The Quality Plus Racing team from Toronto, Ontario returned home after being on the road for 4 weeks straight. The “road trip” started with the ESTN in Valdosta, Georgia. The team planned to get their McAmis built 57 Chevrolet acclimated to the new Pro Mod rules. Driver Tony Pontieri would need some time getting used to swapping feet again and Car Chief Jason McKnight from the Al Billes Racing stables would need some time to tune the car in with the 4.30 rear gear and no 2-step rev control. They did just that making over 10 runs in a 5 day period and ran several low 6-second runs.
The team left the successful test session in Valdosta and headed to the AC Delco Gatornationals. Pontieri placed the Rob Sporring owned 57 Chevy in the 3rd qualifying spot with a 6.007 @ 240 MPH. Pontieri stated, “It’s been a long time coming. This team really needed that run. Al and Jason and the rest of the guys have worked so hard. We have all the pieces to be a contender at every race.” Pontieri had a very exciting 1st round race where the car got loose and almost crossed the center line, but Pontieri lifted and saved the run. Luckily, Tim Tindale had larger problems in the other lane and was not a factor in the match up. A second round match with team mate Raymond Commisso was the marquee match, as Tony was late on the tree and lost on a holeshot 6.03 to Commisso’s 6.06. The Quality Plus team packed up and headed to San Antonio, TX for the first Knoll-Gas IHRA Nitro Jam Series.
As the team headed to San Antonio, Tony had to head home because his father in law had passed. When the services were complete, he boarded an airplane and headed back to the race track. Once again the team qualified in the 3rd position with an Eight mile blast of 3.97 @ 189.04. The San Antonio track was very difficult and Pontieri fell to tire shake in the first round and gave the win to Pat Stoken.
All in all, the team gathered more data in their quest for a championship in 2007.
Pontieri stated “It hurts when you go out and you know you have a car that is fully capable to win. That’s drag racing so they say. We just have to pick up and get ready for Rockingham”.
The Quality Plus Compressors Pro Mod team would like to thank the following companies and individuals that help make this effort a reality: Quality Plus Compressors, Pontieri Automotive, Al Billes Racing, Too Precise Machine, L J Chassis, Ultimate Performance, Speed O Rama Shows, Gary's Transmissions, Cucci Hair Salon, Auto Meter, Fast Eddie Race Wear, Weld Wheel Inc, Bear's Performance, D.M.P.E Inc., The Trailer Shop, Joe Van Overbeek Race Car Bodies and Vici Promotions.
- From Jon Salemi / DMPE Inc.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Kensai Racing with Compass360 Keep Lead in Koni St-Class Championship
Courtesy Kensai Racing
Miami, FL -- Kensai Racing with Compass360's drivers dealt with the hot and humid conditions to give the team a good finish at Homestead- Miami Speedway this past weekend. The cars qualified nose-to-tail, with youngster Matt Pritiko taking the team's highest position -- 10th place on the grid -- in the #74 Acura RSX-S he shared with Daniel Columbie. Beau Buisson put the first of the team's two Acura TSXs in eleventh spot, with Karl Thomson close behind in the #76.
"We're thrilled with Matt's performance this weekend," remarked Thomson. "He's a rookie not just to Grand American, but to touring car racing altogether. To qualify in the top ten in just his second race bodes well for the rest of the season."
The team elected to use different strategies for each car, with Thomson being the first to pit under an early yellow. This put co- driver Billy Johnson out of sequence the rest of the front-runners, but Johnson was able to move through the field and took advantage of other caution periods to gain track position. With an hour to go in the race, he pitted from second place for a splash of fuel, which put him back to seventh, knowing he could push his tires, brakes and not mhave to conserve fuel.
Meanwhile, Columbie had taken over from Pritiko in the #74 RSX, and was climbing the leader-board when he was involved in an shunt with a car that was rejoining the track after running onto the grass. While there was some damage to the right side of the Acura, Columbie managed to continue, bringing the car home in ninth position.
Buisson pitted the #75 during a mid-race caution, handing to Travis Walker. On lap 58, Walker took first place after the leading car pitted. Unfortunately, the TSX's handling, which had been good at the start of the race, began to deteriorate and gradually was overtaken, settling into fifth position behind Johnson in the closing laps. However, a fourth-fifth finish for the TSXs was not to be, as Walker was hit by the sixth-place Subaru as it attempted to overtake him. His tire delaminated along the front straight, and Travis stopped the car on the banking after turn one.
"It would have been great to have all three cars in the top-ten today," said Crew Chief Ray Lee. "But we'll take the fourth and ninth!"
The fourth-place result was enough to keep Thomson and Johnson atop the ST-class points standings, seven points ahead of the Turner BMW of Burrows and Hopwood. The team will make repairs to the cars and quickly head north to the third event on the KONI schedule in Iowa this coming weekend.
Miami, FL -- Kensai Racing with Compass360's drivers dealt with the hot and humid conditions to give the team a good finish at Homestead- Miami Speedway this past weekend. The cars qualified nose-to-tail, with youngster Matt Pritiko taking the team's highest position -- 10th place on the grid -- in the #74 Acura RSX-S he shared with Daniel Columbie. Beau Buisson put the first of the team's two Acura TSXs in eleventh spot, with Karl Thomson close behind in the #76.
"We're thrilled with Matt's performance this weekend," remarked Thomson. "He's a rookie not just to Grand American, but to touring car racing altogether. To qualify in the top ten in just his second race bodes well for the rest of the season."
The team elected to use different strategies for each car, with Thomson being the first to pit under an early yellow. This put co- driver Billy Johnson out of sequence the rest of the front-runners, but Johnson was able to move through the field and took advantage of other caution periods to gain track position. With an hour to go in the race, he pitted from second place for a splash of fuel, which put him back to seventh, knowing he could push his tires, brakes and not mhave to conserve fuel.
Meanwhile, Columbie had taken over from Pritiko in the #74 RSX, and was climbing the leader-board when he was involved in an shunt with a car that was rejoining the track after running onto the grass. While there was some damage to the right side of the Acura, Columbie managed to continue, bringing the car home in ninth position.
Buisson pitted the #75 during a mid-race caution, handing to Travis Walker. On lap 58, Walker took first place after the leading car pitted. Unfortunately, the TSX's handling, which had been good at the start of the race, began to deteriorate and gradually was overtaken, settling into fifth position behind Johnson in the closing laps. However, a fourth-fifth finish for the TSXs was not to be, as Walker was hit by the sixth-place Subaru as it attempted to overtake him. His tire delaminated along the front straight, and Travis stopped the car on the banking after turn one.
"It would have been great to have all three cars in the top-ten today," said Crew Chief Ray Lee. "But we'll take the fourth and ninth!"
The fourth-place result was enough to keep Thomson and Johnson atop the ST-class points standings, seven points ahead of the Turner BMW of Burrows and Hopwood. The team will make repairs to the cars and quickly head north to the third event on the KONI schedule in Iowa this coming weekend.
TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE ‘07 CHAMP CAR MONT-TREMBLANT EVENT
Champcar World Series
Montreal, April 18th, 2007 - Champ Car Mont-Tremblant L.P. announces that tickets are now on sale for the 2007 edition of the Champ Car World Series to be disputed at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant on June 29, 30 and July 1st. During this presentation of the seventh round of the Champ Car World Series, racing fans will see some of today's stars, such as Sébastien Bourdais, Paul Tracy, Justin Wilson, Alexandre Tagliani and Will Power, fight for the first place.
The Champ Car race scheduled for Sunday afternoon will be the main attraction, but spectators will also get to watch a round of the spectacular Atlantic Series.
