Almand’s win at Barrie is his first-ever ALSTAR feature victory
BARRIE, ON – On Saturday night at Barrie Speedway, Mike Almand won his first career Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series race. The Alton, ON youngster started eighth in the field of 19 and inherited the lead while running fourth just prior to the mid-way point of the 75-lap feature race.
Two of the top-three runners at the time – including leader Richard Holmes and third-place Chris Morrow – left on the hook as a result of a hard accident that was triggered by contact between Holmes and the second-running Jim Molenhuis. Race officials declared that Molenhuis was also ‘involved’ in the incident and he was sent to the back for the subsequent restart, thereby handing the race lead to Almand.
While the stoppage to clear the cars and debris from the race-altering accident was the sixth caution of the event, it was also the last. After restarting at the front of the field, Almand carved his way through traffic like a veteran and stretched out considerable leads over Kyle Donaldson and Robbie Thompson.
Eventually, however, Donaldson was able to whittle away virtually all of Almand’s lead. In the end, Donaldson settled for second while Almand became the Shouldice ALSTAR Series’ fourth different winner of 2005, in as many events.
“My spotter kept me calm. I thought I overdrove it a couple of times and they just told me to be smooth,” said Almand, who cut his teeth in racing in the Jr. Late Model division at Sauble Speedway. “The guys do a heck of a job on this racecar; they work day and night.”
Rookie Donaldson continued to impress en route to a runner-up finish in the ALSTAR tour’s first visit to Barrie Speedway, since it was reconfigured last fall. “It’s beyond my expectations,” said Donaldson of his result. “I battled hard and stayed out of trouble and passed who I could to get to the front. It’s a great night all around.
Derrick Tiemersma entered the event leading the ALSTAR points on the strength of three ‘back to front’ runs in the season’s first three races. Starting deep at Barrie, the Newmarket, ON resident ran into trouble when he clipped the wall and unfortunately did not finish the race. Tiemersma’s misfortune opened the door for reigning ALSTAR champ Robbie Thompson and Kirk Hooker to fill the void.
Thompson’s third-place run at Barrie moved him into a tie with Hooker for the ALSTAR points lead following four events. Hooker finished fifth in the race, behind Rob MacDonnell. Heat wins at Barrie went to: Rob MacDonnell, Jim Molenhuis, Mike Almand and Jason Shaw.
The Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series returns to action next Saturday night, June 25, with a race at Peterborough Speedway.
Shouldice ALSTAR Late Model Series
RESULTS: Race #4 of 12 // Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON // June 18, 2005 // 75 Laps
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE LAPS
1 8 98 Michael Almand (Alton, ON) Alliston Transmission / Finish Line Graphics Chevrolet 75
2 14 53 Kyle Donaldson (Queensville, ON) R Custom Engines / Downtown Rug & Flooring Ford 75
3 16 9 Robbie Thompson (Southampton, ON) Shear Metal Products / Logel’s Dodge 75
4 13 72 Rob MacDonnell (Allenford, ON) MacDonnell Fuels / Siegrist Trucking Chevrolet 75
5 17 38 Kirk Hooker (Chatham, ON) Country View Golf Course / McColl’s / Golf Trends Chevrolet 75
6 15 76 Tyler Williams (Chesley, ON) B&L Farm Services / Hank’s Auto Wreckers Ford 75
7 6 57 Brett Murray (Minesing, ON) Videoflicks / Cardwell Signs Ford 75
8 10 69 Alan Inglis (Mississauga, ON) National Moving & Storage Dodge 75
9 12 67 Steve Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Aurora Automotive / Pennzoil 10 Min. Oil Change Pontiac 75
10 3 30 Jim Molenhuis (Churchill, ON) R.E.V. Mobile Audio / Performance Chevrolet 75
11 11 4 Craig Zurbrigg (Listowel, ON) Benshaw Motor Controls / Trinity Village Health Care Ford 75
12 19 22 Glenn Watson (Barrie, ON) Racing Radios / Rival Office Solutions Chevrolet 75
13 4 3 Ken Naves (Sauble Beach, ON) TIM-BR Mart / Golden Eagle Cottages Chevrolet 74
14 26 8 Paul Gresel (Sauble, ON) R Sauble Fall’s Tent & Trailer Park / H&H Patio Encl. Chevrolet 73
15 5 75 Jeff Cassidy (Cambridge, ON) Highway Sterling – Western Star Ford 73
16 1 42 Richard Holmes (Hilsburgh, ON) Gormac Roofing / Astro Automotive Ford 35
17 9 11 Chris Morrow (Minesing, ON) Morrow Electric / Edenvale Flying Club Chevrolet 35
18 18 7 Derrick Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON) Wayfreight / Gates / Wix Chevrolet 24
19 7 82 Jason Shaw (Guelph, ON) Spira Fire Protection / Del Metals Ford 20
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
TIME OF RACE: 54 Minutes // CAUTIONS: 6 // HEAT WINS: #72 Rob MacDonnell, #30 Jim Molenhuis, #98Mike Almand, #82Jason Shaw // BROWN’S TOWING MOST LAPS LED AWARD: #98 Michael Almand // SPIRA HARD CHARGER AWARD: #9 Robbie Thompson // INSIDE TRACK MYSTERY POSITION AWARD: #67 Steve Tiemersma // HOOSIER TIRE AWARD: #57 Brett Murray // CRC TOP 5: Mike Almand, Kyle Donaldson, Robbie Thompson, Rob MacDonnell, Kirk Hooker // 69 AUTO WHEEL AWARD: #76 Tyler Williams
Contact ALSTAR at (519) 371-7588 or visit www.alstarseries.com
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. // Contact: Greg MacPherson (416) 561-2320 (cell).
Comments regarding additions to – or deletions from – this mailing list should be sent to: greg@insidetracknews.com
Saturday, June 18, 2005
CASCAR SUPER SERIES: Gibbons earns the pole for Sunday's race at Mosport Int'l Raceway
OSHAWA, ON – A pair of qualifying sessions took place at Mosport Int’l Raceway on Saturday afternoon to set the starting grid for Sunday afternoon’s ‘Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200’ CASCAR Super Series race. Peter Gibbons – who won this event in 1999, 2000 and 2003 – set the fastest time in the first session and it held up throughout the second to earn him his second consecutive Super Series pole position.
Gibbons’ Canadian Tire Chevrolet lapped the 10-turn, 2.459-mile Mosport road course in one-minute and 26.183 seconds to establish a new CASCAR qualifying record. That translated into an average lap speed of 165.290 km/h.
Four-time and reigning Super Series National champion Don Thomson posted the best time of the second session, but it wasn’t enough to bump Gibbons from the top of the combined session speed chart. The Home Hardware Chevy driver’s best effort was 1:26.515, which will place him alongside of Gibbons on the front row to start Sunday’s 51-lap feature race.
Starting third will be Thomson’s sophomore teammate, J.R. Fitzpatrick, driver of the #84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet. Last year’s runner-up in the Rookie of the Year chase attended a road racing school during the off-season and it paid off during qualifying today at Mosport.
Fitzpatrick will start beside St-Eustache Super Series race winner Kerry Micks. The Power Water Taurus driver is a talented road racer and he will be a threat on Sunday. Current points leader Ron Beauchamp Jr. will line up sixth in his MOPAR / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, just behind last year’s Mosport road course race winner Jeff Lapcevich (Fastline / Tim Horton’s / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo).
In all, 33 drivers qualified for the ‘Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200’. The green flag is scheduled to fly at 2 p.m. The CASCAR Power Water Sportsman Series opens its 2005 racing season this evening at the Mosport Speedway half-mile oval.
FATHER’S DAY 500 CASCAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SUPER SERIES: MOSPORT INT’L RACEWAY (ROAD COURSE)
‘BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200’
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005
1:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
CASCAR NOTES: The Father’s Day 500 Race Weekend at Mosport features several other well-known racing series, including Grand Am Cup, Ontario GT, Formula 1200, Honda Michelin, Cup Lites and the Miata Cup.
CASCAR ON TV: 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.
CASCAR Super Series
STARTING GRID: Berms R Us presents the Clarington 200
Round #3 of 12 // June 19, 2005 // Mosport Int’l Raceway
Oshawa, ON // 51 Laps // 4/10-Mile, Flat Oval
ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE QUALIFYING LAP TIME
1 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire Corporation Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:26.183**
2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:26.515
3 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:27.089
4 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Power Water / APX / CARSTAR Ford Taurus 1:27.171
5 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) Fastline / Tim Horton’s / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:27.180
6 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger 1:27.506
7 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Canada Dodge 1:27.742
8 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Power Water Dodge Charger 1:27.753
9 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Clothing Dodge 1:28.849
10 77 Derek Lynch (Warkworth, ON) R Berms R Us Dodge 1:28.918
11 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Frt. / Logel’s Dodge Charger 1:29.174
12 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) Fastline / EMCEA Transport / Tim Horton’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.175
13 0 Howie Scannell (Milton, ON) Scannell Moving & Storage Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.286
14 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) Avenue Motor Works / NMT Dodge 1:29.489
15 93 Joe Goncalves (Concord, ON) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.846
16 20 Mark Swain (Port Perry, ON) Nighthawk Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.935
17 14 John Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Latta Cranes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:30.297
18 88 Dave Jacombs (Mt. Hope, ON) Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus 1:30.526
19 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix 1:30.641
20 11 Ron VanEs (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems / All Cover Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:30.749
21 71 Bryan Cathcart (Peterborough, ON) Meyers Transport / Peterborough Homes Dodge 1:30.957
22 82 Dave Connelly (Arnprior, ON) Vector Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.353
23 42 Sean Stafford (Springfield, ON) L.E. Walker / Mid-America Freight Systems Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.603
24 3 Stu Robinson Jr. (Holland Landing, ON) Snap-On Tools Dodge 1:31.961
25 41 John Tsoumaris (Toronto, ON) John’s Unique Auto / Mama’s Pizza Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.993
26 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:32.643
27 44 Marv Wilder (Toronto, ON) Longbow Freight Systems Ford Taurus 1:32.793
28 63 Lain Venditelli (St. Catharines, ON) R Nobel Biocare Ford Taurus 1:34.146
29 94 Mark Graham (Odessa, ON) Edge / Coca-Cola / Subway Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:34.266
30 37 Tara MacLeod (Innisfil, ON) R Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus 1:35.748
31 43 Bob Merrifield (Belle River, ON) Team Remax Preferred Realty Windsor Dodge 1:38.070
32 18 Chad McGlynn (Petersburg, ON) R Awesome Racewear / Ultimate Garage Ford Taurus 1:39.167
33 99 Scott Watkins (Milton, ON) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:41.121
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
** New CASCAR Super Series qualifying record at Mosport Int’l Raceway
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Gibbons’ Canadian Tire Chevrolet lapped the 10-turn, 2.459-mile Mosport road course in one-minute and 26.183 seconds to establish a new CASCAR qualifying record. That translated into an average lap speed of 165.290 km/h.
Four-time and reigning Super Series National champion Don Thomson posted the best time of the second session, but it wasn’t enough to bump Gibbons from the top of the combined session speed chart. The Home Hardware Chevy driver’s best effort was 1:26.515, which will place him alongside of Gibbons on the front row to start Sunday’s 51-lap feature race.
Starting third will be Thomson’s sophomore teammate, J.R. Fitzpatrick, driver of the #84 Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet. Last year’s runner-up in the Rookie of the Year chase attended a road racing school during the off-season and it paid off during qualifying today at Mosport.
Fitzpatrick will start beside St-Eustache Super Series race winner Kerry Micks. The Power Water Taurus driver is a talented road racer and he will be a threat on Sunday. Current points leader Ron Beauchamp Jr. will line up sixth in his MOPAR / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, just behind last year’s Mosport road course race winner Jeff Lapcevich (Fastline / Tim Horton’s / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo).
In all, 33 drivers qualified for the ‘Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200’. The green flag is scheduled to fly at 2 p.m. The CASCAR Power Water Sportsman Series opens its 2005 racing season this evening at the Mosport Speedway half-mile oval.
FATHER’S DAY 500 CASCAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SUPER SERIES: MOSPORT INT’L RACEWAY (ROAD COURSE)
‘BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200’
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005
1:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
CASCAR NOTES: The Father’s Day 500 Race Weekend at Mosport features several other well-known racing series, including Grand Am Cup, Ontario GT, Formula 1200, Honda Michelin, Cup Lites and the Miata Cup.
CASCAR ON TV: 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.
CASCAR Super Series
STARTING GRID: Berms R Us presents the Clarington 200
Round #3 of 12 // June 19, 2005 // Mosport Int’l Raceway
Oshawa, ON // 51 Laps // 4/10-Mile, Flat Oval
ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR / MAKE QUALIFYING LAP TIME
1 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire Corporation Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:26.183**
2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:26.515
3 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Cambridge Rigging Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:27.089
4 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Power Water / APX / CARSTAR Ford Taurus 1:27.171
5 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) Fastline / Tim Horton’s / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:27.180
6 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger 1:27.506
7 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Canada Dodge 1:27.742
8 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Power Water Dodge Charger 1:27.753
9 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Clothing Dodge 1:28.849
10 77 Derek Lynch (Warkworth, ON) R Berms R Us Dodge 1:28.918
11 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Frt. / Logel’s Dodge Charger 1:29.174
12 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) Fastline / EMCEA Transport / Tim Horton’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.175
13 0 Howie Scannell (Milton, ON) Scannell Moving & Storage Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.286
14 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) Avenue Motor Works / NMT Dodge 1:29.489
15 93 Joe Goncalves (Concord, ON) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.846
16 20 Mark Swain (Port Perry, ON) Nighthawk Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:29.935
17 14 John Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Latta Cranes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:30.297
18 88 Dave Jacombs (Mt. Hope, ON) Lou’s BBQ Ford Taurus 1:30.526
19 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) ERB Group Pontiac Grand Prix 1:30.641
20 11 Ron VanEs (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems / All Cover Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:30.749
21 71 Bryan Cathcart (Peterborough, ON) Meyers Transport / Peterborough Homes Dodge 1:30.957
22 82 Dave Connelly (Arnprior, ON) Vector Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.353
23 42 Sean Stafford (Springfield, ON) L.E. Walker / Mid-America Freight Systems Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.603
24 3 Stu Robinson Jr. (Holland Landing, ON) Snap-On Tools Dodge 1:31.961
25 41 John Tsoumaris (Toronto, ON) John’s Unique Auto / Mama’s Pizza Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:31.993
26 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / Autopro Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:32.643
27 44 Marv Wilder (Toronto, ON) Longbow Freight Systems Ford Taurus 1:32.793
28 63 Lain Venditelli (St. Catharines, ON) R Nobel Biocare Ford Taurus 1:34.146
29 94 Mark Graham (Odessa, ON) Edge / Coca-Cola / Subway Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:34.266
30 37 Tara MacLeod (Innisfil, ON) R Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus 1:35.748
31 43 Bob Merrifield (Belle River, ON) Team Remax Preferred Realty Windsor Dodge 1:38.070
32 18 Chad McGlynn (Petersburg, ON) R Awesome Racewear / Ultimate Garage Ford Taurus 1:39.167
33 99 Scott Watkins (Milton, ON) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1:41.121
R after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
** New CASCAR Super Series qualifying record at Mosport Int’l Raceway
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
Friday, June 17, 2005
BROCKVILLE ONT. SPEEDWAY: Rained out
BROCKVILLE - Brockville Ontario Speedway had managed to dodge more than its share of rain clouds so far this season. That streak came to end with the postponement of tonight's racing program. Rain was persistent throughout the morning and in the afternoon prompting track officials to finally pull the plug around 3 pm this afternoon.
