TRANS-AM: HIMA MAHER TO COMPETE IN THE BALANCEOF THE 2005 TRANS-AM SEASON

Courtesy Justin Anderson

CALGARY, Alberta (June 3, 2005) — Calgary resident and veteran sports car racing driver Hima Maher announced today plans to compete in each of the eight scheduled races remaining on the 2005 Trans-Am Series calendar. Maher will drive a Chevrolet Corvette fielded by veteran Trans-Am team Derhaag Motorsports and sponsored by Centennial Motorsports.

The move successfully caps a five-year quest for Maher, who is a veteran of several racing series, and is the 2004 Canadian GT Championship titleholder.“I have been working toward this moment for nearly five years,” said Maher. “In 2000, I competed as a rookie in the Sports Car Club of British Columbia Invitational, which was part of the Molson Indy Vancouver. I put our Nissan 300ZX GT-2 car on the overall pole in a field that included GT-1, GT-2 and GT-3 cars. I led the most laps in that race and finished second to a GT-1 car, which passed me on the final lap. I remember being asked in the press conference about my future racing plans. I said: ‘My dream is to run Trans-Am.’ Since then, I have worked toward this goal. Five years later, here I am. It was a vision thing. If you envision something, and stick with it, then you should end up there.”

Maher will make his Trans-Am debut at Portland during the G.I. Joe’s presents the Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland weekend June 17-18 at Portland International Raceway. Maher tested with the Derhaag team last month at Mid-America and came away satisfied with his progress.

“This is a big debut for me,” said Maher. “We’ll keep our formula simple: be well prepared and go from there. (Team owner) Jim Derhaag has given me great advice. He said we should set realistic goals. Our test was a very intense two days. I studied as much as I could about the car, the gearing, and the track and I made sure my physical conditioning was up to the task. We took every lap as seriously as we could. It was a lot of fun, but we also got a lot done. There was an open conversation between Jim, the race engineer and myself, which was important. We met the goals set for each session, and when the team asked for more, we were able to provide it.”

“We’re very pleased to be fielding a car for a driver of Hima’s caliber,” said Derhaag Motorsports team owner Jim Derhaag, who is also a veteran of 150 Trans-Am starts as a driver. “Hima did quite well during his first laps in a Trans-Am car at Mid-America. He should be very competitive in the Trans-Am Series.”

NASCAR SUSPENDS HMIEL FOR VIOLATION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

Courtesy Herb Branham, NASCAR Public Relations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2005) The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has suspended driver Shane Hmiel indefinitely, for violation of the sanctioning body s substance abuse policy.

NASCAR officials said Thursday that Hmiel was tested for banned substances after NASCAR Busch Series qualifying at Lowe s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The results of the test were positive, violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-E (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2005 NASCAR rule book.

Hmiel is 14th in the current NASCAR Busch Series driver championship standings.

SHOULDICE ALSTAR: Series heads to Sunset Speedway on Saturday night for Race #2

SAUBLE BEACH, ON - On Saturday night (June 4), the Shouldice Stone ALSTAR Late Model Series heads to Sunset Speedway in Stroud, ON for its second race of the 2005 season.

Former ALSTAR Series champion Jason Shaw leads the points entering the race, on the strength of his victory in the season opener at Sauble Speedway, two weeks ago.

Unfortunately, technical difficulties will prevent the race from being broadcast over the internet as ALSTAR races usually are. However, the show will be broadcast as usual on the radio at AM560 in Owen Sound.

Series promoter Joe Chisholm would like to urge you to drop Bayshore Broadcasting a note at: bayshore@radioowensound.com to let them know how important live internet broadcasts of the ALSTAR races are to you.

SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Super Series 75 (EVENT SCHEDULE:)

Round # 2 at Sunset Speedway (Sat. June 4th/05)

3:00 pm...................Pit Gate Opens

5:30 pm...................Front Gate Opens

6:30 ........................Crew Chief Meeting

7:00pm....................1st Set of Heat Races

8:30pm....................Mandatory Autograph Session

8:55 ...........................76th SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Race.

Speedway Information: www.sunsetspeedway.ca // For More Info: www.alstarseries.com

NBIS: Martin’s Home Heating 100 Marks 2005 Season Opener

Courtesy NBIS

Fredericton , NB – Forecast looks good. Drivers are ready. Fans are anxious. And NBIS management is just relieved…almost. After a month of endless rain showers it’s a good bet that NBIS will open their season this coming Saturday night with the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman 100. There will be regular points racing in the Pro Stock and Coast Tire Street Stock Divisions. Green flag drops at 7pm.

“After the last month I’ll believe it when I see the first lap, but it’s a decent forecast with sun, the best we’ve had in a long time,” said co-owner Chris Johnston, “Barring a nasty swing in the weather, we’ll be on the oval this weekend.”

This is a welcome respite from poor weather which has caused a record four consecutive event cancellations, five if the practice that was actually postponed twice is included. Practice eventually took place on May 14th – the only time that NBIS has hit the pavement this season.

What a way to start off the season, too. Fans who are anxious to get their racing fix and see some live racing, will be at the right place in the Geary woods on Saturday night. NBIS will host the first major race of the season as the popular sportsman class will go 100 laps on the 1/3 mile high banked oval with the high powered CARQUEST Pro Stocks (40 lap feature) and wild and woolly Coast Tire Street Stocks (20 lap feature) starting their championship points races.

Pit gates will open at 1pm to give drivers extra time for pre-season technical inspection and additional practice time. Fans and drivers looking for additional information or updates should call 506-454-RACE (7223).

June 4th Event: Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman 100
Saturday, June 4th at 7:00pm - Pit gates open at 1pm, Grandstands open at 5pm, Racing starts at 7pm
Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman 100 plus regular points racing in the CARQUEST Pro Stock (40 lap feature), and Coast Tire Street Stock (20 lap feature) Divisions

Ticket Prices: Adults (16 and over) $14, Youth (ages 9-15) $11, Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass : Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $45.

LIONS BONUS MONEY FOR MERRITTVILLE TEAMS: SECOND LADIES RACE SET FOR BALL HOCKEY NIGHT

Courtesy Jim Irvine

Thorold, Ontario … Merrittville Speedway is set to welcome two great friends of the local racing scene – Ball Hockey International and the Niagara Lions and Glen Rolston June 11th in an action-packed DIRT Weekly Racing Series program that will also feature the second Ladies Race of the 2005 Season.

Just prior to he season starting, drivers, crew members and other personalities participated in some pre-season fun in the first annual Ball Hockey International Tournament Saturday April 9th.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding “ it was a fun day for our competitors … and we have to congratulate the champion Fleetwood Team.” Proceeds of the event benefited the 2005 Merrittville Speedway Point Fund.

Charlene Dooley – wife of defending Hoosier Stock Point Champion Mike Dooley – a Ladies Race Series Competitor and a veteran Ball Hockey competitor coordinated the Tournament that was held at the BHI Complex at Lock 3 in St. Catharines. “We’ve got to thank all the teams and everyone that supported our first effort,” comments Dooley, “ it was a great day … we’ve already met and have made plans for next year’s event.”

Both BHI St. Catharines and Welland locations (at 300 Woodlawn Road on the campus of Niagara College) will soon be taking registrations for the Summer and Fall sessions for individuals or teams. For further information call the St. Catharines location at 905-682-2835 or in Welland at 905-734-1040 or visit with them at Merrittville Speedway June 11th.

With the BHI representatives on hand, Merrittville Speedway will also welcome Glen Rolston and the Region 5 Lions Clubs.“What can we say about Glen and the Lions – they love their racing and like to help where they can, ” boasts Bicknell.

All divisions of the Weekly Racing Series will be in action – Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and Turn Four Collision 4 Cylinders in addition to the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds. For the DIRT Weekly Racing Series Divisions, Glen Rolston has posted an additional $1200.00 in bonus monies.

The Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders will each receive an additional $75.00 while the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds will receive $250.00. These three awards will be given away via the Lions Lucky Dog Draw. For the Hoosier Stocks, there will be a Six Lap Dash for the Lions Loot with $100 to the winner, $75 for second and third with $50 for fourth in the 4 car special.

The Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division Top 10 Feature finishers will also receive some of Glen’s generosity with $500 to be split amongst those drivers.Gates will open at 5:00 with Showtime set for 7:00.Experience Merrittville Speedway on a Saturday Night – it’s Dirt Racing and it’s just good clean fun.

For further information on the 2005 Season call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

ALMS: TEAM PANOZ, ESPERANTE HAVE EYES ON LE MANS

Courtesy ALMS

Braselton, Ga. - With one victory already in the 2005 American Le Mans Series and a promising second half of the ALMS schedule on tap, Panoz Motor Sports has set its sights on the grandest prize of all in sports car racing: a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Georgia-based manufacturer is entering two Esperante GTLMs (with their unmistakable American rumble that has made Panoz a fan favorite in France) for the world's most famous and historic sports car race. Both cars will adorn different numbers and livery for the 24-hour event in the Sarthe region of France with the addition of the Bank of Scotland as team sponsor.