"Our intention is to make a great success of this summer's most expected return at the Mont-Tremblant Circuit," announced François Dumontier, General Manager of Champ Car Mont-Tremblant and promoter of the event. "The enchanting setting located at the foot of the mountain and the festive atmosphere brought to the Mont-Tremblant countryside by this event will leave the fans with good memories. They should call now to book their seats," concluded the organization's spokesman.
The Champ Car Mont-Tremblant Box Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. During these hours, customers can order grandstand tickets, ranging from $95 to $135. General admission tickets are also available for $60 (3-Day pass), $20 for the Friday event, $30 for Saturday or $40 for Sunday.
Please call at (514) 790-1245 or 1 (800) 361-4595 to reach the ticket office. Fans can also order tickets or a prestigious corporative package online at any time, at www.champcarmonttremblant.ca.
Montreal, April 18th, 2007 - Champ Car Mont-Tremblant L.P. announces that tickets are now on sale for the 2007 edition of the Champ Car World Series to be disputed at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant on June 29, 30 and July 1st. During this presentation of the seventh round of the Champ Car World Series, racing fans will see some of today's stars, such as Sébastien Bourdais, Paul Tracy, Justin Wilson, Alexandre Tagliani and Will Power, fight for the first place.
The Champ Car race scheduled for Sunday afternoon will be the main attraction, but spectators will also get to watch a round of the spectacular Atlantic Series.
"Our intention is to make a great success of this summer's most expected return at the Mont-Tremblant Circuit," announced François Dumontier, General Manager of Champ Car Mont-Tremblant and promoter of the event. "The enchanting setting located at the foot of the mountain and the festive atmosphere brought to the Mont-Tremblant countryside by this event will leave the fans with good memories. They should call now to book their seats," concluded the organization's spokesman.
The Champ Car Mont-Tremblant Box Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. During these hours, customers can order grandstand tickets, ranging from $95 to $135. General admission tickets are also available for $60 (3-Day pass), $20 for the Friday event, $30 for Saturday or $40 for Sunday.
Please call at (514) 790-1245 or 1 (800) 361-4595 to reach the ticket office. Fans can also order tickets or a prestigious corporative package online at any time, at www.champcarmonttremblant.ca.
GMI Shines in the Wet at VIR
Courtesy Greisiger Motorsports
Greisiger Motorsports left Virginia International Raceway last Sunday with two top 5 finishes in race contested by a huge 38 car field to start its 2007 season. In its debut in the Hankook F2000 Series, the team's principal drivers, Brendan Puderbach , in the Pioneer Magnetics #93, and Douglas Kniffin, finished 4th and 5th respectively in Sunday's race with Douglas Kniffin, driver of the #13 Triad Magnetics car leading and turning the fastest lap times of the race before spinning in the driving rain.
"I lost my radios on lap 3 and didn't know how much time was left or where I was on the track position wise so all I could do was push. Unfortunately, I pushed a little too hard when I had the lead and a decent cushion but, there was no way for me to know at the time." said a frustrated Kniffi.
Satellite team Fat Boy Racing had a productive weekend coming off a testing shunt on Thursday morning that featured both Thom Reilly and Charles Finelli. However they stayed out of trouble for the remainder of the weekend under the guidance of Chris Burke, who drove the #00 to an 11th place finish in the monsoon on Sunday.
Team rookie Christopher Gumprecht was able to get further accustomed to the Zetec over the course of the weekend. Gumprecht battled alternator problems throughout Saturday and Sunday but was able to turn some promising laps and improve upon his base times set on Thursday.
Team cars driven by Ric Baribeault and Len Amato came home 12th and 16th in the wet. Baribeault was able to overcome clutch troubles and a huge practice crash to drive a trouble free race.
All 8 cars entered as part of the Greisiger organization in the race returned to the pits after the race without damage which was a feat worthy of mentioning as the race cut short due to horrible conditions and a race track littered with crash damaged cars.
Pictures from the VIR weekend as well as dramatic in car camera videos of the race are available on the team's web site, www.greisigermotorsports.com.
The team moves on to Lime Rock Park to test next week and then on to Road Atlanta for the next race weekend in the Hankook F2000 Championship on the weekend of May 13th.
For more information and video visit www.GreisigerMotorsports.com.
Greisiger Motorsports left Virginia International Raceway last Sunday with two top 5 finishes in race contested by a huge 38 car field to start its 2007 season. In its debut in the Hankook F2000 Series, the team's principal drivers, Brendan Puderbach , in the Pioneer Magnetics #93, and Douglas Kniffin, finished 4th and 5th respectively in Sunday's race with Douglas Kniffin, driver of the #13 Triad Magnetics car leading and turning the fastest lap times of the race before spinning in the driving rain.
"I lost my radios on lap 3 and didn't know how much time was left or where I was on the track position wise so all I could do was push. Unfortunately, I pushed a little too hard when I had the lead and a decent cushion but, there was no way for me to know at the time." said a frustrated Kniffi.
Satellite team Fat Boy Racing had a productive weekend coming off a testing shunt on Thursday morning that featured both Thom Reilly and Charles Finelli. However they stayed out of trouble for the remainder of the weekend under the guidance of Chris Burke, who drove the #00 to an 11th place finish in the monsoon on Sunday.
Team rookie Christopher Gumprecht was able to get further accustomed to the Zetec over the course of the weekend. Gumprecht battled alternator problems throughout Saturday and Sunday but was able to turn some promising laps and improve upon his base times set on Thursday.
Team cars driven by Ric Baribeault and Len Amato came home 12th and 16th in the wet. Baribeault was able to overcome clutch troubles and a huge practice crash to drive a trouble free race.
All 8 cars entered as part of the Greisiger organization in the race returned to the pits after the race without damage which was a feat worthy of mentioning as the race cut short due to horrible conditions and a race track littered with crash damaged cars.
Pictures from the VIR weekend as well as dramatic in car camera videos of the race are available on the team's web site, www.greisigermotorsports.com.
The team moves on to Lime Rock Park to test next week and then on to Road Atlanta for the next race weekend in the Hankook F2000 Championship on the weekend of May 13th.
For more information and video visit www.GreisigerMotorsports.com.
A1 Grand Prix TV REMINDER - SPEED TO BROADCAST SHANGHAI ROUND
Courtesy www.a1teamcan.com
Montréal, Canada - Tuesday 17 April, 2007 - Round 10 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, hosted at the stunning Shanghai International Circuit, China will be broadcast on SPEED on Wednesday 18th April at 2pm EST.
Sean McIntosh capped his return to the A1GP series in China with a brilliant drive for Canada from the rear of the field to sixth at the checkered in Round 10's Feature event. In a performance reminiscent of his last-to-first Feature race victory for Canada in February '06 in Indonesia, the 21-year-old from Vancouver recovered from the disappointment of being taken out of the morning's Sprint race, courtesy of France's Jean Karl Vernay, to steer his way from the final row of the 22-car grid through to a points paying finish in sixth.
Great Britain's Robbie Kerr captured the team's second straight A1GP victory by winning the Shanghai Sprint race followed at the checkered by New Zealand's Jonny Reid and Germany's Nico Hülkenberg. Reid in turn beat Kerr to the flag in the Feature race while Hülkenberg's third place performance was enough for Germany to be crowned 2006-07 A1GP World Champions.
The 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport concludes with Round 11 at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the United Kingdom, Friday 27th - Sunday 29th April - www.a1gp.com
Upcoming A1GP Broadcasts on SPEED:
Wednesday 18th April, 2pm EST: Round 10, Shanghai, China
Wednesday 2nd May, 2pm EST: Round 11, Brands Hatch, Great Britain
For further TV details please log on to www.speedtv.com.
