PETE SHEPHERD: Qualifies 5th for race at Michigan Int'l Speedway

Canadian Roush Development Program driver Pete Shepherd will line up fifth for today's 100-lap ARCA Series race at Michigan Int'l Speedway. The Griddly Headz Games-Beavex-Logel's Auto Parts Ford driver lapped the MIS oval at 182.723 MPH, which was exactly the same as Brad Coleman, who will start fourth.

The starting grid is here.

The Hantz Group 200, the 15th of 23 events on the 2006 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule, is set to roll off on Friday, August 18th at 5:15 p.m. The race will be aired LIVE on SPEED beginning at 5 p.m.

Go Pete!

MONTREAL: Labrosse waiting for NASCAR announcement

Most believe that it's only a matter of time before a Busch Series race is announced, for 2007, at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

2006 ChampCar event promoter Alan Labrosse is one of them. But he's lobbying to have a combination ChampCar / NASCAR race weekend fill the bill in the future.

I wouldn't hold my breath. Whether or not it would make sense to run a Busch race on Saturday and a ChampCar race on Sunday is irrelevant.

I just can't see NASCAR allowing one of its elite tours – making an appearance on the international stage – to be billed as part of the ChampCar "support class undercard."

Just as I wouldn't expect ChampCar to run a race on Saturday, in advance of a Sunday NASCAR race.

Besides, now that Normand Legault is fully in charge of the facility, the writing is on the wall for ChampCar at that venue. You're more likely to see the IndyCar series at the Montreal facility, given that the IRL teams told to prepare for a race there in 2006 before the mess hit the fan and Legault backed down on pulling the pin on the final year of his ChampCar contract.

More on this story here. (h/t Bourque)

CDN. SPRINT CAR NAT'LS: Quaker State Returns as Official Lubricant

OHSWEKEN, ON – When the second annual “Arrow Express - Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” gets underway at Ohsweken Speedway on September 16th, the Quaker State banner will once again be flying as the official lubricant of the event.

Nationals Sponsorship Coordinator, Cheryl Pelkie and Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada Inc. Director of Marketing, Mark Reed recently finalized an agreement that will see each race winner at the Nationals take home a case of “Q” Racing Lubricant.

The Quaker State Corporation was created in 1931 and merged with Pennzoil in 1998 to form the Pennzoil-Quaker State Company. In 2002, Shell Oil Company completed an acquisition of Pennzoil-Quaker State and began to market as SOPUS Products. The composite company is now a leader in the lubricant market and still offers the same quality performance motor oils that have been formulated to help maintain engine life including the Quaker State Brand.

Pre-entry has been strong with seventy-eight teams having filed for the September 16th extravaganza at the close of early registration on July 31st . Champions from all of the six affiliate sanctioning groups are expected to attend making the final entry list on race day read like a “who’s who of sprint car racing” in the northeastern region.

Everyone is reminded that if you missed the pre-entry cut-off, further entries will be accepted on race day at $70 U.S. ($95 CAN.). Entry forms are available by contacting the Event Registrar, Cheryl Pelkie at (519)542-2116 or e-mail ­ pelkiekj@ebtech.net or at the track on race day. All sprint cars that meet the “Arrow Express ­ Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” technical rules are welcome to participate.

Pre-entries filed include Kevin Job, Gary Evans, Adam West, and John Riegling of the Southern Ontario Sprints; Dustin Daggett, Ben Rutan, and Tim Norman of ASCS - Sprints On Dirt; Bryan Howland, Richard Swarthout, and Chuck Hebing of the ASCS Patriot Sprint Group, Empire Super Sprint regulars Lance Yonge, Jeff VanDusen, and Jessica Zemken while NRA’s Tim Allison and Mike Brecht will join URC’s Brook Weibley and Curt Michael.

The 2nd Annual “Arrow Express - Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” will pay the winner $6,000 U.S. with $500 going to the 26th place starter. Look for further announcements in the coming days regarding a strong contingency program being assembled as the final stages of preparation are beginning to take place.

By Ken Pelkie, Event Coordinator

Advertiser Spotlight: Kitchener H-D

Visit Kitchener Harley-Davidson on Sept. 1, 2006 for DEMO DAYS (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to experience the first ride of the 2007s.

Click here for Google directions to Kitchener H-D.

NASCAR GFS Marketplace 400 Race Now Available on Canadian Television, this Sunday

To support the growing NASCAR fan-base in Canada, NASCAR and NASCAR Canada have made the necessary arrangements for this weekend’s GFS Marketplace 400 race from Michigan International Speedway to be televised live in Canada. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race will air this Sunday (August 20) at 2 p.m. ET on Rogers Cable Television and Bell ExpressVu.

The race will air live in its entirety and includes a free preview of the Emmy-Award winning NASCAR IN CAR package, featuring six in-car channels, live team audio and real time race data.

The race was not initially scheduled to air in Canada.

Bell ExpressVu is offering its free preview of the NASCAR IN CAR package on channels 441-446. Channel 440 will provide the network broadcast with full commentary and analysis. Bell ExpressVu will also offer High Definition coverage of the race, however the channel number has yet to be confirmed.

Rogers Cable Television will offer its free preview of the NASCAR IN CAR package on channels 446-452. Subscribers can tune in to channels 85 and 445 for digital coverage of the race and channels 1 and 59 for analog coverage. High Definition coverage of the race will be available on channel 483.

NASCAR Canada supports the continued growth of the NASCAR fan base and further extends the popular NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship and licensing opportunities, marketing initiatives, multi-platform media programs and grassroots projects. Established in June 2004, NASCAR Canada is a joint relationship between NASCAR and TSN, and is operated by TSN Events.

From NASCAR Canada

Villeneuve: Schumacher won't be remembered

Some people just don't know when to be quiet.... sad.