The No. 50 will change to the No. 77 with Bill Auberlen, Robin Liddell and Scott Maxwell sharing driving duties. The sister car, No. 78 at Le Mans, will be driven by Marino Franchitti, Bryan Sellers and Patrick Bourdais. The Bank of Scotland will remain the team's sponsor for the rest of the 2005 ALMS season.



The team will have to travel about 4,400 miles to compete in the 73rd running of the 24-hour endurance race. But it will be more concerned with capturing the podium against a field that includes such names as Ferrari, Porsche, TVR and Spyker in the LM GT2 class.

"Everyone is waiting to see how fast it can go down the Mulsanne Straight. That is what no one knows," Auberlen said. "The car has proven to be fast here in the States. We've done all our homework. If it runs without malfunctions, everything else will take care of itself and we'll finish on one of those podium steps." Panoz Motor Sports is sending two Esperantes to compete in the LM GT2 class at this month's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Auberlen and Liddell piloted the No. 50 Esperante to a GT2 class victory in the Sportsbook.com Grand Prix of Atlanta at Road Atlanta, home track of the ALMS and Panoz Motor Sports. The victory wasn't a fluke as the car posted fast times in nearly every practice session and set GT2 track records in both qualifying and the race. A harrowing battle in the closing laps between Liddell and Alex Job Racing's Timo Bernhard came to a head when the No. 23 Porsche made illegal contact with the race-leading Esperante, sending it into a spin. Bernhard was promptly issued a penalty, resulting in a credited 27.5-second margin of victory for the No. 50 Panoz Esperante. Panoz Motor Sports' first GT2 class victory was especially memorable as it occurred during the 70th birthday celebration of ALMS founder Don Panoz.

The Bank of Scotland is sponsoring Panoz Motor Sports' two Esperantes for Le Mans and the rest of the 2005 ALMS season. At its debut at the 53rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Esperantes showed impressive speed and performance in practice and in the early part of the race. Mechanical problems, however, left both cars well back in the pack at the end of the day. It was much of the same story at the most recent ALMS race, the American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio, where both cars again struggled.

But Le Mans offers a new hope to Panoz Motor Sports, one that could send the team to the height of success it envisioned with the Esperante debut last year.

"Most everyone on the team was brought in because they have a winning background, and everyone has known the car has potential," Sellers said. "The focus has always been to win, and the feeling of winning at Atlanta may make everyone want to do it more."

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be broadcast on SPEED Channel starting at 10 a.m. EDT June 18. The next race for the American Le Mans Series is the New England Grand Prix, set for 3 p.m. July 4 at Lime Rock Park. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED (3 to 6 p.m. EDT) and on MotorsTV in Europe, reaching 40 million viewers in 21 countries.

10 NAPA / AUTOPRO TEAM HEADS TO ST. EUSTACHE

Prepared By: Ken Spencer - Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing

Brown Seeking To Rebound Following Season Opener Problems - Doug Brown and his NAPA/AUTOPRO team are heading for Autodrome St. Eustache this weekend seeking to rebound from the early season set back that befell them at Delaware Speedway on May 22nd. An oil pressure problem forced them out of that race after only 32 laps and dropped them to 29th place in the early season standings.

The Quebec race is the second event of the season in the CASCAR Super Series schedule and the first the team will compete in at the Montreal area oval in Super Series competition.
It is not, however an unfamiliar track to the Brantford-based team. In past seasons, Brown has had his share of success on the flat 4/10th-mile oval, including several top five finishes and a solid third place run in 2002 as a regular campaigner in CASCAR’s Sportsman Series.

Upwards of thirty cars are expected to contest the event marking the first return of the Super Series to the popular track since 2003. Because of the track’s low banking and tight racing action, chassis setup will be a key factor to ensure a good staring position in the 200-lap event and finishing is paramount to moving up a few spots in the standings. Tire wear is an issue the team is wary of having encountered problems in the past.

New Team Sponsor On Board:

This trip is also important for the Doug Brown and his teammates to ensure its new sponsor receives some recognition for its association with the team. Brown Auto Racing is pleased to welcome ACE Transmissions to its Associate Sponsorship/Marketing Team for the 2005 season.



ACE is the recognized supplier of choice for national and franchised transmission companies; Independent transmission shops; large automotive buying co-operatives; warranty companies; local and national repair garages; plus business fleets and rental fleets. ACE is currently expanding its operation by developing a network of Authorized Dealers across Canada.

"We feel the partnership we’ve formed with Doug and his race team is just the type of marketing vehicle we need to raise awareness in and to further expand our ACE Transmission network of dealerships throughout Canada. And we’re pleased to be associated with such an established and professionally run organization," stated Larry Gillies, Director of Sales, ACE Transmissions in announcing their involvement in the #10 team.

"The addition of ACE Transmissions will further help our efforts and is a welcome addition to our Sponsorship/Marketing team led by our Title Sponsor NAPA/AUTOPRO, our Major Associate Sponsor Valvoline and our line-up of Associate Sponsors: NAPA Brake and Chassis, World of Graphics, HurryPRINT Imaging Centre, Bicknell Racing Products, KWIC Internet, WIX Filters, BOC Gas, Advance Printing, Jebbo Electronics Warehouse, Leaf Racewear and Brochures etc.," Doug commented when confirming the announcement.

LUIS FIGO AND CARLOS QUEIROS LAUNCH A1 TEAM PORTUGAL

Courtesy Nikki Rooke PR and Communications

Lisbon, 1 June - Less than one week after A1 Grand Prix's first race calendar revealed Estoril as the host of the third round in the 12-race global series, Portugal received a further boost to its international motorsport reputation as A1 Team Portugal became the first country in continental Europe to unveil its A1GP car.

At a prestigious ceremony attended by Portugal's Secretary of Sport Laurentino Dias, prominent business leaders and high-profile sporting stars including Portugal's national team football coach Luis Felipe Scolari, co-seat holders Real Madrid and Portugal International star Luis Figo and Manchester United Assistant Manager Carlos Queiros revealed the Portuguese race car in traditional colours amid fireworks and lasers at the magnificent Centro Cultural de Belem in Lisbon.

Speaking at the launch Figo said: 'I have always dreamed and I continue to dream of a Portugal capable to fight for a victory on all fronts. Because of this idea of a competitive country, open to the biggest international challenges, I decided to be associated with the creation of A1 Team Portugal. So that inmotorsport as well, we can demonstrate our talent and daring, in a competitive format that provides a level playing field, and to project Portugal as a countryof champions.'

Queirós went on to say: 'The creation of A1 Grand Prix is going to revolutionise the competitive format of world motorsport, giving opportunities to countries like Portugal to rival developed nations on an equal basis, to demonstrate the value of its team and to compete for victory in each race. This project allows the image of Portugal and its main brands to develop and allows the Portuguese to demonstrate again all their passion for motorsport and enhance the sport with hundreds of thousand of fans in our country.'

Welcoming A1 Team Portugal to the Series, A1 Grand Prix CEO Tony Teixeira said:'It is fantastic to see international football stars of the calibre of Figo andQueiros involved in A1 Grand Prix bringing football fans to the motor racing arena. We are close to reaching our target of 25 countries and we are delighted that the series is overwhelmingly over-subscribed.'

A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum concluded the event saying: 'Portugal is a nation with a great heritage and through A1 Team Portugal and the Estoril race, I believe it can reclaim its position as one of the leading countries in international motorsport. Through the medium of A1 GrandPrix, Portugal has the opportunity to showcase itself as a country, but also to demonstrate the growth and development in its business sector and portray this to the world.'

On Tuesday 31 May, A1 Team Portugal official drivers Pedro Lamy, Alvaro Parenteand João Urbano all took to the track at Estoril to test the A1 race car.

WIN $500 FRIDAY IN Q104 KART RACES AT SCOTIA SPEEDWORLD

By Jean Roue

HALIFAX, NS (2005 June 2) - You could win $500 at Scotia Speedworld on Friday night, complements of Q104 FM and Hatfield Farm. A special Q104 promotion will see eight lucky fans compete in go-kart races with a grand prize of $500 cash. Karts are being supplied by Kartbahn.

Six Q104 listeners will be pre-qualified and another two lucky competitors will be picked from the audience Friday night. There will be two five lap heat races with four competitors each. The top two finishers from each heat will transfer to the five lap feature and the winner of the feature gets the $500.

The Q Cops will be on hand distributing ballots for those wishing to enter the Q104 Kart race (must be 16 or older to compete). Q104 Morning Show personality BJ Burke will be on hand to MC the Q104 Kart races.

