CASCAR SS: MOSPORT SPEEDWAY 250
FINISH: 1. Dave Whitlock, 2. Kerry Micks 3. J.R. Fitzptrick, 4. Ron Beauchamp, 5. Don Thomson, 6. Mark Dilley, 7. Jason Hathaway, 8. Jeff Lapcevich 9. Peter Gibons, 10. Ron Van Es
... More to come
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
Mike Sutton.... come on down! You've won three FREE sets of tickets to next weekend's NASCAR action at MIS!
Mike Sutton.... also known as Inside Track subscriber ID# 356577... is the big winner of three sets of tickets for the upcoming NASCAR / ARCA race weekend at Michigan International Speedway !!!!
Thanks to Mike for his support of Inside Track Motorsport News and for taking the time to enter the draw.
Watch this blog for regular subscriber-only prize giveways.
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SUBSCRIBER BONUS: Win tickets to the upcoming Michigan Int'l Speedway NASCAR race weekend!
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Do you want to be a hero by taking yourself and two friends to the upcoming GFS Marketplace 400 NASCAR race weekend at Michigan Int'l Speedway?
If so, click here to send us an e-mail with the Subject line: "I WANT TO WIN", noting YOUR NAME and INSIDE TRACK SUBSCRIBER ID# by 3 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 11) and you'll be eligible to win!!!
The winner will be drawn from all eligible entries at 3:30 p.m. and his/her name will be posted at 4 p.m. The lucky subscriber will get three sets of tickets for the three-days of racing action at MIS, including tickets for:
* Aug. 18 - ARCA Remax - Main Grandstand tickets (3 tickets)
* Aug. 19th - Busch Series - Main Grandstand tickets (3 tickets)
* Aug. 20th - Nextel Cup - Turn 4 Grandstand tickets (3 tickets)
p.s. - Canadian Pete Shepherd III is scheduled to be in the ARCA race on Friday!
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Thursday, August 10, 2006
Irving Lubricants Hops on Board for a Pro Stock Event
Courtesy Miranda Carr
August 9th, 2006, Fredericton, NB – With the tour passing through, the CARQUEST Pro Stock division will get their second shot at another 100 lapper this weekend. NBIS regulars, Glen Rasmussen and Matt Harris took part in the CARQUEST Pro Tour Stock 100 this past weekend. Both drivers along with many other will have a shot this weekend at a victory win in the second “Best of the Best” of the season.
The “Best of the Best” Pro Stock Series is a three-race mini-series featuring 100 lap events. Position points are awarded for each event with a series winner being determined after the August event. Position points accumulated during the “Best of the Best” are not added to the season long CARQUEST Pro Stock Division Points Championship. Instead, each driver who runs a “Best of the Best” event receives 30 points towards the overall points championship (show up points). The second event will be on July 8th with the CARQUEST “Best of the Best” 100 and the grand finale will be on August 12th with the Irving Lubricants “Best of the Best” 100. Last year Shawn Tucker is the defending race and Best of the Best Series winner.
While the overall series prizes provide incentive, drivers are also shooting for a bigger payday. NBIS has put up a bonus of $10,000 to any driver who can sweep the three races. In addition to the $10,000 bonus, the driver that wins the series points earns a new set of tires while second place takes home 2 new tires and third taking home 1.
NBIS has yet to have a driver sweep the series although 2004 CARQUEST Pro Stock Division Champion Dave O’Blenis came the closest four years ago when he won the first two races and was in contention during the third race before getting involved in an incident that took him out of the race. Jody Harris will has the biggest chance at the $10,000 for winning the first “Best of the Best” in the series on July 8th. If Harris can win this weekends event he will have an even bigger chance at the extra cash.
Aside from watching the high flying CARQUEST Pro Stocks entertain for 100 laps, fans will also be on the edge of their seats watching the Coast Tire Street Stocks and Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman for a record seventh straight week of hat trick winners. Thus far in the season there have been a total of 10 drivers to take home the Robin’s in Hat Trick award.
Aside from the storylines, the edge-of-the-seat action is enough to compel any stock car fan or any non-stock car fan to make their way to the Geary Woods this weekend.
Irving Lubricants “Best of the Best” Pro Stock 100 – Race #2
Saturday, June 10th at 7:00pm
Pit gates open at 3pm
Grandstands open at 5pm
Racing starts at 7pm
Regular points racing in Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, and Coast Tire Street Stock Divisions along with CARQUEST Pro Stocks Best of the Best Race #2.
(Rain Date is Sunday at 2pm)
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $16
Youth (ages 9-15) $13
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $55.
New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2006 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton.
August 9th, 2006, Fredericton, NB – With the tour passing through, the CARQUEST Pro Stock division will get their second shot at another 100 lapper this weekend. NBIS regulars, Glen Rasmussen and Matt Harris took part in the CARQUEST Pro Tour Stock 100 this past weekend. Both drivers along with many other will have a shot this weekend at a victory win in the second “Best of the Best” of the season.
The “Best of the Best” Pro Stock Series is a three-race mini-series featuring 100 lap events. Position points are awarded for each event with a series winner being determined after the August event. Position points accumulated during the “Best of the Best” are not added to the season long CARQUEST Pro Stock Division Points Championship. Instead, each driver who runs a “Best of the Best” event receives 30 points towards the overall points championship (show up points). The second event will be on July 8th with the CARQUEST “Best of the Best” 100 and the grand finale will be on August 12th with the Irving Lubricants “Best of the Best” 100. Last year Shawn Tucker is the defending race and Best of the Best Series winner.
While the overall series prizes provide incentive, drivers are also shooting for a bigger payday. NBIS has put up a bonus of $10,000 to any driver who can sweep the three races. In addition to the $10,000 bonus, the driver that wins the series points earns a new set of tires while second place takes home 2 new tires and third taking home 1.
NBIS has yet to have a driver sweep the series although 2004 CARQUEST Pro Stock Division Champion Dave O’Blenis came the closest four years ago when he won the first two races and was in contention during the third race before getting involved in an incident that took him out of the race. Jody Harris will has the biggest chance at the $10,000 for winning the first “Best of the Best” in the series on July 8th. If Harris can win this weekends event he will have an even bigger chance at the extra cash.
Aside from watching the high flying CARQUEST Pro Stocks entertain for 100 laps, fans will also be on the edge of their seats watching the Coast Tire Street Stocks and Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman for a record seventh straight week of hat trick winners. Thus far in the season there have been a total of 10 drivers to take home the Robin’s in Hat Trick award.
Aside from the storylines, the edge-of-the-seat action is enough to compel any stock car fan or any non-stock car fan to make their way to the Geary Woods this weekend.
Irving Lubricants “Best of the Best” Pro Stock 100 – Race #2
Saturday, June 10th at 7:00pm
Pit gates open at 3pm
Grandstands open at 5pm
Racing starts at 7pm
Regular points racing in Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, and Coast Tire Street Stock Divisions along with CARQUEST Pro Stocks Best of the Best Race #2.
(Rain Date is Sunday at 2pm)
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $16
Youth (ages 9-15) $13
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $55.
New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2006 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton.
St. Thomas Truck Nationals returns for fourth year
The St. Thomas Truck Nationals return to St. Thomas Dragway for the fourth edition next weekend, August 19 & 20. The event is a major fund raiser for the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation and features a show, shine and shootout format. The Show and Shine portion of the program has classes for almost every type of heavy truck.
Show and Shine classes include Best Truck 2006-2007, Best Truck and Trailer, Best Working Truck 1997 - 2005, Best Restored Truck pre-1990, best fleet of five or more trucks parked together and Best Bulk On/Off Road. There is also a Judges Choice Award for best over-all truck.The Shootout Drag Racing portion includes classes for Heavy Truck Bracket, Heavy Modified Truck Bracket, Heavy Modified Truck Heads-up, Light Truck Bracket, a $500 to win No-Box race car Bracket on Saturday as well as Test & Tune for cars, trucks, motorcycles and snowmobiles both days. The Heavy Trucks will time trial Saturday and race Sunday. Friday night's Performance Unlimited Street Legal program from 6-10 will be open for the Heavy Trucks as well as Saturday night's Run What Ya Brung program also 6-10.
Additional features will include a Battle of the Bands on Saturday night, a Corn Roast Saturday afternoon, Face Painting, clowns and a magic show for the kids, a Heritage Truck display and a Light Truck show. Many industry vendors will have displays throughout the midway. Truck judging will take place Sunday morning from 9 to Noon with the Awards Parade taking place at Noon. Camping (no hook-ups) is available all weekend with hot showers in the pit area. The food booths will be open for breakfast, lunch and supper both days.
Gates open Friday at noon for weekend camping. Sponsors for the weekend include Peterbilt of London, Tricorp Transportation of Aylmer, ECL Carriers, Idle Kleen, L.E.Walker Transport Ltd and Shoppers Drug Mart on Elm St. in St. Thomas. Special thanks go to Impressions Printing and Canadian Motorsports.com.
Admission is $15 per day or $25 for a two day pass, $50 for Big Rig entry which includes show, shine and shootout, $30 for test and tune either day and $50 for the Saturday race car bracket race. A family day pass is available for $25. Children 12 and under are no charge.
For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visit the websites at www.stthomastrucknationals.com or www.stthomasdragway.com.
Courtesy Dave Mathers
Unser brothers busted
"Move along.... nothing to see here...."CNN/SI has a story on the Unser brothers being arrested.... not for willful destruction of the English language ... but rather for refusing orders to leave a carjacking scene.
CASCAR: The CASCAR Super Series returns to Ontario for this Saturday’s Mosport Speedway 200
TORONTO, ON – This Saturday, the CASCAR Super Series returns to action in Ontario with a stop at Mosport Speedway, near Bowmanville, ON. Over the years, the half-mile oval has been the site of some of the most entertaining and competitive CASCAR races in series history.
Last year, Castrol Dodge driver DJ Kennington won his third Super Series feature in a row with a spectacular late-race pass on leader Don Thomson Jr. (Home Hardware Chevy), with just two laps to go.
Back in 2004, Don Thomson emerged victorious in the Mosport Speedway 200, putting an end to a two-year winless streak, and moving him into the points lead en route to his fourth National title.
And who could forget the 2003 edition of this mid-summer classic, when championship rivals Don Thomson and Kerry Micks swapped the lead 11 times, before Micks powered ahead for keeps to take the checkered flag? No other racer led during the 200-lap head-to-head battle, which is widely considered to be one of the best CASCAR races of all time. Fans attending the Aug. 12 Mosport Speedway 200 should expect more of the same.
And while many of the contenders for victory in 2006 will be familiar to the fans – drivers like Thomson, Kennington, Micks, Peter Gibbons, Mark Dilley, Dave Whitlock and Ron Beauchamp Jr. – a new breed has come to the fore in 2006, refusing to back down to the established giants of Canadian stock car racing.
Leading the upstarts is Thomson’s Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammate J.R. Fitzpatrick. After demonstrating so much potential in his first two seasons on CASCAR’s elite tour, the #84 Milwaukee Tools Chevy Monte Carlo driver has been the man to beat in the first half of the schedule.
Just last month, the Cambridge, ON youngster broke through to victory lane winning his first Super Series feature in the MOPAR Canada Day 300 at Barrie Speedway. The second-generation racer finds himself atop the points chase heading to Mosport, and has demonstrated clearly that he’s a serious championship contender.
Scott Steckly and Brad Graham are two other CASCAR veterans who have broken through to victory lane for the first time in their Super Series careers in 2006. Steckly took advantage of the big horsepower under the hood of his ERB Dodge Charger in the season opener at Barrie, while Graham got the monkey off his back at Vernon, BC’s Sun Valley Speedway, in July, when he survived a late-race challenge from Kennington to guide his Challenger / Logel’s Dodge Charger to its first-ever feature win.
While drivers like Fitzpatrick, Steckly and Graham have had the skill and equipment to win races for the past few years, they’ve taken their games to the next level in 2006 and have added to an already entertaining show by becoming serious contenders in every race. Appin, ON racer Jason Hathaway is the leading rookie on the Super Series tour and has put his years of experience in stock car racing to good use en route to several solid finishes in his Snap On Dodge Charger.
But in the end, the big question on the minds of the fans in the stands on August 12 at Mosport Speedway will be whether or not one of the proven veterans or the surging youngsters will be capable of dethroning five-time and current Super Series champ Don Thomson Jr.
Thomson is coming off his first win of the season, on the streets of Trois-Rivières, and has narrowed young Fitzpatrick’s points lead down to just 15 markers, after six events. Any way you look at it, Thomson finds himself in a dogfight with his teammate, and several other contenders, to retain his crown. The Mosport Speedway 200 will go a long way toward determining whether or not he is ultimately successful.
Time trials for the Mosport Speedway 200 start Saturday at 4:45 p.m. and will be followed by the Driver Autograph Session on the front-straight. The green flag on the 200-lap feature race is scheduled for 7 p.m.
SCHEDULE: MOSPORT SPEEDWAY 200 (Bowmanville, Ontario)
CASCAR Super Series
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series practice session
4:45 p.m. CASCAR Super Series time trials
5:45 p.m. CASCAR Driver Autograph Session
6:35 p.m. Super Series Driver Introductions
6:55 p.m. National Anthems
7:00 p.m. START: MOSPORT SPEEDWAY 200
POINT STANDINGS
CASCAR Super Series (As of August 7, 2006): 1. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1064 pts.); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1049); 3. #22 Scott Steckly (1029); 4. #02 Kerry Micks (1013); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (988); 6. #19 Brad Graham (979); 7. #9 Mark Dilley (963); 8. #17 DJ Kennington (962); 9. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (954); 10. #1 Peter Gibbons (950); 11. #10 Doug Brown (949); 12. #25 Jim Lapcevich (941); 13. #3 R Jason Hathaway (910); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (822); 15. #09 Kent Nuhn (810)
CASCAR Flo~Pro.Com Western Series (As of August 7, 2006): 1. #36 Jim White (878 pts.); 2. #35 Kevin Dowler (850); 3. #30 Derek Pollack (831); 4. #71 Daryl Harr (784); 5. #6 Todd Nichol (780); 6. #2 Carl Harr (765); 7. #26 Shaun Polack (746); 8. #21 Jason White (739); 9. #79 Wade Lee (730); 10. #86 Shawn Press (706); 11. #24 Scott Dennis (694); 12. #96 Norm Hunger (478); 13. #87 James Ward (468); 14. #76 Dale Biesick (458); 15. #42 Lyle Paulson (443)
CASCAR Sportsman Series (As of July 11, 2006): 1. #77 Dion Verhoeven (165 pts.); 2. #32 Mike Alguire (164); 3. #00 Steve Munro (154); 4. #81 Shawn McGlynn (150); 5. #11 Cole Weber (147); 6. #95 Ron Lethbridge (140); 7. #20 Dave Didero (136); 8. #67 Scott Mitchell (136); 9. #82 Dave Connelly (136); 10. #48 R Doug Cathcart (135); 11. #36 Alan Lebert (133); 12. #07 R Joey McColm (127)
CASCAR ON TV: Catch replays of the Griddly Headz 100 from the G.P. of Edmonton Saturday, August 12 on SPORTSNET at: 1 p.m. (EAST & ONT) and 9 p.m. (WEST & PACIFIC). For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
WESTERN SERIES: Last weekend, Jim White won the Canadian Forces 200 CASCAR Flo~Pro Western Series race at Auto Clearing Speedway, in Saskatoon, SK. The MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger driver leads the points chase following his win in the 200-lap race at the new 3/8-mile oval. The Kamloops, BC racer led the first 131 laps of the race and 149 in all en route to his first-ever CASCAR feature victory. Five-time Western Series champion Kevin Dowler finished second in Saskatoon, ahead of hometown racer Chris Shirley. The next Flo~Pro Western Series race takes place Aug. 19 at Edmonton Int’l Raceway, in Wetaskiwin, AB.
Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.
MOSPORT: John Graham to race in the American Le Mans Series event at Mosport on Labour Day weekend
TORONTO (August 9, 2006) - Canadian road racer John Graham announced today that he’ll be competing in the American Le Mans Series race at Mosport International Raceway, September 1-3, as part of the Mobil 1 presents The Labour Day Weekend Grand Prix of Mosport.