From TSN....

Jacques Villeneuve says Michael Schumacher will not be remembered among the greats of Formula One, despite the records he currently holds.

The former BMW-Sauber driver lashes out at his former rival, calling him a liar and a dirty driver, adding he will never be held in the same regard as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost or Nigel Mansell.

"He's a racer - but a pure racer, nothing but a racer and, because of that, I think the day he hangs up his helmet people will just forget him," Villeneuve tells F1 Racing magazine in an interview to be published next week.

TSN has the full story....

OSCAAR: Last Chance Of '06 To Catch Mosport OSCAAR Action Coming Up This Weekend

The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models are back at Mosport Speedway on August 19. It has been an exciting season of racing and this Saturday should be no exception. John Fletcher and Rob Clarke have battled for the championship with the edge recently going to the JNE Consulting #61 Team. The two teams won't rest easy realizing that every race counts in the big picture.

The Kerr Cadillac #03 Team of Shane Maginnis, Mosport winner on June 24th, certainly had their challenges over the past two weeks. A wreck at Peterborough left them very little time to get repairs done before the next race at Kawartha less than a week later. However a sharp looking 03 Outlaw was evident in the Kawartha pits and Maginnis charged to a heat win and the first 35 lap feature lead before suffering a motor problem. Getting ready for Mosport was going to depend on parts and time - we wish them well with their preparations.

ASA Alloys Inc and the #67 Team must be very pleased with their recent performance. Finishing 2nd in the last 35 lap feature race at Kawartha backed a season and personal best for Phil Bullen from Sunset Speedway. He is looking forward to continuing great results and taking advantage of some good momentum as the season winds down.

Another car to keep an eye on is the red hot Race2Way.ca #22 of Glenn Watson. Taking 2nd overall at Kawartha, the #22 Team has created a niche as one of OSCAAR's dominant performances in 2006. Always very professional and hard-working, it is sometimes hard to believe that this is a Rookie year for driver and team in OSCAAR.

Spicer's Towing #89 Drew Spicer was enjoying another strong performance at Kawartha after posting a season best 3rd at Peterborough, but suffered motor problems in the 2nd feature. The team was going to work hard at repairing the motor and make it to Mosport. Look for the #89 Outlaw to charge toward the front on Saturday.

With the close competition in 2006 any number of Outlaw drivers could come out with a strong performance this weekend including John Owen, Gary Passer, Ed Bowlby and Ken Hayward. Al Shepstone and Pee Wee Evans were involved in a serious wreck at Kawartha. The #15 would need a miracle to be ready for Mosport, however there is a chance for the #90 Team making it to one of their favourite tracks. Looking forward to seeing all our OSCAAR fans at Mosport - thank you for your support!

By Don McLeod

'The Ridge Raceway' to re-open in 2007 as Ridgeview Speedway

The Chatham, ON area track, closed since 1995, is apparently set to re-open next spring.

There is a comment thread on this at CASCAR Online, as well as a story about the history of the facility on Canadian Racer.

The track's website is located here.

Raceline Radio: Tomas Tales

By Erik Tomas // Raceline

Paul Tracy should get a performance bonus from ChampCar for almost single handedly making their races required watching.

PT’s crashing, bashing and fighting his way into more TV sports packages and water-cooler discussions than ever before. Up against NASCAR most weekends, ChampCar wouldn’t get a sniff if they crapped their pants!

Tracy’s fighting with fellow canuck Tagliani! He’s scrapping with old nemesis Bourdais, continuing a long bitter feud! Ring the bell for round 3! Helmets still on, pushing, shoving, swearing! Pay-back Paul declares!

“You wanna fight? Take the helmet off! The French guys like to scrap with their skid-lids still attached!”, Paul hisses. Cocky? Wreckless? Yes, and ChampCar has penalized Tracy for it.

I never advocate anarchy. Rules are rules. But entertaining? Absolutely! Make no mistake, after they toss the book at “The Thrill from West Hill”, ChampCar smiles!

As drag racing showman John Force often declares, “If you can’t win, be spectacular!” Tracy’s crashed in half of the first 10 races this season. He’s not going to stop Sebastein Bourdais from winning a 3rd-straight championship, so he’s being spectacular! NASCAR’s a snooze-fest unless Tony Stewart’s ticking people off.

Tracy’s doing the same thing for ChampCar. While Tracy’s driving skills are far superior to the hockey skills of another Toronto entertainer, PT reminds me of Eddie Shack.

For those too young to remember, Ed was the Leafs major “S”-disturber during their cup years in the 60’s. “Clear the Track! Here come’s Shack!” Eddie always started something to get the crowd into the game. Flying off the bench to attack Habs enforcer John Ferguson was his # 1 act.

The fans ate it up! Tracy has the same effect. If the Montreal Grand Prix promoters aren’t all over this to help sell tickets, they need lessons in promotion! Buy a ticket and see who Tracy can piss off this week! Listen for the boo’ing during the introductions. Or is that cheering? Something else I’m liking: A.J Allmendinger. 4th win in Denver and this feisty little American is waking up the key U.S fan base that not all race cars have fenders.

He’s winning, he’s tough, quick-witted and colourful. His fiancé Lynn is gorgeous, and she just happens to be Canadian. And don’t look now, but we’re about to get a “Rahal” back in the series. Graham, Bobby’s kid, is only 17, talks like he’s 37, is deadly fast and smart, and yes, he’s another budding American star! He’ll test soon with Newman-Haas and get an offer to run their big cars next year. If they don’t, RuSport will. The new Panoz DP-01 car debuts next year, former F-1 Minardi owner Paul Stoddart is in for 2 more cars, with some Atlantic teams and others outside the series looking to sign up for the less expensive machinery and racing.

