Bourque: Update from Loudon, NH

Canadian Pierre Bourque is in Loudon, NH for this weekend's NASCAR Busch East Series race at New Hampshire Int'l Speedway. The event is part of a busy weekend at NHIS, featuring the first race of the Chase for the Nextel Cup, as well as the Modified Tour.

Here is an update from Pierre at the track....

"We had a wet Thursday down here. We managed a dozen laps or so in a rain-shortened practice session yesterday around noon.

"I was 22nd quickest out of 46 cars entered before the skies opened up and the rains fell for the balance of the day. So our late-afternoon qualifying session was cancelled and NASCAR reverted to the rule book to line up the cars in the order of points in the championship.

"So I will start 17th tomorrow. The race is noon. 125 laps. I am totally pumped because it is the first time all season long that I am actually back at a NASCAR track that I've raced on before. It felt really good out there yesterday, I was barely warming up when I had to come in, so I feel we are well placed for the race."

- Pierre

OSCAAR: Biederman Memorial at Peterborough

Peterborough Speedway will play host to OSCAAR’s most prestigious race of the 2006 season on Saturday September 16th.

The high banks of Peterborough Speedway always provides some of the best Outlaw racing throughout the OSCAAR season, and the Don Biederman Memorial 75 lap feature event is guaranteed to provide fast and furious wheel to wheel action that will keep fans on the edge of their seat.

The Don Biederman Memorial pays tribute to the life and legacy of one of Canada’s finest Super Late Model drivers of all time. The familiar 43 was notorious for his winning ways, aggressive style, and his outspoken and cantankerous character. If Don wasn’t thrilling the fans in the stands with his on-track performance, then his off-track antics kept things most exciting. Admired for his passion and dedication to short track racing, Biederman possessed the fire and desire to win every time behind the wheel.

There is no doubt that as a Canadian, Biederman achieved great success in racing the short tracks of Canada, and across the border. During his career he won countless prestigious events and championships. Perhaps his greatest achievement was winning the 1977 Oxford 250 in Oxford, Me., where he beat many of the established NASCAR stars of the day. In 2001, Don Biederman earned one of Canada’s highest honours in racing, as he was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Since the inception of this annual event there have been four different winners of the Don Biederman Memorial. Leading the charge will be three time winner John Fletcher in his JNE Consulting #61. This team is also the current OSCAAR point leader and has a series high of six feature wins in 2006. Second place point man Rob Clarke comes into the 2006 version of the Don Biederman Memorial as a two-time and defending Champion of this event. The #49 Outlaw of Clarke always runs very competitive at Peterborough, as this team picked up the feature win earlier in 2006. Stu Robinson Jr will be returning to Outlaw competition at Peterborough Speedway for the first time in a couple of years. The 2001 winner of the Don Biederman Memorial has teamed up with the #11 Robbins Motorsport team for the remainder of the 2006 season. The only other previous winner of this prestigious event is Dave Taylor who took the win 2000. Dave does not currently pilot a super late model, but can be seen in the pits each and every week.

The 8th Annual Don Biederman Memorial event should prove to be one of the most competitive in recent years. 2006 may be the year that a new name is added to the winners trophy. Leading the charge has to be the #67 of Phil Bullen who is having a break out season in 2006. Drew Spicer has been knocking on the door all year looking for their second OSCAAR feature win. 2006 Rookie of The Year candidate Glenn Watson might surprise everyone and become the first rookie to win this prestigious event. Two previous rookies of the OSCAAR series, Ed Bowlby and TJ Woosley could also play the spoiler role this weekend and pick up their first ever feature win in OSCAAR. Steve Lyons turned a lot of heads in his first ever OSCAAR event leading a large portion of a feature event at Kawartha Speedway a few weeks back, as he could prove to be the Cinderella story of 2006 by taking the win this weekend.

No matter who you cheer for each week, you can be assured that each and every OSCAAR Outlaw driver will be doing their best to honour the memory of the familiar #43 of Don Biederman.

In addition, to 75 laps of awesome Outlaw Super Late Model racing action, the season high purse will also include the Abrams Towing Pole Award, Bryan Cathcart Trucking 1/2 way Leader and Most Laps Lead Award, Peterborough Speedway and OSCAAR have many added attractions this Saturday September 16th. The Don Biederman Hall of Fame car will be on display throughout the evening. The OSCAAR Outlaws will be joined by the Hurricane Midgets, Mini-Stocks, Four Funs and a Donut Race. What is a Donut Race you ask?!? Be sure to attend to find out. Bike Races will be held at intermission for the kids. Prior to the feature, OSCAAR will host an autograph session so that you can meet and greet your favourite drivers.

For custom car enthusiasts, Ruckiss Rydez will be presenting the 1st Annual Show N’ Shine, a custom car show specializing in hot rods, imports, trucks and outlaws. Fans will be able to “cruise” the custom car area, and vote for their favourite hot rod.

Be sure to arrive early, as the Outlaws and Peterborough Speedway will be hosting a Pre-Race Corn Roast in honour of all our supporting fans!

All of this exciting entertainment wrapped in one single event – The 8th Annual Don Biederman Memorial! Spectator gates will open at 4:00, with racing action getting underway at 6:00! Admission at the spectator gate as follows: Adults - $18.00, Youth/Seniors - $16.00, Kids 6-11 - $2.00 and Kids Under 6 are Free.

By Kim Mahony / OSCAAR

STEELBACK SAUBLE SPEEDWAY: Saturday night!

Thanks to the Chisholms for their support! Nice touch on the banner.
It's supposed to be a great weekend, so why not head to the track?!


FROM STEELBACK SAUBLE SPEEDWAY:

NEXT RACE: End Season Championship for the: Quaker State Ltd. Late Models, Reg Noble Pro Stocks, Pepsi Pure Stocks, and the RAIN-X 4 Cyl's

Pit Gate Opens at 4:00, Grandstand opens at 5:00, with Racing at 7pm

Adults $15.00, Youth (13 to 16) and Senior (65) $14.00, Kids 12 and Under FREE when accompanied with an adult.

The Race gets Tighter as TARGA Newfoundland 2006 nears the end, can Swain and Bell hold onto their Lead?

The day started early this morning for Team TARGA Corvette as they made the long transit from Clarenville, to the Burin Peninsula on the south east coast of Newfoundland. Fortunately, the storm had left behind clear skies and dry roads for the day ahead.

The yellow Corvette is a favorite in the Burin Peninsula after causing quite a stir last year when the Swain and Bell jumped the car over “thrill hill”. The boys played it cool this year, as their goal this year was to complete each stage flawlessly, and avoid undue damage to the car.

Thus far, the race for class leader has been a tough battle with Mark Swain (driver) and Mike Bell (navigator) in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, leading by only seconds over Keith Townsend (driver) and Jen Horsey (navigator) in the Subaru WRX.