The Aurora, ON resident will co-drive the Autocon Motorsports Lola EX257 with Chris McMurry in the LMP1 class, the top division in the American Le Mans Series. He’ll be one of three Canadians competing in the only Canadian stop for North America’s premier sports car championship. The others are Series regulars are Ron Fellows and Scott Maxwell.
Since he started his motorsports career, Graham has raced sports cars on road and street courses, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans seven times. Most recently his career path has taken him to the NASCAR Busch series, but as a sports car prototype driver, racing at Mosport has always had a special meaning.
"This is definitely a great opportunity for me. Mike Lewis and Autocon have done an outstanding job this season and I am pleased to be part of the team for this race, and into the 2007 season," commented Graham.
Graham has American Le Mans Series experience, with podium finishes at Sebring, Petit LeMans, Portland, Sonoma, Adelaide and Mosport. In 2000 Graham was part of Multimatic, the only Canadian team to score a class win at Le Mans.
"We are really excited about this upcoming race in Canada, and are pleased that John will be taking the wheel of our No.12 Lola,” said team owner Mike Lewis. “With Mosport being his home track he will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and I know we will have an excellent shot at a strong finish."
Graham has signed a multi-race agreement that will include the 2007 12 Hours of Sebring and bring him back to Mosport for next season’s race.
"Mosport is one of the greatest tracks in the world. It is a real driver's track and the competition is always fierce from beginning to end," Graham said. "I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel on September 3rd."
From Mosport Int’l Raceway
From SOS Insider: Up Next: Double Header Weekend
The Southern Ontario Sprints head into a double header weekend with stops at the Ohsweken and Brighton Speedways. Glenn Styres enters the weekend as the current SOS point leader by just 20 points over second place Warren Mahoney and by only 21 points over Bob Crawford who sits third. The first race of the weekend comes Friday night at the Ohsweken Speedway at 7:45 PM. The teams then travel east to the Brighton Speedway on Saturday night for the fourth of six visits to the 1/3 mile clay oval. Race time at Brighton is 7:00 PM.
SOS POINT STANDINGS
Official After Race 8 of 15
1. Glenn Styres 1190
2. Warren Mahoney -20
3. Bob Crawford -21
4. Kevin Job ® -135
5. Joe Middlemiss ® -139
6. Ken Swan -181
7. Garry Evans -197
8. Brad Malloy ® -216
9. John Riegling -289
10. Dick Mahoney -335
NOTE: *Dick Mahoney Holding A Silent Auction at Brighton*
There will be a silent auction at Brighton Speedway for the nose wing that was on Dick's car that he flipped during his last visit to the track, plus a T-shirt. The auction will close on the Labour Day Classic Weekend and be presented to the highest bidder. The money raised will go to the cancer society in honour of former SOS Official Marie White.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Shepherd To Pull Double Duty In Nashville
Courtesy Nancy Padula
CONCORD, N.C. (August 9, 2006) - Peter Shepherd will be pulling double duty this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. Shepherd will compete Saturday in both the ARCA/REMAX Series race in the No. 39 Ford Taurus and in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in the No. 50 Ford 150. Headz Gamez will be the primary sponsor in both of Shepherds races.
Roush Racing has teamed up with the Roulo brothers to field Shepherd in his second ARCA Series race. The pairing proved successful in St. Louis where Shepherd finished fourth in his first career start. Shepherd can apply the experience he gains in the race to his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck series race which will take place upon conclusion of the ARCA Race. His first Truck Series start came just a few weeks ago at Memphis, where he earned a solid 23rd place finish.
"It's going to be a very busy weekend for me as I am racing in both the ARCA and truck race. I've never raced at Nashville before, so it will be a new experience for me. Luckily I've got teammates here to help me should I need it, both Erik and David have ran well here in the past. Memphis was a great learning experience for me, figuring out how the trucks handle and what the adjustments will do for them. Speedways are obviously much different, but I feel like I can apply what I've learned so far and that should help. My goal for the weekend is to complete all the laps and bring the Headz Gamez Ford F-150 home in one piece. If I can do that, I'll be happy with the weekend."
CONCORD, N.C. (August 9, 2006) - Peter Shepherd will be pulling double duty this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. Shepherd will compete Saturday in both the ARCA/REMAX Series race in the No. 39 Ford Taurus and in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in the No. 50 Ford 150. Headz Gamez will be the primary sponsor in both of Shepherds races.
Roush Racing has teamed up with the Roulo brothers to field Shepherd in his second ARCA Series race. The pairing proved successful in St. Louis where Shepherd finished fourth in his first career start. Shepherd can apply the experience he gains in the race to his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck series race which will take place upon conclusion of the ARCA Race. His first Truck Series start came just a few weeks ago at Memphis, where he earned a solid 23rd place finish.
"It's going to be a very busy weekend for me as I am racing in both the ARCA and truck race. I've never raced at Nashville before, so it will be a new experience for me. Luckily I've got teammates here to help me should I need it, both Erik and David have ran well here in the past. Memphis was a great learning experience for me, figuring out how the trucks handle and what the adjustments will do for them. Speedways are obviously much different, but I feel like I can apply what I've learned so far and that should help. My goal for the weekend is to complete all the laps and bring the Headz Gamez Ford F-150 home in one piece. If I can do that, I'll be happy with the weekend."
Top 5 Slips Away From Hathaway at Grand Prix De Trois Rivieries
Courtesy Jamie Hakonson
August 6, 2006- Trois Rivieres, Quebec- Jason Hathaway and Team 3 Red/EHR's third race on the road course configuration of the CASCAR Super Series went very well this weekend at the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieries, Quebec.
This event marked the return of the CASCAR Super Series to the GP de Trois Rivieres in 5 years. The three day event got underway on Friday afternoon where the Team practiced in two practice sessions. Coming off of the road course at The Edmonton Grand Prix two weeks ago, Hathaway was feeling good about his changes on the Grand Prix road course.
"Now that I have Mosport Road and Edmonton under my belt, I feel a lot more comfortable on the road courses. It really helps with this race this weekend having just come off another road course."
Hathaway qualified his #3 Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger in the 13th spot amongst a tight field of 25 competitors. A mere second and a half separated the field form 1st place qualifying spot to the 15th qualifying spot.
The green flag flew on Sunday morning for the Arctic Cat 100. In-term Crew Chief Mike Vanderwal and the Team set their strategy at the beginning of the day...save the brakes and be there at the end of the 100 km long, 42 lap race. Road coursing is a game of braking, shifting and keeping your equipment together! It did not take long for the action to get started when #75 flew into corner 1 of the first lap passing Hathaway and collecting 3 of the competitors in front of him. A full course yellow was displayed and the race got back underway on lap 6. With some smart driving to avoid the collision, Hathaway advanced 5 positions, placing himself in 8th place.
After the wreck the field spaced out and Hathaway worked on getting into a rhythm thought the 10 turn course. He then set his sights on the #39 car in front of him for position. After working his way to within striking distance Hathaway passed #39 on lap 31 on the inside of corner 4 at the end of the high speed back straight of the 3.42 kilometer course, moving into 7th place. With 5 laps to go Hathaway had #9 lined up to make a move for 6th when he radioed into the crew that his racing machine was stuck in 4th gear, but would make it to the end. 6th spot slipped a way from the Team, but Hathaway had a 10 car length advantage over the 8th place car, bringing his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger home in 7th.
"This was great finish for us here today! This is really tight course and there are a couple of spots here that were pretty crazy. If we had not been caught in 4th gear, we would have been a top 5 car for sure this weekend. Each road course that we race in, the better I feel out there. I'm looking forward to the race at Montréal later this month! said Hathaway as he climbed out of his Dodge.
Team 3 Red/EHR will return to action on the ovals in their next event August 12 at Mosport Speedway, near Bowmanville, Ontario.
August 6, 2006- Trois Rivieres, Quebec- Jason Hathaway and Team 3 Red/EHR's third race on the road course configuration of the CASCAR Super Series went very well this weekend at the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieries, Quebec.
This event marked the return of the CASCAR Super Series to the GP de Trois Rivieres in 5 years. The three day event got underway on Friday afternoon where the Team practiced in two practice sessions. Coming off of the road course at The Edmonton Grand Prix two weeks ago, Hathaway was feeling good about his changes on the Grand Prix road course.
"Now that I have Mosport Road and Edmonton under my belt, I feel a lot more comfortable on the road courses. It really helps with this race this weekend having just come off another road course."
Hathaway qualified his #3 Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger in the 13th spot amongst a tight field of 25 competitors. A mere second and a half separated the field form 1st place qualifying spot to the 15th qualifying spot.
The green flag flew on Sunday morning for the Arctic Cat 100. In-term Crew Chief Mike Vanderwal and the Team set their strategy at the beginning of the day...save the brakes and be there at the end of the 100 km long, 42 lap race. Road coursing is a game of braking, shifting and keeping your equipment together! It did not take long for the action to get started when #75 flew into corner 1 of the first lap passing Hathaway and collecting 3 of the competitors in front of him. A full course yellow was displayed and the race got back underway on lap 6. With some smart driving to avoid the collision, Hathaway advanced 5 positions, placing himself in 8th place.
After the wreck the field spaced out and Hathaway worked on getting into a rhythm thought the 10 turn course. He then set his sights on the #39 car in front of him for position. After working his way to within striking distance Hathaway passed #39 on lap 31 on the inside of corner 4 at the end of the high speed back straight of the 3.42 kilometer course, moving into 7th place. With 5 laps to go Hathaway had #9 lined up to make a move for 6th when he radioed into the crew that his racing machine was stuck in 4th gear, but would make it to the end. 6th spot slipped a way from the Team, but Hathaway had a 10 car length advantage over the 8th place car, bringing his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger home in 7th.
"This was great finish for us here today! This is really tight course and there are a couple of spots here that were pretty crazy. If we had not been caught in 4th gear, we would have been a top 5 car for sure this weekend. Each road course that we race in, the better I feel out there. I'm looking forward to the race at Montréal later this month! said Hathaway as he climbed out of his Dodge.
Team 3 Red/EHR will return to action on the ovals in their next event August 12 at Mosport Speedway, near Bowmanville, Ontario.
Road Course Woes Continue For Van Es
Courtesy Ken Spencer
The curse of road course racing followed Ron Van Es and his team to the Province of Quebec this past weekend and the results were representative of the bad luck they have experienced in past non-oval track events.
They were forced to the sidelines early when engine problems developed in the team’s Star Van Systems Monte Carlo after just 6 laps of the scheduled 42-lap chase through the unique Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres street course. The problem was later diagnosed as a broken camshaft.
“We just can’t finish a road course event,” a disgruntled team owner Andy Van Es remarked following this latest setback in the team’s 2006 year-to-date record. “This is our sixth road course attempt since coming to CASCAR and they have all resulted in disasters.”
“We really deliberated coming this weekend given our current record but before the season began we committed to running the full schedule, so we’ll carry on,” the senior Van Es added.
The team is hoping for improved results on the ovals beginning with this weekend’s race at the half-mile Mosport Speedway where Ron has had a 12th and 13th-place finish in his two past visits. He actually had stronger runs than the results show and will be looking for a top-ten or better finish in the 200-lap event.
They will then have a weekend off to prepare for CASCAR’s fourth and final road course race of the season at the CHAMP Car Grand Prix weekend in Montreal –August 25th-27th.
The CASCAR Super Series will end its season on the ovals beginning with the Labour Day Weekend special at Cayuga International Speedway (September 2nd-3rd), then off to Autodrome Ste. Eustache north of Montreal (September 9th) and close at Kawartha Speedway (September 16th-17th).
For the Mosport and Cayuga events, Marshall's Truck & Trailer Wash And Repair Ltd of Hamilton will be adding their sponsorship support toward the #11 Van Es Racing Team’s efforts.
The curse of road course racing followed Ron Van Es and his team to the Province of Quebec this past weekend and the results were representative of the bad luck they have experienced in past non-oval track events.
They were forced to the sidelines early when engine problems developed in the team’s Star Van Systems Monte Carlo after just 6 laps of the scheduled 42-lap chase through the unique Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres street course. The problem was later diagnosed as a broken camshaft.
“We just can’t finish a road course event,” a disgruntled team owner Andy Van Es remarked following this latest setback in the team’s 2006 year-to-date record. “This is our sixth road course attempt since coming to CASCAR and they have all resulted in disasters.”
“We really deliberated coming this weekend given our current record but before the season began we committed to running the full schedule, so we’ll carry on,” the senior Van Es added.
The team is hoping for improved results on the ovals beginning with this weekend’s race at the half-mile Mosport Speedway where Ron has had a 12th and 13th-place finish in his two past visits. He actually had stronger runs than the results show and will be looking for a top-ten or better finish in the 200-lap event.
They will then have a weekend off to prepare for CASCAR’s fourth and final road course race of the season at the CHAMP Car Grand Prix weekend in Montreal –August 25th-27th.
The CASCAR Super Series will end its season on the ovals beginning with the Labour Day Weekend special at Cayuga International Speedway (September 2nd-3rd), then off to Autodrome Ste. Eustache north of Montreal (September 9th) and close at Kawartha Speedway (September 16th-17th).
For the Mosport and Cayuga events, Marshall's Truck & Trailer Wash And Repair Ltd of Hamilton will be adding their sponsorship support toward the #11 Van Es Racing Team’s efforts.
Team Royal Distributing Continues to Impress!
Courtesy Mark Fries
Record crowds and perfect weather welcomed the 7th round of the CMRC Series to Riverglade MX Track in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The Royal Distributing KTM team was looking to pick up where they left off before the break and get some strong results on the East Coast.
MX 2 Qualifying race had rider #62 Iain Hayden back on his Royal Distributing KTM 250SX-F. Hayden got a great start after the gate dropped and battled with the top riders in the series and gathered another direct qualifying position for Sunday's motos.
In the MX1 qualifier Marco Dube piloted his Royal Distributing KTM SX450 directly into a great gate position for the Sunday program after setting top 8 lap times.
Moto 1 of the MX2 class got underway with Iain Hayden's Royal Distributing #62 rounding the first corner in 5th place.
Iain raced a great race with close battles throughout the 30 minute moto and finished in 8th place. Happy with his effort he was looking forward to the second moto.
As the gate dropped on the 1st MX1 moto in Moncton the # 24 of Marco Dube got a top ten start. His Royal Distributing KTM proved to be a great match for the tough conditions of the Riverglade track and Dube crossed the checkered flag in 6th position after charging the entire moto.
The second MX2 moto began with Iain Hayden getting yet another top 5 start. Hayden's speed on the powerful Royal Distributing KTM 250SX-F is improving every moto. The track was getting very rutted up and Hayden took some nasty hits from fellow competitors but managed to find the strength to keep it up on two wheels and crossed the finish line in 10th position.
His 8-10 moto finishes resulted in his best finish of the series so far with an 8th overall for the weekend.
Royal Distributing's Premiere class rider Marco Dube rounded the first corner in 10th place at the start of the last MX1 moto of the day.
Marco found some fast lines and used his skill to pass his competitors and finished just a fender behind 6th spot for a 7th. With his first moto 6th his overall for Sunday's race was an impressive and consistant 6th place. After 7 rounds of the series in the books Royal Distributing riders Marco Dube sits in 5th position overall, while teamate Iain Hayden is currently placed in 8th just 4 points out of 7th.
With only two remaining rounds in the series to go Team Royal Distributing is excited and looking forward to putting up some strong results at the new Sand Del Lee track in Ottawa next weekend.
Record crowds and perfect weather welcomed the 7th round of the CMRC Series to Riverglade MX Track in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The Royal Distributing KTM team was looking to pick up where they left off before the break and get some strong results on the East Coast.
MX 2 Qualifying race had rider #62 Iain Hayden back on his Royal Distributing KTM 250SX-F. Hayden got a great start after the gate dropped and battled with the top riders in the series and gathered another direct qualifying position for Sunday's motos.
