STAR / NORRIS MCDONALD: Nice plugs

In today's motorsport column in the Toronto Star Wheels section, Norris McDonald nicely promotes next weekend's CASCAR Super Series opener at Barrie Speedway. In the story, he mentions that the 250 lap race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. I haven't seen a schedule yet, but I've heard talk that it will be a night race (Sunday evening). I'll post the schedule when I see it.

Norris also mentioned that James Robinson Associates will again be doing the TV for the CASCAR races, noting the addition of Barrie's David Bradley to the crew.

It was confirmed to me yesterday that there won't be a pre-season CASCAR Media Day this year.

Ottawa Ontario's Capital City Speedway holds it's first race!

The opening night at the newly resurrected Capital City Speedway in Ottawa Ontario was like a sight from days gone past. Lots of fans, teams and crew, new cars, old cars, new faces and old. It seems that people still have faith in the old track, and the new (old) track promoter, Arnie Malcolm. Some will remember Arnie from a few years ago when Penny Bell ran the track, well he's back and doing a great job. Penny Bell was spotted in the pits talking to some of the old teams. The advertisers are flocking to the track in numbers, cars are well sponsored, and the mood in the pits was extremely positive.

A great recovery for the track that was stripped clean, every thing needed to be replaced, hundreds, perhaps thousands of boards in the main grandstand, and pit stands were replaced, the PA system, the lights, even the washrooms were removed. Truck loads of garbage and debris was removed to clean up the old place. What the new management has done in such a short time is remarkable to say the least.

I was there helping a team, but was still able to see some great racing again at a track where I used to hang my hat.

I spent most of the night rubbing the dirt off the bottom of the frame of an old LLM with my belly. Trying to get some tranny troubles sorted.

Saw a lot of old faces, some old chassis's (no, not talking about the ladies), and there were more fans in the stands an hour before the green than there were all last year.

Saw some familiar racing, Ricky rump and Steve Munro goin at it, Lyle Perkins sitting back and waiting for the smoke to clear to move into third, with "Motor Mouth" calling the play. Boy it really brings back old memories.

This old racer has just got to talk to Bob East about how to fix that tranny problem.

Congratulations to Steve Munro for grabbing first place in the points on the opening night and you can throw a blanket over second and third with only 2 points between them, Ken Baird and Brian Copp. In the Mini Stock a favorite driver of mine, Todd Musker, well he sure put the spurs to that Pony Car of his all night to start the season in first place in the points. The 4-4 FUN was run and completed at the stroke of 11:00pm. (curfew) with Trisha Quigg, Archie Watchorn, Leslie Musker clinching the points run 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively. In the other classes, Thunder Car driver Ken Fisher finished the night 1st in points, in the Legends, team Hossco Racing is running away from the field in the lead.


Kudos to Scott Drummond and Arnie Malcolm for turning it around.... welcome back to the old Capital City Track!! Check out the website(http://www.capitalcityspeedway.ca/ ), for a track that has been up and running for just a few months, this website is far and above some other track websites that have been running for years, this just shows you the effort and commitment that is being shown by these two guys to make sure that this track becomes no only the success it once was, but to grow even bigger and better to become a track that teams will be proud to call their home track.

Oh ya, and it didn't rain, that used to plague the former owner enough to give the nickname "Waterdrome" to the track.

Canada's national bird was a force to be reckoned with that night, yup three of them suckers grabbed on to me and lifted this 200+ lb racer up and tried to drag me into the woods. Going to have to use more mosquito repellant next week.

Well, so long for now, and see you in the pits!


Greasemonkey.

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Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame to hold Official Grand Opening

Courtesy Tim Miller, The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame

HALTON HILLS, ON – The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame will be holding its Official Grand Opening June 10, and there will be lots in store for racing fans.

Highlighting the day will be a celebration for “The Golden Era of Racing in Toronto” to honor Pinecrest Speedway, which has been closed 30 years, and the CNE Speedway, which has been closed 40 years.

Period-era race cars will be on display at the CMHF’s new location, situated at the Legendary Motorcar facility at 8242 Fifth Line in Halton Hills. The museum will also be open to the public to display its diverse variety of motorsport in Canada, with vehicles from all racing disciplines along with exhibits and memorabilia.

A $5 per car admission is to be charged, which will include access to all functions as well as memorial souvenirs. Food and refreshments will be available, with proceeds going to the CMHF.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame operates as a not-for-profit, charitable institution. It continues to honor and recognize those who have made significant contributions to motorsports in Canada. As funds permit, it will seek out new additions to the collection and continually improve and upgrade its display environment.