Besides the Q104 Kart races, Friday night's show will see a full-slate of Budweiser Weekly Racing action featuring all five stock car divisions. Because of last weeks rainout this will be the first race in the quest for the 2005 division championship titles for the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman, Nova Automotive Hobby Stock, RV Contacts Legends and the Miller Tire BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions (2).

Join track announcer Mike Kaplan for prizes and fun in the Pepsi Pre-Race Show at 7 pm; racing starts at 7:30.Grandstand admission is just $12 for adults and $2 for youth aged 8-15. Children 7 and under are admitted free. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pit admission is $15 and restricted to those 16 and older. HST is included in all admission prices.

DaSilva Racing School and Customer Appreciation Day

Courtesy Joe DaSilva Racing

Sparta, Ont. - June 2, 2005 - Joe DaSilva of DaSilva Racing and The Mustang Toy Store in Scarborough have announced that DaSilva Racing will be holding a Drag Racing School at St. Thomas Dragway on Friday, June 10.

Gates open at 10 with the school running from 11 to 5. Students will be invited to stay for the Friday Night Street Legal program to test their new skills.

As well DaSilva Racing will be holding their annual Customer Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 24. Gates will open at 11 A.M., time trials at 1 P.M. with eliminations to follow.

Joe DaSilva is Canada's premier Mustang specialist and campaigns a wild turbo-charged Mustang on the U.S. and Canadian circuits recording times in the 6.30 second range at speeds approaching 235 M.P.H.For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at www.stthomasdragway.com.

Joe DaSilva can be contacted for information on either event at joe@mustangtoystore.com or visit their website at www.mustangtoystore.com.

IHRA: 5th Annual ACDELCO Nationals

By C.J. Perry - IHRA Director of Public Relations

RICHMOND, VA – The long Memorial Day weekend saw some great racing action at the 5th Annual ACDelco Nationals presented by the Richmond Times Dispatch. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican took home his third straight win of the 2005 season and the fortieth of his career.

In Torco Pro Modified, Mike Janis shook off any early season doubts about whether he could contend for another title. Funny Car saw Rob Atchison overtake Mark Thomas for the points lead as he took home his second win of the season. The carousel of winners kept spinning in Torco Pro Stock as Rick Jones took home the victory.

Millican, from Drummonds, Tenn., saw his early season dominance continue as he bested Doug Foley in the final with a pass of 4.568 seconds at 320.36 mph, setting both track records in the process. Louie Allison, of Denver, Colo., was a surprising early qualifying leader when he let loose with a pass of 4.669 seconds at 302.21 mph.

Janis, from Lancaster, N.Y., rebounded from early season troubles that saw him fail to qualify for the first two races. The defending Torco Pro Mod World Champion methodically took apart the competition, clocking passes of 6.169, 6.256, and 6,216 during eliminations. Janis was able to coast to victory in the final as Al Billes, from London, Ont., failed to answer the call. Billes had earlier set the IHRA Torco Pro Mod record for speed at 236.22 mph.In Funny Car, Atchison, from London, Ont., took home his second victory of the season against a familiar foe Terry McMillen from Elkhart, Ind.

The two had met in the final at the season opening Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express News. The outcome was the same as the first race as Atchison clocked a pass of 5.881 seconds at 238.34 mph to McMillen s 6.062 seconds at 235.35 mph. Atchison left Virginia Motorsports Park with a 48 point lead over second place Mark Thomas.

Jones, from Galesburg, Ill., walked away from another wild weekend in Torco Pro Stock as the last driver standing. Jones defeated Steve Spiess with a pass of 6.465 seconds at 216.90 in the final as Spiess car went into tire shake.

CASCAR: Micks PowerWater Ford Ready For Autodrome

By: JAJ Entertainment

Mt. Albert, ON (June 1, 2005) – Kerry Micks and his PowerWater 2005 Micks Motorsports Ford Taurus is ready for this Saturday’s Whelen 200 at the Autodrome St-Eustache.

“I enjoy a challenging race track and St-Eustache is definitely a challenge,” grinned a confident Micks, of Mt. Albert, ON. “The PowerWater Ford will be good this weekend. We fought through some challenges at the opening race in Delaware but that’s behind us and we should be good this coming Saturday.”

Autodrome St-Eustache is a tight 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval, is located west of Montreal, Quebec.

“We had a good car on our last trip to the Autodrome,” added Micks. “We qualified seventh but finished 13th after encountering tire problems. We’re hoping for a better run this time.”

CASCAR Super Series practice is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by time trial qualifying at 6:45 p.m. The Whelen 200 green flag drops at 9:00 p.m. EST.

A long-established and popular competitor, Kerry Micks has earned the title “The Iron Man” in CASCAR Super Series competition.Micks, from Mount Albert, Ontario, drives the PowerWater Micks Motorsports #02 Ford Taurus, and finished the 2004 CASCAR Super Series Championship in fifth position.

Micks Motorsports had nine top-three podium finishes from a total of 12 CASCAR Super Series races in 2004, including a win at the last race of the season at Kawartha Speedway.

IHRA: ODDY AND BILLES MAKE FASTEST PRO MOD PASS IN HISTORY;SUMMIT TEAM CLIMBS INTO 2ND PLACE IN IHRA HOOTERS POINTS!

Courtesy Jeff Burk

The Summit Racing Equipment-backed Pro Mod team of owner/tuner/engine builder Jim Oddy and driver Al Billes have been the dramatic act of IHRA Pro Mod racing so far this year. In the three 2005 IHRA National Event races held so far they have raced and qualified two entirely different race cars, a Tim McAmis-built '53 'Vette and a Jerry Bickel-built '05 Dodge Stratus. They have qualified on the last lap at every event, and then usually qualified at or near the top and set the track or national speed record in the process.

Despite their struggles they have managed to go enough rounds to put their Summit Racing Equipment-backed supercharged team solidly into second place in IHRA World Championship points just 15 points behind nitrous racer and 2003 IHRA Pro Mod Champ, Shannon Jenkins.

The Elma, NY-based team's trials and tribulations at the just completed IHRA ACDelco Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park is a mirror image of how the season has gone so far.They failed to get down the track on their first two attempts and that left them their usual (this season) one shot qualifying scenario on Saturday morning. The only difference this time was that on their last unsuccessful qualifying attempt, Friday night, the car shook so badly it damaged the rear suspension.

"We didn't have all of the parts we needed in the trailer so we worked until 4:00 in the morning straightening, fabricating and borrowing enough parts to fix the car and take it to the starting line, Saturday morning, for the last qualifying session," said Jim Oddy.

On that lap Billes drove the Dodge Stratus to a 6.169/234.94 elapsed time which broke the existing VMP track speed record. On the next lap the team broke the track ET record and re-set the IHRA national speed record for Pro Mods with a 6.129/236.22 lap. They then came back and ran another 'teen at over 235 mph.

In the semi's the drama returned for the team as Billes stepped off of the clutch with a reaction time of .040 to Shannon Jenkins' .066! Billes was pullingaway when the engine broke a rod at around the 1000-ft mark and coasted overthe finish line recording a 6.194 ET at just 215.48. In the other lane Jenkins charged to a 6.172/228.07. Billes got to the finish line just four-thousandths of a second before Jenkins. Unfortunately, the engine damage was bad enough that the Oddy Racing team couldn't make the call for the final round, allowingMike Janis and his supercharged Dodge Stratus to single for the win.

The runner-up finish for the Summit Racing Equipment-backed team pushed them into second place, just 15 markers behind Shannon Jenkins. They would have been tied with Jenkins but when they broke the rod they oiled the track down past the finish line and the penalty for that infraction was 15 valuable HootersCup points. Well, what else would you expect for the most dramatic team in Pro Mod?

The next stop for the team is June 4-5 at the "Super Summit" at Summit Racing Equipment World Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio followed by the IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada June 10-11 and the AMS Staff Leasing NHRA race at Englishtown, New Jersey June 17-19.

IHRA returns to Grand Bend Motorplex

Courtesy C.J. Perry - IHRA Director of Public Relations

The 6th Annual Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol June 10-12 at the Grand Bend Motorplex will see four-time consecutive Top Fuel World Champion Clay Millican go for his fourth straight win of the 2005 season. Defending Torco Pro Modified World Champion Mike Janis will try and capitalize on the momentum he garnered at the ACDelco Nationals presented by the Richmond Times Dispatch. Two-time defending Funny Car World Champion Rob Atchison looks to put some distance between himself and friendly rival Mark Thomas. Steve Spiess and the rest of Torco Pro Stock class look to make things a little clearer.

In Top Fuel, Millican from Drummonds, Tenn., is going for his fourth straight win in the 2005 season. Competition looks to be tight, as Doug Foley (Sewell, N.J.) and Rick Cooper (Boise, Idaho) look to gang up on the rest of the field. The 6th Annual Mopar Canadian Nationals will also see fan favorite Todd Paton, from Bristol, Tenn., try and break Millican s strong hold on the Top Fuel points chase.