In the MX1 qualifier Marco Dube piloted his Royal Distributing KTM SX450 directly into a great gate position for the Sunday program after setting top 8 lap times.
Moto 1 of the MX2 class got underway with Iain Hayden's Royal Distributing #62 rounding the first corner in 5th place.
Iain raced a great race with close battles throughout the 30 minute moto and finished in 8th place. Happy with his effort he was looking forward to the second moto.
As the gate dropped on the 1st MX1 moto in Moncton the # 24 of Marco Dube got a top ten start. His Royal Distributing KTM proved to be a great match for the tough conditions of the Riverglade track and Dube crossed the checkered flag in 6th position after charging the entire moto.
The second MX2 moto began with Iain Hayden getting yet another top 5 start. Hayden's speed on the powerful Royal Distributing KTM 250SX-F is improving every moto. The track was getting very rutted up and Hayden took some nasty hits from fellow competitors but managed to find the strength to keep it up on two wheels and crossed the finish line in 10th position.
His 8-10 moto finishes resulted in his best finish of the series so far with an 8th overall for the weekend.
Royal Distributing's Premiere class rider Marco Dube rounded the first corner in 10th place at the start of the last MX1 moto of the day.
Marco found some fast lines and used his skill to pass his competitors and finished just a fender behind 6th spot for a 7th. With his first moto 6th his overall for Sunday's race was an impressive and consistant 6th place. After 7 rounds of the series in the books Royal Distributing riders Marco Dube sits in 5th position overall, while teamate Iain Hayden is currently placed in 8th just 4 points out of 7th.
With only two remaining rounds in the series to go Team Royal Distributing is excited and looking forward to putting up some strong results at the new Sand Del Lee track in Ottawa next weekend.
PREVIEW: OSCAAR Twin 35's At Kawartha Speedway
By Don McLeod // August 8, 2006
OSCAAR Super Late Models head to Kawartha Speedway Friday August 11th to compete in a new race format. Through an agreement between the OSCAAR Board of Directors and Kawartha Promoter Derek Lynch which was worked out immediately following the rained out event on June 2nd, the new race format will consist of twin 35 lap feature races.
The evening will begin with the traditional 10 lap heat races and the usual procedure for determining the starting grid will be used for the first 35 lap race. However, the starting grid for the second 35 lap feature race will be determined through a complete inversion of the finishing order from the first 35 lap feature race. The winner of the first feature will start last in the second feature.
Each race will be considered as a separate race event for points calculation with the usual 300 points awarded to the winner and the potential to earn 600 points for winning both events. Both races will be documented in the website race report following the event. The purse awards for the night will be based on a calculation involving the finish position from both races and a method to incorporate a tie-breaker. Further details on the purse will be discussed at the Kawartha drivers meeting.
The new race format represents a bold departure from the traditional format yet has inherent risks for the teams. Drivers are wary of the potential for trouble but agreed with the new format to make up for the rained-out event in June and give the fans a great show. Super Late Models can be sensitive to set-up changes resulting in widely differing speeds on the track. There is no doubt that a pack of very fast Outlaws will be charging through the field during the second feature race. The action will be fast and furious!
Speaking of Fast & Furious, fans will want to check out the latest deal worked out between Kawartha Speedway and Brighton Speedway. An excellent way to celebrate your passion for racing during the glory days of August; visit the two speedways this weekend for $30 and get the best of both worlds in asphalt and dirt racing.
Riverside Speedway: Construction Update
Scott Sinclair forwarded this link from Checkers to Wreckers, documenting the reconstruction of the track and infrastructure of Nova Scotia's Riverside Speedway. Looks like it's going to be an incredible facility.
Thanks Scott!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Big Gains For Bryan Cathcart At Trois Rivieres
Courtesy TL Sports and Entertainment
August 7, 2006. CASCAR Super Series race teams were in action this past weekend at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres for the Arctic Cat 100. For Bryan Cathcart it was the first time on the temporary street circuit and he demonstrated an ability to adapt to the tough street circuit.
With track time at a premium Cathcart was trying get the Fitzsimmsons Stars Chevrolet up to speed as quickly as possible. “It was good to have a teammate for this event” said Cathcart. “With Bertrand Godin coming into the MidAmerica stable he’s helping me with the street racing stuff, and I’m helping him our on the handling characteristics of stock cars”.
Cathcart had a disappointing result on the road course event earlier this year and was determined to improve. “The car was improving this weekend but still not where I wanted it to be for qualifying and could only manage 23rd on the grid” said Cathcart.
As the green flag waved for the Arctic Cat 100 Cathcart wanted to avoid trouble and settle into a rhythm for the 42 lap event. “I guess we were far enough back to stay out of the corner one trouble” said Cathcart. “After that I just concentrated on the job and tried to stay relaxed and things worked out pretty well.
After the first lap incident was cleared, the race ran green the rest of the distance and Cathcart was able to move up eight positions and score a 15th place finish. “It’s not a bad day when you can gain some spots the way we did and come home with the car intact” said Cathart. “I am looking forward to getting back on the ovals for the next race”.
Bryan Cathcart and the Fitzsimmons Stars Chevrolet will be back in action this Saturday night on the Mosport Speedway oval.
August 7, 2006. CASCAR Super Series race teams were in action this past weekend at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres for the Arctic Cat 100. For Bryan Cathcart it was the first time on the temporary street circuit and he demonstrated an ability to adapt to the tough street circuit.
With track time at a premium Cathcart was trying get the Fitzsimmsons Stars Chevrolet up to speed as quickly as possible. “It was good to have a teammate for this event” said Cathcart. “With Bertrand Godin coming into the MidAmerica stable he’s helping me with the street racing stuff, and I’m helping him our on the handling characteristics of stock cars”.
Cathcart had a disappointing result on the road course event earlier this year and was determined to improve. “The car was improving this weekend but still not where I wanted it to be for qualifying and could only manage 23rd on the grid” said Cathcart.
As the green flag waved for the Arctic Cat 100 Cathcart wanted to avoid trouble and settle into a rhythm for the 42 lap event. “I guess we were far enough back to stay out of the corner one trouble” said Cathcart. “After that I just concentrated on the job and tried to stay relaxed and things worked out pretty well.
After the first lap incident was cleared, the race ran green the rest of the distance and Cathcart was able to move up eight positions and score a 15th place finish. “It’s not a bad day when you can gain some spots the way we did and come home with the car intact” said Cathart. “I am looking forward to getting back on the ovals for the next race”.
Bryan Cathcart and the Fitzsimmons Stars Chevrolet will be back in action this Saturday night on the Mosport Speedway oval.
Tiemersma Motorsports
Hello Everyone,
I hope that everyone had a great civic long weekend. This weekend marks the halfway point of the season for Tiemersma Motorsports. Although the season is half over, we still have another half to race…and we are looking forward to a number of big races in the coming months. This next weekend Derrick Tiemersma will have the #7 Monte Carlo at Flamboro Speedway while Tony Tiemersma will have the #7 Grand Prix at Kawartha Speedway. This season Tony Tiemersma is truly showing that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as he is showing more and more every week that he is getting more comfortable behind the wheel of his car. This past weekend he was able to finish 3rd in a 50 lap race at Sunset Speedway after not racing there for over a month and starting from the 23rd position.
Two weeks from now Derrick is planning on racing at the 3rd annual Summer Sizzler at Kawartha Speedway for a 200 lap race. This would be one of the teams favorite races of the summer as it pits both drivers and crews against each other.
I have posted some news on the website and have updated the results pages a bit since I last had a chance.
This year all of your products have helped us a great deal. If it were not for the support from ALL of you things would be a lot harder around Tiemersma Motorsports.
Thank you
Mike Sutton
Crew Chief
Tiemersma Motorsports
I hope that everyone had a great civic long weekend. This weekend marks the halfway point of the season for Tiemersma Motorsports. Although the season is half over, we still have another half to race…and we are looking forward to a number of big races in the coming months. This next weekend Derrick Tiemersma will have the #7 Monte Carlo at Flamboro Speedway while Tony Tiemersma will have the #7 Grand Prix at Kawartha Speedway. This season Tony Tiemersma is truly showing that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as he is showing more and more every week that he is getting more comfortable behind the wheel of his car. This past weekend he was able to finish 3rd in a 50 lap race at Sunset Speedway after not racing there for over a month and starting from the 23rd position.
Two weeks from now Derrick is planning on racing at the 3rd annual Summer Sizzler at Kawartha Speedway for a 200 lap race. This would be one of the teams favorite races of the summer as it pits both drivers and crews against each other.
I have posted some news on the website and have updated the results pages a bit since I last had a chance.
This year all of your products have helped us a great deal. If it were not for the support from ALL of you things would be a lot harder around Tiemersma Motorsports.
Thank you
Mike Sutton
Crew Chief
Tiemersma Motorsports
Bourque Posts Great Finish In Second CASCAR Event
Courtesy Pierre Bourque
OTTAWA, ONT. (August 6, 2006) - - CASCAR Rookie Pierre Bourque finished an impressive 12th in the Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix Sunday afternoon securing his best racing finish of the 2006 season. Bourque finished 13 positions stronger in his second-go around with the CASCAR Series leaving him all smiles exiting the track late Sunday.
The weekend started off very solid for the only full-time Canadian NASCAR driver posting a very respectable 12th place effort in practice before grabbing a season’s best qualifying effort of 14th.
At the start of the event, Bourque looked more like a veteran avoiding a first corner, first lap pile up immediately gaining three positions. Bourque driving a third entry for Whitlock Motorsports hovered comfortably just outside the top-ten for a majority of the race.
While driving an extremely competitive No. 29 Driving.Ca the Ottawa, Ontario driver began reeling in the pack ahead of him eventually seeing a chance to gain a position and put himself into the top-ten. On the next to last lap, Bourque entered the second to last corner trying to pass a fellow competitor.
As Bourque dipped into the opening approaching hairpin, the competitor tapped Bourque’s machine which caused him to spin perpendicular to the track. It took several seconds for Bourque to regain control forcing another competitor behind him to overtake the 11th position. With Bourque back on track, he remained cool and calm crossing the line 12th on the lead lap, a career best in the CASCAR Series.
“What a day,” said a very jubilant driver after the race. “We had a great racecar today. The entire Whitlock Motorsports team led by crew chief Steve Mifsud did an incredible job from the pits and we were competitive throughout the whole event, I don’t think I could have asked for much more.”
When asked about the incident coming to the white flag, Bourque remarked “Sometimes in racing you have to take a chance. I saw an opening and I thought it was going to stick and I was hit from behind. Nothing I did, just one of those racing deals. I really would have liked to leave the track with a top-ten, but a 12th is nothing to feel ashamed about. I have one more CASCAR event this year, we improved from our last race and that was our goal heading into the week. Now, we’re upping the anti and I expect an even greater finish in our next event.”
In addition, it was also a strong marketing day for Bourque’s sponsors who all received major exposure Sunday.
Driving.Ca adorned the primary sponsorship role Sunday. Driving.Ca is Canada’s No. 1 Automotive website.
In addition, Canada.com, Canada's biggest online community, Working.com, one of North America's top career sites, and Dose.Ca, a cool site that caters to hip Canadian urbanites coast-to-coast, all served as secondary sponsors on Bourque’s machine.
All four new sponsors are part of Canwest-Global, Canada's largest media company with interests in television, radio, newspapers and the internet. All four will be backing of Bourque’s NASCAR Busch East season, his three CASCAR races, and his forays into ARCA.
“A good finish meant a great day for our sponsors,” Bourque stated. “It was another “hometown” event and sponsorship is so crucial in any racing series, we really wanted to give them something to be proud of, I think we did.”
With some momentum on his side, Pierre Bourque will spend the week preparing to make his second ARCA RE/MAX Series start of the season for Andy Hillenburg. Bourque looks to be one of 41-drivers competing in Saturday’s ARCA 200 from Nashville Superspeedway.“Next week I plan to make my Superspeedway debut in ARCA and I’m excited. We had the opportunity to test a few weeks ago at the track and I feel very comfortable. It’s going to be a very competitive race, much like this weekend. However, the goals are the same. We have to practice, qualify and race well and just try to muster the best finish possible.”
In addition to running one more CASCAR Series race with Whitlock Motorsports, Pierre Bourque is in the midst of competing a full NASCAR Busch East Series schedule and a limited ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule for Fast Track Racing and car owner Andy Hillenburg.
For further in site on Canwest-Global and its associates please log onto http://www.Driving.Ca, http://www.Canada.com , http://www.Working.com and http://www.Dose.Ca.
For more information on Full Metals Minerals, please visit http://www.fullmetalminerals.com.
For additional input on Pollara Strategic Public Opinion, please logon to http://www.pollara.ca.
To learn more about Pierre Bourque please click onto http://www.pierrebourque.com.
OTTAWA, ONT. (August 6, 2006) - - CASCAR Rookie Pierre Bourque finished an impressive 12th in the Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix Sunday afternoon securing his best racing finish of the 2006 season. Bourque finished 13 positions stronger in his second-go around with the CASCAR Series leaving him all smiles exiting the track late Sunday.
The weekend started off very solid for the only full-time Canadian NASCAR driver posting a very respectable 12th place effort in practice before grabbing a season’s best qualifying effort of 14th.
At the start of the event, Bourque looked more like a veteran avoiding a first corner, first lap pile up immediately gaining three positions. Bourque driving a third entry for Whitlock Motorsports hovered comfortably just outside the top-ten for a majority of the race.
While driving an extremely competitive No. 29 Driving.Ca the Ottawa, Ontario driver began reeling in the pack ahead of him eventually seeing a chance to gain a position and put himself into the top-ten. On the next to last lap, Bourque entered the second to last corner trying to pass a fellow competitor.
As Bourque dipped into the opening approaching hairpin, the competitor tapped Bourque’s machine which caused him to spin perpendicular to the track. It took several seconds for Bourque to regain control forcing another competitor behind him to overtake the 11th position. With Bourque back on track, he remained cool and calm crossing the line 12th on the lead lap, a career best in the CASCAR Series.
“What a day,” said a very jubilant driver after the race. “We had a great racecar today. The entire Whitlock Motorsports team led by crew chief Steve Mifsud did an incredible job from the pits and we were competitive throughout the whole event, I don’t think I could have asked for much more.”
When asked about the incident coming to the white flag, Bourque remarked “Sometimes in racing you have to take a chance. I saw an opening and I thought it was going to stick and I was hit from behind. Nothing I did, just one of those racing deals. I really would have liked to leave the track with a top-ten, but a 12th is nothing to feel ashamed about. I have one more CASCAR event this year, we improved from our last race and that was our goal heading into the week. Now, we’re upping the anti and I expect an even greater finish in our next event.”
In addition, it was also a strong marketing day for Bourque’s sponsors who all received major exposure Sunday.
Driving.Ca adorned the primary sponsorship role Sunday. Driving.Ca is Canada’s No. 1 Automotive website.
In addition, Canada.com, Canada's biggest online community, Working.com, one of North America's top career sites, and Dose.Ca, a cool site that caters to hip Canadian urbanites coast-to-coast, all served as secondary sponsors on Bourque’s machine.
All four new sponsors are part of Canwest-Global, Canada's largest media company with interests in television, radio, newspapers and the internet. All four will be backing of Bourque’s NASCAR Busch East season, his three CASCAR races, and his forays into ARCA.
“A good finish meant a great day for our sponsors,” Bourque stated. “It was another “hometown” event and sponsorship is so crucial in any racing series, we really wanted to give them something to be proud of, I think we did.”
With some momentum on his side, Pierre Bourque will spend the week preparing to make his second ARCA RE/MAX Series start of the season for Andy Hillenburg. Bourque looks to be one of 41-drivers competing in Saturday’s ARCA 200 from Nashville Superspeedway.“Next week I plan to make my Superspeedway debut in ARCA and I’m excited. We had the opportunity to test a few weeks ago at the track and I feel very comfortable. It’s going to be a very competitive race, much like this weekend. However, the goals are the same. We have to practice, qualify and race well and just try to muster the best finish possible.”