Sauble Speedway Season Opener

Courtesy Sauble Speedway

See you this Saturday Night - May 13th for the Official Season Opener at Steelback Sauble Speedway.

Front Gate opens at 5pm.

Country 93 Presents Jamie Warren in the Beer garden for the Pre-race show from 5:30 till 6:30.

Racing at 7pm.

Featuring the Ltd. late models, Reg Noble Pro Stocks, Pepsi Pure Stocks, and the new 4 cyl's.

Party on Wayne, party on Garth, party on Frank D'Angelo!

Courtesy Sauble Speedway

With great pleasure Steelback Brewery of Tiverton Ontario has released the blockbuster line-up for the Steelback Canada Day Music Fest weekend to take place at Steelback Sauble Speedway.

To kick the weekend off - Friday June 30th, will be classic rock night featuring Frank D’Angelo and the Steelback 2-4 band, along with legendary Loverboy and to top the night with the incredible Peter Frampton.

On tap for Saturday night - Canada Day July 1st will be purely Canadian featuring Frank D’Angelo’s Steelback 2-4 Band, along with Canadian Country music artist The Good Brothers, and to crown the weekend festival with Canada’s own George Canyon.

Tickets are available now at Ticket Master http://www.ticketmaster.ca/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&keyword=steelback

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/ and will be available at Steelback Sauble Speedway and selected locations, please visit: http://www.steelbackbrewery.com/musicfest2006/tickets.html

Ticket Prices $40.00 advance $50.00 at the door.

Gates open at 5:30pm on both nights and the concerts begin at 7:00pm

For Additional Accomodations: http://www.saublespeedway.com/Sauble_Speedwa/Places_to_stay.html

Ryan Justice tops the time sheets again at Houston in second practice session

Courtesy Eric McCombs

May 12, 2006. Houston, Texas. Ryan Justice, pilot of the #38 Northwest Autosport Mazda, has served notice to the rest of the Star Mazda competitors that he is the driver to beat as he paced the second consecutive session on the temporary street circuit around Reliant Stadium, posting a blistering lap of 1:09.207 (87.909 MPH) in practice for Round Two of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, being held in conjunction with the American Le Mans and Champ Car Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston this weekend.

Justice has set the bar high for the other 37 drivers in the field with Matt Varsha, driving Racers Edge Motorsports prepared Jeff Haas Mazda, setting the second fastest time in today's session at 1:10.170 (86.705 MPH), almost a second behind the pace set by Justice. Daniel Herrington, in the AIM Autosport Bluetooth Mazda finished with the third fastest time of the day at 1:10.406 (86.413 MPH) in the 45 minute session held in the noonday sun with temperatures in the mid-80's.

Series regulars Jon Branam, Michael Potekhen and Ross Smith held down the next three spots on the time sheet with Branam, from Miami Beach, Florida, posting a time of 1:10.512 (86.283 MPH) in his 3-Dimensional Services American Speed Factory Mazda. Behind the wheel of the Apex Racing Avenue Communities Mazda, Potekehn, from Silverthorne, Colorado, lapped the 1.69-mile circuit in 1:10.575 (86.206 MPH) to lock down the fifth spot on the day. Smith was the fastest Texan on the day with the Plano resident setting the sixth fastest time of 1:10.617 (86.155 MPH) in his Maxwell Paper Products John Walko Racing Mazda.

Final Qualifying will be held from 12:00 to 12:45 PM Central Time on Saturday, May 13th. The cars are scheduled to take the green flag for Round Two fo the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear at 2:15 PM Central Time.

SOS: Video from SOS opener on May 6

Click here for a video highlight package of the SOS Season Opener on May 6 at Brighton Speedway. The piece was put together by Styres Media Production.

- from SOS Online

Kevin Lacroix to debut Star Mazda in Houston

Courtesy Richard Galarneau

Saint-Eustache, Quebec, May 10. – 17 year-old rising star Kevin Lacroix will start his maiden race next Saturday in the Star Mazda series, as part of the undercard of the Grand Prix of Houston. He will lead a three car-effort from Pennsylvania Johnny Walko Racing team (JWR) for the remainder of the calendar. The 2005 Formula BMW USA runner-up has completed four days of training at BeaveRun and Mid-Ohio in the last weeks and he says he is ready to step up to this very competitive ladder series. Lacroix claims he can catch up in the standings after missing the first race in Sebring.

”I had plenty of seat time in the last weeks, commented Lacroix. There were some Atlantic tests early, then I spent four days getting ready for the Star series with JWR and two days with Team Australia in the BMW series at Carolina. I’m happy to be with JWR because they always give me a quick car. I think we have a good chemistry between mister Walko, the crew and me and I hope we can have a great season.”

