Saturday, February 24, 2007
Norris McDonald has a nice tribute to the late Jim Paulson in his Wheels column today
Click here to read it.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Merrittville News
Courtesy Merrittville Speedway
Thorold, ON – With the 36th Annual DIRTcar Nationals presented by Mopar Speed Shop at Volusia Speedwat and the NASCAR Season Openers at Daytona in the books for another year, you would think that Speed Week action in Florida would be done for 2007.
For a number of Niagara Racers however, the action is just about to begin.
The TUSA Mr. DIRT Winternationals scheduled for February 22 – 24 at the East Bay Raceway in Tampa has attracted several NYDCA members looking to get a head start on the upcoming Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lite Season at Merrittville Speedway.
While Wally Billing and Rick Brubacher are on their way for their fourth trip to the Sunshine State – Andy Tallman, Adam Murphy and Paul Klager will all be making their first starts.
“I learned so much last season,” reveals Andy Tallman of his rookie season in the division know known as the Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lites, Adding, “ I’m hoping to kick start the new season with this trip …. building on my experience from last season.”
Tallman, who will turn 17 in March - is the youngest of the group making the trip south was able to draw on some experiences last season as prior to making the move to Saturday Nights had previously raced a Go Kart for 5 years – earning two championships along the way.
“We’re all hoping to do the Club and Canada proud,” added Tallman, “race fans can keep track of us on the internet … I’ll be providing all the results.”
Southern Ontario and Western New York Race Fans can visit krtmotorsports.net where Tallman serves as the web master.
For further information on the 2007 Merrittville Speedway Schedule of Events that includes the Season Opener Spring Sizzler 100 presented by Baron Roofing and Siding Saturday April 28th – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
Thorold, ON – With the 36th Annual DIRTcar Nationals presented by Mopar Speed Shop at Volusia Speedwat and the NASCAR Season Openers at Daytona in the books for another year, you would think that Speed Week action in Florida would be done for 2007.
For a number of Niagara Racers however, the action is just about to begin.
The TUSA Mr. DIRT Winternationals scheduled for February 22 – 24 at the East Bay Raceway in Tampa has attracted several NYDCA members looking to get a head start on the upcoming Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lite Season at Merrittville Speedway.
While Wally Billing and Rick Brubacher are on their way for their fourth trip to the Sunshine State – Andy Tallman, Adam Murphy and Paul Klager will all be making their first starts.
“I learned so much last season,” reveals Andy Tallman of his rookie season in the division know known as the Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lites, Adding, “ I’m hoping to kick start the new season with this trip …. building on my experience from last season.”
Tallman, who will turn 17 in March - is the youngest of the group making the trip south was able to draw on some experiences last season as prior to making the move to Saturday Nights had previously raced a Go Kart for 5 years – earning two championships along the way.
“We’re all hoping to do the Club and Canada proud,” added Tallman, “race fans can keep track of us on the internet … I’ll be providing all the results.”
Southern Ontario and Western New York Race Fans can visit krtmotorsports.net where Tallman serves as the web master.
For further information on the 2007 Merrittville Speedway Schedule of Events that includes the Season Opener Spring Sizzler 100 presented by Baron Roofing and Siding Saturday April 28th – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
Raceline Radio’s Erik Tomas Speaks Out
Courtesy Erik Tomas
February 22nd, 2007 – NASCAR has been jumping through hoops on fire trying to get more media coverage for their brand of stock car racing. The Chase for the Championship was a playoff-like scheme designed to compete with Baseball’s World Series and the start of the NFL season. They’ve invested too much time and money leveling the playing field so we don’t have run-away winners. CUP drivers almost to a man make themselves as media friendly as possible. It’s image that sells.
So how come for 2 years in a row, we’ve had cheating scandals dominate the news around NASCAR’s Super Bowl, The Daytona 500? Maybe because even though NASCAR has done a remarkable job to convince as many doubters as possible they’re no longer a bunch of hillbilly rednecks, there are still a few in their garage that parallel Larry the Cable Guy in the backwoods of Tennessee trying to hide moonshine from reven’oor’s!
The weak ones buckle under very real sponsor pressure to win for that coveted premium TV on-screen time. Without sponsors, teams go out of business.
I know 6 teams were tagged with suspensions, fines and loss of points caught violating a variety of rules and sub-paragraphs, but I want to focus on Michael Waltrip’s Daytona scandal, because to me, that’s the most confounding.