In addition to running one more CASCAR Series race with Whitlock Motorsports, Pierre Bourque is in the midst of competing a full NASCAR Busch East Series schedule and a limited ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule for Fast Track Racing and car owner Andy Hillenburg.
For further in site on Canwest-Global and its associates please log onto http://www.Driving.Ca, http://www.Canada.com , http://www.Working.com and http://www.Dose.Ca.
For more information on Full Metals Minerals, please visit http://www.fullmetalminerals.com.
For additional input on Pollara Strategic Public Opinion, please logon to http://www.pollara.ca.
To learn more about Pierre Bourque please click onto http://www.pierrebourque.com.
Eighth In Trois Rivieres For Dave Whitlock
Courtesy Linda Jones
Trois Rivieres, Monday August 7, 2006: Dave Whitlock driving the #39 NTN-Bower/Griddly Headz/Nitrex Metal Technologies Dodge Charger posted another top ten finish on a road course with an eighth at Trois Rivieres, while Don Thomson Jr. took the win. "This event is great," stated Whitlock. "The grandstands were full every time we were on the track and the fans are so enthusiastic.”
The two practice sessions on Friday had Whitlock scored in twelfth and then seventh so the car continued to improve. Saturday's qualifying session left the #39 driver a little disappointed as they were scored in eleventh and that is where they would line up on Sunday for the start of the Arctic Cat 100. The team worked into the evening hours Saturday making changes to the #39 Charger as they knew that forty two laps on this track was going to be a big challenge.
When the green flag dropped, Whitlock was able to miss the melee that took place between several drivers before the first turn and quickly settled into the seventh position. Top contenders, D.J. Kennington, Kerry Micks and Jeff Lapcevich were out early leaving the door open for others to move up. The top seven ran nose to tail for the first half of the race after which the first four checked out on the rest of the field. During the closing laps Whitlock experienced braking problems and was forced to lay back a little allowing the #3 of Jason Hathaway to take the seventh position. After that the #39 cruised to an eighth place finish. "The car started out real strong," stated Whitlock. "We were running with the leaders no problem but the last few laps we had to take it a little easy as the brakes started to go away. We were really gunning for a top five today but our three cars finished in the top twelve so that is a satisfying day."
Teammate Mark Dilley finished fifth with Pierre Bourque crossing the line in twelfth.
Don Thomson Jr. took the win that alluded him here five years ago when he led all but the final lap when his transmission broke giving the win to Peter Gibbons. Second was teammate to Thomson, #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick with #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the Mopar Dodge taking third.
Trois Rivieres, Monday August 7, 2006: Dave Whitlock driving the #39 NTN-Bower/Griddly Headz/Nitrex Metal Technologies Dodge Charger posted another top ten finish on a road course with an eighth at Trois Rivieres, while Don Thomson Jr. took the win. "This event is great," stated Whitlock. "The grandstands were full every time we were on the track and the fans are so enthusiastic.”
The two practice sessions on Friday had Whitlock scored in twelfth and then seventh so the car continued to improve. Saturday's qualifying session left the #39 driver a little disappointed as they were scored in eleventh and that is where they would line up on Sunday for the start of the Arctic Cat 100. The team worked into the evening hours Saturday making changes to the #39 Charger as they knew that forty two laps on this track was going to be a big challenge.
When the green flag dropped, Whitlock was able to miss the melee that took place between several drivers before the first turn and quickly settled into the seventh position. Top contenders, D.J. Kennington, Kerry Micks and Jeff Lapcevich were out early leaving the door open for others to move up. The top seven ran nose to tail for the first half of the race after which the first four checked out on the rest of the field. During the closing laps Whitlock experienced braking problems and was forced to lay back a little allowing the #3 of Jason Hathaway to take the seventh position. After that the #39 cruised to an eighth place finish. "The car started out real strong," stated Whitlock. "We were running with the leaders no problem but the last few laps we had to take it a little easy as the brakes started to go away. We were really gunning for a top five today but our three cars finished in the top twelve so that is a satisfying day."
Teammate Mark Dilley finished fifth with Pierre Bourque crossing the line in twelfth.
Don Thomson Jr. took the win that alluded him here five years ago when he led all but the final lap when his transmission broke giving the win to Peter Gibbons. Second was teammate to Thomson, #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick with #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the Mopar Dodge taking third.
Buck Just Misses Podium In Trois Rivieres
Courtesy Linda Jones
Trois Rivieres, PQ, Monday August 7, 2006: Robin Buck driving the #88 Jacombs Racing/Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Taurus in the Arctic Cat 100 at Trois Rivieres on Sunday, posted a fourth place finish. This was CASCAR's first return to the Trois Rivieres event since 2001 and Don Thomson Jr. was able to close the deal this time. In the previous event here Thomson led all laps but the final one as his transmission broke and Peter Gibbons took the win.
Friday was practice day for the twenty five teams in attendance. During first practice Buck experienced transmission troubles but still posted the fifth quickest time. Again during the second practice they had further transmission woes but the #88 Taurus remained fifth quickest. The team worked late in the day repairing the problem and it was evident they had done a great job for Saturday's qualifying. Buck immediately set the time to beat in qualifying and he stayed on top for the first half of the session. With Kerry Micks, Don Thomson and J.R. Fitzpatrick posting quicker times late, Buck headed back onto the track but the checkered flag waved ending the session. "We had a great qualifying run early so I just waited in the pits to see how it all played out," said Buck. "When those guys went quicker, I headed back out but unfortunately we didn't have enough time left to get a better lap - we should have gone out a lap or two earlier. But fourth isn't bad," he added.
Sunday's Arctic Cat 100 saw some action early as the #75 of Kenny Habul attempted to pass several cars before the first turn. When the dust settled D.J. Kennington was out of the race and Jeff Lapcevich went from the front to the back of the field. Habul spent time on pit road for his actions but two front runners were out of the race. Next it was pole sitter Kerry Micks experiencing engine problems coming onto pit road where his car ended up parked for the day as well. Buck quickly settled into third where he ran for the first half of the race until the #60 of Beauchamp passed Buck for the third spot. The #88 Taurus driver laid back for the next several laps saving his tires and brakes for a run at the end. An attempt to pass Beauchamp for the 3rd spot again on the second last lap was unsuccessful and Buck brought the Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Taurus across the finish line in fourth. "I am so glad for this team to get a good finish," stated Buck. "They have worked so hard and not seen the results they should have. I was saving the car until the end and tried to get by Ron for third but couldn't quite get the pass done," he added. "A late caution could have helped us by closing up the pack a bit but a fourth is great for our team."
"We knew this team was capable of better finishes than we have had this year," stated owner Jacombs. "Robin has run really well and the oval car has had some good runs but we just haven't been able to close the deal so this one feels good today."
Trois Rivieres, PQ, Monday August 7, 2006: Robin Buck driving the #88 Jacombs Racing/Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Taurus in the Arctic Cat 100 at Trois Rivieres on Sunday, posted a fourth place finish. This was CASCAR's first return to the Trois Rivieres event since 2001 and Don Thomson Jr. was able to close the deal this time. In the previous event here Thomson led all laps but the final one as his transmission broke and Peter Gibbons took the win.
Friday was practice day for the twenty five teams in attendance. During first practice Buck experienced transmission troubles but still posted the fifth quickest time. Again during the second practice they had further transmission woes but the #88 Taurus remained fifth quickest. The team worked late in the day repairing the problem and it was evident they had done a great job for Saturday's qualifying. Buck immediately set the time to beat in qualifying and he stayed on top for the first half of the session. With Kerry Micks, Don Thomson and J.R. Fitzpatrick posting quicker times late, Buck headed back onto the track but the checkered flag waved ending the session. "We had a great qualifying run early so I just waited in the pits to see how it all played out," said Buck. "When those guys went quicker, I headed back out but unfortunately we didn't have enough time left to get a better lap - we should have gone out a lap or two earlier. But fourth isn't bad," he added.
Sunday's Arctic Cat 100 saw some action early as the #75 of Kenny Habul attempted to pass several cars before the first turn. When the dust settled D.J. Kennington was out of the race and Jeff Lapcevich went from the front to the back of the field. Habul spent time on pit road for his actions but two front runners were out of the race. Next it was pole sitter Kerry Micks experiencing engine problems coming onto pit road where his car ended up parked for the day as well. Buck quickly settled into third where he ran for the first half of the race until the #60 of Beauchamp passed Buck for the third spot. The #88 Taurus driver laid back for the next several laps saving his tires and brakes for a run at the end. An attempt to pass Beauchamp for the 3rd spot again on the second last lap was unsuccessful and Buck brought the Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Taurus across the finish line in fourth. "I am so glad for this team to get a good finish," stated Buck. "They have worked so hard and not seen the results they should have. I was saving the car until the end and tried to get by Ron for third but couldn't quite get the pass done," he added. "A late caution could have helped us by closing up the pack a bit but a fourth is great for our team."
"We knew this team was capable of better finishes than we have had this year," stated owner Jacombs. "Robin has run really well and the oval car has had some good runs but we just haven't been able to close the deal so this one feels good today."
Graham Gains Eight Spots At Trois Rivieres
Courtesy TL Sports and Entertainment
August 7, 2006. As the CASCAR Super Series made its return to the temporary street course at Trois Rivieres it was all brand new for Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team. And while never racing there before had them start off slow, they were up to speed by the end of the weekend.
The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team started the weekend looking to get a feel for the tricky street circuit. “It was pretty tough through the first couple of sessions” said Graham. “We put what we thought was the right set up on the car but it wasn’t working and with only a couple of quick practices we didn’t have the time to try all the things we wanted”.
Still searching for right handling characteristics Graham did his best with the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge but could only manage the 19th quickest time in qualifying. “If you’re off just a bit it really hurts in this series, the teams are all so competitive. So we made some further adjustments after qualifying and they worked out really well”.
Graham realized that if he was going to have a good outing in the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge he would need two things to happen. Stay out of trouble, and have some caution laps to keep the field close. They realized half their wish when a first corner crash gobbled up several competitors. “Staying out of that mess was important, it gave us a chance to see if our adjustments worked, and they did”.
Once the field resumed racing Brad was able to drive the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge up through the field. He would finish just outside the top ten, but gain a total of eight positions. “It really shows how the hard work and determination the team has shown all year paid off” said Graham. “They kept working, made a lot of progress with the car that resulted in us gaining some spots during the race”.
Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team will be back in Ontario this coming weekend as CASCAR teams head to the half mile oval at Mosport Speedway.
You can watch all the CASCAR Super Series on Rogers Sportsnet check listings for times in your area. Look for the Challenger Motor Freight Recruitment coaches at most CASCAR events. For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge check out the newly renovated website at www.bradgraham.ca.
August 7, 2006. As the CASCAR Super Series made its return to the temporary street course at Trois Rivieres it was all brand new for Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team. And while never racing there before had them start off slow, they were up to speed by the end of the weekend.
The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team started the weekend looking to get a feel for the tricky street circuit. “It was pretty tough through the first couple of sessions” said Graham. “We put what we thought was the right set up on the car but it wasn’t working and with only a couple of quick practices we didn’t have the time to try all the things we wanted”.
Still searching for right handling characteristics Graham did his best with the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge but could only manage the 19th quickest time in qualifying. “If you’re off just a bit it really hurts in this series, the teams are all so competitive. So we made some further adjustments after qualifying and they worked out really well”.
Graham realized that if he was going to have a good outing in the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge he would need two things to happen. Stay out of trouble, and have some caution laps to keep the field close. They realized half their wish when a first corner crash gobbled up several competitors. “Staying out of that mess was important, it gave us a chance to see if our adjustments worked, and they did”.
Once the field resumed racing Brad was able to drive the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge up through the field. He would finish just outside the top ten, but gain a total of eight positions. “It really shows how the hard work and determination the team has shown all year paid off” said Graham. “They kept working, made a lot of progress with the car that resulted in us gaining some spots during the race”.
Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team will be back in Ontario this coming weekend as CASCAR teams head to the half mile oval at Mosport Speedway.
You can watch all the CASCAR Super Series on Rogers Sportsnet check listings for times in your area. Look for the Challenger Motor Freight Recruitment coaches at most CASCAR events. For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge check out the newly renovated website at www.bradgraham.ca.
Godin: mechanical failure at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
Courtesy Sportimage Communications
Trois-Rivières, QC August 6, 2006 – Sportimage.net Québec driver Bertrand Godin was taking part this weekend in the Canadian CASCAR championship round held during the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, at the wheel of a Monte-Carlo prepared by Mid America Racing and sponsored by Artic Cat.
It was a short-lived experience for the south shore driver who was forced to retire after 26 of 42 laps, because of clutch problems. Scoring the 11th time in Friday’s free trials, The Mr. Muffler spokesman couldn’t do better during qualifying on Saturday because of handling problems. On Sunday, he started from the 17th place and began moving up. “The idea was to gain places while saving on the car”, explained Godin. “My strategy was to save the tires for the first 30 laps, and then attack during the last 12. Unfortunately, the clutch gave out before we got there. It’s too bad, because even though I’m still getting to know the car, I felt more and more confident and I feel I could have moved into the top 8. Ontarian on Thomson Jr, CASCAR Super-Series champion for the past five years, has won the race.
Godin, also sponsored by 24 power drink, was taking part in his very first race in the CASCAR series. “I immediately fell in love with this series because you have to manage your race. It’s very different from a Formula type series, it’s more like an endurance race.” Bertrand Godin will participate in three more races until the end of the season, starting this coming weekend, where he will race for the first time on the Mosport Oval, next to the Mosport Speedway, in Ontario. Godin will be back two weeks later in Montréal with about 30 other drivers in this series, as a support race for the Grand Prix Champ Car de Montréal, on the Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack.
For more information on Bertrand Godin, visit his website at www.bertrandgodin.com, or visit that of Cascar series, at www.cascar.ca.
Trois-Rivières, QC August 6, 2006 – Sportimage.net Québec driver Bertrand Godin was taking part this weekend in the Canadian CASCAR championship round held during the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, at the wheel of a Monte-Carlo prepared by Mid America Racing and sponsored by Artic Cat.
It was a short-lived experience for the south shore driver who was forced to retire after 26 of 42 laps, because of clutch problems. Scoring the 11th time in Friday’s free trials, The Mr. Muffler spokesman couldn’t do better during qualifying on Saturday because of handling problems. On Sunday, he started from the 17th place and began moving up. “The idea was to gain places while saving on the car”, explained Godin. “My strategy was to save the tires for the first 30 laps, and then attack during the last 12. Unfortunately, the clutch gave out before we got there. It’s too bad, because even though I’m still getting to know the car, I felt more and more confident and I feel I could have moved into the top 8. Ontarian on Thomson Jr, CASCAR Super-Series champion for the past five years, has won the race.
Godin, also sponsored by 24 power drink, was taking part in his very first race in the CASCAR series. “I immediately fell in love with this series because you have to manage your race. It’s very different from a Formula type series, it’s more like an endurance race.” Bertrand Godin will participate in three more races until the end of the season, starting this coming weekend, where he will race for the first time on the Mosport Oval, next to the Mosport Speedway, in Ontario. Godin will be back two weeks later in Montréal with about 30 other drivers in this series, as a support race for the Grand Prix Champ Car de Montréal, on the Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack.
For more information on Bertrand Godin, visit his website at www.bertrandgodin.com, or visit that of Cascar series, at www.cascar.ca.
McIntosh up to seventh in WSR Driver Standings
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Round 6 – World Series by Renault, Nurburgring, Germany
Sean McIntosh, #6 Team KTR, Race 2 – Qualified: 12th / Finished: 4th (8 Points)
Sean McIntosh moved up to seventh overall in the World Series by Renault Driver Standings courtesy of a fourth place finish in today’s 23-lap race at Germany’s Nurburgring. The 21- year-old Canadian, racing for KTR in the 9-round European-based championship, followed yesterday’s seventh place effort with fourth today to score a total of 12 points from the weekend climbing three spots in the Driver Standings with three rounds remaining.