In Torco Pro Modified, Mike Janis, from Lancaster, N.Y., looks like he has figured out the problems that kept him out of the running for wins in the first two events. Janis took home the win at the ACDelco Nationals presented by the Richmond Times Dispatch when Barrie, Ont., native Al Billes could not answer the call in the final. Both drivers are looking to see which Dodge Stratus will occupy the winner s circle at Grand Bend.

In Funny Car, London Ont., resident Rob Atchison will look to add another win to his resume close to his home turf. Atchison holds a 48 point lead over Louisville, Ohio s Mark Thomas in the chase for the title. But never count out Terry McMillen, from Elkhart, Ind. McMillen has made two finals in the 2005 season, and is looking to break through with his first career win.

In Torco Pro Stock, it seems to be almost anybody s game. With three different drivers taking home wins in the first three events, the title may go to the first driver that wins two. Steve Spiess, from Manhattan, Ill., is the current points leader and holds the world ET record with a pass of 6.426. But look for Rick Jones, from Galesburg, Ill., and Robert Patrick, from Fredericksburg, Va., to make strong statements of their own. The ACDelco Nationals saw the first all Chevy Cobalt final in Torco Pro Stock, as Jones defeated Spiess.

ST THOMAS DRAGWAY: Bracket race rescheduled again

Courtesy St Thomas Dragway

Sparta, Ont. - June 2, 2005 - Due to the large number of bracket cars entered in the IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend on June 12, Bracket Race # 1, rained out on April 24 and originally rescheduled for June 12 will now be run on Sunday, July 10.

Gates will open at 11 A.M., time trials at 1 P.M. with eliminations to follow. For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visitthe website at www.stthomasdragway.com.

CASCAR: Lapcevich Brothers Looking Forward to St-Eustache

By: JAJ Entertainment

HAMILTON, (June 1, 2005) – Team Fastline drivers Jim and Jeff Lapcevich are looking forward to their return to Autodrome St-Eustache for this Saturday's CASCAR Super Series Whelen 200 with their Team Fastline/Tim Hortons/EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlos.

“My last experience on the tight oval in Quebec was a good one,” explained Jeff Lapcevich. “We didn’t qualify too well, in fact we started 19th, but we were persistent all night and were able to finish tenth. “That was my best CASCAR finish to date and I’m really looking forward to going back to improve my finish.”

Autodrome St-Eustache, a tight 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval, is located west of Montreal, Quebec.

“The last trip to St-Eustache was not so great,” smiled Jim Lapcevich. “We had trouble all night and I tore up the car in practice. Personally, I’ve got no where to go but up. We are coming off a string of three top-ten finishes and I’d really like to notch another good one this early in the season.”

CASCAR Super Series practice is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by time trial qualifying at 6:45 p.m. The Whelen 200 green flag drops at 9:00 p.m. EST.



Jeff Lapcevich brings a wealth of driving experience to his role as pilot of the number 23 CASCAR Super Series 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. For over a decade, this road racing specialist has run in some of North America's most competitive racing series and his skill as a road course driver gives him a valuable edge in the CASCAR Super Series where many of the major events are road races. In 2004, Lapcevich continued to dominate the CASCAR Super Series competition at road courses by winning three events, including the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver for the second consecutive season a well as the challenging Mosport Road Course event.

Along with several top-ten finishes including the victories, Jeff had his best year to date in the series, finishing fourth in the CASCAR championship point standings. For the future, Jeff Lapcevich will continue to race in the CASCAR series, and the melding of his road racing experience with improved oval track successes will make him a strong force to contend with in the upcoming season.

As a graduate of the rough and tumble short-track school of racing, Jim Lapcevich can always be counted on to be right in the thick of competition. As driver of the number 25 CASCAR Super Series 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Jim Lapcevich placed 13th in CASCAR Super Series point championship for the 2004 season, with six top-ten finishes.

His best showing for the year was an encouraging second place at the final event of the season. He finished the 2003 season in the top ten of the CASCAR Super Series Championship with seven top ten and two top five finishes including a second place podium appearance at Peterborough Speedway in September.In 2002 Jim won the Mopar Parts 500 in Calgary, Alberta and followed that with a second place finish at the Molson Indy Vancouver. But for 2005, Jim plans to be in the hunt and get some podium finishes.

CASCAR: Micks PowerWater Ford Ready For Autodrome

By: JAJ Entertainment

Mt. Albert, ON (June 1, 2005) – Kerry Micks and his PowerWater 2005 Micks Motorsports Ford Taurus is ready for this Saturday’s Whelen 200 at the Autodrome St-Eustache.

“I enjoy a challenging race track and St-Eustache is definitely a challenge,” grinned a confident Micks, of Mt. Albert, ON. “The PowerWater Ford will be good this weekend. We fought through some challenges at the opening race in Delaware but that’s behind us and we should be good this coming Saturday.”

Autodrome St-Eustache, a tight 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval, is located west of Montreal, Quebec.

“We had a good car on our last trip to the Autodrome,” added Micks. “We qualified seventh but finished 13th after encountering tire problems. We’re hoping for a better run this time.”

CASCAR Super Series practice is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by time trial qualifying at 6:45 p.m. The Whelen 200 green flag drops at 9:00 p.m. EST.

A long-established and popular competitor, Kerry Micks has earned the title “The Iron Man” in CASCAR Super Series competition.



Micks, from Mount Albert, Ontario, drives the PowerWater Micks Motorsports #02 Ford Taurus, and finished the 2004 CASCAR Super Series Championship in fifth position. Micks Motorsports had nine top-three podium finishes from a total of 12 CASCAR Super Series races in 2004, including a win at the last race of the season at Kawartha Speedway.

CASCAR: MacLeod Guns for Rookie of the Year Honours

By: JAJ Entertainment

Innisfil, ON (June 1, 2005) – Central Merchant Services driver Tara MacLeod and PowerWater Rookie of the Year contender in the CASCAR Super Series is optimistic about this Saturday's Autodrome St-Eustache Whelen 200.

“It should be a good weekend and I plan to have some fun,” said Tara MacLeod. “The fans are great at St-Eustache, and they really love their racing. I’ve never raced at the Autodrome, but I understand it’s interesting.”

Autodrome St-Eustache, a tight 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval, is located west of Montreal, Quebec.

“The guys have done a great job preparing the Central Merchant Services Ford for this weekend,” she added. “We’ve managed to come out of the first race at Delaware Speedway without too much damage along with a top-20 finish in our first race and I’m pleased with that.”



CASCAR Super Series practice is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by time trial qualifying at 6:45 p.m. The Whelen 200 green flag drops at 9:00 p.m. EST. Under the team banner of MacLeod Racing, www.taramacleod.com, 32-year old Tara MacLeod has been a strong competitor on the Ontario short-tracks for the past 10 years, with several awards to her credit.

She has always wanted to step up her racing career, and is very enthused about competing in the entire coast-to-coast 12-race CASCAR Super Series and 2005 will mark her first year in CASCAR. MacLeod's Ford Taurus race cars are being prepared by Micks Motorsports of Mt. Albert, Ontario, under the leadership of Kerry Micks, veteran CASCAR Super Series competitor known as "The Iron Man."

WORLD OF OUTLAWS: Geldart shines at Rolling Wheels

From SOS Insider,

ELBRIDGE, NY - The World of Outlaws annual visit to the Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, NY had some local flavour to it.

The Wednesday night event saw 2004 Southern Ontario Sprints Champion Cody Geldart qualifiy 13th for the event.

He went on to win his Dash over guys like Sammy Swindell and Steve Kinser. Starting on the outside pole Cody would finish 5th in the A-Main. Brian Paulus won the race but for the 'Canadian Leprechaun' it was his best career WoO finish. Congratulations Cody!

Visit http://www.southernontariosprints.com

CASCAR: St-Eustache / Whelen 200 Event Preview

CASCAR Super Series // PREVIEW: Whelen 200 // Autodrome St-Eustache (June 4, 2005)

CASCAR returns to Quebec for the Whelen 200 Super Series race at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache

LONDON, ON – Following a one-year hiatus, the CASCAR Super Series is set to return to Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache. This Saturday night (June 4), the Montreal-area oval will play host to the Whelen 200.

Heading into the 200-lap feature race, Ron Beauchamp Jr. leads the points chase on the strength of his victory in the season-opening MOPAR 250 at Delaware Speedway, on Victoria Day. The MOPAR Parts / Exide Dodge Charger driver has history on his side as he heads to the flat, 4/10th-mile Montreal track in search of his second-consecutive Super Series checkered flag.

