DRAG RACING: Grisdale Racing Products sponsors PMRA Best Appearing Car in 2006

DUNDAS, ON – The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) is pleased to announce that Grisdale Racing Products is to sponsor the Best Appearing Car at each series event in 2006.

“Grisdale's focus is to further expand and service the needs of drag racing competitors, and hot rod and street machine enthusiasts,” explained Grisdale’s Drag Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator, Paul Polly.“ The Pro Modified Racing Association will help us with our goal. The series has high profile teams, they draw great crowds, and we are very excited about our involvement.”

With a strong and solid reputation in the auto racing and aftermarket industry, Grisdale Enterprises Inc., is a multi-dimensional company that has been faithfully serving its customers for 25 years. The Grisdale Racing Products Division is a one-stop supplier for high performance and hard-core racing components.

“The Grisdale Racing Products Best Appearing Car Award is great way for them to support the series and most important the teams,” said Tim Miller, Media Director of the PMRA. “We think it’s a great way for Grisdale’s to promote their drag race components.”

A complete line of racing products for the entry-level enthusiast to the full-time professional racer is available from Grisdale Racing Products. It carries a full line of fiberglass and aluminum racecar bodies, frame and suspension components, brake systems, wheels, tires, safety equipment (including Nomex suits), heat shielding materials, infra red pyrometers, and data acquisition products. Grisdale also specializes in driveline systems, on-board timing equipment, as well a full line of gauges, engine and ignition components.

Started late in 2004 and entering its second year of operation, the PMRA ran five events in 2005 at four Ontario, Quebec, and New York locations, with a different winner at each track. The PMRA will provide drag race fans the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest door slammers.”

At present, PMRA officials are negotiating with several eighth and quarter-mile tracks in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan and New York with the plan of presenting a six -event drag racing series in 2006.

The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely diverse group of racecars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

ALSTAR: Sponsor announcements

SHALLOW LAKE, ON – The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SUPER SERIES would like to welcome WISECO PISTONS, a new contingency sponsor for the 2006 season.

The winner of the Wiseco Piston Award will be selected, by a draw, at the 2006 year-end awards presentation.

The series would also like to announce the return of Inside Track Motorsport News at a contingency sponsor for 2006. Inside Track has been a proud sponsor of the Shouldice ALSTAR Series for several seasons.

Jack n' Jill's Open House this Saturday (Nov. 26)

MIDLAND, ON - Jack n Jill's annual open house is Saturday, November 26. You won't want to miss this! Click here for directions to their Midland, Ontario location.

HJC Floater suits at an unbelievable price of $249.00 plus taxes. That is a savings of $140.00!!

8,000 watt gas power generator reg $5895.00 while quantities last only $2195.00

Woody studs with washer reg $3.99 each, Saturday only $2.49 each.

Full Face helmets $99.99 taxes in!!

Bring in the family for free face painting, coffee, hot chocolate, other goodies and hourly giveaways.

There will be also be a BBQ with all the proceeds going to the Georgian Bay Snow Riders.

Need info? Call toll free 877-527-4386

See you on Saturday!

Jill

CAR HELP CANADA: Stay safe in snowy conditions

Much of Ontario is expecting its first significant snowfall tonight and that means the usual flurry of needless accidents on our byways and highways.

Car Help Canada, a non-profit consumer association representing motorists right across the Great White North, offers the following tips for anyone who absolutely must drive during the coming snowstorm:

Go slow! Driving too fast for the conditions is the cause of most accidents. Brake, steer and accelerate slowly. A two second separation between vehicles in the normal rule of thumb in clear conditions, but in adverse weather you should remain at least four seconds behind the nearest car ahead;

Practice emergency braking in a vacant lot to get a feel for how your vehicle will behave in the snow. Vehicles with ABS brakes create a rapid pulsing sensation on the brake pedal, which can surprise drivers not accustomed to the system;

Stop, look and steer. In most impending collisions, brake first, look at where you want the vehicle to go and then steer in that direction. All too often drivers fixate on the object they are about to hit, causing the vehicle to follow the drivers eyes directly to the target they should be avoiding.

In a skid, take your foot off the accelerator, put the car in neutral, look where you want to go and steer in that direction;

Instead of focusing on the car immediately in front of you, look down the road for potential trouble ahead;

Consider taking an advanced driving program at a qualified skid school to hone your skills;

Watch out for ruts in the snow or icy patches hidden under snow. In slushy conditions, be sure to periodically check for snow build-up around the wheels which can affect steering;

Be extra cautious when approaching bridges, overpasses and shady areas which freeze sooner and can remain frozen longer;

If you do get stuck or stranded in your vehicle don’t panic. If there is no help nearby stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth and wait for help to arrive.