Race 2, Qualifying (Pole – Pastor Maldonado, 2m00.534s)
This morning’s qualifying session was held on a wet but drying race track which tested the skills of all concerned. Sean was sitting fourth fastest in Group B prior to a red flag just five minutes from the end of the session. When qualifying resumed Sean remained in the mix but dropped down to sixth quickest in the tricky conditions with a lap of 2m06.118s placing him out of the top-ten on the grid for the first time in five starts, McIntosh lining up 12th.
Race 2, 23 Laps (Winner – Christian Montanari, Prema Powerteam)
Passing three cars straight off the line at the start, Sean survived the mayhem that followed at the first turn to tuck in behind his KTR team-mate, Robbie Kerr, and eventually take the start of the second lap placed in the top-six. He climbed to fifth before the first of two safety-car periods on lap four. Sean ducked into the pits for his mandatory stop at the end of lap eight after racing had resumed. Arriving back on-track, the Vancouver racer was caught up in a top-six battle with Montanari, Danielsson and Garcia along with Andy Soucek who just beat Sean out of the pits. The second safety car period bunched the field again on lap 18 with Sean just missing the podium five laps later taking the checkered flag fourth.
Sean McIntosh - #6 Team KTR:
“It’s been a productive weekend with two solid points finishes to boost my placing in the Driver Standings. A podium would have been nice today but the points are very welcome!”
The World Series by Renault heads to Donington Park in England for Round 7, 9th-10th September.
Round 6 – World Series by Renault, Nurburgring, Germany
Sean McIntosh, #6 Team KTR, Race 2 – Qualified: 12th / Finished: 4th (8 Points)
Sean McIntosh moved up to seventh overall in the World Series by Renault Driver Standings courtesy of a fourth place finish in today’s 23-lap race at Germany’s Nurburgring. The 21- year-old Canadian, racing for KTR in the 9-round European-based championship, followed yesterday’s seventh place effort with fourth today to score a total of 12 points from the weekend climbing three spots in the Driver Standings with three rounds remaining.
Race 2, Qualifying (Pole – Pastor Maldonado, 2m00.534s)
This morning’s qualifying session was held on a wet but drying race track which tested the skills of all concerned. Sean was sitting fourth fastest in Group B prior to a red flag just five minutes from the end of the session. When qualifying resumed Sean remained in the mix but dropped down to sixth quickest in the tricky conditions with a lap of 2m06.118s placing him out of the top-ten on the grid for the first time in five starts, McIntosh lining up 12th.
Race 2, 23 Laps (Winner – Christian Montanari, Prema Powerteam)
Passing three cars straight off the line at the start, Sean survived the mayhem that followed at the first turn to tuck in behind his KTR team-mate, Robbie Kerr, and eventually take the start of the second lap placed in the top-six. He climbed to fifth before the first of two safety-car periods on lap four. Sean ducked into the pits for his mandatory stop at the end of lap eight after racing had resumed. Arriving back on-track, the Vancouver racer was caught up in a top-six battle with Montanari, Danielsson and Garcia along with Andy Soucek who just beat Sean out of the pits. The second safety car period bunched the field again on lap 18 with Sean just missing the podium five laps later taking the checkered flag fourth.
Sean McIntosh - #6 Team KTR:
“It’s been a productive weekend with two solid points finishes to boost my placing in the Driver Standings. A podium would have been nice today but the points are very welcome!”
The World Series by Renault heads to Donington Park in England for Round 7, 9th-10th September.
Long Weekend, Short Run For Brown At Trois Rivieres
Courtesy Ken SpencerTROIS RIVIERES, QC – Doug Brown’s run came to an early end at the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres this past weekend when engine problems befell the Brantford-based motorsports team.
“It sure was a long weekend, especially for us,” the veteran driver lamented following his early exit from the “Arctic Cat 100” –a scheduled 42-lap run through the streets of the Quebec community on the St. Lawrence River north of Montreal. “First we had clutch problems during practice sessions of Friday and again during qualifying on Saturday. Now this,” he added obviously upset by the weekend results.
At the beginning of Sunday’s late morning race, it appeared Doug had settled into a smooth rhythm that saw him manoeuvre his NAPA Autopro-sponsored Monte Carlo into fourteenth place by lap nine after starting eighteenth in the 25-car field.
“The car felt good from the start but I noticed the oil pressure gauge was fluctuating on lap 10 and then saw a puff of smoke though the mirror. “ he noted. “That’s when I knew a problem had developed and decided to pit before more serious damage was done to the motor”.
He was credited with completing 11 laps and a 20th-place finish. He has now dropped to eleventh in the points' race since heading west in mid-July.
Don Thomson of Hamilton recorded his first win of the season leading teammate JR Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) and Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor) across the finish line. Robin Buck (Campbellville, ON) subbing for Dave Jacombs finished fourth followed by Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON.)
A lot of teams left Trois Rivieres with broken, bent or bruised race cars following their exploits on the unique street circuit.
Pole sitter, Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON.) lasted only 2 laps and Ron Van Es (Stoney Creek, ON.) departed on lap 6 with engine problems. Seventh-place qualifier, DJ Kennington never made it to the green when his car sustained heavy damages on the white flag lap. The crash was reportedly triggered by the actions of an aggressive competitor who was charging to pass those in front of him entering a turn causing several of the front-runners to brake suddenly. Kennington was caught in the melee and done for the day.
The instigator was subsequently ordered to the pits for a number of laps before being allowed to rejoin the race.
Others who departed early due to accidents were Kent Nuhn (Williamsford, ON) -lap 8, Jeff Lapcevich Caistor Centre, ON) -lap 10 while damages hindered the efforts of Bertrand Godin, (St-Hyacinthe, OC) and Marc Miller (Holland, Mich).
After two straight road course events and away from Ontario for the past five weeks, CASCAR teams return to the oval track scene this weekend (Saturday, August 12th at Mosport Speedway.
They will then have a week to prepare for their fourth and final road course test of the season at the CHAMP Car Grand Prix event in Montreal, August 25th-27th.
Kasey Janzen captures inaugural PMRA race at St. Thomas
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherSPARTA, ON (August 6, 2006) – In a stand out performance on the St. Thomas Dragway eighth-mile NHRA sanctioned drag strip, Kasey Janzen captured his first victory in the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) series moving him into a tie for the series championship lead with Joe Lilienthal.
“The car was good all weekend,” said Kasey Janzen after the event, the second in the five-race PMRA lineup. “We made a couple of adjustments to the car and it paid off.”
The win for Janzen driving the KC Motorsports team’s 1993 Chevrolet Lumina Z34 built by Wally Stroupe Race Cars marked the seventh different winner in as many races in the PMRA series and was part of the track’s CANUSA Hot Rod Reunion at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, Ontario.
Kasey Janzen, who is based in St. Catharines, ON, and placed third in the 2005 PMRA season, qualified number four in the field. He defeated Mark Mitchell, of East Otto, NY in the first round, the 2005 PMRA series champion Joe Lilienthal, of Kenmore, NY in the semi-finals, and Jack Grainy driving the Grainy Brothers Chevrolet Beretta from North Tonawanda, NY in the final.
“The Grainy Brothers are the veteran team in the series,” said Janzen from the winners circle. “Sonny and Jack are mentors to everyone in the series. I remember the first big drag race I ever went to and the Grainy Brothers were there.”
On their way to the final, the Jack Grainy defeated a red-lighting Joe Boniferro, of Niagara Falls, ON in the first round and number two qualifier Bruce Boland, from Hamilton, ON in the semi-finals.
“Kasey Janzen is a class act and if you are going to loose against someone in one of these PMRA deals he is a deserving winner, explained a very happy Jack Grainy. “Kasey and his company KC Auto Parts is a big supporter of our series and helps a bunch of the teams behind the scenes and we all appreciate his help."
Matt Varsha captures first career victory at Trois-Rivieres
Courtesy Eric McCombs
August 6, 2006. Trois-Rivieres, QC – Canada. Matt Varsha, of Atlanta, Georgia, drove to the first victory of his Star Mazda career in Round Eight of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. After jumping into the lead on the opening lap Varsha would go wire-to-wire in his #45 Racers Edge Motorsports Mazda, finishing 0.196 seconds ahead of Michael Potekhen as the race finished under yellow. Championship points leader Adrian Carrio completed the podium for the thirty-six lap event.
"It's unfortunate that the race had to end under the yellow flag but it feels awesome to bring home my first victory for the team since they gave me a great car right from the start of the weekend," Varsha, the son of Speed Channel Formula One broadcaster Bob Varsha, explained. "After Jenson Button got his first F1 victory today my dad called and told me that the table was set and it was my turn to go out and get a victory! I was able to jump into the lead on the start when Ryan Justice slowed a little early entering the first corner and from that point on I was focused on driving quick laps to keep the rest of the field behind me and make that victory happen."
After struggling in qualifying to line up sixth on the grid, Potekhen, driving the #53 Avenue Communities Apex Racing Mazda, was able to charge into second place on the opening lap, a position he would hold throughout the 36-lap event. "I walked the track this morning as well as yesterday and looking in turn one I was certain there was no way that two cars could make it through side-by-side so I was planning on moving to the inside line on the start," the Tempe, Arizona resident revealed. "When the green flag flew it seemed like Logan Gomez missed a shift and the outside row launched forward so I had to go the outside which wound up playing right into my hand as I was able get by a couple of cars in turn one and was set up on the inside for turn two. Adrian left the door open a little going into the corner and I was able to squeeze through into second place."
Carrio, the current championship points leader, was pleased to bring his #14 Rockford Fosgate World Speed Motorsports Mazda home in the final podium spot after a difficult race in Portland which saw him go off on the opening lap. "With a track as challenging as this, where a single mistake can cost you, it feels good to finish on the podium and get those points for the championship," the seventeen-year old driver from Monument, Colorado, said. "I got a good start and was able to move to third and almost had second place before Michael got through. The World Speed Motorsports guys gave me a fast car but I couldn't find a way around Michael and wasn't going to make a low-percentage maneuver to try and gain the spot."
In the Team Championship World Speed Motorsports, which lost the points lead the previous weekend in Portland, returns to the top of the charts with 148 points. John Walko Racing drops one spot to second place with 142 points and Apex Racing climbs into third place with 134 points.
The series now heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where it will join the American Le Mans Series for the Generac 500 at Road America on August 17-19. Round Eight of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is scheduled to air on Speed Channel at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, August 13th. For more information please visit www.starmazda.com.
August 6, 2006. Trois-Rivieres, QC – Canada. Matt Varsha, of Atlanta, Georgia, drove to the first victory of his Star Mazda career in Round Eight of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. After jumping into the lead on the opening lap Varsha would go wire-to-wire in his #45 Racers Edge Motorsports Mazda, finishing 0.196 seconds ahead of Michael Potekhen as the race finished under yellow. Championship points leader Adrian Carrio completed the podium for the thirty-six lap event.
"It's unfortunate that the race had to end under the yellow flag but it feels awesome to bring home my first victory for the team since they gave me a great car right from the start of the weekend," Varsha, the son of Speed Channel Formula One broadcaster Bob Varsha, explained. "After Jenson Button got his first F1 victory today my dad called and told me that the table was set and it was my turn to go out and get a victory! I was able to jump into the lead on the start when Ryan Justice slowed a little early entering the first corner and from that point on I was focused on driving quick laps to keep the rest of the field behind me and make that victory happen."
After struggling in qualifying to line up sixth on the grid, Potekhen, driving the #53 Avenue Communities Apex Racing Mazda, was able to charge into second place on the opening lap, a position he would hold throughout the 36-lap event. "I walked the track this morning as well as yesterday and looking in turn one I was certain there was no way that two cars could make it through side-by-side so I was planning on moving to the inside line on the start," the Tempe, Arizona resident revealed. "When the green flag flew it seemed like Logan Gomez missed a shift and the outside row launched forward so I had to go the outside which wound up playing right into my hand as I was able get by a couple of cars in turn one and was set up on the inside for turn two. Adrian left the door open a little going into the corner and I was able to squeeze through into second place."
Carrio, the current championship points leader, was pleased to bring his #14 Rockford Fosgate World Speed Motorsports Mazda home in the final podium spot after a difficult race in Portland which saw him go off on the opening lap. "With a track as challenging as this, where a single mistake can cost you, it feels good to finish on the podium and get those points for the championship," the seventeen-year old driver from Monument, Colorado, said. "I got a good start and was able to move to third and almost had second place before Michael got through. The World Speed Motorsports guys gave me a fast car but I couldn't find a way around Michael and wasn't going to make a low-percentage maneuver to try and gain the spot."
In the Team Championship World Speed Motorsports, which lost the points lead the previous weekend in Portland, returns to the top of the charts with 148 points. John Walko Racing drops one spot to second place with 142 points and Apex Racing climbs into third place with 134 points.
The series now heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where it will join the American Le Mans Series for the Generac 500 at Road America on August 17-19. Round Eight of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is scheduled to air on Speed Channel at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, August 13th. For more information please visit www.starmazda.com.
Jourdain finishes 19th at O’Reilly Raceway Park
Courtesy Rory Connellan
CLEMONT, IN – Michel Jourdain made his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series short track start in Friday night’s Power Stroke Diesel 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Jourdain started in the 23rd position and finished 19th in the No. 50 Ford F-150.
Jourdain had to make the race on time, since the No. 50 team is outside of the top-30 in Craftsman Truck Series owner points. Crew chief Matt Puccia and Jourdain were forced to spend most of practice focusing on their qualifying effort to insure they would race on Friday night.
Jourdain fought a tight condition in his F-150 for much of the night, but was able to stay out of trouble and run a clean race. The No. 50 crew took advantage of a caution period on lap 59 to make a chassis adjustment in an attempt to free Jourdain up. While he was happy with the changes, it was not enough to make a major difference to the handling conditions. Jourdain lost a lap under green flag conditions, but was the beneficiary of the Lucky Dog free pass on lap 169. The No. 50 crew brought Jourdain to pit road to make one final attempt at freeing Jourdain up for his run to the finish.
Several cautions would fly in the closing laps of the race, preventing Jourdain from making a run towards the front of the field. The No. 50 crew was forced to settle for a 19th-place finish.
“I think we got the truck a little better, and I just learned a lot during the race,” said Jourdain. “This is really my first short track race in one of these trucks. Bristol to me is a superspeedway, and this is my other half-mile in these things. I feel like I learned a lot and that's good. The guys did a great job with good pit stops and we're getting better.”
CLEMONT, IN – Michel Jourdain made his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series short track start in Friday night’s Power Stroke Diesel 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Jourdain started in the 23rd position and finished 19th in the No. 50 Ford F-150.
Jourdain had to make the race on time, since the No. 50 team is outside of the top-30 in Craftsman Truck Series owner points. Crew chief Matt Puccia and Jourdain were forced to spend most of practice focusing on their qualifying effort to insure they would race on Friday night.
Jourdain fought a tight condition in his F-150 for much of the night, but was able to stay out of trouble and run a clean race. The No. 50 crew took advantage of a caution period on lap 59 to make a chassis adjustment in an attempt to free Jourdain up. While he was happy with the changes, it was not enough to make a major difference to the handling conditions. Jourdain lost a lap under green flag conditions, but was the beneficiary of the Lucky Dog free pass on lap 169. The No. 50 crew brought Jourdain to pit road to make one final attempt at freeing Jourdain up for his run to the finish.
Several cautions would fly in the closing laps of the race, preventing Jourdain from making a run towards the front of the field. The No. 50 crew was forced to settle for a 19th-place finish.
“I think we got the truck a little better, and I just learned a lot during the race,” said Jourdain. “This is really my first short track race in one of these trucks. Bristol to me is a superspeedway, and this is my other half-mile in these things. I feel like I learned a lot and that's good. The guys did a great job with good pit stops and we're getting better.”
Darnell Scores Third Consecutive Top-10 Finish Friday Night At OPR
Courtesy Rory Connellan
CLERMONT, IN – Erik Darnell and the No. 99 FinishMaster team gambled with their pit strategy Friday night at O’Reilly Raceway Park and it paid off with a top-10 finish. Darnell stayed out while most teams pitted on lap 126 to gain valuable track position and held off many teams with fresh tires to remain in the top 10.
