Happy April 1!!!

Inside Racing News spills the beans on why NASCAR isn't coming to Canada anytime soon. Their story is called "Speedbumps on the road to race in Canada". Much more humorous than the truth, I'm afraid.

Not to be outdone, HalifaxLive adds a racing twist to explain why Pam Anderson (speaking of speed bumps) won't be hosting the Junos.

ALSTAR: New Contingency Awards

The SHOULDICE ALSTAR Series announces new competitor contingency awards

The contingency awards for the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Series are still growing. Leitch Performance Engines Provider of $100.00 Cash Award to the highestfinishing car in the Feature(s) - with a spec ALSTAR aluminum head. For more info on Leitch Performance Engines visit: www.leitchperformanceengines.com

Also Mike McColl of McColl Racing has announced he will be contributing to the ALSTAR Series with the “McColl Podium Award” for the top 3 finishers in the 100 lap feature events, with first place receiving $100.00 bonus, and both 2nd and 3rd place winning $75.00 each. For more info on McColl Racing visit: www.mccollracing.com

See ALSTAR chedule: http://www.alstarseries.com/ALSTAR_Officia/2006SHOULDICE.html

Be sure and book your accommodations close to Steelback Sauble Speedway for the SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Super Series weekend events at the beach:
http://www.saublespeedway.com/Sauble_Speedwa/Places_to_stay.html

For more info on the SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Series visit: www.alstarseries.com

A1 Team Canada - Carpentier solid in China practice

Official Practice, Round 11 - A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China

A1 Team Canada's Patrick Carpentier racked up a total of 40 practice laps today at the Shanghai
International Circuit in China as he prepares to compete in the 11th and final round of the inaugural
A1 Grand Prix of Nations this Sunday, 2nd April.

Making his third consecutive start for A1 Team Canada, following points scoring runs in both Mexico
and the USA, Carpentier's trip to China is a first for the Québec-born racer but he was quickly up to
speed in the first of two hour-long practice sessions on the 5.45km Shanghai circuit, setting the fifth
fastest time with a 1m52.989s lap.

While the weather looked somewhat menacing during the second session, Patrick kept Canada in the
front-running pack, setting the seventh fastest time as he continued to familiarize himself with the track
searching for a balance of grip for the corners and speed for the long straights. With a changeable
forecast set for tomorrow's qualifying runs, the team was satisfied with today's running in the dry.

Patrick Carpentier:
"I'm very happy with today's practice results. For me it's a large improvement and we're just four
tenths off the fastest cars. It's a beautiful, fast circuit and I'm looking forward to racing here on
Sunday. Our objective is to qualify in the top-ten so then there will be ten less cars for me to pass from
previous races! We've started the weekend well and if we keep the momentum going we'll be up with
the leaders by the end of it!"

Official Practice 1
1 Mexico Salvador Duran 1:52.513
2 Malaysia Alex Yoong 1:52.721
3 France Nicolas Lapierre 1:52.733
4 Ireland Michael Devaney 1:52.919
5 CANADA Patrick Carpentier 1:52.989
6 Australia Ryan Briscoe 1:53.229
7 Great Britain Darren Manning 1:53.314
8 South Africa Stephen Simpson 1:53.452
Official Practice 2
1 France Nicolas Lapierre 1:51.972
2 Great Britain Darren Manning 1:52.079
3 Mexico Salvador Duran 1:52.321
4 Australia Ryan Briscoe 1:52.355
5 Malaysia Alex Yoong 1:52.371
6 Ireland Michael Devaney 1:52.376
7 CANADA Patrick Carpentier 1:52.388
8 China Tengyi Jiang 1:52.436

Sunday's A1GP races can be viewed live in Canada or later on demand at www.a1gp.com
ENDS - www.a1teamcan.com

From: A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR Manager

Carhartt™ Racing Has Resigned American, Marc Miller for 2006 CASCAR Season

Michigan driver will compete in limited schedule in the RaceSportz/DJK Racing Carhartt Dodge Charger #8

Courtesy Racesportz – Karen Barsoski

DEARBORN, MI (March 28, 2006) --- Holland, MI native, Marc Miller, will return as the driver of the #8 Carhartt Racing entry for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series. The sole American in the series will pilot the RaceSportz/DJK Racing prepared Carhartt Dodge Charger in a limited schedule in 2006.

