Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
November 3, 2005, Toronto, ON – Auto racing’s Tara MacLeod, www.TaraMacLeod.com will be profiled on W Network’s hit show, Style by Jury on Tuesday, November 8, at 8:30 p.m. EST.
Style by Jury is a makeover series that focuses on making the best first impression possible. The CASCAR Super Series PowerWater Rookie of the Year and driver of the Central Merchant Services - MacLeod Racing Team get transformed from the inside out.
Tara MacLeod is scrutinized by a nine-person jury, which sits safely behind a two-way mirror. The jury offers their honest first impressions of her – from her mannerisms and deportment, to physical appearance. Over the course of seven days Tara will undergo a makeover by a team of experts that will help her lose the negative first impressions, and gain an image that will allow her to put her best face forward.
“I'm really excited about the make over, I don't get a lot of opportunity to look good at the race track, so this will be a nice change,” said MacLeod. “Most of us never find out what people really think of us.”
With the help of experts in the field of cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic dentistry, image, fashion, hair and make-up, Style by Jury will show how a person can look 10 years younger and get that “wow” factor without having to go under the knife. It’s an extreme makeover without the extreme.
“The Style by Jury candidates must have a dynamic and interesting personality and that fit Tara to a T,” explained Carolyn Meland of Style by Jury. “We tackle everything from make-up, hair, and wardrobe to cosmetic dermatology and dentistry, and etiquette and self esteem.”
Friday, November 04, 2005
McIntosh set for Eastern adventure down-under
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsVancouver, Canada (November 02, 2005) While Melbourne, Adelaide aand Surfers Paradise may be more familiar names when it comes to Australian racing venues, the Eastern Creek International Raceway takes its turn in the spotlight this weekend, 4th-6th November, as the A1 Grand Prix Series takes to the Sydney-based track for Round 4 and the first fly-away race of the inaugural season.
Sean McIntosh made the long-haul flight from the United Kingdom to Australia on Saturday. Since arriving down-under the Team Canada racer has spent his time acclimatizing to his new surroundings and taking in the sights and sounds of Sydney, including trips to the famed Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The 20-year-old from Vancouver heads into this weekend’s fourth round of the A1GP Series at the Eastern Creek circuit hungry to bounce back from the disappointment of an early exit from the previous feature race at Estoril. Having qualified comfortably in the top ten for both races in Portugal, Sean claimed his fourth successive top ten finish in the sprint race, collecting four more points for seventh place, before contact with another car while fighting for seventh pitched him out of proceedings in the hour-long feature race.
With Sean collecting points in all three of the opening European rounds, including a magnificent third place podium in Germany, Team Canada starts Sunday’s races in Australia sitting sixth overall from a total of 25 competing nations.
Looking ahead to racing in Australia for the first time at the 3.93km, 12-turn, Eastern Creek circuit Sean remarked:
“I know how much the Australian’s love their racing so I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s event. The track looks pretty interesting, I’ve watched some TV footage of races there and tried it out on a simulator but you just can’t beat the real thing. It’s new to pretty much all the drivers with the exception of the Team Australia and Team New Zealand racers but I’m confident we can get up to speed quickly. We’ve proved that already in our coming together as a team and with our understanding of the car to-date.”
Sunday’s races can be viewed live in Canada by logging on to: www.a1gp.com or visit www.seanmcintosh.com for more info on Sean.
DIRT: Fans Encouraged To Arrive Early For Eckerd 200 Conclusion On Saturday
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 4) – With weather conditions always a concern for track promoters staging autumn events throughout the Northeast, fans are encouraged to arrive early at the New York State Fairgrounds for the conclusion of the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200 finale on Saturday, Nov. 5.
"Right now everything is going according to plan yet its important to make both the fans and competitors aware of the possibility that if weather becomes a factor we won't hesitate to start the show ahead of schedule," said Tonya Moschell, Super DIRT Week XXXIV events coordinator and recently appointed DIRT MotorSports NorthEast General Manager. "We have the whole weekend to work with and complete 148 more laps but we're committed to finishing the race as soon as time permits."
Pole-sitter and race-long leader Billy Decker will resume his position out front of the field with 52 of the scheduled 200 laps already scored. Race time is 12 noon.
Infield pit gates will unlock at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning and pre-race technical inspection of all qualified cars will take place on pit road beginning promptly at 8 o'clock. The main covered grandstands will open at 9 a.m. for reserved ticket-holders and those retaining ticket stubs from the original Oct. 9 date while one hour later the general public will first be allowed grandstand access on a first come-first served basis.
Press registration will take place at Gate 11 on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. Proper wristbands are still required for authorized entry into the infield hot pit area and vests remain mandatory for individuals seeking cinder track access. Wristband and credential identification must be made clearly visible by reporters and photographers at all times during raceday coverage.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 4) – With weather conditions always a concern for track promoters staging autumn events throughout the Northeast, fans are encouraged to arrive early at the New York State Fairgrounds for the conclusion of the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200 finale on Saturday, Nov. 5.
"Right now everything is going according to plan yet its important to make both the fans and competitors aware of the possibility that if weather becomes a factor we won't hesitate to start the show ahead of schedule," said Tonya Moschell, Super DIRT Week XXXIV events coordinator and recently appointed DIRT MotorSports NorthEast General Manager. "We have the whole weekend to work with and complete 148 more laps but we're committed to finishing the race as soon as time permits."
Pole-sitter and race-long leader Billy Decker will resume his position out front of the field with 52 of the scheduled 200 laps already scored. Race time is 12 noon.
Infield pit gates will unlock at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning and pre-race technical inspection of all qualified cars will take place on pit road beginning promptly at 8 o'clock. The main covered grandstands will open at 9 a.m. for reserved ticket-holders and those retaining ticket stubs from the original Oct. 9 date while one hour later the general public will first be allowed grandstand access on a first come-first served basis.
Press registration will take place at Gate 11 on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. Proper wristbands are still required for authorized entry into the infield hot pit area and vests remain mandatory for individuals seeking cinder track access. Wristband and credential identification must be made clearly visible by reporters and photographers at all times during raceday coverage.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
'THANK YOUR SPONSORS' Ads in Inside Track
Calling all racers!
The annual 'Year-in-Review' issues of Inside Track are already in production. As usual, we're offering "smokin' deal" ad rates to the racers and teams for these issues. We have the staff and material to make things easy for you to look good in the eyes of those who supported your efforts in 2005... as you prepare to line up your sponsorship for next season. Make a statement that everyone in the racing community will see!
Volume 9, Issue 10 will include extensive coverage of the 2005 Shouldice ALSTAR Series season, featuring interviews, photos and features on this successful stock car tour. This issue will go to press in the next few weeks, so if you're looking to thank your sponsor(s) or congratulate your team, please contact Mike Galipeau or Rob Morton ASAP (or by phone at: (416) 962-7223). This issue will also include the annual Holiday Buyers' Guide.
Volume 9, Issue 11 will have the huge CASCAR Year-In-Review, along with the Ontario Pro Challenge, the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model and CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Reviews.
Finally, Volume 9, Issue 12 will be our Issue of Champions, including our grassroots track champions listings.
The annual 'Year-in-Review' issues of Inside Track are already in production. As usual, we're offering "smokin' deal" ad rates to the racers and teams for these issues. We have the staff and material to make things easy for you to look good in the eyes of those who supported your efforts in 2005... as you prepare to line up your sponsorship for next season. Make a statement that everyone in the racing community will see!
Volume 9, Issue 10 will include extensive coverage of the 2005 Shouldice ALSTAR Series season, featuring interviews, photos and features on this successful stock car tour. This issue will go to press in the next few weeks, so if you're looking to thank your sponsor(s) or congratulate your team, please contact Mike Galipeau or Rob Morton ASAP (or by phone at: (416) 962-7223). This issue will also include the annual Holiday Buyers' Guide.
Volume 9, Issue 11 will have the huge CASCAR Year-In-Review, along with the Ontario Pro Challenge, the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model and CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Reviews.
Finally, Volume 9, Issue 12 will be our Issue of Champions, including our grassroots track champions listings.
MOLSON AND GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO CONFIRM NEW MOLSON INDY TORONTO AGREEMENT
New company to promote race, Molson to retain title sponsorship
Toronto, Nov. 03, 2005 - Molson Canada and Grand Prix Association of Toronto today confirmed the transfer of race rights for the Molson Indy Toronto from Molson to Grand Prix Association of Toronto.
Grand Prix Association of Toronto, a company wholly-owned by Champ Car World Series (CCWS) co-owners Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven, will become the race promoter and Molson will remain title sponsor of the event to be known as the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto in 2006. The agreement is subject to final documentation and approvals.
"Given our long-standing commitment to this event, we are pleased to have reached an agreement that continues our partnership with Champ Car and our involvement in the race," said Mark Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer, Molson Canada. "The Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto has been a popular fixture on the City's cultural scene for the past 20 years and this move ensures that race fans will continue to enjoy this world-class event."
"Grand Prix Association of Toronto is very pleased that the future of the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto has been secured by today's announcement. The Toronto event is one of the cornerstones of the Champ Car World Series and is a key to the continued success of the series," said Kalkhoven. "The event has a huge positive impact on the City of Toronto. We will work with the city to continue this quality event as established by Molson."
Molson's decision to transfer the race rights to Champ Car comes as a result of a thorough examination of the Company's role in the sports and entertainment industry. The analysis concluded that focusing its involvement as the title sponsor of the event is best aligned with the Company's commercial agenda and brewing roots. Molson remains committed to continue its deeply-rooted tradition of supporting community groups and maintaining an active involvement in sports and entertainment activities that are relevant to its consumers.
Today's announcement caps a twenty-one month period of acquisition activity for Kalkhoven and Forsythe, who also respectively own PKV Racing and Forsythe Championship Racing Champ Car teams.
"The acquisition of the race rights for the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto furthers our mission of ensuring the long-term future and prosperity of the Champ Car World Series," continued Kalkhoven. "It is our intention to capitalize on the exceptional support Champ Car has in Canada and ensure that Canadian race fans continue to have access to North America's most exciting open-wheel racing series."
Through a series of high-profile purchases, starting with the acquirement of the Champ Car World Series in January 2004, Kalkhoven and Forsythe have moved aggressively to further the growth of Champ Car and the development of the series' premiere North American events. Purchases include engine manufacturer Cosworth (November 2004), Pi Electronics (December 2004) as well as the Grand Prix of Long Beach (May 2005).. Today's transfer of the rights for the Molson Indy Toronto solidifies Champ Car's reputation as North America's premiere open-wheel racing series.