Something else I like: optimism. There’s a lot of it around the ChampCar World Series these days, and it’s infectious! For those who think the Toronto event is old and tired and needs to die,and I heard that after July’s Grand Prix, wake up and smell the new cup of coffee brewing! It might just be spectacular!Keep your electronic notes, questions and comments coming for The NEW Griddly Headz E-Mail Bag! Same address:erik@raceline.ca

If your note is chosen E-Mail-of-the-Week, you win a NASCAR BOARD GAME , the hot, new dice-tossing challenge!

Until next week, talk to ya’ll on Raceline Radio! ET.

Sunday August 20th, 2006
ChampCar Montreal preview with last year’s winner Oriol Servia. Ron Fellows returns to preview his American LeMans Series Labour Day Weekend run at Mosport Toronto.

Plus more listener notes, comments and questions from the Griddly-Headz E-Mail Bag with a chance to win a Griddly-Headz NASCAR board game!

NBIS: Busy Weekend!!! Enduro, Points Racing, Big Sportsman Race, Special Start Times on Tap

Fredericton, NB –NBIS may be into the homestretch for Speedweekend, the biggest event of the year, but this coming weekend will rank as one of the busiest of the season. NBIS is looking to complete three events over two days including a special Friday night race. Originally only one event was scheduled for the weekend, but early rainstorms forced NBIS to re-arrange their schedule. This weekend’s events include an Enduro 200 on Friday night and then regular racing in all three divisions plus the completion of an extended sportsman race on Saturday night.

The weekend kicks off with the Enduro 200 starting on Friday at 8pm. This event was originally scheduled for May 22nd, but was completely rained out. This is the second time that NBIS has run an Enduro event at night with the last one two years ago earning rave reviews. At the last Enduro 200, Peter Chase Jr. led all 200 laps, could something as exciting as the last Enduro 200 be expected for this Friday? Only the Fans who come out Friday night will find out.

Then on Saturday night, NBIS returns with a full card of racing and a special race start. The event starts at 6pm with the Fredericton Inn Presenting Points Racing in all three divisions – Coast Tire Street Stocks (20-lap feature), Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman (30-lap feature), and CARQUEST Pro Stocks (40-lap feature). Normally, NBIS starts these events at 7pm, but the 6pm event is because points racing will be followed by the remaining 120 laps of the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman 125 that was foiled by rain on July 22nd.

”Ideally, we would have a straight forward points race on Saturday night,” said co-owner Chris Johnston. “But we’ve been dodging Mother Nature this season and so it ends up being a couple of full events this weekend.

NBIS has the best Sportsman division in the province and the most sportsman drivers in its class. Oddly enough, the event will mark the first extended race of the season for the exciting division. “We would normally have raced at least one or two big sportsman races by now.” said Johnston, “However, this season we moved one of our early 100 lappers to the end of the season, then the Firecracker 150 was rained out, and the July 22nd race was halted.” The Firecracker 150 has been re-scheduled for September 24th.

It’s a lot of racing over the final half of the season, but sportsman drivers will be going for a big bonus if they can sweep all three races. The driver who can sweep all three events wins a $5,000 bonus. However, given the number of competitive cars in the division, no one has ever claimed the bounty since its introduction five years ago. The defending race winner is Bradley Logan, who was ultimately the 2005 Sportsman Division Champion. If anyone is considered a list of contenders for the bonus, Logan has to be included at the top of the list.

Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate this weekend, leaving clear blue skies and some warmer weather for fans to enjoy some outstanding entertainment at NBIS this weekend.

Enduro 200
Friday, August 18th at 8:00pm
Pit Gates Open at 6:00pm
Grandstands open at 7:00pm
Racing starts at 8:00pm

Ticket Prices:
Adult (16 and over): $10
Youth (ages 9-15): $7
Children (8 and under): Free

Fredericton Inn presents Points Racing
Saturday, August 19th at 6:00pm
Pit gates open at 2pm
Grandstands open at 4pm
Racing starts at 6pm
Event starts with regular points racing in Coast Tire Street Stock Divisions ,Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, and CARQUEST Pro Stocks and concludes with the remainder of the along with the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman 125.

Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $12
Youth (ages 9-15) $9
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE

Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $35.

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.

CAYUGA INT’L SPEEDWAY: Strong support racing for Cayuga’s Labor Day Weekend Classic

Events include Texaco Havoline 100 for CASCAR Sportsman Series and Canadian Vintage Modifieds

NELLES CORNERS, ON (August 14, 2006) – Cayuga International Speedway will be presenting two support races during its Labour Day Weekend Classic September 2 and 3.

Cayuga is pleased to announce the CASCAR Sportsman Series Texaco Havoline 100 race, which will be presented by Havoline Oil, and the popular Canadian Vintage Modifieds will also take to the big 5/8ths-mile oval.

The Texaco Havoline Oil 100 will be held September 2, and will be race four in the 2006 CASCAR Sportsman Series. Running Late Model stock cars similar to the machines in the CASCAR Super Series, Sportsman series cars do not have quite the power of the Super Series cars, but offer the same degree of excitement. Many prominent Super Series competitors began their Super Series racing careers in this feeder series.

The CASCAR Sportsman Series ‘Texaco Havoline 100 is scheduled to get the green flag at 9:00 p.m. on the Saturday night immediately following the Twin 50-lap CASCAR Super Series shootout races.

As one of Canada’s oldest racing clubs, the Canadian Vintage Modifieds are Ontario-based, but travel throughout the province and in several US states with their own unique brand of racing.

Started in 1966 as the Ontario Amateur Racing Association (OARC), this club continues with the traditional pre-1948 US car bodies with updated six-cylinder power, running gear, and safety equipment. Also known affectionately as the “Hobby Cars,” the coupes and coaches will also race at Cayuga on Saturday.

