CARQUEST TOUR DRIVERS HEADING SOUTH

Courtesy Ken Cunning

Five CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour drivers are making the trip to Oxford Plains Speedway, ME for the April 29th running of the New England Dodge Dealers 150, the first race of the PASS North season.

2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Champion Rollie MacDonald (Pictou, NS) leads his fellow drivers Shawn Tucker, (Fredericton, NB), Shawn Turple (Enfield, NS), Mike MacKenzie (Dartmouth, NS) and John Flemming (Halifax, NS) to the historic oval. These drivers represent three Championships, a number of second place finishes and a Rookie Of The Year winner. Like modern day Border Bandits, they are attempting to cross the border, capture the spoils of the race and return home.

“I haven’t been to Oxford for about 10 years. We ran well in Beech Ridge last September, so I want to see how competitive we are at Oxford” MacDonald said. “If we can run with them, we’ll head down for the 250 in July.”

“We want to see where we fit.” said Tucker, who started his racing career on the US side of the border. “It will give us a chance to get the car set-up for the 250.”

Having a PASS race at Oxford precede both the CARQUEST Tour season and the famous Oxford 250, gives Maritime drivers an almost free opportunity to run at Oxford Speedway with all information learned to be used at the 250. All the drivers commented on the difficulty of being successful at Oxford, but that is part of the lure.

“We had back luck in 2005, with flat tires taking us out of races, maybe running at Oxford will change our luck” said MacKenzie, who has raced the 250 at Oxford a number of times in past years.

With nearly 4,000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.

The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited and features an 11-race series at five different tracks in the three Maritime Provinces. Top drivers from all three provinces compete including former champions Rollie MacDonald, Shawn Tucker, John Flemming and Wayne Smith compete for the coveted Championship title. For more information on the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour please visit MaritimeProStockTour.com or call our admin office Monday to Friday at (902) 481-2531.

Win at VIR puts Jamie Holtom, Chevy into Championship Leads

Courtesy Josh Kive

Driving with Eric Curran, Jamie Holtom won his first race of the year last weekend in the Grand-Am Cup 200 at the infamous VIRginia International Raceway, where weather along with an 84-car field made for interesting, strategic racing.

“Having so many cars on the track all at once in the rain made for some very interesting racing. Luckily we were able to survive the carnage and give the car to Eric in without a scratch on it for the second half of the race.”, Jamie said, “Georgian Bay Motorsports and the guys from the GM Performance Division did an awesome job calling the strategy, giving us the best possible track position so we didn’t have to take too many chances out on the track.”

In a race in which the majority of the time spent was under Full-Course-Yellow conditions, survival was the key. At the start Jamie held position and waited for the race to come to him.

“I knew the race was going to ‘go yellow’ early and often so I just drove my own race and kept the car up front. Our goal for the weekend was to get as many points as possible for Chevrolet in the manufacturers chase. It’s too bad that qualifying was rained out. The guys from GBMS and GM had the 01 ClearSCADA Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged on rails in the rain; I know we could have challenged for pole.”

After placing fourth at the season opener in Daytona, the win in Virginia puts Chevrolet into the lead of the Manufacturers Championship and Holtom and Curran into the Drivers Championship points lead.

“With Georgian Bay Motorsports and the GM Performance Division working on our cars, I always know that my Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged will be dynamite. It’s great that Eric and I can reward their hard work by giving them the Manufacturers, Team and Drivers Championship lead early in the season.”, stated Holtom.

This win marks Jamie’s third in Grand-Am Cup competition.

The next event for the Jamie and Eric will be at the U.S. Sports Car Invitational the weekend of May 5 -7 at Laguna Seca Raceway, in Monterey, California, where they look to solidify their leads in the Drivers, Manufacturers and Team Championships.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Please welcome with me two new volunteer additions to the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge BARC Management Team, they are Ralph Klingmann and Gary Shortt.

Ralph will be the Chief Scorer in the Control Tower with CTA. Ralph is the head of CTA and brings with him a vast knowledge of timing and scoring. Any and all scoring issues will go through Ralph.

Also joining the team is Gary Short as Safety Director. Gary's primary function will be helping out in pit lane and all safety issues that arise at the tracks. Gary will also assist David Bayley in Tech Department. Gary Shortt has years of experience in Motorsports and is also President and CEO of Shortt's Motorsports Support.

I know everyone will welcome the newest members of your team at our season opener, June 3 & 4 at Shannonville.

Thanks,

David P. Hilton
V.P. BARC
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Marketing and Promotion Manager

39th ANNUAL SCHEDULE STARTING THIS WEEK FOR BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK

Courtesy Brighton Speedway

Set to begin its 39th season in operation, the 26th under the management of the Rinaldi Family, Brighton Speedway Park’s promoters have put together a schedule that is jammed with action packed, fast, furious and always entertaining grassroots motor sport racing. Saturday April 29th is the Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener. Admission for this event is only $2.00 with a donation of non-perishable items for the local food bank. Get a jump on the season by being there in time to watch the green flag fly at 7:00pm.