The good news is that fans will not have to wait too long for the next racing action at the fast quarter mile oval. Brockville will light up again on Tuesday night, June 21st for the first event in this year's Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds. Time trials will take place at 6:30 pm with the green flag to drop at 7:30 as Steve Paine's tries to make it four straight years with at least one Super DIRT series win at Brockville. The Street Stocks and Rookies will also be on the card.
- From Steve Young
The good news is that fans will not have to wait too long for the next racing action at the fast quarter mile oval. Brockville will light up again on Tuesday night, June 21st for the first event in this year's Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds. Time trials will take place at 6:30 pm with the green flag to drop at 7:30 as Steve Paine's tries to make it four straight years with at least one Super DIRT series win at Brockville. The Street Stocks and Rookies will also be on the card.
- From Steve Young
INSIDE TRACK READERS' CHOICE AWARDS VOTING IS CLOSED.... THANK YOU!!!!
Voting for the "Castrol presents the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards" program has come to a close for this year.
On behalf of everyone at Inside Track, Castrol and our other Readers' Choice Award supporters and sponsors, we would like to thank you for your participation in this worthwhile program.
We are now in the process of tabulating all of the votes. The results will be announced soon in Inside Track Motorsport News, as well as on our 'Breaking News Blog' and through a press release issued to the mainstream media.
Thank you again for your support!
On behalf of everyone at Inside Track, Castrol and our other Readers' Choice Award supporters and sponsors, we would like to thank you for your participation in this worthwhile program.
We are now in the process of tabulating all of the votes. The results will be announced soon in Inside Track Motorsport News, as well as on our 'Breaking News Blog' and through a press release issued to the mainstream media.
Thank you again for your support!
LAST CHANCE TO VOTE: Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards
Voting for the Castrol presents the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards comes to a close this afternoon at 6 p.m. This is your last chance to vote!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
NEW FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL RULES PROPOSED
By James Neilson
The FIA, in a further plot to alienate the manufacturers, has released a radical proposal to reduce the amount of money teams spend.
Clearly aimed at the independant teams the proposal includes a return to manual, foot-operated clutches, a reduction in downforce to 10% of its current level, increasing the width of the cars along with a return to slick tires to improve mechanical grip as well as providing spec gearboxes and ECU's to all teams competing in the Formula One World Championship.
Unfiortunately, given the current political state of Formula One, getting all teams on board and in support of this proposal is as likely as a Minardi winning this weekend's U.S. Grand Prix. But hey, crazier things have happened, Michael Jackson is a free man after all...
Check out Speed's great article on it:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/17615/
The FIA, in a further plot to alienate the manufacturers, has released a radical proposal to reduce the amount of money teams spend.
Clearly aimed at the independant teams the proposal includes a return to manual, foot-operated clutches, a reduction in downforce to 10% of its current level, increasing the width of the cars along with a return to slick tires to improve mechanical grip as well as providing spec gearboxes and ECU's to all teams competing in the Formula One World Championship.
Unfiortunately, given the current political state of Formula One, getting all teams on board and in support of this proposal is as likely as a Minardi winning this weekend's U.S. Grand Prix. But hey, crazier things have happened, Michael Jackson is a free man after all...
Check out Speed's great article on it:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/17615/
TEAM FASTLINE SHOOT FOR SIX IN A ROW AT MOSPORT
By JAJ Entertainment
Hamilton, ON – Team Fastline will try to capture its sixth road course win in a row this weekend at Mosport International Raceway's 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, ON, as drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich compete in round three of the CASCAR Super Series.
Road course ace Jeff Lapcevich has dominated the CASCAR Super Series competition at road courses by winning three events in 2004, including the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver for the second consecutive season a well as the challenging Mosport Road Course event.
"We've got a bunch of CASCAR Super Series veterans gunning for us this weekend," explained Jeff. "We've really been fortunate to run so well on the road courses and our oval program has been going well too."
The CASCAR Super Series race will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19 at Mosport International Raceway located north of Bowmanville, Ontario.
"I normally pretty good on road courses, and if my luck holds out we should do really well," said Jim Lapcevich. "We had two top ten finishes last year and in 2003 Jeff and I qualified second and third at Mosport. The trick for Jeff and I in qualifying will be to get out of the traffic and get a couple good clean laps under our belt."
For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
Hamilton, ON – Team Fastline will try to capture its sixth road course win in a row this weekend at Mosport International Raceway's 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, ON, as drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich compete in round three of the CASCAR Super Series.
Road course ace Jeff Lapcevich has dominated the CASCAR Super Series competition at road courses by winning three events in 2004, including the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver for the second consecutive season a well as the challenging Mosport Road Course event.
"We've got a bunch of CASCAR Super Series veterans gunning for us this weekend," explained Jeff. "We've really been fortunate to run so well on the road courses and our oval program has been going well too."
The CASCAR Super Series race will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19 at Mosport International Raceway located north of Bowmanville, Ontario.
"I normally pretty good on road courses, and if my luck holds out we should do really well," said Jim Lapcevich. "We had two top ten finishes last year and in 2003 Jeff and I qualified second and third at Mosport. The trick for Jeff and I in qualifying will be to get out of the traffic and get a couple good clean laps under our belt."
For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
HOLIDAY DOUBLEHEADER KICKS OFF WITH RARE THURSDAY NIGHT SHOW: FIREWORKS AND DEMO DERBY TO BE FEATURED AT MERRITTVILLE
Courtesy Jim Irvine of Merrittville Speedway
Thorold, Ontario … A rare Thursday Night Show at Merrittville Speedway will kick off Canada Day Weekend festivities with a Fireworks Show one of the highlights of the Brady-Zavitz Financial special event.
“With many of our Canadian race fans celebrating Canada Day with Friday off of work,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “ it will be a great start to the holiday doubleheader … with school out for the summer … our younger race fans can also celebrate.”
Thursday June 30th’s race card will feature all DIRT Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
Merrittville Speedway will welcome one of its newest event sponsors with a big bang, as the Brady-Zavitz Financial Services Night will feature a Fireworks Display.
The Holiday celebration concludes with Tool Needs presenting a Big Car Demolition Derby in addition to the 5 star DIRT Weekly Racing Series Program – July 2nd.
Prior to the night’s on track action, members of Merrittville Speedway’s Meridian Credit Union Kid’s club will adorn Hoosier Tire Canada ponchos as they decorate an actual Demo Car behind the Turn 1 grandstands for the second straight year.
“It was a real hit last year,” puns Kid’s Club Directors Mary- Beth and Mike, adding, “ the kids got real creative and when it came time for the derby they were all cheering for their car.”
Both nights of course could see Hoosier Stock Heat Winners taking the Hoosier Stock Finish Line Challenge – starting the feature from the back of the pack to win a growing pot of bonus cash.
For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s events including upcoming demolition derbies – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
CASCAR SUPER SERIES: MacLeod Takes CASCAR Rookie Points Lead to Mosport Road Course
JAJ Entertainment
Innisfil, ON - Central Merchant Services driver Tara MacLeod will make her first attempt at road course racing this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19 at Mosport International Raceway located north of Bowmanville, Ontario on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course.
"I'm really excited about my first road course race and the fact that is going to be at Canada's Mosport International Raceway, stated Tara MacLeod. "This place is rich in motorsport history and the Central Merchant Services car should be good."
Not much more than 40 years ago the piece of land that we know today as Mosport was a farm. At that time, standing on a hill, looking over the fields and groves of trees, who could have imagined that the best drivers and the fastest cars in the world would come to this pastoral place and race on what would be named as one the most challenging tracks in the world and provide the best excitement and entertainment that motor racing has to offer.
But they did come: racing legends like Stirling Moss, Gilles Villeneuve, Bruce McLaren and even stock car king Richard Petty. No fewer than 16 Formula One World Driving Champions - men like Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti and Niki Lauda have raced here. Some 10 Indianapolis 500 winners including Rodger Ward, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Rick Mears and Gordon Johncock have also raced at Mosport.
There have been Formula One cars, Indy cars, Can-Am, stock cars, World Endurance, Formula 5000, Formula Atlantic and Super Vee. Add Formula Fords, GT cars of every description, Superbikes, karts, snowmobiles and off road machines. Throw in a couple of rock concerts, some air shows, and sky divers and one begins to wonder if there is anything that hasn't been seen at Mosport. Anyone standing on the hill in 1959 would not believe what has transpired over the last 40 years. Fortunately, there were some people who did believe in what could happen. They had a dream, a plan, and the combination of resources and expertise to make it happen.
As early as 1958 the British Empire Motor Club (BEMC) formed a development committee to investigate the possibility of selecting and buying a piece of property for a road racing course. By mid summer of that year the founding committee, whose members consisted of Dick Byatt, George Hill, Chuck Stockey, Fred Hayes and Ray Liddle, had found a 450-acre tract north of Bowmanville. Recognizing the enormity of the project, the committee members realized that one club (BEMC) could not undertake the entire task and so a separate entity, called "Mosport Limited" was born in the fall of 1958. The name Mosport (a contraction of Motor Sport) was coined and applied to the new business enterprise.
MacLeod currently leads the PowerWater CASCAR Super Series Rookie of the year standings. Tara placed 18th in the opening Delaware Speedway event, and was 17th at the recent CASCAR race in St- Eustache.
PRODRIVE UNVEIL ASTON MARTIN DBRS9 CLUB RACER
Courtesy Speed Arena
Aston Martin Racing has unveiled the DBRS9, a competition car for club and national racing series, and a bridge for teams and drivers looking towards international GT racing.
The DBRS9 is based on the DB9 road car, but shares many design features from the full GT1 specification DBR9. It uses the road car’s aluminium bonded chassis with a DBR9-based roll cage. Aston Martin Racing’s engineers have tuned the standard 12 cylinder, six litre engine to produce approximately 550bhp (an increase of 20%) and reduced the overall weight by 480kg, to increase the power to weight ratio to nearly 430 bhp/tonne. Much of this is down to the extensive use of carbon composite materials for all the body panels (except the roof) and on the interior trim, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows.
The DBRS9 has a six-speed H-pattern gearbox with new, shorter ratios for competition use, which can be upgraded to a full sequential racing box. The car’s ride has been lowered and the double wishbone suspension has been rose jointed and fitted with two-way adjustable Koni dampers and stiffened competition springs.
While Aston Martin Racing’s focus has been to optimise the DBRS9’s performance, it has also been designed with practicality in mind. Both the seat and steering wheel are easily adjustable, and there is the option of a passenger seat, for demonstration drives. Removable body panels, a modular chassis and a package of spares simplify service and maintenance.
BFGOODRICH TIRES IN THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP FROM 2006
Courtesy Nadine Lussier, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.
(Paris - June 16, 2005) - Starting from 2006, Michelin Group will pursue its technological and sporting involvement in World Rally Championship with its BFGoodrich Tires brand.
This decision strengthens BFGoodrich Tires' current racing implication in the Rally Raid World Cup, in the Dakar Rally, as well as in numerous Northern-American competitions such as the Score Baja 1000.
The Michelin Group and Ford have the intention to continue their partnership in WRC for the years to come. BFGoodrich Tires will bring into this partnership its widespread racing experience and Michelin Group's most up-to-date technology.
Car racing and motor sports in general form a key element of Michelin Group's strategy. Having secured 36 World Rally Championship titles, Michelin brand continues to participate in closed circuit categories: Formula One, MotoGP and Endurance (Le Mans 24 Hours), while BFGoodrich Tires will spearhead the Group's commitment in Rally Raid (Dakar) and on the World Rally Championship's high variety of grounds.
(Paris - June 16, 2005) - Starting from 2006, Michelin Group will pursue its technological and sporting involvement in World Rally Championship with its BFGoodrich Tires brand.
This decision strengthens BFGoodrich Tires' current racing implication in the Rally Raid World Cup, in the Dakar Rally, as well as in numerous Northern-American competitions such as the Score Baja 1000.
The Michelin Group and Ford have the intention to continue their partnership in WRC for the years to come. BFGoodrich Tires will bring into this partnership its widespread racing experience and Michelin Group's most up-to-date technology.
Car racing and motor sports in general form a key element of Michelin Group's strategy. Having secured 36 World Rally Championship titles, Michelin brand continues to participate in closed circuit categories: Formula One, MotoGP and Endurance (Le Mans 24 Hours), while BFGoodrich Tires will spearhead the Group's commitment in Rally Raid (Dakar) and on the World Rally Championship's high variety of grounds.
CANADIANS LEAD THE WAY AS TALENTED FIELD COMES TO MOSPORT
Courtesy Glenn Butt, Mosport
Bowmanville, ON (June 15, 2005) A host of talented racers from across North America are travelling to Mosport International Raceway for this weekend's Father's Day 500 (June 17-19), with Canadian drivers front and center in both co-features - the Grand-Am Cup race for high-performance sports cars and sedans and the CASCAR Super Series, Canada's national stock car championship.
The Father's Day 500 is sponsored by Melody Homes, Berms-R-Us and The Municipality of Clarington.
While the Grand-Am Cup boasts some of America's top sports car racers like Boris Said, Terry Borcheller and Gunnar Jeannette, Canucks have been running at or near the front of the pack through much of the 2005 season.
