STEELBACK SAUBLE SPEEDWAY: WEDNESDAY NIGHT DASH FOR CASH RESCHEDULED!

From Steelback Sauble Speedway....

RESCHEDULED!
After being rained out this past Wednesday, Steelback Sauble Speedway will take another shot at hosting the Wednesday Night McDonald's Dash For Cash Invitationals at the Beach on Wednesday, August 2.

Sandwiched between this Saturday night's regular action and next weekend's busy Saturday / Sunday ALSTAR show, promoter Joe Chisholm is calling it "Steelback Sauble Speedway's version of Speedweeks!"

Cars are expected from all over Ontario for this special feature at 'The Beach', inluding Ltd. Late Models (35 laps), the Pro Stock / Thunder Cars (25 laps), Pure Stocks (20 laps), and the 4 Cylinders (20 laps).

The best will be at 'The Beach'. For more information please see: www.saublespeedway.com

CAYUGA: Hot Head Henry 200 CASCAR Tickets now available!

NELLES CORNERS, ON (July 26, 2006) – As Cayuga International Speedway gears up for its action-packed Labor Day Weekend Classic of racing, tickets for the event are now available through Ticketmaster.

Ordering tickets is convenient and simple by just calling Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000, or ordering online through www.ticketmaster.ca.

There are several individual and family packages available, but no matter what is chosen, pre-race purchases are entitled to a discount. And children under 12 are free at all times when with an adult.

On September 2, an adult admission is $20, and a family package of two adults and two youths is $50. Youths and seniors prices are $15. On September 3, an adult ticket is $25, the family package is $70, and youths and seniors are $20.

Weekend passes for all events are: $40 adult, youth and seniors $30, and $100 for the family package.

Set on about 300 acres, Cayuga International Speedway offers the motorsport fan a full range of amenities. 1,500 campsites - most fully serviced with hydro and water - refreshment and souvenir booths and free supervised parking ensure comfort and enjoyment for all who attend the events.

An added bonus is the free entertainment every night of the Special Event Weekends under the covered band shell pavilion - a popular gathering spot for all who enjoy the excitement of racing at Cayuga International Speedway.

For information about the Labor Day Weekend Classic at Cayuga International Speedway call (866) 670-1958.

As Canada’s largest oval track auto racing facility, Cayuga International Speedway has presented the best in racing on its 5/8ths-mile paved oval. Generations of fans have witnessed top racers in stock car and open-wheel competition at this Southern Ontario track for more than 40 years.

With a new team of dedicated professionals, Cayuga will maintain its rich heritage and use this foundation in building an innovative state-of-the-art facility, providing a new stage of motorsport entertainment at an international level.

Cayuga International Speedway is located one kilometer north of Nelles Corners, ON. From the town of Cayuga take Highway 3 west for eight kilometers to Nelles Corners and turn right on Haldimand Road 20.

For more information, please contact Cayuga Speedway at: info@cayugaracing.com

DOOLEY AND JOHNSON KIDS CLUB BIKES TO GO IN WILKENS MEMORIAL AT MERRITTVILLE: PASTA DINNER TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Thorold, Ontario … “ Throughout the 2006 season,” reveals Merrittville Speedway’s Erica Bicknell, “ Meridian Credit Union Kid’s Club Members receive ballots based on their participation in events … the more events … the more chances to win one of 7 Bikes that have been customized by drivers.”

Paul Klager from the Premier Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic Mod Lites and Brad Rouse from the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division have made two young race fans happy as the two veterans have already gave their Bikes away.

Josh MacPherson – younger brother of 2006 Sportsmen Rookie Tyler McPherson was the most recent winner – taking home the Ripley’s Believe it or Not/ Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment/ RCM Racing Equipment # 1 on July 15th.

Brad Rouse kicked off the new unique program – awarding his Baron Roofing & Siding Nu-Craft Window and Door 18R Bike back on July 1st.

When the Advance Auto Parts Big Block Modified Super DIRT Series visits Merrittville Speedway on Monday August 7th - the ‘Candy Man’ Mike Dooley from the Hoosier Stocks and DIRT’s winningest driver and former Merrittville Speedway Champion Alan Johnson will present their bikes to two lucky young race fans.

