AT&T sues NASCAR over team sponsorship

AP has the story of AT&T suing NASCAR.

"Telecommunications giant AT&T sued NASCAR after racing series officials would not let the company put its logo on Jeff Burton's race car.
Burton's No. 31 car is sponsored by cell phone service provider Cingular, but AT&T recently took full ownership of Cingular as part of its recent merger with BellSouth and intends to eliminate the brand name."

... continued at the link above.

CAN WE HAVE OUR OLD CAR BACK?

By Speedracer

Have you ever seen Vice Versa? You're lucky. Suffice it to say a movie with the combined acting pedigree of Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage is forgettable at best.

Well it looks like Super Aguri F1 and Honda F1 are re-enacting it this weekend at the Austrlian Grand Prix.

Wanna guess who's faster? Why it's Aguri of course. Seeing as they have the car that scored more points than any other team in the back half of the '06 F1 season. Unfortunately Honda decided to give the car to them this year.

Those sobs you hear are Jenson Button's.

Griddly Headz is back

At least the website is back.... NASCAR logo, on-site shots from last summer's CASCAR races and all. Hmmm.

The "About Us" page for the new "Griddly Games Inc." is especially entertaining.

"CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Griddly Games Inc. is built on a foundation of operating excellence by adhering to a strong set of corporate values, and by adopting and implementing a number of corporate responsibility policies and practices. Acting ethically and responsibly and supporting the needs of others helps us build lasting relationships."

and the kicker....

"PHILOSOPHY - Deal honestly, openly and fairly with all people all the time."

I would write more, but I seem to have thrown up all over my shoes.... Maybe I'll wipe it off with the bankruptcy papers I received from Wolrige Mahon Ltd. (Trustees in Bankruptcy, Receivers, Liquidators". The one that says Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp. stiffed companies and individuals for $5,769,198.32

The site makes a big deal about some cartoon character doing "a major house cleaning". I wonder how cute that will be to all of the people who were burned by Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp.?

Here is the link to the "Comments" page for anyone who is interested.

UPDATE (1 p.m.): Inside Track has just been contacted by an individual representing Griddly Games Inc., who said that the new company (Griddly Games Inc.) has nothing to do with the old company (Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp.). The individual said that the major shareholder of the new company was the largest creditor of the old company and is attempting to pick up the pieces. We hope to arrange an interview with this individual in the next few weeks to further clarify the situation.

No schedule, but still nice to see

I received my new 256-page Canadian Tire "2007 Spring & Summer" catalog this morning. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I tore it open to see how much racing stuff was inside.

While there is absolutely no NASCAR merchandise in the catalog, there is a full page (pg. 242) ad for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

There is no schedule, but the ad says the series is "launching May 2007" and that "12 races are scheduled across Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec." An asterisk points out "Locations subject to change". Everything I've heard indicates that Nova Scotia should be on that list of provinces, too, so for their sake, let's hope it does change.

The ad urges racing fans to "Look for racing schedule updates at your local Canadian Tire store."

Triple Crown’ Showcases Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series 200s

By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series PR Director

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series continues to be the premier traveling show for Big-Block Modifieds throughout the Northeast. The annual tour is highlighted by a trio of 200-lap events with the Eckerd 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 7, Eastern States 200 at Orange County Fair Speedway on Oct. 21, and Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Sept. 8 continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country.

In 2007, these three signature events on the Advance Auto Parts SDS formulate the first ‘Triple Crown’ in DIRTcar Racing for Big-Block Modifieds, with more monetary incentive and extra points on the line towards the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Championship. In addition, the Eckerd 200 winner automatically earns seventh-place on the Eastern States 200 starting grid and the winner of the Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway will start outside the fourth row.

“These three are among the most prominent races in the Northeast and certainly deserve to stand out on the Advance Auto Parts Series schedule,” said DIRTcar Racing Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed. “They hold the most tradition, offer the biggest payoffs and are what fans and racers plan their seasons around year after year. They are the only 200-lappers we run all season so it’s important to emphasize their significance and guarantee further success for many more.”

This unique ‘Triple Crown’ features the $50,000-to-win Eckerd 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY) and $10,000-to-win Coors National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval. These are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops awarding fast timers with pole-position starts with the top-six locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion. In these three races only the winners will receive 150 Series points with 50 points to start.