“I am very proud to be back representing Carhartt again this year,” said Miller. “This will be my fourth season with Carhartt as our primary sponsor and they have been terrific to us as we continue to grow our program. We have essentially a new car coming out of the DJK Racing shop that should be right there with the best in the series. It is now important to get out and start testing as soon as possible.”

The all-new Carhartt #8 Dodge Charger was debuted at the 2006 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show this past weekend at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The car showcases an aggressive new paint scheme for 2006 and was a very popular addition to the Carhartt, Inc. booth that saw over 125,000 spectators pass by over the five days of the show.

“We felt it would be a great opportunity to have our Carhartt CASCAR on display at this show,” said Field Marketing Specialist for Carhartt, Jason Reynolds. “Some of Carhartt’s most loyal customers are avid sportsmen as well as race fans and I think we even under-estimated the response from having the car on display. We are looking forward to having Marc back in the seat this season and hope to see him put the Carhartt Racing machine up front.”

The season will see Miller and his team compete in some of the largest events on the CASCAR schedule including the hugely popular Grand Prix of Edmonton ( www.grandprixedmonton.com), the GP of Trois Rivieres (www .gp3r.com) and four additional venues that are expected to draw over 300,000 spectators combined.

Spiering and Eaton Road Warrior continue to lead Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout standings

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

JORDAN STATION, ON (March 28, 2006) – Carl Spiering continued his control in the points chase for the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in the International Hot Rod (IHRA) eMax Drag Racing Series.

Spiering, driving the Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette at San Antonio Raceway qualified in the tenth position and maintained a 20-point lead over defending Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified World Champion, Mike Castellana from Westbury, NY.

The Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout will be contested in Martin, MI, during the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals.

Team Royal Shines in Kitchener Sun - Hayden Perfect!

Courtesy Mark Royal

The CSRA series made its annual trek south to Kitchener's Chicopee ski hill, and the weather was as expected, warm! Saturdays events were marred by some rainy weather, but the facilities at Chicopee allowed fans to view from inside and covered porches. Team Royal Distributing / Factory Recreation boys were hungry to get back on the track after two weeks off. The Royal Ski Doo Rev's found their familiar spots on Saturdays qualifiers, with Joey Sagan running firsts and seconds all day in his Pro Stock and Semi Pro Open heats. Pro Iain Hayden was right back where he left off, winning all his Saturday qualifiers.

On Sunday the weather was warm and sunny and the huge Kitchener crowd was in for some great racing. Semi Pro Joey Sagan retained his solid points lead in the 440 Stock class with strong second place run. In Semi Pro Open Joey fought hard with a charging Open class field to come home third, with a very impressive ride. Pro racer Hayden got excellent starts from the Wayne Legge tuned machines in both Stock 440 and the headlining Pro Open class and never looked back, nailing down wins in both classes.

Iain was able to maintain his points leads in both classes. Hayden is now a perfect 14 for 14 on the season in CSRA finals. The last race is a National coming up this weekend at Craighurst, plan to attend! Visit http://www.snowcross.com/ for details. Watch all the top racers battle it out for the titles.

Team Royal thanks Factory Recreation, Ski-Doo, FXR clothing, Kimpex, Ipone lubricants, HMK boots, Stud Boy Traction, Tekvest, and Spy Eyewear.

STOLEN: Cdn. Vintage Modified Car & Trailer

Mike Morrison, driver of the #4 CVM sent me a note to spread the word that Ron Easton's Black 20' enclosed Shadow Series Pace American Trailer was stolen last night.

Inside it was the #12 Lucus Oil Canadian Vintage Modified (formerly Jen Jarvis' car).

The licence plate on the trailer is: B99 78S.