Leading the way has been the Multimatic Motorsports Mustang duo of Scott Maxwell and David Empringham, who sit on top of the point standings with one win and two seconds through five races. Both drivers hail from Toronto and Multimatic is based just north of the city, in Markham. Maxwell's commitments to the Panoz Esperante ALMS Team in this weekend's 24 Heurs de Mans will force him to miss the Mosport round, but Empringham is at home on Mosport's 4-km road course and highly motivated to turn in a winning performance (his team-mate for the weekend has yet to be confirmed).
Several other Canadians will also be looking for strong outings in front of their hometown fans. Former Grand-Am Cup champion, Devon Powell from nearby Port Perry (ON), currently sits in the top ten and has scored third and sixth-place finishes this year in his Cadillac CTS-V.
Toronto's Greg Wilkins and Dave Lacey will share driving duties in the Doncaster Racing Porsche 996. Both drivers come with impressive off-track credentials too. Wilkins is CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, the second-biggest gold-mining company in the world. One of Wilkins' competitors, Kenny Wilden, has played an instrumental roll in his driver development and now coaches his son Mark.
Wilden, who lives in Oakville, Ont., is no stranger to Mosport. This talented driver is a former champion of the Player's/GM Series and has competed in a variety of cars including Trans-Am. Wilden's co-driver in the BMW M3 is Aurora, Ont. resident, Alan Wortzman.
Of the American contingent expected to race here this weekend, Said could be one of the most popular with Mosport fans. The Carlsbad, Ca. racer, who splits his driving duties across several series including the NASCAR Nextel Cup, has tasted champagne at Mosport in the past with wins in various classes including the 2002 Trans-Am race.
It's virtually an all-Canadian affair in the Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200, round three of the 10-race CASCAR Super Series. Defending race champion and road course master, Jeff Lapcevich of Caistor Centre, Ont. has won five consecutive CASCAR road course races. While this streak might sound daunting to his competitors, guys like 'Iron Man' Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, Ont.) and 4-time defending series champion Don Thomson Jr. of Ayr, Ont. come well-prepared to turn both left and right at Mosport, the first of two road course events on the schedule.
At the other end of the spectrum will be the road course rookies who will be turning their first road course race lap. This list includes short-track oval standout Derek Lynch (Peterborough, Ont.) and experienced Late Model female racer Tara MacLeod of Innisfil, Ont. Macleod is leading CASCAR's rookie-of-year battle.
There is plenty more racing on tap throughout the Father's Day 500 Weekend.
Fresh from their race at the Montreal Formula One Grand Prix, the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series returns to Mosport for round three. Didier Schraenen won the season-open at Mosport last month. Rounding out the weekend schedule is the Mazdaspeed Miata Cup, Cup Lites, the ISSECO Formula 1200's and the Race Ontario G.T. series.
The three-day SuperTicket for the Father's Day 500 is just $50 and can be purchased at the gate. Admission includes free parking and access to the paddock. As with every Mosport race weekend, Children 12 and under are free (when accompanied by a paid adult admission). All SuperTickets also include admission to Mosport Speedway's Saturday night of stock car racing on Ontario's fastest half-mile oval, which features the season-opener of CASCAR's Power Water Sportsman Series.
Along with your weekend ticket camping is also available for only $30 per vehicle for tents or pop-up trailers (maximum 6 people per vehicle) or $50 for RVs.
For more information about Mosport tickets and camping, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com.
Brockville Ontario Speedway to host first race in this year's Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds on Tuesday Night
Courtesy Brockville Speedway
BROCKVILLE-The attention of the dirt racing world will be focussed on Brockville Ontario Speedway on Tuesday Night, June 21st. The fast quarter mile clay oval dubbed the Beast of the East will host the first event in this year's Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds. This will mark the first series race for the small blocks since the introduction of new rev limiters and aluminium heads designed to cut costs in the division.
A star studded field is expected for the 50 lap series opener where 2004 Brockville Ontario Speedway co-track champion Steve Paine is the defending champion. There have been four different winners at Brockville already this year with Danny and Pat O Brien, John Mulder and Rookie Kyle Dingwall all driving into victory lane with early season wins. Drivers such as Brett Hearn and Alan Johnson are always competitive at Brockville every time they pull in the gates.
In addition to the 358 Modifieds, BOS Street Stock and Rookie division cars will be in action. Time Trials for the 358 Modifieds are scheduled for 6:30 pm with the first heat rolling off the line at 7:30. Brockville Ontario Speedway is located just 11 kilometres North of Brockville on Country Road 29.
The Speedway would also like to announce that tickets for the Monster Truck Challenge on Sat July 30 and Sunday July 31 are now available. You can pick them up in person on race day at the main gate ticket sellers, order by phone or email with credit card. Advance Adult tickets are only $20 and Children 12 and under $10. A limited number of Advance tickets are on sale until Friday July 29th only. The track is also looking for donations of old cars that can be crushed in the two shows. A free ticket to see your car meet its demise will be awarded to anyone who donates a vechile.
BROCKVILLE-The attention of the dirt racing world will be focussed on Brockville Ontario Speedway on Tuesday Night, June 21st. The fast quarter mile clay oval dubbed the Beast of the East will host the first event in this year's Super DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds. This will mark the first series race for the small blocks since the introduction of new rev limiters and aluminium heads designed to cut costs in the division.
A star studded field is expected for the 50 lap series opener where 2004 Brockville Ontario Speedway co-track champion Steve Paine is the defending champion. There have been four different winners at Brockville already this year with Danny and Pat O Brien, John Mulder and Rookie Kyle Dingwall all driving into victory lane with early season wins. Drivers such as Brett Hearn and Alan Johnson are always competitive at Brockville every time they pull in the gates.
In addition to the 358 Modifieds, BOS Street Stock and Rookie division cars will be in action. Time Trials for the 358 Modifieds are scheduled for 6:30 pm with the first heat rolling off the line at 7:30. Brockville Ontario Speedway is located just 11 kilometres North of Brockville on Country Road 29.
The Speedway would also like to announce that tickets for the Monster Truck Challenge on Sat July 30 and Sunday July 31 are now available. You can pick them up in person on race day at the main gate ticket sellers, order by phone or email with credit card. Advance Adult tickets are only $20 and Children 12 and under $10. A limited number of Advance tickets are on sale until Friday July 29th only. The track is also looking for donations of old cars that can be crushed in the two shows. A free ticket to see your car meet its demise will be awarded to anyone who donates a vechile.
STAR MAZDA: Three Cars In Top Ten At Canadian G.P.
Wilkins Sixth, Hinchcliffe Eighth, Thomas Tenth
The Aim Autosport Star Mazda team came away from their first race on home soil in 2005 with all three drivers in the top ten. The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal was the scene were Mark Wilkins, Brandon Thomas and James Hinchcliffe were ready to race in front of their countrymen, delivering some "spectaculaire "results at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.
The weather was a big part of the story during practice #1 as the Formula Mazda's were first to take to the track on Friday on a damp but drying track. James turned in a time of 1:42.865 good for third fastest while Mark was just behind in fourth at 1:43.221 and Brandon managing a 1:46.232 good for 12th.
With the track completely dry practice #2 saw Mark second quickest at 1:38.903, James fifth fastest at 1:39.292 and Brandon 13th with a time of 1:39.962.
At the start of the race all three AIM drivers got away very well with James shooting into second place from his fifth place start, Mark moving up from 12th to tenth and Brandon passing ten cars on the first lap!
James's great run began to sour as he overheated his brakes and began sliding backwards eventually finishing eighth, Mark ran a steady consistent race coming home in sixth place while Brandon had the drive of the race starting in 40th and finishing tenth!
The Aim Autosport Star Mazda team came away from their first race on home soil in 2005 with all three drivers in the top ten. The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal was the scene were Mark Wilkins, Brandon Thomas and James Hinchcliffe were ready to race in front of their countrymen, delivering some "spectaculaire "results at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.
The weather was a big part of the story during practice #1 as the Formula Mazda's were first to take to the track on Friday on a damp but drying track. James turned in a time of 1:42.865 good for third fastest while Mark was just behind in fourth at 1:43.221 and Brandon managing a 1:46.232 good for 12th.
With the track completely dry practice #2 saw Mark second quickest at 1:38.903, James fifth fastest at 1:39.292 and Brandon 13th with a time of 1:39.962.
At the start of the race all three AIM drivers got away very well with James shooting into second place from his fifth place start, Mark moving up from 12th to tenth and Brandon passing ten cars on the first lap!
James's great run began to sour as he overheated his brakes and began sliding backwards eventually finishing eighth, Mark ran a steady consistent race coming home in sixth place while Brandon had the drive of the race starting in 40th and finishing tenth!
SPEND DAD'S DAY AT THE TRACK
Courtesy Brighton Speedway Park
This Sunday is Father's Day. Why not take dad to Brighton Speedway Park for an exciting afternoon of racing?
The Father's Day Endurance Race is set to start at 2pm. This 200 lap race is filled with local drivers, both men and women, and is a fan's favourite to watch.
Grab dad, your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen and head to Brighton Speedway Park for an afternoon of dirt flying, car crashing, lap killing entertainment.
This Sunday is Father's Day. Why not take dad to Brighton Speedway Park for an exciting afternoon of racing?
The Father's Day Endurance Race is set to start at 2pm. This 200 lap race is filled with local drivers, both men and women, and is a fan's favourite to watch.
Grab dad, your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen and head to Brighton Speedway Park for an afternoon of dirt flying, car crashing, lap killing entertainment.
EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS: Important weekend of racing for Alain Bergeron
Courtesy Team Bergeron, by way of Alain Forcier
Alain Bergeron and the drivers of the ‘Empire Super Sprints’ series will, this weekend, make their first visit to Quebec in 2005. On friday evening, the ESS crew will head to Autodrome Granby. Granby is where the 2004 season of Alain Bergeron ended last year with an accident that left him with a broken hand and a car destroyed.
The following day, Saturday, Bergeron and the spectacular Sprint Cars will move towards the Autodrome Drummond and Sunday everyone will be at Cornwall. Alain Bergeron always had success at Drummondville, having won two of his six wins at this Quebec track. It’s at the Cornwall Motor Speedway that the Saint-Pie’s driver got his first career win in Sprint Cars in his very first season.
Alain Bergeron is in sixth place in the series standing and with three races in three days this weekend, each one of those will be of the utmost importance to the championship.
Thanks for your support
Alain Bergeron and the drivers of the ‘Empire Super Sprints’ series will, this weekend, make their first visit to Quebec in 2005. On friday evening, the ESS crew will head to Autodrome Granby. Granby is where the 2004 season of Alain Bergeron ended last year with an accident that left him with a broken hand and a car destroyed.
The following day, Saturday, Bergeron and the spectacular Sprint Cars will move towards the Autodrome Drummond and Sunday everyone will be at Cornwall. Alain Bergeron always had success at Drummondville, having won two of his six wins at this Quebec track. It’s at the Cornwall Motor Speedway that the Saint-Pie’s driver got his first career win in Sprint Cars in his very first season.
Alain Bergeron is in sixth place in the series standing and with three races in three days this weekend, each one of those will be of the utmost importance to the championship.
Thanks for your support
HINCHCLIFFE SHOWS SPEED IN CANADIAN EVENT
“Lapped Traffic and Brake problems hinder result”
Oakville, Ontario – June 16, 2005. – AIM Autosport pilot and Canadian James Hinchcliffe (Emexis Integrated Solutions, Noco Racing, Mobil 1, Pit Fit Training, AIM Autosport #98), had a tough event this past weekend at the Star Mazda series presented by Goodyear at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec.
With schedule limitations, series officials eliminated the qualifying session to add an extra practice round and forced drivers to start the event according to current championship points. This allowed Hinchcliffe to start inside row three at the first Canadian stop in the series.
At the start of the race Hinchcliffe pushed hard and by lap three was running 2nd right with the leader. Biding his time, the Oakville, Ontario resident sat in P2 waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. An engine glitch in Hinchcliffe’s Pro Mazda, didn’t allow the Canadian to have the pull out of the second gear corners that he needed and was passed on two separate occasions.
“It wasn’t a big problem,” explained Hinchcliffe. “The major issue we had was the brake fade. After about 8 laps the brakes were so hot the lost a lot of their potential. Knowing that I couldn’t hold my fellow competitors at bay, I let them have the position when they got beside me as I tried to gain as many championship points as possible.”
Problems would not end there for the talented pilot as lapped traffic would wreck havoc on the rest of his day. Trying to pass a slower competitor, Hinchcliffe was forced into the outside retaining wall, allowing two more cars to pass. An incident in the hairpin caused contact damaging his front wing and suspension. Falling back to 6th, Hinchcliffe marched on in hopes of completing the entire race distance.
On the final circuit a few corners from the end, another car had attempted a pass that could not be reasonably achieved. The #98 Mazda could not avoid the car and launched off his wheel and spun through the air. Hinchcliffe was again in the wall doing considerable damage to his ride but kept the car running and limped it across the finish line for an 8th place result.
“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” stated the Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. “If something was going to happen out there, it was going to happen right in front of me. I would like to thank everyone from the AIM Autosport squad for another great car, I think that we could have came home victorious from this race but without bad luck, we would have no luck at all. I’d also like to thank Pit Fit Training, NOCO Racing and especially Emexis Integrated Solutions. It was great to have all my family and sponsors there and just disappointing we couldn’t be on the podium where we all deserved to be this weekend.
The Canadian pilot sits 3rd in the Rookie-of-the-Year standings and only 14 points out of the lead.
Hinchcliffe’s next on track activity will be testing at the famed Road America circuit as he will look towards victory at the event.
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on James Hinchcliffe and the Star Mazda series, please contact James at 416-522-7470 or via email at james@jameshinchcliffe.com. For up-to-date news releases, race schedules, results and photos, please visit www.jameshinchliffe.com
Oakville, Ontario – June 16, 2005. – AIM Autosport pilot and Canadian James Hinchcliffe (Emexis Integrated Solutions, Noco Racing, Mobil 1, Pit Fit Training, AIM Autosport #98), had a tough event this past weekend at the Star Mazda series presented by Goodyear at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec.
With schedule limitations, series officials eliminated the qualifying session to add an extra practice round and forced drivers to start the event according to current championship points. This allowed Hinchcliffe to start inside row three at the first Canadian stop in the series.