After some complex stages this morning the battle for 1st was even closer. Lunch was spent in the picturesque town of Burin, and it was a welcomed opportunity to meet the local townsfolk, check over the cars, and enjoy the sunshine. Below: Swain takes a minute to adjust their QA1 shocks for the bumpy roads ahead, while Bell diligently inspects his notes for the afternoon stages on the grassy shores of Newfoundland.

The long days and challenging stages are beginning to wear on the competitors of this event. With tomorrow bringing the longest day consisting of 10 stages (including some brand new runs), the race becomes a test of endurance and preparation. Regular maintenance and safe driving tactics are keeping the Team TARGA Corvette performing well. Going into the final day of this event Swain and Bell have maintained their lead, but with only a 2-second gap between 1st and 2nd place, anything could happen tomorrow!

Team TARGA Corvette appreciates the support of:
Mobil 1
Cole Engineering
Wilson Niblett Chevrolet
Hickman Motors
Inside Track Motorsport news.
Carbotech Brakes
Be sure to check http://www.targanewfoundland.com/ for more information tomorrow.

Are you lost?

Are you involved with a company that could benefit from an association with Canadian motorsports in the wake of the unveiling of the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Stock Car Series?

Are you with an agency, and felt like a deer in the headlights when your client called today, asking you about the big news?

We can help. We do it all the time.

Drop us a note or call us at (416) 962-7223 and put our years of expertise and contacts to work for you.

- Greg MacPherson / Inside Track Communications

STICKY: This post will be headlined until 3 p.m. on Sept. 14. Please check below for news updates

A1GP: Toronto's James Hinchcliffe confirmed for A1 Team Canada

Montreal, Québec (September 14, 2006) - Looking to build on its tenth place finish in the Nations Standings from the inaugural season of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, A1 Team Canada has today announced Toronto's James Hinchcliffe and Vancouver's Sean McIntosh as the drivers charged with leading the team's attack for the 2006-07 season starting with the season-opener at Circuit Park Zandvoort, Holland on Sunday 1st October.

With McIntosh (21) returning to the team for the sophomore season, he's joined this time round by another of Canada's break-through open-wheel racing talents, James Hinchcliffe (19). While McIntosh has been competing with success over in Europe for the past three seasons, where he currently sits seventh overall in his rookie season in the World Series by Renault, Toronto-born Hinchcliffe has been powering his way through the North American ranks, a front-runner and race winner in Formula BMW USA, the Star Mazda Series and in 2006, the Champ Car Atlantic Championship.

Quebec's Kevin Lacroix (17) has also tested with A1 Team Canada, impressing with his pace and performance, and it is the intention of the team, subject to availability, to give him further opportunities to showcase his skills as the A1GP season progresses.

Delighted to have such an exciting driver line-up A1 Team Canada Seat Holder Wade Cherwayko commented:

"Without a doubt I believe we have in our driver line-up two of Canada's future open-wheel racing stars. Sean (McIntosh) and James (Hinchcliffe) have demonstrated their talents on both sides of the Atlantic and in some of the strongest and most competitive formula's open to young drivers, put simply they're both winners!

"Sean did an amazing job for the team last season, racing against drivers who boasted Formula One, Champ Car and Indy Racing League experience, culminating in his victory in Indonesia while James has proved himself more than capable in pre-season testing, topping the timesheets at Silverstone two weeks ago. Based on their respective forms I'm looking forward to seeing A1 Team Canada return to the top step of the podium this season."

Returning for his second year of A1GP, Sean McIntosh is keen to build on last season's record of success:
"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to represent Canada once again in A1GP. Last season was an incredible challenge but I stepped up and was grateful for the chance to showcase my ability on a truly global motorsport platform. Without a doubt my proudest moment was signing 'Oh Canada' on the top step of the podium having won the Feature race in Indonesia last February. The goal for this season has to be more of the same, we have to be more consistent and if we're up there fighting for podiums and wins at each round then we should be in the mix to win the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport."

Eager to follow in McIntosh's footsteps and enjoy similar levels of success driving A1 Team Canada's A1GP car against 24 rival nations, James Hinchcliffe looks ahead to his debut:

"It really goes without saying that it's an honor to represent your country in anything and A1GP offers a fantastic platform for me to do that in motorsport. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to test for A1 Team Canada back in July and then we followed that up with a pretty good showing in the official pre-season test at Silverstone a couple of weeks ago. I've really enjoyed working with the team so far and I'm obviously looking forward now to competing in A1GP and building on the foundation put down by A1 Team Canada last year."

A1 Team Canada consultant and 1964 Formula One World Champion, John Surtees, is confident in the abilities of the team's driver line-up:

"Sean (McIntosh) and James (Hinchcliffe) make for an exceptionally strong driver pairing for A1 Team Canada! We evaluated Sean last year and he seized the opportunity to race in A1GP with both hands and developed tremendously as a driver in the process, highlighted by his first A1GP victory. From him we expect more of the same with a full season of experience to draw upon this time around. James was impressive from his very first test session, stepping up with ease from the Champ Car Atlantic car he's been racing this season into the more powerful A1GP car. His pace in pre-season testing has been very encouraging and now we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on when the racing starts."

A1 Team Canada will be run this season by Power Hawk Racing, formed by Seat Holder Wade Cherwayko to operate the team 'in-house', in association with Team JVA with John Village continuing to oversee on-track operations as Team Manager. There will be additional team involvement from Toronto-based Team Autotecnica, winner's of the 2005 Formula BMW USA Championship.

James Hinchcliffe will be first up on duty for A1 Team Canada in Round 1 at Circuit Park Zandvoort in Holland on Sunday 1st October. Sean McIntosh will also be in action that weekend as he'll be competing in the penultimate round of the World Series By Renault, hosted at Le Mans, France. After Holland A1GP moves on to the Czech Republic the following weekend before the schedule expands to the likes of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico and Great Britain.

Copyright-free images of Sean McIntosh and James Hinchcliffe in action for A1 Team Canada are available for download at www.a1gp-photo.com/can
ENDS - www.a1teamcan.com

For further information please contact: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager, A1 Team Canada
Tel: +1 514 684 3253 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@a1teamcan.com

CASCAR: Kawartha Speedway is set to play host to the Dodge Charger 250 CASCAR Super Series finale

TORONTO, ON – This Sunday, the 2006 CASCAR Super Series season will draw to a close at Kawartha Speedway. The event will be special for several reasons. Heading into the Sept. 16-17 race weekend at the high-banked, 3/8-mile Peterborough-area oval, 18-year-old racer J.R. Fitzpatrick leads the points by a healthy margin. The talented Ayr, ON resident is poised to dethrone his Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammate Don Thomson Jr., who has dominated the CASCAR Super Series championship for the past five seasons.

Thomson (Home Hardware Chevy) enters the ‘Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR’ in third-place in the standings, a full 69-points back of young Fitzpatrick (Milwaukee Tools Chevy). Sitting between the youngster and his mentor is former Super Series champ Kerry Micks (Cdn. Detailing Svcs. Ford), who is 51 markers back of points-leader Fitzpatrick.