The VIN # on the trailer is: 40LWB2022XP052727

According to Mike, the trailer was stored in Oakville, Ontario.

There is a contact page on the Lucas Oil CVM site if you have any information about this theft. If you see the trailer or car, please contact the authorities.

Dirty talker... one more outburst like that and he'll be on probation!

Obviously, Mr. Manion never heard George Carlin's routine about the seven words you can't say on TV ....

****

Family advocates are revving up against Fox Television and NASCAR after a driver's crew chief uttered the S-word during a nationally broadcast race Sunday.

The obscene word was aired during a car-to-crew conversation between driver Martin Truex, Jr. and his crew chief, Kevin Manion, at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn.

A frustrated Manion told his driver, "We missed the set-up today. It (the car) was a piece of s---." (To hear the audio, click here)

... story continued here.

- By Joe Kovacs© 2006 WorldNetDaily.

Carl Spiering’s day ends with crash at IHRA Texas event

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

MARION, TX (March 26, 2006) – Carl Spiering’s day ended abruptly Sunday when he crashed the Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette in the quarter finals at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in the International Hot Rod (IHRA) eMax Drag Racing Series at San Antonio Raceway San Antonio, Texas.

In the second round of Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified eliminations, Spiering, 41, of Jordan Station, ON took on number six qualifier Kenny Lang from Grande Pointe, MB with a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Lang had the quicker light and was out in front at the 660-foot marker.

But after that, Spiering pulled ahead and was out in front when they passed the 1,000-foot marker. Spiering's car drifted left out of the groove and came close to hitting the outside wall of the left lane. As he tried to get back into the groove, Spiering crossed over the center line after the finish line, running over to the other side of the track and hit the wall on the outside of the right lane. The cars did not hit but Lang waited to deploy his parachutes, making sure he got by Spiering's car, and by not getting the chutes open early enough, he coasted into the sand at the end of the track.

Spiering ran a 6.299-second, 207.98 mph pass for the win. With his car crossing the center line after the finish line, he was declared winner of the round. Spiering was unable to make the call for the semi final round, which gave the win into the finals to the 1963 Corvette of Tommy D'Aprile’s from Port Charlotte FL.

Spiering defeated Jason Hamstra from Demotte, IN in the first round of eliminations with a 6.179-second, 231.64 mph run. Hamstra was in the field as an alternate for number two qualifier Scott Cannon Jr from Lyman, SC who Spiering was scheduled to run before Cannon crashed in the final qualifying session Saturday night.

Glen Kerunsky from Priddis, AB won the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Championship at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals over Tommy D'Aprile from Port Charlotte, FL.

The next International Hot Rod (IHRA) eMax Drag Racing Series event of the season the 36th Annual Spring National presented by Advance Auto Parts will take place April 21-23 at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, North Carolina. For information, call 910.582.3400 or visit http://www.rockinghamdragway.com/

Parts Pro sponsors PMRA Crew Chief of the Race Award

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

AJAX, ON (March 24, 2006) – With “A Passion for Performance”, Parts Pro, the fastest-growing automotive performance parts distribution network in North America, will be sponsoring the Crew Chief of the Race Award at each PMRA series event for 2006, the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to announce.

“Parts Pro continues to bring you the hottest products in the high performance industry,” explained Kevin Dundas, General Manager of Karbelt Speed & Custom, the Eastern Canadian Parts Pro Distribution center. “We will present the Parts Pro "A Passion for Performance" Crew Chief of the Race Award at each of the six-event drag racing series in 2006. The award was specifically designed to reward the Crew Chief and the team of individuals that supports them.”

Parts Pro Performance Centers has 40 independently owned retailers in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes who provide immediate product knowledge and the best quality parts and accessories directly from their inventories or next day from their distribution centers. No other distribution process can deliver the proper parts quicker to its customers.

“It is really exciting to have the Eastern Canadian Parts Pro dealers support the PMRA,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “The PMRA series sponsorship programs continue to grow. It says a lot about our teams and the venues they will perform at.”
Parts Pro has the most popular performance parts and accessories for today, as well as tomorrow's street and high performance cars, trucks, and sport compact performance vehicles.

