Dr. Phil's Ferrari & Porsche are set to go up for sale.
Friday, March 03, 2006
CASCAR Schedules - 2006
Here are the 2006 CASCAR schedules for the Super Series, Sportsman Series and Western Series.
CASCAR
2006 SUPER SERIES SCHEDULE
May 20, 21 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
June 10 Autodrome Ste. Eustache // Ste. Eustache, QC
June 17, 18 Mosport International Raceway (road course) // Bowmanville, ON
July 1, 2 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix Edmonton // Edmonton, AB
August 4, 5, 6 Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres // Trois-Rivieres, QC
August 12 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
August 25, 26, 27 TBA
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON
2006 SPORTSMAN SERIES SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
June 17 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
July 1 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
TBA Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON
NOTE: A sixth date to complete the schedule remains under negotiations.
2006 WESTERN SERIES SCHEDULE
May 20, 21 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
June 10 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway *National Event* // Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix of Edmonton *National Event* // Edmonton, AB
August 5 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK
August 19 Edmonton International Raceway // Wetaskiwin, AB
September 2, 3 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
September 23 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK
NOTE: National Events count for Western Series points.
CASCAR
2006 SUPER SERIES SCHEDULE
May 20, 21 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
June 10 Autodrome Ste. Eustache // Ste. Eustache, QC
June 17, 18 Mosport International Raceway (road course) // Bowmanville, ON
July 1, 2 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix Edmonton // Edmonton, AB
August 4, 5, 6 Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres // Trois-Rivieres, QC
August 12 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
August 25, 26, 27 TBA
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON
2006 SPORTSMAN SERIES SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
June 17 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
July 1 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
TBA Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON
NOTE: A sixth date to complete the schedule remains under negotiations.
2006 WESTERN SERIES SCHEDULE
May 20, 21 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
June 10 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway *National Event* // Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix of Edmonton *National Event* // Edmonton, AB
August 5 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK
August 19 Edmonton International Raceway // Wetaskiwin, AB
September 2, 3 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
September 23 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK
NOTE: National Events count for Western Series points.
Lucas Oil Repeats Support for Brighton Speedway
Lucas Oil Products announced recently that they will once again be strong supporters of Canadian Motor sports by sponsoring the Brighton Speedway Points Fund.
(PHOTO: Tim Bradley (#31) of Brighton celebrates his 2005 Canadian Modified Championship after accepting the largest end of season payout for a champion at Brighton Speedway Park, thanks to the support of Lucas Oil Canada.)
This repeat contribution is just one of many generous ventures in sponsoring grass roots racing and will be greatly appreciated by the Brighton Speedway and their drivers. Brighton Speedway has experienced tremendous growth in all of its classes and special events and this sponsorship along with the funds that are raised through out the season, will rebuild the appreciated points fund purse that pleased drivers with the largest purse ever at the end of the 2005 season.
"Points funds are important to both the drivers and the speedway" says Mark Rinaldi, Promoter of the Brighton Speedway. "Points funds are used to increase the champions’ winnings of each class at the end of the season, creating a more dynamic and exciting purpose to racing. It encourages drivers to show up every week and race not only for the single race checker but to battle for every point they can get en route to the ultimate goal of a championship."
Don Baker, Lucas Oil Products Director stated in his recent correspondence, “Once again we are pleased to lend our support to what is arguably some of the best Grass Roots Racing Eastern Ontario has to offer. We will be supporting both weekly racing and the "Labor Day Classic Weekend" one of the highlights of Brighton Speedway's Schedule. On behalf of myself and all of us at Lucas Oil Products Canada I wish everyone a safe and exciting Race Season at Brighton Speedway.”
Lucas Oil has decided that an investment in the Brighton Speedway provides them an excellent opportunity to promote their product to the loyal fan base and supportive drivers of this dirt racetrack. Their sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Driver’s Points Fund combined with their third sponsorship of the biggest and most exciting weekend in Ontario motor sports, the Labour Day Classic Weekend, gives them exposure to a vast fan and driver base from all across Ontario and Upper New York State. Brighton Speedway Park encourages drivers, fans and race supporters to visit the Lucas Oil website at http://www.lucasoil.ca/ to find out more about their quality automotive supplies.
Sunset Speedway
From SunsetSpeedway.ca
STROUD, ON – Longtime Sunset Speedway and Thunder Car fan Dan Maracle passed away at his home on Sunday, February 26th. Dan leaves behind Richard (6), Echo (3) and born on February 27th, the day after Dan's passing, Charity. Dan also leaves behind Viola, Desiree, family and many friends - our heart felt condolences go out to his family.
STROUD, ON – Longtime Sunset Speedway and Thunder Car fan Dan Maracle passed away at his home on Sunday, February 26th. Dan leaves behind Richard (6), Echo (3) and born on February 27th, the day after Dan's passing, Charity. Dan also leaves behind Viola, Desiree, family and many friends - our heart felt condolences go out to his family.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Yokohama Named Official Tire at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Courtesy Michael F. Hollander
FULLERTON, Calif. -- (Feb. 27, 2006) Yokohama Tire Corp. today announced that it will become the Official Tire of the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the next three years and during several prestigious racing events that include the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, U.S. Sports Car Invitational, and Monterey Sports Car Championships, which will host an American Le Mans Series race. The pact was inked with the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula, which oversees the raceway's operation.