The regular weekly racing program, including the Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill’s Johns Comp 4 and Mister Signz Pure Stocks, is sure to keep the Coca-Cola Kids Club members and their families on the edge of their seats. Registration for the Coca-Cola kids club starts at 5:30pm, and the first 100 kids get their package free for the season.

Following this evening of fun and adventure for the family, the next race event is a visit from the Southern Ontario Sprints on May 6, 2006. For more information, or to view the full season’s schedule visit the web-site at www.brightonspeedway.com.

McIntosh heads to Zolder for World Series start

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Montreal, Canada (April 26, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s winter world tour might have wrapped with the conclusion of the inaugural A1GP season but the 20-year-old Canadian is all set to begin a new European adventure, starting this weekend, as the 2006 World Series by Renault kicks off at Zolder in Belgium, 29th-30th April.

Stepping up from the domestic Formula Renault (http://www.renault-sport.com/) 2.0 championship in Britain, where he captured his maiden win and ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors in 2004 before going on to score five more victories last season to cap 2005 as Vice Champion,

McIntosh has already showcased his potential in the #6 KTR-entered (http://www.ktr.be/) 425bhp Formula Renault 3.5 he’ll race across Europe this season in the World Series by Renault. Topping the time sheets at the last pre- season test, held at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, the Vancouver racer continued to impress in an international field boasting new fewer than 30 drivers. Having traveled the world racing for A1 Team Canada in the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ Sean’s ability to adapt and learn new circuits will again prove vital as he starts his World Series campaign with this year’s schedule taking in some of Europe’s finest race tracks.

Pre-season testing has taken the A1GP race winner to Circuit de Catalunya in Spain, Le Mans in France and the Nürburgring in Germany. Set to return to compete at those tracks as the season progresses, the calendar also includes trips to Monaco, as a support race to next month’s Formula One race, as well as Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Donington Park, McIntosh already a winner at the British circuit.

This weekend’s double-header at the 4.048km track at Zolder presents a fresh challenge for the Canadian although an added day of testing tomorrow offers a priceless opportunity to gain additional mileage and track knowledge. With the KTR team based in Belgium, Zolder marks a ‘home’ start for the Belgian outfit with Sean’s World Series by Renault debut eagerly anticipated.

The sole Canadian in the field and one of just two North American’s competing in World Series by Renault this season, Sean commented: “I’m really looking forward to the new season! I’m new to Zolder but I’ve studied the layout of the track and raced it on the PlayStation but there’s no substitute for the real thing. I’ve heard it’s a challenging track! Pre-season testing went pretty well but we know we have to be straight on it this weekend. As a nine-round championship you just can’t afford to have an off weekend in the World Series!”

Race 1 (21 Laps) is set for 3:05pm CET on Saturday with Race 2 (28 Laps), including a mandatory pit-stop, following on Sunday afternoon at 2:15pm.

CMHF TRACK DAY... celebrities added!

To quote George D from the Hall of Fame... "it just keeps getting better."

Click here to download the new flyer for this inaugural event, on June 15 at Mosport.

Recent additions to the festivities include celebrity drivers Scott Goodyear, Ludwig Heimrath & Marty Roth.

Star Mazda Championship and Racing For Kids to partner again in 2006

Courtesy Eric McCombs

April 24, 2006. Pacoima, California. Star Mazda Series President Gary Rodrigues and Racing For Kids Executive Director J. Patrick Wright announced today that the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will continue their relationship with Racing For Kids with the 2006 Racing For Kids Driver Performance Award Program, starting with the upcoming Houston Grand Prix weekend on May 13-14.

“We are extremely pleased to be working again this season with the Racing For Kids organization after a three race partnership in 2005,” Rodrigues said. “Drivers that participated in the hospital visits last season expressed that they got a lot out of the program and it was their enthusiasm that led us to expand to five events this season.”

Racing For Kids® is a national charity designed to use the popularity of motorsports to bring attention and funding to the health care needs of children. The hospital visits form the heart of the program. Each RFK driver visits children in children’s hospitals where they race. They spend time with each sick youngster answering questions about their sport, handing out the distinctive Racing For Kids hats and signing autographs.

Founded in 1989 in Detroit, MI, it has captured the imagination of the racing community, the rapt attention of racing fans and the participation of prominent drivers. In that time, Racing For Kids drivers have visited with more than 15,000 sick youngsters in over 340 hospitals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Australia.

In addition to the Houston race weekend the program will also include Mid-Ohio on May 20-21, Salt Lake City on July 15-16, Road Atlanta on September 29-30, and the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 21-22. Racing For Kids will award the highest finishing participating racer at each race $500 with a matching $500 grant going to the local children’s hospital in his/her name. At season's end, the highest ranked Racing For Kids driver will receive a $1000 cash award. In addition, a $1000 Racing For Kids check in their name will be presented to the children's hospital of their choice.

Texas Children’s Hospital, in Houston, Texas, will host the first event of the season at 2:00 PM on May 10th, when Star Mazda Championship competitors Ryan Justice, Daniel Herrington, Russell Walker and Brad Jaeger visit to tour the facilities, sign autographs and give the children Racing For Kids baseball caps and pens.