One of the highlights of the Labor Day Weekend Classic this coming September 2 and 3 will be a well-deserved tribute to Bob and Leone Slack. The heritage they gave to Cayuga will be honored, a heritage that will continue in the future.

For more information, please contact info@cayugaracing.com

INVITE: Grey- Bruce Motorcycle Touring Club

You are invited to attend the GREY- BRUCE MOTORCYCLE TOURING CLUB's 23rd annual Toy Ride Registration is at Sauble Beach Civic Centre on Aug 19TH from 10:00am -11:50.

Your entrance fee, a toy or non perishable food item will be delivered to the needy in this area. We will take a scenic police escorted ride through cottage country to the destination where the awards will be given out for - most club members, farthest distance, oldest-youngest rider etc.

Please pass this info on to all your friends and join us in cottage country for a day of comradery.

For More info, phone Doug at (519) 396-2341

CASCAR: Quick Work In The Pits Help The Snap On Tools Dodge To A Great Finish

Bowmanville, Ontario- August 12, 2006- Quick work in the pits by the Team 3 Red/EHR crew helped the #3 Snap on Tools Dodge gain valuable track position as CASCAR returned to the ovals this weekend for the Mosport 200 at Mosport Speedway.

The one day event at the 1/2 mile oval included practice, qualifying and a 200 lap evening main event. The Team worked on their Dodge during practice, keeping in mind that the main event would take place as the August sun was setting and the track temperature dropping.

Starting in the 15th spot, the Team was headed for the front. Reminiscent of the event at Trois Rivieres last weekend, action got underway in the first turn of the first lap of the race as Hathaway tried to hold off the 11 car. An accident on lap 3 moved the #3 Snap on Tools Dodge up the running order to 12th. The lead pack of cars broke away from the rest of the field but, as the race progressed Hathaway steadily reeled them back within striking distance.

Spotter Mike Hathaway, worked him through each lap and they began to work the #23 over for 11th position. Company soon joined in the battle and Hathaway was passed by two of his challengers, pushing him back to 14th. Caution came out on lap 69 and Crew Chief Duane Swinkels set the wheels in motion for a quick stop for fuel and tires. The crew flew into action sending the car back out onto the track in 8th, gaining 6 spots, with two fresh right side tires and full of racing fuel! It was an awesome stop and set the tone for the rest of the race.

The last 100 laps of the race were plagued with multiple cautions and it was tough to get a long run to move up in the running order. Hathaway gained one more spot before the 200 lap marker and finished an awesome 7th, posting the Team's 4th top 10 finishes in 2006.

Team owner Ed Hakonson was pleased with the results of the night "This was a great result for the Team tonight. The crew did an excellent job in the pits and really helped to get this car to the front! We had a lot of fans in the stands tonight, with Snap on Tools and Choko Motorsports "Night at the Races". It was a great race for our family of Teams tonight!"

Team 3 Red/EHR will have a weekend off before heading to their last road course of the 2006 CASCAR Super Series season. Team 3 Red/EHR will be a support race at the Montreal Grand Prix along side Champ Car once again August 24th & 25th.

Team 3 Red/EHR is proud to be associated with their great sponsors and supporters. Team 3 Red/EHR thanks Snap-on Tools, Arctic Cat ATV's, Super 8 Motels, Advantex Freight Forwarders, Fast Eddie Racewear and Choko Motorsports and TH Auto.

By Jamie Hakonson / Team 3 Red/EHR

SOS: SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 8th AT OHSWEKEN

OHSWEKEN, ON - With the conclusion of the racing season fast approaching in southern Ontario, the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) wants to remind teams of the requirements to be eligible to participate in their season championship event at Ohsweken Speedway September 8th.

This is a closed event for our club stated SOS President Bill Oldroyd. The concept and format was put in place last season to reward drivers who support the club throughout the year. In order to be eligible to participate in this event, a driver must have competed in at least one SOS event at three of the four venues which the SOS visits during the 2006 racing season Oldroyd went on.

With thirty drivers already qualified, there is still more opportunity for others to meet the requirements as races are scheduled at Humberstone August 20th; South Buxton August 26th; and Brighton on September 2nd & 3rd. All teams who purchase membership and meet the technical requirements of the club are welcome to compete.

Further information can be obtained by logging on to the official website of the SOS at www.southernontariosprints.com .

From Ken Pelkie, Public Relations

Bourque Returns To NBES On Wave Of Momentum

WATERFORD, Connecticut (August 15, 2006) - - On a wave of solid finishes in the CASCAR Series and most recently the ARCA RE/MAX Series, NASCAR Busch East Series Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Pierre Bourque returns to his full season foray this Saturday at Waterford Speedbowl.

Bourque heads into the eighth race of the season looking to maneuver his way up in the series points standings as well as the close chase for Rookie-of-the-Year. Bourque gained one spot in the series standings with a solid performance two weeks ago at Adirondack International Speedway. Now with just a few races remaining schedule, Bourque looks not only for a significant gain but his first top-ten finish of the season.

Rewinding back the last two weeks, it’s been two finishes that Bourque won’t forget. In the Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix CASCAR event, Bourque started a very solid 14th and hovered just outside the top-ten before bringing home his No. 29 Dodge Charger to a very solid 12th.

Last Saturday, Bourque returned for his second career start in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. After starting in the back, he appeared more like a veteran than a rookie avoiding several late race accidents to collect a 21st place finish in his Superspeedway debut.

“The last two weeks were great additions to my racing resume. The CASCAR race was a lot of fun. A lot of twists and turns, but I finished on the lead lap and we were contenders. In the ARCA race at Nashville, I started my first Superspeedway ARCA event. I learned so much by competing in the ARCA race, it’s unbelievable. We avoided all the carnage and late race havoc and brought home a solid finish, now it’s time to get back down to business.”