"Motorsports is an integral part of our marketing strategy," said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president, Business Division, "and our affiliation with Mazda Raceway presents us with several new opportunities to showcase Yokohama and our ultra-high-performance ADVAN tire line. Our presence at Mazda Raceway will be visible on the Yokohama Tire bridge as well as with signage around the historic track in the hills above Monterey."
The traditional spring U. S. Sports Car Invitational provides west coast fans with the chance to see Daytona Prototypes and GT cars of the rapidly-growing Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series.
In August, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races are a highlight of a weekend that also includes the Concours d'Elegance at the landmark Pebble Beach, where Yokohama is also an Official Sponsor.
The racing season wraps up in October at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the exotic prototypes and sports cars of the American Le Mans Series, in which Yokohama Tire is a major participant. Team PTG's BMWs will fly Yokohama colors as they compete on ADVAN tires and vie for top places in the main event.
About Yokohama Tire Corporation:
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company, a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.
Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.
About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP:
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who's who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
FULLERTON, Calif. -- (Feb. 27, 2006) Yokohama Tire Corp. today announced that it will become the Official Tire of the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the next three years and during several prestigious racing events that include the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, U.S. Sports Car Invitational, and Monterey Sports Car Championships, which will host an American Le Mans Series race. The pact was inked with the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula, which oversees the raceway's operation.
"Motorsports is an integral part of our marketing strategy," said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president, Business Division, "and our affiliation with Mazda Raceway presents us with several new opportunities to showcase Yokohama and our ultra-high-performance ADVAN tire line. Our presence at Mazda Raceway will be visible on the Yokohama Tire bridge as well as with signage around the historic track in the hills above Monterey."
The traditional spring U. S. Sports Car Invitational provides west coast fans with the chance to see Daytona Prototypes and GT cars of the rapidly-growing Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series.
In August, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races are a highlight of a weekend that also includes the Concours d'Elegance at the landmark Pebble Beach, where Yokohama is also an Official Sponsor.
The racing season wraps up in October at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the exotic prototypes and sports cars of the American Le Mans Series, in which Yokohama Tire is a major participant. Team PTG's BMWs will fly Yokohama colors as they compete on ADVAN tires and vie for top places in the main event.
About Yokohama Tire Corporation:
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company, a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.
Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.
About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP:
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who's who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX Adds “ RUN WHAT YA BRUNG” HEADS UP race series for 2006
From Paul Spriet
Grand Bend Motorplex has added a 4 race “Run What Ya Brung” Quick 8, Heads Up race series to its 2006 lineup.
The program will be a great compliment to their already successful Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Top Sportsman and New Orleans Pizza and Submarine Top Dragster programs. The races are single day events, with 2 qualifiers, followed by eliminations. The series is open to both door and open body competitors. The kickoff race will be held on the Saturday of the Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Victoria Day holiday weekend presented by Leaf Racewear (May 20th) and has a total purse in excess of $5000. The subsequent races will be held at the following events – Sarnia Shootout (Sat June 24th), Stratford Spectacular (Sat July 15th) and Windsor Weekend (Sat Sept 16th).
According to Ron Biekx, Grand Bend Motorplex’s General Manager: “ A number of our fans and faster competitors have been asking us to look at adding more professional style (heads up) racing, and based on the success we have seen at some other area tracks we felt it was something we wanted to add to our program. With the help of various sponsors & our community partners we were able to make it happen.”
“We have worked our program to try and be non conflicting with most of the other area Heads up programs so it offers competitors more opportunities to race this style of program.”. “It also gives competitors the opportunity to race in our Top Dragster/Top Sportsman program on Sunday if room is available.” adds Paul Spriet, GBM’s Chief of Operations.
Grand Bend Motorplex has added a 4 race “Run What Ya Brung” Quick 8, Heads Up race series to its 2006 lineup.
The program will be a great compliment to their already successful Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Top Sportsman and New Orleans Pizza and Submarine Top Dragster programs. The races are single day events, with 2 qualifiers, followed by eliminations. The series is open to both door and open body competitors. The kickoff race will be held on the Saturday of the Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Victoria Day holiday weekend presented by Leaf Racewear (May 20th) and has a total purse in excess of $5000. The subsequent races will be held at the following events – Sarnia Shootout (Sat June 24th), Stratford Spectacular (Sat July 15th) and Windsor Weekend (Sat Sept 16th).
According to Ron Biekx, Grand Bend Motorplex’s General Manager: “ A number of our fans and faster competitors have been asking us to look at adding more professional style (heads up) racing, and based on the success we have seen at some other area tracks we felt it was something we wanted to add to our program. With the help of various sponsors & our community partners we were able to make it happen.”
“We have worked our program to try and be non conflicting with most of the other area Heads up programs so it offers competitors more opportunities to race this style of program.”. “It also gives competitors the opportunity to race in our Top Dragster/Top Sportsman program on Sunday if room is available.” adds Paul Spriet, GBM’s Chief of Operations.
