It's official... Tony Novotny announces that the Western Series and Sportsman Series are done

This letter was circulated to the teams today.

***

December 22, 2006

Dear CASCAR Western Series and Sportsman Series competitors,

I want to take this opportunity to inform you that the CASCAR Western Series and CASCAR Sportsman Series will not continue to operate in the future. NASCAR has acquired certain assets of CASCAR, and with that will be focusing on running one premier, national division.

For some of you I hope that this represents an opportunity to expand your race operation and step up to run either a full, or partial, schedule with the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. NASCAR has recently sent out a series information kit that includes sponsorship support information, that I hope will be helpful in your efforts to join the series.

For those who are not in a position to compete in a national tour, I am pleased to inform you about the addition of a second NASCAR-sanctioned track in Western Canada: Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.

With the NASCAR Whelen All American Series being sanctioned at Sun Valley Speedway and Edmonton International Raceway, it provides you with an opportunity to be part of the NASCAR family, and to maintain your equipment to a rules specification that will allow you to register for NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events.

For Ontario-based teams, we are pleased to let you know that Barrie Speedway is now a NASCAR sanctioned track and part of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, and will be happy to accommodate current Sportsman Series teams.

For more information on the NASCAR Whelen All American Series please contact Sun Valley Speedway, Edmonton International Raceway, or Barrie Speedway directly.

In closing I would like to say it has been a pleasure competing with each of you over the years, and I would like to thank you for your support of CASCAR Racing. I wish you all the best of luck in the future and look forward to seeing you at the races!

Best regards,

Tony Novotny
CASCAR Inc.

SPEED to Broadcast A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Canada

Courtesy A1GP Team Canada

Montreal, 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."

PMRA acquires new sponsorship for 2007

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO (December 12, 2006) – The Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to announce new sponsorship for its upcoming season.

Wix Filtration Products, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., Uni-Select, and Moen Incorporated will sponsor the PMRA points series in 2007.

“The support from these four companies will allow the PMRA to reward its teams financially at the end of our next season,” explained PMRA Director of Operations Bruce F. Mehlenbacher. “The teams in the PMRA series have worked extremely hard over the last two seasons and it’s tremendously exciting to have this group of outstanding quality products support the series.”
“This group of companies is committed to maintaining its leading edge in the marketplace,” said PMRA 2007 Series Champion and KC Auto Parts owner Kasey Janzen. “This corporate support is just what the doctor ordered for the PMRA Series. Their mission is to create a solid North American network and that’s what our series is about.”

The Pro Modified Racing Association started late in 2004 and is entering its third year of operation. The PMRA ran five events in 2006 at five Ontario, Quebec, and New York locations. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers".

The PMRA, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/ , and its member teams traveled to several new drag strips in 2006, including Sanair in Quebec, and the western Ontario tracks of St. Thomas Dragway and the Grand Bend Motorplex. The tour was a great success for the series, which enjoyed strong fan popularity.

Negotiations are underway to return to these tracks, along with Toronto Motorsports Park and Lancaster Raceway Park and several other venues to present some of the best in Pro Modified racing for 2007.

Edmonton driver advances on Discovery's Star Racer

By Loretta Thiering, Edmonton Int’l Raceway

Edmonton Int’l Raceway NASCAR Racer makes it to round 7 of Canada’s “Star Racer” Competition in Mount Tremblant, Quebec!

#77 Darrel Vallie, NASCAR Racer from Western Canada’s only NASCAR sanctioned race track, Edmonton Int’l Raceway (EIR) did an awesome job representing his track and his home town of Sherwood Park, Alberta in Discovery Channel’s “STAR RACER” Competition (www.discoverychannel.ca/starracer).

Darrel, an Edmonton City Firefighter and young father to be, resides in Sherwood Park with his wife Lauren.

Darrel was chosen out of hundreds of Canadian applicants to take part in the STAR RACER reality TV competition. Even though the competition featured “Open Wheeled” competition, Darrel brought his Late Model experience to the table and successfully qualified to 7th of the 8th episodes, a feat no other Western Canadian Racer has accomplished!

For interviews and further information, please contact Darrel Vallie directly at 922-0779 or 975-7274.