For more information, visit Parts Pro Performance Centers at http://www.partspro.ca/

McIntosh up to speed in World Series by Renault testing

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Barcelona, Spain (March 24, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s first official outing for Team KTR in the World Series by Renault ended successfully yesterday with the 20-year-old Canadian posting the sixth fastest time, from a field of 30 cars, in testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

The two-day Spanish test marked the start of Sean’s regular 2006 commitments following a series of impressive performances over the winter, including a memorable last-to-first victory in Indonesia, racing for A1 Team Canada in the A1 Grand Prix of Nations.

Learning the characteristics of his new-spec. 425bhp, 3.5-litre Dallara Renault and the 4.73km Circuit de Catalunya, home to the Spanish Grand Prix, Sean spent Wednesday’s sessions getting to grips with both while forging his relationship with the Belgium-based crew from Team KTR.

Running predominantly on used Michelin’s, Sean’s attempts to bang in a ‘flier’ on fresh rubber towards the end of the afternoon were thwarted by a series of red flags but the 2005 Formula Renault UK Vice- Champion was suitably pleased with the progress made on day one.

Thursday’s sessions allowed Sean to further settle into his new surroundings and he reeled off a total of 60 laps over the two sessions. Setting a fastest time of 1m27.714s in the morning he then bettered this with a 1m27.624s in the afternoon to finish the test sixth overall on the timesheets and a place ahead of KTR team-mate, Britain’s Robbie Kerr.

Sean McIntosh: “We made real progress throughout Thursday and the afternoon session in particular was pretty tidy. I’m starting to develop a relationship with my engineer, Paul Heath. These things always take a bit of time but I think we’re starting to click already which is encouraging. I’m getting a feel for the car now and can start to make changes to it so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do next time out at Le Mans.”

Kurt Mollekens – Team Manager: “Overall I’m quite satisfied with this week’s Barcelona test. By the first race meeting at Zolder we want to aim higher but there were factors to consider for both Robbie and Sean, chiefly neither had tested the new World Series by Renault car and they hadn’t been to Barcelona before, a fairly challenging circuit physically. Our aim for this test was for both drivers to learn as much as possible and go for quality running, we’ll hit qualifying mode at a later stage. We’re all happy as a team, the guys set competitive times and we’ll look for more of the same when we go to Le Mans.”

The historic Le Mans Circuit in France hosts the next pre-season test, 1st-2nd April, before the World Series by Renault kicks off in earnest with the opening two rounds at Zolder in Belgium, 29th-30th April. ENDS For further information or image requests please contact Stuart Morrison Public Relations: Tel: +1 514 684 3253 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com World Series by Renault Official Website: www.renault-sport.com/en/world_series Team KTR Website: http://www.ktr.be/

ROCKETSPORTS RACING TO RUN ANTONIO PIZZONIA IN LONG BEACH FOR CHAMP CAR SEASON OPENER

Courtesy Heather Haupt

EAST LANSING, Mich. (March 29, 2006) After a long off-season with all efforts predominately on securing a solid sponsorship package and competitive driver line-up, Rocketsports Racing is proud to announce that Antonio Pizzonia has been signed to drive the #8 Rocketsports Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone Champ Car in Long Beach with sponsorship announcements to be forthcoming.

The overall performance of Rocketsports Racing throughout the 2005 season led to Timo Glock s consistency and running for Rookie-of-the-Year honors. Rocketsports has chosen to run another rookie, but rookie is no way to describe this young, vibrant Brazilian. Pizzonia is a well-experienced open-wheel racer. He has a solid racing pedigree that has brought him to the ranks of Formula 1. The 25-year-old joins Rocketsports with great anticipation to extend his racing resume by entering the Champ Car World Series in search for a new challenge in his extensive career.

Pizzonia will rendezvous with the team in Houston on Saturday, April 1 for some more time in his Lola in preparation to make his first Champ Car start in Long Beach, California for the Champ Car season opener, April 7-9.