Montréal, Canada - Tuesday 17 April, 2007 - Round 10 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, hosted at the stunning Shanghai International Circuit, China will be broadcast on SPEED on Wednesday 18th April at 2pm EST.
Sean McIntosh capped his return to the A1GP series in China with a brilliant drive for Canada from the rear of the field to sixth at the checkered in Round 10's Feature event. In a performance reminiscent of his last-to-first Feature race victory for Canada in February '06 in Indonesia, the 21-year-old from Vancouver recovered from the disappointment of being taken out of the morning's Sprint race, courtesy of France's Jean Karl Vernay, to steer his way from the final row of the 22-car grid through to a points paying finish in sixth.
Great Britain's Robbie Kerr captured the team's second straight A1GP victory by winning the Shanghai Sprint race followed at the checkered by New Zealand's Jonny Reid and Germany's Nico Hülkenberg. Reid in turn beat Kerr to the flag in the Feature race while Hülkenberg's third place performance was enough for Germany to be crowned 2006-07 A1GP World Champions.
The 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport concludes with Round 11 at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the United Kingdom, Friday 27th - Sunday 29th April - www.a1gp.com
Upcoming A1GP Broadcasts on SPEED:
Wednesday 18th April, 2pm EST: Round 10, Shanghai, China
Wednesday 2nd May, 2pm EST: Round 11, Brands Hatch, Great Britain
For further TV details please log on to www.speedtv.com.
Eaton’s Aeroquip Performance Joins Spiering as Associate Sponsor
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherJORDAN STATION, ON – Carl Spiering is pleased to announce that Eaton’s Aeroquip® Performance products will join the Carl Spiering Motorsports team as a sponsor for 2007.
“Carl Spiering and his Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Camaro are a class act, and Eaton’s Aeroquip product line is proud to be part of that,” said Paul Grandsko, Business Manager, Aeroquip Performance Products. “For more than 60 years, Eaton’s Aeroquip performance products have been the number one choice of racing enthusiasts around the world.”
“We use a wide array of Aeroquip-quality components on the race car,” said Carl Spiering. “The Aeroquip product name is synonymous with the highest quality hose assemblies, fittings, quick disconnect self-sealing couplings, clamps and many other fluid conveying products. Their products are used in aerospace; the Eaton Road Warrior is a rocket.”
2007 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Courtesy NASCAR Canada
DAYTONA, Fla. (April 17, 2007) - The inaugural season of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition will begin on Saturday, May 26 at Cayuga International Speedway and includes races across 10 tracks throughout Canada, with the season-ending event on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Kawartha Speedway.
"The 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series calendar presents a challenging variety of racetracks in key markets, from the sizzle of running in conjunction with the NASCAR Busch Series race in Montreal and during the Champ Car event in Edmonton, to storied oval and road circuits across Canada," said George Silbermann, NASCAR's Managing Director of Racing Operations. "Coupled with a strong, recognized series sponsor and a tremendous television package, this sets the stage for an outstanding season of racing."
Canadian Tire Corporation announced its official entitlement of the newly formed Series in September, 2006. The Series is also supported by Canada's leading sports network, TSN, which will televise 12 one-hour broadcasts featuring racing action from each Series event (see broadcast schedule below).
"As the country's leading automotive retailer and an avid supporter of racing in Canada for more than 20 years, we are thrilled to be able to bring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to drivers and race fans across the country," said Tony Kuczynski, Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire.
"The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series offers TSN the opportunity to showcase and support Canadian drivers and Canadian racing as part of the network's all-encompassing NASCAR coverage," said Phil King, President, TSN. "As NASCAR's popularity north of the border continues to grow, TSN has enjoyed increased NASCAR audiences, which have more than doubled in the past 10 years."
The 2007 schedule will include a visit to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal's famed 2.71-mile road course on August 3-4, as a companion event to the NASCAR Busch Series which will make its Canadian debut.
RACE SCHEDULE - 2007 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES
May 26 Cayuga Int'l Speedway Hamilton, ON
Jun. 16-17 Mosport Int'l Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Jul. 1 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
Jul. 14-15 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
Jul. 20-21 Grand Prix Edmonton Edmonton, AB
Aug. 3-4 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Montreal, QC
Aug. 11 Mosport Speedway Bowmanville, ON
Aug. 17-19 Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres Trios-Rivieres, QC
Sep. 1 Cayuga Speedway Hamilton, ON
Sep. 8 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
Sep. 15 Riverside Speedway Antigonish, NS
Sep. 23 Kawartha Speedway Peterborough, ON
TSN'S BROADCAST SCHEDULE - 2007 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES
- Cayuga International Speedway (Hamilton, ON) - Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. ET
- Mosport Speedway (Bowmanville, ON) - Sunday, June 24, 12 noon ET
- Barrie Speedway (Barrie, ON) - Saturday, July 14, 1 p.m. ET
- Sun Valley Speedway (Vernon, BC) - Sunday, July 29, 12 noon ET
- Grand Prix Edmonton (Edmonton) - Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. ET
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Montreal) - Saturday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m. ET
- Mosport Speedway (Bowmanville, ON) - Sunday, Aug. 19, 12 noon ET
- Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (Trois-Rivieres, QC) - Saturday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. ET
- Cayuga International Speedway (Hamilton, ON) - Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. ET
- Barrie Speedway (Barrie, ON) - Saturday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. ET
- Riverside Speedway (Antigonish, NS) - Saturday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m. ET
- Kawartha Speedway Peterborough, ON) - Saturday, Oct. 6, 1:30 p.m. ET
DAYTONA, Fla. (April 17, 2007) - The inaugural season of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition will begin on Saturday, May 26 at Cayuga International Speedway and includes races across 10 tracks throughout Canada, with the season-ending event on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Kawartha Speedway.
"The 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series calendar presents a challenging variety of racetracks in key markets, from the sizzle of running in conjunction with the NASCAR Busch Series race in Montreal and during the Champ Car event in Edmonton, to storied oval and road circuits across Canada," said George Silbermann, NASCAR's Managing Director of Racing Operations. "Coupled with a strong, recognized series sponsor and a tremendous television package, this sets the stage for an outstanding season of racing."
Canadian Tire Corporation announced its official entitlement of the newly formed Series in September, 2006. The Series is also supported by Canada's leading sports network, TSN, which will televise 12 one-hour broadcasts featuring racing action from each Series event (see broadcast schedule below).
"As the country's leading automotive retailer and an avid supporter of racing in Canada for more than 20 years, we are thrilled to be able to bring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to drivers and race fans across the country," said Tony Kuczynski, Vice-President, Automotive, Canadian Tire.
"The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series offers TSN the opportunity to showcase and support Canadian drivers and Canadian racing as part of the network's all-encompassing NASCAR coverage," said Phil King, President, TSN. "As NASCAR's popularity north of the border continues to grow, TSN has enjoyed increased NASCAR audiences, which have more than doubled in the past 10 years."
The 2007 schedule will include a visit to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal's famed 2.71-mile road course on August 3-4, as a companion event to the NASCAR Busch Series which will make its Canadian debut.