“I have 100 more horsepower this year and a lot more car to enjoy on the track. It took a few sessions to get use to the handling and the tires but now I feel I can hold my ground. We start with Houston, a street race, than Mid-Ohio where we tested. Then I will race my first oval in Milwaukee. But I long to race in Montreal where I won last year and Trois-Rivieres where I did not race so ever even if they gave me a special award two years ago!”

4 outings in Houston
Kevin Lacroix will take to the track four times this weekend. Two practice sessions will take place on Thursday at 12h15 and Friday at 11h30. The qualifying session will be held Saturday at Noon while the 45-minute race will get the green light at 2h15 PM.

Returning sponsorship
Named the Rising Star among kart drivers in 2004, Kevin Lacroix was a multiple kart champion and a 2005 Formula BMW USA Junior scholar where he finished second in the 14-round championship. Lacroix enters the Star Mazda 2006 series with JWR with the support of sponsors that have trusted him over the years: Uni-Select automotive network, SKF MotorSports, Raybestos, Tenneco, Pennzoil, Auto Parts Plus and Lacroix Tuning and Auto Parts. His web site can be visited at http://www.kevinlacroix.com/ .

Ryan Justice leads first practice session at Houston

Courtesy Eric McCombs

May 11 , 2006. Houston, Texas. Northwest Autosport driver Ryan Justice, of Portland, Oregon, topped the time sheets this afternoon in the first practice session for the Lone Star Grand Prix on the temporary street circuit around Reliant Stadium in Round Two of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Justice, a student at Loyola Marymount University, lapped the 1.69-mile circuit in a time of 1:10.653 (86.111 MPH).

Ron White, from Santa Clara, California, posted the second fast time in the only practice session of the day, with a time of 1:11.245 (85.395 MPH) in his Fulton Valley Farms Mazda. Matt Varsha, from Atlanta, Georgia, son of Speed Channel broadcaster Bob Varsha, set the third fastest time of 1:11.486 (85.108 MPH) in his Racers Edge Motorsports Mazda.

Thirty-eight drivers participated in the 45-minute session which was interrupted by two red flag periods, the first to remove the car of Charles Anti, which had backed into a wall on the circuit and the second at the end of the session for an incident between Michael Potekhen and Ron White.

The second practice session is scheduled for 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM Central Time on Friday, May 12th.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Courtesy David Hilton

May 8, 2006 Epsom, Ontario: The Ontario Formula Ford Challenge is proud to launch it’s new website. It is located at www.offc.ca. There you will find all the current updates and series promotions. Results will be posted within 48 hours of the last race from each event weekend.

News, views and up to date driver information will also be found within the pages of the new OFFC website. All required information about the series and its management team is located here. Please feel free to send any information to the OFFC through David Hilton who can be reached at info@offc.ca.

Thanks,

The OFFC Management Team

DELAWARE: Friday night show cancelled

From Delaware Speedway....

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY FRIDAY EVENT CANCELLED

May 12, 2006: Delaware Speedway's racing event for Friday, May 12th has been cancelled due to weather. The next Cruise Car night will be Friday, July 14.

The next race events are next Friday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 19 - 8 pm

APC Late Model - TRIPLE 55's
POWERADE Modifieds
King of the Hill Spectator's Race
Sponsored by: TSC Stores

Saturday, May 20 - 7pm

APC Enduro - 255 laps
Sponsored by: Transmission Direct

TSN: PT signs 5-year deal with Forsythe

HOUSTON (CP) - Toronto's Paul Tracy is staying put.

Tracy, Champ Car's top active driver in wins, poles and laps led, signed a five-year deal to remain with Forsythe Championship Racing. The agreement comes after Tracy tried his hand earlier this year racing in the NASCAR Busch series.

''This was actually a pretty easy decision for me,'' Tracy said in a prepared statement. ''I've been checking out some other types of race series this year and that's been a great learning experience and a lot of fun, but at the end of the day there's just nothing like Champ Car.

''The depth of talent, the machinery, the challenge of driving all kinds of circuits - plus the direction and growth of the series has everybody feeling very energized with where it's going over the next few years.''

... more at the link above...

Busch / Montreal a done deal?

Bob Margolis of Yahoo! Sports seems to think so.

Standalone events/international expansion

The separate television package also opens the door for more standalone events – races that don't accompany a Cup race on the same weekend – which currently number eight. These events bring NASCAR racing to venues not served by Nextel Cup – ovals like Nashville, Kentucky and Gateway in St. Louis.