In all, the top six competitors are within 100-points of each other as the 2006 Super Series season has been as competitive as any before it, producing eight different winners in the 10 feature events held so far. Only Micks (Mosport Int’l Raceway & the G.P. de Montreal) and Dave Whitlock (Mosport Speedway & Cayuga Int’l Speedway) have made more than one trip to victory lane this season.

The Dodge Charger 250 will also be notable in that it will signal an end to a glorious chapter in Canadian motorsports. The Sept. 17 event will be the final CASCAR Super Series race ever. Taking its place in May 2007 will be the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, which was unveiled on Tuesday morning at a press conference in downtown Toronto.

Initial reaction to the news has been swift and positive. The CASCAR racers and teams are eager to join the NASCAR family, and are honoured to be invited to become part of motorsports most successful sanctioning body.

Peter Gibbons, who has flown the Canadian Tire colours for a decade on the Super Series, is extremely pleased to see the new series announced, and is looking forward to being in the starting field for the first ever NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race, next May. “This allows the existing people and the new people to create something enormous,” said the two-time National champion, following the press conference. “I talk to a bunch of the racers and they’ve been on the edge of their seats, waiting for the time when they could tell people that NASCAR and Canadian Tire are involved. We’re looking to go into 2007 bigger than ever.”

Sunday afternoon’s ‘Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR’ is the headline event in a busy weekend of racing at Kawartha Speedway. The Sportsman Series and Ontario Legends will take to the track on Saturday, while the CASCAR Super Series will complete its entire qualifying and race program on Sunday. See below for a full schedule of events.

KAWARTHA RACE NOTES: On Saturday, the CASCAR Sportsman Series will hold its fifth and final race of the season, at Kawartha Speedway. The 100-lap feature race will take the green flag on Saturday night (Sept. 16) at 9:00 p.m. Defending series champ Dion Verhoeven enters the race two points ahead of recent race dominator Shawn McGlynn… DJ Kennington is the defending winner of the Dodge Charger 250 Super Series race at Kawartha. He also led the way in qualifying in ‘05, earning the pole with a time trial lap of 18.166 seconds around the 3/8-mile oval… This year’s top Super Series rookie, Jason Hathaway, won last year’s Sportsman Series closer at Kawartha… DaimlerChrysler is poised to win its second-consecutive CASCAR Manufacturers Championship, on Sunday at Kawartha. Two consecutive podium sweeps by the MOPAR-powered, Dodge Charger contingent – in the last two races – have laid the groundwork for the longtime Super Series sponsor to earn this prestigious honour for a second year in a row… The CASCAR banquet will take place on Friday, October 6 in London, ON. Contact CASCAR for details.

SCHEDULE: Kawartha Speedway
Peterborough, Ontario
Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR
CASCAR Super Series // CASCAR Sportsman Series

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2006

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CASCAR Sportsman Series Practice
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Legends Practice
7:00 p.m. Legends Heats (2)
7:20 p.m. CASCAR Sportsman Series Time Trial Qualifying
7:50 p.m. Legends Heats (2)
8:10 p.m. Legends Feature Race
9:00 p.m. START: CASCAR Sportsman Series Feature Race (100 Laps)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2006

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
1:30 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Time Trial Qualifying
2:15 p.m. Driver Autograph Session
3:00 p.m. Driver Introductions
3:30 p.m. START: CASCAR SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
THE DODGE CHARGER 250 PRESENTED BY THE DODGE DEALERS OF ONTARIO

POINT STANDINGS

CASCAR Super Series (As of Sept. 9, 2006 // Top 15): 1. #84 JR Fitzpatrick (1732); 2. #02 Kerry Micks (1681); 3. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1663); 4. #39 Dave Whitlock (1662); 5. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (1646); 6. #9 Mark Dilley (1632); 7. #22 Scott Steckly (1628); 8. #1 Peter Gibbons (1580); 9. #19 Brad Graham (1555); 10. #17 DJ Kennington (1554); 11. #10 Doug Brown (1538); 12. #25 Jim Lapcevich (1532); 13. #3 R Jason Hathaway (1507); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (1242); 15. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (1217)

CASCAR Flo~Pro.Com Western Series (As of Sept. 3, 2006 // Top 15): 1. #36 Jim White (1188 pts.); 2. #35 Kevin Dowler (1165); 3. #30 Derek Polack (1128); 4. #6 Todd Nichol (1069); 5. #26 Shaun Polack (1032); 6. #79 Wade Lee (1031); 7. #21 Jason White (993); 8. #86 Shawn Press (974); 9. #24 Scott Dennis (958); 10. #71 Daryl Harr (957); 11. #2 Carl Harr (905); 12. #87 James Ward (617); 13. #5 Fred Whiteman (540); 14. #48 Chris Dennis (483); 15. #96 Norm Hunger (478)

CASCAR Sportsman Series (As of Sept. 3, 2006 // Top 10): 1. #77 Dion Verhoeven (326 pts.); 2. #81 Shawn McGlynn (324); 3. #00 Steve Munro (303); 4. #32 Mike Alguire (295); 5. #11 Cole Weber (286); 6. #95 Ron Lethbridge (285); 7. #82 Dave Connelly (273); 8. #48 Doug Cathcart (269); 9. #67 Scott Mitchell (267); 10. #36 Alan Lebert (264)

CASCAR ON TV: The ‘Hot Head Henry 200 powered by Griddly Headz’ from Cayuga Int’l Speedway will air on Saturday (Sept. 16) on SPORTSNET (9:00 p.m. on ONT // 8:00 p.m. on EAST / WEST / PAC. 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.

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

Team TARGA Corvette Outruns the Hurricane and their Competition

The storm came, and although it was not the hurricane we were expecting, it was very wet and windy on the eastern coast of Newfoundland today. Two of the five stages scheduled for the day were canceled do to storm surges that inundated the roadways. This was the first chance that Team TARGA Corvette had tried out their car on wet pavement, and they were pleasantly surprised. Instead of the rear wheel drive disadvantage that Mark Swain (driver) and Mike Bell (navigator) predicted, they clearly outperformed all of the other cars in the event. With Bell’s clear navigation, and Swain’s smooth driving they finished even further ahead of the pack adding 3 more seconds to their lead. With TARGA Newfoundland 2006 more than halfway completed, the boys are leading their class by a margin of 7 seconds.

Team TARGA Corvette would like to thank all of the towns involved in today’s event for their support despite the weather conditions, the officials responsible for making today a success, and our sponsors

Mobil 1
Cole Engineering
Wilson Niblett Chevrolet
Hickman Motors
Inside Track Motorsport news.
Carbotech Brakes

for their continued support in what is proving to be an exciting event. Please visit http://www.targanewfoundland.com/ for more information.