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News
Courtesy David P. Hilton (david.hilton@powergate.ca)
For the Ottawa Driver's and surrounding areas including Quebec, the Maritimes and east United States the Driver's meeting will be held on Saturday March 25 at 1pm at Nigel Mortimer's house in Ottawa. Email me for directions.
For the rest of the Driver's the meeting will on Sunday March 26 at 1pm at the Markland Pub 666 Burnamthorpe Road in Toronto. This meeting is for the Toronto, Ontario, Western New York, Ohio and the rest of the US Drivers.
And:
Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing has now offered up one 5 gallon pail of Lucas Oil per race event weekend. In an ongoing effort to promote the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Brian Stewart has agreed to supply the oil to be given out at each event to a Driver in the OFFC. Details of the awarding of this prize to be posted at a later date. The OFFC Officials and the OFFC Drivers would like to thank Brian for his generous offer.
And:
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Overall Champion Point Structure:
Points System: Points are awarded in EACH class and according to the numbers of drivers racing in that class.
It is very simple; you have to beat cars to win.
Example:
Class “A” 15 cars start the race and you win Class “A” you receive 15 points. Second place would receive 14 points and so on until last place would receive 1 point.
Class “B” starts 10 cars then the winner would receive 10 points, second would receive 9 points and so on until last place gets 1 point.
Class “C” starts 2 cars then the winner would receive 2 points.
DNF’s receive 0 points.
In the event of a tie at the end of the season we will determine the overall Champion by most wins, seconds, thirds, until the tie is broken.
There will be no dropping of points hence we will get an overall winner and they get a wonderful prize pack.
For the Ottawa Driver's and surrounding areas including Quebec, the Maritimes and east United States the Driver's meeting will be held on Saturday March 25 at 1pm at Nigel Mortimer's house in Ottawa. Email me for directions.
For the rest of the Driver's the meeting will on Sunday March 26 at 1pm at the Markland Pub 666 Burnamthorpe Road in Toronto. This meeting is for the Toronto, Ontario, Western New York, Ohio and the rest of the US Drivers.
And:
Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing has now offered up one 5 gallon pail of Lucas Oil per race event weekend. In an ongoing effort to promote the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Brian Stewart has agreed to supply the oil to be given out at each event to a Driver in the OFFC. Details of the awarding of this prize to be posted at a later date. The OFFC Officials and the OFFC Drivers would like to thank Brian for his generous offer.
And:
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Overall Champion Point Structure:
Points System: Points are awarded in EACH class and according to the numbers of drivers racing in that class.
It is very simple; you have to beat cars to win.
Example:
Class “A” 15 cars start the race and you win Class “A” you receive 15 points. Second place would receive 14 points and so on until last place would receive 1 point.
Class “B” starts 10 cars then the winner would receive 10 points, second would receive 9 points and so on until last place gets 1 point.
Class “C” starts 2 cars then the winner would receive 2 points.
DNF’s receive 0 points.
In the event of a tie at the end of the season we will determine the overall Champion by most wins, seconds, thirds, until the tie is broken.
There will be no dropping of points hence we will get an overall winner and they get a wonderful prize pack.
Thanks for helping out!
Thanks to Sue and Joe Chisholm for their help in promoting the ITMN Readers' Choice Awards. Both the Sauble Speedway and Shouldice ALSTAR sites are prominently displaying links to the voting page.
If any other track or series is interested in helping to attract votes and attention for their racers, by posting details of the Awards program on your site, please drop a note to James Neilson, requesting the ITMN RCA Press Release as well as the program logo.
If any other track or series is interested in helping to attract votes and attention for their racers, by posting details of the Awards program on your site, please drop a note to James Neilson, requesting the ITMN RCA Press Release as well as the program logo.
Barrie Speedway to host CASCAR opener
Barrie Speedway has posted details about its inaugural hosting of the season-opening CASCAR Super Series race.
"We're very pleased to be getting a second Super Series date at Barrie Speedway", says BSW's Brad Moran. "The Super series is Canada's premiere division and to have them here at Barrie twice this year is just awesome".
... more at the link above ...
"We're very pleased to be getting a second Super Series date at Barrie Speedway", says BSW's Brad Moran. "The Super series is Canada's premiere division and to have them here at Barrie twice this year is just awesome".
... more at the link above ...
You say it's your birthday.....
Happy Birthday to my friend and basketball fanatic extraordinaire, Mr. Joel Robinson. The resident of Toronto’s elite ‘Beach’ community turns 30-something today. ‘Marty2’ shares his special day with over-the-hill rocker John Bon Jovi, CASCAR veteran Scott Steckly and motorports guru Jason Sharpe.
Asked to comment on his plans going forward in life, Robinson - who co-produces the CASCAR Super Series races for television - said, “Whoooooaahhhhh, I’m halfway there.”
Coincidentally, today is also a big day for Mr. Jim (a.k.a. Jeeeeem) Robinson, who receives birthday wishes every time he has the misfortune of running into our own Rob Morton.
(PHOTO: Joel was practicing his birthday 'happy dance' way back in the year 2000, in Edmonton)
A1GP: McIntosh and Kerr to pair for 2006 World Series by Renault
LONDON, ENGLAND (March 02, 2006) – Having had the honor of racing for their respective nations in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix Series, it was announced today that Canada’s Sean McIntosh and Britain’s Robbie Kerr will be paired together as team-mates in the 2006 World Series by Renault competing for the Belgian-run Team KTR.