Dooley is a former Merrittville Hoosier Stock Champion and as well won last year’s inaugural Duel on the Dirt Series against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks. Always a fan favorite, Dooley’s Brian’s Tire Repair 310C Bike also is adorned with the St. Catharines driver’s trademark M&M’s characters.

Alan Johnson – one of the many drivers that will travel to Merrittville Speedway for the return of the Dirt Big Block Modifieds – has quite a track record at the Thorold track in special events over the years and the 14J Bike Winner will take home quite a keepsake of the special night. ,

Through the month of August, defending Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Champion and current point leader Wayne Conn, Scott Wood from the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division and Justin Sharp’s Premier Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic Mod Lite G4 will all be given away.

“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.”

Since 1972, Merrittville Speedway has hosted the annual Civic Holiday Classic but not since 1993 has the event featured Big Block Modifieds as it had become a 358 Modified Title Race since then.

Ironically the last time the Advance Auto Parts Big Block Super DIRT Series event was held at Merrittville – a 358 Modified driver won – so our regular L. St. Amand Enterprises Weekly Competitors stand a strong chance. The event in question saw Ron Smoker overtake Brett Hearn coming out of turn 4 for the last time with the checkered flag in sight.

Th event o f the summer for Southern Ontario and Western New York Race fans has been run in memory of an up and coming driver – Trevor Wilkens – who passed away 14 years ago. The 100 lap Main Event in addition to the 25 lap Hoosier Stock Duel on the Dirt Special and the Classic Mod Lites will be presented by Toolneeds.

Toolneeds Inc. is a one-stop source for machine and manufacturing industries to service their tooling requirements for the most demanding applications. Toolneeds represents the finest lines of industrial tool supplies from world class manufacturers. Toolneeds is the ultimate source for all your tooling and industrial supply needs.

Toolneeds is located at 227 Bunting Road in St. Catharines Ontario. Visit them or call tool free 1-800-407-6236 – their professional sales representatives are knowledgeable and will answer your questions and research your needs.

Once again, Club Castropignano will present the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner and tickets are still available during racing events or from the Speedway Office.

Gates open at 4 PM for the Pasta Dinner while racing will start at 7:00 PM.

For further information on the return of the Advance Auto Parts Big Block Super DIRT Series including the Club Castropignano Pre-Race Pasta Dinner and the Meridian Credit Union Kid’s Club Bike Draw call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

HEADZ GAMEZ INTERNATIONAL CORP. TO SPONSOR PETER SHEPHERD IN SEVEN ADDITIONAL RACES

CONCORD, N.C. (July 26, 2006) - Headz Gamez International has extended their sponsorship of Roush Racing's development driver Peter Shepherd in additional races.

Shepherd will drive the No. 50 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway on August 12, as well as in six ARCA races, starting with this weekend's Shop 'n Save 150 at Gateway International Raceway, IL.

Roush Racing has teamed up with Roulo Brothers Racing to enter Shepherd in their No. 39 Ford for his six ARCA Races. Shepherd will be competing in the ARCA races at Gateway on July 28, Nashville Superspeedway on August 12, Michigan International Speedway on August 18, The Milwaukee Mile on August 27, Chicagoland on September 9 and Talladega Superspeedway on October 6.

"I'm thrilled to have Headz Gamez on board for the Truck Series Race in Nashville and for the ARCA races," said Peter Shepherd. "I just can't thank them enough, they took a chance on sponsoring me in my first truck race and everything went really well. I'm focused on the rest of the year; it is great to have the support of a company like Headz Gamez behind me. I plan on doing my best to get good finishes for them."

"Headz Gamez could not be happier coming on board with the Roush Racing dynasty for the remainder of the year," said Kerry Martens C.E.O. and President of Headz Gamez International. "We have had amazing results in our company since Peter's first race. It has proven what a great vehicle NASCAR is for corporations to get their name in front of such a dedicated and substantial fan base. To be able to help Peter Shepherd, who was a driver of substance in Canada, make a name for himself in NASCAR is truly an honor for our company."