Beginning in 1962, the Eastern States 200 at Orange County remains the biggest and oldest consecutively-run championship race for dirt track Modifieds in the nation while the Valley’s National 200 was christened in 1965 and has run every year excluding 1976-79. New Jersey legend Frankie Schneider captured both first time events. The historic New York State Fairgrounds one-mile oval has played host to Super DIRT Week since 1972 and Floridian Emil “Buzzie” Reutimann captured the initial set of checkers in the Big-Block Modified main. Danny Johnson (Eckerd 200), Brett Hearn (Eastern States) and J.R. Heffner (LV 200) are the defending race winners.

For further questions about the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series ‘Triple Crown’ or the 2007 race schedule, please contact Cory Reed in the DIRTcar 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. Throughout the upcoming season Advance Auto Part Super DIRT Series news and notes, race results and point standings, driver and track information will be posted on the brand new site at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.

Class for hybrid cars will debut at Targa Newfoundland 2007

Courtesy Ian Chaytor

ST. JOHN’S, NL (March 14, 2007) – The Targa Newfoundland international rally will break new ground in 2007 with the introduction of a competitive class for hybrid vehicles, Targa organizers have announced.

The new class will make Targa among the very first organized motorsports events in North America to offer a class for the increasingly popular vehicles powered by a mechanical alliance of a conventional internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors.

Nearly a dozen hybrid models are currently available in the Canadian market and more are expected.

The class will be for new models from existing manufacturers, and will be part of the Targa competition. The rules will be based on the existing Modern Division regulations for “Standard Specification” vehicles.

“This is just the first step in an important new direction for Targa,” said rally organizer Robert Giannou. “Creating a class for hybrids not only acknowledges the popularity and importance of these vehicles, it helps us as organizers build our expertise on environmental issues that will become more important in the future.”

In addition to the safety and other regulations that govern the Modern Division, the rules for the new hybrid class will restrict modifications that might otherwise compromise the vehicle’s fuel economy, Giannou said.

“Hybrid vehicles have always been welcome in the Grand Touring competition, but now we have expanded the invitation to include the Targa competition,” said Giannou. “In the future, we’re prepared to look at classes for conventional cars converted to hybrid operation, at alternate fuel vehicles and other technological evolutions. We see this as a great platform for manufacturers, for university engineering schools, or anyone interested in using Targa to explore new technologies.

“We don’t expect a flood of entries the first year, but we do expect this class to grow and be an important part of our appeal,” Giannou concluded.

Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world and is listed on the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) international calendar.

The 6th annual Targa Newfoundland is set to run from September 8 –15, 2007. It will start and end in St. John’s and cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days, including more than 400 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa Stages.

Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Holland, the Bahamas and the U.K. for the first five editions of Targa Newfoundland. Entries continue to arrive daily for the 2007 event. Targa Newfoundland is owned and organized by Newfoundland International Motorsports.

Disturbed Motorsports team preparing for NHRA Gatornationals

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

MARIETTA, GEORGIA (March 14, 2007) – The Pro Modified drag racing team of Disturbed Motorsports is planning on a good showing at its inaugural 2007 NHRA event, the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, this coming weekend.

“We’re looking forward to Gainesville,” said Disturbed Motorsports driver Eddie Ware, who will be piloting the Rupture Streetwear-sponsored 1967 Camaro at the ACDelco Gatornationals in northern Florida. “We enjoy running at Gainesville. There’s lots of good fans, and it’s a great track to race on.”

The team, headed by Eddie’s father Sam Ware, has already been competing this season, winning the Pro Street division at the recent US Street Nationals in Bradenton, FL. The team has also been spending time testing the newly-wrapped Camaro, courtesy of Baudier Vehicle Graphics, in Valdosta, Georgia. The team will be tweaking the Brad Anderson Hemi for the Gatornationals, although Ware mentioned they will use the set-up they finished with last year.

“We’ll be running the same tune-up with the car that we did for last year,” explained the 32-year old Ware. “The AMS will continue to allow us to use the same 4:56 gears as last year, so we’re sticking with the combination.”

Now entering the second year of AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Modified racing, Ware has raced in the Pro Modified class since 2003 in IHRA competition, capping off a successful 2006 season with a IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) Torco CompetitionPlus.com world record at Epping, NH with a 6.035-second, 235.89 mph winning pass.

Disturbed Motorsports, www.disturbedmotorsports.com, headed by Sam and Eddie Ware, is based in Marietta, GA. The team is campaigning a professional entry in the popular Pro Modified division of drag racing in selected National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Modified events featuring the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge, International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) eMax Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series, and Street Car Super National competition for 2007. Sponsored by Rupture Streetwear, Baudier Vehicle Graphics, and Mickey Thompson Performance Tires, Disturbed Motorsports plans to run the full IHRA Pro Modified tour.