Bourque, the only full time Canadian NASCAR driver competing in the sanction will once again have to battle the unknown as he’ll enter Waterford Speedbowl without any prior experience, but that doesn’t faze him as he takes the new endeavor as a welcomed challenge.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend’s race in Waterford. I’ve never competed at the Speedbowl, but I have great faith that my crew chief Dave McClure and the Fast Track Racing team will put a great car underneath me and we should have a great chance of scoring our first top-ten finish of the season.”

“I’m sitting 17th in the standings and I would like to reach the top-15 or higher, I think that would be a solid conclusion to my first year of racing. The Rookie-of-the-Year chase is still up for grabs and I think I can get my hands on that as well. There’s still a lot of racing left, we just have to make the best of it.”

Driving.Ca will adorn the primary sponsorship role this weekend. 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, will all serve as secondary sponsors on Bourque’s machine this weekend.

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 remaining two CASCAR races, and his forays into ARCA.

“I’m really pumped about our new sponsors, especially after the great exposure the last two races,” he said, "they are leaders in their respective fields, both in terms of the way they use new technologies and the way they attract a sizable user base. I’m looking forward to helping them expand their reach into the North American stock car base, particularly within NASCAR's Canadian fan base, which according to public opinion polls, number some six million die-hard fans. It’s important to continue the stretch of good runs, because the fans will notice our car and take note. Our sponsors are our number one priority.”

Full Metals Minerals and Pollara Strategic Public Opinion, will also back Bourque’s racing effort this weekend as associate sponsors. “This team is surrounded by various and great sponsors. Every sponsor is important and I appreciate all of their efforts. Full Metals Minerals and Pollara Strategic Public Opinion have been with me all season and I know a top ten finish for them on Saturday night would be a great boost.”

When asked about the advantage of his recent races in the CASCAR and ARCA Series, Bourque mentioned, “It’s been great for me and my sponsors to continue racing. With this being my first full season of racing, I’m using the off weekend in the NBES to my advantage by acquiring more seat time in other venues. This will benefit me not only this weekend but the remainder of the season as well.”

The Big Y World Class Market 150 (150 laps/56.25 miles) is the eighth of 11 events on the 2006 NASCAR Busch East Series schedule. Practice begins Saturday, August 19th with an hour and a half session (1:30pm-3:00pm EST). Busch pole qualifying is on tap at 5:00pm EST with the race set to take the green flag at 7:30pm EST. The race will be broadcasted live on HDNet with SPEED enhanced replay on Thursday, August 31st at 5:30pm

In addition to running the full NASCAR Busch East Series in 2006, Pierre Bourque and Fast Track Racing will make limited starts in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Bourque will also make his final CASCAR Series race next weekend with Whitlock Motorsports.

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

From Chris Knight, Fast Track Racing

CASC-OR: BARC TT Weekend a Successful One

Special to Inside Track

BOWMANVILLE, ON – Over 170 entrants packed the paddock at Mosport for the annual event BARC Touring Trophy Races on August 12-13. A rousing success, this weekend had it all!

ONTARIO CHALLENGE CUP
This series is really heating up! Blaise Csida took all three victories in GT-1. Mike Boekdrukker was second in the first two races followed by Jay Fieger at the start of the weekend and Bruce Gregory Sunday morning. Jim Harrison battled up the ladder and was third in the final race of the weekend.

Ahmad Khodkar ran well in GT-A with two victories and a third-place finish. Peter Carpenko finished his first and only race of the weekend with a win, and John Cosgrove second. Cosgrove held second to Bertrand Plouffe for the remainder of the weekend.

Jason Sharpe battled with John Xiropodis in GT-B in all three races. Sharpe had two wins, while Xiropodis was third, third and second. Jordan Marrison was in the thick of it placing second and first in the first two races, but dropped down in the third to Rick Higgins. GT-C competitor Victor del Col was first, third and third on the weekend. Rob Martin held onto second place in all three races and Lennox Clue was top of the podium in the second and third races.

GT-D was full of excitement too with Andrew Danyliw winning the first race in his Civic, Alex Toth took the second race and Ed Wong the third in his Sentra. Hans Wolter, in another Sentra, was third in the first two races of the weekend but his final race wasn’t so clean with a damaged front end ending the weekend. Perry Iannuzzi took third in that race in his #223 Mad Macs Sentra.

ISSECO F1200 CHAMPIONSHIP
A great showing of F1200s made the trek to the track for this event. Guy Bellingham finished first in the first two races of the weekend but dropped to third in the final race. Eric Barrett was second in the first two races and Toby Beaudin third and then second in the final race.

Frank Steinhausen who was third in the first race and fourth in the second, but unfortunately returned to the paddock at the end of the weekend on the hook, as did Eugene Cartini. Devan Matkovich took top-spot in the final race of the weekend!

ONTARIO TOURING GT CHAMPIONSHIP
Non-stop excitement was the order of the weekend in this series too. GT Class was dominated by Kirk Spencer in the jet-black Porsche followed by Sasha Anis and Mario Cirone on Saturday and Steve Kent on Sunday.

T1 saw some more great battles between the cars. Andrew Wojteczko, in his DAC Lexus IS300 took victory in both races followed by Andrew Elliott and Honda driver Scott Nicol on Saturday. Nicol again was second and Bob Armstrong third in his Nissan on Sunday.

T2 has turned into quite the exciting class to watch as well. Alain Lauziere in the Octane Motorsports Mini won both races capping a great weekend. Ian Madden was second on Saturday followed by the Mazda of Bork.

