updated the site a bit, so have a look at how far things have come since the photos appeared in the magazine.
Thanks for keeping us informed Mike! And a note to everyone else out there... if you would like to let people know what you're up to, all you have to do is send me a brief update or a link to your site and we'll try to get it on the Blog.
Visit the link below to visit the Tiemersma site....
Tiemersma Motorsports
Mike has recently updated the site a bit, so have a look at how far things have come since the photos appeared in the magazine.
Thanks for keeping us informed Mike! And a note to everyone else out there... if you would like to let people know what you're up to, all you have to do is send me a brief update or a link to your site and we'll try to get it on the Blog.
Visit the link below to visit the Tiemersma site....
Tiemersma Motorsports
DIRT: Cayuga Speedway Opener
By Gary M. Spaid, DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (April 17) – Alan Johnson drove his small block to victory in the 51st season big-block opener at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Sunday. He pocketed $3,000 for the 50-lap victory, his 53rd career win at the historic Weedsport oval which celebrates its 'Golden Anniversary' in 2005.
In Sportsman action, Russ Hefti came home first, picking up his sixth career win at Cayuga County. Also in action were the Street Stocks with Adam DePuy earning $150 for his first place finish. The Street Stock division at Cayuga County offers a new purse structure in 2005, paying back to 15th place.
Track officials did everything in their power to run the races off and try to provide a quality racing surface early in the year. As this was a day race, dust was somewhat of an issue early in the Modified feature. The intense dust at the start of the 50-lapper caused a multi-car accident in the first turn. Thanks to the RACEceiver one-way radio the field was quickly realigned and drivers were told to watch their pace on the restart of the race. The ensuing second attempt to start the main event proved successful; so successful was it that the yellow did not fly again until lap 23 as the dust was blown off the speedway by lap 10.
Tim McCreadie jumped to the early lead of the DIRT Modified main with Derrick Podsiadlo in second followed by Tim's teammate Vic Coffey. McCreadie stretched out a four second lead over the duo in second and third, finally entering traffic by lap eight.
One lap later Coffey used an inside pass to grab second from Podsiadlo. Gary Tomkins and Alan Johnson were now closing in fourth and fifth respectively. But just as fast as these two were moving, "young gun" Justin Haers was moving faster. Haers passed both Johnson and Tomkins using an outside line to take fourth on lap 13. He then proceeded to take Podsiadlo and charge at Coffey again using the outside groove. Coffey held on to second as Hears fell into third.
On lap 23 Tom Sears Jr. coasted to a stop high in the second turn causing the yellow to fly for the first time since the original restart. This bunched the field behind McCreadie, allowing Coffey to make a run at McCreadie when the green flew.
Alan Johnson decided now was the time to make his move. He passed brother Danny Johnson for fourth following a side-by-side duel for the position before the yellow had flown. 'A.J. Slideways' then passed Haers and moved in on Coffey. By lap 36, he shot low around Coffey for second and set his sights on the lead.
Four laps later he drove high around McCreadie exiting the second turn to take the lead. Johnson then began to stretch his advantage over the closing laps, taking the checkers some 3.0-seconds ahead of runner-up McCreadie. Hears, Coffey and Danny Johnson rounded out the top-five finishers.
Pennsylvanian Kevin Bates looked to be invincible in the Sportsman feature, taking the lead at the drop of the green and opening up a comfortable advantage over Greg Doust and Hefti. As the field finished the first lap the yellow flew for Scott Schrader who spun in the first turn.
The restart saw Bates still in command with Doust a close second. With ten laps down Hefti made a run at Doust for the runner-up spot while both Shawn Donath and Rob Pratt settled into fourth and fifth places respectively.
The yellow flew again on lap 13 when Mike Conrow stopped on the high side of the fourth turn. This slowdown bunched the field together and allowed Hefti a chance to pass Bates for the lead.
On the restart Hefti went high exiting the second turn and was able to pull along side of Bates, completing his pass before reaching the start-finish line.
Hefti held on for a three car-length win followed by Bates, Doust, Donath and Jim Bowman. However Bowman did not make weight and was scored and paid for last place in the event, thus moving Tom Juhl into a top-five finish.
In the Street Stock finale, Mike Holford jumped into the early lead with Nate Peckham in second and last year's track divisional champion, Dave Marcuccilli in third. Peckham made a charge at the lead as the field powered through the second turn. Unfortunately Peckham looped his mount and fell to the last place in the field.
Early favorite Dave Mannise dropped out by the third lap, making Holford's chances of victory look even sweeter. One lap later, however, Holford dropped to second behind Adam DePuy. DePuy then pulled away from the field leaving a great battle for second through fifth for the fans to watch. Nick Dandino, Marcuccilli, Holford and Eric Chapman rounded out the top-five when the checkers flew on lap 15.