NASCAR: Rudd returns to Yates

From TSN (AP story)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Robert Yates is bringing Ricky Rudd out of retirement to keep his sinking race team afloat, signing him Thursday to drive the full Nextel Cup schedule in 2007.
Masterfoods USA will sponsor the car, with its Snickers brand as the primary paint scheme. The car number was not immediately disclosed, but Yates needed a sponsor for his flagship No. 88 Ford.
Rudd spent three successful years with Yates driving the No. 28 Ford - a car not currently in use. The team combined for three victories and a fourth-place finish in the 2001 standings.
"We are excited to welcome Ricky back to the team," team owner Yates said. "We all realize Ricky's talent, and to have him return to the organization is a huge plus for us."

... more at the link above.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series site replaces CASCAR.CA

One of the guys in the office clicked on his link to www.cascar.ca. I'm not sure when, but they've taken down the CASCAR site and replaced it with a contact page at www.nascar.ca. That page includes a link to www.nascarcanadiantireseries.com, which features a low-res collage of CASCARs (with the CASCAR logos photo-shopped from their windshields... hmm).
It also says the page is under construction and will be launched in March, 2007.

Last minute gift idea...

How about stockings as stocking stuffers for the racer on your list?

CSC Racing is offering "One Head Sock and two foot socks" for one incredible price. For a limited time, get one pair of Nomex® socks (shoe size 6-8; 9-11 or 10-13) and one single layer Nomex® balaclava for one low price of $50. Includes taxes and delivery.


For more info, call CSC at 1-888-489-3880 or visit them online at www.cscracing.com

Peter Mansbridge talks about Headz Gamez on CBC's 'The National'

I almost fell off my couch last night when this came on.

Go to this link and move ahead to the 17 minute and 40 second mark (17:40).

Ouch.

Sharpe Management chosen to lead Sales, Marketing & Promotional Initiatives for The Canadian Touring Car Championship

TORONTO, ON – December 18, 2006 – The newly formed Canadian Touring Car Championship announced on Monday an affiliation with Sharpe Management, Inc., a leader in motorsports sponsorship and strategic partnerships.

The agreement will see Sharpe Management play an integral role in the marketing of the Canadian Touring Car Championship to consumers and corporations nationwide.

The Canadian Touring Car Championship, led by John Bondar, was created to satisfy a pent-up demand for stable, professional sportscar racing in Canada. Sanctioned by CASC – Ontario Region, the Championship has grown from its grassroots success to become a viable, marketable sports property.

Founded in 1997 by Jason Sharpe - motorsports marketing veteran - Sharpe Management is recognized as Canada’s leader in the areas of motorsport sponsorship sales, management and promotion.

Since it’s inception Sharpe Management has helped some of Canada’s most prominent brands make a connection with the racing fan. Clients including Canadian Tire Corporation, Castrol, Schick, PartSource, Sony BMG Music Canada, Shell and SonyPlaystation have benefited from Sharpe’s experience in helping marketers achieve tremendous success enhancing brand awareness and driving sales through motorsports.

“I am thrilled to be working with John on the Canadian Touring Car Championship,” said Jason Sharpe, president and CEO, Sharpe Management, Inc. “The Championship offers to fans some of Canada’s best drivers battling it out in some of the hottest sportscars in the country, and with that, offers to marketers a fresh and relevant platform for some pretty dynamic promotional opportunities.”

John Bondar, President and CEO of the Canadian Touring Car Championship, has an impressive background in motorsports management including 25 years experience organizing and officiating all levels of auto racing.

He was the President of Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs Ontario Region from 2002 to 2006 and successfully doubled the size of the organization by developing and implementing aggressive marketing and promotion strategies. He has been a member of the ASN Canada FIA Inc. Advisory Board from 2002 to 2006 and is an advisor to the Ministry of Transportation Ontario regarding public education programs regarding street racing alternatives.

“The addition of Sharpe Management to our team proves our commitment to the creation of phenomenal entertainment value for Canadian race fans, while delivering tremendous marketing value to our sponsor partners,” said John Bondar. “Jason and I have a long-term vision for a stand-alone, distinctly Canadian championship that will tour markets all across the country and we have spent months developing a very strategic plan to realize that goal,” he added.