Canadian Karting Star Lorenzo Mandarino Signs with Northwest Autosport for 2007

Courtesy Eric McCombs

March 8, 2007. Portland, Oregon. Northwest Autosport announced that young Canadian driver Lorenzo Mandarino will join recently signed Northwest Autosport drivers Phil Fogg Jr. and Eric Freiberg for the 2007 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and will be behind the wheel of the #38 Northwest Autosport Pro Formula Mazda for Round One at Sebring International Raceway.

Mandarino, from Vancouver, British Columbia, has been impressive wherever he has competed winning his first championship at the age of 10 in WKA karting. He has gone on to capture additional karting championships in the United States and Canada and has also found success behind the wheel of formula cars, capturing the 2003 Jim Russell Racing School Graduate Run-Offs and finishing second in the 2004 Skip Barber Run-Offs behind eventual series champion Gerardo Bonilla.

“Lorenzo participated in a test with us at Buttonwillow Raceway Park recently and we were very impressed with his speed and technical feedback,” commented Northwest Autosport team manager Mike Hernandez, “We are very pleased that we’ve been able to work out a way to get him into the third seat for our championship efforts alongside Eric Freiberg and Phil Fogg Jr. Sebring should be a very exciting race weekend for us.”

In a limited number of races in the Skip Barber National Championship Mandarino captured four victories and two second place finishes against the likes of Gerardo Bonilla and Marco Andretti before finances cut his 2004 season short. Without the budget to continue his open-wheel efforts, he focused on karting in 2005 and became the first Canadian driver to capture the SKUSA Supernational crown at Las Vegas.

In 2006, Mandarino participated in the Discovery Channel Canada Star Racer driver search program for the next fastest Canadian driver. Despite placing first in all time-trials, heat races and the main event, the scholarship to participate in the 2007 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear was awarded to another driver.

“Northwest Autosport has a history of putting fast cars onto the track and I’m excited to have the chance to test with them,” Mandarino said. “Hopefully the test will go well and I will continue to do all that I can to secure sponsorship to compete in the 2007 championship.”

Based in Milwaukie, Oregon, Northwest Autosport is one of the top teams participating in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, which will feature twelve races across the United States and Canada supporting the American Le Mans Series, ChampCar and the GrandAm series. The team is dedicated to developing young driving talent and will award the highest finishing driver on their team a test in an Indy Pro Series car prepared by Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which is currently running a car for Northwest Autosport alumni Ryan Justice. For more information please visit www.northwestautosport.com.

Northwest Autosport enters season confident after final pre-season test

Courtesy Eric McCombs

March 5, 2007. Portland, Oregon. With the opening round of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear just a week away Northwest Autosport is excited at their prospects following a successful two day test at Buttonwillow Raceway Park that saw their young drivers Eric Freiberg and Lorenzo Mandarino, along with veterans Phil Fogg Jr. and Steve Cook, complete over 300 miles of testing and development.

“Entering this season with two rookies everyone at Northwest Autosport is looking forward to the start of the season based on their performances in testing,” Team Manager Michael Hernandez explained. “This was Lorenzo’s first time in the Pro Formula Mazda and only the second time that Eric had driven the car yet both drivers adjusted to the car and were up to speed quickly, posting the fastest times of the test. Given their raw talent and speed we were equally impressed with their ability to adapt to the changing conditions and their level of technical feedback and look forward to watching them at Sebring battling at the front of the field.”

With cold mornings and occasional showers during the test, the changing conditions were ideal for showing the drivers how the Pro Formula Mazda handles in different situations and both drivers adjusted quickly, setting fast laps in all sessions. “In addition to bringing the drivers up to speed we really wanted to help them understand the window the car likes to operate in and the weather played right into our hands,” commented team driving coach Ryan Justice, a Northwest Autosport alumni and current Indy Pro Series driver. “Lorenzo and Eric did a great job and were very impressive for their amount of experience. I have little doubt that both of these drivers will be at the front of the field.”

Freiberg and Mandarino were equally enthused by the test. “We had a great couple of days during the test and am looking forward to the start of the season,” commented the Homer Glen, Illinois native Freiberg. “I got the chance to feel the changes between the different tire compounds and log a lot of miles working with the team and my engineer. Now all I can think about is Sebring and what looks to be a great season.”

