Deja vu all over again

Yesterday, we were joking in the office about putting together a map of all the tracks that were supposed to be built, but never were. The list is endless. Here is another potential addition to the list. Hot on the heels of the last proposed speedway down near Fort Erie...

Hat tip to Dana S. for the heads up on this story.


From the Buffalo News...

Canadian group plans NASCAR track on country club site
By JANICE L. HABUDA News Staff Reporter12/9/2005

With NASCAR officials talking about expanding into Canada, a group of Canadian investors and developers is looking to build a race track on what is now a Fort Erie golf course.

"We've been working at this for about 15 months," James Thibert, general manager of the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corp., said this week.

A group of investors has an option on an almost 1,000-acre site that includes the International Country Club in Stevensville, Thibert said. The proposed seven-eighths of a mile track would have seating for as many as 65,000 spectators.

"It's perfect because it's very close to the [Queen Elizabeth Way]. It's got entrance ramps to it [at Netherby Road]," Thibert said. "Not a lot of residential development around."

NASCAR ventured across the border earlier this year for a Busch Series race in Mexico City.

"I'd love to see us in Canada," driver Jeff Gordon later was quoted in an Associated Press report. "Staying in North America is extremely important. Canada seems like the next natural place."

Last year, NASCAR and TSN, a division of Bell Globalmedia, formed NASCAR Canada. A news release from TSN, which has been broadcasting NASCAR since the network was established more than 20 years ago, says NASCAR is the top-rated motor sport on Canadian television.

Businesses on both sides of the border would benefit from a track in Fort Erie, Thibert said.
Completion is projected for late 2008. "It's not that far away," Thibert said.

"We have to finalize the development of the team that puts this all together," he said. The bureaucratic process will follow designation of the principal developer.

But Thibert said he is confident the proposal will work, saying the question isn't "if" but how quickly.

CHRA to Mosport in 2006

Tampa, FL (December 8, 2005) CHRA (Continental Historic Racing Association) is excited to announce the second event on the organizations 2006 race schedule will be at Mosport International Raceway, in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. The dates for the new event are August 3-6, 2006.

This new event, the Mosport Historics, will be the first time a United States based historic racing organization will venture north of the border. “Mosport has more racing history than almost any other racing circuit in North America. Every major racing series has raced there, including: Can Am, F-1, Indy Cars, IMSA, ALMS, WSPC Group C, Trans Am, Formula Atlantic, F-5000, NASCAR and Super Bikes. To be included in with that group of racing series is an honor for a new organization such as ours.” said Tim Pendergast, Director of operations and Promotions for CHRA.

“Mosport oozes history. All of the greats have raced there: McLaren, Stewart, Moss, Foyt, Hulme, Holbert, Revson, Kristensen, Andretti and Unser in cars from Tyrell, Porsche, Ferrari, March, Lola, McLaren, Brabham, Lotus and Jaguar, to name but a few. Putting on an event at Mosport is a wonderful opportunity for CHRA and our competitors. We are excited at the prospect of what this event can become and look forward to bringing back a number of historic cars the Mosport fans have not had an opportunity to see since they raced here originally.” noted Pendergast.

“Next season is Mosport’s 45th anniversary, so we’re thrilled to be adding a major historic race event weekend to our schedule to help celebrate this milestone,” said Myles Brandt, Mosport’s President and General Manager. “Historic racing has a strong following at Mosport. As Canada’s Home of Motorsports, we’re looking forward to hosting the CHRA’s first-ever Canadian event and staging a memorable race weekend for our fans.”

The Mosport Historics will be a four day vintage/historic racing event. Thursday, August 3rd, will be a test day, with practice on Friday, qualifying and enduro races on Saturday and the feature trophy races will be on Sunday, August 6th. As of this writing, the feature for the weekend is still being finalized, though an announcement is expected soon. CHRA and Mosport are working together to bring a feature that will be exciting for the fans and competitors, as well as being historically significant to the track.

CHRA (Continental Historic Racing Association) is a new historic race sanctioning body. The focus is to professionally manage and promote safe and competitive historic racing events at historically significant racing circuits in the eastern United States and Canada. The cars that compete with CHRA include those that competed in both amateur and professional races prior to January 1, 2000 and include cars from: IMSA GTP and WSC, Trans Am, CART, IMSA GT, Group C, FIA, Can Am, NASCAR, F-1, F-5000 and Formula Atlantic, as well as many forms of amateur racing in the 1950’s and 1960’s

ALSTAR: Schedule and News released

SAUBLE BEACH, ON - President of the ALSTAR Series Joe Chisholm is extremely pleased to release the 2006 SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Racing Series Schedule and Format for this exciting upcoming season.