About the Star Mazda Series
The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear has become the most competitive open-wheel development series in North America. Featuring the Pro Formula Mazda, which features a carbon-fiber chassis, six-speed sequential gearbox, and a 240-horsepower Mazda rotary powerplant, the series has helped propel the careers of drivers such as 2004 Champion Michael McDowell, now driving in ChampCar and a race-winner in the GrandAm Series; 2002 Champion Guy Cosmo, who along with fellow Star Mazda graduate Jamie Bach was named 2005 Rookie-of-the-Year in the American LeMans Series, and 2002 race winner Scott Speed, who will line up on the Formula One grid this season.

B&M Racing Acquires McLeod Industries

Courtesy Andrew Schear

Chatsworth, CA: B&M Racing & Performance Products, the undisputed leader in automatic transmission technology is proud to announce the acquisition of McLeod Industries.

McLeod has been on the forefront of street performance and racing clutch technology for over a quarter of a century. McLeod, founded in 1971 by clutch guru Red Roberts, manufactures and distributes a full line of clutch assemblies, flywheels, hydraulic throw-out bearings, bellhousings and rail shifters.

“The joining of these two industry icons, with almost 100-years of racing heritage, will now be the most formidable power delivery group in the performance aftermarket,” said Roberts.

According to Jim Adolph, VP of Communications for B&M Racing, “This is the beginning of B&M’s transformation into the one-stop driveline supplier to the performance automotive aftermarket. We intend to supply our customers with all their driveline needs from the flywheel back.”

B&M Racing and Performance Products has been the leader of high performance automatic transmissions, shifters and cooling products for more than 50 years. In nearly all divisions of motorsports B&M is the supplier of quality engineering and race-winning technology.

For more information contact: B&M Racing & Performance Products, Dept, 9142 Independence Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA Ph: 818-882-6422 Fax: 818-882-6694 or on the web at www.bmracing.com.

Race Fans Electrocuted at Talladega

And you thought racing at Talladega was dangerous....

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) - Two NASCAR fans were electrocuted in a campground outside Talladega Superspeedway when a flagpole they were erecting touched power lines.

Donny Lynn Wright, 42, of Remlap and Keith Alan Stell, 39, of Birmingham died Monday, said track spokeswoman Kristi King. Talladega County Coroner Jerry Castleberry pronounced them dead at the scene.
The Aaron's 499 race will be run at the track on Sunday. Fans commonly use poles to fly flags touting their favorite driver.

Witnesses said Wright and Stell were attempting to anchor a flagpole when it was caught by wind and pushed into power lines running along a road outside the track.

"They were trying to pull the flagpole back off the lines," said James Snider, who was sitting about 30 yards away from the victims' camp site. "I heard a loud pop that sounded like a firecracker, and I went running because the power lines fell. They were both lying on the ground, and two women were trying to get to them to get them away from the wires."

From AP / Full Story at Link Above

Pierre Bourque: Update

Canadian road racer Pierre Bourque continued his intense pre-season stock car oval testing schedule on Monday at Indiana's Winchester Speedway.

With teacher Andy Hillenburg in his corner, Bourque lapped the high-speed track in 17.017 seconds before turning a bunch of laps on older tires. According to the Canadian racer / web entrepreneur, Hillenburg estimates the time would be good enough to qualify in the middle of the top 10 for the upcoming ARCA race.

In other Bourque news, he reports that he's signed a three-race CASCAR Super Series and pre-season testing deal with Whitlock Motorsports. Watch for Pierre to race in Edmonton, Trois-Riveres and Montreal (if CASCAR is there). A fourth race with Whitlock Motorsports is a possibility.

(PHOTOS BY ANDY HILLENBURG)

Rich People Racing....

Tiger Woods was busy on the weekend. He was in New Zealand with his buddy / caddie for a few days, during which he went bungee jumping from an incredible height... and then participated in a car race at a dirt track. Which he won. (From TSN)

***

And in another story... ohhhhhh, to be rich..... sigh.

Here's a story about Michael Waltrip and his sponsors.

Life in the fast lane (from MSN.com)

An executive who serves 32 years at a company deserves some special commendation. But $890,000 worth of professional race-car driving instruction for his kids?

That’s how much furniture-rental chain Aaron Rents paid last year for driving instruction for two sons of William Butler Jr.

He is a director and president of sales and lease ownership at Aaron Rents. Based in Atlanta, Ga., the company sponsors professional race-car driver Michael Waltrip in the NASCAR Busch Series.

As part of the deal, Waltrip runs a "driver development program." The program has just two students -- Butler sons William Kenneth Butler III and Brett Cameron Butler.

... Brett Butler places 28th in USAR’s Southern Div'n of the Hooters Series, while Ken ranks 32nd in the Northern Div'n. There's still hope for the Butler brothers, though, as they will get close to $1 million worth of training this year, paid for by Aaron Rents.

... full story at the link above...

Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame: Track Day

** Note, the downloadable PDF file has been updated since this was first posted **

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame is hosting its first-ever 'Track Day' on June 15 at Mosport Int'l Raceway.

The goal is to raise funds for the CMHF and to have some fun. Click on the form at right to download a PDF of the application.