At the start of the race Hinchcliffe pushed hard and by lap three was running 2nd right with the leader. Biding his time, the Oakville, Ontario resident sat in P2 waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. An engine glitch in Hinchcliffe’s Pro Mazda, didn’t allow the Canadian to have the pull out of the second gear corners that he needed and was passed on two separate occasions.
“It wasn’t a big problem,” explained Hinchcliffe. “The major issue we had was the brake fade. After about 8 laps the brakes were so hot the lost a lot of their potential. Knowing that I couldn’t hold my fellow competitors at bay, I let them have the position when they got beside me as I tried to gain as many championship points as possible.”
Problems would not end there for the talented pilot as lapped traffic would wreck havoc on the rest of his day. Trying to pass a slower competitor, Hinchcliffe was forced into the outside retaining wall, allowing two more cars to pass. An incident in the hairpin caused contact damaging his front wing and suspension. Falling back to 6th, Hinchcliffe marched on in hopes of completing the entire race distance.
On the final circuit a few corners from the end, another car had attempted a pass that could not be reasonably achieved. The #98 Mazda could not avoid the car and launched off his wheel and spun through the air. Hinchcliffe was again in the wall doing considerable damage to his ride but kept the car running and limped it across the finish line for an 8th place result.
“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” stated the Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. “If something was going to happen out there, it was going to happen right in front of me. I would like to thank everyone from the AIM Autosport squad for another great car, I think that we could have came home victorious from this race but without bad luck, we would have no luck at all. I’d also like to thank Pit Fit Training, NOCO Racing and especially Emexis Integrated Solutions. It was great to have all my family and sponsors there and just disappointing we couldn’t be on the podium where we all deserved to be this weekend.
The Canadian pilot sits 3rd in the Rookie-of-the-Year standings and only 14 points out of the lead.
Hinchcliffe’s next on track activity will be testing at the famed Road America circuit as he will look towards victory at the event.
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on James Hinchcliffe and the Star Mazda series, please contact James at 416-522-7470 or via email at james@jameshinchcliffe.com. For up-to-date news releases, race schedules, results and photos, please visit www.jameshinchliffe.com
Cole Pearn wins Late Model Race at Kawartha Speedway: Pete Vanderwyst finishes second
Press Release prepared by Jenesis Dynamics
London, Ont. NASCAR Dodge Late Model driver Cole Pearn won the feature race at Kawartha Speedway Friday, June 10th. It is the second victory of the season for the 22 year old driver from Mt. Brydges, Ontario.
“The car was fast right from when we started” Cole says.
Cole began with a heat race win, after which he lined up for the feature in 7th spot.
“I got boxed in there at the beginning for a bit” he says “but after the first caution, I started passing cars one at a time on the inside or the outside; the car worked well for both”. Cole passed team mate Pete Vanderwyst on the outside just before a caution and was able to take the lead from Larry Jackson on the restart.
Pete Vanderwyst started 4th in his heat race and finished 2nd. He won the semi feature, a race involving the top four finishing cars from each heat race, before starting the feature in 5th position. By lap 2, he had moved into 2nd spot and held that position to the end.
Both Vanderwyst, a native of St Thomas Ontario, and Pearn have previously raced at Kawartha as drivers in the CASCAR Super Series. They were both enthusiastic about racing there again. “Kawartha is one of the best tracks to run on” Cole explains “It is so wide, and there are two grooves to run. It was nice to go back there”.
The Weekend Warrior Series presented by Lucas Oil Products, which the Late Model divisions at both Delaware and Kawartha Speedway are a part of, sets up a contest between six divisions at tracks across Ontario to compete for the series point fund.
London, Ont. NASCAR Dodge Late Model driver Cole Pearn won the feature race at Kawartha Speedway Friday, June 10th. It is the second victory of the season for the 22 year old driver from Mt. Brydges, Ontario.
“The car was fast right from when we started” Cole says.
Cole began with a heat race win, after which he lined up for the feature in 7th spot.
“I got boxed in there at the beginning for a bit” he says “but after the first caution, I started passing cars one at a time on the inside or the outside; the car worked well for both”. Cole passed team mate Pete Vanderwyst on the outside just before a caution and was able to take the lead from Larry Jackson on the restart.
Pete Vanderwyst started 4th in his heat race and finished 2nd. He won the semi feature, a race involving the top four finishing cars from each heat race, before starting the feature in 5th position. By lap 2, he had moved into 2nd spot and held that position to the end.
Both Vanderwyst, a native of St Thomas Ontario, and Pearn have previously raced at Kawartha as drivers in the CASCAR Super Series. They were both enthusiastic about racing there again. “Kawartha is one of the best tracks to run on” Cole explains “It is so wide, and there are two grooves to run. It was nice to go back there”.
The Weekend Warrior Series presented by Lucas Oil Products, which the Late Model divisions at both Delaware and Kawartha Speedway are a part of, sets up a contest between six divisions at tracks across Ontario to compete for the series point fund.
Rain Shortens Corvette Racing's First Day of Le Mans Practice and Qualifying
Team Makes Steady Progress despite Wet and Slippery Conditions
LE MANS, France, June 15, 2005 - Ten days of ideal weather following the initial test of Corvette Racing's new C6.R race cars at Le Mans on June 5 ended abruptly as the yellow Corvettes pulled out of the pit lane for the first of two four-hour practice and qualifying sessions. Rain arrived at the Sarthe circuit tonight at 7 p.m., shortening the team's total track time to less than one hour. Despite the inclement weather, Corvette Racing checked off one important item on the Le Mans to-do list as all six drivers completed their mandatory laps in darkness.
"Despite the bad weather, we accomplished our goal of having the drivers complete their three required laps in the dark," said GM Racing Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski. "That's one item we won't have to worry about tomorrow night. We had hoped for two good sessions to continue to develop our Le Mans setup, so to lose four of the eight scheduled hours will certainly compress our plan."
Light rain began to fall as Ron Fellows and Olivier Beretta pulled out the pits at 7 p.m. in their twin Compuware Corvette C6.Rs. Neither completed a lap at speed as the rainfall increased, and the team elected to sit out the remainder of the initial two-hour evening session.
Following a scheduled one-hour break, the test and qualifying session resumed at 10 p.m. Fellows, Johnny O'Connell and Max Papis cycled through the No. 63 Compuware Corvette, while Beretta, Jan Magnussen and Oliver Gavin completed their appointed rounds in the No. 64 Compuware Corvette. With most cars on the course turning lap times nearly 30 seconds slower than those recorded during the test day, the Corvette team called it a day at 10:55 p.m.
"You've got to look at the big picture, and the worst thing we could do now is to damage either of the cars in conditions we're not going to race in," said O'Connell. "The weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday is hot and sunny, so there's no reason to take any chances when the track is dark, wet and slippery. We'll pray for better weather tomorrow, but if it's wet, we're going to have to lay down some fast times for our starting position."
"The track was difficult because there were some damp places and some dry," said Beretta. "I just took it easy and made my three laps, and got the data the engineers wanted. Everything went well."
Gavin agreed with his teammate's assessment after completing his required laps around the 8.5-mile course. "This track is always fun to drive around whether it's wet or it's dry, but tonight the surface seemed to have a glaze on it in sections," he explained. "There's new black asphalt coming out of Mulsanne and going down through Indianapolis and Arnage, and on that whole section you're guessing whether it's wet or dry. It's pointless to try to accomplish our test plan in this situation because it's imperative to keep the race car together. Tomorrow is going to be dry, and so today proved absolutely nothing, unfortunately."
Practice and qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans concludes on Thursday, June 16, with sessions from 7-9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will begin at 10 a.m. EDT (4 p.m. local time) on June 18. SPEED Channel will televise 17.5 hours of live coverage; check local listings for times.
LE MANS FIRST QUALIFYING - WEDNESDAY, 15TH JUNE 2005
Courtesy Fiona Miller, Creations Sportif
Despite the weather this evening doing its best to work against the pre-prepared plans of every team present, it was a very happy Creation team which left the track at the end of the first four hours of running here at the famous Le Mans track in France.
By close of play at midnight Nicolas Minassian had recorded the 3rd fastest time of the field (4:02.992) - a lap set on intermediate Michelin tires on a fast drying track.
As the green flag dropped at 7pm for the start of the initial two hours of practice/qualifying, rain started to fall and Creation, together with everyone else, had to re-program their plans for the available track time.
Minassian was the first to take the wheel of the DBA04S-Judd, and ran tentatively for the opening stages of the session, anxious not to push too hard in the tricky conditions. The team was part way through evaluating two different compounds of wet tires when the Frenchman reported that he'd stopped at the Mulsanne Corner. The problem was quickly traced to a fuel pump fuse and this was soon rectified once he had re-set it and returned to the pits.
Jamie Campbell-Walter and Andy Wallace were then able to turn their first competitive laps of the 13.6km La Sarthe track, both continuing with tire evaluation for the remainder of the early evening session. On a drying track, but still on soft rain tires, Andy Wallace set a time of 4:15.396 shortly before 9pm.
Conditions improved for the second two-hour session and, once all three drivers had completed their compulsory three 'night' laps in order to qualify for the race, they continued to work towards a quicker lap time.
Towards midnight and the chequered flag, Nic set the fastest time of Creation's day which left them well placed for a successful further four hours of running tomorrow (Thursday).
Minassian was pleased but realistic when he reflected on the evening's outcome: "It was good. Andy and Jamie did very good work to set up the car and it got quicker and quicker every time each of us got in the car. Most of the work we did was with Michelin on the tires. We tried hard and soft compounds and then the intermediates. It was very tricky with the inters in the Porsche Curves as it was still damp there, but we pushed like crazy everywhere. It's good to be up there, but I know that if it was dry we wouldn't maybe have been as lucky."
For full times go to www.lemans.org
Despite the weather this evening doing its best to work against the pre-prepared plans of every team present, it was a very happy Creation team which left the track at the end of the first four hours of running here at the famous Le Mans track in France.
By close of play at midnight Nicolas Minassian had recorded the 3rd fastest time of the field (4:02.992) - a lap set on intermediate Michelin tires on a fast drying track.
As the green flag dropped at 7pm for the start of the initial two hours of practice/qualifying, rain started to fall and Creation, together with everyone else, had to re-program their plans for the available track time.
Minassian was the first to take the wheel of the DBA04S-Judd, and ran tentatively for the opening stages of the session, anxious not to push too hard in the tricky conditions. The team was part way through evaluating two different compounds of wet tires when the Frenchman reported that he'd stopped at the Mulsanne Corner. The problem was quickly traced to a fuel pump fuse and this was soon rectified once he had re-set it and returned to the pits.
Jamie Campbell-Walter and Andy Wallace were then able to turn their first competitive laps of the 13.6km La Sarthe track, both continuing with tire evaluation for the remainder of the early evening session. On a drying track, but still on soft rain tires, Andy Wallace set a time of 4:15.396 shortly before 9pm.
Conditions improved for the second two-hour session and, once all three drivers had completed their compulsory three 'night' laps in order to qualify for the race, they continued to work towards a quicker lap time.
Towards midnight and the chequered flag, Nic set the fastest time of Creation's day which left them well placed for a successful further four hours of running tomorrow (Thursday).
Minassian was pleased but realistic when he reflected on the evening's outcome: "It was good. Andy and Jamie did very good work to set up the car and it got quicker and quicker every time each of us got in the car. Most of the work we did was with Michelin on the tires. We tried hard and soft compounds and then the intermediates. It was very tricky with the inters in the Porsche Curves as it was still damp there, but we pushed like crazy everywhere. It's good to be up there, but I know that if it was dry we wouldn't maybe have been as lucky."
For full times go to www.lemans.org
BLACK BEAR RALLY RESCHEDULED
Courtesy Ryan Huber, VP Road Rally, Rallysport Ontario Chief Safety Officer
June 15, 2005 - Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Maple Leaf Rally Club and the Black Bear Rally organizing committee, the Black Bear Rally will not be able to be held this Saturday (June 18th).
Torrential rains and high winds have ravaged the Dorset area for four days, creating a state of emergency. A call from Ministry of Natural Resources officials today advised that the roads have suffered great damage, especially in the last 24 hours. A site inspection this afternoon confirmed that not one of the stage roads is passable even for a four wheel drive truck. Culverts have been totally washed out, hills are left with two foot deep ruts and many trees have fallen across the roads. Even ATV's were having difficulty rescuing stranded cottage residents. In places the water is almost two feet deep - and it still had not yet stopped raining.
The Organizers regret any inconvenience this causes to all those involved. The event has been tentatively rescheduled to Saturday, July 23rd, pending all necessary approvals. Confirmation of that date will be issued as soon as possible.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us in July for a great event.
Watch for further news at www.mlrc.ca
June 15, 2005 - Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Maple Leaf Rally Club and the Black Bear Rally organizing committee, the Black Bear Rally will not be able to be held this Saturday (June 18th).
Torrential rains and high winds have ravaged the Dorset area for four days, creating a state of emergency. A call from Ministry of Natural Resources officials today advised that the roads have suffered great damage, especially in the last 24 hours. A site inspection this afternoon confirmed that not one of the stage roads is passable even for a four wheel drive truck. Culverts have been totally washed out, hills are left with two foot deep ruts and many trees have fallen across the roads. Even ATV's were having difficulty rescuing stranded cottage residents. In places the water is almost two feet deep - and it still had not yet stopped raining.
The Organizers regret any inconvenience this causes to all those involved. The event has been tentatively rescheduled to Saturday, July 23rd, pending all necessary approvals. Confirmation of that date will be issued as soon as possible.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us in July for a great event.
Watch for further news at www.mlrc.ca
AIM Autosport Wins in Montreal: Lacroix wins race one, Bunker has best finish
Courtesy AIM Autosport
The Aim Autosport Formula BMW USA team came away from the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Quebec holding on to the points lead in all three of the series categories: overall driver championship, rookie driver championship and team championships.
The team, including rookie drivers Rob Bunker and Kevin Lacroix were looking forward to extending their points lead at the only stop this year in Canada for rounds five and six of the fourteen race championship.
Practice & Qualifying:
“We got caught out by the full course yellows,” said team manager Keith Willis. “Kevin could have easily been on pole for both races and Rob in the top ten but we just didn’t get the fast laps when we needed them.”