Waltrip is a 2-time winner of the “Great American Race”. He doesn’t need to cheat to win. Toyota puts a lot of faith in Mike and The Waltrip name and history in the sport. They trust Michael to help them bring the Camry into Nextel Cup, understanding their reputation of doing the racing thing one way, to win.
So what happens? NASCAR techies discover an additive in the fuel system designed to increase the octane of the gasoline to produce more power and therefore speed. Huh? Toyota is red-faced, Michael is so upset he almost pulls the entry. Angry? More embarrassed than angry. If Mike knew about this, Toyota should fire his butt and he should be banned from NASCAR for a long time, maybe for ever. But I do not for one moment believe he knew anything about it.
There’s WAY too much at stake. Was somebody on his crew stupid enough to cheat with something as easily detectable as “funny fuel”? I hope not, even though the teams’ Crew Chief and VP of Competition have been banished from the sport for the time being.
If they were going to cheat to make Toyota a winner out of the box at Daytona, they would have tried something a lot more ingenious than that, and back to my point, Waltrip would never gamble that way.
But it looks like somewhere in the close to 200 new hirings for this new team, Michael may have hired a Bubba or a Skeeter, some mouth-breathing knuckle-dragger who thought they could get away with something so blatant to get to victory lane to make Toyota and NAPA happy.
Somebody mentioned deliberate sabotage by the anti Toyota faction who thinks the Japanese car maker has no business in Nextel Cup. As outlandish as that theory sounds, what other explanation is there for the Waltrip scandal? I’m stuck for another answer! And if they wanted to ruin Toyota’s Daytona debut, wouldn’t they stick that illegal additive in ALL the Toyota’s fuel systems and not just Mike’s # 55? Maybe somebody has an axe to grind somewhere?
Waltrip vows to find the idiot who put the goop into the fuel cell if it was one of his crew or staff. NASCAR has done the right thing by issuing the stiffest penalties for deliberate attempts to cheat in series history. They feel they have sent a message to the Bubba’s and Skeeter’s in their midst that this bunko from days gone by is not part of the sport’s lore and charm anymore.
If we get another rash, suspending drivers is the next step and that’s when the sponsors will start pulling their logo’s off cars and sponsors are hard enough to find and keep.
NASCAR has tried to separate themselves from the steroid takers, bat-corkers and big-stick men that you sometimes find in other pursuits.
But when we forget who’s on the poll and who wins the biggest stock car race in the business because of cheating scandals, that’s not good for this sport and NASCAR’s got some rednecks with pine-tar to wipe off before their next urine test.
Keep the E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! The address: erik@raceline.ca Let us know what you think! Do you agree or disagree with the commentary! We invite your feedback, questions and comments!
Until next time, talk to ya’ll on Raceline Radio! ET
February 22nd, 2007 – NASCAR has been jumping through hoops on fire trying to get more media coverage for their brand of stock car racing. The Chase for the Championship was a playoff-like scheme designed to compete with Baseball’s World Series and the start of the NFL season. They’ve invested too much time and money leveling the playing field so we don’t have run-away winners. CUP drivers almost to a man make themselves as media friendly as possible. It’s image that sells.
So how come for 2 years in a row, we’ve had cheating scandals dominate the news around NASCAR’s Super Bowl, The Daytona 500? Maybe because even though NASCAR has done a remarkable job to convince as many doubters as possible they’re no longer a bunch of hillbilly rednecks, there are still a few in their garage that parallel Larry the Cable Guy in the backwoods of Tennessee trying to hide moonshine from reven’oor’s!
The weak ones buckle under very real sponsor pressure to win for that coveted premium TV on-screen time. Without sponsors, teams go out of business.
I know 6 teams were tagged with suspensions, fines and loss of points caught violating a variety of rules and sub-paragraphs, but I want to focus on Michael Waltrip’s Daytona scandal, because to me, that’s the most confounding.
Waltrip is a 2-time winner of the “Great American Race”. He doesn’t need to cheat to win. Toyota puts a lot of faith in Mike and The Waltrip name and history in the sport. They trust Michael to help them bring the Camry into Nextel Cup, understanding their reputation of doing the racing thing one way, to win.
So what happens? NASCAR techies discover an additive in the fuel system designed to increase the octane of the gasoline to produce more power and therefore speed. Huh? Toyota is red-faced, Michael is so upset he almost pulls the entry. Angry? More embarrassed than angry. If Mike knew about this, Toyota should fire his butt and he should be banned from NASCAR for a long time, maybe for ever. But I do not for one moment believe he knew anything about it.
There’s WAY too much at stake. Was somebody on his crew stupid enough to cheat with something as easily detectable as “funny fuel”? I hope not, even though the teams’ Crew Chief and VP of Competition have been banished from the sport for the time being.
If they were going to cheat to make Toyota a winner out of the box at Daytona, they would have tried something a lot more ingenious than that, and back to my point, Waltrip would never gamble that way.
But it looks like somewhere in the close to 200 new hirings for this new team, Michael may have hired a Bubba or a Skeeter, some mouth-breathing knuckle-dragger who thought they could get away with something so blatant to get to victory lane to make Toyota and NAPA happy.
Somebody mentioned deliberate sabotage by the anti Toyota faction who thinks the Japanese car maker has no business in Nextel Cup. As outlandish as that theory sounds, what other explanation is there for the Waltrip scandal? I’m stuck for another answer! And if they wanted to ruin Toyota’s Daytona debut, wouldn’t they stick that illegal additive in ALL the Toyota’s fuel systems and not just Mike’s # 55? Maybe somebody has an axe to grind somewhere?
Waltrip vows to find the idiot who put the goop into the fuel cell if it was one of his crew or staff. NASCAR has done the right thing by issuing the stiffest penalties for deliberate attempts to cheat in series history. They feel they have sent a message to the Bubba’s and Skeeter’s in their midst that this bunko from days gone by is not part of the sport’s lore and charm anymore.
If we get another rash, suspending drivers is the next step and that’s when the sponsors will start pulling their logo’s off cars and sponsors are hard enough to find and keep.
NASCAR has tried to separate themselves from the steroid takers, bat-corkers and big-stick men that you sometimes find in other pursuits.
But when we forget who’s on the poll and who wins the biggest stock car race in the business because of cheating scandals, that’s not good for this sport and NASCAR’s got some rednecks with pine-tar to wipe off before their next urine test.
Keep the E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! The address: erik@raceline.ca Let us know what you think! Do you agree or disagree with the commentary! We invite your feedback, questions and comments!
Until next time, talk to ya’ll on Raceline Radio! ET
Auto Meter Products posts Contingency Awards for PMRA Teams
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherSYCAMORE, IL (February 21, 2007) – The Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to announce that instrument giant Auto Meter Products will be posting contingency awards at each of the PMRA series events for 2007.
Auto Meter offers its customers the most extensive line of technologically advanced, competition-inspired, and race-proven instruments of any aftermarket automotive instrument supplier in the world today.
“Auto Meter is pleased to support the PMRA again in 2007,” explained Marc Erickson, Director of Motorsports of Auto Meter Products. “The PMRA is a good series with great teams. They do a good job on and off the track with their venues, the fans, and the series sponsors.”
The PMRA contingency programs are designed to increase the sponsor’s product sales and exposure to the target market of the series teams and to their fans.
“We will present a contingency award to the low qualifier and winner of each of the PMRA drag racing series events in 2007,” added Erickson.”
“Having Auto Meter Products on board with the PMRA again this season will be great for our series,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “Auto Meter Products is the most respected manufacturer of high quality, performance aftermarket instrumentation, tachometers, and gauges.”
Several tracks go public with their NASCAR Canadian Tire Series dates
With just over three months to go until the green flag flies on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS), several tracks and events are openly publicizing their NCATS dates for 2007, in spite of the fact that the series has yet to release its schedule.
They include: Sun Valley Speedway, the GP of Edmonton, the GP de Trois-Rivieres, Mosport (oval & road course) and Kawartha Speedway.
Hinchcliffe and Lacroix to Hit the Streets of Durban
Courtesy A1 Team CanadaWednesday 21 February, 2007 - With street racing forming in integral part of North American open-wheel racing, A1 Team Canada pilots James Hinchcliffe and Kevin Lacroix head to Durban, South Africa for this weekend's eighth round of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, 23rd-25th February, eager to demonstrate their abilities on the 3.28km temporary street course.
Québec's Kevin Lacroix gets to savor the demands of the tight, twisting track layout first on Friday morning as he takes the reigns of the 550bhp, V8-powered Canadian A1GP entry for the hour-long Rookie-Only Session. The 17-year-old from Saint-Eustache makes his series debut this weekend, handling rookie duties in Durban before handing over to Toronto's James Hinchcliffe who'll participate in Sunday's Sprint and Feature races having steered the team to seven top-ten finishes this season.
Lacroix's South African outing marks just his second time behind the wheel of an A1GP car having previously tested with the Canadian team last July in the United Kingdom. Graduating from his 200bhp Star Mazda racer, Kevin impressed and proved to be a fast learner, a factor that could be crucial to the team's competitiveness this weekend where both Canadian drivers are new to the North Beach circuit. Lacroix followed up his A1GP test last summer by claiming the runner-up spot in the Star Mazda Championship earning 'Rookie of the Year' honours in the process.
Having ended his last showing for A1 Team Canada parked upside down in a gravel trap at Australia's Eastern Creek International Raceway in Round 7 earlier this month, James Hinchcliffe proved there were no side-effects to his spectacular lap one barrel-roll by heading back to America to dominate two-days of pre-season testing in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in Texas.
Hinchcliffe is confident of a strong showing this time round in Durban, not least as he set the fastest lap of the race in Round 3 last November in the only other street circuit on the current A1GP schedule, the Jingkai facility in Beijing, China.
"I love the challenge of street racing," he declared. "The nature of these tracks means you have to be on it all the time and Durban's going to be no different. You can't underestimate the importance of qualifying at a street circuit so there's probably a little extra pressure to perform well on Saturday to give ourselves the best shot at winning come Sunday."
"I'm really looking forward to Friday's track time," said Lacroix ahead of his A1GP debut. "This is a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to drive the A1GP car again knowing that my input will play a part in the team's overall competitiveness for the rest of the weekend. I know I'll be left wanting more, as the rookie session's only an hour, but I'll make the most of it and do my bit for the team!"
Sunday's Sprint race starts at 11am local time (4am EST) with the Feature race starting at 3pm in Durban (8am EST). SPEED will air all the action from Round 8 in South Africa as a tape-delayed broadcast on Wednesday 28th February starting at 4pm EST - www.speedtv.com.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Meeting schduled to establish a new series featuring former CASCAR Sportsman Series cars and drivers
I received the following letter and documents from Ron Lethbridge, who asked me to post them here.
Dear Drivers:
RE: 2007 SPORTSMAN SEASON
Hello to all drivers, car owners and crews of the former CASCAR Sportsman Series.
Some of you may have heard of us, or maybe not, but my name is Ron Lethbridge, owner and driver of the Rock 95 – CASCAR in the Sportsman Series 2005 and 2006.
As we all know to well the Sportsman Series has been cancelled for the 2007 year and this has been a big let down for all of us involved. The new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series sounds exciting and will be great to be involved in but I was hoping, as I am sure a lot of you were, that the Sportsman Series would continue this year with the support of Nascar.
Since the start of this year I have had the idea that we could start up our own Sportsman Race Series. I have talked to promoter, Glenn Lloyd owner/operator of Sunset Speedway and have had a very strong response from him in making this happen as a Sportsman Series for the 2007 racing season.
Glenn Lloyd has spoken with other owner/operators and they have also shown an interest in this project.
In order to discuss this more a meeting has been schedule with these track owner/operators and promoters for Saturday, February 24th, 2007 at 11:00 o’clock at Hot Rods Restaurant in Milton, Ontario (401 Exit, 320 South, 905.693.9397).
Further details of this meeting can be obtained by calling me at 705.739.4686 (res.) or on my dad’s cell, Ted Lethbridge at 705.321.1207.
Attached is a draft outline of what we have put together for your review. Hope to hear from you regarding this.
LETHBRIDGE MOTORSPORTS
Ron Lethbridge
*******************
Topics for Discussion:
Rules of 2005 CASCAR Sportsman Series to be used for the 2007 Series.
Hans, belt and shifter boot will not be mandatory (some kind of neck restraint will be highly recommended)
Tires will be 8 inch Hoosier, to be supplied at all tracks.
Pole (time trials or heats) invert draw 1 to 6 starting spots.
75 to 100 lap races – caution laps do not count.
Spinner & Spin Rule – both to the back of the longest line.
Lapped cars inside, lead cars outside.
$300.00 membership fee to the organization, for complete team up to 15 names (over 15 names – $20.00 per member)
$50.00 to the organization, to register for each race.
16 to 20 cars at each race (18 ideal count).
Race Director and Tech Director required.
The tracks will supply the scorers for each race.
Members to be elected for the 2007 race season.
Payouts, to be determined by track owners/operators, based on car count. Current minimum $6,500.00.
Points Fund sponsor possible.
**********************
Tracks to race at:
Sunset Speedway 1/3 mile - possibly 2 races (Barrie, Newmarket Midland)
Mosport International Speedway ½ mile – 1 race
(Oshawa, Bowmanville, Whitby)
Sauble Beach 1/3 mile – 1 race
(Owen Sound, Wiarton, Guelph)
Cayuga Speedway 5/8 mile – 1 race
(Hamilton, Niagara Falls, St. Kitts)
Peterboro Speedway 1/3 mile – 1 race
(Peterborough, Lindsay, Bridge North)
Varney Speedway 1/4 mile – 1 race
(Owen Sound, Wiarton, Guelph)
Possible:
Capital City Race Way, Ottawa, Ontario
Grand Bend Speedway, Ontario
Lucas Oil Returns with Something for Everyone at Brighton Speedway in 2007
BRIGHTON, ON – 2007 will mark the 4th year of Lucas Oil’s involvement with the Brighton Speedway. Following the trend of doing more every year they are returning with something for everyone in the 40th Anniversary Season.
“It’s great to have Steve Snowden and Lucas Oil on board again! The fans and drivers of Brighton Speedway will be thrilled with not only the continued support but all the new programs we have collaborated on in the off season” says track General Manager Angela Rinaldi.
400 lucky adult fans will benefit from the first Lucas Oil event, taking place on May 19th. The May 24 Lucas Oil Twin 40’s, being run for the tracks premier division Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, are to mark the 40th Anniversary of the track. To give the fans a birthday present Lucas Oil is giving the first 400 adult fans through the gates a free Lucas Oil seat cushion to help enjoy the races in comfort.
Throughout the months of June and July, fans will continue to hear the Lucas Oil name weekly as they will have a chance to win tickets aboard the Lucas Oil Super Fan Bus to the Cornwall Motor Speedway to attend the Final Race of the Lucas Oil Canadian Series 100 lap 358 Modified Race. Fans will experience VIP treatment on this all expenses paid July 29th trip east. One lucky fan will be named the Lucas Oil Super Fan and drop the green flag for the 100 Lap main event and have their picture taken in Victory Lane with the race winner.
Lucas Oil will again continue to support what is quickly growing into one of the biggest racing weekends in Ontario. Co-Sponsorship of the Brighton Speedway Labour Day Classic Weekend, which draws over 200 cars, including Southern Ontario Sprints, and 4000 fans to an action packed weekend, is filled with family fun and racing excitement. “With Lucas Oil’s support we are able to add more events and continue to grow this great racing event, “ says track Promoter Mark Rinaldi
Scheduled for the weekend of September 21st, the Imagefactor.ca Applefest 358 Modified Shootout welcomes again support from Lucas Oil. The sponsorship in 2006 turned an already good event into a great one, which will continue to grow. “Who would have thought this event could get any better, but they have done it again” says event coordinator and Imagefactor.ca founder Greg Calnan when referring to Lucas Oil’s new support of the 07 event.
Now a two day event, Friday Night will feature the Lucas Oil Cup for Dirt Sportsman cars. This All- new event will award the famed Lucas Cup to one of Ontario’s or Upstate New York’s top Sportsman drivers. The interesting part of this race is the top 20 starting spots in this race are reserved for the top 20 in points from the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout Series presented by dirttrackdigest.com. All other drivers that show up on that night will be fighting for the final 6 qualifying spots. “Steve wanted to do something to show support to all the drivers that made a commitment to following the entire series and this will definitely do that” say dirttrackdigest.com’s Adam Ross.
The following night 358 Dirt Modifieds will take to the track to once again compete in the best paying 15 lap race on Canadian Dirt., the Lucas Oil Clash for Cash. Top drivers from the Lucas Oil Canadian Series will take on the top drivers from the Lucas Oil 358 Shootout Series and compete for a purse that works out to $1000.00 per mile. To add to the excitement the Lucas Oil Super Fan Bus 2 from Cornwall Motor Speedway will be in the stands to cheer on these top drivers.
To cap it all off Lucas Oil has renewed its commitment to Brighton Speedway’s weekly racers by again being the official sponsor of the 2007 Brighton Speedway Drivers’ Points Fund. This cash contribution helps payout the top drivers in the 4 weekly divisions at the season ending Annual Awards Night. “Being Race Director I see week in and week out how these grass roots guys pour their heart and soul into making it out here every week. It is nice to see them rewarded for their commitment and determination,” comments long time staff member Tim Whitehead. .
“At a track that is renowned for it’s competition everybody is coming out a winner thanks to the support of what is arguably not only the best backer of motorsports in Canada, but all of North America, Lucas Oil.” comments Mark Rinaldi “I know the track, it’s drivers and fans appreciate it!”
Lucas Oil Products was founded by Forrest Lucas and his wife Charlotte in 1989. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas has established itself as a top selling additive line in the American truck stop industry. Lucas is also one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry. A premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives has helped to firmly establish Lucas as a prominent figure in the automotive marketplace.
Lucas has long been directly involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels. Seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, the Lucas people went to work again. The end result is a line of high performance engine and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country.
For more information about these great products visit http://www.lucasoil.ca/ .To stay up to date on other 40th Anniversary Season news and events from Brighton Speedway be sure to visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com/ or forward your email address to fromthetrack@brightonspeedway.com.
~30~
For more information contact Angie Rinaldi at 613-475-1102
“It’s great to have Steve Snowden and Lucas Oil on board again! The fans and drivers of Brighton Speedway will be thrilled with not only the continued support but all the new programs we have collaborated on in the off season” says track General Manager Angela Rinaldi.
400 lucky adult fans will benefit from the first Lucas Oil event, taking place on May 19th. The May 24 Lucas Oil Twin 40’s, being run for the tracks premier division Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, are to mark the 40th Anniversary of the track. To give the fans a birthday present Lucas Oil is giving the first 400 adult fans through the gates a free Lucas Oil seat cushion to help enjoy the races in comfort.
Throughout the months of June and July, fans will continue to hear the Lucas Oil name weekly as they will have a chance to win tickets aboard the Lucas Oil Super Fan Bus to the Cornwall Motor Speedway to attend the Final Race of the Lucas Oil Canadian Series 100 lap 358 Modified Race. Fans will experience VIP treatment on this all expenses paid July 29th trip east. One lucky fan will be named the Lucas Oil Super Fan and drop the green flag for the 100 Lap main event and have their picture taken in Victory Lane with the race winner.
Lucas Oil will again continue to support what is quickly growing into one of the biggest racing weekends in Ontario. Co-Sponsorship of the Brighton Speedway Labour Day Classic Weekend, which draws over 200 cars, including Southern Ontario Sprints, and 4000 fans to an action packed weekend, is filled with family fun and racing excitement. “With Lucas Oil’s support we are able to add more events and continue to grow this great racing event, “ says track Promoter Mark Rinaldi
Scheduled for the weekend of September 21st, the Imagefactor.ca Applefest 358 Modified Shootout welcomes again support from Lucas Oil. The sponsorship in 2006 turned an already good event into a great one, which will continue to grow. “Who would have thought this event could get any better, but they have done it again” says event coordinator and Imagefactor.ca founder Greg Calnan when referring to Lucas Oil’s new support of the 07 event.
Now a two day event, Friday Night will feature the Lucas Oil Cup for Dirt Sportsman cars. This All- new event will award the famed Lucas Cup to one of Ontario’s or Upstate New York’s top Sportsman drivers. The interesting part of this race is the top 20 starting spots in this race are reserved for the top 20 in points from the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout Series presented by dirttrackdigest.com. All other drivers that show up on that night will be fighting for the final 6 qualifying spots. “Steve wanted to do something to show support to all the drivers that made a commitment to following the entire series and this will definitely do that” say dirttrackdigest.com’s Adam Ross.
The following night 358 Dirt Modifieds will take to the track to once again compete in the best paying 15 lap race on Canadian Dirt., the Lucas Oil Clash for Cash. Top drivers from the Lucas Oil Canadian Series will take on the top drivers from the Lucas Oil 358 Shootout Series and compete for a purse that works out to $1000.00 per mile. To add to the excitement the Lucas Oil Super Fan Bus 2 from Cornwall Motor Speedway will be in the stands to cheer on these top drivers.
To cap it all off Lucas Oil has renewed its commitment to Brighton Speedway’s weekly racers by again being the official sponsor of the 2007 Brighton Speedway Drivers’ Points Fund. This cash contribution helps payout the top drivers in the 4 weekly divisions at the season ending Annual Awards Night. “Being Race Director I see week in and week out how these grass roots guys pour their heart and soul into making it out here every week. It is nice to see them rewarded for their commitment and determination,” comments long time staff member Tim Whitehead. .
“At a track that is renowned for it’s competition everybody is coming out a winner thanks to the support of what is arguably not only the best backer of motorsports in Canada, but all of North America, Lucas Oil.” comments Mark Rinaldi “I know the track, it’s drivers and fans appreciate it!”
Lucas Oil Products was founded by Forrest Lucas and his wife Charlotte in 1989. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas has established itself as a top selling additive line in the American truck stop industry. Lucas is also one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry. A premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives has helped to firmly establish Lucas as a prominent figure in the automotive marketplace.
Lucas has long been directly involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels. Seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, the Lucas people went to work again. The end result is a line of high performance engine and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country.
For more information about these great products visit http://www.lucasoil.ca/ .To stay up to date on other 40th Anniversary Season news and events from Brighton Speedway be sure to visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com/ or forward your email address to fromthetrack@brightonspeedway.com.
~30~
For more information contact Angie Rinaldi at 613-475-1102
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
ITMN Short Track Contingency Program Extended!
In the new issue of Inside Track – which is on its way to your mailbox right now – we ran almost 70 ads from eligible Canadian short track racers who scored top 10 points finishes at their respective participating tracks & divisions in 2006.
A PDF version of all of the ads that appeared in the inaugural Inside Track Short Track Contingency Program section is available for download here (1 Mb file).
For those of you who did not get your 'Thank Your Sponsor' information in on time, we have extended the deadline to allow you a second chance to do so. Click here for details and submission forms.
Jacques Villeneuve talks about his future plans
In this story on TSN, Jacques Villenveuve and his manager Craig Pollock concede that JV won't win as many F1 titles as Michael Schumacher, but by the time the Canadian is done winning at Le Mans, NASCAR and Rallying, he will be considered "of the great race drivers in the world by winning all sorts of different championships."
Monday, February 19, 2007
Daytona 500 Photos (By Dave Franks)
Click on the photo below to access a gallery of some of Dave Franks' shots, taken before, during and after Sunday's Daytona 500.
For information on purchasing Dave Franks' photos, click here.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
DAYTONA 500: Harvick wins wild one by a nose
It was a tame race for most of today's Daytona 500, but things got crazy near the end.
Mark Martin almost scored a fairytale finish by finally winning stock car racing's biggest prize... but it wasn't to be.
Kevin Harvick came out of nowhere on the last lap after getting a great 'push' on the outside groove from Matt Kenseth. Martin faltered down low in turns 3/4 and that opened the door for Harvick to pull alongside.
With chaos breaking out behind them, Harvick and Martin went to the line side-by-side, with Harvick taking the win by 2/100ths of a second.
NOTES: During the post-race interviews, Martin was as classy as usual, in spite of the disappointment... Dale Jarrett came home 23rd and was the top-finishing Toyota... Clint Bowyer finished the race on his roof and on fire... Juan Pablo Montoya was 19th... GM Goodwrench ended its sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing's #29 (formerly the #3) prior to the start of the season. Goodwrench's loss is Shell's gain....
Mark Martin almost scored a fairytale finish by finally winning stock car racing's biggest prize... but it wasn't to be.
Kevin Harvick came out of nowhere on the last lap after getting a great 'push' on the outside groove from Matt Kenseth. Martin faltered down low in turns 3/4 and that opened the door for Harvick to pull alongside.
With chaos breaking out behind them, Harvick and Martin went to the line side-by-side, with Harvick taking the win by 2/100ths of a second.
NOTES: During the post-race interviews, Martin was as classy as usual, in spite of the disappointment... Dale Jarrett came home 23rd and was the top-finishing Toyota... Clint Bowyer finished the race on his roof and on fire... Juan Pablo Montoya was 19th... GM Goodwrench ended its sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing's #29 (formerly the #3) prior to the start of the season. Goodwrench's loss is Shell's gain....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