Also included in those events is the Mexico City road course race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

"The Busch Series allows [NASCAR] to do some things and try some things like Mexico that … expand the breadth of where the series races and it doesn't affect the Nextel Cup Series," Balash said.

The success of the two Mexican events has laid the groundwork for a possible additional international event: likely another road course race, this time in Montreal at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It is expected that a race date as soon as July 2007 will be announced within the next several months.

With the exception of a possible Canadian race, no other changes or additions are expected for the 2007 Busch Series schedule.

RACELINE: ET goes off on the rumours....

Erik Tomas' new 'Tomas Tales' touches upon NASCAR coming to Canada and the prospect of big league facilities appearing in southern Ontario. In a nutshell, he'll believe it when he sees it.

TOMAS TALES

The NASCAR to Canada story is gaining momentum, spinning off into a couple of other stories and interesting theories.

NASCAR had another look at Le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal this past weekend, to follow up on what NASCAR Canada’s Richard Buck told Raceline Radio last summer, and we told you. The track and facility is turn-key, ready to host a race, with only a minor extension of pit road and some adjustments to the paddock to accept a few more 18 wheeler haulers. If NASCAR’s going to install a Busch Series race in Canada next year, Montreal is still the clear front runner.

Although not a primary reason for looking at Montreal, you can bet NASCAR would find it cool as hell to run a race on an FIA/Formula One track. But in the end, Anheuser Busch, the beer behind the Busch brand and title sponsor of “Triple A” NASCAR, and the other subsidiary sponsors, have the final say on location. If doing business in Quebec’s OK, Montreal it is. If they feel it needs to center around the largest consumer market in Canada, then look at Toronto, Mosport, or even the ChampCar street course on the Lakeshore.

My money’s on Montreal.

While all this is going on, stories are flying about the rumoured sale of Canada’s largest paved oval, Cayuga Speedway, Hamilton Ontario.

The park is unfortunately a far cry from the Slack-owned glory years of ASA, ACT and regular NASCAR guest drivers.

We know there are two groups of investors looking to buy and expand the track to a mile from the current 5/8th’s. Once completed, and there are high hurdles to jump here too, they plan to approach NASCAR about staging their Busch and/or Truck Series debut there instead of the Montreal road course. In most heart-of-hearts, Canada’s first NASCAR Series race really needs to be on an oval.

Until they show me the bill of sale and the track’s expanded and ready to re-open as a NASCAR caliber facility, this is all pie in the sky. And since we last talked about the much bally-hoo’d track planned for Niagara Falls/Fort Erie, nothing has really changed.

We’ve heard land has been purchased, and according to one reporter, “The track’s a go!” Really…

Until I see concrete evidence to the contrary, in my mind, the Falls Track is a classic case of wishing for something, and understanding the reality of the situation. Do the principles have clearance from municipal government to build such a facility, or have they even made presentations? If the developers have made progress in this area, wouldn’t they have told the media? Wouldn’t we have had them on Raceline Radio? The silence is deafening. And what about the neighbours? I know people who live in the area who would oppose such a development. They need to be considered too!

But the main reason I don’t take the Niagara Falls plan seriously is cost projections. In the Buffalo TV News story back in December, and there’s really been nothing on it since, they projected the cost at around 100 million. That’s seriously out of whack considering the track they were planning around Seattle Washington was going to start at 345 million, U.S.
Would we want somebody to invest the money to build or expand an existing facility good enough to host a NASCAR Series race? Of Course! But once again, not being big risk-takers by nature, you won’t find too many Canadian Daddy Warbucks’ willing to empty their bank account with no guarantee of a NASCAR date. You can ask track owners in Kentucky and Denver if that’s an expensive dice-roll.

If you can separate fantasy of desire from reality, you need to get used to the idea that the Busch boys will be turning left and right on Canadian soil, not just left, or gauche monsieur!
Keep the electronic notes coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! erik@raceline.ca .

Until next week, talk to ya’ll on Raceline Radio, all patched in! ET

Monterey Herald: Story on Greg Wilkins

CEO of gold-mining company racing with the big boys

By JIM JOHNSON // Herald Correspondent

Canadian Greg Wilkins gives a whole new meaning to the term "weekend warrior."
During the week, the Toronto resident serves as the CEO of the Barrick Gold Corp., the largest gold-mining firm in the world. (Last week, the company announced that its stock was up 10 percent.)

But on the weekends, the 50-year-old Wilkins climbs into the red and white No. 71 SAMAX/Doncaster Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car and competes against some of the best sports car racers in the world.

... more at link above...