The fee is $1,000 and you will receive a Charitable Tax Receipt for up to $750.

Tyler Brown Ready for 2006 Season

Waterdown youngster moves up to Late Models for 2006

Courtesy Russ Bond Agency

WATERDOWN, ONTARIO The new shop, which now houses the 4B Racing operations, has been a hotbed of activity, as the team focuses on 2006. The 4B Racing team and driver Tyler Brown are making the move up to the Late Model division this year. “The move up to competing in the headline ‘Late Model’ division at Delaware Speedway came together at the end of November,” driver Tyler Brown explained. “My family and our team have worked a lot of hours getting us ready to be competitive right away”, Brown added. Tyler will compete this year at one of Canada’s premier oval tracks, Delaware Speedway, which is located just outside of London, Ontario. He also becomes the youngest driver to ever compete in the “Late Model” division. The 14-year-old Grade 9 student has his sights set on the “Rookie of the Year” title.

In addition to completing numerous days of preseason testing in his new #91 Chevy Monte Carlo, Brown spent his March Break attending the Finish Line Racing School in Florida. “Going to Finish Line Racing School really helped me get a head start on this season with the new car,” Brown said. Tyler and his entire 4B Racing team are extremely focused on this opportunity, and they plan to make the most of it. The level of competition is high, some races are very long, and temperatures in the car can become unbearable, and these are all things that Brown will have to battle this year. “I have been working hard off the track on mental and physical preparation,” Brown said. “This is the premier stock car racing division in Canada, and I have to be as ready as possible.”

Team Manager, Cathy Hawkins is very happy that every one of Tyler’s sponsors signed up to be part of the new program for 2006. “All of our sponsors are back on board again this year, which is great. But we are still looking for new marketing partners,” Hawkins said.

The final new item for Brown this year is an all new website, http://www.tyler-brown.com/ and it is the best place to keep up with all the happenings about the team and its driver, Tyler Brown.

For more information on Tyler Brown, contact Russ Bond Agency ( www.russbondagency.com ) 905-475-3052. To learn more about Delaware Speedway and the Late Model division go to http://www.delawarespeedway.com/ .

Tyler Brown Fast Facts
Tyler Brown is a 14 year old racer from Waterdown, Ontario. In 2005 Tyler won his 1st race in his 2nd official start in the Ontario Pro Challenge series. In seven years of karting he started more than 225 races and won one “Championship”, “Most Improved Driver Award”, and a “Team of the Year” award. At the local level he has never finished lower than 5th in series points and at the regional or national level he has never finished lower than 10th.Brown drives for 4B Racing ( www.4bracing.com ) and he is supported by Assante Wealth Management, VH Web Dezine, Leaf Racewear, The Adin Group Inc ( www.adin.ca), and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Terry Brown confident going into 2006 PMRA season

Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified poised for PMRA special event schedule

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

CALEDONIA, (April 24, 2006) – With a new blower for the engine and fresh new copperhead orange paint for the Challenger body, Terry Brown and his team are energetic to start the 2006 Pro Modified Racing Association season.

The three-time OSCA Outlaw Champion and driver of the Terry Brown Racing 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified is poised for the PMRA special event schedule.

“The new PSI Screw Blower should give us a powerful edge over last year,” said Brown. “Over all we’ve had back-to-back–to-back great seasons. The PMRA has some good competitors and we have our work cut out for us with these guys”.

Brown’s, http://www.terrybrownracing.com/, 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Pro Modified is powered by a 526-cubic inch Keith Black Hemi engine, a PSI Screw Blower, a Watermen fuel system, hooked to a Lenco three-speed transmission with a Crowler clutch.

“We are hoping to continue right where we left off last year,” said team crew chief Jason Greenland. “The team is strong, our driver is one of the best, and are plan is to win some races and repeat our championship form.”

C&R Racing, Inc. Expands its Offerings of Quality Intercomp Products and Services

Courtesy Debbie Crowley, C&R Racing

Indianapolis, IN – C&R Racing, Inc. has expanded its offerings and will continue selling Intercomp Racing Products while now offering a full Intercomp Service and Calibration Center in the Mooresville, NC location. C&R Racing Performance will distribute products from both C&R facilities - Indianapolis, IN and C&R South located in Mooresville, NC.

“C&R is proud to announce our agreement with Intercomp,” states Chris Paulsen, President and Owner of C&R Racing, Inc., “we’ve worked hard to align our racing performance division with quality companies like Intercomp. The expansion of Intercomp Racing Products will enhance our current product line continuing towards our goal to make C&R a source for high tech high quality racing parts and services.”

Intercomp is a precision instruments and scale manufacturer committed to serving the high performance racing industry. Intercomp is the leading designer in scales and related chassis setup equipment for all forms of racing and is ISO9001:2000 certified.

C&R will distribute, service, and calibrate a full line of Intercomp Racing Products. With locations strategically placed in Indianapolis, IN and Mooresville, NC C&R is positioned to offer complete sales and support to all teams, with service and calibration available at the Mooresville, NC location. C&R is equipped with a full line of certified calibration deadweights, and trained technicians to do annual calibrations services and handle any warranty or scale maintenance programs.