I am very happy about the opportunity that Rocketsports has given to me, said Pizzonia on his upcoming test and making his debut in Champ Car. The test this weekend will be very important for me and the team as we prepare for the first race. I obviously need to get more familiar with the car, as it was my first time in the cockpit of a Champ Car when I tested with the team in Houston a couple of weeks ago. So the extra time will be good for me to learn more and really prepare for Long Beach. I am really looking forward to Long Beach; it will be a new experience for me, a new ride, and a new challenge. That is what I was looking for and I am thrilled to be with the Rocketsports team. I really enjoyed working with them in Houston when I tested with them, so I am looking forward to working with them again.

Pizzonia started racing karts when he was 10 and after winning the local championships he began to commute to Sao Paulo on the weekends to race in more competitive Sao Paulo championships. By the time he was 15, he had won the Brazilian national title. This led to the decision to go to the United States to compete in the Barber Dodge series and then in 1997 he moved to Britain.

OK, let me get this straight. You're offering me THIS piece of land for 48 years at $750Gs a year? Where do I sign?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. March 29, 2006 International Speedway Corporation (NASDAQ/NM: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC") today announced that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Daytona International Speedway, LLC ( Daytona ), it has amended its lease agreement with the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District (the District ).

The amended lease (the DIS lease ) extends the relationship between Daytona and the District through November 7, 2054. The annual cash lease payment, excluding applicable sales taxes, of $500,000 for 2007 will increase every five years, resulting in an average annual cash payment over the 48-year (2007-2054) period of approximately $750,000.

The original lease provided for annual cash payments of $10,000 per year through 2007, increasing to $20,000 per year from 2008 through 2032....

Just got off the phone....

... with Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (514-397-INDY). Asked the lady about the weekend schedule for the ChampCar event at the end of August and how I might buy tickets.

She said that event has yet to be confirmed. There are no tickets for sale.

She chuckled when I told her that it's on the ChampCar website at www.cart.com

She said there is no schedule for announcing whether or not the race will take place.

Might not want to give a credit card when reserving a room for this one....

We're in... we're out.... we're in... we're out.... we're in....

Canadian "Civic Championship" Racing Series Race at Grand Prix of Canada Courtesy of Honda Canada

The Civic Championship will race Honda Civic DX Coupes at the F1 Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal on June 24, 2006 through the generous support of Honda Canada."Honda has provided us with a great opportunity," said Marcel Demers co-administrator of the Championship series and continued, " by giving the Civic Championship a show case for Canadian motorsport talent at the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix".

- From ASN / FIA

CANADIAN RACER ANDREW RANGER BEGINS TESTING SESSIONS AS EFFORTS CONTINUE TO SECURE SPONSORSHIP FOR FULL CHAMP CAR SEASON

Montreal, Quebec, March 28, 2006 - Andrew Ranger, the Canadian race-car driver who is coming off a promising rookie season that saw him earn 10th place in the Champ Car World Series drivers' standings, begins preparations for the 2006 campaign this week with a two-day testing session with the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team on the Fontana, California road course.

While Ranger runs testing laps on Wednesday and Thursday, efforts will continue to secure additional sponsorship that will enable the 19-year-old Roxton Pond, Quebec driver to compete in a full Champ Car schedule. Ranger is currently set to race in the season opener at Long Beach, California, on April 9, as well as the three Canadian stops on the schedule, in Toronto (July 9), Edmonton (July 23) and Montreal (Aug. 27).

"It's still very much a work in progress," said Ranger's agent Alan Labrosse. "Thus far, we have managed to put together a package for the four races, but the ultimate goal is to give Andrew an opportunity to showcase his considerable talent and be able to contend for the championship. Andrew is one of the most promising young talents in the series, along with being a fine ambassador and spokesperson for his sponsors, and it would be unfortunate to see the career of a rising Canadian star compromised in this manner."

Procter & Gamble Canada, a partner from day one through its Tide brand, has taken the lead in supporting Andrew's career. Other key partners for the 2006 season include Folgers, Kodak, Duracell, Kellogg Canada and Sharpie.