Saturday Race: (Round Five)
AIM Autosport BMW Junior and Rookie driver Kevin Lacroix won the most important race of his 16-year old life as he drove from the fourth starting position to win Round five of the Formula BMW USA Series. Kevin overtook pole sitter Tobias Hegewald on the first lap and went on to take the victory in front of his home Canadian Grand Prix crowd, extending his lead in both the Overall and Rookie points.
Jumping into the lead on the first lap, Kevin was shadowed by fifth place starter Jonathan Summerton throughout the 12 lap contest, ultimately finishing 1.409 seconds ahead of Jonathan.
AIM Autosport teammate Rob Bunker also had a great drive in race five, moving from 16th to 12th after a terrific start and strong run- contributing to the teams point total.
Sunday Race: (Round Six)
Race number six had the same scenario going: Kevin started from fourth again, passed for third in the first corner and was about to overtake for second at the hairpin when there was a wheel contact between him and Daniel Herrington. Kevin adds: "I was beside him as we exited turn 10 and he was following the track edge. At one point the tracks bends to the right before the long stretch. That's when the contact happened and my suspension was bent. My race was over. I feel very sad for my crew because my car was capable of winning again. We have to turn the page and look ahead to Indianapolis."
Rob Bunker is a quick study. His coaches say the 16- year-old has an uncanny ability to grab a concept and speed it to reality. He did just that at le Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in the Sunday race, capping the double-race weekend with a fifth-place finish, after moving up nine positions in the 12-lap race- Rob’s best finish yet!
CARQUEST TOUR MAKES FIRST NB STOP SATURDAY
Courtesy Joan Roué, CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour
GEARY, NS (2005 June 15) - The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour will make its first stop for 05 in New Brunswick this Saturday for The Parts For Trucks 100 at New Brunswick International Speedway (NBIS). The race is round three of 11 for the series 2005 championship chase and is also round one of four in the Parts for Trucks / Plasti-Kote Challenge.
Historically, the series stops at NBIS are somewhat of a rivalry between series regulars and NBIS pro stock weekly competitors. Last year Donald Chisholm (Antigonish), a series regular, won two of the three series stops at NBIS. NBIS regular Matt Harris (Fredericton Junction) won the third event.
More than 30 entries are expected for The Parts for Trucks 100 including local series regulars Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, defending series champion), Kevin Moore (Fredericton), Brent Wiggins (Hanwell) and Brad Mann (Glen Levit). Mann is a former three-time NBIS pro stock division champ and the current leading rookie contender on the CARQUEST Tour.
NBIS regulars expected to be on hand to defend their home turf include Dave O'Blenis, Jerry Curtis, Matt Harris and Paul Gahan.
Former series champions Wayne Smith (Halifax, NS) and John Flemming (Halifax, NS) are also expected to enter the event, as is current series point’s leader Gordie Ryan (Wellington, NS).
This is the first of two stops at NBIS for the 2005 version of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour.
The Parts for Trucks / Plasti-Kote Challenge will see the top three point’s getters in the four Parts For Trucks-sponsored events share in $3500 bonus money at the series year-end banquet.
The pro stock cars will see two rounds of qualifying for The Parts for Trucks 100: Motor Mart Time Trials and GM Goodwrench Service Heat Races. The Time Trials will go at t 6:10 (moved ahead from the previously announced 6:20 start time to accommodate the number of entries expected), and the heat races are included in the race program, which starts at 7 pm. The Martin's Home Heating Street Stock and Coast Tire Sportsman will be racing as well.
The pit area opens at 1:30 pm and the grandstand opens at 5 pm.
NBIS is located on Highway 7 in Geary, south of Fredericton.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.
Tyler Brown makes debut in Ontario Pro Challenge Series Dodge Intrepid
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO - Waterdown race Tyler Brown finally got to turn some wheels in race mode in his 4B Racing Dodge Intrepid on Saturday night at Peterborough Speedway, site of round 2 of the Ontario Pro Challenge Series.
"It was great to get out there and run with the guys I will race against very soon," Brown said of his first night of racing in his 4B Racing Dodge Intrepid.
While Brown is not 'officially' able to race until later in the year, he was added as a 'promoter's option' for round 2. "The series let him run at the back of the pack to gain experience," team manager Darrell Brown said.
"It was a great learning experience for the whole team, and we thank the series and the promoter for allowing us to join the field at Peterborough."
During the two heats and 20-lap feature, Brown showed he had the pace to be competitive with other cars in the series. "I have been practicing a lot with our Dodge," Brown said. "But to get out there in a real race was fantastic. I can't wait until I can join the series full time."
Brown is scheduled for more practice laps when the series hits Sunset Speedway this Saturday night.
To keep up with Tyler Brown and the # 91 Dodge Intrepid, check the team's web site at www.4bracing .com. On the site you will find Tyler's profile, 2005 appearance schedule, press releases and a picture gallery.
Tyler Brown is a 13-year-old racer from Waterdown, Ontario. He has completed seven years of karting. He has started more than 225 races during his career and has won, "One championship", "Most Improved Driver award", and a "Team of the Year" award. At the local level he has never finished lower than 5th in series points and at the regional or national level he has never finished lower than 10th.
Brown drives for 4B Racing (www.4bracing.com) and he is supported by Assante Wealth Management, VH Web Dezine, Leaf Racewear, The Adin Group Inc (www.adin.ca), and Big Brother Big Sisters.
For more information on Tyler Brown, contact Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com) 905-852-2900.
FORMULA BMW: Robert Wickens scores win and podium at Canadian Grand Prix
Courtesy Russ Bond Agency (www.russbondagency.com)
MONTREAL, QUEBEC Cameron Motorsports/MMG Financial Formula BMW driver Robert Wickens took his first win in the highly competitive Formula BMW championship Sunday at Montreal.
"It is a great way to end the weekend," Wickens said. "I have had so much support from my Apex Racing USA team, Bob Cameron of Cameron Motorsports and F1-K International, Malcolm McMaster of MMG Financial, my brother Trevor, and my mom and dad. They were all here this weekend and this win is for them."
Wickens started out his weekend with a strong podium run in round five of the series, taking the third step on the podium. "I knew there was a lot left in the car, and our Apex Racing team did the right changes to make us faster for Sunday," Wickens added.
For the Sunday morning race, round 6, Wickens lined up sixth on the grid, and got caught out on the first corner. "I made a good start, but got pushed out wide in turn one and fell back to ninth," Wickens said. "I just put my head down and started to drive my way forward." By lap 6, Wickens took the lead with a dramatic pass into the hairpin going from third to first.” I was really late on the brakes, but I made the move stick. From that point I was able to put in some good laps to control the race."
Wickens built a gap of 3.8 seconds which shrunk on the final lap as he just wanted to get the car home in one piece. "I just said to myself, 'don't mess up the last lap', so I backed off a little.”
It was a very mature drive from the 16-year-old, and Cameron Motorsports Bob Cameron had high praise for his young charge. "We knew he could do it," Cameron said. "For a new team to this series, and a new driver to have a weekend like this is just fantastic for all concerned. We always knew Robert could win here, and now he has. We couldn't be happier with his and the team's performance this weekend."
It will be a short week for Wickens and his Apex Racing USA team as they will head to rounds seven and eight this weekend at Indy, site of the US Grand Prix, which happens to be a hometown race for the Apex Racing USA team.
Photo - Left to right - Jeff Horton, Josh Wise, Dave Pleus, Malcolm McMaster, Robert Wickens, Barry Walkup, Jim Exline and David Hunt - photo by Lise Wickens
MONTREAL, QUEBEC Cameron Motorsports/MMG Financial Formula BMW driver Robert Wickens took his first win in the highly competitive Formula BMW championship Sunday at Montreal.
"It is a great way to end the weekend," Wickens said. "I have had so much support from my Apex Racing USA team, Bob Cameron of Cameron Motorsports and F1-K International, Malcolm McMaster of MMG Financial, my brother Trevor, and my mom and dad. They were all here this weekend and this win is for them."
Wickens started out his weekend with a strong podium run in round five of the series, taking the third step on the podium. "I knew there was a lot left in the car, and our Apex Racing team did the right changes to make us faster for Sunday," Wickens added.
For the Sunday morning race, round 6, Wickens lined up sixth on the grid, and got caught out on the first corner. "I made a good start, but got pushed out wide in turn one and fell back to ninth," Wickens said. "I just put my head down and started to drive my way forward." By lap 6, Wickens took the lead with a dramatic pass into the hairpin going from third to first.” I was really late on the brakes, but I made the move stick. From that point I was able to put in some good laps to control the race."
Wickens built a gap of 3.8 seconds which shrunk on the final lap as he just wanted to get the car home in one piece. "I just said to myself, 'don't mess up the last lap', so I backed off a little.”
It was a very mature drive from the 16-year-old, and Cameron Motorsports Bob Cameron had high praise for his young charge. "We knew he could do it," Cameron said. "For a new team to this series, and a new driver to have a weekend like this is just fantastic for all concerned. We always knew Robert could win here, and now he has. We couldn't be happier with his and the team's performance this weekend."
It will be a short week for Wickens and his Apex Racing USA team as they will head to rounds seven and eight this weekend at Indy, site of the US Grand Prix, which happens to be a hometown race for the Apex Racing USA team.
Photo - Left to right - Jeff Horton, Josh Wise, Dave Pleus, Malcolm McMaster, Robert Wickens, Barry Walkup, Jim Exline and David Hunt - photo by Lise Wickens
TwoFast Racing annonce son association avec Trac Racing
Montreal, June 14, 2005 – TwoFast Racing’s driver-owners Christian Raymond and Eric Leblanc, competing in the Quebec Hankook Championship of the Auto-Quebec Federation, will trust Trac Racing from now on to prepare their race cars. The decision was motivated by the heavy workload facing former tuner, Lachute Performance.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Julien Pilon and Lachute Performance, explains Christian Raymond. Considering how busy they were every race weekend, they did an admirable job that made our decision to take our cars to Trac Racing difficult to make. I hope they’ll keep being as successful as they already are, and there is no doubt we’ll still get along despite our professional break-up.”
Eric Leblanc also found the decision wrenching, but cites the different reasons militating in favour of choosing Trac Racing. “Trac Racing is located next to the St-Eustache circuit, explains Leblanc, which is advantageous for us in a number of ways, be it in commodity or proximity of the track to quickly run some tests if needed. Trac also has a dynamometer on site, and of course, their people are their best asset, starting with Stephane Trahan. He brings experience going all the way back to the World Speed Challenge series. Finally, their expertise will allow us to quickly reach new level of success”, added Eric.
Trac Racing owner Stephane Trahan was pleased to add TwoFast Racing to his impressive client roster. “Trac Racing is ready to take on this new challenge, says Trahan, and of course we’re flattered to have been picked. One of our best assets is our people, and I’d go as far as saying, the quality of our clients. We’re looking forward to a great balance of season with Christian, Eric and their team.”
The new partners will begin reaping the benefits of their union when they’ll take to the track next in St-Felicien, Lac St-Jean for the next round of the Quebec Hankook Championship, June 24 to 26.
TwoFast Racing wishes to thank their partners: Rythme Urbain, Rack ‘N’ Roll, InMotion Promotion, Motul, Teklub, Lettrage Provan, Nuance Peintre Décorateur, Carrosserie Michel Gauthier, Image Folie, Sunset Bar, TwoFast Performance, Mazdaspeed, mazdatuning.com
Please visit the TwoFast Racing team web site at www.twofast.ca and the site for the Quebec Hankook Championship series at www.autocourse.ca.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Julien Pilon and Lachute Performance, explains Christian Raymond. Considering how busy they were every race weekend, they did an admirable job that made our decision to take our cars to Trac Racing difficult to make. I hope they’ll keep being as successful as they already are, and there is no doubt we’ll still get along despite our professional break-up.”
Eric Leblanc also found the decision wrenching, but cites the different reasons militating in favour of choosing Trac Racing. “Trac Racing is located next to the St-Eustache circuit, explains Leblanc, which is advantageous for us in a number of ways, be it in commodity or proximity of the track to quickly run some tests if needed. Trac also has a dynamometer on site, and of course, their people are their best asset, starting with Stephane Trahan. He brings experience going all the way back to the World Speed Challenge series. Finally, their expertise will allow us to quickly reach new level of success”, added Eric.
Trac Racing owner Stephane Trahan was pleased to add TwoFast Racing to his impressive client roster. “Trac Racing is ready to take on this new challenge, says Trahan, and of course we’re flattered to have been picked. One of our best assets is our people, and I’d go as far as saying, the quality of our clients. We’re looking forward to a great balance of season with Christian, Eric and their team.”
The new partners will begin reaping the benefits of their union when they’ll take to the track next in St-Felicien, Lac St-Jean for the next round of the Quebec Hankook Championship, June 24 to 26.
TwoFast Racing wishes to thank their partners: Rythme Urbain, Rack ‘N’ Roll, InMotion Promotion, Motul, Teklub, Lettrage Provan, Nuance Peintre Décorateur, Carrosserie Michel Gauthier, Image Folie, Sunset Bar, TwoFast Performance, Mazdaspeed, mazdatuning.com
Please visit the TwoFast Racing team web site at www.twofast.ca and the site for the Quebec Hankook Championship series at www.autocourse.ca.
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND TO CLOSE WEST EDMONTON MALL GRAND PRIX OF EDMONTON EDMONTON
Courtesy Sid Priddle Media Manager 780-488-8882
June 14, 2005 – Organizers of the inaugural West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton announced today that triple Grammy Award winners, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will close out Grand Prix weekend with a free concert at Finning International Speedway.
One of country music’s most beloved and enduring groups, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s list of hits include Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Mr. Bojangles, Make a Little Magic, Fishin in the Dark , Modern Day Romance and Stand a Little Rain.
“This a real thrill for us,” said Greg Macdonald, president and general manager of the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton. “The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is an absolute legend and has been a key player in the country music industry for 40 years now. We are very proud to be able to provide spectators at the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton with the opportunity to close out their weekend with a great concert. It’s going to be quite a party.”
The free concert will cap off what promises to be an exceptional Grand Prix weekend. All race ticket holders can access the concert site on the Speedway grounds.
“This is one more exciting feature to this very first West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton,” continued Macdonald. “We are committed to staging a first-class event that showcases the very best Edmonton has to offer. Western Canada has its own unique personality and we are proud to offer ticket holders and the entire Champ Car community a true Alberta experience. To borrow a phrase from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, we’re going to make a little magic before the night is through.”