The decision to place two of A1GP’s most exciting talents together for the 2006 season came following a meeting at the last round of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ in Monterrey, Mexico where Wade Cherwayko, Seatholder for A1 Team Canada, and John Surtees, Team Principal for A1 Team Great Britain and 1964 Formula One World Champion (Ferrari), decided on an extension of their driver development program which was first initiated with the creation of the A1GP Series and the opportunities initially offered to McIntosh and Kerr to race for their countries.
McIntosh (20) from Vancouver, runner-up in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship with five victories and already an A1GP winner (Round 8 – Indonesia), and Kerr (26) from Burbage, winner of the prestigious British Formula Three Championship in 2002 and a six- time podium finisher this season in A1GP, look set to form a considerable driver pairing for Team KTR in the World Series by Renault.
The Belgian outfit, run by Kurt Mollekens, already boasts a race-winning pedigree with the team finishing third overall in 2005. “For a number of years I’ve thought a system needed to be put in place to assist drivers in developing their careers,” John Surtees explained.
“My experience in recent years with karting and Buckmore Park Kart Circuit only confirmed the need for this. Having come together with Wade Cherwayko in the A1 Grand Prix program we have now created an opportunity to give drivers the superb opportunity of a year-round racing program incorporating the regular season as well as the winter racing offered by A1GP, but importantly, this is all on the world stage which is vital if they wish to progress their careers.”
He continued, “Needless to say we also feel our program will be attractive to businesses and we hope to attract partners who see the benefits of being involved with a unique opportunity for networking and business expansion off the back of a continuous marketing platform incorporating the World Series by Renault, with the added benefit of the association and support of the reigning Formula One World Champion’s, and the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, through the concept of one nation, one car and the ability to reach into world markets as populous as the likes of China, India and the U.S.”
Francois Sicard, Sporting Director for the World Series by Renault is similarly excited by the prospect of adding Robbie and Sean’s driving talents to the depth of competition signed up for this year’s championship. “I’m very pleased to welcome Robbie Kerr and Sean McIntosh to our series. Both drivers have accomplished records and we’ve been aware of their talents for some time.”
“Robbie sampled our Euro V6 series back in 2004 following his F3 championship success and Sean is a multiple race winner in the Formula Renault UK Championship and of course, a recent A1GP winner. I’m delighted that we have drivers representing Great Britain and Canada in our series and I’m equally pleased that John Surtees recognizes the platform offered by the Renault development ladder. We’ve been talking to John for a while now and I’m pleased that by placing Robbie and Sean with KTR they’re going to be competing for one of the strongest team’s on the grid. Everything’s in place for a great 2006 season!”
Sean McIntosh, who was involved in the closest Formula Renault UK Championship title fight in 15 years last season, enthused, “This is a very exciting opportunity for 2006 after a successful season in the Formula Renault UK Championship last year.
I’m excited to be staying within the Renault development ladder for another year, this time at the next level in the World Series. I’ve learned a lot from racing in A1GP over the winter, not least in driving a higher horse-powered car so I feel I’m heading into the regular season more experienced and with more confidence.
“To be involved in this kind of driver development program, of which I have to thank both Wade and John, is something that every driver dreams of. I know there’s plenty more hard work to be done to keep moving but it’s an awesome opportunity and there’s already a track record of drivers moving up to F1 from the World Series with Robert Kubica winning last season’s championship and signing with BMW-Sauber. Ultimately it’s an honor for me to continue to represent Canada in European motorsport.”
Leading A1 Team Great Britain to third place in the current A1GP Nations Standings with two rounds remaining, Robbie Kerr’s looking ahead to working with Team KTR when the new season begins. “It’s going to be good working with Kurt (Mollekens),” said Kerr. “He’s a good experienced guy who was also a superb driver. He knows what he’s watching when he sees you out on the circuit which will be a fantastic help in continuing to improve as the season progresses. I’m grateful to Wade and to John for this opportunity and I hope I can repay it with a shot at the title.”
- From Stuart Morrison Public Relations
The decision to place two of A1GP’s most exciting talents together for the 2006 season came following a meeting at the last round of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ in Monterrey, Mexico where Wade Cherwayko, Seatholder for A1 Team Canada, and John Surtees, Team Principal for A1 Team Great Britain and 1964 Formula One World Champion (Ferrari), decided on an extension of their driver development program which was first initiated with the creation of the A1GP Series and the opportunities initially offered to McIntosh and Kerr to race for their countries.
McIntosh (20) from Vancouver, runner-up in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship with five victories and already an A1GP winner (Round 8 – Indonesia), and Kerr (26) from Burbage, winner of the prestigious British Formula Three Championship in 2002 and a six- time podium finisher this season in A1GP, look set to form a considerable driver pairing for Team KTR in the World Series by Renault.
The Belgian outfit, run by Kurt Mollekens, already boasts a race-winning pedigree with the team finishing third overall in 2005. “For a number of years I’ve thought a system needed to be put in place to assist drivers in developing their careers,” John Surtees explained.