CASCAR Banquet Details

To all CASCAR Super Series and Sportsman Series teams and sponsors,

Please be advised that the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Banquet of Champions will take place as follows:

When: Friday October 6, 2006

Where: Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites, 1150 Wellington Road South (just south of the 401), London, ON

NCTS: WHITLOCK TO RACE IN NEW NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES IN 2007

Wyoming, ON, Wednesday Sept. 13, 2006: Dave Whitlock is pleased to announce that they will be taking part in the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2007. NASCAR, NASCAR Canada and Canadian Tire jointly announced yesterday at a ceremony in downtown Toronto, the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series which will replace the CASCAR Super Series in 2007.

"All of us at Whitlock Motorsports are thrilled about being able to particpate in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series next year," stated Whitlock from his Wyoming, ON racing facility. "The future of stock car racing in Canada just got a lot brighter and the NASCAR household name will no doubt afford all of us great new opportunities as we rely on NASCAR's fifty years of experience."

NASCAR also announced that tracks and event dates will be announced over the coming months. It is expected that the schedule will be similar to the eleven race 2006 CASCAR schedule which approximately 400,000 Canadian racing fans attended. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Whitlock Motorsports and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series over the coming months.

Following are some links to newspaper articles since yesterdays exciting announcement.
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=c2e7c47a-707c-40cc-858b-39b4bc8ec6fe&k=5698http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=173642&FS=CASCARhttp://www.autonet.ca/Motorsports/Story.cfm?Story=/Moto rsports/NASCAR/2006/09/12/1830023-cp.html.

NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada, based in Mississauga, Ontario manufactures and distributes a wide range of ball and roller bearings, serving the automotive, industrial and recreational markets. Established in 1968, NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd. has enjoyed continuous growth and expansion over the past 30 years. NTN Bearings are available through more than three hundred distribution outlets across Canada. With this extensive network, NTN is able to offer prompt, off the shelf service anywhere in the country. For more information on NTN Bearings please visit their website at www.ntn.ca

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

Established in 1981,CASCAR (Canadian Association for Stock Car Racing) is the governing body for amateur and professional stock car racing in Canada. Today it boasts the highest level of stock car racing in the nation, and sanctions Canada's premier (and only national) stock car racing series, the CASCAR Super Series. There are three race series, the CASCAR Super Series, the Sportsman Series and the Flo-Pro CASCAR Western Series made up of over 150 teams from Quebec to British Columbia. For more information on CASCAR please visit their website at www.cascar.ca

Whitlock Motorsports is a professional racing business located in Wyoming, ON just outside of Sarnia. The 5,000 square foot dedicated motorsports facility houses up to eight race cars, a chassis dyno and all the necessary tools to field a competitive two car race team. Dave Whitlock boasts three National Championships, 1991, 1997 and 1998 along with several top three National Championship finishes, while teammate Mark Dilley has one National Championship to his credit in 1994. Both teams have consistently posted finishes in the Top Six in the National Point Standings since Dilley joined the Whitlock team in 1999.

From Linda Jones Marketing

NCTS: JACOMBS LOOKING FORWARD TO FIELDING ENTRY IN NEW SERIES

Hamilton, ON: Dave Jacombs is looking forward to fielding an entry in the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. In a joint announcement yesterday NASCAR and Canadian Tire unveiled the preliminary plans for the new series which will replace the former CASCAR Super Series in 2007.

The CASCAR Super Series with founder Tony Novotny has been Canada's premier motorsports series for the past twenty five years, however over the last few seasons they have struggled and their growth was stagnant so this is great news for all Canadian racers and motorsports fans.

"It's the news we have been waiting to hear for over two years," stated an enthused Dave Jacombs. "Richard Buck from the NASCAR office has been travelling with us for two race seasons so we knew it was coming and now that it has finally happened we are thrilled to be able to race next year under the NASCAR banner with Canadian Tire as a title sponsor."

"This has been a transition year for Jacombs Racing, what with putting Robin Buck in the car at the road course venues and Patrick Carpentier and Andrew Ranger in the car for a couple of ovals races," said Jacombs. "We are trying to give value to our sponsors by generating more attention for our team. We are also talking with several drivers who are interested in getting behind the wheel of the #88 Jacombs Racing Taurus in 2007."

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2007 will consist of 10 - 12 races between May and October and they advise the schedule will be provided to us over the next couple of months but expect it to remain relatively unchanged from the 2006 CASCAR schedule.

The CASCAR Super Series attended eleven venues with the final being this weekend at Kawartha Speedway in Peterborough over the 2006 season, from Montreal to British Columbia including the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres, the Grand Prix of Edmonton and the Grand Prix Montreal.

From Linda Jones / LJM Marketing

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.... more observations

Yesterday's NASCAR Canadian Tire Series announcement garnered more attention than a Canadian grassroots racing event has received in the time I've been in the sport.

The most interesting thing to watch are the people who have ignored Canadian racing for years, struggle to catch up. Or more correctly, attempt to fake that they know something about what is happening.

Question after question about Montreal.... when yesterday wasn't about Montreal or the Cup Series.

I laughed all the way in to work this morning. On the Fan590, there was a guy named Mike Hogan hosting a show. He proudly proclaimed that he has no interest in NASCAR. I thought that was an odd admission for someone in his position to make. Kind of ignorant.

After his 15th consecutive caller came on the line, raving about how much fun stock car racing is and what a blast it is to attend NASCAR races, you would have thought it would have clicked with the guy that he was coming off like a putz. He might as well have admitted that he didn't care about hockey or basketball.

It was very clear that however many listeners the guy has, a lot of them are NASCAR / racing fans. But he doesn't care.

Anyway, as someone who has a business in this field, I give thanks every day that these so-called experts would rather sit in a cushy box at the Dome, throwing back suds and eating free grub, than getting out to the short tracks and speedways to find out what their listeners are so passionate about. Do you think it's just laziness?

When was the last time someone called into a radio station ranting passionately about baseball? Keep it up buddy.

Team TARGA Corvette Extends their Lead on Day 2

Day 2 in the TARGA Newfoundland 2006 Road Rally Race brought even more thrills and excitement. Early in the day the rear brake rotor cracked, and the Team TARGA Corvette was forced to drive with it through two difficult stages. The weather was dry and overcast as they sped though northern Newfoundland, making the wide-open stages even faster for Mark Swain (driver) and Mike Bell (navigator). The final run of the morning through leading tickles was the fastest stage of the day, with only one car narrowly missing a swim in the ocean as the cars sped into town. This run was a personal favorite for Swain and Bell who were lucky to perform a lightening fast rear brake rotor repair before the start of the stage.

Hundreds saw the car today as the event had a lunch stop in Leading Tickles, Meet and Greets in Lewisporte, Norris Arm and Appleton. A final car show in Gander finished the day for the team. Mark, Mike and the rest of the team handed out Mobil 1 pens, hats and Team TARGA Corvette stickers to the excited crowds.