Intercomp quality scale systems feature 6061 T6 Billet Aluminum scale pads for greater flatness, certified calibration to 0.1%, and a standard 2 year warranty. Official Tech Scale for ARCA, ADBA, SCCA/World Challenge, CASCAR, UMP, AMA, IMCA, IDBA, MASCS, CORR, WKA, Indiana Late Model Series, All Star Sprints, INEX 600 Racing, N.A.L.M.S. and NAMARS.

Founded in 1988, C&R is the leading manufacturer of cooling systems and drivetrain components for the motorsport industry. For all forms of racing, C&R manufactures and distributes parts and equipment; including thermo protection products for high performance applications – complete cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components, and wind tunnel models.

C&R is the largest and preferred supplier of custom all-aluminum radiators to NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series. C&R is also the preferred supplier to IRL IndyCar Series, Champ Car, and various open wheel, off-road, and late model series.

C&R utilizes the latest in CNC machine tools, metal fabrication equipment, and CAD/CAM technology.

C&R South manufactures and distributes drivetrain components (including the NASCAR approved BB1 transmission), Dynotech driveshafts, Visteon 9” Racing Gear Sets and current C&R products, excluding custom-built radiators.

C&R Racing is comprised of C&R Racing, Inc., C&R Racing Performance, C&R Racing Radiators, and C&R Racing South.

&R Racing Radiators is proud to be technical and R&D partner with Visteon – one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world.

In 2005, C&R customers won races and championships in every form of professional and amateur racing around the world.

Approximately 40% of total business is radiators

Carl Spiering - Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Camaro - Update

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

Carl Spiering, who hails from Jordan Station, ON will debut the new Eaton Electrical Supercharged 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Modified built by G-Force Race Cars entry at the upcoming Nicko’s NY Style Pizza 36th Annual Spring Nationals.

The 41-year-old Spiering crashed the Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette in the quarterfinals at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway March 26 in Texas. The Camaro will be replacing the Corvette:
“A 200 mph trip into the wall is not my idea of how to begin the season. We had some terrible luck and got beat up pretty bad in San Antonio. I will be fine and the Eaton Electrical team will rebound stronger than ever.”

Spiering was taken to hospital after the incident and released the same night with broken ribs, bumps, and bruises:
“We had big corporate plans for the introduction of the new Camaro with Eaton. The situation at Texas changed all of those plans and we immediately started to get the new Eaton Road Warrior ready for the next race.”

In 2005, Spiering had strong season, winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals and placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour:“We are excited once again to have the opportunity to represent Eaton's electrical business for another year. Eaton Electrical has given us the necessary backing to do this right and we thank them for it and all our other associate sponsors who have all contributed to our success in the past and continue to support us, giving the effort all the tools to create a great team.”

With a serious passion for fast machines in any type of competition, Carl Spiering is quickly becoming one of the hottest Pro Modified racers on the drag race circuit:“We are looking forward to starting the new season. Our car is better, our people are better, the attitudes are better, everything is just better.”

Spiering leads the points chase for the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and had a strong season in 2005. Winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals. The Eaton Electrical Pro Modified placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour.

The Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified built by G-Force Race Cars Chevrolet Camaro is powered by a 526-cubic inch Brad Anderson Hemi power plant with Alan Johnson cylinder heads, a SSI Supercharger, and a Carl Spiering ERD (Engine Research and Development) fuel system, all united to a Lenco three-speed transmission with an Applied Friction Technologies (AFT) clutch.

Blogger has been down all day

Sorry to those who have stopped by today looking for some 'news'.

Blogger has been down all day with technical issues. If you can read this, it means it is back up again and we'll post some tidbits shortly.

Thank you for visiting! By the way, voting the for the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards closes on Friday, so be sure to vote for your favourites before it's too late.

Charlotte Observer: Roger Slack

There was a nice story on Canadian Roger Slack in yesterday's Charlotte Observer.
Thanks to Bruce Mehlenbacher for sending me this link.

Slack creates Wheeler-sized dirt-track race
By DAVID POOLE

Long before the pit gates for the Circle K Colossal 100 opened Thursday afternoon, Roger Slack already had a lot to worry about.

Slack, director of events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and his team had lined off spaces for 210 cars in a pit area using just about every inch of available space at The Dirt Track @ LMS. It was there an attention-grabbing purse of $200,000 was on the line in Saturday night's 100-lap main event for dirt super late model cars.

As much as still had to get done, however, it all was a labor of love for Slack.

Dirt-track racing goes back two generations for Slack, a 31-year-old native of York, Ontario, who also counts LMS president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, who's his boss, as one of his lifelong heroes

"This is what I've always wanted to do," Slack said. "I love these people. They're a lot of fun to be around, and people who work hard and appreciate what hard work brings."

... continued at the link above...

Best news I've heard all week!

A few days ago, I posted something about one of the Big Three getting out of NASCAR.

Today at Phoenix, John Fernandez, the Director of Dodge's Motorsports Operations, said that the rumour doesn't involve Dodge.

Speaking of Dodge, I saw a new Caliber at a gas station the other day. Looks sharp.

But getting back to the point.... Dodge is staying in NASCAR. And they're one of the biggest supporters of Canadian racing. Makes you want to buy one of their cars and let them know you appreciate their support, doesn't it?


JOHN FERNANDEZ (Director, Dodge Motorsports Operations)

COMMENT ON WEB SITE REPORT THAT ONE OF THE BIG THREE MANUFACTURERS IS GOING TO LEAVE NASCAR “I’ve heard the rumor, but obviously we’re not involved in it. I haven’t heard anything from General Motors or Ford that indicates they’re in any jeopardy. Obviously their total companies right now are having a tough time in the marketplace, but that’s happened before and it’ll happen again I’m sure. As far as I know, GM and Ford are still committed to NASCAR and committed to racing in the Cup Series. As far as I know right now it’s only a rumor.”

HOW LONG IS DODGE’S CURRENT COMMITMENT TO NASCAR? “I don’t think there’s anything set out there right now as far as how long we’re committed for. I think we still believe it’s the right place to be to show off the image we’re trying to project for the Dodge brand performance, the capableness of our cars. Quite frankly we’re just getting in position now to win some races and show some strength with our program. They’re starting to mature to the point where hopefully we can take a run at it this year. We’ve built up our drivers to the point where we’ve got four or five capable drivers with some young guys coming along. That’s strong. It’s the second year for the Charger, and it’s starting to show some strength. You’ve heard me say this before. Inherently that’s a better car than we’ve ever had. It’s taken awhile to figure out and there were some complications last year, but I think we’ve shown and demonstrated this year that the car is capable of winning races. We’ve won three of the first seven and we probably should have won Daytona. We had a good enough car to win there, but it was a we just didn’t win kind of thing. I’m pretty comfortable with where we’re at. We’ve got a long way to go before we want to quit.”

- with files from Ray Cooper / Clear!Blue

Autosport hails Canada’s McIntosh as A1GP revelation

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Montreal, Québec (April 21, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s efforts over the winter behind the wheel of Canada’s entry in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations caught the attention of many industry observers and media alike, not least the 20-year-old’s sublime drive from last-to-first in Indonesia in February to capture A1 Team Canada’s maiden victory.

With the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ concluding in China earlier this month the traditional period of reflection has now kicked in with Autosport magazine running a season review in this week’s edition, published Thursday April 20th. The world-famous weekly motorsport publication, in addition to reviewing all the action on-track from a thrilling first season of A1GP competition, compiled its own top-ten driver ranking for the class of 05-06 placing A1 Team Canada’s Sean McIntosh seventh overall from a stellar line-up of international talent, Sean contesting the first eight rounds before handing over to Patrick Carpentier for the final three events. In reviewing Sean’s impressive A1GP campaign, where he led Canada to 10th overall in the final Nations Standings.

Autosport stated: “For a driver only called up with days to spare before Round 1, Formula Renault UK runner-up Sean McIntosh was one of the revelations of A1GP. Understandably out of his depth at Brands Hatch but he was on the podium at the second meeting at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. His win in his final race of the season f om the back of the grid in Indonesia was deserved.” r rit s r- In addition to reviewing the A1GP season, this week’s Autosport also previews the 2006 World Series by Renault which starts next weekend, 29th-30th April, at Zolder in Belgium.

Sean graduates to the European-based World Series by Renault with the Belgian KTR squad following two highly successful seasons racing in the Formula Renault UK Championship. Looking at Sean’s credentials as he continues his career path to Formula One Autosport commented: “McIntosh was one of the stars of A1GP and last year’s Formula Renault runner-up has been quick in testing. His A1 experience should also make the transition to World Series level easier and he should prove himself to be Jacques Villeneuve’s long-term successor as Canada’s best driver.”

Sean’s international successes haven’t gone unnoticed here in his home country either.

Canada’s Inside Track Magazine featured McIntosh’s Indonesian A1GP victory as the cover story on its April edition and with one week of voting left in the annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, Sean’s burgeoning open-wheel career could be set for further acknowledgement by Canadian motorsport fans. Eligible in three categories, ‘Canadian Road Racer of the Year’, ‘Up and Coming Road Racer of the Year’ and ‘Overall Canadian Racer of the Year’, fans can vote for Sean by logging on to http://www.insidetracknews.com/ and follow the link to the Readers’ Choice Awards ballot page. Voting closes at 6pm on Friday April 28th.

Castrol game online

Castrol has an online racing game called the Speed Challenge.

I'm not proud of my score....

Click here to give it a try.

The name game... Auto Clearing Something.....

Saskatoon's old track was called Bridge City Speedway.

Readers of Inside Track will know they've built a shiny new facility that will be ready for action in 2006. And they also have a new presenting sponsor (Auto Clearing Chrysler Superstore).... so they're looking for a little help on what to call the place.

Auto Clearing Chrysler Superstore has pre-approved some options. The link to the multiple-choice voting page is here.

Capital City Speedway

Several new updates on the Capital City Speedway site today, including sponsor news and other pre-season happenings at the Ottawa-area track. It's great to see so much activity and positive energy at this facility!