CAYUGA CHATTER: Jack Johnson must not have liked his encounter with tech following his heat race. After asking him to alter the rear window panels, he decided instead to load up and head back to Duanesburg, even though he was scheduled to start 13th in the feature...Chip Burdick had his first taste of Cayuga County behind the helm. Outside of the early dusty conditions, typical of day racing, he was able to complete the entire program in just over two and a half hours. Fans were on their way home as early as 4:30 p.m....Light Street Stock numbers (only 8 cars were on hand) are expected to grow once word of the new payoff gets around. Before only the top-five shared in the payoff, now the top-15 will earn money with $150 going to the winner....As for car counts, there were 33 DIRT Modifieds on hand and 17 Sportsman.
This weekend Cayuga County goes with another $3,000 to win, 50-lap DIRT Modified feature complete with a full Sportsman and Street Stock program. One difference is this Sunday the racing is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with officials hoping to cut back on some of the dust problems.
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 Stacker 2, AMB i.t., RACEceiver and Zippo Lighters and the contingency sponsors are Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
CAYUGA COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY OPENING DAY RESULTS 4-17-05
STREET STOCKS
HEAT: D. Marcuccilli, M. Holford, D. Mannise, N. Peckham.
FEATURE (15-laps): ADAM DePUY, Nick Dandino, Dave Marcuccilli, Mike Holford, Eric Chapman, Tim Shumaker, Dave Mannise, Nate Peckham.
SPORTSMAN
HEAT 1: K. Bates, S. Schrader, R. Pratt, T. Juhl.
HEAT 2: S. Donath, G. Doust, R. Hefti, M. Conrow.
FEATURE (20-laps): RUSS HEFTI, Kevin Bates, Greg Doust, Shawn Donath, Tom Juhl, Rob Pratt, Mike Bowman, Scott Schrader, Rob Hile, Kevin Ridley, Eric Giguere, Mike Conrow, Sean Carman, Jim Bowman, DNS: Steve Babicek.
DIRT MODIFIEDS
HEAT 1: T. McCreadie, G. Tomkins, R. Phelps, J. Johnson, B. Decker.
HEAT 2: D. Podsiadlo, A. Johnson, A.J. Romano, R. Cartwright Jr., T. Sears Jr.
HEAT 3: J. Isabell, D. Johnson, T. Fuller, M. Sheppard, S. Poirier.
HEAT 4: V. Coffey, J. Haers, P. Ward, S. Paine, C. Bower.
CONSI 1: J. Phelps, B. Dunn, E. Payne Jr., V. Vitale.
CONSI 2: S. Hulsizer, S. Beardsley, C. Brachmann, S. Friesen.
FEATURE (50-laps): ALAN JOHNSON, Tim McCreadie, Justin Haers, Vic Coffey, Danny Johnson, Gary Tomkins, Billy Decker, Tim Fuller, A.J. Romano, Matt Sheppard, Pat Ward, Jimmy Phelps, Chad Brachmann, Billy Dunn, Steve Poirier, Steve Paine, Derrick Podsiadlo, Sean Beardsley, Chuck Bower, Vince Vitale, Jeff Isabell, Ron Cartwright Jr., Stewart Friesen, Steve Hulsizer, Tom Sears Jr., Ryan Phelps, Eldon Payne Jr., Jeff Brownell Jr.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (April 17) – Alan Johnson drove his small block to victory in the 51st season big-block opener at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Sunday. He pocketed $3,000 for the 50-lap victory, his 53rd career win at the historic Weedsport oval which celebrates its 'Golden Anniversary' in 2005.
In Sportsman action, Russ Hefti came home first, picking up his sixth career win at Cayuga County. Also in action were the Street Stocks with Adam DePuy earning $150 for his first place finish. The Street Stock division at Cayuga County offers a new purse structure in 2005, paying back to 15th place.
Track officials did everything in their power to run the races off and try to provide a quality racing surface early in the year. As this was a day race, dust was somewhat of an issue early in the Modified feature. The intense dust at the start of the 50-lapper caused a multi-car accident in the first turn. Thanks to the RACEceiver one-way radio the field was quickly realigned and drivers were told to watch their pace on the restart of the race. The ensuing second attempt to start the main event proved successful; so successful was it that the yellow did not fly again until lap 23 as the dust was blown off the speedway by lap 10.
Tim McCreadie jumped to the early lead of the DIRT Modified main with Derrick Podsiadlo in second followed by Tim's teammate Vic Coffey. McCreadie stretched out a four second lead over the duo in second and third, finally entering traffic by lap eight.
One lap later Coffey used an inside pass to grab second from Podsiadlo. Gary Tomkins and Alan Johnson were now closing in fourth and fifth respectively. But just as fast as these two were moving, "young gun" Justin Haers was moving faster. Haers passed both Johnson and Tomkins using an outside line to take fourth on lap 13. He then proceeded to take Podsiadlo and charge at Coffey again using the outside groove. Coffey held on to second as Hears fell into third.
On lap 23 Tom Sears Jr. coasted to a stop high in the second turn causing the yellow to fly for the first time since the original restart. This bunched the field behind McCreadie, allowing Coffey to make a run at McCreadie when the green flew.
Alan Johnson decided now was the time to make his move. He passed brother Danny Johnson for fourth following a side-by-side duel for the position before the yellow had flown. 'A.J. Slideways' then passed Haers and moved in on Coffey. By lap 36, he shot low around Coffey for second and set his sights on the lead.