"The Griddly Headz* name will appear on the cars that we sponsor for Peter Shepherd and we hope that the NASCAR fans, as well as all the other sports fans in the world check out 'The Worlds Toughest Board games.' We know that are our games are a good fit with the sports fans and just like the Roush racing teams our games are also quality entertainment," continued Martens.

About Headz Gamez Enterprises International Corp.- Headz Gamez Enterprises International Corp. has developed a unique new line of sports themed board games corresponding to each major sport in the world. Over and above the innovative and exciting features of the games, we are partnering with some of the most desirable and successful sports leagues in the world, resulting in a whole new product category; licensed sports board games! In a world full of passionate sports fans, buyers have quickly recognized the enormous appeal our games have to these fans, and the prospective sales for their organizations. For more information, please visit www.griddlyheadz.com

- From Roush Racing

Benny Parsons fighting lung cancer

1973 NASCAR Champion Benny Parsons Battling Lung Cancer

CONCORD, N.C. (July 26, 2006) – Benny Parsons is all about winning. He’s the 1973 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion; a Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 winner; and, in recent years, has emerged as one of NASCAR’s leading television and radio commentators.

Now, Parsons is calling upon that winning attitude as he battles lung cancer.

Parsons, 65, had experienced difficulty breathing and, after consulting with physicians, was informed by his family doctor, Dr. Scott Moss of Charlotte, that he has the disease. His treatment regimen starts immediately.

“Needless to say this was a huge shock,” said Parsons. “I’ve got a great deal of faith in all of my physicians, including Dr. Steven Limenpani, who treated NASCAR car owner Rick Hendrick during his battle with leukemia. I’m determined to pull through this and I appreciate everyone’s concerns and prayers during this time.

“The first thing everyone asks me is, ‘are you a smoker?’ The answer is that I smoked my last cigarette way back in 1978 and since then I’ve hated being around smoking. I don’t even allow anyone in my foursome to smoke on the golf course.”

Parsons is an analyst on NBC and TNT’s coverage of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing and hosts “Fast Talk with Benny Parsons” on the Performance Racing Network. He plans to continue his duties with NBC/TNT and PRN throughout his treatment.

“Everyone I work with has been gracious and accommodating,” said Parsons. “I plan to keep on talking about racing for as long as I can.”

Friends and fans wishing to send words of encouragement to Parsons can do so by e-mailing him at bp@goprn.com or on a special message board at www.NASCAR.com.

Joint NBC/TNT Statement Regarding
NASCAR Analyst Benny Parsons

“Benny is an important part of our television families. We respect his privacy and will support him in any way we can in his efforts to get well.”

Question & Answer

Q. When will Benny be returning to the booth?
A. Benny has begun treatment and was not scheduled to work this weekend. He plans to be in the booth at The Brickyard as scheduled.

Q. Will you replace him if he is unable to return?
A. It is too early for us to even consider that scenario. We will continue to support Benny through his recovery, and bring continue to bring them NASCAR coverage through the conclusion of the Chase.

Q. Does this rule out Benny being an analyst for TNT next season?
A. Our thoughts are with Benny as he faces this latest challenge in his life. That being said, we will always have a place on our NASCAR telecasts for Benny Parsons.

From Turner Sports

NEWS & NOTES: Stewart apologizes and Danica spurns Rahal

Tony Stewart was here....

Following Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Pocono, where Tony Stewart once again failed to take his own advice on how racers should respect each other and use their heads, Carl Edwards asked, "How can a person make it this far in life being that much of a jerk?"

Maybe that was a wake-up call for Stewart. Having Carl Edwards call you a jerk is like being in a fight with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Whatever the case, Stewart has had a look in the mirror and seems to agree with Edwards. The current Nextel Cup champ has taken full responsibility for the chaos on Sunday.

Stewart said, "I'm taking 100 percent responsibility for the final incident that occurred on lap 32 between myself, the 07 [Bowyer] and the 99 [Edwards]. It was totally my fault."

So, while the "new Tony" does a mea culpa and promises never to do it again... until next weekend... racing fans who have seen it all before can visit this website and play "PUNCH TONY STEWART".

In other racing news, Danica Patrick - the most popular and in-demand racer never to have won a race - is leaving Rahal-Letterman and heading to Andretti-Green, ending talk that she's heading to NASCAR.