RACE SCHEDULE - 2007 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES
May 26 Cayuga Int'l Speedway Hamilton, ON
Jun. 16-17 Mosport Int'l Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Jul. 1 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
Jul. 14-15 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
Jul. 20-21 Grand Prix Edmonton Edmonton, AB
Aug. 3-4 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Montreal, QC
Aug. 11 Mosport Speedway Bowmanville, ON
Aug. 17-19 Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres Trios-Rivieres, QC
Sep. 1 Cayuga Speedway Hamilton, ON
Sep. 8 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
Sep. 15 Riverside Speedway Antigonish, NS
Sep. 23 Kawartha Speedway Peterborough, ON
TSN'S BROADCAST SCHEDULE - 2007 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES
- Cayuga International Speedway (Hamilton, ON) - Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. ET
- Mosport Speedway (Bowmanville, ON) - Sunday, June 24, 12 noon ET
- Barrie Speedway (Barrie, ON) - Saturday, July 14, 1 p.m. ET
- Sun Valley Speedway (Vernon, BC) - Sunday, July 29, 12 noon ET
- Grand Prix Edmonton (Edmonton) - Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. ET
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Montreal) - Saturday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m. ET
- Mosport Speedway (Bowmanville, ON) - Sunday, Aug. 19, 12 noon ET
- Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (Trois-Rivieres, QC) - Saturday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. ET
- Cayuga International Speedway (Hamilton, ON) - Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. ET
- Barrie Speedway (Barrie, ON) - Saturday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. ET
- Riverside Speedway (Antigonish, NS) - Saturday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m. ET
- Kawartha Speedway Peterborough, ON) - Saturday, Oct. 6, 1:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Calabogie Motorsports Park - Spring Release
Courtesy Calabogie Motorsports ParkAfter a long winter of eager anticipation, Calabogie MotorSports Park is set to open this month for what promises to be a most exciting inaugural season. Whether you’re a car fanatic or a motorcycle passionista, Calabogie’s exhilarating 20-corner venue has everything you need for a thrilling track experience. The world class facility has been drawing rave reviews from those that came to ride and drive the five kilometer long Alan Wilson designed track in the Fall of 2006.
A February decision by the Ontario Municipal Board has given permanent zoning approval for the race track to operate. Construction crews are currently working on site completing a number of projects and initiatives to be ready for the 2007 season. An early season special is in place until April 27th for those looking to get a head start on the regular season. The new track surface has wintered exceptionally well, and will be amongst the best in the industry.
The month of April brings to Calabogie a world class cycling event, followed on May 2nd by the Canadian Paralympic cycling trials for Beijing. In addition, our world-class facility will be hosting many car and motorcycle clubs, unique corporate events and major manufacturer product launches and yes, lapping days. We even have something for spectators; the Ted Powell Memorial Race will be held at Calabogie MotorSports Park in late-July. Full details and the track schedule are available at www.CalabogieMotorSports.com. Take a video lap of the track, study the driver’s guide and check out the 3D track map, then come and experience the track first hand!
Excellent rental dates are still available for the 2007 season. Whether it be a club event, corporate days, testing, or even a scenic backdrop for video and production shoots, Calabogie MotorSports Park is the ideal destination for a memorable experience. If you are not a member of a club, or are looking to get your car out on the track, stay tuned for our upcoming CMP Lapping Days. Calabogie’s professional staff will be more than happy to assist you with all of your needs.
Inquiries can be made by phone at 613.727.6252, or via email john.hamilton@CalabogieMotorSports.com
We look forward to seeing everyone at the track this summer!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Eaton’s Aeroquip Performance joins Spiering as associate sponsor
JORDAN STATION, ONTARIO (April 17, 2007) – Carl Spiering is pleased to announce that Eaton’s Aeroquip® Performance products will join the Carl Spiering Motorsports team as a sponsor for 2007.
“Carl Spiering and his Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Camaro are a class act, and Eaton’s Aeroquip product line is proud to be part of that,” said Paul Grandsko, Business Manager, Aeroquip Performance Products. “For more than 60 years, Eaton’s Aeroquip performance products have been the number one choice of racing enthusiasts around the world.”
“We use a wide array of Aeroquip-quality components on the race car,” said Carl Spiering. “The Aeroquip product name is synonymous with the highest quality hose assemblies, fittings, quick disconnect self-sealing couplings, clamps and many other fluid conveying products. Their products are used in aerospace; the Eaton Road Warrior is a rocket.”
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 & Development), Excel Tool & Die, G-Force Race Cars Inc., NGK Spark Plugs, Pennzoil®, PSI Superchargers, Bicknell Racing Products (BRP), The Trailer Shop, VP Racing Fuels, Eaton’s Aeroquip® Performance Products, Cynergy Composites, Scott Jahren Paint and JET Equipment and Tools Ltd.
For more information, please contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at bruce@jajentertainment.com
About Eaton’s Aeroquip Performance Products:
Eaton's Aeroquip product is a worldwide leading manufacturer of a wide variety of fluid-conveying and fluid-connecting products. Products include all pressure ranges of hose, fittings, adapters, couplings and other fluid connectors, as well as precision plastic molded and extruded products for the automotive and industrial markets. Eaton Corporation purchased the company in 1999.
Website: www.aeroquip.com
Photo Credit: MG Digital Media - www.mgdigital.ca
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Director of Media Relations
E-mail: bruce@jajentertainment.com
Website: www.carlspiering.com
“Carl Spiering and his Eaton Electrical Supercharged Pro Modified Chevrolet Camaro are a class act, and Eaton’s Aeroquip product line is proud to be part of that,” said Paul Grandsko, Business Manager, Aeroquip Performance Products. “For more than 60 years, Eaton’s Aeroquip performance products have been the number one choice of racing enthusiasts around the world.”
“We use a wide array of Aeroquip-quality components on the race car,” said Carl Spiering. “The Aeroquip product name is synonymous with the highest quality hose assemblies, fittings, quick disconnect self-sealing couplings, clamps and many other fluid conveying products. Their products are used in aerospace; the Eaton Road Warrior is a rocket.”
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 & Development), Excel Tool & Die, G-Force Race Cars Inc., NGK Spark Plugs, Pennzoil®, PSI Superchargers, Bicknell Racing Products (BRP), The Trailer Shop, VP Racing Fuels, Eaton’s Aeroquip® Performance Products, Cynergy Composites, Scott Jahren Paint and JET Equipment and Tools Ltd.
For more information, please contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at bruce@jajentertainment.com
About Eaton’s Aeroquip Performance Products:
Eaton's Aeroquip product is a worldwide leading manufacturer of a wide variety of fluid-conveying and fluid-connecting products. Products include all pressure ranges of hose, fittings, adapters, couplings and other fluid connectors, as well as precision plastic molded and extruded products for the automotive and industrial markets. Eaton Corporation purchased the company in 1999.
Website: www.aeroquip.com
Photo Credit: MG Digital Media - www.mgdigital.ca
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Director of Media Relations
E-mail: bruce@jajentertainment.com
Website: www.carlspiering.com
IHRA Spring Nationals next stop for Ware
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherMARIETTA, GEORGIA (April 17, 2007) – The Disturbed Motorsports Pro Modified drag racing team is looking for a good showing at this weekend’s IHRA Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series at Rockingham Dragway.
“We’re looking forward to Rockingham, the Rupture Streetwear Camaro ran well there in the fall,” said Eddie Ware, the 32-year old driver from Marietta, GA. “The team has spent the last couple of weeks fine tuning the setup and we should be in good shape.”
The Disturbed Motorsports Team sponsored by Rupture Streetwear, Baudier Vehicle Graphics, and Mickey Thompson Performance will qualify Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
“The Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified field will be solid in Rockingham,” said team Crew Chief Sam Ware. “Traditionally, “The Rock” draws the quickest and fastest Pro Modifieds on the circuit. Fans can expect one of the largest fields of our class with close to 30 cars trying to qualify for 16 spots.”
The IHRA Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol, the second event of the 12-race International Hot Rod Association Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series will be held April 20–22 at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, North Carolina.