Back in June of 1998, Beauchamp – who now has three career Super Series wins – won features on consecutive days (June 20 & 21, respectively) at Autodrome St-Eustache and Circuit Ste-Croix. Beauchamp is hoping that lightning strikes again for him in La Belle Province and that he is once again able to leave Quebec with a two-race winning streak intact.

But before he can do that, the Windsor, ON racer will have to overcome a determined field of rivals. Peter Gibbons has a pair of Super Series race wins at St-Eustache (’00 & ’01). The Canadian Tire Chevy driver has a knack for being strong at the end of races at the flat Montreal oval.

Castrol Dodge driver DJ Kennington won the last Super Series race at St-Eustache, in ’03. The St. Thomas, ON racer came home in front of Scott Steckly (Erb Pontiac) and Don Thomson. Thomson, incidentally, claimed the final podium position in that race while behind the wheel of Kennington’s back-up car, after his #4 Home Hardware Chevy was stolen the night before the race.

Avenue Motor Works Dodge driver Dave Whitlock heads to the Whelen 200 after a strong, second-place showing in the MOPAR 250. The three-time Super Series National champion scored a checkered flag following a rain-shortened race at Autodrome St-Eustache in 2002.

Another driver to watch will be Brad Graham. The driver of the Challenger / Logel’s Dodge looked set to collect his first-ever Super Series win in the St-Eustache event in ’03, but fate intervened and he fell out of the race after leading the first 167 laps of the 200-lap affair. According to the Glencoe, ON driver, “St-Eustache owes us one.”

Representing Quebec in the Whelen 200 will be André Coursol, who finished a solid third in the CASCAR Sportsman Series points last season. The St-Jerome, QC resident drives the CARQUEST Chevrolet Monte Carlo and is always a crowd favourite when Canada’s top racing circuit visits Quebec.

Qualifying for the Whelen 200 is scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday evening. The night’s racing card includes other regular St-Eustache hometrack classes. The 200-lap CASCAR Super Series feature will take the green flag at 9:00 p.m.

WHELEN 200 CASCAR SUPER SERIES EVENT SCHEDULE
AUTODROME ST-EUSTACHE // MONTREAL, QC
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2005
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CASCAR Rotating Practice
6:40 p.m. CASCAR: All Cars on Grid for Qualifying
6:45 p.m. CASCAR Time Trials
7:15 – 7:45 p.m. Heat Races: ANCA Support Class
7:45 – 8:30 p.m. ANCA Features
8:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Introductions
9:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: WHELEN 200 CASCAR SUPER SERIES RACE


POINT STANDINGS:

CASCAR SUPER SERIES POINTS AS OF JUNE 1, 2005 (TOP 25): 1. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Dodge / 170 points); 2. #39 Dave Whitlock (Dodge / 164); 3. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Chevrolet / 157); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (Dodge / 152); 5. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 144); 6. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 140); 7. #52 Ron Sheridan (Pontiac / 138); 8. #1 Peter Gibbons (Chevrolet / 136); 9. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 134); 9. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 134); 11. #28 Steve Robblee (Ford / 130); 12. #71 Bryan Cathcart (Dodge / 128); 13. #88 Dave Jacombs (Ford / 126); 14. #93 Joe Goncalves (Chevrolet / 124); 15. #42 Sean Stafford (Chevrolet / 122); 16. #41 Matty Tsoumaris R (Chevrolet / 120); 17. #17 DJ Kennington (Dodge / 118); 18. #37 R Tara MacLeod (Ford / 116); 19. #86 Kenny Forth (Ford / 114); 20. #20 Mark Swain (Chevrolet / 112); 21. #02 Kerry Micks (Ford / 111); 22. #19 Brad Graham (Dodge / 110); 23. #22 Scott Steckly (Pontiac / 108); 24. #44 Marv Wilder (Ford / 106); 25. #50 Pete Shepherd (Dodge / 103)

CASCAR WESTERN SERIES POINTS AS OF JUNE 1, 2005 (TOP 15): 1. #30 Derek Polack (Stony Plain, AB / Chevrolet / 175 points); 2. #79 Wade Lee (Calgary, AB / Chevrolet / 158); 3. #12 Ron Larson (Quesnel, BC / Dodge / 157); 4. #14 James VanDomselaar (Fort Sask., AB / Chevrolet / 151); 5. #26 Shaun Polack (Stony Plain, AB / Chevrolet / 148); 6. #36 Jim White, Kamloops, BC / Dodge / 140); 7. #87 James Ward (Kelowna, BC / Ford / 138); 8. #21 Jason White (Sun Peaks, BC / Chevrolet / 136); 9. #31 Sean Maltman (Vernon, BC / Chevrolet / 134); 9. #35 Kevin Dowler (Edmonton, AB / Ford / 134); 11. #6 Todd Nichol (St Albert, AB / Chevrolet / 132); 12. #96 Norman Hunger (Delta, BC / Pontiac / 128); 13. #69 Randy Kozek (Kelowna, BC / Pontiac / 126); 14. #4 Gil Gillett (Kelowna, BC / Chevrolet / 124); 15. #76 Dale Biesick (Winfield, BC / Dodge / 122)

CASCAR NOTEBOOK: The CASCAR Western Series will take its second green flag of the season next Saturday (June 11) at Bridge City Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. The CASCAR Power Water Series kicks off its six-race season on Saturday, June 18 at Mosport Speedway, northeast of Toronto.

CASCAR ON TV: The MOPAR 250 from Delaware Speedway will air at 11:30 a.m. on June 11 on SPORTSNET. For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.

- Prepared by Inside Track Communications

RIVERSIDE SPEEDWAY OPENS SATURDAY WITH THE PIONEER COAL 100

Courtesy Joan Roué

JAMES RIVER, NS (2005 June 1) - Riverside Speedway will open this Saturday (June 4) for The Pioneer Coal 100, round two of 11 on the 2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. As many as 29 of the top stock car racers in the Maritimes are expected to enter the event including local favourites Donald Chisholm (Antigonish), George Koszkulics (New Glasgow), Rollie MacDonald (Pictou) and Mark Jordan (Stellarton).

Former series champions Wayne Smith, John Flemming and Shawn Tucker are also expected to be on the roster. Flemming won the 04 edition of the race, with Chisholm and Tucker also claiming wins at Riverside last year on the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. Smith won the season opener for the series this past Saturday at Scotia Speedworld and holds the championship points lead entering The Pioneer Coal 100.

Two rounds of qualifying (Motor Mart Time Trials and GM Goodwrench Service Heat Races) will set the starting grid for the 100-lap pro stock feature race. The show also includes heat races and a feature race for the Legends Tour.

Audience members will also have the chance to qualify to win a trip for two to a professional stock car race on October 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ballots will be available at the PRO LINE tent in the grandstand midway area at Riverside Speedway. The trip will be drawn for at The PRO LINE 100 on August 6 at New Brunswick International Speedway (Geary, NB).The grandstand will open at 3 pm; Motor Mart Time Trials go at 5:20 and racing starts at 6 pm.

Grandstand admission is just $22 for adults, $5 for youth (8-15) and kids 7 and under get in free. Pit admission is $25 and restricted to those 16 and older. HST is included in all admission pricing. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets are available starting Wednesday at the Antigonish Mall.The only other event currently scheduled for the 05 season at Riverside Speedway is The Antigonish Mall 100 on August 27, round 10 of 11 for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour.

With nearly 4,000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.

The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited and features an 11-race series at five different tracks in the three Maritime Provinces. Top drivers from all three provinces compete including former champions Wayne Smith, John Flemming and Shawn Tucker.

For more information on the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour please visit www.MaritimeProStockTour.com or call our admin office Monday to Friday at (902) 481-2531.

Podium for Walker at Sanair in

Courtesy Russ Bond Agency

ST-PIE, QC-Travis Walker and his Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S endured an up and down weekend in the second round of the FAQ (Federation Auto Quebec) Touring Hankook Championship, at Sanair. Team Manager, Ray Lee, called it a ‘Houdini’ like effort from Walker.



The weekend got off to a bad start when the 18-year-old Walker had a big crash in the raining Thursday night practice session. “There wasn't anything I could do,” Walker said. “I came through the fast chicane, it got loose, and backed into the tire wall.”

Extensive damage to the Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S shifted the Kensai Racing crew into high gear. “They worked on it all night,” Walker said. “Even still, we had a bad shock, and a suspect brake master cylinder, but I went out and tried my best.”

The result was an 11th spot on the grid, and the team was just looking to finish the race, and score some points. With a new brake master cylinder in place, Walker had other ideas to repay his team for all their hard work during the weekend. “I had to give it my all with the bandaged up Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S, to repay my team for all their hard work.”

Walker made a great start, and steadily moved up all race long, leaving the team wondering how a car in that shape could be so fast. Walker was hoping the Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S would stay together for the full distance and the very second hand looking Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S made it to the end in a fantastic third place.