SHOULDICE ALSTAR Series Competitors will compete for over $100,000.00 dollars in 3 super weekend events, as well as a $10,000.00 Points Fund.

The new format for 2006 will kick off at Steelback Sauble Speedway on Saturday May 20th, for the "MacDonnell Fuels Twin 50 Qualifiers", Cars that qualify through these races will advance to Sunday May 21st/06 for the "SHOULDICE Q Stone 100"

The Series 2nd Visit to Steelback Sauble Speedway will be on Sat. Aug. 5th/06 to compete in the "TIM-BR Mart Wiarton Twin 50 Qualifiers" advancing to Sunday Aug 6th/06 for the "Quaker State 100."

SHOULDICE ALSTAR Series Championship Weekend will start on Saturday Sept 2nd/06 with the "STEELBACK Twin 50 Qualifiers", and advancing drivers will compete in the "STEELBACK 100" on Sunday September 3rd/06 to decide the "2006 SHOULDICE ALSTAR SUPER SERIES CHAMPION"

While drivers in the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Racing Series will be competing for unprecedented pay outs, the chase for the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Championship will be the competitors ultimate goal.

The Awards Presentation to honor the Series Top 15 drivers in points will be held at Steelback Sauble Speedway on Monday Sept 5th/06, all are welcome to attend.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank SHOULDICE Designer Stone for their outstanding continued support, and also thank MacDonnell Fuels, TIM-BR Mart Wiarton, Quaker State Canada, and Steelback Brewery for their sponsorship as well as all contingency sponsors, and special award sponsors.

2006 promises to be an an edge of your seat race season for all of the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Race Fans, Series Competitors, and Sponsors.

- From the Shouldice Stone ALSTAR Series

NASCAR: New TV deal

NASCAR Completes Eight Year Television Deals with FOX, Turner Broadcasting, ABC/ESPN

Daytona Beach, Fla. (Dec. 7, 2005) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the completion of comprehensive broadcast agreements that will benefit the industry and its fans for years to come. Under the new eight year agreements NASCAR races will be broadcast on a combination of networks that includes FOX, SPEED, Turner’s TNT and ABC/ESPN beginning in 2007.

“NASCAR’s new network agreements mark a historic moment for the entire NASCAR community,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “This is a major accomplishment for the NASCAR drivers, teams and track operators that have made this sport what it is today. It represents a significant reward for the competitive side-by-side racing our fans have come to expect. It also validates the marketing and production enhancements our current media partners have brought to the sport.

“The new broadcast partnership is also good for the fans because they will have so much more NASCAR content from a variety of media and new media sources,” said France.

“NASCAR is proud to continue its relationship with FOX, SPEED and TNT, while welcoming back ABC/ESPN into the family of broadcasters,” said NASCAR Vice President Dick Glover. “By signing deals with three of the largest and best media companies in the world, NASCAR will meet the growing nationwide fan demand for more NASCAR content into the next decade,” Glover said.

NASCAR expands its relationship with News Corp as FOX becomes the official home of the Daytona 500. FOX’s broadcast agreements for the NFL Playoffs, the Super Bowl, the Bowl Championship Series and American Idol provide an excellent opportunity for cross promotion around the Daytona 500 held each year in mid-February. The deal also includes a brand-new comprehensive multi-media distribution program which includes Internet, wireless and broadband platforms.

“FOX is extremely excited to extend its relationship with NASCAR for another eight years, and come 2007 be known as the official television home of the Daytona 500, by far the most watched auto race in this country,” said FOX Sports President Ed Goren. “Our production team has done an amazing job over the last five years to put NASCAR broadcasts on par with America's most popular sports, and we look forward to pushing the production envelope further as we move forward.”

SPEED will increase NASCAR programming as the continuing exclusive home for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as well as the new home for the Gatorade Duels, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series All-Star Challenge.