Darnell started the race from 13th place. He told the team early in the race the truck was tight in the center which also made it loose off the corners. He was in 14th place by lap 40 and moved back up to 13th by lap 54. The team made their first pit stop on lap 60 for new tires, fuel, track bar and air pressure adjustments. He returned to the track in 19th place since some teams did not pit.
The race resumed on lap 63 and Darnell began to work his way through traffic. He was up to 16th place by lap 79. The truck was still tight in the center and loose off. By the halfway point at lap 100 he had fallen back to 19th, but gained a few more spots again before the next caution on lap 126.
Darnell was in 17th when the caution came out on lap 126. Although the handling of the truck was not what they wanted, crew chief John Quinn made the call for Darnell to stay out and gain track position. They believed it would be easier to try to stay up front, rather than have to pass several trucks to get there.
The race restarted on lap 134 with Darnell in second place. He was able to maintain fourth place for the next 10 laps and fell to sixth place with 50 laps to go. The truck was still tight through the center, but Darnell was determined to hold his track position for as long as he could. He had fallen back to 11th with 33 laps to go, but a few laps later moved into ninth when two trucks ahead of him wrecked to bring out the caution on lap 168.
Darnell was ninth on lap 172. He was passed by his Roush teammate David Ragan on lap 177 and remained in 10th place for the rest of the race. Darnell’s 10th-place finish was his sixth top 10 of the season and he also claimed the Raybestos Rookie of the Race award.
“Especially with the way we ran at Memphis, I figured we'd have a real good truck here,” Darnell said. “It was the same truck that we had at Memphis, but our FinishMaster Ford F-150 wasn't that great tonight. We were decent on a long run, but we couldn't run with the guys up front; they were fast. We made a gamble there to pit early and stay out and keep the track position because we knew we wouldn't be able to keep up with those guys on fresh tires. It was going be harder to pass all of them than to hold them off. That's what we did and we ended up with a top 10. It wasn't great, but we'll take it and go to Nashville.”
CLERMONT, IN – Erik Darnell and the No. 99 FinishMaster team gambled with their pit strategy Friday night at O’Reilly Raceway Park and it paid off with a top-10 finish. Darnell stayed out while most teams pitted on lap 126 to gain valuable track position and held off many teams with fresh tires to remain in the top 10.
Darnell started the race from 13th place. He told the team early in the race the truck was tight in the center which also made it loose off the corners. He was in 14th place by lap 40 and moved back up to 13th by lap 54. The team made their first pit stop on lap 60 for new tires, fuel, track bar and air pressure adjustments. He returned to the track in 19th place since some teams did not pit.
The race resumed on lap 63 and Darnell began to work his way through traffic. He was up to 16th place by lap 79. The truck was still tight in the center and loose off. By the halfway point at lap 100 he had fallen back to 19th, but gained a few more spots again before the next caution on lap 126.
Darnell was in 17th when the caution came out on lap 126. Although the handling of the truck was not what they wanted, crew chief John Quinn made the call for Darnell to stay out and gain track position. They believed it would be easier to try to stay up front, rather than have to pass several trucks to get there.
The race restarted on lap 134 with Darnell in second place. He was able to maintain fourth place for the next 10 laps and fell to sixth place with 50 laps to go. The truck was still tight through the center, but Darnell was determined to hold his track position for as long as he could. He had fallen back to 11th with 33 laps to go, but a few laps later moved into ninth when two trucks ahead of him wrecked to bring out the caution on lap 168.
Darnell was ninth on lap 172. He was passed by his Roush teammate David Ragan on lap 177 and remained in 10th place for the rest of the race. Darnell’s 10th-place finish was his sixth top 10 of the season and he also claimed the Raybestos Rookie of the Race award.
“Especially with the way we ran at Memphis, I figured we'd have a real good truck here,” Darnell said. “It was the same truck that we had at Memphis, but our FinishMaster Ford F-150 wasn't that great tonight. We were decent on a long run, but we couldn't run with the guys up front; they were fast. We made a gamble there to pit early and stay out and keep the track position because we knew we wouldn't be able to keep up with those guys on fresh tires. It was going be harder to pass all of them than to hold them off. That's what we did and we ended up with a top 10. It wasn't great, but we'll take it and go to Nashville.”
Ragan Wins First Career Bud Pole at O’Reilly Raceway Park, Finishes Ninth
Courtesy Rory Connellan
CLEMONT, IN – David Ragan won his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pole in qualifying for Friday night’s Power Stroke Diesel 200, driving the No. 6 Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150. Ragan led the opening 59 laps, but would ultimately finish ninth.
Ragan started the race strong, jumping out to a five truck-length lead over second place. Crew chief Mike Beam reminded his young driver to settle into a rhythm, and focus on hitting his marks. “It’s pretty neutral right now,” reported Ragan on lap 18.
The first caution of the race would come at lap 27 for debris on the racetrack. “We’re a little tight center off, but it’s not bad,” said Ragan. “It slides the nose just a little bit.” The Scotts crew made the decision to leave Ragan on track, deciding it was too early to come to pit road.
The race restarted at lap 31 with the No. 6 continuing to show the way. Ragan would not have much time to rebuild his lead before another caution flag flew at lap 36 for an incident with the No. 88 truck. “We need to rotate through the center just a little better,” reported Ragan. Again the No. 6 stayed out, choosing to maintain their position on track rather than adjust on their Ford F-150. The No. 6 continued to show the way at the lap 41 restart.
The Scotts crew would get their first chance to work on the truck when the caution came at lap 59 for a spin involving the No. 60 truck. Mike Beam decided to take four tires, fuel and go two rounds down on the track bar. Ragan would rejoin the race in the fourth position for the restart at lap 64 since the three teams in front of him did not pit.
Ragan backslid through the field following the restart, reporting that his truck was loose. Ragan had fallen back to the ninth position by lap 85, but the problems would continue. “I’ve got no rear grip at all,” said Ragan of the Scotts Ford. By lap 125 the No. 6 showed 14th and was in danger of losing a lap to the leader. A timely caution at lap 126 for an incident with the No. 59 truck allowed the leaders to come to pit road for final adjustments, including the Scotts team. Mike Beam made the call to undo the changes made on the first stop, and take on fresh tires and fuel.
Ragan restarted in the 14th position, and would begin to make attempts at regaining his lost positions. Numerous caution periods would impede his progress, forcing Ragan to settle for a ninth place finish.
“I think we had the truck beat there for a little while,” said Ragan. “We just got an adjustment off on our first start. That set of tires was a little off and we freed it up a little bit, and that's just not what the truck wanted. It's still good to come out of here with a top-10 finish, that’s four in a row for us. It was a good point night, we got to lead some laps and we're going to Nashville next week, which is a good track for us. I really think we should have finished up there in the top two or three. Everyone on the Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150 did an awesome job. It was still a good day, but it's a good feeling when you can be disappointed with ninth.”
CLEMONT, IN – David Ragan won his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pole in qualifying for Friday night’s Power Stroke Diesel 200, driving the No. 6 Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150. Ragan led the opening 59 laps, but would ultimately finish ninth.
Ragan started the race strong, jumping out to a five truck-length lead over second place. Crew chief Mike Beam reminded his young driver to settle into a rhythm, and focus on hitting his marks. “It’s pretty neutral right now,” reported Ragan on lap 18.
The first caution of the race would come at lap 27 for debris on the racetrack. “We’re a little tight center off, but it’s not bad,” said Ragan. “It slides the nose just a little bit.” The Scotts crew made the decision to leave Ragan on track, deciding it was too early to come to pit road.
The race restarted at lap 31 with the No. 6 continuing to show the way. Ragan would not have much time to rebuild his lead before another caution flag flew at lap 36 for an incident with the No. 88 truck. “We need to rotate through the center just a little better,” reported Ragan. Again the No. 6 stayed out, choosing to maintain their position on track rather than adjust on their Ford F-150. The No. 6 continued to show the way at the lap 41 restart.
The Scotts crew would get their first chance to work on the truck when the caution came at lap 59 for a spin involving the No. 60 truck. Mike Beam decided to take four tires, fuel and go two rounds down on the track bar. Ragan would rejoin the race in the fourth position for the restart at lap 64 since the three teams in front of him did not pit.
Ragan backslid through the field following the restart, reporting that his truck was loose. Ragan had fallen back to the ninth position by lap 85, but the problems would continue. “I’ve got no rear grip at all,” said Ragan of the Scotts Ford. By lap 125 the No. 6 showed 14th and was in danger of losing a lap to the leader. A timely caution at lap 126 for an incident with the No. 59 truck allowed the leaders to come to pit road for final adjustments, including the Scotts team. Mike Beam made the call to undo the changes made on the first stop, and take on fresh tires and fuel.
Ragan restarted in the 14th position, and would begin to make attempts at regaining his lost positions. Numerous caution periods would impede his progress, forcing Ragan to settle for a ninth place finish.
“I think we had the truck beat there for a little while,” said Ragan. “We just got an adjustment off on our first start. That set of tires was a little off and we freed it up a little bit, and that's just not what the truck wanted. It's still good to come out of here with a top-10 finish, that’s four in a row for us. It was a good point night, we got to lead some laps and we're going to Nashville next week, which is a good track for us. I really think we should have finished up there in the top two or three. Everyone on the Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150 did an awesome job. It was still a good day, but it's a good feeling when you can be disappointed with ninth.”
CASCAR: DJ KENNINGTON & CASTROL DODGE CRASHED OUT OF CONTENTION IN QUEBEC
CASCAR Super Series teams returned to Trois Rivieres, Quebec this past weekend to once again take on the challenging street circuit. DJ Kennington had claimed a second place finish five years earlier in the only other CASCAR event to take place here so confidence was high. However the mistakes of another turned that confidence into anguish.
Through the first practice sessions DJ Kennington had the Castrol Dodge performing beautifully. “We were pretty good right away” said Kennington. “We know the characteristics of this car really well, and we did make some gear changes through the practice sessions to get us better”.
The switches paid off and Kennington qualified the Castrol Dodge in seventh spot. “I thought we might have been a little better, but knew that we had a car that would be very strong throughout the entire race” said Kennington. “Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to find out”.
On the opening lap of the 42 lap event Kennington was taking a guarded approach to the tricky first corner on the temporary street circuit, unfortunately others were not so alert. Kennington and the Castrol Dodge were the victims of heavy contact from behind causing irreparable damage that ended their day even before the conclusion of the opening lap. “It’s just terrible” said Kennington afterwards. “How somebody who is 14th runs all the way up to clobber us in 7th makes no sense, there was no possible way that was going to work. Not only are we out of the race but it ruins our season”.
CASCAR competitors return to the half mile oval at Mosport Speedway for Saturday night racing this coming weekend. “We had a big win at Mosport last year” said Kennington. “It was our third in a row, and we know that the Castrol Dodge will be strong again”.
You can watch DJ Kennington in all the CASCAR Super Series races on Rogers Sportsnet on Saturday July 29th. Check your local listings for times in your area. To follow the CASCAR Super Series all year long check out www.cascar.ca
From TL Sports & Entertainment
Through the first practice sessions DJ Kennington had the Castrol Dodge performing beautifully. “We were pretty good right away” said Kennington. “We know the characteristics of this car really well, and we did make some gear changes through the practice sessions to get us better”.
The switches paid off and Kennington qualified the Castrol Dodge in seventh spot. “I thought we might have been a little better, but knew that we had a car that would be very strong throughout the entire race” said Kennington. “Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to find out”.
On the opening lap of the 42 lap event Kennington was taking a guarded approach to the tricky first corner on the temporary street circuit, unfortunately others were not so alert. Kennington and the Castrol Dodge were the victims of heavy contact from behind causing irreparable damage that ended their day even before the conclusion of the opening lap. “It’s just terrible” said Kennington afterwards. “How somebody who is 14th runs all the way up to clobber us in 7th makes no sense, there was no possible way that was going to work. Not only are we out of the race but it ruins our season”.
CASCAR competitors return to the half mile oval at Mosport Speedway for Saturday night racing this coming weekend. “We had a big win at Mosport last year” said Kennington. “It was our third in a row, and we know that the Castrol Dodge will be strong again”.
You can watch DJ Kennington in all the CASCAR Super Series races on Rogers Sportsnet on Saturday July 29th. Check your local listings for times in your area. To follow the CASCAR Super Series all year long check out www.cascar.ca
From TL Sports & Entertainment
CASCAR: BEAUCHAMP AND TEAM MOPAR ON THE PODIUM IN TROIS RIVIERES
Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar and the rest of the CASCAR Super Series competitors returned to the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres for the first time in five years this past weekend. And following a podium finish Team Mopar hopes it’s not another five years before the series makes its third appearance.
From the very first practice session the Mopar Parts Charger was among the quickest on the track. “This new road course car is really strong” said Beauchamp. “A couple of weeks ago we had it going pretty well but we dialed it in even better at this race”.
Qualifying up front is one key to success on the challenging temporary street circuit and Beauchamp put the Mopar Parts car into the fifth starting spot. “I think we could have even gone faster” said Beauchamp, “but we burned out a clutch and the last lap really wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked”.
Getting through the first few corners on street course can be tough for these heavy and hard to handle stock cars. On lap one there was a big collision that caused significant damage to several cars. “That’s why we wanted to be up front” said Beauchamp, “this kind of thing happens and we managed to avoid it. After we got rolling again I just tried to maintain consistent lap times”.
The opening lap collision would be the only time the caution flag slowed the field. Beauchamp and the Mopar Parts Charger were among the top five cars all day and came home with a third place podium position. “We were really consistent all day” said the driver. “I’m really happy with this showing for our team, we were the top qualifying and top finishing Dodge/Mopar Team and that’s very satisfying. This also jumps us up a few spots in the point standings”.
CASCAR teams return to action for some Saturday night oval track racing at Mosport Speedway this coming weekend. Be sure to watch the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres on Rogers Sportsnet on August 26th. Check listings for time in your region.
The CASCAR Super Series is the only National Stock Car Racing series with events scheduled this year at great oval tracks including Kawartha Speedway and & Cayuga Speedway along with road courses and temporary street circuits like the Grand Prix of Edmonton & Trois Rivieres. You can keep up with the latest news on the CASCAR Super Series and check out the complete 2006 racing schedule by logging onto the website at www.cascar.ca
By TL Sports & Entertainment
CASCAR: Thomson Turns Tables in Three Rivers Triumph
(Three Rivers, Quebec) – Don Thomson and his Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo were coming off his second top-five of the season as the team headed to Quebec on the Civic Holiday weekend for The Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres, and their event, the Arctic Cat 100. The event was number seven on the 2006 CASCAR Super Series trail, and just the second visit to the festival of speed by the series, and the first since 2001, an event that Thomson dominated.
“I hate to say that a track owes you anything, because after a while, all the tracks are just tracks,” Thomson explained, talking about an event he led until a couple of hundred yards from the finish when his transmission gave out. “We were so fast all weekend the first time we were there, and that was one that I hated to see slip away.”
The weekend started with practice and Thomson was among the fastest cars. “It was good from the time we unloaded. I was trying to learn as much as I could about the track and get ready for qualifying.”
The cars hit the track for time trials and Thomson turned the second-fastest lap during qualifying, missing out on the pole to Kerry Micks by fractions of a second. “It will be another good starting position for us, and that’s important here at Three Rivers, because it’s so tough to pass. Kerry just got me by a hair.”
The feature rolled on Sunday and Thomson took the green from the outside of Micks. A lap one crash would slow the field, and it was just two laps on that Thomson got the break he needed to make his tour through the streets of the quiet Quebec town a success. With teammate J.R. Fitzpatrick on his rear decklid, Thomson clicked off laps, and held the other Fitzpatrick Motorsports machine at bay.
Throughout the 42-lap affair, J.R. hung close to Thomson, but couldn’t make a pass. He took a quick look down the backstretch on the final lap, but Don held serve in the next corner and brought his Home Hardware Chevy home with his first feature win of the season.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend for the Fitzpatrick Motorsports Team. This was just an awesome day. We finished one-two in the race, and were now one-two in points, and there is a pretty good gap back to number three. I’m so proud of everyone. We’re together throughout the race season, and spend a lot of time with each other as a family and to have something like this happen is pretty rewarding.”