Team TARGA Corvette made good on their promise this morning and gained even more time on their competition, extending their lead to 4 seconds. This is still a very tight race, and with the impending hurricane warning, anything could happen. Check back later to see if the boys were able hold onto their slim lead over Keith Townsend and Jen Horsey driving the 4-wheel drive Subaru in the wet weather.

Special thanks go out to Ernie Jakubowski for lending the Team TARGA Corvette his in helmet intercom system this morning. We would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.

Mobil 1
Cole Engineering
Wilson Niblett Chevrolet
Hickman Motors
Inside Track Motorsport news.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.... notes

Did a Google news search of "CASCAR" and was pleasantly surprised.

• CBC Sports
• Toronto Star
• The Globe & Mail

and more at this link

My main reaction today was a sense of relief for the drivers. The racers, their teams and the existing sponsors are primarily responsible for getting CASCAR to the starting line (today). We owe them all a debt of gratitude for projecting such a professional image and producing incredible racing, during financially difficult times.

Who would have thought a Canadian homegrown series would attract the attention of NASCAR... and that they would place their stamp of approval on CASCAR by hanging their golden name on it? That is the biggest tribute of all.

Over the past few months and weeks, when we knew that something like this was in the works, I'll have to admit that it was a little bit frustrating not to be 'in the loop'. I would imagine that the drivers, sponsors and owners who have invested so much money in the sport were 10-times more frustrated than I. And I don't blame them for that.

But the bottom line is that Canadian Tire wanted it to be a secret. And to their credit, the people they charged with keeping that secret, didn't let them down.

As I sit here tonight, I don't care about that anymore.

All I care about is the future. In the past few years, we've seen GM walk away from the sport, and Ford chased from it. In my opinion, the ISA disaster hung over Canadian motorsport until 10:59 a.m. this morning.

But now, the darkness is lifting. We made it. The CASCAR community - the drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors, fans and associated businesses - have weathered the storm and the sun is rising.

By changing the first "C" in CASCAR into an "N", doors that have long been slammed in the faces of those looking for sponsorship.... will open.

As someone with a business that has featured CASCAR and Canadian racing, I have never been so excited about the future.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Reaction

I will post some of the quotes and reactions as I transcribe and receive them.


Here is one from Canadian web entrepreneur / stock car racer Pierre Bourque, who is Canada's lone full-time NASCAR driver in 2006. The Ottawa, ON resident, known for his Bourque Newswatch site, passed along these comments:

“This is absolutely fantastic news for Canadian stock car fans. NASCAR is the 800 lb. gorilla in North American motorsports. I've been working with NASCAR's Richard Buck and Ian Charlton (NASCAR Canada), among others, all season long. They are first-class and have been extremely helpful and encouraging to me all season long.

“I have little doubt that current CASCAR competitors and those Canadians who aspire to compete in professional stock car racing will be extremely impressed with NASCAR in 2007 !

“One last thought. Nascar is all about the fan, it is totally fan-centric. And that augers extremely well for Canadian race car buffs !”

In 2007, Pierre Bourque will be participating in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with Whitlock Motorsports.

PHOTOS from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series press conference

The new logo...

The press conference started at 11 a.m. at Dundas Square, across from the Eaton Centre, in downtown Toronto.

(l to r) NASCAR's Robbie Weiss, Todd Sharmann (Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire Retail) and NASCAR's Richard Buck, in front of the Gibbons Motorsports-prepared car, sporting the new series' logo.

CASCAR Founder Tony Novotny (with his wife Linda) said he was "relieved" to see the sale finally happen.

CASCAR to be renamed the “NASCAR Canadian Tire Series” ... Set to debut in May 2007

TORONTO, ON (September 12, 2006) - In support of its initiatives across Canada, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the creation of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Scheduled to launch in May 2007, the series includes a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Canadian Tire - an iconic Canadian brand with strong national presence.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will operate nationally in Canada with a schedule of 10-12 races (May-October). The series will provide new racing opportunities for teams and drivers from the former CASCAR series. The official NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule, point fund and tracks will be announced at a later date.

The series will receive support from NASCAR's extensive resources, including competition, research and development, marketing, licensing and communications. A dedicated staff will operate the series, with NASCAR Canada providing additional support in sponsorship, licensing, marketing and media initiatives.

"NASCAR racing is a popular, growing sport in Canada, enjoyed by millions of passionate fans," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Vice-President of Racing Operations. "The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will help attract new Canadian fans and competitors and bring the excitement of NASCAR racing to new fans in Canada. We also recognize the tremendous history and heritage of CASCAR and welcome its fans and competitors into this exciting new series."

NASCAR has a strong fan base in Canada with 5.8 million fans, representing one out of four Canadian adults. The average Canadian NASCAR fan has been following the sport for approximately 10 years. The Canadian NASCAR fan base is truly national with fans from all across the country: British Columbia - 12%, Alberta - 11%, Manitoba/Saskatchewan - 6%, Ontario - 39%, Quebec - 24%, Atlantic Canada (made up of all Atlantic provinces) - 8%.*

In addition to becoming title sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canadian Tire, the most-shopped general merchandiser in the country, will become the official automotive retailer of NASCAR in Canada. Canadian Tire will offer exclusive customer promotions, seasonal marketing programs and national advertising and in-store programs in partnership with NASCAR Canada. As part of the partnership agreement and its continued focus on being first-to-market with new and exciting products, Canadian Tire will explore licensing opportunities, including developing a new line of NASCAR products for the automotive aftermarket.

"NASCAR and Canadian Tire share a passion for motorsports and automotive products," said Todd Sharman, Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire Retail. "We are excited that through this partnership we are able to bring the NASCAR racing experience to Canadian fans and look forward to creating an exciting, new lineup of NASCAR branded products."

"NASCAR Canada is pleased to welcome Canadian Tire to NASCAR as its officially designated automotive retailer in Canada. It's a natural fit, as our fan base is Canadian Tire's customer," said Randy Paul, Managing Director of NASCAR Canada. "NASCAR fans will benefit from this association with Canadian Tire, whether it's watching NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races on TSN, attending the new racing series, purchasing licensed products in-store, or participating in NASCAR-themed events at dealers across Canada."

TSN, a NASCAR broadcast partner for more than 20 years, will help market the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and draw new fans to NASCAR and stock car racing in Canada. Among these efforts, TSN is developing a monthly magazine-style show that will showcase the many aspects of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The program will spotlight the stars of the series, race news, updates and highlights.

NASCAR is the No. 1 televised motorsport in Canada. The 2006 Daytona 500 was the most-watched motorsport race in TSN history with a national average audience of 568,000 viewers.**

From Andrea Goldstein / NASCAR Canada

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES

TORONTO, ON - For 2007, CASCAR will be known as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

I am stunned and pleased that it was all about CASCAR and Canadian racing... A real tribute to the teams and drivers who got it this far.