“This new television package solidifies the evolution of NASCAR TV on SPEED,” said Hunter Nickell, SPEED executive vice president and general manager. “Building on our signature Daytona Speedweeks coverage, the viewership growth of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since moving to SPEED and the success of popular SPEED programs like NASCAR This Morning, Trackside and Inside NEXTEL Cup, the network is excited to have the opportunity to elevate fan-favorite events, including the Gatorade Duels, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series All-Star Challenge.”

NASCAR looks forward to continued great exposure and coverage of the sport from TNT, which will be entering its 22nd year with NASCAR, the longest continuous relationship of any media company with the sport. TNT will broadcast six consecutive races in the middle of the season including the July 4th weekend extravaganza, the Pepsi 400 from Daytona.

“Extending our 20 plus year partnership with NASCAR has been a priority for our company for a long time, and we’re looking forward to airing NEXTEL Cup races on TNT well into the next decade,” said David Levy, president of Turner Sports. “Our expertise in marketing, promotion and production combined with our new schedule will provide benefits to viewers, cable operators and to the entire sport of NASCAR.”

ABC and ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of NASCAR on their numerous outlets. The final 17 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN with the last 10, the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, on ABC. All NASCAR Busch Series races will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN 2. In addition, ESPN will bring NASCAR coverage to its full suite of media including its cable TV networks, ESPN360, Mobile ESPN, ESPN.com and affiliated international networks throughout the world.

“This agreement totally embraces NASCAR’s multimedia future,” said George Bodenheimer, ESPN Inc. and ABC Sports president and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks. “NASCAR is a strong and growing property, and the ESPN of the 21st century – an array of new media platforms and content outlets reaching fans wherever and however they consume sports – will take the sport to even higher levels of exposure and growth.

“ABC Sports first exposed sports fans to the racing excitement of NASCAR in the 1960s, and ESPN and the sport grew up together in the 1980s and ‘90s. Our tradition is rich, and our future is bright. To NASCAR, its drivers and fans we say, ‘Welcome back.”
“NASCAR thanks NBC for its stellar coverage and commitment to the sport for the past five years and looks forward to another great year in 2006,” Glover concluded.

About the agreements:

• Beginning in 2007, each NASCAR season will be launched on FOX with the telecast of the Daytona 500. FOX will also carry NASCAR “Speedweeks” events including the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona Pole Qualifying. FOX will also broadcast the 12 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races following the Daytona 500.
• TNT will broadcast six consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races (races 14 through 19).
• The final 17 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points races will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN. The final 10 races, the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, will be broadcast on ABC. The NASCAR Busch Series will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN 2, with no less than four events on ABC.
• SPEED will be home to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the exception of two events, which will be broadcast by FOX.
• NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying practice and “happy hours” will be broadcast on a combination of SPEED Channel, ESPN and ESPN2.
• SPEED will broadcast the Gatorade Duels held each year during “Speedweeks” to determine part of the Daytona 500 starting order.
• SPEED will also broadcast the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series All-Star Challenge and its companion all-star event, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge.
• ESPN will launch specially NASCAR-branded news and information programming.
• All broadcast partners will have new interactive rights, special “season preview” and “season end review” programming rights and other ancillary content.
• NASCAR fans will be able to receive NASCAR coverage from an expanded range of outlets including highlights and live streaming, content from and on each network’s Web pages, datacasts and newly-developed multimedia programming.

Ottodrome Ottawa to reopen as Capital City Speedway in 2006

As of 6:30 pm. Monday, December 5th, a deal has been finalized between the Drummond group of companies and Mr. Arnie Malcolm. "Capital City Speedway" will be tentatively reopening May 10th, 2006 at 7:30 pm. for it's first race night with many to follow. We're having a driver's meeting Wednesday, December 14th at 7:30 pm. at the Talisman on Carling Ave. This is a must-meeting for all to review classes, exchange ideas and suggestions.
So please, get the word out... your input is as important as ours is.

From Arnie Malcolm:

Hey Guys: We are all pretty exited about the agreement that was reached this week for the rental of the property formerly known as Ottodrome. First of all we would like to thank the Drummond group of companies for making this possible, and in particular Scott Drummond who worked very hard to put this deal together. We believe it is very important to be up front with everyone and to let you know that at this time all of our efforts at Capital City Speedway will be concentrated on stock car racing. We will continue with the ongoing improvements at Luskville Dragway in an effort to make it a better place for everyone each and every year. We are currently working on a new web site for the speedway, www.capitalcityspeedway.ca and should have it up and running very soon. We are also holding a meeting for all those intereseted in the future of stock car racing in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. We realize that this may not be what everyone wants to hear, but we also realize no matter what the decision is, there would still be people that disagree with it.
And Buzz you can call me anything you want, as long as you're calling me it at the race track. By the way Buzz, want to take some Pics on Wednesday nights?