The finish also allowed Thomson to move to second in the points standings, 15 points behind Fitzpatrick as Don chases his sixth consecutive championship. “I’ve been here before, and you can’t let the points change your program. We’re going to keep on taking it one race at a time, and I’m sure the points will play out.”
1. Don Thomson Jr., 2. J.R. Fitzpatrick, 3. Ron Beauchamp Jr., 4. Robin Buck, 5. Mark Dilley.
Official Points Standings – (after six of 11 events) – 1. Fitzpatrick (1064 points), 2. Don Thomson Jr. (1049), 3. Scott Steckly (1029), 4. Micks (1013), 5. David Whitlock (988).
Thomson and the Fitzpatrick Motorsports team will be back in action next weekend for a 200-lap affair at Mosport Speedway. It will be the second visit for the series to the incredible complex just outside of Toronto, as this time the stock cars will take to ‘Canada’s Fastest ½-mil Oval’ under the lights on Saturday night. “We’ve won four or five times there now, so you could say I’m pretty excited about getting back to Mosport. We had a great car there last year and lost the race late, but I’ve always seemed to run really well there, so we’ll see what happens under the lights Saturday night.”
For more information on Don Thomson Jr., Fitzpatrick Motorsports, CASCAR, The Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres, or Mosport, please visit www.cascar.ca, www.gp3r.com, or www.mosport.com.
For more information on Home Hardware, please visit www.homehardware.ca.
CASCAR: Fitzpatrick Leaves Trois-Rivieres With a Silver Medal and Points Lead
(Three Rivers, Quebec) – Following two tremendous outings earlier in the season on road courses, J.R. Fitzpatrick and his Milwaukee Tools Electric Tools Chevrolet Monte Carlo were ready for round six of CASCAR Super Series championship the Arctic Cat 100. Fitzpatrick entered the weekend holding a five-point lead over Kerry Micks in the standings.
Fitzpatrick had sat on the pole at both Mosport and the Grand Prix of Edmonton, and was looking to being in contention for his first road course victory when the checkered flag fell at the annual festival of speed, the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. For the Super Series it would be their second visit to Three Rivers, and their first since 2001.
The weekend started with practice and Fitzpatrick took to the course quickly, posting the fastest times in both practice session. “We were good off the trailer and it made us that much more confident heading into qualifying.”
When it came time to set the grid for the feature, Fitzpatrick ripped off a quick lap, but not good enough to grab the pole. He came up just short of Kerry Micks, and teammate Don Thomson Jr. and wound up third. “We had a good set of tires that we wanted to save for the race. We put on some qualifying tires for early in the run, and then came in to change, but we couldn’t get a clear track to put up a pole winning lap.”
When the green dropped on Sunday’s feature, Fitzpatrick tucked into line behind his teammate and the pair started to work on Micks, but a lap one accident would put the field under a full course yellow. Micks would experience electrical problems, allowing Thomson to take the lead with Fitzpatrick moving to second. The race would go green again and The Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammates set sail, ripping off quick laps and putting distance between themselves and the field. “Both of us were fast, but I think I was a little faster than Don. If I could’ve got him I don’t think he would have been able to pass me back.”
J.R. hung on Thomson’s bumper for the entire distance until the final trip down the backstretch. “I got a run on Don, and got to the door, but I backed out. The last thing I wanted to do was take us both out.”
Thomson led Fitzpatrick over the finish line by a half of a second, but J.R. explained it was even closer than that. “I backed off right at the end, but I was all over him before that. We had an entire straightaway on the third-place car.”
Fitzpatrick still leads the point standings, but now it’s Thomson chasing him from 15 markers back. “I’m still trying to take it one race at a time, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that we finished one-two on the weekend, and that Donnie and I are one-two in the points.”
Fitzpatrick was also awarded the Good Year Belts and Hoses award for turning the fastest lap of the race.
1. Thomson, 2. J.R. Fitzpatrick, 3. Ron Beauchamp Jr., 4. Robin Buck, 5. Mark Dilley.
Official Points Standings – (after six of 11 events) – 1. J.R. Fitzpatrick (1064 points), 2. Thomson (1049), 3. Scott Steckly (1029), 4. Micks (1013), 5. David Whitlock (988).
The next event for the CASCAR Super Series will be Saturday August 12th as the series makes their second trip of the season to Mosport. This time the race will be on the oval track, ‘Canada’s Fastest ½-mile’. Fitzpatrick is looking to stay on a roll, “Watching tapes helped me learn so much about Edmonton and Three Rivers before I even saw the track, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt for the oval at Mosport as well. Donnie has always been fast there, so I’ve been getting tips from him, but I think we’ll be fine. We just have to be patient, not make any mistakes, and be in contention at the end.
For more information on J.R. Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Motorsports, CASCAR, The Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres, or Mosport, please visit www.cascar.ca, www.gp3r.com, or www.mosport.com.
For more information on Milwaukee Electric Tools, please visit www.milwaukeetool.com.
From Maudsley Motorsports
DELAWARE: Porter Wins Biggest Truck Race of Season at Delaware – 2nd in a Row
(Dorchester, Ontario) – Darrel Porter and his L-82 / Perth Auto Dismantlers / Glazier Graphics Chevy was back in action July 21st at Delaware Speedway, as he chases the 2006 Challenger Motor Freight Truck Series Championship.
The night started with a 10-lap qualifying event and Porter took the green from the back of the pack. He deftly passed a number of competitors, but in heat race competition, you can’t risk taking too many chances, as you have to have a truck left to run the feature. “We were good. Not as good as in practice, but good. I was also keeping the truck clean for the main.” Porter would claw his way back to a fourth-place finish, and a pair of bonus championship points.
Porter started 12th in the field and quickly sliced his way towards the front. He was able to keep his # 8 machine on the bottom of the track, passing a number of trucks and finding his way to the top-five with just a couple laps on the board. “We were working really well and found a couple of holes early. We made some adjustments before the feature and it really made us take off.”
Porter then found himself on the leaders bumper, but after a lap of trailing the point truck Porter took control, making short work of his rival and taking the lead. Darrell would survive a pair of restarts during the rest of the event as he went on to capture his second feature win of the season.
“We survived again. We had a couple of three-wide situations and we were able to make it out of all of them. The truck was working great on the high side, and with everyone wanting the bottom you can usually find less traffic out there.
1. Darrell Porter, 2. Paul Fothergil, 3. Rick Verberne, 4. Matt Robblee, 5. Norm Roy.
August fifth was a special night for all the Challenger Truck drivers at Delaware during the second annual All-Truck night, featuring ARCA Lincoln Welding Truck Series, and an All-Truck ‘King of the Hill’.
For the Porter Racing Team, it was also a special night as they unveiled a new paint job, ‘Petty Blue’. “We’ve had a silver truck for a while, and now there are some other silver trucks out here now, so we switched to blue. We also added some decals on the bottom, got rid of the orange numbers, and added a new sponsor Glazier Graphics, who helped with the design. I think it looks pretty sharp.”
The night started with a qualifying session and Darrell ripped off the sixth-fastest lap. “We put a brand new right rear tire on for qualifying, and it cost us. The truck was really loose, but I think we’ll be okay with the new tire for the feature.”
Following an inversion of ‘11’, Darrell took the green from sixth on the grid, and he was fast right out of the chute. It took all of four laps before Porter had found his way to the bumper of Doug Braunton, and just one more circuit for him to take the lead. He paced the field until lap nine when he came upon a pair of slower trucks. The pair continued to race, and finally Porter gave a tap to one of the competitors about to go a lap down. The driver spun, and Darrell was black flagged for the incident.
He served his penalty, but would finish the race in 22nd-position.
Porter would be force to start the second event from the back of the field, but a lap two incident would be costly. As three trucks got together in turn one, Porter tried to avoid the incident, but hit the pileup with the right side of his new paint job. He would come to pit road and the crew took off the fender and door, leaving the right side of Darrell’s truck exposed. On the restart, there was another wreck and Darrell locked up the brakes trying to avoid it, stopping just shot of the dustup.
When the field was turned loose again, Porter went on a rampage. He passed a bunch of trucks on the outside, and then with seven laps on the board, went to the bottom of a three-wide situation to take second into turn three. Jeff Showler was showing the way, with Porter 2.6 seconds behind. Over the next eight laps, Porter reeled in the leader and pulled to Showler’s back bumper while the pair were taking the white flag. Porter took a stab on the outside entering turn three but came up one truck length short. “We just needed a yellow when we were trying to catch Jeff. I just ran out of time.”
The seven-truck inversion put Porter sixth for the start of the final 10-lap segment, and with a class record $750 up for grabs to win, everything would be brought to the table. The first laps saw Paul Fothergil get black flagged for rough driving, after an incident that ended Matt Robblee’s night. On the next restart, Porter got boxed in and slid back to fifth as Jeff Showler got by on the highside. “I was between a rock and a hard place, and had nowhere to go,” explained the driver. Porter then went to the outside as well, and dispatched Joe Windas. He then tried to make a move on third-place Tom Zagorodny, while Jeff Showler was getting into the back of leader Norm Roy and sending him for a wild ride into the tire barrier at the start of pit road. Darrell was able to avoid the carnage and slip by on the outside. This put Zagorodny on the point for the restart, with Porter nipping at his heels. When the field was turned loose again, Porter took to the high line and when the field put lap four on the board the freshly painted # 8 machine was leading.
Darrell would survive one more restart, before pulling away en route to the checkered flag and celebrating with a tremendous burnout on the front straight. “This was awesome. Trucks were running over each other, but we survived. It didn’t look too good earlier in the night, and we ripped most of the right side off the truck winning, but we’re the ones standing in victory lane tonight.”
Following an emotional rollercoaster of a night, Porter summed up the evening, “We were shafted, then we were vindicated, then we dominated.”
With the victory, Porter moves even closer to the top of the championship points heap, and now sits second in the championship standings, just 19 markers behind Fothergil.
1. Darrell Porter, 2. Zagorodny, 3. Fothergil, 4. Joe Windas, 5. Shawn Johns.
Points Standings – 1. Fothergil (759 points), 2. Darrell Porter (738), 3. Powell (737), 4. Robblee (728), 5. Johns (700).
For more information about Darrell Porter, Porter Racing, or Delaware Speedway, please visit http://www.team-porter-racing.piczo.com/, or http://www.delawarespeedway.com/.
From Maudsley Motorsports
The night started with a 10-lap qualifying event and Porter took the green from the back of the pack. He deftly passed a number of competitors, but in heat race competition, you can’t risk taking too many chances, as you have to have a truck left to run the feature. “We were good. Not as good as in practice, but good. I was also keeping the truck clean for the main.” Porter would claw his way back to a fourth-place finish, and a pair of bonus championship points.
Porter started 12th in the field and quickly sliced his way towards the front. He was able to keep his # 8 machine on the bottom of the track, passing a number of trucks and finding his way to the top-five with just a couple laps on the board. “We were working really well and found a couple of holes early. We made some adjustments before the feature and it really made us take off.”
Porter then found himself on the leaders bumper, but after a lap of trailing the point truck Porter took control, making short work of his rival and taking the lead. Darrell would survive a pair of restarts during the rest of the event as he went on to capture his second feature win of the season.
“We survived again. We had a couple of three-wide situations and we were able to make it out of all of them. The truck was working great on the high side, and with everyone wanting the bottom you can usually find less traffic out there.
1. Darrell Porter, 2. Paul Fothergil, 3. Rick Verberne, 4. Matt Robblee, 5. Norm Roy.
August fifth was a special night for all the Challenger Truck drivers at Delaware during the second annual All-Truck night, featuring ARCA Lincoln Welding Truck Series, and an All-Truck ‘King of the Hill’.
For the Porter Racing Team, it was also a special night as they unveiled a new paint job, ‘Petty Blue’. “We’ve had a silver truck for a while, and now there are some other silver trucks out here now, so we switched to blue. We also added some decals on the bottom, got rid of the orange numbers, and added a new sponsor Glazier Graphics, who helped with the design. I think it looks pretty sharp.”
The night started with a qualifying session and Darrell ripped off the sixth-fastest lap. “We put a brand new right rear tire on for qualifying, and it cost us. The truck was really loose, but I think we’ll be okay with the new tire for the feature.”
Following an inversion of ‘11’, Darrell took the green from sixth on the grid, and he was fast right out of the chute. It took all of four laps before Porter had found his way to the bumper of Doug Braunton, and just one more circuit for him to take the lead. He paced the field until lap nine when he came upon a pair of slower trucks. The pair continued to race, and finally Porter gave a tap to one of the competitors about to go a lap down. The driver spun, and Darrell was black flagged for the incident.
He served his penalty, but would finish the race in 22nd-position.
Porter would be force to start the second event from the back of the field, but a lap two incident would be costly. As three trucks got together in turn one, Porter tried to avoid the incident, but hit the pileup with the right side of his new paint job. He would come to pit road and the crew took off the fender and door, leaving the right side of Darrell’s truck exposed. On the restart, there was another wreck and Darrell locked up the brakes trying to avoid it, stopping just shot of the dustup.
When the field was turned loose again, Porter went on a rampage. He passed a bunch of trucks on the outside, and then with seven laps on the board, went to the bottom of a three-wide situation to take second into turn three. Jeff Showler was showing the way, with Porter 2.6 seconds behind. Over the next eight laps, Porter reeled in the leader and pulled to Showler’s back bumper while the pair were taking the white flag. Porter took a stab on the outside entering turn three but came up one truck length short. “We just needed a yellow when we were trying to catch Jeff. I just ran out of time.”
The seven-truck inversion put Porter sixth for the start of the final 10-lap segment, and with a class record $750 up for grabs to win, everything would be brought to the table. The first laps saw Paul Fothergil get black flagged for rough driving, after an incident that ended Matt Robblee’s night. On the next restart, Porter got boxed in and slid back to fifth as Jeff Showler got by on the highside. “I was between a rock and a hard place, and had nowhere to go,” explained the driver. Porter then went to the outside as well, and dispatched Joe Windas. He then tried to make a move on third-place Tom Zagorodny, while Jeff Showler was getting into the back of leader Norm Roy and sending him for a wild ride into the tire barrier at the start of pit road. Darrell was able to avoid the carnage and slip by on the outside. This put Zagorodny on the point for the restart, with Porter nipping at his heels. When the field was turned loose again, Porter took to the high line and when the field put lap four on the board the freshly painted # 8 machine was leading.
Darrell would survive one more restart, before pulling away en route to the checkered flag and celebrating with a tremendous burnout on the front straight. “This was awesome. Trucks were running over each other, but we survived. It didn’t look too good earlier in the night, and we ripped most of the right side off the truck winning, but we’re the ones standing in victory lane tonight.”
Following an emotional rollercoaster of a night, Porter summed up the evening, “We were shafted, then we were vindicated, then we dominated.”
With the victory, Porter moves even closer to the top of the championship points heap, and now sits second in the championship standings, just 19 markers behind Fothergil.
1. Darrell Porter, 2. Zagorodny, 3. Fothergil, 4. Joe Windas, 5. Shawn Johns.
Points Standings – 1. Fothergil (759 points), 2. Darrell Porter (738), 3. Powell (737), 4. Robblee (728), 5. Johns (700).
For more information about Darrell Porter, Porter Racing, or Delaware Speedway, please visit http://www.team-porter-racing.piczo.com/, or http://www.delawarespeedway.com/.
From Maudsley Motorsports
News & Notes
Nice to see the oil companies putting back some of their massive profits into infrastructure maintenance..... not.
In positive news, Keith Hepburn reports that the Second Annual ALSTAR Charity Ride 'Ride with Us Tour 2" was a huge success on the weekend.
Greetings All:
As the ALSTAR Charity Ride Event Co-ordinator, it pleases me so much to announce that the ALSTAR Charity Ride, "Ride With Us Tour...2" for "The War Amps" has been a success for the second time in its second year of operation.
When the totals of the day's fundraisings had been accumulated, we were very happy to announce that the grand total of money collected at the "Ride With Us Tour...2" for "The War Amps" was $15,000.00.