The West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton will take place from July 15 to 17 at Finning International Speedway, located at Edmonton City Centre Airport. A 1.96-mile temporary road course is being constructed using the airport’s runway network.
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features Canadian racing stars Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani, as well as rookie sensation Andrew Ranger. Also competing is 2004 Series Champion Sebastien Bourdais who drives for Newman Haas Racing, co-owned by legendary film star, Paul Newman.
Local Favorites Lead Grand-Am Cup Series across the Border for Mosport 200
Courtesy Glenn Butt, Mosport
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 14, 2005) With several of their countrymen at or near the top of the championship standings Canadian race fans will have plenty to cheer about at Saturday s Mosport when the Grand-Am Cup Series returns to Mosport International Raceway for the first time since 2003.
Leading the Grand-Am Cup Grand Sport (GS) driver standings are No. 05 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang co-drivers David Empringham and Scott Maxwell, both of whom hail from Toronto. Empringham and Maxwell scored their first victory of the season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and have finished inside the top-two positions in three of their five starts to take the points lead.
However, Empringham may find himself in sole possession of first after the Mosport 200, as Maxwell has another commitment this weekend as is not likely to participate in the race. Gunnar Jeannette, who scored his first Grand-Am Cup race victory in Round 3 at California Speedway, will likely take Maxwell s place in the car.
If Empringham and the No. 05 team stumble, however, other Canadians could take the top spot in the standings, as Ancaster, Ontario s Mike McCalmont and his Toronto-born No. 6 Zoom Motorsports/Brumos Porsche 996 co-driver Darren Law are just four points back in the standings (142-138). McCalmont and Law have finished inside the top four in each of their past three starts and would love to score a breakthrough victory this weekend at Mosport.
Another strong entry from Canada is the No. 11 Powell Motorsport Cadillac CTS-V co-driven by Devon Powell from Port Perry, Ontario and American Don Knowles. Powell has seen his share of success at Mosport however, winning back-to-back Grand-Am Cup events at the track in 2001 and 2002. The best result of the 2005 season for Powell and Knowles was a third-place performance in the inaugural Miller Grand-Am Cup 200 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
One more Canadian duo to watch is Kenny Wilden from Oakville, Ontario and Alan Wortzman from Aurora, Ontario, who share the No. 16 Zoom Motorsports BMW M3. Wilden and Wortzman have finished inside the top 10 in three of their five starts thus far in 2005.
There are also several drivers who hail from south of the border who could have a say in the outcome of the Mosport 200. No. 5 Blackforest Motorsports Ford Mustang GT co-drivers Tom Nastasi and Ian James opened the season with a victory at Daytona International Speedway and also finished third in Round 4 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The duo is joined on the entry list by co-driver Mike Borkowski, and could be a strong contender for a podium finish. The No. 55 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT driving duo of James Gue and Tom Milner is another one to watch, as the car has run near at or near the front of the field throughout the 2005 season.
While the new Ford Mustang has been the car to beat since the start of the season, the BMW M3 has also been a top contender and several drivers may find that car to be the combination to victory in Canada. Last weekend at Watkins Glen, No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3 co-drivers Justin Marks and Bill Auberlen scored their second victory of the season. Marks will have a different co-driver this weekend as Terry Borcheller who finished first in the GS II class at Mosport in 20003 will share the No. 96 BMW with Marks.
Other strong M3s will be fielded this weekend by Anchor Racing, Automatic Racing and Finlay Motorsports. Anchor Racing has entered three BMW M3s, with Anders Hainer, Joey Hand and Boris Said listed as the drivers on the team s No. 99 machine. Rick Skelton and Joe Foster will share the No. 92 Anchor Racing BMW M3 and Tim Probert, David Scott and John Munson slated to co-drive the No. 72 Anchor Racing BMW M3.
Automatic Racing has entered a pair of BMW M3s, with Vancouver s David Riddle set to share the team s No. 90 machine with Kris Wilson and Jep Thornton and David Russell sharing the No. 09 BMW. Finlay Motorsports will field the No. 60 BMW M3 for team owner Rob Finlay and co-driver Michael McDowell.
In the Sport Touring (ST) class, defending ST champions David Haskell and Quebec s Sylvain Tremblay clearly rank among the drivers to beat. Tremblay and Haskell already have two ST class victories in their No. 70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8, and stood atop the class point standings before a tough outing at Watkins Glen last weekend.
No. 95 Turner Motorsport BMW 330i co-drivers Will Turner and Don Salama share the ST point’s lead with three top-five finishes from four starts. With 104 points, they are just one point ahead Carp, Ontario s Jim Holtom, who scored an ST victory last weekend with co-driver Andy Lally and will again share the No. 00 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt with his son, Jamie, this weekend. Both the No. 00 and No. 95 teams certainly qualify as favorites for this weekend as well.
Also not to be overlooked are Steve Pfeffer and Tim Pappas, who share the No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW 330i, as well as No. 27 Bill Fenton Motorsports Acura RSX-S co-drivers Eric Curran and Bob Endicott, and Mike Liebl and Bob Beede in the No. 29 Bill Fenton Motorsports Acura RSX-S.
After a day of testing at Mosport on Thursday, June 16, the official weekend activities get underway on Friday, June 17, when the Grand-Am Cup Series machines take to the track for the first time at 9:55 a.m. ET for a 45-minute practice session. The day s second practice session is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. to 2:20 p.m., and will be followed by ST qualifying from 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. and GS qualifying from 3:55 to 4:10 p.m.
Saturday s race day schedule calls for the Grand-Am Cup machines to get a final, 15-minute practice session from 8:40 to 8:55 a.m., followed by the Mosport 200, which takes the green flag at 3:30 p.m. ET. The scheduled distance is 200 miles (82 laps), but the race is subject to a two and-a-half hour time limit. Live Timing & Scoring data from every on-track session will be available on the official web site of the Grand American Road Racing Association: www.grandamerican.com
F1: Flashback.... but current.... VILLENEUVE SLAMS BAR!
It's been so long since we've had a good "Villeneuve slams BAR!" story. But Jacques came through today! Undeterred by the fact that he hasn't driven for them in two years and that he has bigger problems at the moment, given that his current boss thinks he's slow... JV still finds the time and effort to slag BAR...
TSN.ca: "Villeneuve lashes out at 'arrogant' BAR (6/16/2005 9:31:40 AM)
Jacques Villeneuve says BAR-Honda are in the situation they are in because success made them 'big-headed and arrogant'.
In an interview with the Indianapolis Star prior to arriving for the U.S. Grand Prix, Villeneuve says he doesn't feel any sorrow for what his former team is going through after finishing second in the championship a year ago.
'After last season, they became big-headed and arrogant again,' he tells the newspaper. 'Suddenly, they're back where they were when they started. If you've never been at the top, it's not a problem. But once you get a glimpse of what you can get when you reach the summit, then it's hard.' "
... more at the link above....
TSN.ca: "Villeneuve lashes out at 'arrogant' BAR (6/16/2005 9:31:40 AM)
Jacques Villeneuve says BAR-Honda are in the situation they are in because success made them 'big-headed and arrogant'.
In an interview with the Indianapolis Star prior to arriving for the U.S. Grand Prix, Villeneuve says he doesn't feel any sorrow for what his former team is going through after finishing second in the championship a year ago.
'After last season, they became big-headed and arrogant again,' he tells the newspaper. 'Suddenly, they're back where they were when they started. If you've never been at the top, it's not a problem. But once you get a glimpse of what you can get when you reach the summit, then it's hard.' "
... more at the link above....
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
CASCAR: Mosport Weekend Preview
The Super Series heads to the legendary Mosport road course for a Fathers Day weekend CASCAR doubleheader
LONDON, ON – The CASCAR Super Series makes its first road course appearance of the season this weekend at Mosport Intl Raceway. Qualifying for the Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200 takes place on Saturday afternoon, while the 51-lap, 200 km feature race is scheduled to take the green flag at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
Mosport will be a hive of CASCAR racing activity this weekend as the Power Water Sportsman Series will open its 2005 schedule on Saturday night at the half-mile Mosport Speedway oval.
Entering the third race of the 05 Super Series championship chase, Jeff Lapcevich of Caistor Centre, ON is heading to Mosport with the goal of defending his title as CASCARs king of the road courses. The Fastline / Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo driver won all three CASCAR road races in 04 en route to an impressive fourth-place result in the final point standings.
Four-time National champion Don Thomson Jr. earned the pole at Mosport in 2003 and 2004 and will be looking for a good result at the 10-turn, 2.459-mile circuit to climb into the Super Series points lead. The Home Hardware Chevy driver led the first 17 laps of the Mosport race in 2004; the only road course laps not to be led by Jeff Lapcevich all season. Thomson finds himself second in the standings after two events.
Entering the Mosport race, Thomson is chasing Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the points. The MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger driver has a win and a third-place finish in the seasons first two races and is enjoying his best-ever Super Series start. Beauchamp has always performed well on the Mosport circuit; his career best result there was a runner-up finish in 2003.
This weekend marks the first-ever road course appearance by the new Dodge Charger, which is being campaigned by a handful of Super Series racers, including Beauchamp. All eyes will be trained on the new car as it attacks the long, high-speed straights at Mosport for the first time anywhere in competition.
CASCAR NOTES: Kevin Dowler won the CASCAR Western Series race at Saskatoons Bridge City Speedway on Saturday night (June 11). The four-time Western Series champ led the first 39 laps of the 150-lap race, as well as the final six laps. Hometown racer Chris Shirley finished second to Dowler, ahead of Calgarys Wade Lee. Following two events, Derek Polack leads the Western Series points chase The Fathers Day 500 Race Weekend at Mosport will feature several other well-known racing series, including Grand Am Cup, Ontario GT, Formula 1200, Honda Michelin, Cup Lites and the Miata Cup.
CASCAR ON TV: A replay of the MOPAR 250 from Delaware Speedway will air on Friday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) on SPORTSNET ONTARIO. 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.
FATHERS DAY 500 CASCAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SUPER SERIES: MOSPORT INTL RACEWAY (ROAD COURSE)
BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2005
9:45 a.m. 10:10 a.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
12:40 p.m. 1:10 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Qualifying Session #1
2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Qualifying Session #2
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005
1:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
***
POWER WATER SERIES: MOSPORT SPEEDWAY (HALF-MILE OVAL)
CARQUEST 100
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2005
6:45 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Power Water Series Time Trials
8:15 p.m. GREEN FLAG: CARQUEST 100
POINT STANDINGS:
CASCAR SUPER SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 25): 1. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Dodge / 322 points); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Chevrolet / 313); 3. #39 Dave Whitlock (Dodge / 299); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (Dodge / 292); 5. #02 Kerry Micks (Ford / 278); 6. #1 Peter Gibbons (Chevrolet / 277); 7. #17 DJ Kennington (Dodge / 276); 8. #88 Dave Jacombs (Ford / 270); 8. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 270); 10. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 262); 10. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 262); 12. #42 Sean Stafford (Chevrolet / 248); 12. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 248); 14. #19 Brad Graham (Pontiac / 244); 15. #71 Bryan Cathcart (Chevrolet / 240); 16. #22 Scott Steckly (Pontiac / 238); 17. #37 R Tara MacLeod (Ford / 234); 18. #10 Doug Brown (Chevrolet / 232); 19. #86 Kenny Forth (Ford / 220); 20. #11 Ron VanEs (Chevrolet / 214); 21. #50 Pete Shepherd (Dodge / 211); 22. #18 Chad McGlynn (Ford / 210); 23. #3 Stu Robinson (Dodge / 202); 24. #52 Ron Sheridan (Pontiac / 138); 25. #28 Steve Robblee (Ford / 130)
CASCAR WESTERN SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #30 Derek Polack (Chevrolet / 323 points); 2. #79 Wade Lee (Chevrolet / 318); 3. #35 Kevin Dowler (Ford / 310); 4. #12 Ron Larson (Dodge / 294); 4. #14 James VanDomselaar (Chevrolet / 294); 6. #6 Todd Nichol (Chevrolet / 285); 7. #36 Derek Johnson (Dodge / 275); 8. #26 Shaun Polack (Chevrolet / 266); 9. #21 R Jason White (Chevrolet / 262); 9. #96 R Norman Hunger (Pontiac / 250); 10. #69 R Randy Kozek (Pontiac / 246); 11. #64 Chris Shirley (Pontiac / 166); 12. #46 Dan Shirley (Pontiac / 141); 13. #87 James Ward (Ford / 138); 14. #48 R Rusty Martin (Chevrolet / 135); 15. #31 Sean Maltman (Chevrolet / 134); 15. #99 R Jack Freisen (Chevrolet / 134); 17. #07 R Nick Allen (Chevrolet / 129); 18. #04 Gil Gillett (Chevrolet / 124); 18. #00 R Lawrence Skoworodko (Chevrolet / 124); 20. #76 Dale Biesick (Dodge / 122)
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
LONDON, ON – The CASCAR Super Series makes its first road course appearance of the season this weekend at Mosport Intl Raceway. Qualifying for the Berms-R-Us presents the Clarington 200 takes place on Saturday afternoon, while the 51-lap, 200 km feature race is scheduled to take the green flag at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
Mosport will be a hive of CASCAR racing activity this weekend as the Power Water Sportsman Series will open its 2005 schedule on Saturday night at the half-mile Mosport Speedway oval.
Entering the third race of the 05 Super Series championship chase, Jeff Lapcevich of Caistor Centre, ON is heading to Mosport with the goal of defending his title as CASCARs king of the road courses. The Fastline / Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo driver won all three CASCAR road races in 04 en route to an impressive fourth-place result in the final point standings.
Four-time National champion Don Thomson Jr. earned the pole at Mosport in 2003 and 2004 and will be looking for a good result at the 10-turn, 2.459-mile circuit to climb into the Super Series points lead. The Home Hardware Chevy driver led the first 17 laps of the Mosport race in 2004; the only road course laps not to be led by Jeff Lapcevich all season. Thomson finds himself second in the standings after two events.
Entering the Mosport race, Thomson is chasing Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the points. The MOPAR Parts / Exide / Mobil 1 Dodge Charger driver has a win and a third-place finish in the seasons first two races and is enjoying his best-ever Super Series start. Beauchamp has always performed well on the Mosport circuit; his career best result there was a runner-up finish in 2003.