Finally, TSN.ca ran the full release from Saturday's Griddly Headz 100 CASCAR Super Series / Flo~Pro.Com Western Series race at the Grand Prix of Edmonton. Thanks to TSN and all of the other sites that carried the news.

Seventh Place For Andrew Ranger In Edmonton, Charles Zwolsman Tenth

Courtesy Karina Redmond

Edmonton, Alberta, July 23, 2006 The Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team scored their third double-top-ten finish today at the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix with Canadian Andrew Ranger and Dutchman Charles Zwolsman finishing respectively seventh and tenth in sunny and hot weather conditions in Edmonton.

Ranger who was starting eighth was able to maintain his position throughout the race up until lap 70 when a crash by Nelson Philippe moved him up one position into seventh where he remained for the final 15 laps. With today s result, the young Canadian slides down one position in the Championship Standings and now sits fifth, three points behind Paul Tracy.

It wasn t an easy race, but I m very happy with the final result. At the start I tried to save fuel and hoped for a yellow but that didn t happen so I ended up losing a bit of time to Nelson Philippe and Will Power. Overall everything went well, the pit stops were great, the team worked really hard, and our result is good for the championship. It was a satisfying day.

From his 12th place on the grid Charles Zwolsman moved up to ninth at the start and had a good first stint but stomach problems, that had appeared earlier in the morning, crept back after the first pit stop and affected the rookie s performance. Despite not feeling well, Zwolsman managed to hold on and come home in tenth position, three laps down.

Our first stint went well, but then I started feeling bad to the stomach and I could barely hold on to the steering wheel anymore because I felt bad, but with that in mind it s good to finish tenth.

The Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team will next be heading to San Jose, for round nine of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series which takes place this coming weekend, from July 28 30.

CASCAR: Dilley / Dodge-sponsored Charger - Western Report

Dilley nets top-10 finishes during CASCAR’s western swing
Dodge-sponsored Charger driver sits ninth in the points after 5 events

(PHOTO BY PERRY NELSON)

BARRIE, ON – CASCAR veteran Mark Dilley had what he calls a “semi-successful” two-race swing through western Canada. The Dodge-sponsored Charger driver recorded 10th and seventh-place finishes on consecutive weekends in Vernon, BC and Edmonton, Alberta.

This year, CASCAR’s tour of western Canada included stops at Sun Valley Speedway (Vernon) and an appearance at the prestigious Grand Prix of Edmonton ChampCar weekend. And while the Barrie, ON resident wasn’t doing cartwheels over his results, they were more than respectable and the venues offered great exposure for his sponsors.

At Sun Valley, (July 15-16) the Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue MotorWorks / CRS Dodge Charger team battled to find the perfect setup under sweltering conditions.

“We struggled to find the setup all weekend in Vernon,” said Dilley. “We were fast in one of the practice sessions, but the track changed with the heat during the 300-lap race, and we held onto a semi-respectable 10th-place. We’re not overly happy about the result, but it was probably the hottest I’ve ever been in a racecar. The team did a great job that day, though, getting me a few spots in the pits with their quick work.”

Prior to the feature race, the Dodge-sponsored Charger came home fourth in its 100-lap qualifying heat race, to line up seventh in the field of 37 starters at the half-mile Vernon tri-oval.

Following the Sun Valley race, the CASCAR caravan headed to Edmonton to prepare for action in front of one of its biggest crowds ever. According to Dilley, the response from the fans was extremely gratifying.

“It was a great event. Attendance was well over 50,000 on both Friday and Saturday. The fans couldn’t thank us enough for being there. It was great to hear people say that they were at the track because CASCAR was there.”

During practice and qualifying for the Edmonton race, the heat and track conditions challenged the #9 Dodge Charger team as they fought to master the 14-turn temporary road course laid out on the tarmac of the City Centre Airport.

“We were fast in practice; sixth in the first one and third in the second,” recalled the former CASCAR champ. “In the first round of qualifying, we were sixth-fastest and 10th in the second, so we started 10th. I wasn’t unhappy about that because the lap times had dropped about five seconds from when we first got there as everyone learned the track. I was pushing pretty hard but wanted to keep it in one piece for the race.”