For information about Rockingham Dragway, call (910) 582-3400 or visit www.rockinghamdragway.com.
TEAM MER Prepared For Houston Grand Prix
Courtesy Team MER
FORT WORTH, TX (April 16, 2007) --- Team MER (Motorsport Enterprises Racing) have announced the driver line-up for the opening round of the Sirius Satellite Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship this weekend. The 2006 championship winning team will enter five cars for the Houston Grand Prix including ’06 series runner-up, Jason Saini.
Joining Saini will be several new drivers to the team including former Daytona 24-Hour champion, Forest Barber, 2006 SCCA SpecMiata National Champion, Andrew Caddell, Spec Racer Ford frontrunner, Rick Bellew and 16-year-old, Brett Smrz, a multi-time national karting champion. Yet another car is prepared and a driver for the car is to be decided.
“The team has been working around the clock preparing cars for this event,” said Team MER principal, Shannon McMasters. “We easily have one of the hardest working teams out there and we hope all the hard work pays off at the first race in Houston.”
Though the 2006 season saw Team MER score several victories, the driver’s championship with driver, Jim Daniels, and easily scoring team championship honors by following it up with the runner-up position with Saini and tied for 4th in the championship hunt with Deborah Loth, the team knows hard work is needed to maintain that level of success.
“We have already been testing and things seem to be going well with the new cars,” said Marc Miller, driver coach and team rep for Team MER. “We have several new drivers to the series, which will be a challenge, but the cars are so responsive and fun to drive that it has made the transition easier. We have been pouring over data for weeks and should show very well in Houston and Atlanta.”
Team MER team boasts an experienced staff, public relations & marketing services, design department, driver coaching and testing facility. For more information regarding testing programs and race seats for the 2007 season, contact Jason Saini or Marc Miller at Motorsport Enterprises Racing at 817.396.4831 or email at info@motorsportenterprisesracing.com or visit their website at www.motorsportenterprisesracing.com.
NASCAR BUSCH SERIES RACE IN MONTREAL, AUGUST 3 -4, 2007
Courtesy NASCAR
Montreal, April 16, 2007 - Stock-Car Montréal s.e.c. announced today that the - NAPA AUTO PARTS 200 - will be the official name of the inaugural NASCAR BUSCH Series race on August 3-4 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Officials from both organizations made the announcement at a press conference held Monday in downtown Montreal. Attending the media event were principals of UAP Inc., a Canadian leader in the sale and distribution of auto parts under the NAPA brand, and NASCAR BUSCH Series driver David Reutimann. During the press conference, it was also announced that Reutimann will drive the # 99 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry in the Montreal race. The number 200, part of the official name of the race, refers to the 200 miles (74 laps) of the main event on Saturday afternoon.
"We are pleased to officially welcome today UAP Inc. and the NAPA brand in this new chapter of Canadian and Quebec motorsport history," said Mr. Martin Spalding, General Manager, Stock-Car Montréal l.p. "As title sponsor of the first-ever NASCAR BUSCH Series race in Canada, the NAPA brand has partnered with an event that has a great future. With UAP and the NAPA AUTO PARTS 200, we have found the ideal partners with a network of stores across Canada that will enable us to reach racing fans nationwide," concluded the Stock-Car Montréal spokesperson.
"We are very happy to partner with the inaugural NASCAR BUSCH race in Canada - the NAPA AUTO PARTS 200," said Robert Hattem, President and Chief Operating Officer, UAP Inc. "We are also pleased to have David Reutimann as the driver of the #99 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry. This combination will offer motorsport fans a unique experience at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal. We will do everything possible with our UAP NAPA stores and our customers across Canada to make this NASCAR racing weekend an exceptional annual event."
Reutimann, 37, the son of racing legend Emil "Buzzie" Reutimann, is currently fifth in the Busch Series standings.
"I am pleased to represent NAPA AUTO PARTS for the Montreal race and also to be a part of a new event on a road course that has a reputation for being very demanding," said Reutimann. "It will be an honor to compete on a track named after a great motorsport star. I and many of my fellow BUSCH Series competitors are eager to participate in this event."
Tickets to the inaugural NAPA AUTO PARTS 200 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on August 3-4 are currently on sale. The high demand from NASCAR fans last fall prompted the organizers to add a new grandstand in front of the pit lane. To order tickets, fans can call at 514-397-0007, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca.
Montreal, April 16, 2007 - Stock-Car Montréal s.e.c. announced today that the - NAPA AUTO PARTS 200 - will be the official name of the inaugural NASCAR BUSCH Series race on August 3-4 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Officials from both organizations made the announcement at a press conference held Monday in downtown Montreal. Attending the media event were principals of UAP Inc., a Canadian leader in the sale and distribution of auto parts under the NAPA brand, and NASCAR BUSCH Series driver David Reutimann. During the press conference, it was also announced that Reutimann will drive the # 99 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry in the Montreal race. The number 200, part of the official name of the race, refers to the 200 miles (74 laps) of the main event on Saturday afternoon.
"We are pleased to officially welcome today UAP Inc. and the NAPA brand in this new chapter of Canadian and Quebec motorsport history," said Mr. Martin Spalding, General Manager, Stock-Car Montréal l.p. "As title sponsor of the first-ever NASCAR BUSCH Series race in Canada, the NAPA brand has partnered with an event that has a great future. With UAP and the NAPA AUTO PARTS 200, we have found the ideal partners with a network of stores across Canada that will enable us to reach racing fans nationwide," concluded the Stock-Car Montréal spokesperson.
"We are very happy to partner with the inaugural NASCAR BUSCH race in Canada - the NAPA AUTO PARTS 200," said Robert Hattem, President and Chief Operating Officer, UAP Inc. "We are also pleased to have David Reutimann as the driver of the #99 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry. This combination will offer motorsport fans a unique experience at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal. We will do everything possible with our UAP NAPA stores and our customers across Canada to make this NASCAR racing weekend an exceptional annual event."
Reutimann, 37, the son of racing legend Emil "Buzzie" Reutimann, is currently fifth in the Busch Series standings.
"I am pleased to represent NAPA AUTO PARTS for the Montreal race and also to be a part of a new event on a road course that has a reputation for being very demanding," said Reutimann. "It will be an honor to compete on a track named after a great motorsport star. I and many of my fellow BUSCH Series competitors are eager to participate in this event."
Tickets to the inaugural NAPA AUTO PARTS 200 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on August 3-4 are currently on sale. The high demand from NASCAR fans last fall prompted the organizers to add a new grandstand in front of the pit lane. To order tickets, fans can call at 514-397-0007, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca.
WORLD OF OUTLAW ADVANCED TICKETS ON SALE MAY 1ST
Courtesy Ohsweken Insider
ADVANCED TICKET SALES for the July 25th “Six Nations Showdown” at Ohsweken Speedway featuring the World of Outlaw Sprints will open at 8:00 AM May 1st. Ticket requests will be taken daily by phone only (519-542-2116), Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM until July 10th. Credit card payment in full will be required at the time of purchase. Tickets will then be mailed directly to your home. Adult price is $40 with children 12 and under at $25. NO TICKETS WILL BE HELD WITHOUT PAYMENT.
To Purchase tickets call (519) 542-2116.
“Arrow Express” has stepped in as a major sponsor and will play a key role in presenting the inaugural running of the “SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWN”. The much anticipated event will include all of the stars and cars of the premier Sprint Car series headquartered in the United States featuring Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski. The Wednesday, July 25th show will be a full point race for the series with racing scheduled to get underway with the usual 7:45 PM start. The winner will collect a cool $10,000. Pit Gates will open at 2:00 PM with spectator gates opening at 4:00. An autograph session is scheduled to begin at 4:30.