Sunday’s race saw Perry Iannuzzi second and a jubilant third go to Pat Harrison of SPI/PH Racing after problems with the Mazda arose. Harrison and Iannuzzi had gone back and forth all weekend-long with co-driver Vic Simone driving on Saturday and finishing ahead of Iannuzzi, and then Harrison and he staying within a second of each other all race-long on Sunday.

FORMULA LIBRE
Making a return to Formula Libre this weekend was John DiBenedetto who came out like no time had passed at all! The #44 driver had a third in the first race, then fourth behind Walter Gerhardt in the second race due to a tire coming loose, but fixed it and fought to third in the last race of the weekend.

Greg Beresford and Mario Urbano turned up the heat all weekend long but Beresford managed to eek out all three victories.

OFFC
In an incredibly exciting season to date, this series just keeps holding our attention. Who will be the driver to win the IRL prize? This battle is far from over!

The A-Class battle between 2005 Champ Shane Jantzi and Matt White saw the two trading top finishes. White took the first race and Jantzi the second with Brian Nielsen holding on to third in both. The B-Class competition is not-to-be-missed either! Jonathan Hirst took both victories with Gord Lowe and Glyn Walters following in the first race and Tony Cove and Christine Mouraux in the second.

CASCAR: Miller Will Sit Out Remainder of 2006 CASCAR Season

American is exploring other options for 2007 CASCAR season with RaceSportz

HOLLAND, MI (August 14, 2006) --- It was announced today that Marc Miller of Holland, Michigan will step out of the driving role in the Carhartt Racing Dodge Charger for the remainder of the 2006 season. The only American driver in CASCAR’s professional stock car series has competed in the Carhartt #8 on a part-time basis for three and a half seasons. He has worked directly with Ottawa, ON based, Team RaceSportz, owned by Dave Connelly.

“I have worked very closely with Dave and RaceSportz for going on five years now and expect that relationship to continue to grow,” said Miller. “The chemistry just wasn’t right this season and even though we ran in the top 10 regularly, we just weren’t getting the finishes we should have. That isn’t fair to the sponsors and the best thing at this point was to change some things.”

Miller has competed in three events so far this season and the Carhartt Racing #8 is scheduled for three more events in 2006 with a different driver to be announced later.

“Marc and I are terrific friends and teammates, and he has been very fast this season but the finishes haven’t been there for us,” said Connelly. “We are trying to do what’s best for our sponsors, our team, and put our driver in the best position that he can be in to win races. I definitely expect Marc to be driving for RaceSportz in 2007 and we are currently talking to potential sponsors to make that happen.”

Miller is currently working on race programs in the U.S. in various series and still hopes to compete in CASCAR in the future.

“I have enjoyed racing in CASCAR. The fans and teams are great and I hope to be back competing among them soon,” said Miller. “I would love the opportunity to compete on a full time basis and having the opportunity to put together a solid testing program.”

Submitted by: www.mmpdesign.com

ACT to compete in 2007 Oxford 250

OXFORD, ME ­ The American Canadian Tour’s (ACT) Late Model drivers will be eligible to compete in the 2007 TD Banknorth 250 according to a press release issued today (Mon, Aug 14) by Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway.

The track, which will host the Tour’s New England Dodge Dealers 150 this Saturday (August 19), has announced a major realignment of its racing divisions with the Late Model class becoming the headlining division. The 34th annual event will again post a winner’s purse of $25,000 and Late Model competitors from across the northeastern U.S. and Canada will be invited to participate in the richest short track race in the region next summer.

Bill Ryan, owner and promoter of the 3/8ths mile speedplant, was quoted in the breaking news story posted on the Oxford site (www.oxfordplains.com) "As our fans know, the TD Banknorth 250 is the crown jewel of our racing at Oxford. The cars have changed throughout the years, but the essence of the race remains the same," said OPS President Ryan. "This decision was absolutely necessary for the good of Oxford Plains Speedway and its competitors and the TD Banknorth 250. Late Model competitors will now be able to run for the big money as the purse will remain the same in 2007. Someone will walk away with the $25,000 first prize plus all of the lap money."

Oxford is the latest addition to a list of numerous New England race facilities that have elevated Late Model cars to their top division. In making the announcement, Ryan made it clear that he expects the trend to continue as track promoters and race teams work together to keep the sport competitive and cost-effective. Ryan credited Tom Curley, President of ACT, for transforming Late Model racing into the fastest growing headline division in the region.

Reaction by ACT competitors has been enthusiastic and positive, “That’s great news! I’ve been waiting for years to come back and run the `250’, it will draw cars from states that haven’t had driver representation for years,” remarked Milton, Vermont’s Jean-Paul Cyr, a multi-time ACT Champion and current point leader.

Ryan Vanasse, a second year ACT competitor from Warwick, RI has always wanted to race Oxford’s 250, “That’s the biggest race in New England, I’m very excited we’ll be able to race it next year!” he enthused, “Pro Stocks are expensive cars and even though I used to have one, I was never able to make the finances work to go to the 250. The ACT Late Model is an affordable car. Seekonk (Speedway) is also heading toward ACT’s rules for that very same reason,” he finished.

Ontario’s Derek Lynch, who won the 250 13 years ago stated, “I’ll definitely have a car there and I won’t be surprised that there will be over 100 cars, especially with the influx from Canada, 10-15 should make the trip as opposed to the five they had this year. A gap has been bridged at the hand of Robbie Thompson, Ben and Mike Rowe, Dave Whitlock and myself. The conception that it’s a step backwards to move from a Pro Stock to a Late Model has been overcome with the fact that we’ll be running for the same purse in 2007 that Jeremie Whorff won in 2006.”

From ACT / Marjorie Mulligan Fay

CASCAR: Mark Dilley sixth at Mosport Speedway

Dodge-sponsored Charger driver earns his second pole of the season

BARRIE, ON – On Saturday night at Mosport Speedway, Dodge-sponsored Charger driver Mark Dilley started on the pole en route to a sixth-place finish in the 200-lap CASCAR Super Series race.