Arnie Malcolm, Family and all of team ADM Motorsports
_________________________________________

Lets hope he can pull this Ottawa track out of the beating it has taken over the past few years.

Greasemonkey.

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY RELEASES 2006 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

DELAWARE, ON - Delaware Speedway has released its 2006 tentative event dates. The schedule features a variety of racing, centered around the track’s six divisions, the Cintas NASCAR Late Models, POWERADE® Modifieds, Kendall Motor Oil Street Stocks, Challenger Motor Freight Trucks, APC Enduros and the Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League. Several special events are also on tap for 2006, including the much-anticipated return of the I.S.M.A. Super Modifieds on September 29, 2006.

In the first event of the season, Jeff Coward of Komoka will begin defense of the first-ever APC Enduro championship at Delaware Speedway. An APC Enduro event on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. will be the first racing of the season.

Opening day for the weekly divisions is set for Saturday afternoon, April 29, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. That day will feature the return of the Cintas NASCAR Late Models, who represent Delaware Speedway in both the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series and the Lucas Oil Weekend Warrior Series. Pete Vanderwyst of St. Thomas is the defending Delaware Speedway track champion while Scott Lindsay of St. Marys took the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series crown for the second-straight season.

Also running on Opening Day will be the POWERADE Modifieds and Challenger Motor Freight Trucks. Jamie Cox of Dorchester has won six-consecutive POWERADE Modified championship. Darrell Limon of Watford is the defending Challenger Motor Freight Truck division champion.

The Kendall Motor Oil Street Stocks will begin their season the following week, May 5, the first Friday night of the season. Dan Monaghan of Windsor is the defending Kendall Motor Oil Street Stock champion.

The weekly divisions will again serve as the backbone of the racing program at Delaware Speedway, with many fun and exciting race formats and promotions planned throughout the year.

The Cintas NASCAR Late Models are scheduled to run the largest variety of different races, including “Twin 55’s” (to mark the track’s 55th anniversary) on Friday, May 19; The “PartSource 139” (to mark Canada’s 139th birthday) on Friday, June 30; “Twin 75’s” on Friday, July 21; and the “Triple 50’s” to start the Great Canadian Race Weekend on Friday, September 1. Other different formats and special payouts may be put into play upon confirmation of additional sponsorships and plans of other race tracks in 2006.

The POWERADE Modified division will be showcased with an Invitational race on Friday, June 9, alongside the Auto Value Super Sprints. The Modifieds will also end their season by running the same night the I.S.M.A. Super Modifieds are in town, September 29.

The second annual Kendall Motor Oil Street Stock Showdown will take place on Friday, July 7. The same format for that race will be extended to the Challenger Motor Freight Truck division for the Truck “Challenge” on Friday, August 4 when the ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck Series is at the track.

The second annual APC Enduro All-Star race will again highlight the second day of the three-day Great Canadian Race Weekend, on September 2.

The Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League (for kids ages 8 to 17 years) will begin its 2006 Wednesday night racing on June 7, 2006. Marc Jacobs of London will return as the Junior Division champion. Andrew Gillen of London graduated from the program as the Senior Division champion in 2005.
CANUSA Eliminator races for weekly events will be confirmed shortly and announced separately.

Among the special events, Delaware Speedway is again planning to build on the tradition its CASCAR Super Series races on the Victoria Day Weekend in May and the Labour Day Weekend in September. The CASCAR events are still tentative and should be confirmed early in the New Year.

Groups returning to Delaware Speedway in 2005 include the Auto Value Super Sprints (June 9), Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds (June 30) and the ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck Series (August 4). The ISMA Super Modifieds are returning to Delaware for the first time in over 20 years on Friday, September 29, 2006.

2006 Season Passes are now on sale. Other ticket packages, including advanced tickets for the ISMA Super Modified race and a “Six Pack” of tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.delawarespeedway.com/. ISMA advanced tickets and “Six Packs” are also available at the PartSource store at 618 Wharncliffe Road in London.