As a special option, ADULT reserved seat tickets may be upgrade on race day to include a Pit Pass for $5.00 to allow you to get an up close look. Your reserved seat ticket must be presented at the “Pit Sign-in Booth” where you will get your Pit Pass after signing the normal waver. NO ONE UNDER 13 WILL BE ADMITTED INTO THE PIT.
Be sure to keep up on all the latest news from Ohsweken Speedway by logging on to the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com as the countdown continues toward the first green flag of the season for “Friday Night Thunder” on May 11th when a “Test & Tune” session will be held for all divisions competing at the speedway during 2007.
ADVANCED TICKET SALES for the July 25th “Six Nations Showdown” at Ohsweken Speedway featuring the World of Outlaw Sprints will open at 8:00 AM May 1st. Ticket requests will be taken daily by phone only (519-542-2116), Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM until July 10th. Credit card payment in full will be required at the time of purchase. Tickets will then be mailed directly to your home. Adult price is $40 with children 12 and under at $25. NO TICKETS WILL BE HELD WITHOUT PAYMENT.
To Purchase tickets call (519) 542-2116.
“Arrow Express” has stepped in as a major sponsor and will play a key role in presenting the inaugural running of the “SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWN”. The much anticipated event will include all of the stars and cars of the premier Sprint Car series headquartered in the United States featuring Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski. The Wednesday, July 25th show will be a full point race for the series with racing scheduled to get underway with the usual 7:45 PM start. The winner will collect a cool $10,000. Pit Gates will open at 2:00 PM with spectator gates opening at 4:00. An autograph session is scheduled to begin at 4:30.
As a special option, ADULT reserved seat tickets may be upgrade on race day to include a Pit Pass for $5.00 to allow you to get an up close look. Your reserved seat ticket must be presented at the “Pit Sign-in Booth” where you will get your Pit Pass after signing the normal waver. NO ONE UNDER 13 WILL BE ADMITTED INTO THE PIT.
Be sure to keep up on all the latest news from Ohsweken Speedway by logging on to the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com as the countdown continues toward the first green flag of the season for “Friday Night Thunder” on May 11th when a “Test & Tune” session will be held for all divisions competing at the speedway during 2007.
Hinchcliffe Seventh in Static Long Beach Street Race
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsTORONTO, ON – James Hinchcliffe raced his way to a second straight top-ten finish in the #9 NOCO/ProWorks Sierra Sierra Enterprises entry as Round 2 of the 2007 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda played out in Long Beach, California.
Disappointed to qualify tenth on the 30-car grid for Sunday's race around the 1.968-mile temporary street course, Hinchcliffe climbed to seventh at the checkered to add 17 valuable championship points to his tally from Round 1 in Las Vegas last weekend where he scored a fourth place finish, and 23 points, and an additional score for securing provisional pole after Friday qualifying.
'Hinch', who made a noteworthy Champ Car Atlantic Championship debut in Long Beach last season thanks to a third place podium finish, kicked off this year's event in California setting the fifth fastest time in free practice on Friday morning. With consistency proving to be the watch word of the day, the 20-year-old sophomore racer mirrored his earlier performance with a fifth place effort in the afternoon's first qualifying session, James' best a 1m17.238s (91.727mph) - provisional pole going to Hinchcliffe's Brazilian team-mate and Round 1 race winner, Raphael Matos.
While Matos sealed the deal on pole following Saturday's second qualifying session, 1m15.725s (93.561mph), James was left frustrated with a tenth place grid slot, the Canadian steering his way round Long Beach's concrete canyons in 1m16.635s (92.449mph) for a spot on row-five for the standing start on Sunday morning.
A clean getaway allowed Hinchcliffe to gain two spots as the lights flicked from red to green signaling the start of the 50-minute street sprint. An early caution period quickly bunched the field back up but at the restart on lap four, James seized his opportunity to pick off another position, the #9 car moving up to seventh before a second full course caution gate-crashed proceedings a lap later.
When racing resumed on lap eight James gave chase to Conquest Racing's Giacomo Ricci, the 22-year-old Italian holding a narrow advantage over his North American rival. The tight confines of the Long Beach layout made overtaking virtually impossible as track position remained predominantly static throughout the running order, the pack enjoying some lengthy green flag running after a third caution period on lap 14. While he had the pace to keep former Champ Car racer Ronnie Bremer behind him, 'Hinch' couldn't dislodge Ricci from sixth, the Canadian frustratingly held in seventh through to the checkered on lap 31 but happy to take home a solid points score.
Raphael Matos went two for two to start the fledgling 12-round season, the Brazilian leading home America's Jonathan Bomarito and Canada's Robert Wickens at the flag - the same top-three podium finishers from last weekend's season opener, Bomarito and Wickens swapping spots in California.
"It was a bit of a frustrating weekend," said Hinchcliffe post-race. "We started off on Friday with a little bit of a brake problem which had originated in the race in Vegas last week. That held us back a bit at the beginning and with the series being as competitive as it is it put us a little behind in the first session. We got things sorted this morning before the race but we were playing catch up."
He continued, "I got a pretty good start, gained a couple of places, made up another spot later but that was me in seventh for the rest of the race. It was all fairly processional but I'm happy to have come away with a good points haul because this was always going to be one of the harder weekends for us. That said if seventh is classed as a tough weekend then it's not all that bad I guess!"
Top Five Atlantic Drivers R2/12: 1st Matos (BRA) 65pts, 2nd Wickens (CAN) 54pts, 3rd Bomarito (US) 52pts, 4th Perera (FRA) 42pts, 5th HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) 41pts.
Up Next - Round 3, Houston - Reliant Park, Texas, Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April
With no let up in the schedule, Round 3 of the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Championship heads to Houston, Texas next weekend, Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April, for the third consecutive street race to open the season. The 1.69-mile JAGflo Speedway at Reliant Park first hosted an Atlantic race last year with James qualifying fifth overall before going on to score a fourth place finish in his second career start.
Looking ahead to the Texas race James commented, "I'm looking forward to going to Houston. I ran really well there last season finishing fourth, it should probably have been a podium but it wasn't to be. It's an interesting track and I hear they've made a few changes which will hopefully make it even better than it was last year. I'm really looking forward to getting back in the car. I'm a big fan of these back-to-back races!"
For more information visit www.hinchtown.com, www.champcaratlantic.com, www.sierrasierra.com or www.grandprixofhouston.com.
Limoges Takes First Career KONI Challenge Pole Position at Homestead
Courtesy Nate Siebens, Grand-Am Public Relations Manager
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (April 14, 2007) - Canadian racer Valerie Limoges, from Longueuil, Quebec, became the first female driver to earn an overall pole position for a Grand-Am-sanctioned race when she turned a best lap at 1:28.800 (93.243 mph) in the No. 4 USG Sheetrock/Ramset Tools Ford Mustang GT to secure the top starting spot for Sunday's Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Miami GS 400k at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Limoges will share the front row with her car owner and Blackforest Motorsports teammate Tom Nastasi, who placed the team's No. 5 USG Sheetrock/Ramset Tools Ford Mustang GT second on the grid with a lap at 1:29.979 (93.056 mph). Limoges enters the Miami 400k looking to exceed her previous best KONI Challenge Series result of fourth, which she achieved last year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
"I'm very happy," Limoges said. "The team did a very good job this weekend. We were fast all weekend long and it paid off. It ranks pretty high. I'm very happy. We have a good car, and I have a good co-driver, Tom Nastasi, so we should do pretty good for the race."