Dilley led the way in qualifying at Mosport to earn his second pole starting position of the season. The other was at the MOPAR Canada Day 300 at Barrie Speedway at the start of July.

The tight, high-speed half-mile Mosport oval is traditionally hard on brakes. And after leading all but three of the first 73 laps, Dilley’s Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue MotorWorks / CRS Dodge Charger started to experience brake trouble – while running in third-place – leaving him vulnerable to challenges from others. In the end, the Barrie, ON resident came home in sixth.

Aside from brake woes, Dilley’s only other real adventure during the Mosport Speedway 200 occurred during the lap 73 pit stops, when the entire field was on pit road at the same time.

“The pit stop was crazy. We kind of got messed up there because the pit stalls were so tight that we couldn’t get out of our spot and we had to reverse. It’s just good that no one got hurt in the chaos.” By the time Dilley was able to extricate himself from his pit spot, he emerged in third-place for the restart.

“It wasn’t a bad day; we’re pretty happy,” said Dilley, after the race. “We’re proud to have won our second pole of the season, which shows our qualifying program is strong. The car was good early, but we just had no brakes at the end. It’s hard to go into the corner as fast as you need to go without them, so you’re kind of a sitting duck to get passed. A top five would have been nice, but sixth is all-right and we’ll go on to the next race.”

Following seven events, the #9 Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue MotorWorks / CRS Dodge Charger is in sixth-place in the overall CASCAR Super Series points.

The weekend before the Mosport Speedway 250, Dilley was in action at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres for the third road course event on the 2006 schedule. In that race, the #9 Dodge-sponsored Charger came home with an impressive fifth-place finish. “Finishing fifth there was a really good run for us. The car was excellent. We tried some new things on the car and they worked out for us.”

The next outing for the #9 Dodge Charger team will come in two weeks (on Aug. 25-27) at the ChampCar Grand Prix de Montreal, in Quebec. “I’m looking forward to Montreal. It’s a new venue for us, which is always fun,” said Dilley.

MOSPORT RACE NOTES: Mark Dilley’s Whitlock Motorsports teammate Dave Whitlock won Saturday night’s Mosport Speedway 200. The three-time CASCAR National champion came from 10th on the grid to earn the victory following a late-race pass of eventual second-place finisher Kerry Micks. Super Series points leader J.R. Fitzpatrick was third, ahead of MOPAR Dodge Charger driver Ron Beauchamp and Don Thomson.


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

CUP: WGI Friday qualifying report from Bruce Bonham

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Qualifying at the AMD at the Glen was a dramatic affair which helped give rowdy Finger Lakes’ NASCAR fans their money’s worth after the past two years have been scrubbed due to rain.

This year, sunny track temperatures produced a slick 2.5-mile road course which has crew worried about tire wear. Pole pro Ryan Newman was thought to have the front row, inside groove sewed up — until former open wheel standout Kasey Kahne drove a stunning lap to blow Ryan away.

Kahne, who’s already won a few poles and races this season, was thwarted when 2004 Nextel champ Kurt Busch bettered his fastest practice time by a couple of tenths of a second to snatch the top spot.

Mississauga’s Ron Fellows, whose day job is driving th factory Corvettes in the American LeMans Series, but starts his 15th Nextel Cup race Sunday, said he blew his run in the fast Glen Esses.
Without enough owner points in the Cal Wells Tide #32, Fellows had to time into the race. One slip and he heading for the Peace Bridge, home.“Last year Wells had the points and we didn’t have to worry,” Fellows said after explaining how he blew the Esses and lost valuable time and positions.

In the end, Fellows will start the 90 lapper sitting on the ninth row in 18th beside Casey Mears.Fellows, who practiced six tenths of a second quicker than his qualifying round would have sat on the fourth row, just ahead of Kevin Harvick and last year’s Glen winner Tony Stewart, also beating out other invaders such as Scott Pruett and Boris Said.

“We just bundled it in the Esses,” continued Fellows of his starting position run. “The car didn’t turn like it did in practice, and I went in there pretty hot. There’s a couple things the car did better, but we just messed up the Esses and that cost more than a half a second.”

Without pre-race Glen practice, Fellows said that the test two weeks ago at Road Atlanta didn’t mean much.

"We came here and started from scratch getting the car to handle."

From being the top invader in practice to starting behind Pruett and Said, only former Trans-Am racer Brian Simo is in the show, starting 41st.

Other road racing specialist to miss the race are Johnny Miller, Max Papis (trying Kenny Wallace’s car), Tom Hubert, David Murry, and Dale Quarterley.In Saturday’s Busch Series, which qualifies race day, Fellows feels he can improve on his seventh position run.

He’s driving the #33 Outdoor Channel car owned by Kevin Harvick.

UPDATE: NASCAR.COM has a story on Ron on its main site.... talking about him being fast on Saturday.

Words and Photos By Bruce Bonham

CASCAR: Mosport Speedway 200 Summary & Results

Three-time CASCAR Super Series champion Dave Whitlock wins the Mosport Speedway 200

BOWMANVILLE, ON – Dave Whitlock ended his personal two-year winless streak on Saturday night at Mosport Speedway. The CASCAR Super Series driver started 10th in the field of 23 racers at the tight, half-mile oval. And while others abused their brakes and tires, Whitlock was ultimately rewarded for preserving his NTN-Bower / Griddly Headz / NMT Dodge Charger for the end of the Mosport Speedway 200.

The Wyoming, ON resident emerged in 10th-place after pitting with the rest of the field, one-third of the way into the race. From there, the three-time CASCAR champ worked his way forward. With 75 laps to go, he cracked the top five. And on lap 163, he moved into second, passing series points leader J.R. Fitzpatrick (Milwaukee Tools Chevy), leaving only race leader Kerry Micks (Cdn. Detailing Svcs. Ford) in his way.