"This is yet another positive for the Champ Car family," says CCWS co-owner Paul Gentilozzi. "These are exciting times and the racing will be better than ever. In 2006 we introduce a new formula for the Champ Car Atlantic Championship - the Swift 016.a chassis design with a 2.3 liter Cosworth engine, which has reached more than 40 orders for 20 teams. Then in 2007 Champ Car will roll-out its new package, the Panoz DP01 chassis built by Élan Motorsports Technologies combined with a 2.65 litre turbocharged Ford-Cosworth V8 engine. Everything is lining up as we had hoped and the real beneficiaries of all these changes are race fans around the world."
"The success of Champ Car events in 2005 both in Canada and elsewhere clearly demonstrate that our formula for creating weekend-long festivals of speed and entertainment are a winning combination and attractive to the urban audiences we reach out to," stated Forsythe. "More that 1.6 million people have attended Champ Car races to date including 200,000 at our inaugural event in Edmonton and 318,000 at our most recent event in Surfers Paradise! People enjoy our brand of racing along with the exciting events that surround a race weekend."
About Molson Canada:
With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Canada is proud to be the nation's preferred brewer. The company proudly offers the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio which includes, Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Molson Export, Molson Dry, Rickard's, and A Marca Bavaria. Molson Canada also partners with other leading brewers to offer such global brands as, Heineken, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft and Foster's Lager. With 3,100 employees across Canada, Molson operates six breweries, including the boutique brewery Creemore, and is actively involved in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Canada is part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company, the world's fifth largest brewer.
About Champ Car:
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features some of the world's greatest race car drivers competing on the most diverse and exciting venues around the globe. Champions Sebastien Bourdais, Jimmy Vasser and Canadian Paul Tracy along with 2004 Roshfrans Rookie of the Year A. J. Allmendinger and Canadians Alex Tagliani and Andrew Ranger are among the series competitors. Drivers compete annually for the Vanderbilt Cup during three-day festivals of speed on oval circuits, temporary street circuits and permanent road courses.
Toronto, Nov. 03, 2005 - Molson Canada and Grand Prix Association of Toronto today confirmed the transfer of race rights for the Molson Indy Toronto from Molson to Grand Prix Association of Toronto.
Grand Prix Association of Toronto, a company wholly-owned by Champ Car World Series (CCWS) co-owners Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven, will become the race promoter and Molson will remain title sponsor of the event to be known as the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto in 2006. The agreement is subject to final documentation and approvals.
"Given our long-standing commitment to this event, we are pleased to have reached an agreement that continues our partnership with Champ Car and our involvement in the race," said Mark Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer, Molson Canada. "The Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto has been a popular fixture on the City's cultural scene for the past 20 years and this move ensures that race fans will continue to enjoy this world-class event."
"Grand Prix Association of Toronto is very pleased that the future of the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto has been secured by today's announcement. The Toronto event is one of the cornerstones of the Champ Car World Series and is a key to the continued success of the series," said Kalkhoven. "The event has a huge positive impact on the City of Toronto. We will work with the city to continue this quality event as established by Molson."
Molson's decision to transfer the race rights to Champ Car comes as a result of a thorough examination of the Company's role in the sports and entertainment industry. The analysis concluded that focusing its involvement as the title sponsor of the event is best aligned with the Company's commercial agenda and brewing roots. Molson remains committed to continue its deeply-rooted tradition of supporting community groups and maintaining an active involvement in sports and entertainment activities that are relevant to its consumers.
Today's announcement caps a twenty-one month period of acquisition activity for Kalkhoven and Forsythe, who also respectively own PKV Racing and Forsythe Championship Racing Champ Car teams.
"The acquisition of the race rights for the Molson Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto furthers our mission of ensuring the long-term future and prosperity of the Champ Car World Series," continued Kalkhoven. "It is our intention to capitalize on the exceptional support Champ Car has in Canada and ensure that Canadian race fans continue to have access to North America's most exciting open-wheel racing series."
Through a series of high-profile purchases, starting with the acquirement of the Champ Car World Series in January 2004, Kalkhoven and Forsythe have moved aggressively to further the growth of Champ Car and the development of the series' premiere North American events. Purchases include engine manufacturer Cosworth (November 2004), Pi Electronics (December 2004) as well as the Grand Prix of Long Beach (May 2005).. Today's transfer of the rights for the Molson Indy Toronto solidifies Champ Car's reputation as North America's premiere open-wheel racing series.
"This is yet another positive for the Champ Car family," says CCWS co-owner Paul Gentilozzi. "These are exciting times and the racing will be better than ever. In 2006 we introduce a new formula for the Champ Car Atlantic Championship - the Swift 016.a chassis design with a 2.3 liter Cosworth engine, which has reached more than 40 orders for 20 teams. Then in 2007 Champ Car will roll-out its new package, the Panoz DP01 chassis built by Élan Motorsports Technologies combined with a 2.65 litre turbocharged Ford-Cosworth V8 engine. Everything is lining up as we had hoped and the real beneficiaries of all these changes are race fans around the world."
"The success of Champ Car events in 2005 both in Canada and elsewhere clearly demonstrate that our formula for creating weekend-long festivals of speed and entertainment are a winning combination and attractive to the urban audiences we reach out to," stated Forsythe. "More that 1.6 million people have attended Champ Car races to date including 200,000 at our inaugural event in Edmonton and 318,000 at our most recent event in Surfers Paradise! People enjoy our brand of racing along with the exciting events that surround a race weekend."