Four laps later he drove high around McCreadie exiting the second turn to take the lead. Johnson then began to stretch his advantage over the closing laps, taking the checkers some 3.0-seconds ahead of runner-up McCreadie. Hears, Coffey and Danny Johnson rounded out the top-five finishers.
Pennsylvanian Kevin Bates looked to be invincible in the Sportsman feature, taking the lead at the drop of the green and opening up a comfortable advantage over Greg Doust and Hefti. As the field finished the first lap the yellow flew for Scott Schrader who spun in the first turn.
The restart saw Bates still in command with Doust a close second. With ten laps down Hefti made a run at Doust for the runner-up spot while both Shawn Donath and Rob Pratt settled into fourth and fifth places respectively.
The yellow flew again on lap 13 when Mike Conrow stopped on the high side of the fourth turn. This slowdown bunched the field together and allowed Hefti a chance to pass Bates for the lead.
On the restart Hefti went high exiting the second turn and was able to pull along side of Bates, completing his pass before reaching the start-finish line.
Hefti held on for a three car-length win followed by Bates, Doust, Donath and Jim Bowman. However Bowman did not make weight and was scored and paid for last place in the event, thus moving Tom Juhl into a top-five finish.
In the Street Stock finale, Mike Holford jumped into the early lead with Nate Peckham in second and last year's track divisional champion, Dave Marcuccilli in third. Peckham made a charge at the lead as the field powered through the second turn. Unfortunately Peckham looped his mount and fell to the last place in the field.
Early favorite Dave Mannise dropped out by the third lap, making Holford's chances of victory look even sweeter. One lap later, however, Holford dropped to second behind Adam DePuy. DePuy then pulled away from the field leaving a great battle for second through fifth for the fans to watch. Nick Dandino, Marcuccilli, Holford and Eric Chapman rounded out the top-five when the checkers flew on lap 15.
CAYUGA CHATTER: Jack Johnson must not have liked his encounter with tech following his heat race. After asking him to alter the rear window panels, he decided instead to load up and head back to Duanesburg, even though he was scheduled to start 13th in the feature...Chip Burdick had his first taste of Cayuga County behind the helm. Outside of the early dusty conditions, typical of day racing, he was able to complete the entire program in just over two and a half hours. Fans were on their way home as early as 4:30 p.m....Light Street Stock numbers (only 8 cars were on hand) are expected to grow once word of the new payoff gets around. Before only the top-five shared in the payoff, now the top-15 will earn money with $150 going to the winner....As for car counts, there were 33 DIRT Modifieds on hand and 17 Sportsman.
This weekend Cayuga County goes with another $3,000 to win, 50-lap DIRT Modified feature complete with a full Sportsman and Street Stock program. One difference is this Sunday the racing is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with officials hoping to cut back on some of the dust problems.
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 Stacker 2, AMB i.t., RACEceiver and Zippo Lighters and the contingency sponsors are Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
CAYUGA COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY OPENING DAY RESULTS 4-17-05
STREET STOCKS
HEAT: D. Marcuccilli, M. Holford, D. Mannise, N. Peckham.
FEATURE (15-laps): ADAM DePUY, Nick Dandino, Dave Marcuccilli, Mike Holford, Eric Chapman, Tim Shumaker, Dave Mannise, Nate Peckham.
SPORTSMAN
HEAT 1: K. Bates, S. Schrader, R. Pratt, T. Juhl.
HEAT 2: S. Donath, G. Doust, R. Hefti, M. Conrow.
FEATURE (20-laps): RUSS HEFTI, Kevin Bates, Greg Doust, Shawn Donath, Tom Juhl, Rob Pratt, Mike Bowman, Scott Schrader, Rob Hile, Kevin Ridley, Eric Giguere, Mike Conrow, Sean Carman, Jim Bowman, DNS: Steve Babicek.
DIRT MODIFIEDS
HEAT 1: T. McCreadie, G. Tomkins, R. Phelps, J. Johnson, B. Decker.
HEAT 2: D. Podsiadlo, A. Johnson, A.J. Romano, R. Cartwright Jr., T. Sears Jr.
HEAT 3: J. Isabell, D. Johnson, T. Fuller, M. Sheppard, S. Poirier.
HEAT 4: V. Coffey, J. Haers, P. Ward, S. Paine, C. Bower.
CONSI 1: J. Phelps, B. Dunn, E. Payne Jr., V. Vitale.
CONSI 2: S. Hulsizer, S. Beardsley, C. Brachmann, S. Friesen.
FEATURE (50-laps): ALAN JOHNSON, Tim McCreadie, Justin Haers, Vic Coffey, Danny Johnson, Gary Tomkins, Billy Decker, Tim Fuller, A.J. Romano, Matt Sheppard, Pat Ward, Jimmy Phelps, Chad Brachmann, Billy Dunn, Steve Poirier, Steve Paine, Derrick Podsiadlo, Sean Beardsley, Chuck Bower, Vince Vitale, Jeff Isabell, Ron Cartwright Jr., Stewart Friesen, Steve Hulsizer, Tom Sears Jr., Ryan Phelps, Eldon Payne Jr., Jeff Brownell Jr.
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