“My experience in recent years with karting and Buckmore Park Kart Circuit only confirmed the need for this. Having come together with Wade Cherwayko in the A1 Grand Prix program we have now created an opportunity to give drivers the superb opportunity of a year-round racing program incorporating the regular season as well as the winter racing offered by A1GP, but importantly, this is all on the world stage which is vital if they wish to progress their careers.”
He continued, “Needless to say we also feel our program will be attractive to businesses and we hope to attract partners who see the benefits of being involved with a unique opportunity for networking and business expansion off the back of a continuous marketing platform incorporating the World Series by Renault, with the added benefit of the association and support of the reigning Formula One World Champion’s, and the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, through the concept of one nation, one car and the ability to reach into world markets as populous as the likes of China, India and the U.S.”
Francois Sicard, Sporting Director for the World Series by Renault is similarly excited by the prospect of adding Robbie and Sean’s driving talents to the depth of competition signed up for this year’s championship. “I’m very pleased to welcome Robbie Kerr and Sean McIntosh to our series. Both drivers have accomplished records and we’ve been aware of their talents for some time.”
“Robbie sampled our Euro V6 series back in 2004 following his F3 championship success and Sean is a multiple race winner in the Formula Renault UK Championship and of course, a recent A1GP winner. I’m delighted that we have drivers representing Great Britain and Canada in our series and I’m equally pleased that John Surtees recognizes the platform offered by the Renault development ladder. We’ve been talking to John for a while now and I’m pleased that by placing Robbie and Sean with KTR they’re going to be competing for one of the strongest team’s on the grid. Everything’s in place for a great 2006 season!”
Sean McIntosh, who was involved in the closest Formula Renault UK Championship title fight in 15 years last season, enthused, “This is a very exciting opportunity for 2006 after a successful season in the Formula Renault UK Championship last year.
I’m excited to be staying within the Renault development ladder for another year, this time at the next level in the World Series. I’ve learned a lot from racing in A1GP over the winter, not least in driving a higher horse-powered car so I feel I’m heading into the regular season more experienced and with more confidence.
“To be involved in this kind of driver development program, of which I have to thank both Wade and John, is something that every driver dreams of. I know there’s plenty more hard work to be done to keep moving but it’s an awesome opportunity and there’s already a track record of drivers moving up to F1 from the World Series with Robert Kubica winning last season’s championship and signing with BMW-Sauber. Ultimately it’s an honor for me to continue to represent Canada in European motorsport.”
Leading A1 Team Great Britain to third place in the current A1GP Nations Standings with two rounds remaining, Robbie Kerr’s looking ahead to working with Team KTR when the new season begins. “It’s going to be good working with Kurt (Mollekens),” said Kerr. “He’s a good experienced guy who was also a superb driver. He knows what he’s watching when he sees you out on the circuit which will be a fantastic help in continuing to improve as the season progresses. I’m grateful to Wade and to John for this opportunity and I hope I can repay it with a shot at the title.”
- From Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Does anyone recognize any of the 'stars'?
Joel "Marty2" Robinson sent me a link to a movie preview for the film "Hot Rod", about a guy who won the "Lansdowne (Peterborough??) Demolition Derby" in 1998, and promptly retired to a life of hunting and fishing (and drinking).
Not content to rest on his laurels, Hot Rod Joey Kemp has announced his intention to return to the Derby wars. And this is his story.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Hot Rod Joey Kemp has announced his intention to return to the Derby wars. And this is his story.
Charlotte chosen for NASCAR Hall of Fame? (Globe & Mail)
globeandmail.com : Report: Charlotte chosen for NASCAR hall: "Report: Charlotte chosen for NASCAR hall
Atlanta and Daytona Beach still feel good about their chances to land NASCAR's Hall of Fame, even though a report from Charlotte says that city has locked up a deal to build the shrine to stock car racing.
'We've heard rumours in the past. Almost three weeks ago we got calls from all over that Atlanta was getting the nod and that proved to be not true. Two weeks later we're hearing Charlotte got the nod. Maybe two weeks from now the rumour will be Daytona,'' said George Mirabal, the local official in Daytona Beach working to bring the hall of fame to NASCAR's birthplace.
The Charlotte Observer, citing three anonymous sources, reported Wednesday that Charlotte had won the race for the stock car racing museum and an official announcement was expected Monday."
... more at link above...
Atlanta and Daytona Beach still feel good about their chances to land NASCAR's Hall of Fame, even though a report from Charlotte says that city has locked up a deal to build the shrine to stock car racing.
'We've heard rumours in the past. Almost three weeks ago we got calls from all over that Atlanta was getting the nod and that proved to be not true. Two weeks later we're hearing Charlotte got the nod. Maybe two weeks from now the rumour will be Daytona,'' said George Mirabal, the local official in Daytona Beach working to bring the hall of fame to NASCAR's birthplace.
The Charlotte Observer, citing three anonymous sources, reported Wednesday that Charlotte had won the race for the stock car racing museum and an official announcement was expected Monday."
... more at link above...
OSCAAR: Bickle interview
The OSCAAR Outlaw site has a new interview with John & Robert Bickle, as written by Sandy Macfarlane and Don McLeod.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
PMRA: Grisdale Racing Products to host Shock Seminar
DUNDAS, ON (February 27, 2006) -- Grisdale Racing Products will present a seminar on auto shock absorbers hosted by Carrera Shocks, a QA1 Precision Products, Inc. company. The seminar is to take place Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Grisdale is a sponsor in the Pro Modified Racing Association's, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, upcoming 2006 season.