About Molson Canada:
With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Canada is proud to be the nation's preferred brewer. The company proudly offers the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio which includes, Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Molson Export, Molson Dry, Rickard's, and A Marca Bavaria. Molson Canada also partners with other leading brewers to offer such global brands as, Heineken, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft and Foster's Lager. With 3,100 employees across Canada, Molson operates six breweries, including the boutique brewery Creemore, and is actively involved in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Canada is part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company, the world's fifth largest brewer.
About Champ Car:
The Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford features some of the world's greatest race car drivers competing on the most diverse and exciting venues around the globe. Champions Sebastien Bourdais, Jimmy Vasser and Canadian Paul Tracy along with 2004 Roshfrans Rookie of the Year A. J. Allmendinger and Canadians Alex Tagliani and Andrew Ranger are among the series competitors. Drivers compete annually for the Vanderbilt Cup during three-day festivals of speed on oval circuits, temporary street circuits and permanent road courses.
ST. THOMAS DRAGWAY: Test & Tune Day added
From Dave Mathers at St. Thomas Dragway....
As a result of many racer requests and the favourable weather forecast, an additional Test & Tune Day has been scheduled for this Saturday, November 5. Gates will open at 11 A.M. with time trials running 12 Noon to 5 P.M. Cost is $30/car and driver and $10/crew or spectator.
For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at www.stthomasdragway.com.
TORONTO INDY: Sold to CCWS... Toronto Sun Story
Dean McNulty had a story in Tuesday's Toronto Sun, with some of the details on the sale.
Advance Auto Parts Modified Series Eckerd 200 "Live" Only On DirtVision.com
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 3) – Dirtvision.com will once again be the only medium scheduled to offer "live" coverage of the rescheduled Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200 on November 5th, through the Dirtvision Cybercast. This exclusive coverage from the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse will be offered as part of the Dirtvision October Cyberfest, which has been extended through November due to rained out/rescheduled cybercasts on www.dirtvision.com for just $14.99.
Coverage begins with a pre-race show then picks up with green flag action beginning on lap 53; rain on Oct. 9 forced postponement of the Eckerd Championship with 148 remaining in the 200-mile big-block Modified finale. The day of activity is wrapped up with victory lane and post-race shows. Veteran announcers Mel Thomas and Shane Andrews will take to the air on Saturday morning, November 5th at 11am ET for the LIVE Cybercast. The show includes driver interviews plus exclusive conversations with chassis and engine builders headed by pit reporter Mark Krosky and the Dirtvision mobile pit camera. Click on the “October Cyberfest” link to subscribe and hang on for the ride of your life. It's the Eckerd 200 in Syracuse and the tradition lives on!
For further Information please contact Dirtvision Cybercast producer Matt Thomas by e-mail at customerservice@dirtvision.com. *NOTE: All current October Cyberfest subscriptions have been extended through November 30, 2005.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional Partners include Stacker 2®, AMB i.t., RACEceiver, Zippo Lighters and F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the contingency sponsors are DART Machinery, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 3) – Dirtvision.com will once again be the only medium scheduled to offer "live" coverage of the rescheduled Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200 on November 5th, through the Dirtvision Cybercast. This exclusive coverage from the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse will be offered as part of the Dirtvision October Cyberfest, which has been extended through November due to rained out/rescheduled cybercasts on www.dirtvision.com for just $14.99.
Coverage begins with a pre-race show then picks up with green flag action beginning on lap 53; rain on Oct. 9 forced postponement of the Eckerd Championship with 148 remaining in the 200-mile big-block Modified finale. The day of activity is wrapped up with victory lane and post-race shows. Veteran announcers Mel Thomas and Shane Andrews will take to the air on Saturday morning, November 5th at 11am ET for the LIVE Cybercast. The show includes driver interviews plus exclusive conversations with chassis and engine builders headed by pit reporter Mark Krosky and the Dirtvision mobile pit camera. Click on the “October Cyberfest” link to subscribe and hang on for the ride of your life. It's the Eckerd 200 in Syracuse and the tradition lives on!
For further Information please contact Dirtvision Cybercast producer Matt Thomas by e-mail at customerservice@dirtvision.com. *NOTE: All current October Cyberfest subscriptions have been extended through November 30, 2005.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional Partners include Stacker 2®, AMB i.t., RACEceiver, Zippo Lighters and F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the contingency sponsors are DART Machinery, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
CASCAR WEST: Unveils tentative 2006 schedule
CASCAR's Bob Ennis has posted a "very tentative 2006 schedule for the CASCAR Western Series on the CASCARWEST.CA site
NBIS: Atkinson Racing
We just received a nice note from New Brunswick Int'l Speedway competitor Richard Atkinson, asking us to add a link to his website on our links page.... here it is.
Thanks Richard!
Thanks Richard!
NEW CUP CARS at Jayski
Jayski has a few shots of the next generation Cup cars, which were tested at Atlanta Motor Speedway a few days ago.Does this look like a Dodge to you?
Busch-wacked
TSN is reporting that Kurt Busch has beeen given his release to head to Penske in 2006.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Mr. DIRT Modified Points Leader Tim Fuller Anxiously Awaiting Eckerd 200 Finish
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 1) – At this time a month ago, Tim Fuller hoped to be celebrating his first Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Modified Championship. Instead, two more races still remain in the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series before the Edwards, N.Y. driver can fulfill his long-time goal.
"It's kind of a prolonged agony," quipped Fuller, who will return to the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday to conclude the 34th Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200. The current overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRT big-block points leader and defending Eckerd 200 champion will fill in sixth aboard the MBF Racing no. m1 B&F General Machine-G&R Auto Parts/TEO entry when the field takes the green at 12noon.