Good news... or not

Just received a press release from a Canadian racing series saying that they had secured sponsorship and support from a Canadian auto manufacturer. One that hasn't been involved in racing on this side of the border for several years.

A few minutes later, the release was retracted.

If it is un-retracted, it would be great news for Canadian racing.

Hopefully, the delay is only temporary.

A tale of two regions

Some people are dying for NASCAR to come to their region (officially!)... while others.... not so much. According to a report in the New York Daily News, Staten Island has pretty much poo-pooed NASCAR's plans for a track near NYC.

Oh well.

Maybe Plan B is to buy CASCAR and build a speedway near Niagara Falls... or Cayuga.... or....

I can dream.

News & Notes

It's only Thursday, but the Southern Ontario weather reports for the upcoming weekend aren't good. But when was the last time the weatherman was right? We can hope!

Brighton Speedway is offering Cowboy-style steak dinner on May 20 for $8.00.... The band 'REWIRED' is playing the beer garden prior to the May 21 Shouldice ALSTAR opener at Steelback Sauble Speedway... Sunset Speedway is open for karting today (Thursday), tomorrow and Sunday. Check the website for times and details. I did this a few weeks ago and it was a lot of fun.... Two-time CASCAR Super Series champ Peter Gibbons is going to be signing autographs at Barrie Speedway on Saturday night... The Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds open their 2006 season at Lucas Oil Flamboro Speeedway on May 13.... The Ladies Race Series kicks off this Saturday night at Merrittville Speedway, and isn't that appropriate on the Mother's Day weekend? ... OSCAAR's website has a note on their new deal with race2way.ca and their open 'Tech & Test' Day at Peterborough Speedway on Saturday. OSCAAR's Kim Mahoney also has a nice note on the retirement of veteran race photographer Betty Everingham. I've known Betty for many years and I wish her all the best in her retirement. Thanks Betty! ... Varney Speedway kicks off its regular racing season this Saturday night... The main event at Delaware Speedway on Friday night is the 50-lap APC Late Model feature... Finally, the newly re-re-named Capital City Speedway was scheduled to hold its opening night last night (May 10). No word on the results yet, but it's nice to see the Ottawa-area oval looking strong again.

That's it for now...
G.

Brockville Ontario Speedway: A New Saturday Night Tradition begins at Brockville Ontario Speedway

BROCKVILLE - A new Saturday night tradition for Eastern Ontario and Northern New York race fans starts this Saturday Night. Brockville Ontario Speedway will hit the switch on another season of thrills, chills and excitement at the fast quarter mile race track dubbed the Beast of the East. However, the race night has shifted from Friday evenings to the new weekly starting time of Saturday night at 7 pm.

"We reallly feel this move will not only be good for the Speedway in the longer term, but it benefits our race fans some of whom drive 2 hours each week to be with us, said BOS promoter Paul Kirkland. "It won't be a rush for the fans or the teams to get to the track on Saturday, when the majority of people have more time to work with."

A number of teams took advantage of a special practice session last Sunday to get their cars dialed in for the season opener. Among those on hand were Modified fan favorites Mark Hitchcock and Kyle Dingwall, Brad Kirkland and teenage sensation Bobby Herrington from the Sportsman ranks. Many other Brockville regulars have also hit the road for some track time south of the border to get ready for 2006.

BOB-FM night at the Speedway starts with a special Chicken BBQ put on by the legendary Woodland's BBQ at 4pm. On Track action begins at 7pm featuring the DIRT 358 Modifieds, DIRT Sportsman, Street Stocks and 4 cylinder Rookies.

Microsoft rethinks corporate entertainment

The Toronto Star has a piece in today's paper about Microsoft employees having a day at the Bridgestone Racing Academy, at Mosport.

KENSAI RACING WITH COMPASS360 LEADS AT LAGUNA SECA

Grand Am Cup's event at Laguna Seca proved that the Kensai Racing with Compass360 Acura RSXs have what it takes to run up front, with team cars taking turns leading the race. Surely podiums for both cars are near at hand.

The race began with the #75 RSX of Travis Walker and Aaron Povoledo starting from fourth position in ST class, and the #76 of Karl Thomson and Billy Johnson gridded in 11th. The field was remarkably close, with second through 12th place separated by less than a second.

Walker took the lead of the race early on, dispatching the Georgian Bay Cobalts and Will Turner's #95 BMW with aplomb. He led handily until mid-way through the race when a fuelling problem stranded the car on track. Travis was returned to the pits where the car was re-fired, getting back to the track four laps down.