If you remain in your vehicle, run the engine sparingly and be careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind;

Tires are the most important safety feature on your car and a good set of winter radials is your best defence against slippery streets, adding as much as 30% better traction over so-called "all season" tires;

Windshield wipers should be changed every spring and fall at the very least, but if your wipers are chattering or smearing have them replaced right away. Specially designed winter blades can offer better clearing in the cold by adding a Teflon coating and sealing the moving parts in a protective rubber housing which keeps ice and dirt out;

Top up your windshield fluid tank with a winter blend designed to resist freezing. Always carry an extra jug in the trunk in case you run out in the middle of a storm;

A good snow brush and ice scraper are essential tools, but be sure to use them properly. Clear the ice from all windows and mirrors, and remove all the snow from your car, especially the hood and roof;

For interview requests and more tips on safe winter driving, contact Car Help Canada at 416-760-3397 (office) or 416-988-7345 (cell).

EDMONTON INT'L RACEWAY: Awards Presentation

Edmonton Int’l Raceway (EIR) celebrates its 2005 Champions on Saturday, November 26, 2005. A most unique Awards Presentation held during shopping hours for everyone to see. NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Late Models will be on display and the top 3 Champions in each EIR Race Class will be suited in their tuxedos as they are honoured for their 2005 racing achievements.

NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Racer #33 Jeremy Lapainis won the EIR Track Championship and also won 11th place in Division II of the NASCAR Series and was presented with his award in Nashville on November 5th.

We invite you to attend this exciting event. The racers will be available for interviews, Kevin Nevalainen, Senior Executive with NASCAR will be attending, Ron & Loretta Thiering, Promoters of EIR will be available for interviews.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY RACE SERIES – TOP 3
#33 - Jeremy Lapainis – Airdrie
#07 - Greg Moir – Stony Plain
#4 – Rob Dowler – Edmonton

K-ROCK THUNDER CARS – TOP 3
#99 – Lee Krause – Edmonton
#13 – Ray Verstraete – Edmonton
#10 – Roy Wallace – Edmonton

STEEN HANSEN SPEEDWAY SUPER MOTO - CHAMPION
#15 – Dennis Hansen – Edmonton

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

LORETTA THIERING
Phone: 467-9276
Cell: 497-8262 U-PULL-IT CLAIMER CARS – TOP 3
#50 – Marc Bouchard – Edmonton
#17 – Mark Rogers – Spruce Grove
#7 – Mike Elhard – Edmonton

HIT TO PASS CHAMPION
#4 Jim Mack – Ardrossan

IMCA MODIFIEDS – TOP 3
#50 – Trevor Boys – Calgary
#8 – Mitch Lauzon – Edmonton
#18 – Rob Leier – Red Deer

ALBERTA OUTLAW MODIFIEDS
Tied - #11 John Jones – Clive, Alberta & #15 Karey Stular – Ardrossan

TSN: The Indy... er, Honda Racing League?

TSN.ca Staff // 11/21/2005 10:40:47 AM

Honda will apparently have to service and supply every team in the Indy Racing League in 2006. According to a report on SpeedTV.com, Toyota is expected to confirm this week that it is pulling out of the open wheel series one year earlier than anticipated.

"I don't have anything I can confirm for you, that's pretty much where it's at," Jim Aust, president and CEO of Toyota Racing Development told Robin Miller of SpeedTV.com over the weekend.

Sources say Toyota informed the IRL it was not planning on doing any engine development next year, it's final one with the open-wheel series. Barnhart then approached Honda about the possibility of servicing and supplying all of its teams in 2006.

Penske Racing, one of Toyota's top teams, has already announced a switch to Honda power for 2006 while Chip Ganassi was widely expected to make the move to Honda as well.

Honda has already committed to supplying engines to the IRL through 2009 but it was planning on being the sole supplier starting in 2007. General Motors pulled out of the series at the end of the 2005 season.

Toyota is rumored to be ramping up its efforts to go NASCAR racing in 2007. It is currently competing in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Tara MacLeod and Central Merchant Services Team Featured at Performance Racing Industry Trade Show

Haines City, FL – Tara MacLeod, the 2005 CASCAR Super Series PowerWater Rookie of the Year Champion and her #37 Central Merchant Services Ford Taurus will be featured at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida December 1 to 3.


The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show annually attracts over 45,000 members of the racing industry from 40 countries. With more than 1,300 companies exhibiting in 3,900 booths it is the gateway to the worldwide racing marketplace.

“Wow, PRI is the world’s largest auto racing trade show,” explained MacLeod. “I’m really excited. Central Merchant Services has given Kerry (Micks) and me the opportunity to show off our equipment to the who’s who of motorsport.”

MacLeod's Ford Taurus racecar is prepared by Micks Motorsports of Mt. Albert, Ontario, under the leadership of Kerry Micks, veteran CASCAR Super Series competitor and this car can be viewed in the Central Merchant Services display.