"I can't say enough about the tremendous support from P&G Canada and their belief in Andrew both on and off the track," said Labrosse. "They have been instrumental in bringing other sponsors on board, but we need to find more partners who share the same commitment and vision."

Despite the uncertainty that surrounds his full-season status for the 2006 Champ Car season, Ranger is looking forward to putting his Mi-Jack Conquest car through its paces and providing the crew with feedback to help the fine-tuning process leading up to the season-opener.

"My focus is always on the competitive side of it, and I leave the business part to my agent," said Ranger. "Last year, we had a goal to finish in the top 10, and we managed to achieve that. I've spent several years climbing the racing ranks in pursuit of my dream and I'm hoping, for myself and everyone who has supported me that I'll be able to keep it going."

Ranger burst quickly from the starting line when he garnered his first podium in only his second race when he drove to a second-place finish in Monterrey, Mexico, becoming the youngest driver ever to earn a Champ Car podium. He recorded five other top-10 finishes on the way to a 140-point season. At the tender age of 18, Ranger finished second to the seasoned Timo Glock in the series' rookie standings.

- From Torchia Communications

ASN Canada FIA Announce Prize Fund Support for the Canadian Civic Championship Series

ASN Canada FIA today announced a prize fund contribution for the new "Canadian Civic Championship Series".

ASN's President Roger Peart, "In keeping with our vision of helping young Canadians move up the ladder of Canadian motorsport, ASN Canada FIA is pleased to support CASC-OR and FSAQ, the co-organizing sanctioning bodies, in their effort to make this series a success. To ensure its success we are providing direct support to the drivers with a monetary award to the Championship. A total of $6,000 will be contributed and distributed among the top 3 finishers in the Championship at year's end."

The series promoters were pleased with the announcement by ASN's President Roger Peart but are continuing their efforts to secure more sponsorship for the series.

"We are delighted with this announcement," said Gunter Schmidt, administrator of the series. "We are continuing to build on the present by promoting the series, and also working hard to assure the growth of the Civic series by adding the 2006 and 2007 Honda Civic models in to the 2007 racing season in order to increase participation of the drivers."

This type of single-marque car racing Championship has seen Canadian drivers like Ron Follows, David Empringham, Richard Spénard, Frank Allers, Jacques Villeneuve the elder, and more recently Kuno Wittmer, coming through the ranks on their way to making their mark on the national and international motorsport scene.

About the Series
The Championship demonstrates motorsport competitiveness in a single-marque championship series for up-and-coming as well as seasoned drivers. The concept of the Civic Championship is a cost-effective, competitive series emphasizing development of individual driver skills by permitting only minimal car modifications. In keeping with this concept, the Honda Civic DX Coupes, Honda Accessories and the products of the sponsors used in the Championship must be identifiable with the cars and offered for sale to the public through normal distribution channels.

***
The Canadian Civic Championship Series opens its 2006 season on April 29 at Autodrome St-Eustache in Québec. The eight-race schedule also includes events at Mosport International Raceway on May 22 and June 18, and at the Canadian Grand Prix on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 24. The final four races of the 2006 season will be held at Shannonville Motorsport Park on July 16, Autodrome St-Eustache on July 22, Circuit Mont-Tremblant on September 24 and at the season finale at Mosport on October 1.
- From ASN / FIA

Last call for schedules!!!

We're down to the wire on the 2006 edition of the Inside Track Motorsport News Canadian Speedway Guide.

The issue goes to press on Friday. Please make sure we have a copy of your most recent schedule by sending a plain text version to James Neilson, who is in charge of putting it together.

More than any other thing we publish, the Speedway Guide is referenced time and again throughout the racing season by fans who are looking to see some racing.

TSN: Pass the hat for Andrew Ranger

The agent for Andrew Ranger says they need additional sponsorship in order for the Quebec racer to compete full time in the Champ Car series this year.