There was little doubt that Whitlock had the faster car of the two, and on lap 169, he blew past Micks on the entry to turn 1. Micks attempted to cool his tires and brakes for another late run at Whitlock, but it wasn’t to be. In the end, Whitlock’s Dodge came home less than half-a-second in front of Micks’ Ford, to become the seventh different feature winner in as many Super Series races this season.

“We adjusted the stagger a bit during our stop, and that set us up for the end,” said Whitlock after the race. “We needed a long green flag run to get through the pack, and we got it. Everybody raced me very clean. Kerry [Micks] basically let me go. He knew how quickly we caught him and he gave me lots of room. I’m sure he was going to try and save his tires for a late run at me, but I wasn’t going to let him get close enough for that.”

For his part, Micks was pleased with the result. “Our goal tonight was to get the lead and stay out front for a while. I wasn’t going to push it too hard with Dave [Whitlock]. I was planning to go back at him later, but we’d worn our stuff out by then. And when J.R. [Fitzpatrick] came up on me so fast, the goal turned into keeping second, and that’s what we did.”

J.R. Fitzpatrick, who led twice during the race for a total of 63 laps, finished third. The podium result allowed the youngster to extend his points lead over his teammate Don Thomson Jr., after seven events. Thomson (Home Hardware Chevy) recovered to fifth-place at the end after being taken out by a backmarker, while running second, during a mid-race restart.

Ron Beauchamp Jr. guided his MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger to fourth at the end. The Windsor, ON racer enjoyed a relatively uneventful race, leaving the physical stuff to others. The Dodge-sponsored Charger of polesitter Mark Dilley came home sixth in the Mosport Speedway 200.

CASCAR NOTEBOOK: Prior to Mosport, Dave Whitlock’s last Super Series victory came on July 4, 2004 at Cayuga Speedway. In that race, he passed Kerry Micks with five laps to go en route to the win… The CASCAR Super Series takes next weekend off before heading to Quebec for the Aug. 25-27 ChampCar Grand Prix of Montreal.

CASCAR Super Series
RESULTS: Mosport Speedway 200
Round #7 // August 12, 2006 // Mosport Speedway
Bowmanville, Ontario // ½-mile banked oval

FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 10 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) NTN Bower / Headz Gamez Inc. / NMT Dodge Charger 200
2 6 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Cdn. Detailing Services Ford Taurus 200
3 5 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Milwaukee Tools Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
4 3 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR / Mobil1 / Exide / Chrysler Jeep Dodge Svc. Dodge Charger 200
5 4 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
6 1 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue M.W. / CRS Dodge Charger 200
7 15 3 Jason Hathaway (Appin, ON) ® Snap-On Tools / Arctic Cat / Super 8 Dodge Charger 200
8 14 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
9 11 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire / Monroe Brakes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
10 16 11 Ron Van Es (Smithville, ON) Star Van Systems Chevrolet Monte Carlo 199
11 2 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / AUTOPRO Chevrolet Monte Carlo 199
12 23 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Freight / Logel’s Dodge Charger 198
13 19 18 Chad McGlynn (Kitchener, ON) McGlynn Motorsports Ford Taurus 197
14 21 86 Kenny Forth (Lynden, ON) Midnight Sun / Parkinson Tours / CHAM 820 Ford Taurus 197
15 8 77 Derek Lynch (Warkworth, ON) Canadian Shield / JJ Stewart Motors Dodge Charger 196
16 18 33 Bertrand Godin (St-Hyacinthe, QC) ® Arctic Cat Chevrolet Monte Carlo 196
17 7 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) ERB / AW Millwrights Dodge Charger 193
18 22 09 Kent Nuhn (Williamsford, ON) ® Nuhn Motorsports Pontiac Grand Prix 191
19 12 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Chevrolet Monte Carlo 180
20 20 93 Joe Goncalves (Concord, ON) Bolt-On Performance / Pro-Spray Chevrolet Monte Carlo 146
21 17 50 Joey McColm (Ajax, ON) ® ATTO Dodge Charger 140
22 9 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Dodge Charger 85
23 13 88 Dave Jacombs (Mt. Hope, ON) Lou's BBQ / CPS Flooring Ford Taurus 14


POLESITTER: #9 Mark Dilley (21.852 seconds) // TIME OF RACE: 1 hour, 42 minutes and 53 seconds // AVERAGE SPEED: 64.149 mph // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.378 seconds // CAUTIONS: 7 for a total of 48 // LAP LEADERS: #9 Mark Dilley (1-19), #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (20-22), #9 Mark Dilley (23-73), #4 Don Thomson Jr. (74-76), #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (77-136), #02 Kerry Micks (137-169), #39 Dave Whitlock (170-200) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #4 Don Thomson Jr. (21.975 seconds) // FAST EDDIE HARD CHARGER: #19 Brad Graham (Advanced 11 positions)

UNOFFICIAL POINTS: CASCAR SUPER SERIES (After 7 events, as of August 12, 2006): 1. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1221 pts.); 2. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1198); 3. #02 Kerry Micks (1173); 4. #39 Dave Whitlock (1154); 5. #22 Scott Steckly (1147); 6. #9 Mark Dilley (1114); 7. #19 Brad Graham (1107); 8. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (1103); 9. #1 Peter Gibbons (1084); 10. #10 Doug Brown (1081); 11. #17 DJ Kennington (1070); 12. #25 Jim Lapcevich (1055); 13. #3 Jason Hathaway ® (1048); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (954); 15. #09 Kent Nuhn (926)

® after the hometown denotes Rookie contender.

Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications.