CASCAR on SPEED this Saturday

Watch the 'CLARINGTON 200 presented by CANADIAN SHIELD' CASCAR Super Series race from MOSPORT INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY on SPEED at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. The race took place on the 2006 Father's Day race weekend and features a creative late-race lead change.

Canadian Robbie Wickens lands full-time Atlantic ride

From TSN

"Forsythe Championship Racing has secured title sponsorship from energy drink maker Red Bull for its Atlantic racing team in 2007.
Promising Canadian driver Robert Wickens, a product of the Red Bull Junior Team, will be joined on the Forsythe squad by 15 year-old John Edwards as they chase the $2-million grand prize for winning the Atlantic Championship. ..."

Continued at the link above...

Flamboro: Late Model drivers' meeting this Saturday

From the Flamboro Speedway website:

Late Model Meeting: Saturday, December 9, 2006. 10:00 a.m. at the track's Tech Garage.
All teams should attempt to have representation at this meeting.

SPEED to Broadcast A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Canada

Montreal, Canada 06 December, 2006 - The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has significantly expanded its global television reach, signing an exclusive broadcast deal with North America's SPEED channel. Coverage begins with the broadcast of October's opening round of the 2006-07 A1GP season from Zandvoort, Holland, starting Wednesday 6th December at 4pm EST.

As a result of Wednesday's announcement, more than 68 million homes across the United States and another 5 million in Canada will now have access to A1GP through the nation's foremost cable network dedicated solely to motorsport. A1GP will join the ranks of Formula One, NASCAR, Champ Car World Series and Moto GP on SPEED, one of the fastest growing cable networks in the United States.

"SPEED is intrigued by the competitive patriotism in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport," said Hunter Nickell, SPEED Executive VP and General Manager. "It adds a unique twist to high-level racing and we believe it is something SPEED viewers will support and enjoy."

"I think this is a huge step forward for A1GP and A1 Team Canada," remarked A1 Team Canada driver Sean McIntosh on hearing of the deal. "SPEED is obviously a well-known channel throughout North America and offers the series, and of course the Canadian team, a great platform for promotion. As a result, hopefully more people will be aware of what A1GP's all about and we can continue to expand our fan base."

A1 Team Canada's rookie racer, James Hinchcliffe, is similarly excited by the new broadcast package. "I think it's awesome news and makes perfect sense given SPEED's dedication to covering motorsport at the highest level. Fans in Canada will love seeing for themselves the action and excitement that A1GP offers; it's a great deal for promoting some of the best racing out there as Sean and I compete around the world for Canada!"

Commenting on the deal, A1GP's Executive Director and Head of Broadcast, Richard Dorfman said, "A1GP's unique nation versus nation race format has fast developed a strong fan base and this new deal, taking the sport into homes across North America, will give a wider variety of fans access to the series. Close racing, tight overtaking maneuvers and the competitiveness of the 23 national teams delivers an exciting broadcast package that lets the fans experience the thrill of A1GP from the comfort of their own homes."

Upcoming 2006-07 A1GP Broadcasts on SPEED

Wednesday 6th December, 4pm EST: Round 1, Holland - Zandvoort
Wednesday 13th December, 4pm EST: Round 2, Czech Republic - Brno
Wednesday 20th December, 4pm EST: Round 3, China - Beijing

For further details please log on to - www.speedtv.com / www.a1gp.com

From A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Mgr.

GET WELL JEN! ... drop her a note.

Inside Track would like to pass along its best wishes to Jennifer Ward, who is recovering from the effects of a stroke she experienced almost a month ago.

Jen has been a contributor to the magazine since its inception, most recently in the form of coverage from the big Labour Day races at Delaware Speedway. She has also worked extensively with drivers and teams to improve their performances through various development and team-building practices.

But most importantly, she is a friendly and genuine person who is facing a tough challenge.

Jen has a great attitude and spirit, as do her family and friends who are alongside her during her rehabilitation process.

Her spouse, Mike McColl, said that she is making progress every day, but is expected to be in a London-area rehab hospital for at least the next month.

We checked with Mike and Jen and they would be happy to hear from their friends who want to offer their support or just to say 'hi'.

So if you have a minute, send an e-mail to them at mike@mccollracing.com ... they would love to hear from you.

Grand Prix Kartways: Grand Opening held today

Words and photos by Rob Morton / Inside Track

TORONTO, ON – Today saw the grand opening of Toronto's latest and most innovative indoor karting facility. Based at Downsview Park (Keele & Shepherd Ave.) Grand Prix Kartways offers something totally new & exciting....."green" karting, using the latest technology in electric karts on a state-of-the-art, 1/4-mile track.

The FAST Italian-made OTL electric karts are the feature attraction in a beautiful facility that sets a brand new standard in indoor karting. The facility also offers a glass enclosed VIP lounge, track-side cafe, billiards and an arcade room.

While corporate business will be a large part of the facility, you can also "arrive & drive" for one of the best racing experiences around. Plans are also in the works to operate various levels of karting leagues.

Performing the opening ceremonies today were (l to r in the photo) Tony Di Cristofaro, Grand Prix Kartways, Tony Genco (Pres. & CEO, Downsview Park) & Domenic Gironemo, President, Grand Prix Kartways.

For more information call: 416-638-5278 or visit http://www.grandprixkartways.com/

Advance Auto Parts DIRT Big-Blocks Return To Florida In February

By Tom Skibinski, DIRT NorthEast PR Director

WEEDSPORT, NY - With days growing shorter and temperatures continuing to plummet throughout the Northeast, race enthusiasts are already looking forward to the annual pilgrimage to Florida and the start of DIRT MotorSports’ 31st consecutive season of operation. The 36th Annual DIRTcar Nationals presented by Mopar Speed Shop at Volusia Speedway Park in February is highlighted by the 10th straight trip to the Sunshine State for the big-block Modified contingent.

The Florida Tour at Volusia will feature the mighty Advance Auto Parts Big-Blocks from the Northeast during the week leading up to the Daytona 500 (Feb. 18). The schedule once again includes three 30-lap main events with a 50-lap finale closing out the trip. DIRT Tour '07 marks the 22nd trek to Florida for Northeastern Modified teams since 1978 and it will be DIRT's 15th visit to Volusia since staging its inaugural event in 1982.

"We’re excited to be heading south to begin another season, and after a month away from the track so are a lot of racers and their fans,” said Cory Reed, DIRT MotorSports Director of Series & Track Sanctioning. “Volusia is recognized as one of the premier dirt track facilities in the southeast and it’s always a great place to showcase our Modified teams to the rest of the country. Last year the points title was decided on the final night of racing, and with many of the top teams already making travel plans the competition should be just as fierce when the first green flag falls.”

On June 30, 2005 DIRT officially completed the purchase of Volusia Speedway Park, an acquisition that included the current 1/2-mile semi-banked clay oval, the former 3/8-mile semi-banked asphalt oval and a 1/8-mile banked clay go-kart track which will be the site of the upcoming DIRTkart World Championships, Dec. 27-Jan. 1.

Located a half-hour from Daytona Beach, this famed facility has seating for nearly 10,000 fans. The track is a popular venue for the World of Outlaws and UMP series as well as a variety of other classes. Coming up in February, the World of Outlaws (Feb. 9-11) and World of Outlaws Late Models (Feb. 15 & 17) will join the Advance Auto Parts Big-Blocks (Feb. 14-17) in kicking off their own race seasons. DIRT-sanctioned UMP Late Models (Feb. 12-14) and UMP Open-Wheel Modifieds (Feb. 6-13) add to the 12-day DIRT MotorSports marathon down south with three straight nights of All-Star Sprint Circuit of Champions (Feb. 5-8) specials opening up the month.

Super reserved ticket packages for the DIRTcar Nationals remain available for Sprints, Late Models and Big-Blocks, with each including a free gift when ordering. A six-race Sprint Week (Feb. 6-11) ticket and each six-race Late Model (Feb. 12-17) ticket costs $160 while a four-race Big-Block (Feb. 14-17) ticket goes for $120.

Among the tour record 57 DIRT Modified drivers who competed at Volusia last February, all-time Florida Tour champion Brett Hearn overcame a seemingly insurmountable 30-point deficit on the last night to capture an unprecedented sixth Winter Nationals title after opening night winner Jimmy Horton blew a motor with 17 circuits left in the 50-lap finale. Points runner-up Tim Fuller won the second 30-lapper before Hearn claimed the last two main events to close out the Advance Auto Parts mini-series.

Fans and race teams already planning to attend Volusia Speedway Park (386/985-4402) are encouraged to contact the track public relations offices for area hotel/motel accommodations. Reserved motorhome camping (up to 40 feet) is available at Volusia for only $20 per night. Volusia Speedway Park www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com is located 15 miles west of Daytona Beach on State Road 40 in Barberville, Fla. Mail is received at: 1500 E. Highway 40, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130.

For additional information, contact the DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log into the DIRT homepage at www.dirtmotorsports.com to find out more about the entire circuit.

Fellows set for shoulder surgery

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

Canadianracers.com has a story about Ron Fellows' upcoming shoulder surgery.

"MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO – Three time ALMS (American Le Mans Series) GT1 champion, Ron Fellows will head to Indianapolis form his home in Mississauga, Ontario this week to have surgery on his right shoulder. This is not the first time that Fellows has gone under the knife for shoulder sugery. Back in 2003, Fellows had surgery on his left shoulder after an accident while training. This time it will be his right shoulder that gets some attention from the doctors...."

Cont'd at the link above.

Carl Spiering pleased with 2006 IHRA season

JORDAN STATION, ONTARIO (December 4, 2006) – Although he did not win the championship, Carl Spiering believes his 2006 campaign in the competitive IHRA Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified division was successful. Consistency in qualifying, plus a stout and dependable engine program were key factors to his performance again this year.

“Consistency was key to our success this year and the G-Force Race Cars Eaton Road Warrior,” said Spiering. “We were one of only two teams (the other being Quain Stott – 2006 IHRA World Champion) that qualified for every one of the 11 IHRA national events this season. For 2006, we averaged sixth spot in qualifying for all the events, with an average low ET of 6.14 seconds, making us the highest average qualifier over all of our competitors.”

This highest average qualifier status gave Spiering and his team the best “batting average” for the season. While other teams may have qualified higher or lower at certain events, the Eaton Road Warrior always qualified well at each event with a steadiness and reliability that no other Pro Modified team matched.

Most IHRA National events featured fields of over 30 Pro Modifieds, with a couple of events topping 40 cars and two boasting the quickest qualified fields in IHRA history, all vying for the top 16 spots for elimination rounds.

Spiering, the 42-year old driver from Jordan Station, Ontario, finished the season in seventh position in the IHRA eMax Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series in his Eaton Electrical 1967 Camaro and continues to lead the chase for the 2007 Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout.

Spiering added he was particularly pleased with his engine program, which has remained rock-solid over the past several seasons.

"We have gone three consecutive years with no powerplant failures with our ERD engine program,” he said. “Our ERD (Engine Research and Development) facility features a new state of the art Dynamic Test Systems (DTS) dynamometer system that allows our engines to be tested, developed and race ready when we get to the track. Although our race luck was not there this year we want to emphasize our success at being one of the very few teams to qualify at each event.”

The Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified class features a special program based on each team’s final qualifying spot at each national event. The top eight in points will have the opportunity to participate in the 2007 Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout, which will be held at the IHRA Northern Nationals in Martin, Michigan. Spiering remains in the number one position in this category and has kept this since winning the 2005 Shootout again reinforcing his consistently strong performance throughout the 2006 season.

Carl Spiering Motorsports, www.CarlSpiering.com, thanks all of its sponsors and supporters including Eaton Electrical, (ATC) Aluminum Trailer Co., Competition Tire Canada - Goodyear Racing Tires, ERD (Engine Research and Development), Excel Tool & Die, G-Force Race Cars Inc., NGK Spark Plugs, Pennzoil®, RBS Superchargers, PSI Superchargers, Bicknell Racing Products (BRP), The Trailer Shop, VP Racing Fuels, Aeroquip Performance Products, Cynergy Composites, AFT Clutches and Scott Jahren Paint.

For more information, please contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at bruce@jajentertainment.com

Holland Speedway: Banquet Report

Holland, NY - Holland Speedway honored the top drivers of the 2006 racing season at the Western New York oval at its annual awards banquet on Friday evening, December 1st. The event was held at the Millennium Hotel and Conference Center in Cheektowaga, NY. Approximately 275 braved a serious windstorm to be in attendance - the storm triggered a power outage in the area late in the proceedings, but the ceremonies continues courtesy of emergency generators, candles, and reasonably quiet co-operation from those in attendance.


NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series 2006 Division III Champion Mark "Bushy" Bliss of Arcade, NY received top honors for the second straight season as Holland's 2006 Sunoco Late Model Pro Stock Champion. Bliss captured four feature victories en route to the track title, which was up for grabs on the final race night of the season - Mark's fourth place finish on that final night vaulted him to the top points slot. Bliss also received the Driver of the Year award from Boundy's Racing Museum of Holland.


Bill Matuszak (with one feature win), who was in the chase for the title through that final night, and Mike Fiebelkorn, Jr. received their Late Model Pro Stock second and third place seasonal awards. The Fielbelkorn Ford #50 also earned the McCool's Paint Workz Best Appearing Late Model award.


On the strength of four feature wins, Neil Hopkins of West Falls, NY earned his fifth career Carquest Pro Modified title. Among his wins was a third career victory in the prestigious George Decker Memorial Challenge - Phyllis and Barry Decker of Bar-Chel of Springville, NY presented Neil with this special race win trophy. Neal Dietz, Jr. (with 2 wins) finished second in the points chase, while Chuck Anderson (with one win) placed third. Anderson also received the Bank of Holland Pro Modified Most Popular Driver award.


Tim Welshans of West Falls, NY, had a busy season in 2006, competing in both the Native Pride Charger division and the Carquest Pro Modified class. Welshans parlayed two victories and numerous top five finishes to a first career Charger title, and with a 10th place finish in Pro Modified points, earned that division's Clark Rice Memorial Rookie of the Year award. The Welshans family was well represented in the Charger ranks, as brother Matt Welshans scored two victories, placed second in points, and earned the Charger division Clark Rice Memorial Rookie of the Year award. 2005 divisional champ Jerry Kosmowski earned two wins and placed third in 2006 points. The Kosmowski crew received the PGT Services Best Appearing Pit Crew award.


The winningest driver at Holland in 2006 was Brian Porebski of Hamburg, NY. Porebski raced to six wins in capturing his first career Pro Four title. Shawn Lafferty, with a single win, placed second in points, and also received the division's Let's Celebrate Candy & Gifts Most Improved Driver award, the PGT Services Best Appearing Pit Crew Award, and the Bank of Holland Most Popular Driver award. Placing third in Pro Four points with three feature wins was Sean Kirsch.


Eric Hammill of Erie, PA became Holland's first INEX Legends track champ in the initial year of regularly scheduled racing of that division at the Speedway. Hammill picked up a feature win to edge Larry Occhibone and Chris Bailey, Jr. for the crown. The Hammill crew also earned the PGT Services Best Appearing Pit Crew award. Occhibone, who placed second in points, also received the McCool's Paint Workz Best Appearing Car Award for his #9. Bailey's third place points finish came on the strength of three feature victories.


Rob "Chopper" Willard of Buffalo, NY picked up a first career championship in the South Buffalo Auto Parts Figure 8 Car division. Willard drove to four feature wins throughout the year, while also competing in the Pro Four class (finishing 10th in points). Willard also received the McCool's Paint Workz Best Appearing Car award for his #1. With two feature wins, Jason Adams placed second in points, and received the Bank of Holland Most Popular Driver award. "Big Dave" Zimmer scored three wins en route to a third place points finish.


Pat Spruce of Gowanda, NY roared to three wins to clinch his first title in the 8-cylinder Challenger division. Gary Denea place second in points, with Scott Pastorius earning two wins to grab third in the final standings.