For more information contact: Kevin Bulmer, Delaware Speedway, (519) 652-5068 ext. 202 or kevin@delawarespeedway.com

F1: Williams drops plans for rival series (TSN)

Having lost his manufacturer backing, Frank Williams has decided it is better to do business with the devil he knows rather than the one he doesn't.

Williams F1 have become the latest team to sign on with the existing Formula One structure beyond 2008.

Williams called his decision "an important step towards protecting against a divisive split" which would undermine the sport of Formula One.

"WilliamsF1 has agreed to become a signatory to the new Concorde Agreement after confirming that the commercial rights holder, FOM (Formula One Management), had agreed to an improved distribution of commercial revenues among participating teams," read a statement released by the team. "In addition, significant progress had been made in securing important undertakings from the sport's governing body, the FIA, which will underpin the successful long term governance of Formula One."

Williams called on the other F1 teams to put the issue of a breakaway series behind them and work together with the current group to solidify and grow the sport.

... continued at link above...

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK: Bill Gaston

Farewell to a Driver...

The racing family has lost a veteran, friend and fellow competitor. Bill Gaston - driver of the 03 Canadian Modified- will be missed by his fellow drivers, Brighton Speedway Park management, staff and fans.

His colourful personality and long time dedication to dirt track racing reminds us all of why we do the things we do... maybe not because we are the best, but because we love it!!!

You and I will meet again
When we're least expecting it
One day in some far off place
I will recognize your face
I won't say goodbye my friend
For you and I will meet again

~Tom Petty

From Brighton Speedway Park

CUP: FINLEY TO HEAD UP NAPA RACING TEAM

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2005) – Following up on last week’s news regarding its recent changes to the No. 22 CAT Racing team, Bill Davis Racing released more details Tuesday about its 2006 plans for the No. 55 car, confirming Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip and the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS crew.

Along with Finley, the majority of the crew members who worked on the No. 22 car this 2005 season will move to the No. 55 team.

“Derrick has done a good job with the No. 22 car this year. Putting him and his experienced group of guys with Michael is going to make the entire transition back into a two-car team easier for all of us,” said Bill Davis, team owner and president of Bill Davis Racing. “Derrick is a very intelligent individual and a hard worker. I am confident he, Michael and the rest of the guys have what it takes to get the No. 55 NAPA car up front.”

Earlier this year, BDR entered into a partnership with Waltrip and NAPA AUTO PARTS to field a second team in 2006. Davis announced last Thursday Dave Blaney had returned to his racing organization to drive the No. 22 Caterpillar car in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, with Kevin Hamlin joining him as crew chief. Next season will be the first time since 2003 that Davis has fielded two full-time NASCAR Nextel Cup teams.

“I’m really looking forward to having two teams. Having Blaney and Hamlin’s input is going to be valuable. I’ve known Hamlin for a long time. We’ll work well together,” Finley said. “It’s a big help to be able to take most of my guys with me. We’ll have our core group together with a new driver, which should help speed everything up as far as comfort level for all of us.”

An Albuquerque, N.M., native, Finley graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. He was hired right out of college by the legendary racer Dale Earnhardt to become the first engineer employed at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI).

Finley came on board at BDR in 2003 to serve as team engineer, and then assumed crew chief duties for the No. 22 in late 2004.

“Obviously, it’s real exciting to get to work with Michael. I worked with his brother [Darrell Waltrip] at DEI and had some great success in a short amount of time with him. We expect to have the same success with Michael.”

From Contact: Angie Copen // Bill Davis Racing

NEW WEBSITES: HONEYWELL CPG BRANDS

Honeywell CPG brands FRAM®, Prestone®, and Autolite® are pleased to announce the launch of their all-new consumer web sites.

These dynamic sites are innovative in not only their design, but also in the way in which they inform, entertain and assist our consumers in selecting the best CPG products for their vehicle and lifestyle.

In addition to showcasing our premium products, these sites will also engage consumers with helpful tools, such as a maintenance calendar and helpful installation how-to videos and tips.


Additionally, these sites have enhanced features to promote consumer awareness regarding the importance of continual vehicle maintenance. Be sure to visit these sites often for product information and updates!