Thomson, meanwhile had brought the #76 car up to eighth position. Race strategist Alex Bassi made the pit call during a yellow at just under the one-hour mark. This turned out to be the right move, as Billy Johnson ended up in third place after the next round of pit stops, sandwiched between Turner's BMW 330i and Sylvain Tremblay's Mazda RX-8.

A great battle ensued, with Johnson passing the BMW and giving chase to the #68 Speedsource Mazda. He made his way past into first place and opened a good gap, only to be hit by a GS-class BMW M3, which dropped the Acura back to second. A few laps before the end of the race, a GS Porsche roughly ran Billy off-course in turn five, providing some dramatic television coverage.

Although the Porsche was penalized for the infraction, the damage was done and Johnson was unable to return to the front, finishing a still-respectable fourth.

"The competition was very close with some great drivers, great teams, and great battles up at the front," said Johnson. "The team gave me an awesome car this weekend and Karl did a great first stint. If it weren¹t for the two hits by the GS cars we should have taken the win."

The Kensai Racing with Compass360 #76 Acura was the highest-placed Acura in the race, which is remarkable considering nearly one third of the ST class is made up of RSXs and TSXs, driven by established talents like Bob Endicott, Roger Foo, Mike Galati, and Hugh and Matt Plumb.

"This just goes to show how important good drivers and detailed preparation have become in Grand Am," said Kensai's Ray Lee. "The Laguna Seca race proved that our RSXs have what it takes to run up front when they're in the right hands. We're proud of the great drives all the guys put in and are looking forward to leading more races this year."

The Kensai Racing with Compass360 Acuras head to Phoenix International Raceway for the Grand Am Cup event there in one week's time. Povoledo and Walker will pair again in the #75 car, with Taz Harvey replacing Thomson (who is unable to make the race due to a business conflict) in the #76.

The Laguna Seca event, which despite having seven yellow flag periods promises to be a great race to watch, can be seen on SPEED TV, May 13th, 2006 at 1:00pm. It airs again on May 15th, 1:00pm.

For more information about Kensai Racing, contact Ray Lee at (416) 752-2066 or visit http://www.kensairacing.com/ // For more information about Compass360/Racing contact Karl Thomson at (416) 465-2299 x21 or visit http://www.compass360.com/racing

NHRA: Scott Geoffrion, 40, dies of heart attack

FROM NHRA.COM

Former Pro Stock star Geoffrion dies
by Phil Burgess, NHRA.com5/9/2006

Scott GeoffrionScott Geoffrion, a two-time former Pro Stock world championship runner-up and nine-time national event winner, died May 8 of an apparent heart attack in Southern California. He was 40.

Geoffrion was hospitalized Sunday night for observation with breathing problems and a fever stemming from ulcers in his esophagus and was stricken the next day.
Geoffrion, who drove for Warren Johnson from 1987 through 1991 before joining David Hutchens’ star-crossed Wayne County Speed Shop/Dodge Boys team with Darrell Alderman, reached the final round 28 times in a career that spanned more than 200 races from 1987 through 2004. He didn't score his first victory until his 10th final round, in Memphis in 1993, where he defeated Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden. His most recent win was in 1997 in Topeka.

Geoffrion logged six top 10 finishes, including world championship runner-ups in 1992 and 1994; he scored a career-high six wins in 1994 yet finished second to Alderman. He finished third in 1993 and fourth in 1991.
Geoffrion sat out the 2001 season after being released from the Dodge camp following three lackluster seasons but resurfaced in a Ford with new team owner Hurley Blakeney and scored his final top 10 finish in 2003, a season in which he was runner-up twice.

“Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn’t have an enemy in the world,” said Warren Johnson. “He worked for us in 1991, which was an enjoyable year for everyone on the team. He was good racer and just a great person to have around.

“Even though we would go on to have our well-publicized staging battles, we never stopped being friends. We will miss seeing his smiling face at the track. He was a genuinely nice guy who was taken away from us much too soon.”

... more at the link above

MOSPORT: AUTO WORKERS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION TO SPONSOR SATURDAY NIGHT STOCK CAR RACING

BOWMANVILLE, ON (May 9, 2006) - The Auto Workers Community Credit Union today announced that they are the new title sponsor of Mosport Speedway's 2006 Saturday Night Stock Racing season.

The four-month schedule opens this Saturday, May 13, at the half-mile paved oval with a full slate of stock car racing including Limited Late Models and Open Wheel Modifieds.

"We're excited about our new association with Mosport Speedway and the Saturday Night Stock Car Racing program," said Brent Reid, CEO of the Auto Workers Community Credit Union.

"Mosport's a first-class facility and an important part of the Durham community. This new relationship with Mosport will help to help raise our profile in Bowmanville and throughout Durham, introducing our services to new and brand-loyal audience."