Though he went winless on the season, top fives each time out spelled success for Bill Lutz of Lancaster, NY, as he earned his first 4-cylinder Hornet title. Lutz also competed in the Figure 8 Car division (placing 6th in points). In addition, Lutz earned the Let's Celebrate Candy & Gifts Most Improved Hornet Driver award. Jesse Baker rolled to one feature victory while placing second in points, and Ricky Roth earned two wins to grab a third place points finish. Roth, who was leading in points going into the final night when an on-track incident knocked him out of contention, received the Wardynski & Sons Hard Luck Award, and was also the recipient of the McCool's Paint Workz Holland Speedway Most Sportsmanlike Driver award. The crew for the Roth team (Ricky and brother Tyler) earned the PGT Services Best Appearing Pit Crew award.


Her third win of the season on the final points night propelled Mae Urban of Cheektowaga, NY to her first ever Queen Bees title, in what was the closest points battle across the board. Mae was also honored by NASCAR as the Craftsman Tools Mechanic of the Year at Holland for her work on the Charger division racer of husband George. Kim Marzec fell just short of that elusive crown, with two victories over the year to place second in points. Nicole Twoguns placed third in the final points tally.


Craig Dumbleton of Try-It Distributing presented the Budweiser Late Model 100 trophy to the crew of Will Thomas. The was Thomas' first win of the Holland hallmark Late Model late season classic.


The prestigious Ray Greenan Award, for contributions and dedication to auto racing, was presented to long time racer, car owner, and mechanic Mike Fiebelkorn, Sr. and the Fiebelkorn Racing Team. The Holland Unsung Hero Award was presented to popular Assistant Pit Steward and Speedway Safety Crew member Jerry Ward. The Holland Woman in Racing Award went to Lisa Grimmer, chief mechanic on husband Al's Charger division entry. Larry Ott, motorsports writer for the Buffalo News, received the Media Appreciation Award.


Other awards presented included --
Clark Rice Memorial Rookies of the Year: Nik Welshans (Pro Four), Frank Nellist (Hornet), Cassy Newell (Queen Bee).

Bank of Holland Most Popular Drivers: Jeff Brown (Sunoco Late Model), Al Grimmer (Native Pride Charger), Jake Vernon (INEX Legends), Jack Warrior (Challengers), Jason Nellist (Hornets), Ashley Kirschberger (Queen Bees).

PGT Services Best Appearing Pit Crew: Nick Crassi Crew (Sunoco Late Model).

McCool's Paint Workz Best Appearing Cars: Al Grimmer #34 (Native Pride Charger), D.J. Hutchinson #7 (Pro Four), Frank Nellist #77 (Hornet), Marcia Sullivan #92 (Queen Bee).

Let's Celebrate Candy & Gifts Most Improved Drivers: Mike Ames (Sunoco Late Model), Jeff Ruddy (Carquest Pro Modified), Joe Eck (Native Pride Charger).

Wardynski & Sons Hard Luck Awards: Rick Roth (Native Pride Charger), Rich Carnes (Pro Four), Ashley Kirschberger (Queen Bee).

Feature Win Awards: Sunoco Late Models - Will Thomas (2); Carquest Pro Modifieds - Steve Kreitzbender (3); Native Pride Chargers - Marty Hughes, Mike Flaig, Dave Krawczyk; Pro Fours - Cam Barber; South Buffalo Auto Parts Figure 8 Cars - Sharon Hughes; Hornets - Frank Nellist (3), Tyler Roth; Queen Bees - Ashley Kirschberger, Sally Latina.


- From Holland Speedway

INSIDE TRACK: Motorsports Mixed Bag

Cristiano Da Matta says he's almost completely recovered from his injuries...

BMW-Motorsport boss Mario Theissen says he doesn't regret dropping former world champion Jacques Villeneuve midway through last season in favour of untested rookie Robert Kubica....

Sunset Speedway's website has a new look. On it, the track thanks their former webmaster, Mark Blocksdorf, for his past efforts. He was also a great help offering stories and photos for publication in Inside Track. Thanks Mark, and good luck in your future ventures...

The ALSTAR Series' website has a button on it, named "2007 Schedule".... interesting tease. It would be great to see the ALSTAR tour hit the road again....

Barrie Speedway has news about its sponsors returning for 2007...