Alan Labrosse says they currently have enough funds for the 19 year old to take part in the season opening race in Long Beach plus the three Canadian events on the schedule - Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal.
Labrosse says they hope use this week's two-day test session in Fontana to try and attract additional sponsors.

"It's still very much a work in progress," said Labrosse. "Thus far, we have managed to put together a package for the four races, but the ultimate goal is to give Andrew an opportunity to showcase his considerable talent and be able to contend for the championship."

Currently Ranger has support from P & G Canada while Folgers, Kodak, Duracell, Kellogg Canada and Sharpie have signed on for 2006.

"I can't say enough about the tremendous support from P&G Canada and their belief in Andrew both on and off the track," said Labrosse. "They have been instrumental in bringing other sponsors on board, but we need to find more partners who share the same commitment and vision."

... more at the link above.

TSN: Minardi set to return.... Renault quakes in fear

Former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart has submitted an entry for an F1 team in the 2008 championship.

Stoddart sold the rights to his F1 franchise last year to Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz, who renamed the team Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006.

However, Stoddart says he retained the rights to the Minardi name and the intellectual property rights to the PS04 cars build in 2004.

"I've lodged myself an entry as European Minardi F1 team Limited," Stoddart tells Reuters.

"We've got the cars we ran in Melbourne last year, we've got the team and we've got the facility," he added.

Stoddart admits the entry might be a long shot, depending on how many teams file an entry by the end of this week.

If the current 11 teams all submit an entry - which is likely at this point - then that would leave just one opening under the 2008 proposals approved by the World Motor Sport Council last week. FIA president Max Mosley has indicated that three to four groups have expressed interest in entering a team under the new cost-cutting rules.

Stoddart, who was a thorn in Mosley's side when he was an F1 owner, says being away from the sport is much harder than he expected.

"I miss it, and I miss it badly," he tells The Age newspaper in Australia. "I would like to think that all kinds of opportunities could be there, if not in '06 or '07 but in '08."

Despite the fact that Stoddart would get back into the sport under new rules crafted by his nemesis aimed at independent teams entering F1, he is still critical of the way Mosley has gone about pushing through changes.
"I am kind of sad to see that the politics are worse than they have everbeen at any time," Stoddart said. "I had hoped we would get to a point where we would see a new Concorde Agreement signed and unity between the independents and the manufacturers and Bernie Ecclestone and the banks but sadly at this time, we have Mad Max (Mosley) back in charge."

Stoddart, who made his fortune in the aviation business, recently suspended operation of his business airline Oz Jet less than four months after launching the service in Australia.

The cold, hard truth

Robin Miller's column on Speed contends that Paul Dana - the young man who was killed at Homestead yesterday morning - was in over his head.

Miller takes no pleasure in criticizing the deceased, but it backs up comments from other racers who said that Dana and other ride-buyers have no business jumping into "IRL missiles" based simply on their ability to raise sponsorship.

(h/t to Michael Banovsky)

CASCAR: MID AMERICA TEAMS UP WITH BRYAN CATHCART FOR 2006!

Mid America Motorsports President Dave Didero has announced that he will once again be fielding an entry in the CASCAR Super Series in 2006 and has come to an agreement with former CASCAR Super Series rookie of the year Bryan Cathcart to pilot the Chevrolet.

Mid America Motorsports team members have been preparing their equipment for several months now but were still searching for the right driver for the 2006 season. “We knew that we wanted someone with experience in the series” said Dave Didero. “Bryan has been a successful driver in other racing series and has demonstrated his talent and abilities in CASCAR as well. This year he’ll have very good equipment and I know we’ll have the finishing results we both expect”.

The new driver of the #42 Mid America Chevy is equally excited about the new partnership for the upcoming season. “Dave and I have talked a few times about doing something together and it just seemed like the right time for us to combine our strengths. I know he’s meticulous about preparation and getting the car ready each weekend and now I can focus on driving. I really love the series and the people involved and can’t wait to get things going this year”.