Middle East beckons McIntosh

Vancouver, Canada (December 06, 2005) – Having sampled tests in GP2 and World Series by Renault cars in the past two weeks, Sean McIntosh returns to his Team Canada racer this weekend, 9th-11th December, as the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations hits the halfway stage with Round 6 hosted at the 5.39km Dubai Autodrome in the United Arab Emirates.

A1 Grand Prix’s first visit to the Middle East also marks something of a homecoming for the championship as it was in Dubai in March 2004, at the opening of the state-of-the-art Autodrome, that series founder Sheikh Maktoum first unveiled his plans for an international motorsport formula pitting nation against nation throughout the traditional ‘off-season’. That dream is now a reality with the series already visiting the UK, Germany, Portugal, Malaysia and Australia before Sunday’s spectacular in Dubai.

For Team Canada’s Sean McIntosh this weekend’s Sprint and Feature races offer an opportunity for the 20-year-old from Vancouver to learn yet another new circuit while adding to his record of five top-ten starts and five top-ten finishes, including Canada’s first A1GP podium in the Feature race at the EuroSpeedway in Germany.

"I can’t wait to get back into the Team Canada car in Dubai," McIntosh enthused. "Our last race in Malaysia feels like a long time ago and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to get back behind the wheel and continue to demonstrate the pace we were showing last month. It was great to come back to Europe and test the GP2 and World Series by Renault cars but my focus is set firmly on improving Team Canada’s standing in the A1 series."

He continued, "I’m looking forward to learning the track during Friday’s practice sessions. The conditions will no doubt change as the weekend progresses and the sand, I’m sure, will be an ever-present factor. That will be the same for everyone though; our goal this weekend simply has to be to put together a complete package with two quick qualifying runs on Saturday and two points scoring races on Sunday. I’m confident we can achieve this and put Team Canada back into the top-ten heading into the second half of the season."

Team Canada currently sits just outside the top-ten in the Nations Standings in 11th place on 20 points. Team France leads the 25-strong field of nations with 92 points courtesy of eight consecutive victories. Sunday’s races can be viewed live or on-demand in Canada by logging on to: www.a1gp.com

By Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Joel Robinson says....

.... Watch the 2005 CASCAR YEAR-IN-REVIEW program on SPORTSNET Saturday December 10th

EAST Saturday Dec 10 @ 4:00PM EST
Monday 12 @ 7:00PM EST
Thursday 15 @ 3:00PM EST

ONTARIO Saturday 10 @ 3:00PM EST
Monday 12 @ 2:00PM EST
Wednesday 14 @ 1:00PM EST

WEST Saturday 10 @ 12:30PM MST
Thursday 15 @ 3:00PM MST
Monday 19 @ 1:00PM MST

PACIFIC Saturday 10 @ 4:00PM PST

BROWN SATISFIED WITH PAST YEAR’S PERFORMANCE: Highly Optimistic For Further Improvements In 2006

By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media relations, Brown Auto Racing

Doug Brown and his NAPA Autopro team came a long way in 2005 finishing eleventh in the final CASCAR Super Series standings.

With eight top-10 finishes in the 12-event/ 14-race series, he’s already looking forward to the 2006 season, quietly optimistic a 10th-place or better finish in the national series standings is an attainable goal.

“When we ended sixteenth in the 2004 standings (skipping three events in Western Canada) we felt we were far batter than the final results showed,” Doug recounted. “ Even with the success we had, we feel the same way about this past season.”

“We dug ourselves into a deep hole to begin this season with DNFs in two of the first three races,” the veteran competitor grimaced in reviewing the early season results. “If we hadn’t had those problems and an electrical malfunction in Barrie on Canada Day, we could have had a legitimate shot at tenth place or better. But there are some other drivers who undoubtedly feel the same way about their final results.”

“On the plus side of the ledger, a change in our team’s engine builder, the addition of Wahta Springs Water as a major associate sponsor and a timely co-operative venture with DJ Kennington following the Molson Indy weekend event in Toronto enabled us to finally make the trip to Western Canada where we earned two seventh-place finishes and solid runs in the other events.”

“Those factors were key to this year’s improved performance,” Doug emphasized in reviewing the season.

What’s in store for the team in 2006?

The big news the #10 team is waiting for is the same every team in our Series is likewise hoping for…confirmation regarding the sale of CASCAR to NASCAR.