Fuller was recently put at ease as top Mr. DIRT title contender Brett Hearn announced that he will not return with the Gable Auto Stores-Page Trucking/TEO ride carrying the number one. With a $50,000 winner's share at stake, Hearn has been given the green light to use the number 85 of car owner Jake Marine and serve as a relief driver for Ricky Elliott on Saturday afternoon. Popular Delaware pilot Elliott completed the initial 52 laps of the Eckerd 200 in Marine's Modified on Oct. 9, so wherever Hearn finishes Elliott will be awarded that position as well as points while Hearn will collect 40 markers (44th-place) towards the coveted Mr. DIRT Championship.
"I'm still going to Syracuse looking for a top finish or with some luck even another win," said Fuller, who first watched as runner-up Matt Sheppard suffered a flat tire on lap 199 then took immediate action when leader Kenny Tremont had his fuel tank run dry on the final lap last year to lead only a half-mile and register the biggest victory of his career. "Whatever is going to happen will happen, there's nothing else you can do but run hard and be smart. I should be all right, I just can't do anything stupid. I'd really have to screw up big time to fall out of the picture."
Fuller hasn't raced competitively in a Modified since capturing the Goulds Pumps-ITT Industries 150-lap 'Salute to the Troops' 358-Modified Championship on Saturday of Super DIRT Week XXXIV at Syracuse. However, the '03 Mr. DIRT 358-Modified champion recently celebrated his 38th birthday last week competing in a pair of full-fender World of Outlaws Stacker 2® Late Model Series events for car owner John Wight. On Wed., Oct. 26 he finished 19th in the no. 19 Gypsum Wholesalers/Rocket at Golden Isles (Ga.) Speedway before closing out the WoO LM national tour with an 18th-place tally at Volusia (Fla.) Speedway Park on Sat., Oct. 29.
Also postponed due to rain more than a week ago, the Nov. 13 Atlantic Coast Championship at Bridgeport (NJ) Speedway will mark the season-finale for the 2005 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series. Fuller holds a 58-point advantage over runner-up Hearn in the overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRT title chase and a finish of fourth-place or better ---based on Hearn's decision to swap rides--- for Fuller in the Eckerd 200 would clinch the team's first big-block championship.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional Partners include Stacker 2®, AMB i.t., RACEceiver, Zippo Lighters and F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the contingency sponsors are DART Machinery, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (November 1) – At this time a month ago, Tim Fuller hoped to be celebrating his first Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Modified Championship. Instead, two more races still remain in the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series before the Edwards, N.Y. driver can fulfill his long-time goal.
"It's kind of a prolonged agony," quipped Fuller, who will return to the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday to conclude the 34th Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Eckerd 200. The current overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRT big-block points leader and defending Eckerd 200 champion will fill in sixth aboard the MBF Racing no. m1 B&F General Machine-G&R Auto Parts/TEO entry when the field takes the green at 12noon.
Fuller was recently put at ease as top Mr. DIRT title contender Brett Hearn announced that he will not return with the Gable Auto Stores-Page Trucking/TEO ride carrying the number one. With a $50,000 winner's share at stake, Hearn has been given the green light to use the number 85 of car owner Jake Marine and serve as a relief driver for Ricky Elliott on Saturday afternoon. Popular Delaware pilot Elliott completed the initial 52 laps of the Eckerd 200 in Marine's Modified on Oct. 9, so wherever Hearn finishes Elliott will be awarded that position as well as points while Hearn will collect 40 markers (44th-place) towards the coveted Mr. DIRT Championship.
"I'm still going to Syracuse looking for a top finish or with some luck even another win," said Fuller, who first watched as runner-up Matt Sheppard suffered a flat tire on lap 199 then took immediate action when leader Kenny Tremont had his fuel tank run dry on the final lap last year to lead only a half-mile and register the biggest victory of his career. "Whatever is going to happen will happen, there's nothing else you can do but run hard and be smart. I should be all right, I just can't do anything stupid. I'd really have to screw up big time to fall out of the picture."
Fuller hasn't raced competitively in a Modified since capturing the Goulds Pumps-ITT Industries 150-lap 'Salute to the Troops' 358-Modified Championship on Saturday of Super DIRT Week XXXIV at Syracuse. However, the '03 Mr. DIRT 358-Modified champion recently celebrated his 38th birthday last week competing in a pair of full-fender World of Outlaws Stacker 2® Late Model Series events for car owner John Wight. On Wed., Oct. 26 he finished 19th in the no. 19 Gypsum Wholesalers/Rocket at Golden Isles (Ga.) Speedway before closing out the WoO LM national tour with an 18th-place tally at Volusia (Fla.) Speedway Park on Sat., Oct. 29.
Also postponed due to rain more than a week ago, the Nov. 13 Atlantic Coast Championship at Bridgeport (NJ) Speedway will mark the season-finale for the 2005 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series. Fuller holds a 58-point advantage over runner-up Hearn in the overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRT title chase and a finish of fourth-place or better ---based on Hearn's decision to swap rides--- for Fuller in the Eckerd 200 would clinch the team's first big-block championship.