The Mid America Motorsports team will be on the track ready to race at the Super Series opening event on the Victoria Day weekend at Barrie Speedway. In the meantime preparations continue on the equipment and sponsorship opportunities are available with the team. “We’ve got top notch Gibbons motors this season, a veteran driver and we expect to perform well each weekend” stated Team President Dave Didero. “We have talked to several sponsors about our team and we’re happy to look at all opportunities. There is a chance we may field another car for some or all events and yes there are rental programs we can accommodate”.

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s premiere stock car racing series with 11 events on ovals, temporary street circuits and road courses from coast to coast. For more information on Mid America Motorsports and the CASCAR Super series log onto www.cascar.ca and watch all of the races on Rogers Sportsnet.

By TL Sports & Entertainment

SPRINTS: Vote Cody to Racin' for a Livin' Reality TV Show

Eighteen year old sprint car driver Cody Geldart of Mossley, Ontario has beeen placed on the ballot for the Racin' for a Livin' reality TV show. Fans will have a chance to vote in 12 participants to be a part of the competition which will land the winner a seven race deal in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2007.

NASCAR TV Celebrities such as Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds, and Jeff Hammond will be a part of the show as well as former drivers A.J. Foyt, Harry Gant, and Ernie Irvan.

The voting process begins on Tuesday March 28th, 2006 at 1pm EST. This is a great opportunity to show your support and help Cody gain some great exposure and give him the chance to compete for a limited NASCAR Busch Series ride in 2007.

For complete information log on to http://www.codygeldart.com/. For complete contest information log on to http://www.racinforalivin.com

From the SOS Insider

SOS: WISECO Pistons Returns to Southern Ontario Sprints in 2006 as a Contingency Sponsor

SOS President Bill Oldroyd is pleased to announce that WISECO Pistons, a long time supporter of the Southern Ontario Sprints will return for yet another season as a contingency sponsor.

“We are proud to continue our marketing partnership with WISECO Pistons for another season on the Southern Ontario Sprint tour” stated Oldroyd while making the announcement. “WISECO Piston through our area contact Harvey Silverthorn, have been giving away a set of pistons at our year end awards banquet for several years now. That will continue in 2006”.

The business was established in 1941 when Clyde Wiseman began manufacturing pistons to service the needs of PowerSports enthusiasts. Today, WISECO Pistons who are now headquartered in Mentor, Ohio has grown to be a world leader in the manufacturing of hi-performance, forged pistons for the snowmobile, motorcycle, ATV, personal watercraft, outboard marine and automotive markets. From distribution centers in Santa Paula, CA and Woodstock, ON Canada, international customers in Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia are serviced.

Quality, integrity and service are the backbone of WISECO’s success. That’s why the top engine builders and racers in every PowerSports industry have come to appreciate and depend on WISECO for consistent winning results.

More information on WISECO Pistons may be obtained by logging on to their website at www.wiseco.com.

The 2006 Southern Ontario Sprints tour gets underway on Saturday night, May 6th as Mark Rinaldi and Brighton Speedway play host to the traveling Sprint Car series. Then the following Saturday, May 13th, the series is invited to participate in an open practice at Ohsweken Speedway beginning at 12 noon with a return to racing action the following Friday night, May 19th at the Styres family owned fast 3/8 mile clay oval.

With opening day only five weeks away, teams both old and new are preparing for what is shaping up to be the most competitive season yet. Make plans now so you won’t miss any of the action as the “Winged Warriors With An Attitude” travel to a speedway near you.

For all the latest information be sure to check the official website of the Southern Ontario Sprints at www.southernontariosprints.com as preparation continues toward the green flag on the 2006 racing season.

- From the SOS

Pete Shepherd USAC press releases

You can find press releases on Pete Shepherd's USAC efforts here.

It sounds like Petey's clean run at Homestead might be the ticket to get NASCAR's approval to allow him to make his NASCAR debut in a Roush Truck at Gateway (1.25-mile) at the end of April.

Pete Shepherd III seventh in USAC Silver Crown race at Homestead

There isn't a lot of info on the site, but the results from Homestead say that Petey started fourth and finished seventh in Carl Edwards' Silver Crown car.