This weekend marks the first-ever road course appearance by the new Dodge Charger, which is being campaigned by a handful of Super Series racers, including Beauchamp. All eyes will be trained on the new car as it attacks the long, high-speed straights at Mosport for the first time anywhere in competition.
CASCAR NOTES: Kevin Dowler won the CASCAR Western Series race at Saskatoons Bridge City Speedway on Saturday night (June 11). The four-time Western Series champ led the first 39 laps of the 150-lap race, as well as the final six laps. Hometown racer Chris Shirley finished second to Dowler, ahead of Calgarys Wade Lee. Following two events, Derek Polack leads the Western Series points chase The Fathers Day 500 Race Weekend at Mosport will feature several other well-known racing series, including Grand Am Cup, Ontario GT, Formula 1200, Honda Michelin, Cup Lites and the Miata Cup.
CASCAR ON TV: A replay of the MOPAR 250 from Delaware Speedway will air on Friday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) on SPORTSNET ONTARIO. 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.
FATHERS DAY 500 CASCAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SUPER SERIES: MOSPORT INTL RACEWAY (ROAD COURSE)
BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2005
9:45 a.m. 10:10 a.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
12:40 p.m. 1:10 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Qualifying Session #1
2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Qualifying Session #2
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005
1:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Introductions
2:00 p.m. GREEN FLAG: BERMS-R-US PRESENTS THE CLARINGTON 200
***
POWER WATER SERIES: MOSPORT SPEEDWAY (HALF-MILE OVAL)
CARQUEST 100
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2005
6:45 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Power Water Series Time Trials
8:15 p.m. GREEN FLAG: CARQUEST 100
POINT STANDINGS:
CASCAR SUPER SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 25): 1. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Dodge / 322 points); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Chevrolet / 313); 3. #39 Dave Whitlock (Dodge / 299); 4. #9 Mark Dilley (Dodge / 292); 5. #02 Kerry Micks (Ford / 278); 6. #1 Peter Gibbons (Chevrolet / 277); 7. #17 DJ Kennington (Dodge / 276); 8. #88 Dave Jacombs (Ford / 270); 8. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 270); 10. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 262); 10. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Chevrolet / 262); 12. #42 Sean Stafford (Chevrolet / 248); 12. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Chevrolet / 248); 14. #19 Brad Graham (Pontiac / 244); 15. #71 Bryan Cathcart (Chevrolet / 240); 16. #22 Scott Steckly (Pontiac / 238); 17. #37 R Tara MacLeod (Ford / 234); 18. #10 Doug Brown (Chevrolet / 232); 19. #86 Kenny Forth (Ford / 220); 20. #11 Ron VanEs (Chevrolet / 214); 21. #50 Pete Shepherd (Dodge / 211); 22. #18 Chad McGlynn (Ford / 210); 23. #3 Stu Robinson (Dodge / 202); 24. #52 Ron Sheridan (Pontiac / 138); 25. #28 Steve Robblee (Ford / 130)
CASCAR WESTERN SERIES POINTS AFTER 2 EVENTS: (TOP 20): 1. #30 Derek Polack (Chevrolet / 323 points); 2. #79 Wade Lee (Chevrolet / 318); 3. #35 Kevin Dowler (Ford / 310); 4. #12 Ron Larson (Dodge / 294); 4. #14 James VanDomselaar (Chevrolet / 294); 6. #6 Todd Nichol (Chevrolet / 285); 7. #36 Derek Johnson (Dodge / 275); 8. #26 Shaun Polack (Chevrolet / 266); 9. #21 R Jason White (Chevrolet / 262); 9. #96 R Norman Hunger (Pontiac / 250); 10. #69 R Randy Kozek (Pontiac / 246); 11. #64 Chris Shirley (Pontiac / 166); 12. #46 Dan Shirley (Pontiac / 141); 13. #87 James Ward (Ford / 138); 14. #48 R Rusty Martin (Chevrolet / 135); 15. #31 Sean Maltman (Chevrolet / 134); 15. #99 R Jack Freisen (Chevrolet / 134); 17. #07 R Nick Allen (Chevrolet / 129); 18. #04 Gil Gillett (Chevrolet / 124); 18. #00 R Lawrence Skoworodko (Chevrolet / 124); 20. #76 Dale Biesick (Dodge / 122)
Contact CASCAR at (519) 641-1214 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
OSCAAR: Heads to 'The Beach' this weekend
The 2005 OSCAAR SEASON HITTING HIGH GEAR WITH THIS WEEKEND’S TRIP THE “BEACH”
With a very successful opening night at Kawartha Speedway, the OSCAAR Outlaws will be returning to some high speed racing action at the short tracks of Ontario. Sauble Speedway is the host of the Outlaws this weekend as racing action is set to get underway at 7:00pm on June 18th. In case mother nature doesn’t cooperate the rain date is set for Sunday June 19th.
John Fletcher will be looking to continue his winning streak in 2005. Picking up a pair of second place finishes in 2004 at the Beach, you can be sure the familiar #61 JNE Consulting Outlaw will be challenging for the win. Rob Clarke in his #49 picked up a feature win at Sauble Speedway in 2004 and will be looking this weekend for his first feature win of the 2005 season.
After an early race accident at Kawartha, Jeff Hanley will be looking to get back into the 2005 points race. One cannot forget to figure in the likes of Pee Wee Evans, Shane McGinnis, Mike Beyore, Drew Spicer, and John Owen. Who will pick up the 2nd feature win of the 2005 season is anyone’s guess.
Fans will want to arrive early to save their favorite seat and sit back and enjoy the best in short track racing, as the Outlaws invade the Beach.
Be sure to stop by OSCAAR’s Souvenir Canopy to get a peek at 2005’s complete new line of hats and t-shirts. They would make the perfect Father’s day gift, as every dad is a racing fan.
OSCAAR updates can be heard on The New CHAY 93.1FM, for any pre-race news and on Monday mornings for complete results.
The Schedule for June 18th is as follows:
Pit Gates Open: 3:00
Tech: 3:15
Practice: 4:15
Driver/Crew Chief Meeting: 6:00
Green Flag Drops: 7:00
An autograph will be scheduled prior to the feature, weather and time permitting!
- From Kim Mahony / OSCAAR
With a very successful opening night at Kawartha Speedway, the OSCAAR Outlaws will be returning to some high speed racing action at the short tracks of Ontario. Sauble Speedway is the host of the Outlaws this weekend as racing action is set to get underway at 7:00pm on June 18th. In case mother nature doesn’t cooperate the rain date is set for Sunday June 19th.
John Fletcher will be looking to continue his winning streak in 2005. Picking up a pair of second place finishes in 2004 at the Beach, you can be sure the familiar #61 JNE Consulting Outlaw will be challenging for the win. Rob Clarke in his #49 picked up a feature win at Sauble Speedway in 2004 and will be looking this weekend for his first feature win of the 2005 season.
After an early race accident at Kawartha, Jeff Hanley will be looking to get back into the 2005 points race. One cannot forget to figure in the likes of Pee Wee Evans, Shane McGinnis, Mike Beyore, Drew Spicer, and John Owen. Who will pick up the 2nd feature win of the 2005 season is anyone’s guess.
Fans will want to arrive early to save their favorite seat and sit back and enjoy the best in short track racing, as the Outlaws invade the Beach.
Be sure to stop by OSCAAR’s Souvenir Canopy to get a peek at 2005’s complete new line of hats and t-shirts. They would make the perfect Father’s day gift, as every dad is a racing fan.
OSCAAR updates can be heard on The New CHAY 93.1FM, for any pre-race news and on Monday mornings for complete results.
The Schedule for June 18th is as follows:
Pit Gates Open: 3:00
Tech: 3:15
Practice: 4:15
Driver/Crew Chief Meeting: 6:00
Green Flag Drops: 7:00
An autograph will be scheduled prior to the feature, weather and time permitting!
- From Kim Mahony / OSCAAR
Get well soon Bruce Bonham!
Yesterday, I received a phone call from contributing writer Bruce Bonham, who informed me that he'd had a heart attack on June 1, but that he's OK. Bruce is going in for by-pass surgery on June 22 and will be working extra hard on his rehab so that he can attend the Cup race at the Glen. Bruce lamented that this year's Molson Indy will be the first he's ever missed.
Best of luck with your surgery Bruce and get well soon!!!
Greg.
Best of luck with your surgery Bruce and get well soon!!!
Greg.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
ROUND ONE OF THE 2005 UNITED STATES RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE BROADCAST ON MOTORSPORT MUNDIAL via SPEED CHANNEL
The Cherokee Trails international Rally to be broadcast over two episodes covering the each day of the two-day rally.
Courtesy United States Road Racing Championship
Knoxville, TN (June 13, 2005) - The first round of the 2005 United States Rally Championship (USRC) will be broadcast over two episodes with each day of the two day event being shown as a separate episode on the internationally acclaimed Motorsport Mundial television program.
· Day 1 will be broadcast on Sunday, June 19th at 12:30am and Monday, June 20th at 7:30am.
· Day 2 will be broadcast on Sunday, June 26th at 7:30am and Monday, June 27th at 7:30am
Motorsport Mundial is carried in the United States on SPEED Channel, now in its 10th season, is the nations first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive.
From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 68 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.
Courtesy United States Road Racing Championship
Knoxville, TN (June 13, 2005) - The first round of the 2005 United States Rally Championship (USRC) will be broadcast over two episodes with each day of the two day event being shown as a separate episode on the internationally acclaimed Motorsport Mundial television program.
· Day 1 will be broadcast on Sunday, June 19th at 12:30am and Monday, June 20th at 7:30am.
· Day 2 will be broadcast on Sunday, June 26th at 7:30am and Monday, June 27th at 7:30am
Motorsport Mundial is carried in the United States on SPEED Channel, now in its 10th season, is the nations first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive.
From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 68 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.
KARTING: Traditional OKRA Grand Nationals moves to Mosport International Karting complex for 2005
'Bear Hunt' finds new territory for 2005
Courtesy Russ Bond Agency
TORONTO, ONTARIO For over 30 years, Ontario karters have gotten their licenses to go 'bear hunting' at the Traditional OKRA (Ontario Kart Racing Association) Grand Nationals. This year the event changes location to the new Cameron Motorsports Mosport International Karting Complex on July 27-31.
"It's important for the OKRA to support those that are investing in this sport," says the OKRA's Bill Oakman about the venue change.
The recently completed 1.4 km Mosport International Karting Complex is excited about hosting the event as Cameron Motorsports Jean Guy Forget said. "This is a great event; it has been for over 30 years. At Cameron Motorsports, we are happy to be able to provide a world class venue for this very historic event."
The five day event, on the Ontario Civic Holiday long weekend will feature two practice days July 27, 28 and racing will start on the 29th through the 31st. Those three days of racing will all have one thing in common. All the drivers competing will be looking to take home the most coveted trophy in karting the Bear.
"The Bear is the most recognizable trophy in karting," says Oakman. "To have one, really defines your karting career."
The classes for the Traditional Grand Nationals are still being worked out but the OKRA says they will reflect the Ontario club racing community classes from juniors to masters.
Courtesy Russ Bond Agency
TORONTO, ONTARIO For over 30 years, Ontario karters have gotten their licenses to go 'bear hunting' at the Traditional OKRA (Ontario Kart Racing Association) Grand Nationals. This year the event changes location to the new Cameron Motorsports Mosport International Karting Complex on July 27-31.
"It's important for the OKRA to support those that are investing in this sport," says the OKRA's Bill Oakman about the venue change.
The recently completed 1.4 km Mosport International Karting Complex is excited about hosting the event as Cameron Motorsports Jean Guy Forget said. "This is a great event; it has been for over 30 years. At Cameron Motorsports, we are happy to be able to provide a world class venue for this very historic event."
The five day event, on the Ontario Civic Holiday long weekend will feature two practice days July 27, 28 and racing will start on the 29th through the 31st. Those three days of racing will all have one thing in common. All the drivers competing will be looking to take home the most coveted trophy in karting the Bear.
"The Bear is the most recognizable trophy in karting," says Oakman. "To have one, really defines your karting career."
The classes for the Traditional Grand Nationals are still being worked out but the OKRA says they will reflect the Ontario club racing community classes from juniors to masters.
PMRA Teams preparing for Luskville Dragway:
Courtesy PMRA
Cayuga, ON, June 14 - After just one event in 2005 the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) inaugural season, this new series featuring some of the baddest 2000-horsepower Pro Modifieds around is off to a successful start. While Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Cutler-Hammer of Jordan Station, ON, won the first event at Toronto Motorsports Park May 21, PMRA teams and fans alike enjoyed the race, and can't wait for the second event, which will be July 1-3 at Luskville Dragway, just minutes from Ottawa.
"We had a great time TMP," commented Chevy Beretta PMRA driver Jack Grainy. "We're looking forward to the Luskville event. We bent a couple of things, but we're working on the car and will be ready." Quality Plus Camaro driver Lutch Querin was also pleased with the first PMRA event. "We had a good time here (at TMP)," said the PMRA driver. "Everything worked well, and most of all, we had fun." "I think this is great thing for drag racing and for Canadian drag strips," said Luskville owner/promoter Arnie Malcolm. "This event will help bring us to the next level."
Malcolm, who has operated the NHRA-sanctioned strip for 25 years, added his track has been continually upgraded over the years to present the best in drag racing, and the scheduled PMRA event will provide the stimulus to continue to upgrade at the track.
"We're very pleased to get our first race," stated Bruce Mehlenbacher, PMRA Director of Operations. "We're looking forward to working with Arnie and his people." Over $21,000.00 in guaranteed prize money has been posted, with $5,000.00 to the winner of this event.
Kevin Lacroix: Victory in Montreal
Courtesy Richard Galarneau, Lacroix Racing Team
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal, June 14th – Kevin Lacroix, of AIM Autosport, earned the most important victory in his career Saturday when he took the checkered flag for the third time this season. The victory happened on the fame circuit Gilles-Villeneuve as part of the Canadian Grand Prix in front of family, sponsors and friends. Lacroix continued his winning streak with his third victory in as many BMW programs, always on Saturday. The taste of victory was short-lived as he had to withdraw on the first lap of the second race on Sunday morning after an encounter with another competitor while trying to overtake for second place. The 16 year-old driver from St-Eustache nevertheless increased his lead to nine points in the standings. He will get now ready for the double header this coming weekend in Indianapolis.