“We’ve got some definite major plans in the works and some new businesses interested in our programs but a lot is contingent on the NASCAR/CASCAR deal getting done,” Doug answered. “Regardless, we plan to release some news on our programs early in the New Year.”

With 2005 now winding down and 2006 rapidly approaching, our entire team take this time to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season.

Brown Auto Racing wishes to acknowledge and thank our Title Sponsors NAPA/Autopro; our Major Associate Sponsors Valvoline Canada and Wahta Springs Water; and our Associate Sponsors- NAPA Brake and Chassis, Bicknell Racing Product, World of Graphics, HurryPrint Imaging Centre, WIX Filter; Jebbo's Electronics Warehouse, KWIC Internet, Gates Canada, BOC Gases, Advance Printing, Brochures etc., ACE Transmissions, and Clearshop Custom for their contributions to our 2005 sponsorship/marketing team.

"Dirt from the Stands" A Prairie Dirt Christmas (2005)

By Greg Cybulski

Well race fans, here I sit in my comfortable chair with my favorite glass of holiday cheer, taking in the sweet musical stylings of Manitoba jazz pianist Michelle Gregoire's CD, "Reaching". Yes, ol' NOSAfan's taste goes much deeper than dirt. Jazz music is as much a part of me as dirt track racing.

What's the connection? Michelle Gregoire's brother is local racer Dan Gregoire. Having said that, "Support Your Local Outlaws" has applied to many aspects of my life.

You can find Michelle Gregoire's website at http://www.michellegregoire.com

With your kind permission and patience, I would like to give you a little inside look at my life in and out of dirt track racing.

My wife Heather and I are Sunday school teachers and one Sunday in early November, the lesson for our class was about talents. The theme was how God gives everyone a special talent and how it is up to each one of us to use that talent to share with others. The more we got into the lesson with the children, the more I realized that what I am doing right now by writing is indeed a special talent to be shared with people.

In 2001, my ride began with the creation of a small website simply called NOSAfan's Website. For whatever reason, I decided it would fun to write some of my race experiences down on the homepage. The writings were short and sweet but it was enough to catch the eye of fellow Winnipeg webmaster Don McAuley of SprintsNMidgets. Don asked me if I would be interested in writing a periodic racing column for him. I agreed and the rest as they say is history. Eventually I got a few more requests for my column and "Dirt from the Stands" became part of the scenery on racing websites from all over North America.

In 2003, I came to a crossroad of sorts as I decided to give my website a new direction and purpose. On March 17, 2003 the website's name was changed from NOSAfan's website to Prairie Dirt. I wanted to give myself and the website it's own identity. "Prairie Dirt" not only represents racing on the prairies but is also a reflection of who I am as a person. I was born and raised on the prairies of Manitoba and ultimately I will most likely leave this world as a Manitoban. To me, "Dirt" is symbolic of my love of the great outdoors and prairie life, my mortality and my Christian faith.

2003 had a big impact on my life. In the spring of that year, my mother-in-law passed away suddenly and following a very frustrating summer, my family and I were about ready to burst. Heather and I agreed that the summer had to end on a good note, so we decided to travel to Knoxville and Huset's Speedway to take in a weekend of Sprint Car racing and visit with friends.

On our way back to Sioux Falls, I had made arrangements to meet with Hot Rod Pattison and be part of his pre-race radio show from Huset's Speedway.

During my interview, Hot Rod asked me if NOSA raced up in Winnipeg and I awkwardly told him, "No". I offered a brief explanation as to why they were not racing there and I added that hopefully with time, they would come up and race at Victory Lane Speedway again one day.

One month to the day of that interview, I received an email from Estevan Motor Speedway board member Darcy Walker. Estevan was kicking around the idea of hosting a sprint car show in 2004. He wanted to know what I thought. Well, what I thought ended up turning into organizing a sprint car show in Estevan, Saskatchewan. I put my writing to the test with press releases, emails, and columns all aimed at one date, August 14, 2004. The experience left me emotionally drained but feeling very satisfied about what I had accomplished.

In November of 2004, I had resolved to take a year off from writing so I could turn my attentions to other aspects of my life. Within one week of that decision, I was contacted by Guy Budel of Victory Lane Speedway and the cycle began again. Some of my efforts have been very successful while others have failed, but that has never stopped me from trying my best.