Eckerd 200 Schedule – Sat., Nov. 5, 2005:
7:00 AM ....... Pit Gates Open;
8:00 AM ....... Advance Auto Parts Modified Inspection;
9:00 AM ...... Grandstands Open (reserved seating with wristbands/ticket stubs ONLY);
10:00 AM .... Grandstands Open to Public;
10:00 AM .... Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver’s Meeting;
11:00 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Practice (Qualified Cars);
11:45 AM .... Advance Auto Parts Modified Driver Introduction;
12 Noon ...... Eckerd 200 Modified Championship.
The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional Partners include Stacker 2®, AMB i.t., RACEceiver, Zippo Lighters and F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the contingency sponsors are DART Machinery, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.
Sean McIntosh – 2005 Season Review
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Vancouver, Canada (November 01, 2005) – Following Sean McIntosh’s stunning debut in European open-wheel competition, collecting the 2004 ‘Graduate Cup’ title for rookie drivers, an outright victory and sixth overall in the final point standings, the young Canadian was heralded as a title-contender from the very start of his 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship sophomore campaign.
Choosing to keep a winning combination in place, Sean raced once again for Team Firstair and the partnership proved to be even more potent second time around. In the closest battle for the Formula Renault UK Championship in fifteen years, Sean took the fight to Britain’s Oliver Jarvis all the way to the final round at Brands Hatch at the start of October.
Jarvis ultimately took the title but Sean’s record of five wins, eight podium finishes, four pole positions and sixteen top-five starts demonstrated the 20-year-old’s increased competitiveness in one of Europe’s toughest open-wheel proving grounds. Comfortably sealing the Vice-Champion position for himself, McIntosh’s haul of five victories was a season-high by a driver and it included a dominating mid-season run of four consecutive trips to the top step of the podium.
His performances throughout the regular 2005 season didn’t go unnoticed! The Vancouver resident now finds himself racing a 520bhp V8-powered Lola-Zytek for Team Canada in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations. Sean jetted out to Australia this weekend to prepare for the fourth round of the A1 Grand Prix Series but not before he took time out from his schedule to reflect on a successful second term in the Formula Renault UK Championship.
“Nothing really surprised me about this season,” he commented. “You only have to look at how close most of the qualifying sessions were to see the level of competition that exists in Formula Renault. It wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for anyone this year and the fact we succeeded in fighting all the way to the final round is proof.”
In addition Sean also believed his decision to remain with Team Firstair for a second successive season helped his chances of success.
“When you can carry chemistry from one year to the next it’s definitely a good thing. There was always a real family atmosphere within Team Firstair and I felt at home there. There was also a level of trust throughout the team which I felt was very important, especially on the days when things were not going according to plan. Ian Barnwell (Team Owner) has helped me in so many ways since I left Canada. He didn’t just care about me racing with his team; he cared about me personally and helped a great deal as I adjusted to living in England and learning the culture. From the beginning Ian has also been focused on helping me to reach the next level and for that I will be forever grateful to him.”
With a win at Donington Park in the second round, McIntosh then became the first Canadian driver to ever claim a Formula Renault UK Championship pole position, securing the first of three straight poles as the second half of the season commenced at Snetterton in August. His exceptional qualifying record proved to be the backbone of his season.
Sean explained, “Qualifying was something we focused on from the start of pre-season testing. It’s a great feeling when everything goes well and you bang out two or three ‘fliers’ but it’s vital in Formula Renault. Because of the nature of the competition if you want to race at the front you really have to qualify at the front. These cars are so finely balanced that if you get bogged down in the pack it’s extremely difficult to overtake.”
“I won all my races from pole position or from second on the grid,” he continued. “While there’s no doubt that qualifying and consistency are important, there’s nothing more satisfying than being on the top step of the podium. I would rather celebrate my five wins this season, despite not winning the championship, than celebrate winning a title by finishing second in every race.”
“You always want to win races…. that’s the way it should be in racing. I also had some unfortunate rounds, which undoubtedly had an impact on my title-bid, but I was still in the running all the way to the very end on the strength of those victories and my overall consistency.”
“There was no runaway leader this year, which is good for any championship. I feel I both learned and proved what I needed to and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in such a great championship.”
“The highlight of the season was probably my second win at Knockhill. The whole team had worked really hard on perfecting our set-up and we had the fastest car throughout the weekend. The first race I won despite the heavy rain and relentless pressure from Yelmer Buurman. He made me work hard for the win and he gave me a couple of ‘love taps’ from behind but overall it was good clean racing.”
“The second race was a different ball game although the track conditions remained equally treacherous. I made a great start from second on the grid and I just pulled away from the rest of the field, quickly building up several seconds of an advantage. It was my fourth win in a row and I think it really underlined the potential of the whole team.”
As ever in motorsport, there are the highs and the lows and Sean’s biggest disappointment of the season came in Round 16 at Donington Park, one of his favorite tracks in the UK. “I had to watch Oliver Jarvis win the race from the sidelines,” recalled McIntosh. “I went off at Coppice Corner on the opening lap and had no choice but to remain there and watch as a spectator. I felt like I was there for ages and I was helpless to stop Oliver from picking up a healthy dose of points. It certainly made the championship a little more interesting heading to Silverstone.”
Sean bounced back with another pole position and two more podium finishes at Silverstone and Brands Hatch. In the end Jarvis took the title by a mere 19 points from McIntosh, the duo battling all the way to Round 20.
On two highly-successful seasons in the Formula Renault UK Championship, Sean can spotlight where he’s improved as a driver since debuting in European competition. “I’ve definitely stepped-up my performance in both qualifying and in dealing with the opening laps,” he stated. “Until I started racing here I just wasn’t aware of the intensity of the first laps of a race. In a formula where everything’s the same, those opening laps can make or break your race. You simply can’t afford to lose position because it’s virtually impossible to make it back to the front-end of the fight.”