This grand total could not have been made possible without the support & assistance of a good number of great people & organizations.
There are so many people, groups, organizations and supporters to thank that I'm afraid of naming & missing one of these great associates but "A tip my cap" has to go to Joe & Sue Chisholm, owners of Steelback Sauble Speedway who not only donated their facilities for this event but also assisted behind the scenes tremendously as well as monetary.
The Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club, Bruce Peninsula Chapter # 370, who not only supported this event through their club website but showed up in a physical presence to show us their support and to take leadership of a group through the days event.
The Red Knights Firefighter Motorcycle Club, Ontario Chapter # 3, for their leadership in the days ride & for being our "Guardian Angels" for this event.
"The War Amps", what can I say but "Thank You" for what you have done for so many people since 1920. They are such a class organization that has done & continues to do so much goodness for so many people that I feel I am fortunate to be associated with them for this single day event.
To the countless other people, groups & organizations that supported this event, "A big Thank You" from the bottom of my heart. Again this could not have been possible without your involvement.
Sincerely: Keith HepburnALSTAR Charity Ride Event Co-ordinator
CASCAR West's Bob Ennis reports that Jim White won the CASCAR Flo~Pro.Com Western Series race at Saskatoon, SK's new Auto Clearing Speedway on Saturday night. The win was a career first for the MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger driver. Congratulations to Jim White!!!
***************
In positive news, Keith Hepburn reports that the Second Annual ALSTAR Charity Ride 'Ride with Us Tour 2" was a huge success on the weekend.
Greetings All:
As the ALSTAR Charity Ride Event Co-ordinator, it pleases me so much to announce that the ALSTAR Charity Ride, "Ride With Us Tour...2" for "The War Amps" has been a success for the second time in its second year of operation.
When the totals of the day's fundraisings had been accumulated, we were very happy to announce that the grand total of money collected at the "Ride With Us Tour...2" for "The War Amps" was $15,000.00.
This grand total could not have been made possible without the support & assistance of a good number of great people & organizations.
There are so many people, groups, organizations and supporters to thank that I'm afraid of naming & missing one of these great associates but "A tip my cap" has to go to Joe & Sue Chisholm, owners of Steelback Sauble Speedway who not only donated their facilities for this event but also assisted behind the scenes tremendously as well as monetary.
The Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club, Bruce Peninsula Chapter # 370, who not only supported this event through their club website but showed up in a physical presence to show us their support and to take leadership of a group through the days event.
The Red Knights Firefighter Motorcycle Club, Ontario Chapter # 3, for their leadership in the days ride & for being our "Guardian Angels" for this event.
"The War Amps", what can I say but "Thank You" for what you have done for so many people since 1920. They are such a class organization that has done & continues to do so much goodness for so many people that I feel I am fortunate to be associated with them for this single day event.
To the countless other people, groups & organizations that supported this event, "A big Thank You" from the bottom of my heart. Again this could not have been possible without your involvement.
Sincerely: Keith HepburnALSTAR Charity Ride Event Co-ordinator
***********
CASCAR West's Bob Ennis reports that Jim White won the CASCAR Flo~Pro.Com Western Series race at Saskatoon, SK's new Auto Clearing Speedway on Saturday night. The win was a career first for the MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger driver. Congratulations to Jim White!!!
**************
NOTE: We're upgrading our internet service starting at 1o a.m. so it might take a while to update all of the releases we've received from the weeekend.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Villeneuve through at BMW
As suspected, the story about JV being unable to race this weekend due to injuries from his crash in the previous race was a fabrication.
Villeneuve says he now "has more time to concentrate on future projects."
Hopefully, that doesn't involve singing.
Whatever those future projects may be, it appears his F1 party is over.
(h/t Bourque)
Sunday, August 06, 2006
CASCAR: Trois-Riveries Summary & Results
CASCAR Super Series
G.P. de Trois-Rivieres // Arctic Cat 100
Summary & Results
Teammates Thomson and Fitzpatrick finish 'one-two' in CASCAR's Arctic Cat 100 at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres
TROIS-RIVIERES, QC – On August 7, 2001, Don Thomson Jr. was cruising at the front of the field in the CASCAR race at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières when his car suddenly lost power on the final lap of the race he had dominated from the green flag. The heartbreaking turn of events was something that Thomson never forgot. In the five years since, the Home Hardware Chevy driver has thought often about ‘the one that got away.’
On Sunday, Thomson was able to erase the memory of that painful day by winning the Arctic Cat 100 on the streets of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. To make the victory even sweeter, he was followed across the finish line by his Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammate J.R. Fitzpatrick (Milwaukee Tools Chevy), whose second-place result was good enough to maintain his spot atop the CASCAR Super Series point standings following six events. Thomson, the five-time and current National champion, jumped to second in the points on the strength of his first win of the season.
“After what happened here five years ago, I didn’t know if we would ever come back to Trois-Rivières,” said Thomson, almost exactly five years to the day from CASCAR’s only other appearance at the legendary Canadian road racing event. “It feels really good, especially considering the disappointment of losing the race with one corner to go the only other time we were here.”
Thomson continued, “We started second behind Kerry Micks, who took the early lead. There was a big crash in turn 1, and soon after, I could tell Kerry was having engine problems and he pulled off. From there, it was pretty uneventful other than the fact that I had my teammate J.R. [Fitzpatrick] breathing down my neck the entire race. I have always dreamed of having us finish ‘one-two’ in a race, and I’m so proud that we were able to do it today.” With the win, Thomson became the sixth different Super Series winner in six events held so far this season.
Third-place went to Ron Beauchamp Jr. in his MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger. The Windsor, ON racer started fifth in the 25-car field and had a solid run to the podium finish. Former CASCAR road race winner Robin Buck came home fourth in Dave Jacombs’ Lou’s BBQ / CPS Ford, while Mark Dilley guided his Dodge-sponsored Charger to an impressive fifth-place result on the 10-turn temporary street circuit.
The crash on the opening lap of the Arctic Cat 100 eliminated DJ Kennington (Castrol Dodge) and brought out the lone caution flag of the race. Super Series rookie Jason Hathaway continued his strong season with a seventh-place finish in the Snap On Dodge Charger, while Oshawa, ON’s David Thorndyke’s climb from 22nd at the start to 13th at the end earned him the Fast Eddie Hard Charger Award. J.R. Fitzpatrick’s lap of 1 minute and 11.665 seconds garnered the Milwaukee Tools Chevy driver the Goodyear Belts & Hoses Fastest Lap Award.
The CASCAR Super Series returns to action next Saturday (Aug. 12) at Mosport Speedway, near Bowmanville, Ontario.
UNOFFICIAL POINTS: CASCAR SUPER SERIES (After 6 events, as of August 6, 2006): 1. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1064 pts.); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1049); 3. #22 Scott Steckly (1029); 4. #02 Kerry Micks (1013); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (988); 6. #19 Brad Graham (979); 7. #9 Mark Dilley (963); 8. #17 DJ Kennington (962): 9. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (954); 10. #1 Peter Gibbons (950); 11. #10 Doug Brown (949); 12. #25 Jim Lapcevich (941); 13. #3 Jason Hathaway ® (910); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (822); 15. #09 Kent Nuhn (810)
CASCAR ON TV: For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
CASCAR Super Series
RESULTS: Arctic Cat 100
Round #6 // August 6, 2006 // Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières, Quebec // 10-turn temporary street circuit
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
2 3 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Milwaukee Tools Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
3 5 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR / Mobil1 / Exide / Chrysler Jeep Dodge Svc. Dodge Charger 42
4 4 88 Robin Buck (Campbellville, ON) Lou's BBQ / CPS Flooring Ford Taurus 42
5 9 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue M.W. / CRS Dodge Charger 42
6 6 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) ERB / AW Millwrights Dodge Charger 42
7 13 3 Jason Hathaway (Appin, ON) ® Snap-On Tools / Arctic Cat / Super 8 Dodge Charger 42
8 11 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) NTN Bower / Headz Gamez Inc. / NMT Dodge Charger 42
9 10 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire / Monroe Brakes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
10 16 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
11 19 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Freight / Logel’s Dodge Charger 42
12 14 29 Pierre Bourque (Ottawa, ON) ® Pollara Public Affairs / Full Metal Minerals / Driving.ca Dodge Charger 42
13 22 67 David Thorndyke (Oshawa, ON) ® Thorson’s Enclosed Vehicle Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 40
14 21 82 Dave Connelly (Carp, ON) Loblaw’s / YIG / Zehr’s / Maple Leaf Foods Dodge Charger 40
15 23 71 Bryan Cathcart (Peterborough, ON) Mid-America Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
16 24 12 Richard Durivage (Montreal, QC) MIAPOXY Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
17 12 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Dodge Charger 32
18 17 33 Bertrand Godin (St-Hyacinthe, QC) ® Arctic Cat Chevrolet Monte Carlo 27
19 15 75 Kenny Habul (Etobicoke, ON) Hot Wheels / Variety Village Chevrolet Monte Carlo 22
20 18 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / AUTOPRO Chevrolet Monte Carlo 11
21 8 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 10
22 25 09 Kent Nuhn (Williamsford, ON) ® Nuhn Motorsports Pontiac Grand Prix 8
23 20 11 Ron Van Es (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6
24 1 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Cdn. Detailing Services Ford Taurus 4
25 7 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Dodge Charger 0
® after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
POLESITTER: #02 Kerry Micks (1 minute and 10.292 seconds) // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.495 seconds // CAUTIONS: 1 for a total of 4 laps // LAP LEADERS: #02 Kerry Micks (1-2), #4 Don Thomson Jr. (3-42) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1 minute and 11.665 seconds) // FAST EDDIE HARD CHARGER: #67 David Thorndyke (Advanced 9 positions)
Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. // Contact: Greg MacPherson (416) 561-2320 (cell).
Comments regarding additions to – or deletions from – this mailing list should be sent to: greg@insidetracknews.com
G.P. de Trois-Rivieres // Arctic Cat 100
Summary & Results
Teammates Thomson and Fitzpatrick finish 'one-two' in CASCAR's Arctic Cat 100 at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres
TROIS-RIVIERES, QC – On August 7, 2001, Don Thomson Jr. was cruising at the front of the field in the CASCAR race at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières when his car suddenly lost power on the final lap of the race he had dominated from the green flag. The heartbreaking turn of events was something that Thomson never forgot. In the five years since, the Home Hardware Chevy driver has thought often about ‘the one that got away.’
On Sunday, Thomson was able to erase the memory of that painful day by winning the Arctic Cat 100 on the streets of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. To make the victory even sweeter, he was followed across the finish line by his Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammate J.R. Fitzpatrick (Milwaukee Tools Chevy), whose second-place result was good enough to maintain his spot atop the CASCAR Super Series point standings following six events. Thomson, the five-time and current National champion, jumped to second in the points on the strength of his first win of the season.
“After what happened here five years ago, I didn’t know if we would ever come back to Trois-Rivières,” said Thomson, almost exactly five years to the day from CASCAR’s only other appearance at the legendary Canadian road racing event. “It feels really good, especially considering the disappointment of losing the race with one corner to go the only other time we were here.”
Thomson continued, “We started second behind Kerry Micks, who took the early lead. There was a big crash in turn 1, and soon after, I could tell Kerry was having engine problems and he pulled off. From there, it was pretty uneventful other than the fact that I had my teammate J.R. [Fitzpatrick] breathing down my neck the entire race. I have always dreamed of having us finish ‘one-two’ in a race, and I’m so proud that we were able to do it today.” With the win, Thomson became the sixth different Super Series winner in six events held so far this season.
Third-place went to Ron Beauchamp Jr. in his MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger. The Windsor, ON racer started fifth in the 25-car field and had a solid run to the podium finish. Former CASCAR road race winner Robin Buck came home fourth in Dave Jacombs’ Lou’s BBQ / CPS Ford, while Mark Dilley guided his Dodge-sponsored Charger to an impressive fifth-place result on the 10-turn temporary street circuit.
The crash on the opening lap of the Arctic Cat 100 eliminated DJ Kennington (Castrol Dodge) and brought out the lone caution flag of the race. Super Series rookie Jason Hathaway continued his strong season with a seventh-place finish in the Snap On Dodge Charger, while Oshawa, ON’s David Thorndyke’s climb from 22nd at the start to 13th at the end earned him the Fast Eddie Hard Charger Award. J.R. Fitzpatrick’s lap of 1 minute and 11.665 seconds garnered the Milwaukee Tools Chevy driver the Goodyear Belts & Hoses Fastest Lap Award.
The CASCAR Super Series returns to action next Saturday (Aug. 12) at Mosport Speedway, near Bowmanville, Ontario.
UNOFFICIAL POINTS: CASCAR SUPER SERIES (After 6 events, as of August 6, 2006): 1. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1064 pts.); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1049); 3. #22 Scott Steckly (1029); 4. #02 Kerry Micks (1013); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (988); 6. #19 Brad Graham (979); 7. #9 Mark Dilley (963); 8. #17 DJ Kennington (962): 9. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (954); 10. #1 Peter Gibbons (950); 11. #10 Doug Brown (949); 12. #25 Jim Lapcevich (941); 13. #3 Jason Hathaway ® (910); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (822); 15. #09 Kent Nuhn (810)
CASCAR ON TV: For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
CASCAR Super Series
RESULTS: Arctic Cat 100
Round #6 // August 6, 2006 // Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières, Quebec // 10-turn temporary street circuit
FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 2 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
2 3 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Milwaukee Tools Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
3 5 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR / Mobil1 / Exide / Chrysler Jeep Dodge Svc. Dodge Charger 42
4 4 88 Robin Buck (Campbellville, ON) Lou's BBQ / CPS Flooring Ford Taurus 42
5 9 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue M.W. / CRS Dodge Charger 42
6 6 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) ERB / AW Millwrights Dodge Charger 42
7 13 3 Jason Hathaway (Appin, ON) ® Snap-On Tools / Arctic Cat / Super 8 Dodge Charger 42
8 11 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) NTN Bower / Headz Gamez Inc. / NMT Dodge Charger 42
9 10 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire / Monroe Brakes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
10 16 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Chevrolet Monte Carlo 42
11 19 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Freight / Logel’s Dodge Charger 42
12 14 29 Pierre Bourque (Ottawa, ON) ® Pollara Public Affairs / Full Metal Minerals / Driving.ca Dodge Charger 42
13 22 67 David Thorndyke (Oshawa, ON) ® Thorson’s Enclosed Vehicle Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 40
14 21 82 Dave Connelly (Carp, ON) Loblaw’s / YIG / Zehr’s / Maple Leaf Foods Dodge Charger 40
15 23 71 Bryan Cathcart (Peterborough, ON) Mid-America Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
16 24 12 Richard Durivage (Montreal, QC) MIAPOXY Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39
17 12 8 Marc Miller (Holland, MI) Carhartt Dodge Charger 32
18 17 33 Bertrand Godin (St-Hyacinthe, QC) ® Arctic Cat Chevrolet Monte Carlo 27
19 15 75 Kenny Habul (Etobicoke, ON) Hot Wheels / Variety Village Chevrolet Monte Carlo 22
20 18 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / AUTOPRO Chevrolet Monte Carlo 11
21 8 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 10
22 25 09 Kent Nuhn (Williamsford, ON) ® Nuhn Motorsports Pontiac Grand Prix 8
23 20 11 Ron Van Es (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6
24 1 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Cdn. Detailing Services Ford Taurus 4
25 7 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Dodge Charger 0
® after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.
POLESITTER: #02 Kerry Micks (1 minute and 10.292 seconds) // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.495 seconds // CAUTIONS: 1 for a total of 4 laps // LAP LEADERS: #02 Kerry Micks (1-2), #4 Don Thomson Jr. (3-42) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1 minute and 11.665 seconds) // FAST EDDIE HARD CHARGER: #67 David Thorndyke (Advanced 9 positions)
Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. // Contact: Greg MacPherson (416) 561-2320 (cell).
Comments regarding additions to – or deletions from – this mailing list should be sent to: greg@insidetracknews.com
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