"The PRI Show will give Central Merchant Services a perfect opportunity to introduce Tara, her race car and our corporate services to the racing fraternity,” stated Kevin Pankow, CEO and President of Central Merchant Services. "We are very proud of the team’s accomplishments in 2005.”

Central Merchant Services serves retail, home-based, mail order, phone order, internet, restaurant and other service-based businesses. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, debit and checks can all be accommodated with its credit card machines and software, offering competitive rates and reliable service.

The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show provides a professional business atmosphere where racing retailers, race engine builders, race car fabricators, race engineers and WDs can conduct business face to face with suppliers, preview next year’s hottest new racing products, make buying decisions, and have new lines in inventory for the start of the next racing season.

Under the team banner of MacLeod Racing, http://www.taramacleod.com/, 32-year old Tara MacLeod has been a strong competitor on the Ontario short-tracks for the past 10 years, with several awards to her credit.

She has always wanted to step up her racing career, and is very enthused about competing in the entire coast-to-coast 12-race CASCAR Super Series and 2005 marked her first year in CASCAR.

Central Merchant Services, http://www.centralmerchant.net/, has a nationwide network that works through its processing banks to provide merchant accounts for credit card processing needs. Central Merchant Services has become one of the most competitive companies in the industry.

Central Merchant Services serves retail, home-based, mail order, phone order, internet, restaurant and other service-based businesses. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, debit and checks can all be accommodated with its credit card machines and software, offering competitive rates and reliable service.

CASCAR, http://www.cascar.com/, is Canada's top level of stock car racing with a twelve race national schedule that includes the diversity of short oval tracks, road and street course racing. The series is home to Canada's top race teams and drivers, and is renowned for its fierce competition and truly exciting on-track action. CASCAR has a membership of over 150 race teams across the country, and also operates regional race series' in Eastern and Western Canada. Featuring North American-based, fiberglass-bodied Chrysler Intrepid and Charger, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Monte Carlos, and Pontiac Grand Prix cars that closely resemble the various makes street cars, these full-bodies racers tip the scales at 2850 pounds. From the streets of Molson Indy Toronto to Canada's premier oval track facilities, CASCAR provides race fans with an awesome show of speed, driving talent and professionalism.

MacLeod Racing is sponsored by Central Merchant Services, ATA Motorsports, Castrol Canada, Degil Safety Products Inc., FXR Racing, Instant Custom Signs, KP Graphics, RV Warehouse and The Trailer Shop in the CASCAR Super Series.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@TaraMacLeod.com

NASCAR Canada Inks Deals with Procter & Gamble and CGC Inc.

TORONTO (November 21, 2005) – NASCAR Canada today announced multi-year agreements with Procter & Gamble (P&G) and CGC Inc., making both companies Official Partners of NASCAR in Canada.

The three-year deal with P&G’s Old Spice brand provides category exclusivity for its deodorant, anti-perspirant, soap, cologne and body wash products, while the four-year sponsorship agreement with CGC Inc. makes CGC the official and exclusive building products supplier of NASCAR in Canada. Both P&G and CGC will use their affiliation with NASCAR in Canada in a variety of in-market initiatives, including a customized media campaign tailored around broadcasts of NASCAR races.

In addition, P&G will incorporate NASCAR imagery and logo on select Old Spice products, packaging and point of sale materials in Canada, and will also launch a limited edition deodorant product featuring NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series star Tony Stewart.

"We are thrilled to have Old Spice as the official NASCAR partner in the personal cleansing and anti-perspirant/deodorant categories," said Fiona Stevenson, Procter & Gamble Category Brand Manager for the personal cleansing and anti-perspirant/deodorant categories in Canada. "There is a very strong overlap between the Old Spice consumer base and the NASCAR Canadian fan base, which has paved the way for some exciting co-marketing activities that we will bring to market this year."

“CGC is excited about our relationship with NASCAR, the fastest growing sport in North America,” said Pat Lisson, Director of Marketing – Canada, CGC Inc. “NASCAR fans fit our demographic and customer profile very well and we view this as a great opportunity to build our brands and create awareness.”

These two agreements complement existing U.S. relationships. CGC’s parent company, USG Corporation, is also an official partner of NASCAR in the U.S. and the title sponsor of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series USG SHEETROCK® 400 race at Chicagoland Speedway in July.

“NASCAR Canada is thrilled to enter into long-term relationships with two best-in-class Canadian partners who will help promote and grow the sport,” said Randy Paul, Managing Director, NASCAR Canada. “These relationships showcase the power and relevancy of the NASCAR brand in Canada.”

NASCAR has a strong fan base in Canada with 5.8 million fans (one out of four Canadian adults). NASCAR is the No. 1 televised motorsport in Canada. TSN’s coverage of the 2005 Daytona 500 attracted a national average minute audience of 506,000 viewers*, making it the most watched motorsport race ever in TSN’s 21-year history.