... More to come.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to debut May 2007

Courtesy Andrea Goldstein

Toronto, ON (September 12, 2006) - In support of its initiatives across Canada, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the creation of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Scheduled to launch in May 2007, the series includes a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Canadian Tire - an iconic Canadian brand with strong national presence.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will operate nationally in Canada with a schedule of 10-12 races (May-October). The series will provide new racing opportunities for teams and drivers from the former CASCAR series. The official NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule, point fund and tracks will be announced at a later date.

The series will receive support from NASCAR's extensive resources, including competition, research and development, marketing, licensing and communications. A dedicated staff will operate the series, with NASCAR Canada providing additional support in sponsorship, licensing, marketing and media initiatives.

"NASCAR racing is a popular, growing sport in Canada, enjoyed by millions of passionate fans," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Vice-President of Racing Operations. "The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will help attract new Canadian fans and competitors and bring the excitement of NASCAR racing to new fans in Canada. We also recognize the tremendous history and heritage of CASCAR and welcome its fans and competitors into this exciting new series."

NASCAR has a strong fan base in Canada with 5.8 million fans, representing one out of four Canadian adults. The average Canadian NASCAR fan has been following the sport for approximately 10 years.

In addition to becoming title sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canadian Tire, the most-shopped general merchandiser in the country, will become the official automotive retailer of NASCAR in Canada. Canadian Tire will offer exclusive customer promotions, seasonal marketing programs and national advertising and in-store programs in partnership with NASCAR Canada. As part of the partnership agreement and its continued focus on being first-to-market with new and exciting products, Canadian Tire will explore licensing opportunities, including developing a new line of NASCAR products for the automotive aftermarket.

"NASCAR and Canadian Tire share a passion for motorsports and automotive products," said Todd Sharman, Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire Retail. "We are excited that through this partnership we are able to bring the NASCAR racing experience to Canadian fans and look forward to creating an exciting, new lineup of NASCAR branded products."

"NASCAR Canada is pleased to welcome Canadian Tire to NASCAR as its officially designated automotive retailer in Canada. It's a natural fit, as our fan base is Canadian Tire's customer," said Randy Paul, Managing Director of NASCAR Canada. "NASCAR fans will benefit from this association with Canadian Tire, whether it's watching NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races on TSN, attending the new racing series, purchasing licensed products in-store, or participating in NASCAR-themed events at dealers across Canada."

TSN, a NASCAR broadcast partner for more than 20 years, will help market the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and draw new fans to NASCAR and stock car racing in Canada. Among these efforts, TSN is developing a monthly magazine-style show that will showcase the many aspects of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The program will spotlight the stars of the series, race news, updates and highlights.

NASCAR is the No. 1 televised motorsport in Canada. The 2006 Daytona 500 was the most-watched motorsport race in TSN history with a national average audience of 568,000 viewers.

CASCAR / NASCAR: Today is the day

BREAKING NEWS:

Word is getting out from official sources.

Within the hour, NASCAR and Canadian Tire officials will announce that CASCAR will be replaced in 2007 with a series called the "NASCAR Canadian Tire Series".

The schedule and number of events will be similar to what exists now. The cars and rules should remain largely the same. The title sponsorship deal with Canadian Tire is a "long-term" deal.

This is great news for the teams and sponsors who worked so hard, and waited so long, to maintain the high level of competition and professionalism through trying times. They've earned it.

.... heading over to the press conference now. Will post from there, so watch for updates.

Greg.

NASCAR grabs CASCAR








Tue, September 12, 2006


The deal, two years in the making, will see the series running for the Canadian Tire Cup.

By DEAN MCNULTY, SUN MEDIA




TORONTO -- NASCAR today will unveil a Canadian-based stock car series that will feature a season-long points battle among the country's best drivers and end with the awarding of the Canadian Tire Cup.

Sun Media has learned a deal to sell CASCAR -- Canada's top stock car racing series -- to the France family business that is NASCAR will be made official at a news conference today in Toronto and Canadian Tire has signed on as title sponsor.

Robbie Weiss, NASCAR's international director, is flying in from his Los Angeles office for the announcement.

The deal, two years in the making, will see NASCAR sanction a national stock car racing series in Canada on the foundation laid by Tony Novotny and his wife, Linda, over the last 20 years, working out of a Komoka office.

"It's finally going to happen," Linda Novotny said yesterday.

The Novotnys have built, sold and rescued the series a number of times, resisting all bidders who wouldn't or couldn't guarantee the Canadian identity of the series would prevail.

It grew into the only North American stock car body to race on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits.

At the Champ Car Grand Prix of Montreal last month, it also became the first stock car series to race on an active Formula One track at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

It's the same track where the NASCAR Busch Series will hold its first Canadian race next year.

_________________
If you are going to spin, do it coming out of the corner,
not going in
____________________________________
Check out Inside Track Motorsport News
http://www.insidetracknews.com/
Click the Breaking News button.

Report: NASCAR to buy CASCAR










TSN.ca Staff


9/12/2006 3:17:00 AM

Reports indicate NASCAR is ready to purchase Canada's CASCAR stock car racing series.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that NASCAR will make a formal announcement regarding the purchase on Tuesday.

The newspaper report also indicated NASCAR intends to run a national stock car series featuring a full season points battle in Canada.

_________________
If you are going to spin, do it coming out of the corner,
not going in
____________________________________
Check out Inside Track Motorsport News
http://www.insidetracknews.com/
Click the Breaking News button.

Team TARGA Corvette - Leading Class After Day 1

The first day of competition is in the books! It was a wild first day, with many off track excursions and mechanical failures. Lucky the Team TARGA Corvette did not experience any of these unfortunate situations, as the car was working perfectly.

Both Mark Swain (driver) and Mike Bell (navigator) are very pleased to announce that they are currently the leaders in their class by 2 seconds. This is a lead they will try to extend in the following 4 days of competition. The 4-wheel drive Subaru team of Keith Townsend and Jen Horsey, are trailing Swain and Bell, and putting up a good fight for the finish.

The day consisted of 7 competitive stages along the Avalon Peninsula. Ending with a fantastic in town stage through the Gander community. This proved to be a critical run in the event and Mark and Mike were ready for the challenge. Unfortunately, Ernie Jakubowski and Stan Carmichael racing the Porsche Cayman, who were very strong competitors, were forced to withdraw from the event after sustaining irreparable damages during the final stage of the day.

Team TARGA Corvette achieved the top speed through the radar trap during the long straightaway in the Gander stage of the event, proving it once again to be one of the fastest cars in the event (almost a full 10km/h faster then the next car!).

The team is keeping a watchful eye on the approaching hurricane Florence, and hope that the heavy rainfall that is predicted does not put their rear wheel drive car at a disadvantage. Team TARGA Corvette would like to thank:

Mobil 1
Cole Engineering
Wilson Niblett Chevrolet
Hickman Motors
Inside Track Motorsport news.