Mandarino, runner-up in the Discovery Channel Canada Star Racer driver search competition, echoed Freiberg’s thoughts. “For my first time in the car I was very pleased with my progression and getting up to speed and the team did a great job,” the Vancouver, Canada explained. “The car is really fast in some sections and I’m happy to be racing in the series. Now that I have some laps behind the wheel of this car I am excited about going to Sebring as I have some experience on that track from Skip Barber so it should be a fun weekend.”

The test was also a cause for celebration as veteran Northwest Autosport driver Steve Cook returned to the cockpit for the first time since July of 2005. It has been a long road back to the track for Cook, a professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, who lost everything when Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana and Mississippi in August of that year. Battling back from this tragedy and unexpected health issues, Cook was able to complete the two day test in preparations for participating in the 2007 championships.

Based in Milwaukie, Oregon, Northwest Autosport is one of the top teams participating in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, which will feature twelve races across the United States and Canada supporting the American Le Mans Series, ChampCar and the GrandAm series. For more information please visit www.northwestautosport.com.

Laperriere planning for a solid PMRA season

CourtesyBruce F. Mehlenbacher

OSHAWA, ONTARIO (March 8, 2007) - With new major sponsorship, Rob Laperriere is planning on making his mark in this year’s Pro Modified Racing Association tour.

Laperriere, who operates the Oshawa-centered Professional Hotrod Development custom drag racing chassis shop, has acquired the backing of Control Panel Systems Ontario Ltd. based in Whitby, Ontario.

“This is terrific,” said Laperriere, who runs an Alan Johnson-powered 1972 Vega-bodied Pro Modified. “Now we have some funds to compete the way we want.”

The Prohotrodz Team has run a limited schedule in PMRA competition the past two years, but will be stepping up for 2007, according to Laperriere, who has been in the sport since 1978.

Laperriere added he plans no major changes to the Vega’s powerplant, and that the team will concentrate on driveline problems that have plagued them.

“We plan to leave the motor alone,” he said. “We’ll be working on some clutch and transmission issues.”

The team’s new sponsor is a supplier of power tools, fastening systems, and integrated assembly stations for automakers such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda, along with over 100 others. Stark Multi Services, a commercial and industrial mechanical contractor, is also part of CPS.

Laperriere is confident that with this new backing he will be able to get some good laps with the car.

“We’re planning to do well,” he said. “Instead of placing seventh in the PMRA, we want to go to the top.”

In Other PMRA News custom embroidery and digitizing firm Needles At Work will be posting event awards at each Pro Modified Racing Association event for 2007.

“We are very excited to be involved with the PMRA series again this year,” said Kelly Edgar, owner of Needles At Work. “We will present a special award at each race of the series special events this year which will have the winning teams standout from the competition.”

Needles At Work provides custom embroidery and special digital transformations of logos and other artwork which can then be stitched into a variety of apparel from corporate to casual wear. Team and company logo transformations are a large part of John and Kelly Edgar’s business.

CDN. MOTORSPORTS EXPO: Invitation to launch your season and marketing campaigns

If you are looking for a place to show off your ride for the season look no further. Canadian Motorsports Expo has the Racer’s Corral especially for you.

Join us April 6, 7 & 8, 2007 at the Toronto Congress Centre for the hottest happening in motorsports promotion for your team. Place yourself in front of thousands of spectators, potential sponsors and media.

Marketing and promoting your race program is as, if not more, important than your results in competition. Representing your sponsors, promoting yourself and team requires more than just spending your budget on racing. You need to be seen and you need to do some PR.

The Racer’s Corral allows you the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new show. And by being a participant you will be able to take advantage of attending the seminars and forums.

Only a limited number of spots are available in the Racer’s Corral. If you want to be in the Expo, email us at info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com or call the Canadian Motorsports Expo office (905) 721-1762 for further information and entry fee details.

Don’t miss the motorsports happening of the year!

Covering all aspects and disciplines, Canadian Motorsports Expo has something for everyone. It is a one-stop shopping experience. Parts and accessories, safety equipment, collectibles, free ‘how to’ seminars, racing history, fan forums, celebrity appearances, autograph sessions and more await all at Canadian Motorsports Expo.

Canadian Motorsports Expo runs April 6, 7 & 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday. Admission is only $15. For Seniors and Youth (10 to 15 years old) $10 and free for Children under 10 years old. Three-day passes are also available. More information can be found by visiting the show website www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. For exhibit space enquiries, logon to the website or call the show office at (905) 721-1762. You can also send an email to info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com

- From Glenn Butt / Canadian Motorsports Expo

Steelback Brewery Becomes New Title Sponsor for Grand Prix of Toronto

Here is the press release from the GP of Toronto....