Since wrapping up the 2005 Formula Renault campaign Sean has turned his attention to his A1 Grand Prix commitments racing for Team Canada. With a podium finish to his credit already, in just the second round, the Canadian stand-out has continued to impress industry observers.
“Formula Renault has really helped prepare me for stepping up to the bigger, more powerful A1GP car,” Sean remarked.
“I’ve learned to really push myself in the races because the level of talent and competition here is also extremely high. It’s definitely my goal to win races for Team Canada and I hope to see out the entire inaugural season driving for them.
Beyond that I’m aiming to climb the Renault development ladder and compete in the World Series by Renault or perhaps even GP2 in 2006. A career in motorsport is my goal and I want to continue proving I can perform at the front at each successive level. I see no reason why I won’t be able to given all that I’ve learned by competing in the Formula Renault UK Championship!”
For more info on Sean’s 2006 plans visit www.seanmcintosh.com or for a schedule of the inaugural A1 Grand Prix season visit www.a1gp.com.
Vancouver, Canada (November 01, 2005) – Following Sean McIntosh’s stunning debut in European open-wheel competition, collecting the 2004 ‘Graduate Cup’ title for rookie drivers, an outright victory and sixth overall in the final point standings, the young Canadian was heralded as a title-contender from the very start of his 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship sophomore campaign.
Choosing to keep a winning combination in place, Sean raced once again for Team Firstair and the partnership proved to be even more potent second time around. In the closest battle for the Formula Renault UK Championship in fifteen years, Sean took the fight to Britain’s Oliver Jarvis all the way to the final round at Brands Hatch at the start of October.
Jarvis ultimately took the title but Sean’s record of five wins, eight podium finishes, four pole positions and sixteen top-five starts demonstrated the 20-year-old’s increased competitiveness in one of Europe’s toughest open-wheel proving grounds. Comfortably sealing the Vice-Champion position for himself, McIntosh’s haul of five victories was a season-high by a driver and it included a dominating mid-season run of four consecutive trips to the top step of the podium.
His performances throughout the regular 2005 season didn’t go unnoticed! The Vancouver resident now finds himself racing a 520bhp V8-powered Lola-Zytek for Team Canada in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations. Sean jetted out to Australia this weekend to prepare for the fourth round of the A1 Grand Prix Series but not before he took time out from his schedule to reflect on a successful second term in the Formula Renault UK Championship.
“Nothing really surprised me about this season,” he commented. “You only have to look at how close most of the qualifying sessions were to see the level of competition that exists in Formula Renault. It wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for anyone this year and the fact we succeeded in fighting all the way to the final round is proof.”
In addition Sean also believed his decision to remain with Team Firstair for a second successive season helped his chances of success.
“When you can carry chemistry from one year to the next it’s definitely a good thing. There was always a real family atmosphere within Team Firstair and I felt at home there. There was also a level of trust throughout the team which I felt was very important, especially on the days when things were not going according to plan. Ian Barnwell (Team Owner) has helped me in so many ways since I left Canada. He didn’t just care about me racing with his team; he cared about me personally and helped a great deal as I adjusted to living in England and learning the culture. From the beginning Ian has also been focused on helping me to reach the next level and for that I will be forever grateful to him.”
With a win at Donington Park in the second round, McIntosh then became the first Canadian driver to ever claim a Formula Renault UK Championship pole position, securing the first of three straight poles as the second half of the season commenced at Snetterton in August. His exceptional qualifying record proved to be the backbone of his season.
Sean explained, “Qualifying was something we focused on from the start of pre-season testing. It’s a great feeling when everything goes well and you bang out two or three ‘fliers’ but it’s vital in Formula Renault. Because of the nature of the competition if you want to race at the front you really have to qualify at the front. These cars are so finely balanced that if you get bogged down in the pack it’s extremely difficult to overtake.”
“I won all my races from pole position or from second on the grid,” he continued. “While there’s no doubt that qualifying and consistency are important, there’s nothing more satisfying than being on the top step of the podium. I would rather celebrate my five wins this season, despite not winning the championship, than celebrate winning a title by finishing second in every race.”
“You always want to win races…. that’s the way it should be in racing. I also had some unfortunate rounds, which undoubtedly had an impact on my title-bid, but I was still in the running all the way to the very end on the strength of those victories and my overall consistency.”
“There was no runaway leader this year, which is good for any championship. I feel I both learned and proved what I needed to and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in such a great championship.”
“The highlight of the season was probably my second win at Knockhill. The whole team had worked really hard on perfecting our set-up and we had the fastest car throughout the weekend. The first race I won despite the heavy rain and relentless pressure from Yelmer Buurman. He made me work hard for the win and he gave me a couple of ‘love taps’ from behind but overall it was good clean racing.”
“The second race was a different ball game although the track conditions remained equally treacherous. I made a great start from second on the grid and I just pulled away from the rest of the field, quickly building up several seconds of an advantage. It was my fourth win in a row and I think it really underlined the potential of the whole team.”
As ever in motorsport, there are the highs and the lows and Sean’s biggest disappointment of the season came in Round 16 at Donington Park, one of his favorite tracks in the UK. “I had to watch Oliver Jarvis win the race from the sidelines,” recalled McIntosh. “I went off at Coppice Corner on the opening lap and had no choice but to remain there and watch as a spectator. I felt like I was there for ages and I was helpless to stop Oliver from picking up a healthy dose of points. It certainly made the championship a little more interesting heading to Silverstone.”