For their continued support in what is proving to be an exciting event. Please visit http://www.targanewfoundland.com/ for more information.

CASCAR Super Series Points

CASCAR Super Series: Driver Point Standings

After 10 of 11 Events // As of September 9, 2006

1. #84 JR Fitzpatrick (1732)

2. #02 Kerry Micks (1681)

3. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1663)

4. #39 Dave Whitlock (1662)

5. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (1646)

6. #9 Mark Dilley (1632)

7. #22 Scott Steckly (1628)

8. #19 Brad Graham (1555)

9. #17 DJ Kennington (1554)

10. #10 Doug Brown (1538)

11. #25 Jim Lapcevich (1532)

12. #3 R Jason Hathaway (1507)

13. #1 Peter Gibbons (1436)

14. #11 Ron Van Es (1242)

15. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (1217)

7th Annual Racing With James Turner Charity Golf Tournament

Come on out and join the CASCAR gang as they chat about the big NASCAR / Canadian Tire announcement during the 7th Annual Racing With James Turner Charity Golf Tournament next Tuesday (September 19) at Barrie's National Pines Golf & Country Club.

If you're interested in playing, call Mark Dilley at: (705) 733-8849. It's a great time for a few great causes.

CASCAR: Mark Dilley on the podium again, at St-Eustache

Dodge-sponsored Charger driver records another third-place finish


BARRIE, ON – On Saturday night, at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache, Mark Dilley continued his strong, late-season charge with another superb run. Dilley guided his #9 Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue MotorWorks / CRS Dodge Charger to its second-consecutive third-place CASCAR Super Series finish.

The Barrie, ON driver started sixth in the 200-lap race around the flat, 4/10-mile oval and moved into fourth just prior to the halfway point of the race. With 80 laps remaining, a shuffle of the lead pack cars raised Dilley’s Dodge Charger to third, where he would eventually finish.

The result came less than a week after the team earned a third-place result at Cayuga Int’l Speedway. Following the race at St-Eustache, Dilley was excited about his race, as well as his late-season surge.

“The car was great, and the #9 Dodge crew did an excellent job. Our car was very fast, but it’s difficult to pass here. It’s hard sometimes to have a car that’s a lot stronger than the guys you’re chasing. Because even though you’re able to carry a lot more speed into the turns than they can, catching and passing are different things and you really have to get on the brakes sometimes to avoid running into the back of them.

“At the end, I had a shot at DJ [Kennington], who was second, I worked him over a bit, but I wasn’t going to turn him around. I can’t complain about a third at a tough track like this. We’re proud to be on the podium, two races in a row. We’re making a bit of a late-season charge, so I’m happy.”

Adding to Dilley’s pleasure at St-Eustache was the fact that he was – for the second race in a row – part of an all-Dodge Charger sweep of the top three finishing positions. MOPAR-powered racers Ron Beauchamp Jr. and DJ Kennington were first and second, respectively.

Commenting on the Dodge display, Dilley continued, “I’m really proud of, and happy for, all of the DaimlerChrysler, Dodge and MOPAR people associated with this program. To have an all-Dodge Charger podium two races in a row is really an accomplishment.”

This weekend, the CASCAR Super Series wraps up its 2006 season with the ‘Dodge Charger 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario’ at Kawartha Speedway, near Peterborough, Ontario.

Regarding the season finale, Dilley said, “We’re on a roll and it would be great to finish the season with another podium and maybe a win. I’m really looking forward to finishing the season on a high note.”

ST-EUSTACHE RACE NOTES: MOPAR Dodge Charger driver Ron Beauchamp Jr. won his fifth career CASCAR Super Series feature race on Saturday night at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache. The Windsor, ON racer took the lead on lap 66 and was able to power away from the field during long runs, en route to the checkered flag.
Second-place went to Dodge driver DJ Kennington, who has performed well at St-Eustache throughout his racing career. Dodge-sponsored Charger driver Mark Dilley completed the second ‘all-Dodge’ podium sweep for the second race in a row.
Super Series points leader JR Fitzpatrick finished fourth and tightened his grasp on the championship heading to the 11th and final points event of the season, this weekend at Kawartha Speedway. The Sept. 16-17 ‘Dodge Charger 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario’ is part of a two-day racing program.

CASCAR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT… SPACES AVAILABLE: There are still places available for foursomes and individuals to participate in the 7th Annual Racing With James Turner Charity Golf Tournament, which takes place Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the National Pines Golf & Country Club, in Barrie, ON. For anyone who has ever participated in the event, it’s a great time, for excellent causes (Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion Foundation & the Canadian Diabetes Association). For more information on getting involved, call Mark Dilley directly at (705) 733-8849.


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

Chapman improving

By John Hopkins

Inside Motorcycles and IMX contributor Jon Chapman is reportedly making excellent progress following a serious motocross accident last month.

According to an email received Monday from his mother, Jo-Anne Chapman, Jonathan has exceeded doctors' expectations in the pace of his recovery.

"Exciting things are happening and Jon is awake now and progressing well, actually above expectations for his injury, but he has a long road to journey for rehabilitation," Jo-Anne Chapman wrote. "It has been a relatively short time since his accident and yet he's showing steady, continual improvements, which surprise the doctors and they have told us that a full recovery is possible, but make no promises. All in all, Jon is awake, improving daily, and will likely move to a facility for rehabilation work this week!"

She added in a separate note that Jonathan sustained no other injuries in the accident, and he had no surgery, save for a tracheotomy and a small incision for a brain pressure monitor, which has now been removed.

NASCAR & CANADIAN TIRE to make 'significant' announcement on Tuesday in Toronto

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for....

*****************

Media Advisory

WHAT: NASCAR and Canadian Tire will unveil details of a significant venture involving the future of stock car racing in Canada

WHO: Robbie Weiss - Managing Director, International, NASCAR Richard Buck - Director of Touring Series, NASCAR Todd Sharman - Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire Retail

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 12 // 11 a.m. ET

WHERE: Dundas Square // South-East corner of Yonge and Dundas streets Toronto

Monday morning notebook....

Was up at St-Eustache on the weekend for the CASCAR Super Series race. On the way into the track, there was this sign. Do they know something the rest of us don't? Wishful thinking... a Freudian slip... or maybe they just left the french equivalent of the words "Truck Series" off because they wouldn't fit after "NASCAR"? Who knows.

NEXT.... Did you ever do a "WHOIS" search for a website. I did one for NASCAR.CA.... Hmmm.

NEXT... Andrew Ranger was racing Dave Jacombs' #88 Lou's / CPS Ford at St-Eustache on Saturday night and did an admirable job under tough conditions. The friendly youngster, who races just about anything, made his asphalt debut at the flat, 4/10-mile oval. Losing just two laps to the leaders in his first-ever outing in that type of racing was a great accomplishment, IMO. And as was Carpentier a week earlier at Cayuga, Ranger was a gentleman, spending lots of time with the fans who came out to see him.