“It was a magic act, like Houdini,” said Lee. “Travis did an amazing job with the car that he had under him.”

Walker was ecstatic with the finish, but he knew there was much work to do. “Car Magic is going to have a lot of work to do to repair the Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S back to its original state. We are so lucky to have Car Magic on board, as I am sure it will look like new when they are finished with it.”

ONTARIO PRO CHALLENGE: LeLiever strong in Pro Challenge opener

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

FLAMBORO, ONTARIO - Brad LeLiever officially made his first race appearance in his Holgate Motorsports Barrie Honda/Georgian Pontiac Chevy Monte Carlo at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night.



LeLiever showed good speed in practice and was ready for the challenge of racing his new ride. "The Barrie Honda/Georgian Pontiac is running well," LeLiever said. "Even though because I am a rookie, I have to start at the back for the first three races, I am looking for a good finish tonight."

LeLiever started the first heat in eighth, and then was ninth in heat two. "I was in the pack, but it's the first race of the year, so I was just taking my time, waiting for the feature."

In the feature, LeLiever moved up to sixth in the first few laps before having contact with another car that brought out the yellow flag, sending LeLiever back to the tail end of the field.

"I just made a small mistake and spun," LeLiever said. "This takes a lot of patience, and I know now not to force the issue. Going back to the back after a good start didn't help our night."

LeLiever ended up ninth, but he is confident that when he gets off the 'rookie start' program in two more races, he'll be able to challenge for podium spots and race wins.

"We have a good car, and good team, so once we can start in our 'real' position, we should be ready to challenge."

The next race for LeLiever and the Barrie Honda/Georgian Pontiac is at Peterborough on June 11.

KARTING: LeLiever, Stovold take top 10's at Sutton

Courtesy Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

SUTTON, ONTARIO Holgate Motorsports had a busy weekend with the Sunoco
Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels at Sutton, Ontario, and the Ontario Pro Challenge series opener at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night.



Friday saw both Brad LeLiever and Matt Stovold immediately on the pace in the practice sessions for the Rotax Max class in the SRFKC. "We have them both going quite well," said team manager John Holgate.

With the speed in practice both drivers were looking for good qualifying efforts. Stovold slotted in seventh in the 39 kart field with a time of 37.232, just four tenths of a second off the pole. LeLiever was right behind his teammate in eighth, with a time of 37.240.

In the 30-lap final, LeLiever was on a charge as he methodically made his way to the front. LeLiever recorded the third fastest time in the race, and was up to fourth place when the checkered flag fell. "I could have used a few more laps, as I could see the drivers ahead of me slowing down," LeLiever said. "My Holgate Motorsports CMP was getting better each lap, I just ran out of time."

Stovold also had a good run to finish eighth, and that gave both drivers a much needed boost in the points. Both drivers now have a few weeks off before heading to their home race, the Cameron Motorsports Grand Prix of Barrie on June 24-26.

SHEDIAC CENTRE FOR SPEED: FERO GARBAGE TRUCK RACING FIRST OF MANY "NOVELTY RACES" FOR 2005

Courtesy Shediac Centre for Speed

May 31st, 2005 - If the rains stay away this Sunday the Shediac CENTRE for Speed will host it's season opener, after two previous attempts, this Sunday at 2 PM. This weekends event will feature more racing than usual due to the rain outs including the season opener for the AOW series, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and all Mini Stocks (ThunderCat and TigerCat Divisions). The Pro Stock Season Opener scheduled for last week has been rescheduled for June 12th.

Of special interest is the first of many scheduled novelty races, this week featuring the FERO Garbage Truck Drivers racing their big rigs around the speedway in a test of skill, efficiency and speed. Seems there may also be some ill feelings from last years inagural FERO Garbage Truck Race as they have asked to bill this event as a GRUDGE MATCH and the "Big Boss" says he'll "smoke up the tires" on his rig for the fans this weekend. Well, we'll see if that's just another racer talkin' the talk, or not, on Sunday, but it sounds like it'll be fun for the whole family at the CENTRE for Speed starting at 2 PM.

Pricing for this weekend is as follows: Adults - $10, Child - $5. Families can save $15 with the the Family Pass at $29 (including 2 Adults, 2 Children, 4 Pepsi and 4 Fries).

CANADIAN RALLY: TechWorks Engineering-RSport Rally Team Win Round 2 of the Western Canadian Rally

Courtesy RSport Rally Press (www.rmtcontracting.com)

CALGARY, AB - The Techworks Engineering-RSport Rally Team of driver Scott Trinder and navigator Bill Westhead virtually dominated the second round of the Western Canadian Rally Championship (WCRC) this past weekend at the Rocky Mountain Rally.



The team was the fastest amongst all the Western Championship entries on every stage of the rally, held near Calgary, Alberta in the foothills of the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Spectators at the event witnessed firsthand Trinder's crowd pleasing hang-it-out and drift it style. It was clear to all that the team's right hand drive yellow Subaru WRX was getting a workout.

"After spending two events re-learning how to drive in this new car, I just wanted to go out this weekend and have some fun," Trinder commented. "I was also able to let go of the mental aspect of driving a right hand drive rally car," said Trinder.



"We were finally able to get the car to dance and it felt great!" said an exalted Trinder. "The roads at this rally were awesome and it was comparable to an epic day of powder snowboarding, which to me is what rally is all about!"

"Prior to the event Scott said to me that he wanted to try and really throw the car around and just go for it," said Westhead. "He kept repeating a line that he once heard Canadian Rally Champion Pat Richard say, 'Just giv'er and the tires will grip'...and grip they did!"

"It was obvious to me that Scott was having fun driving while keeping the car well within our limits," Westhead commented. "Yet he managed to do this while staying focused on our team's goal for the weekend: to earn points toward the WCRC Championship; which we did and are now leading!"



"Everyone here was quite impressed by their effort at this event," said Techworks Engineering President Tom Penner. "They had a plan from the outset and by sticking with their strategy, it really paid off with the best possible result."

"We are proud to partner with the RSport team and we're stoked to see them at the Blackfoot Motorcycle Park spectator stage," Penner continued. "They won both of the stages and put on quite a show for all to see. We expect to see more of this throughout the rest of the season."

With this victory, the Rsport Rally Team duo now stand atop the series points battle for the 2005 WCRC.

Meanwhile you can catch the team in action again at the next round of the WCRC: the 2005 Mountain Trials Rally, being held on June 18th in Merritt, BC.

NEW BRUNSWICK INTERNATIONAKL SPEEDWAY: NBIS Shuffles Events

Courtesy New Brunswick International Speedway (www.nbisonline.com)

Fredericton, NB – New Brunswick International Speedway (NBIS) has re-shuffled some of their events due to an inordinate number of rainouts to begin the season. NBIS has suffered through four consecutive rainouts to begin the season, a dubious record. Rather than abandon all the rained out races, NBIS has re-scheduled several events.

For example, the Enduro 200 set for May 23rd has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 12th at 2pm. Also, the CARQUEST “Best of the Best” 100, Race 1, set for May 28th has been pushed back to Saturday, June 25th at @7pm.

For a full listing of recheduled events click on the link below to be taken directly to the New Brunswick International Speedway's revised schedule.

http://www.nbisonline.com/2005schedule.htm

TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND: Vehicle Dynamics Group set for Assault on Targa

Courtesy The Vehicle Dynamics Group (www.teamVDG.com)

TORONTO (May 31, 2005) -- An unusual Canadian team is making an unprecedented assault on both the modern and classic divisions at the ultimate North American tarmac rally.

The Vehicle Dynamics Group team is already drawing attention as a topcontender among a competitive field at the fourth annual Targa Newfoundland rally. The dual entry, a furiously fast 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Coupe anda powerful 2005 Subaru WRX STi, will be piloted by drivers Jud Buchananand Keith Townsend. They are joined in competition by co-drivers PeterWright and Jen Horsey.

The team is vying for the first outright Canadian win in the race's four-year history. They will take on 2,100 kilometres of challenging, twisty, Newfoundland terrain over six days, including more than 500 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.

Veterans Buchanan and Wright are proven contenders, delighting spectators year after year as they push the rare Acadian Canso Sport Coupe to stunning speeds. The duo finished a close second in the classic division and third overall in 2004. They have put up a competitive effort each year since the first Targa Newfoundland in 2002.

Buchanan has built a reputation for impeccable car preparation and a fast and precise driving style perfected in countless road race, rally, and solo events. The former Canadian Auto Slalom Champion from Halton, Ont., has also taught at the Porsche Canada Advanced Driver's School. Navigator Wright, of Mount Albert, Ont., is also an experienced competitor. The former Canadian GT1 Road Race Champion has also instructed at the Porsche Canada Advanced Driver's School.

Observers are also keeping a close eye on Townsend and Horsey. Although the pair are new to Targa competition, the 2005 race marks Townsend's return to top-level motorsports in Canada. A regular challengerat North American performance rallies throughout the 1990s, he is known for his fast times and dogged perseverance. He and novice navigator Jen Horsey, also from Toronto, have already shown promise as a team with outstanding showings in two very competitive winter rallies earlier this year.

Horsey is also a driver herself, campaigning as part of a rare all-woman crew in the Ontario Performance Rally championship. The team is backed by some of the top mechanics in Canada: Andrew Sorensen,of Fredericton, N.B., Art Visser, of Halifax, N. S., and Jim Adams, of Pickering, Ont. Between them, these talented wrenches have decades of competition experience, honing their skills on the special stages of theWorld Rally Championship and previous Targa Newfoundland competitions.

Castrol, a perennial sponsor of Buchanan, is supporting this top two-careffort for 2005 as part of the aggressive promotional efforts of WakefieldCanada, the brand's new distributor and marketer in Canada.

Team VDG is proud to compete on behalf of Show Kids You Care, aToronto-based public awareness campaign that encourages more active, frequent, and positive interactions with children.

Billed as the premier motorsports adventure in North America, TargaNewfoundland frees drivers from the regular rules of the road and gives thema chance to drive the way their cars were intended to be driven. The event draws competitors from as far away as the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Holland, the Bahamas and the U.K. The rally starts in the capital city of St. John's on Sept. 10 and finishes back there a week later. Targa Newfoundland is owned and organized by Newfoundland International Motorsports and is sanctioned by ASN Canada FIA.

EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS: Weekend loaded with up and downs...

Courtesy Team Bergeron (www.teambergeron.com)

It was a full weekend of racing for Alain Bergeron and his team with three races in three nights. Before the weekend, the driver from Saint-Pie, QC was in seventh place in the 'Empire Super Sprints' overall standings after his win in Malta, NY.

O Friday May 27th, drivers of the series met in Ontario, at Brockville. Sixth on the starting grid in his heat, Alain Bergeron finished third, giving him a place in the A-Main. With the series' handicapping system, Bergeron took the start from the eleventh place. The Brockville track is fast with not much room to pass, so drivers expect contact. After only two laps, there was a yellow flag, followed by a red flag, caused by a heavy crash.

Alain Bergeron was already in sixth position, but not without any problem because during the last accident, contact with another competitor broke the right rear shock. Bergeron decided to stay on the track to keep his position, continuing without any right rear shock. With a lot of dexterity, the driver of the Sprint 8B ended the race in fifth position. Bergeron was so fast on the track all night long that he could have won had he not had the shock problem, but fifth place in lieu of the circumstances was very good.

The following evening, at the fast Can-Am track in Lafargeville NY, Bergeron qulaified Seventh on the starting for his heat. By the end of the race Bergeron had worked his way up to third, good for a place in A-Main. Twelfth on the starting grid in the A-Main, he was seventh after lap four. When the chequered flag fell bergeron was classified in sixth. As a result, Bergeron found himself placed second in the championship.

Finally, on Sunday, May 29th, at the Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon NY, Bergeron's long weekend of racing came to an end. In the past, Bergeron hadn't been very successful at the Utica-Rome Speedway. That didn't change this time around as engine troubles coupled with setup issues caused a lot of headaches for the team. Bergeron finished fifth in his heat, earning him a place in the A-Main, starting from the 18th position.

After 25 laps of battling with his car, bergeron crossed the finish line in 20th place. The next race is in two weeks.

And I thought I was harsh about the Coca-Cola 600...

From the Brendan Gaughan press conference transcript...

Asked if he saw the Coca-Cola 600 on Saturday night, the Truck Series driver said,

“Do you mean the six and a half hour yawner? Actually I took a break. I went to a movie in the middle of it. That’s the fun thing about not being in Nextel Cup any more. I went to see The Longest Yard. It was a good movie. I watched a replay of it, and of course I Tivoed it so I could watch bits and pieces. It was an interesting race. I’m not going to knock on guys. You kind of wonder what some guys are thinking some days. It was a boring race except it had a lot of what the fans want – a lot of crashes and a lot of controversy with teammates taking each other out in the Ganassi camp, and that was an accident. Casey getting Sterling, the Michael and Dale thing, wow. Having Ryan Newman come back from that mess and finishing where he did. Jimmie Johnson, I love him to death. We’ve been friends forever. Dang, he’s good. It was a fun race for me to watch. I watched the first part of it, went to a movie, came back and the race was still on. Watched the end, so I enjoyed it.”

KARTING: Vincec leads Cameron Motorsports at Sutton with two wins

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

SUTTON, ONTARIO The Cameron Motorsports elite team had another great weekend at the second round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels. As a team, they had seven podiums for the weekend.

Leading the way was Mike Vincec, who powered his Cameron Motorsports' CRG chassis to a win in Formula Junior, the headline class on Saturday. Vincec backed that up with another win in Rotax Max Junior.Vincec and Cameron Motorsports Formula Senior driver Robert Wickens also both took Pfaff Fast Qualifier awards, Vincec in Rotax Max Jr, and Wickens in Formula Senior.



Wickens finished a strong second for the second race in a row in Formula Senior.Other Cameron Motorsports podiums went to Corey Usher, who was third in World Formula Senior, Marco Di Leo, who was second in Rotax Max Senior and Maxime Pelletier, who was second in both Rotax Max Jr and Formula Junior this gave Cameron Motorsports the top two steps in both classes.

The team will now get ready for the Cameron Motorsports Barrie Grand Prix, which is hosted by Cameron Motorsports. The event is the premier event of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship, and it will take place on June 24-26.

ONTARIO PRO CHALLENGE: Thomson takes 2005 opener at Flamboro Speedway

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

FLAMBOROUGH, ONTARIO - Dennis Thomson, driver of the Thomson Signs Ford Taurus got the 2005 campaign of the Ontario Pro Challenge Series off to a thrilling start, as he took the first feature race win of the year at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night. The series was supposed to kick off at Sunset Speedway two weeks ago, but that night was rained out.

At Flamboro, Thomson took the lead from the pole in the 20-lap feature. He never lost that lead, and was able to build a nice lead and hold on to take his first feature win of the year. Behind Thomson was Melitta Canada Chevy Monte Carlo driver, Thane Woodside. Woodside took the win in heat 2. Third in the feature went to the Lucas Oil Dodge Intrepid of Tim Norris. Behind Norris was the Markham DriveLine Chevy Monte Carlo of Paul Eggleton, and rounding out the top five was Josh Nicholson in the NU-Gro Wipe Out Dodge Intrepid.



Sixth was the O’Connor Transportation Dodge Intrepid of Kevin Crowhurst, which had an eventful night. On the last lap of the first heat race, Crowhurst was battling with F1-K/MMG Financial Dodge Charger driver Russ Bond for fourth when there was contact that sent them both hard into the outside wall.

All the crews came to the assistance of Crowhurst, so his car could be repaired in time for the feature. “I have to thank all the teams that came down to help us out, especially Dennis (Thomson), Ken (Nicholson), the 88 team, and Russ Bond and his guys,” Crowhurst said. His Dodge was missing all the bodywork in front of the door, but he managed to wheel the ailing car to a well deserved fifth place finish in the feature.

Rounding out the field in the feature were, Ken Nicholson in the International Truck and Engine Pontiac Grand Prix, who was seventh. Nicholson did score a win, taking the first heat race of the night. Eighth went to Danielle Wilson in her Adidas Monte Carlo, ninth went to Brad LeLiever in his Barrie Honda/Georgian Pontiac Chevy Monte Carlo, and Austin Stegnar in his Ford Taurus rounded out the field.

Not competing in the feature was Russ Bond, who was disqualified for the night after the his collison with Crowhurst in the heat race. The series now takes two weeks off before heading to Peterborough Speedway on June 11.

Ontario Pro Challenge 2005 Registered drivers:
#1 Russ Bond, F1-K/MMG Financial Dodge Charger
#02 Dennis Thomson, Thomson Signs Ford Taurus
#5 Thane Woodside, Melitta Canada Chevy Monte Carlo
#15 Austin Stegnar, Ford Taurus
#21 Danielle Wilson, Adidas Monte Carlo
#44 Paul Eggleton, Markham DriveLine Chevy Monte Carlo
#53 Kevin Crowhurst, O’Connor Transportation Dodge Intrepid
#66 Josh Nicholson, NU-Gro Wipe Out Dodge Intrepid
#81 Brad LeLiever, Barrie Honda/Georgian Pontiac Chevy Monte Carlo
#88 Tim Norris, Lucas Oil Dodge Intrepid
#91 Tyler Brown, Assante Dodge Intrepid
#99 Ken Nicholson, International Truck and Engine Pontiac Grand Prix

OSCAAR: BRICKNELL MOTORSPORTS PARTNERS WITH OMBRELLO SECURITY SERVICES IN ‘05

- From OSCAAR

AJAX, ON – OSCAAR veteran Mike Bricknell is anxiously awaiting the start of the 2005 OSCAAR season. Bricknell, a very dedicated and strong competitor of the OSCAAR series, has good reason to be excited about the approaching ’05 season, as he recently announced that Bricknell Motorsports had secured primary sponsorship with Ombrello Security Services.

“It is an honour to have Ombrello Security Services as the primary sponsor of our #69 Dodge Charger. This is an excellent opportunity for my team. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone at Ombrello and I feel most fortunate to be able to represent such a first-rate company,” explained a most eager Mike Bricknell.

“We are thrilled to be involved with Mike, as we have been long-time fans of the Super Late Models,” expressed Carter Oborne, CEO of Ombrello Corporation. “Mike and his team possess the dedication and hard working attitude that we try to exemplify at Ombrello. We are certain that this partnership will provide us with positive and exciting exposure.”

OSCAAR is quickly establishing itself as a very respectable and highly competitive touring series, and anyone following the series knows that competing at the “front of the pack” is an accomplishment in itself. “Our goal is to take Ombrello Security Services to the front, as we strive to be a consistent top runner each night,” added Bricknell. “Ending up in victory lane under the Ombrello banner would be the ultimate accomplishment.”

Ombrello Security Services has also elected to become a Contingency Sponsor of the 2005 OSCAAR Tour. “With the recent growth and success of OSCAAR, we felt it beneficial to our company to become involved with the 2005 Tour. We are confident that the complete experience with OSCAAR will be most rewarding,” assured Oborne.

Ombrello Security Services, an Orillia based company, specializes in providing security services and custom designed alarm systems to its residential, industrial and commercial clients. A member of Canasa, Ombrello is an authorized dealer for Voxcom and GE Security. Ombrello Security Services also offers bonded, licensed, uniformed and insured security guards, bodyguards and private investigators.

For your free initial consultation please call 1-866-656-0669 or visit www.ombrello-corporation.com .

The yellow #69 Dodge Charge of Mike Bricknell will also carry associate sponsorship from Grosnor Sportscards Inc. Ajax, Dicksons Printing – Ajax, Photos By Betty, Magnum Race Cars, JB Horsepower.

KARTING: Vincec leads the way in the second round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

SUTTON, ONTARIO 3-S Go Karts hosted round two of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels this past weekend. Over 200 of Canada best karters showed up for the challenge, and it was Cameron Motorsports' Mike Vincec making the most of the weekend.

Vincec won the Saturday headline class, Formula Junior, then went on to win RotaxMax Jr. later in the day, and take home the Sunday GM Racing award. On Sunday, the headline class, Formula Senior was a battle to the final flag. Pfaff Fast Qualifier, Cameron Motorsports' Robert Wickens hounded leader, First Kart's Daniel Morad for the entire distance, and the two swapped the lead twice with just two laps to go. Morad held on for his second consecutive Formula Senior win, with Wickens second. Rounding out the Formula Senior podium was First Kart's Trevor Daley.



Other Saturday winners were Anthony Furfari in Canada Junior Light, Dylan Gibson in World Formula Junior and Aaron de Heus. Sunday winners included Zach Boam in World Formula Senior, who took his first win in the series, and Kyle Herder, who dominated in Rotax Max Senior.

The Pratt & Miller Team Spirit award which is awarded to the team that exhibits the highest levels of teamwork in the areas of presentation, preparation and results, went to Gold Kart, who had five drivers on the podium during the weekend.GM Racing awards for outstanding skills went to Cameron Motorsports' Mike Vincec on Saturday, and Sodi Kart's Greg Rempel on Sunday.

The objective of the SRFKC is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.

Rough start for the F1-K/ MMG Financial Dodge Charger: Crash and disqualification lead to a short night

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)

FLAMBOROUGH, ONTARIO The F1-K/MMG Financial Dodge Charger made its debut in the Ontario Pro Challenge series at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night. It turned out to be a short night for the team, as driver, Russ Bond was disqualified after contact with Kevin Crowhurst at the finish line of the first heat.



The two drivers were battling for fourth, when the contact happened as they went under the checkered flag. "It was my fault," said Bond. "I knew I was beaten to the line, and I let off as we crossed the stripe and my car moved a little to the left. I just barely rubbed Kevin, and he pivoted around my nose, sending both of us into the wall hard."

After the incident, Bond talked about the disqualification. "I don't really care about being disqualified, as that is the track's call. What I do care about is the fact that I unintentionally caused a lot of damage to Kevin's car. I've talked to Kevin about it, and I offer my sincere apologies to Kevin and the entire O'Connor Transportation team for ruining their car and their night."

With the 'double disqualification' (disqualifications were handed down from both the track and the series), the F1-K MMG Financial Dodge Charger received no points for the opening night of racing. "They call what they see, or what they think they saw, and you can't argue with that," Bond said.

The next outing for the F1-K/MMG Financial Dodge Charger will be on June 11 at Peterborough Speedway.
"Hopefully we'll do better at Flamborough and get our season turned around." Bond said.

For more information on Cameron Motorsports, visit www.cameronmotorsports.com or call them at 905-679-2122.

CANADIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP: Two in a row for Peter Thomson!

Courtesy Canadian Association of RallySport

Calgary (Ontario), May 29, 2005 - Peter Thomson of Toronto and his co-driver Rod Hendricksen of New Jersey drove their Subaru Impreza WRX to victory yesterday in the Rocky Mountain Rally, presented par Makita, Round 2 of the Canadian Rally Championship.



It was Thomson's second victory in a row in just two rallies this season. Thomson won the season's opener, the Perce-Neige Rally in February and this weekend, he took the lead of the event Friday night, on the fourth of a total of 14 special stages.

Antoine L'Estage and Yanick Napert of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec were the early leaders of the event in their Hyundai Tiburon 4WD until a spectacular crash ended their day of work on SS4. Just before the accident, L'Estage was sharing the lead with Norm LeBlanc of British Columbia, the driver of a Subaru Impreza WRX. Amazingly, LeBlanc also went off the road in the same special stage 4!

The two co-leaders out of the running, Peter Thomson managed to slowly pull away from his closest pursuer, American John Cassidy. Cassidy drove faultlessly all event long and captured his first podium finish ever.Behind them raged an intense battle between Quebec's Jon Nichols and Alberta's Gord Olsen, both driving VW Golfs.



Nichols, who is considered to be the best two-wheel drive racer in Canada, crossed the finish with a two-second lead over Olsen.American competitor Randy Zimmer rounded up the top five, finishing ahead of Ontario's Robert Jekosz and the Sprongl brothers who captured the class victory in their Suzuki. Only six teams retired from the rally, and the complete results can be found on the event's official web site at www.rockymountainrally.com.



The next round of the Canadian Rally Championship, the Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs in Quebec, will be held July 1 and 2. Information about this event can be found at www.rallyebdc.com. The Canadian Rally Championship is now in its 49th year of running, information about the series and other rallies in Canada can be found at www.carsrally.ca.

Final standings:
1) Peter Thomson - Rod Hendricksen (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h45'56"
2) John Cassidy - Dave Getchell (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h48'33"
3) Jon Nichols - Carl Schenk (V.W. Golf GTi) - 1h49'34"
4) God Olsen - Todd Patola (V.W. Golf GTi) - 1h49'36"
5) Randy Zimmer - Dave Shindle (Subaru Impreza RS) - 1h50'06"
6) Robert Jekosz - Tomas Karzynski (Subaru Impreza STi) - 1h51'13"
7) Frank Sprongl - Dan Sprongl (Suzuki Swift +) - 1h52'26"
8) William Bacon - Peter Watt (Suzuki Swift +) - 1h53'11"
9) Jorge Dascollas - Nathalie Richard (Toyota Celica) - 1h57'42"
10) Zbigniew Szewczyk - Wojciech Stywryszko (Mitsubishi Lancer) - 1h58'26"

The 24 Hours of Lowe's

Oh man, what a painful spectacle.
Forget Danica Patrick. Forget Kimi's wheel coming off on the last lap.
Have you ever seen anything more boring and painful than last night's Coca-Cola 600?
For next year, they should call it the Dasani Water Torture 600...
Caution after caution after caution.
I almost gagged when after Jimmie Johnson drove around Bobby Labonte the announcer said, "Well, that made it all worthwhile."
No it didn't.
What a disgrace. NASCAR should only pay points for the first 25 finishing positions so that the junk stays in the pits where it belongs, instead of shedding debris as it circles the track at half-speed.
Talk about frustrating.
NASCAR needs Tom Curley running its shows. I think they're starting to forget that these races are supposed to be "entertaining". And that mess last night was anything but.