“That first victory in Montreal was very exciting, said Lacroix. Competition was fierce and I had to concentrate after taking the lead at the end of the first lap. My Uni-Select car was very good and I increased my lead lap after lap. This is a moment I will never forget: to win in Montreal and get my trophy from Dr. Thiessen, the head of BMW Motorsport. The media was also very nice to me. I also met with influential people that were impressed with my victory.’’
Although he started from second row, Kevin needed only one lap to take the lead. Kevin is known for his quick and impressive starts and overtaking on the first lap is never a problem. After he took the lead, he managed the gap between him and second place Summerton, increasing the distance by a few cap lengths every lap.
Sunday morning mishap Race number two had the same scenario going: Kevin started from fourth again, passed for third in the first corner and was about to overtake for second at the hairpin when there was a wheel contact between him and Daniel Herrington. Kevin adds: “I was beside him as we exited turn 10 and he was following the track edge. At one point the tracks bends to the right before the long stretch. That’s when the contact happened and my suspension was bent. My race was over. I feel very sad for my crew because my car was capable of winning again. We have to turn the page and look ahead to Indianapolis.”
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal, June 14th – Kevin Lacroix, of AIM Autosport, earned the most important victory in his career Saturday when he took the checkered flag for the third time this season. The victory happened on the fame circuit Gilles-Villeneuve as part of the Canadian Grand Prix in front of family, sponsors and friends. Lacroix continued his winning streak with his third victory in as many BMW programs, always on Saturday. The taste of victory was short-lived as he had to withdraw on the first lap of the second race on Sunday morning after an encounter with another competitor while trying to overtake for second place. The 16 year-old driver from St-Eustache nevertheless increased his lead to nine points in the standings. He will get now ready for the double header this coming weekend in Indianapolis.
“That first victory in Montreal was very exciting, said Lacroix. Competition was fierce and I had to concentrate after taking the lead at the end of the first lap. My Uni-Select car was very good and I increased my lead lap after lap. This is a moment I will never forget: to win in Montreal and get my trophy from Dr. Thiessen, the head of BMW Motorsport. The media was also very nice to me. I also met with influential people that were impressed with my victory.’’
Although he started from second row, Kevin needed only one lap to take the lead. Kevin is known for his quick and impressive starts and overtaking on the first lap is never a problem. After he took the lead, he managed the gap between him and second place Summerton, increasing the distance by a few cap lengths every lap.
Sunday morning mishap Race number two had the same scenario going: Kevin started from fourth again, passed for third in the first corner and was about to overtake for second at the hairpin when there was a wheel contact between him and Daniel Herrington. Kevin adds: “I was beside him as we exited turn 10 and he was following the track edge. At one point the tracks bends to the right before the long stretch. That’s when the contact happened and my suspension was bent. My race was over. I feel very sad for my crew because my car was capable of winning again. We have to turn the page and look ahead to Indianapolis.”
DIRT MOTORSPORTS: Big Three Coming For "Challenge"
"Dirt from the Stands" by Greg Cybulski
Well race fans, the season is young but I can tell you that things are heating up in the Winnipeg area already. Finally the big news I've been waiting patiently to announce. The three hottest names in North Dakota sprint car racing will be at Victory Lane Speedway for the inaugural "NAPA Auto Parts Mid Canada Sprint Car Challenge."
Who are the big three? Current NOSA points champion Mark Dobmeier of Grand Forks, former six-time NOSA points champion Wade Nygaard of Fargo, ND and former two-time Wissota National points champion Loren Langerud of Harwood, ND.
In the Upper Midwest, there's no way to dispute that Loren Langerud is Mr. Versatility when it comes to exploring the open wheel class to it's fullest. With a 360 Sprinter, he's nailed down 2 consecutive Wissota National points titles (2002, 2003), as well as winning the track championship on the half-mile at Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo, ND since 2003.
2004 was Loren's breakout year when he started using a 410 with some success, but his pivotal moment came during the 2004 World of Outlaws-sanctioned "Duel in the Dakotas".
In front of a packed grandstand at Red River Valley Speedway, Langerud wowed the crowd by leading most of the World of Outlaws "A" Main until being overtaken by Joey Saldana in lapped traffic late in the race.
He then backed up that performance by winning one of the most prestigious 360 Sprint events in North America by winning the Brodix Tournament of Champions event at Knoxville Raceway, Ia. in August prior to the Knoxville Nationals.
Mark Dobmeier is making his presence felt again in 2005 by not only running races at his home track of River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND and with the NOSA Sprint Tour, but he's spreading his wings and heading south more frequently these days. Since the start of the 2005 racing season, Mark has been a steady competitor at Knoxville Raceway, Ia and Huset's Speedway, SD.
Since NOSA's races are strictly short track, Mark's only missing link has been seat time on half mile tracks. He has shown steady improvement each time out at Knoxville and if this continues who knows what new opportunities could open for him. With this experience on the famous half-mile, it should be interesting to see how he performs at this year's "Duel in the Dakota's" in West Fargo on July 1 and 2. Stay tuned!
Wade Nygaard of Fargo, ND has history at Victory Lane Speedway and good history at that. Under the wrenches of Doug Slocum, Wade rattled off 6 consecutive NOSA points’ titles which included wins at VLS and also made his presence felt as a regular at Jackson Speedway, MN, Huset's Speedway, SD. as well as various Wissota-sanctioned events. As a driver, Wade's skills are as good as any in the game. Despite a short absence, the familiar #9 is back weekly at River Cities Speedway and on the NOSA Sprint Tour in 2005.The difference is, this time, Wade is the boss of his own race team, and from what he has told me, he likes being the boss just fine.
I had the opportunity to speak to Minot, ND's native son, Greg Nikitenko in Fargo last weekend following another rainout for the region. Greg confirmed that the #6 Sprinter will be in the hunt for the $1500 to win in Winnipeg on July 14. Look for the #6 to be traveling further south later in the 2005 season. For all you t-shirt collectors, Nikitenko Motorsports is selling a very cool racing t-shirt this year for $20 each.
Winnipeg's Richard Rogers is fired up following his first career heat win at River Cities Speedway last Friday night. He took the checker flag with a convincing half lap lead over the competition. The feature was rained out, but when they line up for the makeup race, the new RX of Rogers will be on the pole. Richard and his crew seem to have a handle on this car. Who was the former owner of this Sprinter? Greg Nikitenko. Do you get the feeling that team RX is thinking about July 14 right now too?
In the season opener in Grand Forks, Winnipeg's Lou Kennedy Jr posted a top 3 finish behind winner Mark Dobmeier and Wade Nygaard. That's not bad company to be with. With Lou Jr winning the first "Prairie Dirt Challenge" last year in Estevan, I'm sure he'll be ready to back it up with another good run at Victory Lane. Look for the next generation of Kennedy's to be entering the winged open wheel ranks in the not too distant future.
I am very pleased to announce that there are currently verbal confirmations from 19 Sprint Car teams from 2 provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) and 3 states (North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota) with more pending for the "NAPA Auto Parts Mid Canada Sprint Car Challenge" race in Winnipeg.
The next issue of "Dirt from the Stands" will feature a special preview to this event as well as news from the region and beyond.
Well, that's about it for this time race fans. If it ever stops raining, I might get to take in some local racing and give you a report but you know how that goes. This has got to be the worst start to a racing season I have ever witnessed. I don't know about you, but when I enter the doors of St. Emile's Church in Winnipeg tomorrow morning, I'm going to be praying extra hard for the sun. Join me, won't you?
Take care and good racing.
Greg Cybulski, Prairie Dirt
BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK: Next Up... School Bus Races
Courtesy Brighton Speedway Park
The School Busses are waiting to start their engines....
This Saturday Night - June 18th:
As part of the Workman Auto Repair Complete Race Program - GREEN FLAG FLIES AT 7:30pm
SEAN MCINTOSH JOINED THE RECORD BREAKING CROWD THAT ATTENDED THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX ON THE WEEKEND
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Vancouver, Canada (June 13, 2005) – Over 121,000 Formula One fans flocked to the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday, Sunday 12th June, packing the grandstands at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal. Those who turned up basked in the searing heat and the 71-lap Grand Prix produced a sizzler of a race with McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen eventually taking the spoils.
While the weekend represented an opportunity for most people to relax, soak up the sun and catch some F1 action, for Sean McIntosh the Canadian Grand Prix offered a priceless opportunity to mix and mingle with the F1 community and further raise his profile as he looks to build on his Formula Renault UK Championship successes. With a free weekend in his race schedule the 20-year-old ‘Graduate Cup’ Champion hopped back across the Atlantic to begin a whirlwind visit to his home Grand Prix.
First up on Sean’s Montreal agenda was a visit to the F1 paddock on Thursday with passes kindly supplied by the Renault F1 team. Traditionally a set-up day for the teams, the day proved to be a great opportunity for Sean to witness the Renault F1 operation in action as they prepared for Sunday’s race
Sean’s success in Europe has similarly piqued the interest of the Canadian media and his presence at the Grand Prix in Montreal afforded many journalists the opportunity to catch up with the Vancouver-native. Already with features in the Vancouver Sun and the Globe and Mail last week, Sean’s progress caught the attention of TSN, producers of Canada’s nationwide Grand Prix broadcast. F1 anchorman, Vic Rauter, caught up with Sean following his meeting with Alonso and interviewed him for the pre-race show.
Sean also spent time in the paddock chatting with Gerald Donaldson, the respected journalist familiar to many Canadian’s as the voice of F1 through his Grand Prix reporting on TSN, and John Watson, the 1982 F1 Championship Runner-Up in town to commentate on the race alongside Rauter.
GE CONSUMER & INDUSTRIAL TO BE PRIMARY SPONSOR FOR MARK SWAIN AT MOSPORT ROAD COURSE & TORONTO INDY
Courtesy Dave Didero, President, Mid America Motorsports
June 8, 2005. Mid America Motorsports President Dave Didero is pleased to announce that GE Consumer & Industrial will be the primary sponsor for the #20 Chevrolet driven by Mark Swain for CASCAR Super Series events taking place June 19th on the Road Course at Mosport International Raceway along with the annual CASCAR stop at the Toronto Indy on July 10th.
"We're very happy to have a solid sponsorship package with GE Consumer & Industrial and Mark for these two events" said Didero. "Mark competed very hard in the opening round at Delaware Speedway; we just had some tough luck with people running into us. He's a very strong road racer and we'll have a good car ready for him to race".
This is Mark's second season of competing in CASCAR Super Series events. He ran a select schedule last year that included the races on the Mosport Road course and the Toronto Indy circuit. His talents shone as brightly as the Nighthawk halogen headlamps from GE at Mosport where he charged through the field after starting 24th and gained 13 positions, just missing out on a top ten finish.
"I'm really excited to be part of this team and looking forward to these races" declared Mark Swain. "We're going to be working very hard preparing the cars so that we're ready to compete right from the first practice session"
New ultra-bright Nighthawk(tm) replacement automotive headlamp bulbs from GE are available at retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Nighthawk bulbs give consumers the brightest GE automotive lamps available and offer greater night driving confidence.
Nighthawk sealed beams offer consumers, on average, up to 39 percent greater brightness when compared to GE's standard original-equipment halogen bulbs. Nighthawk capsules offer, on average, 33 percent additional brightness; and Nighthawk fog lights offer, on average, 17 percent additional brightness. Because of the range of the new Nighthawk product line, 98 percent of cars and light trucks on the road can upgrade to this new technology. Motorcycle headlamp bulbs are also available.
Automotive Product Manager for GE Consumer & Industrial Lighting Jim Gerson stated "The improved brightness helps the driver see further down the road which can be a tremendous help in many night driving situations. We recommend upgrading to Nighthawk, rather than just waiting until your current headlamp fails. Drivers of every age can appreciate the benefits of improved visibility at night".
The CASCAR Super Series competes at historic oval tracks like Delaware Speedway, Cayuga Speedway along with the challenging road course at Mosport International Raceway and also on the temporary street circuit at the Toronto Molson Indy. For more information on Mid America Motorsports and the CASCAR Super series log onto www.cascar.ca
June 8, 2005. Mid America Motorsports President Dave Didero is pleased to announce that GE Consumer & Industrial will be the primary sponsor for the #20 Chevrolet driven by Mark Swain for CASCAR Super Series events taking place June 19th on the Road Course at Mosport International Raceway along with the annual CASCAR stop at the Toronto Indy on July 10th.
"We're very happy to have a solid sponsorship package with GE Consumer & Industrial and Mark for these two events" said Didero. "Mark competed very hard in the opening round at Delaware Speedway; we just had some tough luck with people running into us. He's a very strong road racer and we'll have a good car ready for him to race".
This is Mark's second season of competing in CASCAR Super Series events. He ran a select schedule last year that included the races on the Mosport Road course and the Toronto Indy circuit. His talents shone as brightly as the Nighthawk halogen headlamps from GE at Mosport where he charged through the field after starting 24th and gained 13 positions, just missing out on a top ten finish.
"I'm really excited to be part of this team and looking forward to these races" declared Mark Swain. "We're going to be working very hard preparing the cars so that we're ready to compete right from the first practice session"
New ultra-bright Nighthawk(tm) replacement automotive headlamp bulbs from GE are available at retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Nighthawk bulbs give consumers the brightest GE automotive lamps available and offer greater night driving confidence.
Nighthawk sealed beams offer consumers, on average, up to 39 percent greater brightness when compared to GE's standard original-equipment halogen bulbs. Nighthawk capsules offer, on average, 33 percent additional brightness; and Nighthawk fog lights offer, on average, 17 percent additional brightness. Because of the range of the new Nighthawk product line, 98 percent of cars and light trucks on the road can upgrade to this new technology. Motorcycle headlamp bulbs are also available.
Automotive Product Manager for GE Consumer & Industrial Lighting Jim Gerson stated "The improved brightness helps the driver see further down the road which can be a tremendous help in many night driving situations. We recommend upgrading to Nighthawk, rather than just waiting until your current headlamp fails. Drivers of every age can appreciate the benefits of improved visibility at night".
The CASCAR Super Series competes at historic oval tracks like Delaware Speedway, Cayuga Speedway along with the challenging road course at Mosport International Raceway and also on the temporary street circuit at the Toronto Molson Indy. For more information on Mid America Motorsports and the CASCAR Super series log onto www.cascar.ca
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