For 2007, the Canadian Touring Car Championship will consist of three classes of competition, over 8 weekends, with the marquee event being the recently announced addition of the Grand Prix of Toronto. Other races will be held at the famed Mosport International Raceway & Shannonville Motorsport Park.

Contacts: John Bondar / Canadian Touring Car Championship 416-707-0358
Jason Sharpe / Sharpe Management, Inc. 416-838-0039

2007 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series Schedule Announced

WEEDSPORT, NY (DEC. 15) Currently highlighted by 29 race dates in six states and two Canadian provinces, the preliminary schedule for the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series offers a diverse mix of championship events leading up to the crowning of the Mr. DIRT titlist in 2007. Further additions to the big-block Modified agenda are still pending at this time although the entire Advance Auto Parts SDS slate is expected to be firmly in place by January.

Advance Auto Parts SDS activity kicks off in February with open-wheel teams traveling south for the 36th DIRTcar Nationals presented by Mopar Speed Shop at Volusia Speedway Park. Four non-point events make up the annual Florida Tour that will crown a big-block champion following the 10th straight winter bash, Feb. 14-17, staged in the ‘Sunshine State.’

The ‘North-South Shootout’ at Hagerstown Speedway continues the short-track action up north in March while ‘Thursday Thunder’ caps off the series’ first-ever appearance at Virginia Motor Speedway in May. Can-Am Motorsports Park returns to the tour in August and new management at New Egypt Speedway has signed on to host a second event with the New Jersey State Championship arriving in mid-October. The popular Canadian swing through Ontario and Quebec is back on schedule with 100-lap mains at Cornwall, Drummond and Brockville making up the big tripleheader. A new wrinkle has been added to the September specials at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park as the 36th Robert N. Petrocci Memorial has been split into twin 50-lap features and the 21st World Series title event has been divided into three 50-lappers.

Traditional extra-distance events fill out the season-long schedule that includes the 16th Annual Bill McNabb Hall of Fame Classic at Weedsport Speedway on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds in May, 37th Firecracker 100 at Rolling Wheels in July, 20th Super Summer Sizzler at Canandaigua Speedway in August and 39th Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway in September. In October the famed Syracuse Mile hosts the Super DIRT Week Championship for the 36th consecutive year while the curtain drops following the 46th Annual Eastern States 200 Championship at Orange County Fair Speedway.

Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series specials at Brewerton, Fulton, Merrittville, Ransomville, Grandview and Susquehanna are spaced out during the summer months bringing the 2007 total to 19 of the most revered facilities in the Northeast. More information will be released as the remaining track dates are finalized. Contact the DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours for specific questions or log into the DIRT homepage at www.dirtmotorsports.com to find out more about the entire circuit.

The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional partners include AMB i.t., F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, DART Machinery, Holley HP Carburetors, MSD Ignitions, Miller Electric Manufacturing Company and Wrisco Industries.

2007 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
DAY-DATE LAPS TRACK LOCATION
Wed-Feb 14 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL
Thr-Feb 15 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL
Fri-Feb 16 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL
Sat-Feb 17 50-NP Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL
Sat-Mar 31 100 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown, MD
Thr-May 3 100 Virginia Motor Speedway Saluda, VA
Sun-May 27 100 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport, NY
Sat-Jun 9 100 Fulton Speedway Fulton, NY
Tue-Jul 3 100 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge, NY
Fri-Jul 6 100 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville, NY
Sun-Jul 8 100 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall, ONT
Mon-Jul 9 100 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville, QUE
Tue-Jul 10 100 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville, ONT
Wed-Jul 18 100 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville, PA
Fri-Aug 3 100 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton, NY
Mon-Aug 6 100 Merrittville Speedway Thorold, ONT
Thr-Aug 9 100 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua, NY
Sat-Aug 11 100 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon, NY
Wed-Aug 15 100 New Egypt Speedway New Egypt, NJ
Sat-Aug 18 100 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville, NY
Sun-Sep 2 100 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 3 2-50 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 15 200 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Sat-Sep 22 3-50 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 7 200 New York State Fairgrnds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 14 100 New Egypt Speedway New Egypt, NJ
Sun-Oct 21 200 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
TBA 100 Susquehanna Speedway Newberrytown, PA
TBA 100 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown, NY
*All events subject to change.

By Tom Skibinski, DIRT NorthEast PR Director