NEXT ... A while back, Tony Stewart said he deserved to be fired if he didn't make The Chase. Well?

FINALLY.... A guy named Michael Schumacher said he's going to retire from racing. Another guy named Jacques Villeneuve said this Schumacher fellow won't be remembered. Do you think he's right?

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: MOPAR

MOPAR

STICKY POST: This will be the top post until Monday, Sept. 11. Check below for current news.

TARGA - PROLOGUE (day 1)

The morning was spent in Flatrock Newfoundland, a wide-open country stage that gave the team a chance to really push the car. The team enjoyed lunch at Cape St. Francais School where hundreds of children flocked to the bright yellow Corvette for pictures and Mobil 1 stickers. The afternoon was a much tighter in town stage through Pleasentville Newfoundland. This gave the team the opportunity to maneuver the car around some tight winding streets. The evening came to a close with an overall check of the car mechanically, followed by a car show at the St. John’s Curling Club.

After two prologue stages Mark Swain (driver) and Mike Bell (navigator) have qualified 4th overall in the standings, and 2nd in their class. Both Mark Swain and Mike Bell are very pleased with their results and communication after the first day.

Cars will roll out for the 1st competitive stage of TARGA Newfoundland 2006 at 8:00AM Monday morning. Team TARGA Corvette would like to thank:

Mobil 1
Cole Engineering
Wilson Niblett Chevrolet
Hickman Motors
Inside Track Motorsport news.

For their continued support. Check back on Monday night for more photos and results from the first day of competition.

CASCAR ST-EUSTACHE: Beauchamp leads a second consecutive Dodge CASCAR Super Series sweep

MONTREAL, QC – On Saturday night at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache, Ron Beauchamp Jr. won his fifth career CASCAR Super Series race following a dominant performance in the 200-lap feature race around the flat, 4/10-mile oval.

Beauchamp started fourth in the 17-car Super Series field and guided his MOPAR Dodge Charger into the lead on lap 66 when he passed polesitter Kerry Micks, who had led from the initial green flag. From there, the Windsor, ON racer was able to pull away from the pack on long runs.

With two laps to go, the race’s seventh and final caution flag came out, setting up a two-lap dash for the win. Beauchamp was able to defend his position and came home a quarter of a second ahead of runner-up DJ Kennington (Castrol Dodge).

“It feels awesome,” said Beauchamp, in victory lane. “We thought the MOPAR Dodge was pretty good when we unloaded it. And by the time we were into the race, I knew we had a good car. After I got out front, I just tried to ‘baby’ my tires and brakes so we could make it the whole race, and we made it. We didn’t even have to make a pit stop. The longer the green flag runs, the better the car got.”

For the second race in a row, Mark Dilley (Dodge-sponsored Charger) took the checkered flag in third place. The St-Eustache 200 was the second consecutive race to produce an ‘all-Dodge Charger’ podium.
Super Series points leader J.R. Fitzpatrick enhanced his championship hopes at St-Eustache with a fourth-place effort in his Milwaukee Tools Chevy. The 18-year-old finished better than his two closest points rivals to increase his lead with just one race remaining on the 2006 Super Series schedule. Kerry Micks was ninth, while Dave Whitlock did not finish and was scored 15th in the final results.

Open-wheel racing star Andrew Ranger got his first taste of asphalt stock car racing on Saturday night, behind the wheel of Dave Jacombs’ Lou’s / CPS Ford. The Granby, QC racer started 15th and came home 13th, finishing all but two laps in his impressive CASCAR debut.

Other notable finishers included Peter Gibbons, in fifth, in his Canadian Tire Chevy. Super Series rookie standout Jason Hathaway backed up his fifth-place showing last weekend at Cayuga Int’l Speedway with a sixth-place result in the St-Eustache 200.

The CASCAR Super Series season wraps up next weekend at Kawartha Speedway.

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: St-Eustache 200
Round #10 // September 9, 2006 // Autodrome St-Eustache
Montreal, Quebec // 4/10-mile flat oval

FIN. ST. # DRIVER (HOMETOWN) SPONSOR(S) / MAKE LAPS
1 4 60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON) MOPAR / Mobil1 / Exide / Chrysler Jeep Dodge Svc. Dodge Charger 200
2 2 17 DJ Kennington (St. Thomas, ON) Castrol Dodge Charger 200
3 6 9 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON) Dodge / Mobil 1 / Exide / Leland / Avenue M.W. / CRS Dodge Charger 200
4 7 84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON) Milwaukee Tools Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
5 11 1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON) Canadian Tire / Monroe Brakes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
6 8 3 Jason Hathaway (Appin, ON) ® Snap-On Tools / Arctic Cat / Super 8 Dodge Charger 200
7 10 10 Doug Brown (Brantford, ON) NAPA / AUTOPRO Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
8 3 4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON) Home Hardware Chevrolet Monte Carlo 200
9 1 02 Kerry Micks (Mt. Albert, ON) Canadian Detailing Services Ford Taurus 200
10 14 25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON) EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Chevrolet Monte Carlo 199
11 12 23 Jeff Lapcevich (Caistor Centre, ON) CARHARTT / Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo 199
12 16 5 Andre Coursol (Ste-Jerome, QC) CARQUEST Chevrolet Monte Carlo 199
13 15 88 Andrew Ranger (Granby, QC) Lou's BBQ / Cayugaracing.com / CPS Flooring Ford Taurus 198
14 9 19 Brad Graham (Glencoe, ON) Challenger Motor Freight / Logel’s Dodge Charger 157
15 5 39 Dave Whitlock (Wyoming, ON) NTN Bower / Griddly Headz / NMT Dodge Charger 157
16 13 22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON) Thermo King of Quebec / ERB Dodge Charger 144
17 17 12 Richard Durivage (Montreal, QC) ® MIAPOXY Chevrolet Monte Carlo 106

POLESITTER: #02 Kerry Micks (17.504 seconds * New Super Series Record) // TIME OF RACE: 1 hour, 33 minutes and 10 seconds // AVERAGE SPEED: 51.520 mph // MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.226 seconds // CAUTIONS: 7 for a total of 46 // LAP LEADERS: #02 Kerry Micks (1-65), #60 Ron Beauchamp (66-200) // GOODYEAR BELTS & HOSES FASTEST LAP: #02 Kerry Micks (17.627 seconds) // FAST EDDIE HARD CHARGER: #1 Peter Gibbons (Advanced 4 positions)

® 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.

CASCAR: St. Eustache

ST-EUSTACHE, QC - Ron Beauchamp led another Dodge podium sweep in Saturday night's CASCAR Super Series race at Autodrome St-Eustache.

DJ Kennington was second, ahead of Mark Dilley. Points leader JR Fitzpatrick was fourth, ahead of Peter Gibbons.

... More to come