Founded in 1993, QA1 Precision Products, Inc. manufactures and supplies rod ends, spherical bearings, related custom linkages, and custom-machined products. With a growing wealth of engineering and manufacturing expertise on staff, QA1 is uniquely positioned to partner with its customers in order to provide timely delivery of quality products at a very competitive market price.
“Jeffery Beck and Carter Gerlach from QA1/Carrera will be on hand providing detailed and technical advice to all present including the entire QA1 program covering products from full race, hotrod, and Pro Street,” explained Grisdale’s Drag Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator, Paul Polly. “Another important item will be proper shock valving and proper shock setup to get the most benefit from a racecar’s chassis and tires, whether it’s oval track, road course, or on the drag strip.”
QA1 is proactively positioned to respond to current market concerns -- with commitments to inventory, quality control, and quick delivery -- a position that is unprecedented in today’s manufacturing supply chain. Training and education of its entire support staff reinforce the commitment that QA1 makes to genuine customer service.
“In 2004, QA1 purchased Carrera Shocks and is now the number one manufacturer,” said Thatcher (T.J.) Krupp, Grisdale’s Stock Car Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator. “Whether you’re looking for improved ride quality, show-stopping appearance, or faster times, QA1 delivers.”
QA1’s quality system is ISO 9001 certified. This focus on quality has enabled QA1 to achieve prominence in the OEM contract manufacturing business, and in the supply of high performance components to the racing industry. With the acquisition of the HAL® shock absorber company in 1998, QA1’s ability to impact sales to circle track, street rod, and dragster markets has been rapid. In a relatively few years, QA1 holds the position of supplying the majority of rod ends and spherical bearings to the U.S. racing market. Building upon this base, QA1 has been able to refine its product offering for industrial MRO and OEM applications.
This seminar is free; however, you must be registered to attend and take advantage of the special pricing and available only on the day of the seminar.
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.
Grisdale Enterprises Inc., http://www.grisdale.com/, has 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.
For more information, contact Paul Polly, paul@grisdale.com, or call 800.561.1791.
A sign that Spring is on the horizon....
Mike Sutton of Tiemersma Motorsports notes that the boys' cars "are starting to look like racecars again."
There are some pictures of the cars in progress here.
And there's an update on the team's progress here.
Thanks to Mike for the update and good luck to Steve and Derrick!
ARCA: S&H Motorsports Announces An Alliance With the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation
HOLLY, MI (February 28, 2006) - - S&H Motorsports, a professional based ARCA RE/MAX Series team with operations based in Holly, Michigan proudly announced today the alliance with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, the official charity of Tim Hortons, the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada with rapid expansion in the United States.
More at link above....
From S&H Motorsports
More at link above....
From S&H Motorsports
ALMS: BOURDAIS, JUNQUEIRA COMPLETE STELLAR SEBRING LINEUP FOR MULTIMATIC MOTORSPORTS TEAM PANOZ
Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has completed its driver lineup for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has secured leading Champ Car World Series and Newman-Haas Racing aces Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira to complete its star-studded lineup for the opening round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series - the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Each of the two open-wheel stars will drive one of the team's Panoz Esperante GTLMs. Bourdais will join David Brabham and Scott Maxwell in the No. 50 entry; Junqueira is partnering with Gunnar Jeannette and Tom Milner in the No. 51 Panoz.
Bourdais has won the Champ Car World Series for the past two years in succession while Junqueira is a three-time runner-up and a former pole winner for the Indianapolis 500. Both drivers are former championship winners in the FIA Formula 3000 series in Europe.
Bourdais is no stranger to endurance racing. Born and bred in the famed French city of Le Mans, Bourdais has contested his hometown's fabled 24 Hours on five occasions, won the 2002 Spa 24 Hours and will be competing in his third Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring when he climbs aboard the Panoz from March 15-18.
Champ Car standouts Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira each will drive a Panoz Esperante GTLM at Sebring. Click here for Hi-Res "I am really looking forward to doing Sebring in the Panoz because it is always important to get as much seat time you can," Bourdais said. "Our testing is very restricted in Champ Cars so it is handy to get additional miles at this time of year. The race is going to be very interesting as well because the competition in GT2 is looking very strong - I am really looking forward to the battle.
"It is also great to do the race with Multimatic. We know each other well from what they do for NHR in Champ Cars and obviously from the Mustang race I did with Dad in January (at Daytona)," he added. "The Panoz campaign also looks to be in very good shape since Multimatic took over the entire program this year as well."
For Junqueira, the Sebring event will be his first race since suffering back injuries in a crash at last year's Indianapolis 500.
"The Sebring event will have a lot of 'firsts' for me - my first race with a roof over my head, my first ever sports car race and my first race since the Indy 500 last year," Junqueira said. "It will be great for me to shake off the cobwebs and do some race miles before the first Champ Car race at Long Beach.