Auto Workers Community Credit Union has been around for 67 years and the Bowmanville branch has been part of the community for over 15 years. Today Auto Workers Community Credit Union is a thriving 19,000 members, full-service financial institution offering everything from auto loans, lines of credit and mortgages to a full range of financial planning services, including full brokerage options, fixed term investments, registered plans and a Commercial LendingDivision. AWCCU is an open bond Credit Union, open to everyone.

" We're very pleased to welcome the Auto Workers Community Credit Union as the new title sponsor of Mosport Speedway's Saturday Night Stock Car Racing season," said Myles Brandt, Mosport's President and General Manager. "They are a respected organization in the community and a valued addition to our family of Mosport Speedway sponsors. We're looking forward to working with them this season and beyond."

DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Regional Points Chases Underway

With the 2006 DIRT MotorSports NorthEast season officially getting underway, the Regional points program developed during the off-season is taking shape around the circuit for both open-wheel and full-fender race teams.

The new Regional racing series for DIRT 358-Modified, DIRT Sportsman and DIRT Pro Stock classes divides DIRT NorthEast sanctioned tracks into three regions. Those regional points earned will be kept completely separate and have NO direct bearing on the respective overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Championship in any class or track championship points race.

In the 358-Modified ranks, open-wheel veteran Pat O’Brien (North), Matt Quinn and Jerry Higbie (East), and Boyd MacTavish (West) lead their respective Regional point standings. O’Brien was the top small-block finisher in the only event ---a big-block feature--- held so far at Thunder Alley. Quinn (Lebanon Valley), Higbie (Orange County), MacTavish (Ransomville) and West Regional contender Larry Lampman Jr. (Merrittville) have also reached victory lane.

- By Tom Skibinski, DIRT NorthEast PR Director

Race City: Looking good

From Race City Motorsport Park's website:

Welcome to Race City's website!
The 2006 season will begin shortly. The Race City website will be overhauled in the near future.
Drag Racing: Secret Street and autocross will resume on Fri May 12.

There will be a drag test and tune and full tech for annual inspections on Sat 13 from 5 to 10 PM. Cost $25 car and driver, $5 crew/spectators. Overnight camping for competitors no charge.First Bracket race Sun 14. Competitor gates open at 8 AM. Spectator gates open at Noon. Cost $50 car and driver, $10 crew/spectators.
For more information call 403-272-7223.

Practice Schedule for Oval: Pre Season: 11 AM to 6 PM: May 14 & May 20

During Season: Friday 5 to 9 PM: Jun 9 for Sprints & Jun 23, July 14, Aug 18 & Sep 15

Test and Tune on Drag Strip: Full tech and annual inspections: Sat May 13 / 5 to 10 PM

CASCAR TV: DAVE BRADLEY JOINS THE CASCAR TELEVISION BROADCAST TEAM

James Robinson Associates Ltd. would like to welcome David Bradley to the 2006 CASCAR SUPER SERIES broadcast team.

Bradley, a motorsport announcer from the Barrie, Ontario area, will take on play-by-play duties joined by Billy Rowse Jr. and veteran pit reporter Todd Lewis. He replaces the long time "Voice of CASCAR" Ron St. Clair who is focusing his efforts in Western Canada this summer.

The 2006 CASCAR SUPER SERIES television programs will air to an estimated 76 million homes on Sportsnet, Speed and MAV TV. CASCAR is Canada's only National touring stock car series.

From Joel Robinson / JRA Video Productions

TIEMERSMA: 2006 sked

Looks like another busy summer for the Tiemersma bunch.

Mike Sutton has posted the team's schedule for 2006.

Local racers come out to support HADC “Summer in the Poconos, NASCAR style!”

CAYUGA, ON (May 7, 2006) – A large group of local race car drivers are expected at the Haldimand Association for the Developmentally Challenged (HADC) “Summer in the Poconos, NASCAR style!” race season "kick-off" fundraiser event with their cars this Friday, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“The support that we receive from the community at large is extremely gratifying every time we do a fundraiser at the HADC’” explained Warren Burger, Fundraiser Chairman for the HADC. “It says a lot for the community, the businesses, and the motorsports fraternity at this event.”

The Cayuga IGA has made it possible for “Compliments” brand Pork Sausages to be served at the HADC event May 12. Sausage on a Bun and a refreshment can be purchased for $3.00, with all proceeds going to the HADC.