Sean bounced back with another pole position and two more podium finishes at Silverstone and Brands Hatch. In the end Jarvis took the title by a mere 19 points from McIntosh, the duo battling all the way to Round 20.
On two highly-successful seasons in the Formula Renault UK Championship, Sean can spotlight where he’s improved as a driver since debuting in European competition. “I’ve definitely stepped-up my performance in both qualifying and in dealing with the opening laps,” he stated. “Until I started racing here I just wasn’t aware of the intensity of the first laps of a race. In a formula where everything’s the same, those opening laps can make or break your race. You simply can’t afford to lose position because it’s virtually impossible to make it back to the front-end of the fight.”
Since wrapping up the 2005 Formula Renault campaign Sean has turned his attention to his A1 Grand Prix commitments racing for Team Canada. With a podium finish to his credit already, in just the second round, the Canadian stand-out has continued to impress industry observers.
“Formula Renault has really helped prepare me for stepping up to the bigger, more powerful A1GP car,” Sean remarked.
“I’ve learned to really push myself in the races because the level of talent and competition here is also extremely high. It’s definitely my goal to win races for Team Canada and I hope to see out the entire inaugural season driving for them.
Beyond that I’m aiming to climb the Renault development ladder and compete in the World Series by Renault or perhaps even GP2 in 2006. A career in motorsport is my goal and I want to continue proving I can perform at the front at each successive level. I see no reason why I won’t be able to given all that I’ve learned by competing in the Formula Renault UK Championship!”
For more info on Sean’s 2006 plans visit www.seanmcintosh.com or for a schedule of the inaugural A1 Grand Prix season visit www.a1gp.com.
CASCAR FEATURE: Don Thomson profiled in the Wheels Section of the Saturday Star
Last Saturday, Norris McDonald - a mainstay of the Wheels Section of the Saturday Star - wrote a feature on Don Thomson winning his fifth consecutive CASCAR Super Series championship.
I don't know if you need to register at the Star site to see the article, but the link to the story is here for those who have.
Nice work Norris... and thanks for the exposure for Canadian racing.
- Greg.
I don't know if you need to register at the Star site to see the article, but the link to the story is here for those who have.
Nice work Norris... and thanks for the exposure for Canadian racing.
- Greg.
Monday, October 31, 2005
NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow Tests at Atlanta Motor Speedway
HAMPTON, Ga. (October 31, 2005) – Cars were on track at Atlanta Motor Speedway today, just one day after the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. With five race teams’ participation, NASCAR tested the Car of Tomorrow in a day-long test session.
Yesterday’s race winner Carl Edwards was among the drivers testing. Joining him were Jeff Burton, Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Petty and Brian Vickers, all testing cars from their own teams and Brett Bodine driving NASCAR’s representative car.
“Safety tops the list of things that are different about this car,” Gary Nelson, vice president of research and development for NASCAR said. “We have done a lot of things in the last four years to improve safety that are car of tomorrow items, but we put them on the car of today if they would fit. You can’t just fit a bigger roll-cage, a different frame or different exhaust. The average race fan is going to see a taller, wider car that has been designed to enhance competition on the track.”
Drivers said they could tell a difference between the cars they drove yesterday and the Car of Tomorrow they drove today.
“These drive a lot more like my Busch car,” said 2004 Busch Series Champion Martin Truex Jr. “They have a lot more air on the back of them. They are real stable getting into the corner compared to a Cup car.”
Truex addressed NASCAR’s emphasis on safety.
“You’re always happy when they try and make things safer,” said Truex. “It doesn’t feel good when you hit the wall. They have done a good job with safety over the last two years. I haven’t really seen anybody get hurt in the last couple years, so they’ve come a long way.”
Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet doesn’t think the racing will change a lot from the fans perspective.
“As far as racing goes, we are all going to have the same thing, everybody is still going to try and find advantages like they do now, so I don’t see if being much different.”
(From Marcy Scott / AMS)
Yesterday’s race winner Carl Edwards was among the drivers testing. Joining him were Jeff Burton, Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Petty and Brian Vickers, all testing cars from their own teams and Brett Bodine driving NASCAR’s representative car.
“Safety tops the list of things that are different about this car,” Gary Nelson, vice president of research and development for NASCAR said. “We have done a lot of things in the last four years to improve safety that are car of tomorrow items, but we put them on the car of today if they would fit. You can’t just fit a bigger roll-cage, a different frame or different exhaust. The average race fan is going to see a taller, wider car that has been designed to enhance competition on the track.”
Drivers said they could tell a difference between the cars they drove yesterday and the Car of Tomorrow they drove today.
“These drive a lot more like my Busch car,” said 2004 Busch Series Champion Martin Truex Jr. “They have a lot more air on the back of them. They are real stable getting into the corner compared to a Cup car.”
Truex addressed NASCAR’s emphasis on safety.
“You’re always happy when they try and make things safer,” said Truex. “It doesn’t feel good when you hit the wall. They have done a good job with safety over the last two years. I haven’t really seen anybody get hurt in the last couple years, so they’ve come a long way.”
Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet doesn’t think the racing will change a lot from the fans perspective.
“As far as racing goes, we are all going to have the same thing, everybody is still going to try and find advantages like they do now, so I don’t see if being much different.”
(From Marcy Scott / AMS)
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