Mulitmatic Motorsports Team Panoz is looking forward to a close fight in GT2 during the 2006 American Le Mans Series. Click here for Hi-Res "It is certainly going to be different, but my father raced with a roof over his head in touring cars for about 25 years in Brazil so it should be great experience - a lot of fun," Junqueira added. "I've always had great relationship with all the guys at Multimatic through Newman-Haas so it is great to get to drive for them at Sebring."
Preseason preparations for Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz continued at Road Atlanta this week with Brabham, Maxwell, Jeannette and Milner on hand to test the team's two Panoz Esperante GTLMs.
"Having Sebastien and Bruno join the team for Sebring completes a perfect driver combination for us," said Multimatic Vice President and Motorsports Technical Director Larry Holt.
The Newman-Haas Racing (NHR) drivers are more than familiar with the Multimatic organization and its technical expertise. Multimatic has partnered with NHR in the development of the DSSV dampers which helped the Chicago-based team win three out of the past four Champ Car titles.
In addition, Multimatic also provides Newman-Haas with four-post-rig services and vehicle dynamics expertise.
"Our company has worked closely with Newman-Haas to help them achieve success in the Champ Car World Series," Holt added. "A lot of the development we did together on the DSSV technology has formed the basis for the dampers we are now using on the Panoz and in other series such Formula One, the Le Mans Series in Europe, Super GT in Japan and Formula 3 championships throughout the world.
"Multimatic has helped Sebastien and Bruno win a lot of races in the Champ Car Series, hopefully they can now help us win at Sebring with the Panoz," Holt concluded. "Everybody on the team is really looking forward to Sebring. The cars have run brilliantly so far and we have our sights set on kicking off our championship assault with a win. The challenge in the GT2 class is going to be tough with Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Lexus but we are ready for the fight."
Multimatic is a privately held Canadian corporation supplying components, systems and services to the global automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia.
Multimatic specializes in the manufacture of stampings, welded assemblies, mechanisms, and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic uses advanced technologies to achieve outstanding product quality, delivery and functional performance.
The Panoz Esperante is a high performance handcrafted limited production sports car built in Braselton, Georgia by Panoz Auto Development Company (PADC).
The racing version of the car, known as the GTLM, has been developed for FIA/ACO GT2 competition by Elan Motorsports Technologies with chassis engineering and manufacturing support from Multimatic.
The American Le Mans Series begins its 2006 season with the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The 12-hour endurance classic is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on March 18 at Sebring International Raceway. It will be televised live on SPEED Channel in North America and MotorsTV in Europe. In addition, Greenlight-Television will distribute the race worldwide to more than 510 million households. American Le Mans Series Radio will have flag-to-flag coverage available at http://www.americanlemans.com/, along with IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.
From ALMS // Image from multimaticmotorsports.com
Monday, February 27, 2006
Carpentier in the points on A1 Team Canada debut
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations26th February 2006, Round 9 – A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, Mexico Qualified: 19th / Sprint Race Finish: 9th / Feature Race Finish: 15th / Series standing: 10th (44pts)
A1 Team Canada picked up two more points today in the ninth round of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations as Patrick Carpentier made his debut for the team in the inaugural ‘World Cup of Motorsport.’ The Québec-native, with four career starts at the 3.38km Parque Fundidora, raced his way to 9th place, and the points, in the Sprint race before pit problems in the Feature resulted in a 15th place finish.
Sprint Race, 18-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
A veteran of rolling starts, Patrick picked through the order as the Sprint race commenced. Up six places to 13th, the arrival of the safety car at the end of the first lap should have put paid to further progression but an incident under caution involving A1 Team Japan and A1 Team New Zealand placed Patrick 11th when racing resumed on lap 7. Breaking into the top-ten the Canadian then skillfully avoided the wheel-banging duo of Robbie Kerr and Christian Fittipaldi, in the British and Brazilian entries respectively, to move up to ninth place to score two points for A1 Team Canada while securing a top-ten starting slot for the hour-long Feature race.
Feature Race, 36-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
Another strong get away from Patrick, this time from a standing start, saw him move up to eighth on the first lap. The majority of the field opted to take their mandatory pit stop at the end of the second lap and A1 Team Canada duly followed suit but a stuck wheel nut on the right rear tire effectively ended Carpentier’s challenge. The team’s misfortunes were compounded even further when Patrick incurred a speeding violation as he accidentally selected his pass button instead of his pit limiter pulling away from the stop. Taking his drive-through penalty on the next tour, a lap was lost to the race leaders by the time Patrick was free to resume his charge. Despite this, the pace of the A1 Team Canada entry was encouraging with Patrick eventually taking the checkered flag in 15th.
Patrick Carpentier:
“The first race went really well, I benefited from the improvements made to the car over the weekend. I was getting used to the car each time, understanding you can’t be too aggressive behind the wheel! I was hoping for a strong finish in the second race but we lost over a minute in the pits then with the penalty we were down a lap. Overall though I’m really happy! The guys on the team did a great job and they stuck with me through the learning process. For Sean (McIntosh) to have won a race last time out proves he’s fast as this is a very competitive series. It was a good experience!”
Laguna Seca, California, USA hosts Round 10 of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, 10-12 March 2006.