Nastasi enters Sunday's second round of the 12-race 2007 KONI Challenge Series as the Grand Sport (GS) class points leader by virtue of his victory alongside co-driver David Empringham in January's Fresh From Florida 200 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Nastasi's co-driver in the No. 5 machine this weekend will be Ian James.
"First of all, I'm sorry to say (Blackforest Motorsports team owner) Brian Nott's not here, because he's sick and we miss him," said Nastasi. "This front row was for him, I just thought it was going to be the other way around. I'm very proud of Valerie, finally, because her weak link has been qualifying, like mine has always been. I screwed up so bad with this, but I'm lucky to have second. She just really tackled it. I saw I was holding her up, too. I knew we didn't have a lot of time, and just winged one out."
Starting third will be Bryan Ortiz with a best lap at 1:29.284 (92.738 mph) in the No. 79 Said Head Performance/ Savvion BMW M3 for Kinetic Motorsports. Ortiz is in his first full season of KONI Challenge Series competition and will share the ride this weekend with Shawn Price, who will drive in place of his regular co-driver Boris Said.
Joe Foster put the No. 55 Supercuts/Hyper Sport Ford Mustang GT fourth on the grid with a lap at 1:29.314 (92.707 mph). Foster started the Fresh From Florida 200 from the pole position and finished second in the race with co-driver Scott Maxwell, and the duo could charge to the top of the GS standings with another strong performance this weekend in South Florida.
Steve Mahre, a celebrated downhill skier who won a silver medal in the slalom in the 1984 Winter Olympics, completed the top five with a lap at 1:29.483 (92.532 mph) in the No. 17 Team Centurion Ford Mustang GT. He is sharing the car with his brother, Phil Mahre, who took the gold medal in the same Olympic slalom event in 1984.
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (April 14, 2007) - Canadian racer Valerie Limoges, from Longueuil, Quebec, became the first female driver to earn an overall pole position for a Grand-Am-sanctioned race when she turned a best lap at 1:28.800 (93.243 mph) in the No. 4 USG Sheetrock/Ramset Tools Ford Mustang GT to secure the top starting spot for Sunday's Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Miami GS 400k at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Limoges will share the front row with her car owner and Blackforest Motorsports teammate Tom Nastasi, who placed the team's No. 5 USG Sheetrock/Ramset Tools Ford Mustang GT second on the grid with a lap at 1:29.979 (93.056 mph). Limoges enters the Miami 400k looking to exceed her previous best KONI Challenge Series result of fourth, which she achieved last year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
"I'm very happy," Limoges said. "The team did a very good job this weekend. We were fast all weekend long and it paid off. It ranks pretty high. I'm very happy. We have a good car, and I have a good co-driver, Tom Nastasi, so we should do pretty good for the race."
Nastasi enters Sunday's second round of the 12-race 2007 KONI Challenge Series as the Grand Sport (GS) class points leader by virtue of his victory alongside co-driver David Empringham in January's Fresh From Florida 200 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Nastasi's co-driver in the No. 5 machine this weekend will be Ian James.
"First of all, I'm sorry to say (Blackforest Motorsports team owner) Brian Nott's not here, because he's sick and we miss him," said Nastasi. "This front row was for him, I just thought it was going to be the other way around. I'm very proud of Valerie, finally, because her weak link has been qualifying, like mine has always been. I screwed up so bad with this, but I'm lucky to have second. She just really tackled it. I saw I was holding her up, too. I knew we didn't have a lot of time, and just winged one out."
Starting third will be Bryan Ortiz with a best lap at 1:29.284 (92.738 mph) in the No. 79 Said Head Performance/ Savvion BMW M3 for Kinetic Motorsports. Ortiz is in his first full season of KONI Challenge Series competition and will share the ride this weekend with Shawn Price, who will drive in place of his regular co-driver Boris Said.
Joe Foster put the No. 55 Supercuts/Hyper Sport Ford Mustang GT fourth on the grid with a lap at 1:29.314 (92.707 mph). Foster started the Fresh From Florida 200 from the pole position and finished second in the race with co-driver Scott Maxwell, and the duo could charge to the top of the GS standings with another strong performance this weekend in South Florida.
Steve Mahre, a celebrated downhill skier who won a silver medal in the slalom in the 1984 Winter Olympics, completed the top five with a lap at 1:29.483 (92.532 mph) in the No. 17 Team Centurion Ford Mustang GT. He is sharing the car with his brother, Phil Mahre, who took the gold medal in the same Olympic slalom event in 1984.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Top-Six China Finish Caps McIntosh's Return
Courtesy A1Team Canada
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Sean McIntosh capped his return to the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport with a brilliant drive for Canada from the rear of the field to sixth place at the checkered in Round 10's Feature race, hosted on Sunday at China's stunning Shanghai International Circuit.
In a performance reminiscent of his last-to-first Feature race victory for A1 Team Canada last February in Indonesia, the 21-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C. recovered from the disappointment of being taken out of Round 10's Sprint race in the morning, France's Jean Karl Vernay the guilty culprit, to steer his way from the final row of the 22-car grid through to a points paying finish in sixth in the Feature.
McIntosh had high hopes for the 10-lap Sprint race in Shanghai, an opinion shared by the Canadian team as they qualified ninth the day before, their first top-ten start since January's sixth round at the Taupo Motorsports Park in New Zealand. Sean grabbed a spot at the start of the race and was looking to secure a front-running starting slot for the afternoon's Feature race when France came steaming up the inside of the Canadian entry on the main straight with three laps to go.
Vernay's tricolor car rammed into McIntosh's right rear tire, the pair spearing off-track in the process. While the rivals rejoined it quickly became evident that punctures to both cars would curtail their participation in the final laps of the Sprint race, the two drivers to meet again on the back-row of the Feature grid. Great Britain's Robbie Kerr captured the team's second straight A1GP victory followed at the flag by New Zealand's Jonny Reid and Germany's Nico Hülkenberg.
Sean wasted little time in moving though the field from 21st as the lights flicked to green to start the 70-minute Chinese Feature race. By the end of the first tour of duty the Canadian had charged his way up to 16th and by lap 10, the opening of the mandatory pit-window, he had successfully broken into the top-ten running order. McIntosh climbed as high as fifth before he too darted into the pits on lap 15 for a full tire change, the pit-crew performing flawlessly under the pressure of maintaining their strongest showing in several starts. Losing virtually no ground to his rivals, Sean returned to the track in ninth and by the halfway marker on lap 20 had passed India's Narain Karthikeyan for seventh.
With the demise of Jonathan Summerton in the American entry, and the subsequent safety car period on lap 25, McIntosh broke back into the top-six. From sixth he comfortably held off Italy's Enrico Toccacelo while giving chase to Ireland's Richard Lyons ahead, the gap between the pair less than two seconds as they raced through to the checkered on lap 39. Sean's sixth place rewarded the Canadian team with five valuable points, the team now just two points out of the top-ten with one round remaining. New Zealand's Reid beat Great Britain's Kerr to the flag while Hülkenberg's third place performance was enough for Germany to be crowned 2006-07 A1GP World Champions.
"It's a great return to form for Canada," commented McIntosh. "The car was much better in the Feature race, probably the best it's been all weekend, and our pit-stop was phenomenal. We made some changes following the Sprint race and as a result I had the speed to overtake in a straight line. Overall I'm pleased with our performance and can't wait to get to Brands Hatch in two weeks time!"
The 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport concludes with Round 11 at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the United Kingdom, Friday 27th - Sunday 29th April - www.a1gp.com.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Sean McIntosh capped his return to the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport with a brilliant drive for Canada from the rear of the field to sixth place at the checkered in Round 10's Feature race, hosted on Sunday at China's stunning Shanghai International Circuit.