Research shows that NASCAR fans are the most brand conscious among all professional sports fans. NASCAR fans are three times more likely to purchase the products of NASCAR sponsors compared to companies not involved in the sport.

About P&G:
P&G Beauty sells more than 130 different brands in over 180 countries worldwide that touch and improve lives daily. P&G Beauty had more than $19 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2004/05, making it one of the world’s largest beauty companies. The global leading beauty company at mass, P&G Beauty brands include: Old Spice®, Pantene®, Olay®, Cover Girl®, Infusium 23®, Max Factor®, Herbal Essences®, Crest Whitestrips®, Hugo Boss®, Wella®, Clairol Nice ’n Easy®, Gillette®, and Head and Shoulders®. Please visit http://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G Beauty and its brands.

About CGC Inc.:
CGC Inc. is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of gypsum wallboard products, interior finishing materials and suspended acoustical ceilings in Canada. We produce wallboard panels under the renowned SHEETROCK® Brand. Today, after decades of product development and market expansion, CGC is recognized as a key player in Canada's dynamic building materials industry, supplying innovative wall and ceiling products to the new construction and repair and remodel markets of the residential, commercial and institutional sectors. For more information about CGC Inc., visit the CGC website at www.cgcinc.com

About NASCAR Canada:
NASCAR Canada supports the continued growth of the NASCAR fan base and further extends the popular NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship and licensing opportunities, marketing initiatives, multi-platform media programs and grassroots projects. Established in June 2004, NASCAR Canada is a joint relationship between NASCAR and TSN, and is operated by TSN Events.

-30-

SHOULDICE ALSTAR: Changes for 2006

From the Shouldice ALSTAR Series:

The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Drivers meeting took place at the Blue Mountain Inn – Collingwood, Ontario, with a packed house. The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SERIES will take on a new look for 2006.

With recent developments the SHOULDICE ALSTAR RACING SERIES will not be touring as it traditionally has in the past. After contacting all participating tracks ALSTAR was unable to receive any commitments from the speedways.

With unprecedented sponsorship by SHOULDICE DESIGNER STONE of Shallow Lake, Ontario, and the backing of all top ALSTAR late model race teams. As well as series associate sponsors including – CRC, Quaker State, Rain-X, Spira Fire Protection, WIX, Five Star Stock Car Bodies, Hoosier Race Tires, and McColl Racing Enterprises - the 2006 SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SERIES will continue with a series of "Super Weekend Events."

These events will be sure to please our ALSTAR Race fans need for speed, as well as increase the number of competitors and competition in this already highly recognized series. Teams will be competing for far greater purses then ever before.

These "SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Super Series Weekend Events" will all take place Sauble Speedway home of the ALSTAR Series, located in Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada. This fan friendly racing facility will create three race experience weekends designed to entertain the race fan from the minute they get to the track. Including headline pre-race entertainment, autograph sessions, and tons of door handle to door handle SHOULDICE ALSTAR Super Series racing action.

Details of the SHOULDICE ALSTAR SERIES for 2006 will be released on http://www.alstarseries.com/ in the very near future.

We would like to thank all race teams that registered today. With today’s registrations we have already exceeded the number of drivers pre-registered at this time last year.

The Tradition Continues…

Just a Few Quotes from the meeting:

#38 Kirk Hooker – 2005 SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Champion - "I am going to defend my title!"

#82 Jason Shaw - "We have got a new car in the works, we plan on winning in 06"

Bob Sanders - SHOULDICE DESIGNER STONE - "I’m pumped, let's go to the next level!"

TONY STEWART: Nice to see

Great finish to the NASCAR season yesterday afternoon at Homestead.

Exciting race, an incredible finish and championship drama to the end. Brian France couldn't have scripted it any better. I guess he did script it, but that's another issue.

It was very nice to see Tony Stewart's reaction and that of his team to the championship. Sounds like the guy has had a lot of demons in his past, and now has them in check. From the sound of things, there was as much turmoil inside the team the last time they won the championship as it appeared there was from the outside.

I guess people mellow with age. I don't think Richard Petty will be heading to the banquet questioning Tony Stewart's ability to be a 'worthy' champion this time around, which is good for the sport. Congratulations to Tony Stewart and the HD team!

Mark Martin was close to winning the race and the championship (4th). Wouldn't it be something if he won next year, in the season in which he was supposed to be starting his retirement?

Finally, did anyone catch the post-qualifying story by Vic Rauter on TSN? It talked about Paul Tracy hoping to get into some Cup races in '06 and maybe full-time in '07. While Rauter was talking, the video was of a pit chat featuring Tracy, Roger Penske and an incognito-looking (hat, shades and without the NASCAR-issue beige chinos) Richard Buck. Buck is NASCAR's point-man in Canada. Buck used to work for Penske. Busy guy.