Dilley describes the start of the race: “I fell into line at the beginning after some pushing and shoving. There was a caution and a re-start where a few guys got tangled together, but we got through all of that. And from there, we’d kind of gain a spot and lose a spot.”

Dilley continues, “The heat was really an issue, with the hot tires and brakes, causing the cars to tighten up. The rubber being laid down by the ChampCars was another factor, which made it kind of a guessing game as far as how much to loosen the car up as the day went on. Everyone was having a tough time making up positions. In the race itself, we were really tight for most of it.”

In the end, the Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue MotorWorks / CRS Dodge Charger came across the finish line in seventh-place, of the 38 who participated. Dilley is philosophical about his road course program. “We seem to be able to race between fourth and seven in the road course races. I never thought of myself as a road course ‘ace’, because that’s not my forte, but we’re pretty happy. All in all, seventh was a solid result. We still have two more road races this season, at Trois-Rivieres and Montreal, and we’re feeling good about them.”

With the result, Dilley sits ninth in the overall Super Series points following five events. “I’d like to thank our crew for all the hard work out west, and a special thanks to all of our sponsors for making it possible for us to compete.”

The next outing for the #9 Dodge-sponsored Charger team will come in two weeks (on Aug. 4-6) at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, in Quebec.

RACE NOTES: During CASCAR’s tour through western Canada, the Super Series appeared at Vernon, BC’s Sun Valley Speedway (July 15-16) and at the Grand Prix of Edmonton (July 21-22). Veteran racer Brad Graham earned his first-ever Super Series win at the half-mile Sun Valley track, while Jeff Lapcevich won his first CASCAR race in almost two years by taking the checkered flag in the prestigious Griddly Headz 100 road course race at Edmonton’s City Centre Airport.

Prepared by Inside Track Communications // For more information about the #9 Dodge team and its sponsors, visit www.whitlockmotorsports.com. For more on CASCAR, including complete race results, reports, point standings, event schedules and upcoming broadcast times for Super Series races on SPORTSNET, see www.cascar.ca

CASCAR: Bourque on Edmonton & NASCAR

Fresh off his first-ever CASCAR race weekend, Pierre Bourque talks about the experience and how he got involved in stock car racing.

Here is the full story, on driving.ca.

IHRA Canadian Nationals Washed Out

TORONTO, Ontario (July 22, 2006) – The weather front that washed out Friday’s IHRA Canadian Nationals professional qualifying sessions at Toronto Motorsports Park refused to cooperate for Saturday’s scheduled racing as well. After hours of steady downpour in Cayuga, IHRA decided to pull the plug on the weekend’s event. The IHRA Canadian Nationals have been rescheduled for the weekend of September 23-24.

“It’s unfortunate, but these are the realities you have to face when you hold outdoor events. Mother Nature does not always cooperate,” IHRA President Aaron Polburn said. “We looked at the weather report for the rest of the day today and tomorrow and decided things weren’t going to work out. We’ll come back in September and have a great event.”

All spectator tickets purchased for this weekend will be valid for the rescheduled event in September. Crew passes and car and driver passes purchased for the IHRA Canadian Nationals will also be honored in September. Though some sportsman classes ran qualifying sessions Friday, IHRA will start the event over in September with new entries welcome. In addition, racers who wish to drop their rigs off in Toronto on their way back from the Epping, New Hampshire, event September 8-10 will be welcome to do so.

For competitors not able to return for the rescheduled event, car-and-driver and crew passes may be transferred to another eMax Drag Racing Series race this season. Please contact IHRA at (419) 663-6666 for more information.

The next event on the 2006 eMax Drag Racing Series is the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals, August 4-6, at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Edmonton Sun: CASCAR fan friendly

Here's a nice story from the Edmonton Sun on how approachable and friendly the CASCAR crowd is. Includes quotes from Dave Whitlock and CASCAR first-timer Pierre Bourque.

ChampCar cancels Korean race

From TSN.ca

The inaugural Ansan Champ Car Grand Prix race in South Korea has been removed from the Champ Car World Series calendar. Officials did not offer any explanation as to why the event was cancelled. It was scheduled for October 15-17.

.... more at the link above...