In a performance reminiscent of his last-to-first Feature race victory for A1 Team Canada last February in Indonesia, the 21-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C. recovered from the disappointment of being taken out of Round 10's Sprint race in the morning, France's Jean Karl Vernay the guilty culprit, to steer his way from the final row of the 22-car grid through to a points paying finish in sixth in the Feature.
McIntosh had high hopes for the 10-lap Sprint race in Shanghai, an opinion shared by the Canadian team as they qualified ninth the day before, their first top-ten start since January's sixth round at the Taupo Motorsports Park in New Zealand. Sean grabbed a spot at the start of the race and was looking to secure a front-running starting slot for the afternoon's Feature race when France came steaming up the inside of the Canadian entry on the main straight with three laps to go.
Vernay's tricolor car rammed into McIntosh's right rear tire, the pair spearing off-track in the process. While the rivals rejoined it quickly became evident that punctures to both cars would curtail their participation in the final laps of the Sprint race, the two drivers to meet again on the back-row of the Feature grid. Great Britain's Robbie Kerr captured the team's second straight A1GP victory followed at the flag by New Zealand's Jonny Reid and Germany's Nico Hülkenberg.
Sean wasted little time in moving though the field from 21st as the lights flicked to green to start the 70-minute Chinese Feature race. By the end of the first tour of duty the Canadian had charged his way up to 16th and by lap 10, the opening of the mandatory pit-window, he had successfully broken into the top-ten running order. McIntosh climbed as high as fifth before he too darted into the pits on lap 15 for a full tire change, the pit-crew performing flawlessly under the pressure of maintaining their strongest showing in several starts. Losing virtually no ground to his rivals, Sean returned to the track in ninth and by the halfway marker on lap 20 had passed India's Narain Karthikeyan for seventh.
With the demise of Jonathan Summerton in the American entry, and the subsequent safety car period on lap 25, McIntosh broke back into the top-six. From sixth he comfortably held off Italy's Enrico Toccacelo while giving chase to Ireland's Richard Lyons ahead, the gap between the pair less than two seconds as they raced through to the checkered on lap 39. Sean's sixth place rewarded the Canadian team with five valuable points, the team now just two points out of the top-ten with one round remaining. New Zealand's Reid beat Great Britain's Kerr to the flag while Hülkenberg's third place performance was enough for Germany to be crowned 2006-07 A1GP World Champions.
"It's a great return to form for Canada," commented McIntosh. "The car was much better in the Feature race, probably the best it's been all weekend, and our pit-stop was phenomenal. We made some changes following the Sprint race and as a result I had the speed to overtake in a straight line. Overall I'm pleased with our performance and can't wait to get to Brands Hatch in two weeks time!"
The 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport concludes with Round 11 at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the United Kingdom, Friday 27th - Sunday 29th April - www.a1gp.com.
PMRA News
By Bruce F. MehlenbacherHAMILTON, ON – Staying home this winter has given PMRA driver Bruce Boland a chance to get his 1953 Corvette-bodied Pro Modified ready for the upcoming season.
“Usually we’re down in Florida racing at this time, but not this year,” explained Boland, who in the past two years has run a limited Pro Modified Racing Association schedule, topping off with a win at Lancaster in 2005. “But I’ve had lots of time to get things in order for this year. I plan on running the entire PMRA schedule.”
Driving the B and B Automotive entry out of Hamilton, Ontario Boland has a brand new engine in his Corvette, and has spent a lot of shop time getting the rest of the car hooked up to the new Hemi.
“We’re going down to Carl’s this weekend to dyno the engine,” said Boland, referring to Carl Spiering’s ERD (Engine Research & Development) engine facility, who built the 2500-horsepower engine. “I’ve spent a lot of time changing the transmission, clutch, and rest of the driveline to match up with the new Hemi. Just about everything had to be changed over from the Chevy engine.”
In other news Brantford, Ontario’s Mark Nielsen’s new Pro Modified may not be ready for the PMRA opener in May, but when it’s finished, the car will be a top contender.
“We’re getting there,” said Nielsen, who will drive the new 1968 Chevrolet Camaro-bodied car. “We should be ready for the second race at Cayuga (Toronto Motorsports Park).”
Nielsen said he is looking forward to the new car. G-Force Race Cars in western New York was commissioned to build the car, which is sporting a Cynergy Composites body from Pro Modified ace Murray Anderson and Scott Jahren paint.
The new car is based on a 1968 Camaro, but as a Yenko edition. These were semi-custom GM cars built by Don Yenko and the cars were some of the fastest and most famous muscle cars of the 1960s.
“This car will be as close to a Yenko as possible,” explained Nielsen. “It will have the original-type emblems, stripes and colors.”
New Zealan and GBR Win, Germany Takes Title
Courtesy A1GPSHANGHAI, CHINA – A1 Team Great Britain has taken its second consecutive victory in A1GP and the first win for main driver Robbie Kerr, putting the team on pole for this afternoon's A1GP Shanghai, China Feature race. With the PowerBoost on as the car left the grid, Great Britain took the lead into the first corner and built up an advantage that looked comfortable throughout the race.
'It's an excellent job. We did all the hard work yesterday getting out with P1 and then just trying to keep it steady throughout the race, and that what we did. We set a nice consistent pace, and finally.we got one!' said British driver Robbie Kerr.
Commenting on his first race win in A1GP, Kerr continued: 'I'm a bit numb at the minute, I don't know what to think to be honest. To be on P1 for the Feature race and that's the all important focus now. Try not to celebrate the Sprint race now, we can do that tonight.'
The race finished with Great Britain, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, the USA and Malaysia all adding to their points total.
For home team China, the Sprint race saw them move one place up the grid for this afternoon's Feature race when they will start in 11th position, just outside the potential points group.
Team New Zealand has taken its third race victory of the season winning the A1GP Shanghai, China Feature race this afternoon ahead of second placed Great Britain but it was Germany that had the most to celebrate as their third place finish gave them enough points to take the 2006/07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport title.
Race winner Jonny Reid said: 'We've had a great car for much of the weekend, we've been working on it pretty hard as the conditions have changed lot over the weekend, so this is a credit to all of the guys who have put in so much time and hard work. Basically we had a problem with the gear box. It was leaking quite a bit of oil and dropping on to the exhaust quite dramatically. The guys were flat stick working on the car and it was just a credit to all their hard work and it shows how strong a team we are, to get the car working under tough under circumstance.'
Talking about his winning strategy, Reid went on to say: 'Basically Robbie and Nico pitted earlier, so we knew the tyre degradation was quite high, so we knew we had to manage the tyres a little bit longer and makes sure I had strong pace and I managed to nail some good laps while Robbie was in the pits and when I came out I caught them quite quickly and then there was the safety car period and I managed to get a good exit out of the final turn and get the car up the inside. Robbie gave me just enough racing room, it was getting tight there but it's great to work with such classy drivers.'
Third place was enough to secure the season title for A1 Team Germany although driver, Nico Hülkenberg admitted he was still a little disappointed at the result: 'I know I can't always win, it's impossible, we were struggling all weekend long from the being, and I'm sure New Zealand and GBR made a step when they were in Mexico, and I was doing eight days of testing in F3. It was hard to come back because the cars are different like day and night so I was fighting and trying everything, but in the end we didn't manage to get up to speed.
'I think we had a little problem with the rear left in the pit stop, but the pit stop was still alright. Just at the beginning of the race with the two safety car periods it was not the right time for the car, and I was just fighting and struggling and after that before the third safety car, the car was pretty good, I was doing the same lap times as New Zealand and GBR, but then after the safety car it was not so good again.'
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