For the week prior to the May 12th fundraiser event and charitable draw at the HADC, Cayuga IGA customers will be given to opportunity to ‘round up’ their grocery purchase and get a chance to win two tickets to the ARCA RE/MAX Series “Pocono 200” stock car race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Saturday, June 10, 2006, courtesy of the Pork Racing #46 Team. All proceeds will be donated to the HADC.

All of these activities are an important part of a fundraising draw May 27 when some lucky person will win the Grand Prize of two tickets to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series “Pocono 500” at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, June 10-11. NASCAR (Canada) generously donated the Sky Box tickets. The tickets provide first class viewing, hospitality with a full range of menu and beverage, and a fully enclosed, air-conditioned, closed circuit TV with tiered seating.

Tickets for the “Summer in the Poconos, NASCAR style!” draw will be $2.00 each, and are on sale at local businesses in the community. The draw for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. at the Cayuga IGA.

Warren Burger, Marty McSorley, Bill Mehlenbacher, and Bruce Mehlenbacher are organizing the event, which will help provide the HADC with additional funding for special projects on the property located at 2256 River Road in Cayuga.

The Haldimand Association for the Developmentally Challenged (HADC) got its start through the shear determination of a group of concerned Mothers (1958) who asked for more assistance from the Fisherville District Lions Club. These parents were hoping to set up a school for “retarded children” in Haldimand County. The Lions responded.

In 1959, as a direct result of the Lions commitment and the determination of the mothers, The Haldimand Association for Retarded Children received a charter certificate from the Ontario Association for Retarded Children under the authority of volunteer funding Board of Directors.
There were six students, Mrs. Grace Baldwin was the teacher, and Mrs. Harvey Richert provided the transportation to and from the two-room school in Canfield, Ontario.

This school was purchased from the North Cayuga School Board, at the time for a grand sum of $1.00.

As the Association grew and evolved into the wonderful organization it is today from its small beginnings, it has always counted on and received the support of the community at large.

HADC is a non-profit organization and charity based providing individual support and special needs to over 100 persons and their families for individuals who rely on this association so they can share in all elements of community with dignity and have opportunities to participate effectively.

The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services provides Capital Funding on an annual basis. However, this government funding falls short of the expectations and demands placed on the HADC. Thus, it is paramount to raise additional funds by on-going fundraising activities/events to relieve some of the financial pressure.

For more information, please contact: HADC – 905.772.3344

The event will feature local stock cars and drag race vehicles, along with some of the area’s top race car drivers in a fundraising "kick-off" and barbeque focused on motorsport.

David and Keely Benner – Fisherville
Drag Race - Junior Dragster

Lloyd Booker – Binbrook
Drag Race - 1963 Dodge Belvedere - Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series

Gino Costabile – Cayuga
Drag Race - 1969 Chevrolet Nova - Toronto Motorsports Park/Ontario Street Car Association (OSCA)

Rob Disher – Grimsby
Thunder Stock - Ohsweken Speedway, Merrittville Speedway and Humberstone Speedway

Steve Hayward – Caledonia
Drag Race - 1969 Dodge Dart - Toronto Motorsports Park

Ryan Hunsinger – Caledonia
Custom Motorcycle Builder

Frank Kunkel – Stoney Creek
Drag Race -1938 Chevrolet

Johnna Martin – Caledonia
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway

Ray Martino – Caledonia
Drag Race - 1987 Ford Mustang - Toronto Motorsports Park

Shawn Morell – Caledonia
Drag Race - 1998 Pontiac Firebird - Toronto Motorsports Park/Ontario Street Car Association (OSCA)

Robbie Rounce – Caledonia
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway

Bob and Leone Slack – Caledonia
Inductee Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame

Bobby Slack – York
Custom Motorcycle Builder

F.J. Smith – Cayuga
Drag Race - Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series
Car Craft All-Star Drag Racing Team Award Winner - Sportsman Chassis Builder of the Year for 1992, 1993, and 2000.

Victoria Smith – Cayuga
Drag Race - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire - Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series

Glenn Styers – Ohsweken
Southern Ontario Sprint Car - Ohsweken Speedway track owner and promoter

Mike Thorne – Caledonia
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway

Greg Wilson – Cayuga
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway, Merrittville Speedway and Humberstone Speedway

Garnet Wilson – Cayuga
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway, Merrittville Speedway and Humberstone Speedway

Lee Winger – Caledonia
Mini Stock - Ohsweken Speedway

For more information, please contact:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 E-mail: bruce@jajentertainment.com
Warren Burger // Telephone: 905.768.5687 E -mail: wrbenterp@yahoo.ca
Bill Mehlenbacher // Telephone: 905.765.3475 E-mail: mehlenbacher@mountaincable.net