New name for Edmonton strip

What was once Budweiser Motorsports Park.... is now Castrol Raceway.

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY: DRIVERS JOINING MERRITTVILLE KIDS CLUB FOR UNIQUE NEW BIKE DRAWS

Thorold, Ontario … At each Meridian Credit Union Branch, employees are so totally focused on making people smile.

When it comes to their involvement in Merrittville Speedway’s 55th Anniversary Kid’s Club – younger race fans will be smiling all season long at the track.

Meridian Credit Union provides a refreshed and reinvented approach to neighborhood banking and that philosophy will be echoed throughout the 2006 Kids Club.

“Leaders Mike and Beth are preparing a newly designed program to challenge the junior race fan,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “ activities that will expand their racing knowledge will highlight the year.”

Many new events will be unveiled on the Kids Club Registration Night Saturday June 10th prior to the start of the Financial Care Group Night of racing.

One of the newest most exciting promotions is the Bike Contest that will see 7 Bikes given away throughout the season via draws.

What makes the new for 2006 Bike Contest so unique is that 7 Race Teams have joined the program and each of the bikes will resemble one of the driver’s cars.

“ Through-out the season,” reveals Bicknell, “ Kid’s Club Members will receive ballots based on their participation in events … the more events … the more chances to win … and we’re so proud of the drivers too and their sponsors.”

The 7 drivers are Paul Klager and Justin Sharp from the Premier Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic Mod Lites, the ‘Candy Man’ Mike Dooley from the Hoosier Stocks, defending champion Wayne Conn and Brad Rouse from the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division, Scott Wood from the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division and DIRT Motorsports winningest Big Block Driver Alan Johnson.

“When Alan heard news of this contest,” said Nancy Bicknell, “ although he’ll only be with us one night – he was real excited and eager to do his part and what can we say about our own drivers … hats off to them.”

The 2006 Edition of the Meridian Credit Union Kids Club will kick off on Saturday June 17th when SMS Machine are hosts of the night that also features a Demolition Derby. There will be Members-only meetings and activities and it’s a great way for younger race fans to make new friends at the track and to meet drivers and key staff members.

Also making its debut this season are weekly Kid’s Club Quizzes that will prove to be both entertaining and educational for all Junior Race Fans. Completion of the quizzes will earn Kid’s Club Members additional raffle tickets for the Bike Draws. Junior Race Fans that are not Kid’s Club Members are eligible to participate in each Weekly Quiz.

The 2006 Kid’s Club will conclude Saturday August 26th when RK Shaver CA presents the Awards night and Back to School Buona Pizza Party.

Kids Club application forms are available on line but will only be accepted on the Registration Night at the Speedway.

The 2006 Kids Club Membership fee for children from 8 – 12 years of age is $25.00 while for those under 8 – it is $5.00.

The one time fee includes a Membership Card and Meridian Kids Club T-shirt and allows the Kids Club Member free admission to all 2006 Dirt Weekly Racing Series Events.

Get in touch with the Meridian Credit Union today and start your revolution of one. Meridian Credit Union has 43 branches across Ontario delivering worry-free banking. For a branch nearest you call 1-800-303-3258 or visit www.meridiancu.ca or www.revolutionofone.ca.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s Meridian Credit Union Kids Club and any other highlight of the 55th Anniversary Season call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

For further Information contact – Jim Irvine 905-892-8266

Ex-Jordan Exec eyeing Penske's UK Racing Factory

By James Neilson

Trevor Carlin, whose Carlin team fielded Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato in Formula 3, has hinted he is looking to purchase Roger Penske's dormant factory in Poole, England.

Carlin had earlier revealed he was one of the team principles to put his name down for an application to run in the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship.

The cost of running a Formula 1 team looks set to be drastically reduced with yet another new technical package awaiting approval from teams for the beginning of the 2008 season.

Penske's Poole factory was the birthplace of multiple Indy 500 and title-winning racecars piloted by the likes of Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr. and Canada's own Paul Tracy.

Penske stopped building their own cars in 1999 after they struggled to compete with Lola and the now defunct Reynard in CHAMPCAR.

Photo Courtesy of www.indycarseries.com.

XM Canada signs exclusive multi-year distribution agreement with Honda Canada to factory-install satellite radio

Courtesy Natalie Brown

Toronto XM Canada (TSX: XSR.SV), the number one satellite radio service in the country, announced today an exclusive multi-year agreement with Honda Canada Inc. to factory-install XM Canada radios in Honda and Acura models starting with select 2007 model year vehicles and expanding to a wider range of products for the 2008 model year. Honda Canada is the country s fifth largest automaker, with sales of more than 150,000 vehicles for 2005.

Beginning this fall, all 2007 Acura MDX and TL models will come standard with factory-installed XM Canada satellite radios with three months complimentary XM Canada service. Honda Canada will expand the availability of XM Canada across the Honda and Acura lineup over the next few years.

Canadian Acura and Honda vehicles equipped with XM will engage owners with up to 100 channels of Canada s premium satellite radio service, including the deepest commercial-free playlists, NHL, PGA and Major League Baseball play-by-play game coverage, groundbreaking news, as well as the biggest names in music, comedy and entertainment.

"This new partnership with Honda Canada represents an important milestone for the rapid growth of XM Canada satellite radio, giving us a huge boost in penetrating Canada s listening audience, said Stephen Tapp, XM Canada president and COO. Honda buyers demand quality and innovation and that s what this partnership is about providing consumers with the best possible in-vehicle entertainment experience.

"Offering a high level of personalization in vehicles is just one part of Honda s strategy to bring innovation and advanced technology features to each Honda and Acura customer, said Honda Canada Executive Vice President, Jim Miller. Acura TL customers will be first to enjoy enhanced driving enjoyment when their satellite radio selection is broadcast in CD quality from the digital sound system, a standard feature in every TL.

About Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings (CSR) Inc. (TSX: XSR.SV), the first company to offer satellite radio in Canada, offers superior signal coverage across Canada and operates as XM Canada" through its subsidiary Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. CSR creates unique Canadian content to be broadcast in Canada and the United States and has an exclusive Canadian licence from U.S.-based XM Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: XMSR), the leading satellite radio provider in the U.S. with more than 6.5 million subscribers.

CSR, through XM Canada, offers listeners up to 100 channels for Canada s lowest monthly subscription fee $12.99. XM Canada offers the most commercial-free music and the most NHL" game, PGA TOUR" and MLB" coverage, and news, talk, sports and children s programming across Canada. XM Canada launched its French and English satellite channels for all of Canada and the United States to hear on November 22, 2005. After next season, XM will become the exclusive provider of NHL games on satellite radio. To find out more about Canadian Satellite Radio Inc., visit our website at www.cdnsatrad.com. To subscribe to XM Canada online or for more information about XM Canada's programming line-up and radio choice, visit www.xmradio.ca.

About Honda Canada Inc.
Honda is the world’s preeminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 124 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline, Civic and Pilot, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario. For more information, visit www.honda.ca.

Come and experience what Kart racing is all about

Courtesy Brian Grant, Manager, Calgary Kart Racing Club

(Calgary,April 19) This Saturday, April 22, the Calgary Kart Racing Club is holding a Karting Experience Day at the Calgary Speed Park for prospective members and competitors.

If you have never driven a Kart before or are interested in learning more about the sport of Kart racing then come down to the track and take a spin. Members of the CKRC will be on hand to help out and answer any of your questions.

As well equipment will be on sale in the paddock for those looking for deals on racing equipment.

The Calgary Speed Park is located at 12740 68th Street S.E. in the southwest corner of Race City Motorsport Park.

The Calgary Kart Racing Club is non-profit organization formed in the late seventies to promote the sport of Kart racing in Southern Alberta. Kart racing is a fun safe sport for families and individuals of all ages and skills. The Kart club holds twelve races a year at their own facility, the Calgary Speed Park, providing plenty of time behind the wheel for both new and experienced drivers.

Tiger Woods.... going racing!

Tiger Woods' caddy, Steve Williams is a avid race car driver. Tiger's heading to New Zealand to race in a charity event after a challenge from Williams.

FROM AP.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Tiger Woods will race a high-powered dirt-track car Monday in a charity race on New Zealand's North Island.

Woods, in New Zealand to attend caddie Steve Williams' wedding, accepted Williams' challenge to drive in the event.

"I've done other things. I've thrown a baseball a few times and thrown a couple of coins here and there," Woods told a news conference in Auckland on Thursday. "This is a bit more physical."

Williams is an enthusiastic racer when not working for Woods and is the New Zealand champion in modified saloon cars.

He said Woods will head one of two five-man teams in the charity event, a 12-lap competition at Huntly. Funds raised in the event will go to the Steve Williams Foundation, which provides coaching and educational opportunities.

Woods said bumping between cars on the tight and narrow circuit was "part of the deal" and his insurance was "taken care of.

"If they knock me off, I can knock them off," he said. "The whole idea is to have fun." Woods said fellow golf pros would not be surprised by his auto racing debut.

"A few guys out there on tour do race quite a bit," he said, citing as one example drag-racing compatriot Kenny Perry.

Williams said he had tried for some time to get Woods behind the wheel. "He said that looks like a lot of fun and I said, 'Don't worry, one day I'll get you in one of those things,' " Williams said.

... more at the link above

MOTOX: Andre Huard Seriously Injured. Assistance fund established

I received this note from the guys at Inside MotoX....

KITCHENER, ON – Junior rider, Andre Huard, was critically injured this past weekend while competing in his first +25 moto at RJ Motosport.

Huard suffered compression fractures in his spine, some spinal cord damage and is suffering mid-chest down paralysis. Huard, 30, lives in Kitchener, Ontario. He is married and needs all our support to get though this very serious injury.

A fund is being set up and a donation account and a list of immediate family needs is being compiled. Extensive home modifications will be needed to make the entire family home wheelchair accessible. If you or anyone you know may be able to assist the Huards in any way please contact Brett@cmrcracing.com.

Account Name: Brett Lee in Trust for Andre Huard

Bank: CIBCAccount number 06752/72/-71530