TORONTO, ON - After 21 years, history was made today for Toronto's premier sporting event of the summer when the Grand Prix of Toronto announced that Steelback Brewery has signed a multi-year agreement to become the event's title sponsor. The 21-year old racing event will return July 6, 7 and 8th to Exhibition Place as the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto.

This is a momentous occasion and we re proud to have Steelback Brewery as our new title sponsor, said Charlie Johnstone, President and CEO, Grand Prix Association of Toronto. In Steelback, we've secured a dedicated, enthusiastic title sponsor who shares our vision of what this event can be and who will work hand-in-hand with us to make the vision come to life.

The combination of a new title sponsor and some of the best on-track action to ever race on the streets of Toronto, will make this a truly great year to attend the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto.

The Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto agreement will see Steelback implementing significant marketing support into this new partnership. Program elements include a large media buy during prime television programs such as Hockey Night In Canada and on-pack promotions on Steelback and other D'Angelo products at retail level that will offer consumers a chance to win 1 of 20,000 Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto Grounds Admission Tickets. There will also be a large bar and restaurant program in several hundred Southern Ontario locations.

This event is Ontario's largest annual sporting event of the summer and it was a natural fit for Steelback Brewery, says Frank D'Angelo, President and CEO, Steelback Brewery. D'Angelo brands joined the event last year as a sponsor. What we saw was a landmark Toronto event that delivers an amazing weekend for visitors while putting Toronto on the international sports stage. We want to work with the best and with a partner who is as ambitious and eager to do and try new things as we are. We feel we ve found that partner in the Grand Prix Association of Toronto.

... the release is continued at this link....

Ontario Sportsman Series launches website

The newly-formed Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) recently unveiled its new website, featuring series news, schedules, classifieds and other info.

Castrol Announces Canadian Touring Car Championship Sponsorship

TORONTO, ON – March 10, 2007 – Officials from Wakefield Canada, Inc, marketers of the Castrol brand in Canada, and The Canadian Touring Car Championship announced today a title sponsorship agreement with Castrol through the end of 2009 season. The Championship will be re-packaged as the “Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.”

Anthony Stadelman, Wakefield’s director of marketing sees this as a natural association for the brand. "Castrol has long supported Touring Car racing on a global scale, and a tradition of supporting Canadian Motorsports. With the quality of the people and the marques involved in the Canadian Touring Car Championships it made perfect sense to align our brand with this series and carry on that tradition."

As title sponsor, Castrol will receive prominent branding on all Championship cars and will be connecting with sportscar fans all summer long through an aggressive advertising, public relations and event marketing campaign.

“Castrol’s investment in The Canadian Touring Car Championship is the first, and most important step in helping the Championship realize its goal of becoming the premiere racing series in the country,” said Championship President John Bondar. “Castrol’s involvement adds a tremendous amount of value to the Championship and I am thrilled to announce today that they have agreed to partner with us for the next three seasons. That commitment goes a long way to enhancing our position in Canadian motorsports and will attract teams, sponsors and media attention from across the country.”

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship boasts some of Canada’s best drivers competing in today’s hottest sportscars. The 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, the new Calabogie Motorsport Park & Shannonville Motorsport Park.

As part of the evolution of the Championship fans can expect to see large grids of some of the country’s hottest brands including Porsche, BMW, Saab, Lexus Acura, Mini, Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Mazda and Honda

The events will also become a more fan-friendly environment with greater access to teams and drivers through pre-event, local market showcar appearances and driver VIP parties. On-site there will be a vendor alley, product displays, autograph sessions and more interactive automotive and motorsport themed events adding to the enjoyment the sportscar lifestyle brings.

The calendar of events and venues are as follows:

May 12, 13 Mosport International Raceway
June 2,3 Shannonville Motorsport Park
July, 6,7,8 Grand Prix of Toronto
July 28,29 Calabogie Motorsport Park
August 11,12 Mosport International Raceway
September 1,2 Mosport International Raceway
September 15,16 Mosport International Raceway
September 29,30 Mosport International Raceway

For more information please contact:

Jason Sharpe: Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.
416-838-0039 // jasons@teamsharperacing.com

John Morris: Marcovitch PR for Wakefield Canada
416-963-3222 // john@marcovitchpr.ca