Let me say here and now, I didn't go looking for any of these opportunities in my life. None of this is about notoriety, monetary gain or ego. I have no personal ties or interests with anyone involved with racing. Everything I've done so far with regards to racing has always been and will always continue to be about one thing and one thing only...

God has given me the gift of communicating with the written word. I do not know where this journey will ultimately lead me, but I do know that it is not over yet. I have faith that He will guide me every step of the way.

The one thing I do know to be true is that I have made many good friends along the way.

On behalf of the Cybulski family, I would like to wish you all good health and joyful hearts through the holiday season and in 2006.

Merry Christmas

WPSA News: PowerSports Snowmobile Tour Set To Round the Bases in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Dec. 2, 2005) — The PowerSports Snowmobile Tour will stage the seventh round of its 2005-2006 championship at CanWest Global Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ticket prices for the Winnipeg Snocross were announced today.

The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, 2006 at the CanWest Global Park, home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club. The announcement was made by Tour Race Director and Winnipeg resident Blair Bodley, as well as Goldeyes CFO Jason McRae-King. Jamie Anseeuw, team manager for multiple-time PowerSports Snowmobile Tour champion Blair Morgan Racing Team, also participated.

Tickets will start at $15 for a one-day, Saturday-only pass, and a Sunday-only pass is $25. Two-day weekend adult passes are $35, while a family two-day ticket (two adults and two children) is just $99. Pit passes can be purchased for $10 per day. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (204-780-3333) or visit http://www.wpsaracing.com/ for more information.

Though the Tour competed here last season, this year’s event is the first at CanWest Global Park, which is situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

“We’re pleased to return to Winnipeg this season and we’re looking forward to racing at CanWest Global Park,” said PowerSports Entertainment CEO Rick Murphy. “Winnipeg is a vibrant city and represents a key Canadian market. We’re expecting this to be a marquee event on the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour.”

“We’re excited to welcome the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour to our beautiful ballpark,” said McRae-King. “Snowmobiling is an important part of the local recreation scene and the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour is the pinnacle of snowmobile racing. We’re also pleased this event will help showcase CanWest Global Park as a year-round facility. This should be an exciting event for our fans, our city and the racers alike.”

About the PowerSports Snowmobile TourThe PowerSports Snowmobile Tour is North America’s leading snowmobile racing tour. The Tour is North America’s premier form of Snocross racing, with its high-flying aerial displays, jumps, jolts and high-speed runs on short tracks throughout the United States and Canada. The Tour is sanctioned by the World PowerSports Association, North America’s largest and most respected organizer and promoter of snowmobile racing on both the regional and national level.

About the Winnipeg GoldeyesMembers of the Northern League since 1994, the Winnipeg Goldeyes welcomed 322,758 fans to CanWest Global Park in 2005, an average of 6,867 per game to lead all 56 teams in the six independent leagues. Additionally, it was the sixth straight year the club led the league in attendance and marked the fourth consecutive year where attendance eclipsed the 300,000 mark, a feat unmatched by any other Northern League team.

CONTACTS: Justin Anderson, WPSAPhone: 704-589-2100
Jason McRae-King, Winnipeg GoldeyesPhone: 204-956-3216

F1 rear wing design voted down

FIA proposed F1 wing

















FIA proposed F1 wing
TSN.ca Staff
12/2/2005 11:02:34 AM
Formula One technical directors have voted against introducing the radical new rear wing design in time for the 2007 season.
According to autosport.com, no one on the Technical Working Group voted to support the proposal submitted by FIA back in October.
It's believed that while the concept did receive some positive remarks, there are still too many unanswered questions and development work which needs to be done before team officials are confident the design will work to achieve the necessary effects.
Newly hired Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey is said to have worked closely with FIA on the design of the Centreline Downwash Generating Wing.
Prior to the meeting, Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds cautioned that a no vote would not necessarily mean the death knell for the proposal.


"It is very radical and there is an awful lot to explore," he tells autosport.com. "That certainly does not mean that it is not the way for 2008."
Symonds added he would not be surprised to see the Technical Working Group reverse its decision on the CDG wing midway through next year.
At least eight of the 10 teams need to vote in favour of the plan in order for it to be approved.
FIA president Max Mosley unveiled the CDG concept in late October, as part of new rules aimed at improving overtaking and the overall spectacle of F1 racing.
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So, common sense prevails after all. Maybe there is hope yet.
Greasemonkey.