Standings: 1st France (153), 2nd Switzerland (121), 3rd Great Britain (73), 4th Brazil (70), 5th Netherlands (69), 6th New Zealand (64), 7th Malaysia (53), 8th Portugal (51), 9th Ireland (50), 10th Canada (44)
CASCAR drivers' meeting
Good morning and thanks for stopping by.
I attended the Sunday CASCAR drivers' meeting, in Mississauga.
The Super Series schedule still lists a TBA date in late August. It's for the Montreal ChampCar weekend. Whether or not that happens, it was announced yesterday that there will be an 11th Super Series race in '06.
Based on the 10 announced dates so far, and based on 2005 attendance figures for those 10 events, the drivers were told that they will race in front of at least 355,000 live fans in 2006, as opposed to the 255,000 the series actually raced in front of last season. This helped to soften the blow for many of the drivers who are eager to find positives to put in front of their existing and prospective sponsors.
People who asked about why Delaware isn't on the sked were invited to "call Delaware".
Richard Buck said CASCAR didn't "pull the hammer" on either Delaware or the T.O. Indy. They said the CASCAR biz. model no longer includes paying for track time and that they want to be a desirable part of a race weekend, and not "treated like a pain in the butt" (Richard Coughlin's quote) as they were in Toronto. Richard Buck invited people to "read the papers" to see that people are upset that there are no Canadian properties at the Toronto ChampCar weekend.
It was said that things are looking good for a return to Calgary in 2007.
Richard Coughlin also said there are "exciting things happening" with regard to the CASCAR races at Cayuga. Richard Buck said "we have some partners working on the track." No other details were offered, other than Tony Novotny's denial that CASCAR or NASCAR were planning to purchase Cayuga.
The Sportsman Series was released. Five races so far. Expect a sixth, in late August.
I attended the Sunday CASCAR drivers' meeting, in Mississauga.
The Super Series schedule still lists a TBA date in late August. It's for the Montreal ChampCar weekend. Whether or not that happens, it was announced yesterday that there will be an 11th Super Series race in '06.
Based on the 10 announced dates so far, and based on 2005 attendance figures for those 10 events, the drivers were told that they will race in front of at least 355,000 live fans in 2006, as opposed to the 255,000 the series actually raced in front of last season. This helped to soften the blow for many of the drivers who are eager to find positives to put in front of their existing and prospective sponsors.
People who asked about why Delaware isn't on the sked were invited to "call Delaware".
Richard Buck said CASCAR didn't "pull the hammer" on either Delaware or the T.O. Indy. They said the CASCAR biz. model no longer includes paying for track time and that they want to be a desirable part of a race weekend, and not "treated like a pain in the butt" (Richard Coughlin's quote) as they were in Toronto. Richard Buck invited people to "read the papers" to see that people are upset that there are no Canadian properties at the Toronto ChampCar weekend.
It was said that things are looking good for a return to Calgary in 2007.
Richard Coughlin also said there are "exciting things happening" with regard to the CASCAR races at Cayuga. Richard Buck said "we have some partners working on the track." No other details were offered, other than Tony Novotny's denial that CASCAR or NASCAR were planning to purchase Cayuga.
The Sportsman Series was released. Five races so far. Expect a sixth, in late August.
- June 17 Mosport Oval
- July 1 Barrie Speedway
- Aug. ??? TBA Barrie Speedway
- Sept. 2-3 Cayuga
- Sept. 16-17 Kawartha.
Lots of talk about working toward a "NASCAR Operational Level" in terms of event management, safety and communication. Some drivers commented that their main frustrating during the winter was a lack of communication from CASCAR and they would welcome the change.
Several drivers repeatedly pushed for a timeline for a sale and whether or not they can use the NASCAR brand to sell their programs to sponsors. They were told there is no timeline and that they can't use "NASCAR". Period. This left some frustrated, given that they said that last summer they were given assurances that the sale of CASCAR to NASCAR would happen. And they passed those assurances on to their sponsors. And now those sponsors are asking them 'what happened?'.
But on the other hand, there was lots of talk about NASCAR demonstrating its committment to CASCAR by their investment in Richard Buck playing a major role in running CASCAR. Buck said, "I can't tell you that NASCAR is coming to Canada. You don't make an announcement about an announcement.... I pushed [NASCAR] as hard as I could without losing my job and your resource."
Regarding CASCAR's future with NASCAR, new race director Trevor Hambly invited attendees to "read between the lines" ... "If you can't see what's going on here, you're blind" ... and "Don't lose focus on where we're going."
At the start of the meeting, Tony Novotny said, "Our relationship with NASCAR thickens as the days go on."
When all was said and done, Novotny took the microphone, saying he had to restrain himself from doing so at several points during the Q&A. He urged the competitors to leave the meeting with a positive message. He said the future has never looked so bright for CASCAR and that he feels even better about things than he did last fall at the banquet.
He urged the drivers and anyone associated with CASCAR that "this is not the time to sell your stock."
This post has dealt mainly with the business and schedule side of CASCAR. Richard Buck gave a lengthy demonstration on new safety initiatives, including a video on head and neck restraint systems and safety belts. I am not a techie, so maybe someone can pick up on this and what it will cost to institute these new safety initiatives. Ed & Jamie Hakonson were on hand with a display of available equipment.
Please feel free to chime in with any other comments or things that I may have missed.
Greg.
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