Flamboro's website has announced "Due to the large amount of precipitation that has fallen and the forecast of rain continuing, Opening Day has been postponed until Saturday May 5, 2007."
As of 12:30, Merrittville is saying that they're racing tonight... but keep checking if any more rain falls in the region.
Delaware's Enduro 250 season opener is also still a go, as is Peterborough Speedway's evening to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Johnson and Thomson Hang in to Finish 11th at Iowa
Courtesy Karl Thomson
Newton, Iowa -- Despite promising practice times which had the Kensai Racing with Compass360 Acuras near the top of the charts, the team suffered on-track calamity and mechanical woes that kept all three of their cars out of the top-ten at Iowa Speedway this past weekend.
Travis Walker and Karl Thomson were fourth and fifth-fastest in Friday practice, a scant 0.017 seconds between the team-mates in their TSXs. Unfortunately, although the team didn't realize it at the time, a drive-shaft was weakening in Thomson's car, which affected qualifying; while Walker qualified in second place, Thomson only managed twelfth. Matt Pritiko, in his Acura RSX-S, qualified immediately behind in thirteenth.
In the short hour between qualifying and the race, the team prepped the cars while the drivers were introduced to the large crowd that attended the event. The Iowa Speedway made for a good venue with more than ten thousand enthusiastic fans enjoying the close racing of the KONI Challenge!
In the first corner those fans were treated to an example of just how close the racing is, when seventh-place qualifier Bob Endicott passed four cars in the first corner. Unfortunately, he tried unsuccessfully to pass for second place and get inside of Walker, which damaged the left rear suspension of the #75 TSX, putting Travis and co-driver Beau Buisson out of the race.
Thomson, struggling with a rapidly deteriorating driveshaft, still managed to take his #76 TSX into ninth place before handing the car to Billy Johnson during the first caution period of the day. Johnson soldiered on, turning consistent yet careful laps, finally bringing the Acura to the checkered flag in 11th place. It was a tremendously important performance, as it kept Johnson and Thomson in the championship hunt; they're now just three points behind the leaders. "Billy did a simply amazing job bringing the car home today," said Thomson. "One small hit on the curbing or a bad angle of attack on the banking, and the drive shaft would have given out. The championship race is really close, and every point counts."
Matt Pritiko, meanwhile, had moved rapidly up the field, taking his Dupont and NAPA-sponsored #74 RSX all the way up to 4th position. "It's important to remember that this was only Matt's third start in a Touring Car," noted Crew Chief Ray Lee. "We're really proud of the maturity he showed today being able to run up at the front with the big guns." Daniel Columbie took over from Matt during a mid-race green flag stop, which put the car in 11th position. Bad luck prevented a good finish for the pair, though, when a front shock gave out just three laps from race's end, stranding Columbie on track. The #74 car was scored 18th.
The team returns to their Toronto home base to prepare their Acuras for the series' next race at Laguna Seca on May 18-20th. "We've scheduled some testing before Laguna to work on the suspension settings," remarked Lee. "The next few races are on road courses, which require a different set-up from the 'rovals' that started the year." The team did well at Laguna last year, with the Thomson/ Johnson duo leading the race and eventually finishing fourth, and the team hopes to continue its fight for the ST-class championship.
Newton, Iowa -- Despite promising practice times which had the Kensai Racing with Compass360 Acuras near the top of the charts, the team suffered on-track calamity and mechanical woes that kept all three of their cars out of the top-ten at Iowa Speedway this past weekend.
Travis Walker and Karl Thomson were fourth and fifth-fastest in Friday practice, a scant 0.017 seconds between the team-mates in their TSXs. Unfortunately, although the team didn't realize it at the time, a drive-shaft was weakening in Thomson's car, which affected qualifying; while Walker qualified in second place, Thomson only managed twelfth. Matt Pritiko, in his Acura RSX-S, qualified immediately behind in thirteenth.
In the short hour between qualifying and the race, the team prepped the cars while the drivers were introduced to the large crowd that attended the event. The Iowa Speedway made for a good venue with more than ten thousand enthusiastic fans enjoying the close racing of the KONI Challenge!
In the first corner those fans were treated to an example of just how close the racing is, when seventh-place qualifier Bob Endicott passed four cars in the first corner. Unfortunately, he tried unsuccessfully to pass for second place and get inside of Walker, which damaged the left rear suspension of the #75 TSX, putting Travis and co-driver Beau Buisson out of the race.
Thomson, struggling with a rapidly deteriorating driveshaft, still managed to take his #76 TSX into ninth place before handing the car to Billy Johnson during the first caution period of the day. Johnson soldiered on, turning consistent yet careful laps, finally bringing the Acura to the checkered flag in 11th place. It was a tremendously important performance, as it kept Johnson and Thomson in the championship hunt; they're now just three points behind the leaders. "Billy did a simply amazing job bringing the car home today," said Thomson. "One small hit on the curbing or a bad angle of attack on the banking, and the drive shaft would have given out. The championship race is really close, and every point counts."
Matt Pritiko, meanwhile, had moved rapidly up the field, taking his Dupont and NAPA-sponsored #74 RSX all the way up to 4th position. "It's important to remember that this was only Matt's third start in a Touring Car," noted Crew Chief Ray Lee. "We're really proud of the maturity he showed today being able to run up at the front with the big guns." Daniel Columbie took over from Matt during a mid-race green flag stop, which put the car in 11th position. Bad luck prevented a good finish for the pair, though, when a front shock gave out just three laps from race's end, stranding Columbie on track. The #74 car was scored 18th.
The team returns to their Toronto home base to prepare their Acuras for the series' next race at Laguna Seca on May 18-20th. "We've scheduled some testing before Laguna to work on the suspension settings," remarked Lee. "The next few races are on road courses, which require a different set-up from the 'rovals' that started the year." The team did well at Laguna last year, with the Thomson/ Johnson duo leading the race and eventually finishing fourth, and the team hopes to continue its fight for the ST-class championship.
McIntosh Bags Top-Ten Practice Performance at Brands Hatch
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsBrands Hatch, England (Friday 27 April, 2007) - Sean McIntosh cracked the top-ten in Friday practice for A1 Team Canada as the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in Kent, England plays host to the season finale of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport on Sunday, 29th April. The 21-year-old from Vancouver placed tenth in practice from the 22 competing nations, Sean keen to break Canada back into the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings with a strong final outing of the season.
Québec's Kevin Lacroix was first out for Canada on Friday, the 18-year-old participating in the 'Rookie-Only' session in the morning. Lacroix's first trip to the famed British circuit was unfortunately marred by a stomach virus, the teenager valiantly fighting through his illness to undertake his rookie duties before handing over to McIntosh for the rest of the weekend. A brief spin followed by a fuel shortage led to the day's first red flag being attributed to the Canadian entry but Lacroix would get going again to rack up a total of 19 laps setting a best of 1m17.680s to place 13th fastest.
"I was trying to take in everything as I was learning the track while not feeling at my best today," commented Lacroix. "I was feeling worse towards the end of the session but overall the car was picking up speed and that was then reflected in Sean's times later in the day."
McIntosh, no stranger to the Brands Hatch Circuit from a successful period racing in the Formula Renault UK Championship in 2004-05, was quickly on the pace as he fired the Canadian car into the top-eight early in the afternoon's hour-long practice. His best run, a 1m16.419s set on his 24th lap from a total of 31, ended the day as the tenth quickest with Britain's Robbie Kerr fastest on home soil.
"That wasn't too bad," stated McIntosh. "It was good to get out there and make sure everything was running well with the car and work away on getting a good base set-up. There's one particular corner where I need to improve a little but I'll have a sleep on everything tonight and come back in the morning and see what needs to be done. Hopefully we can push in qualifying as it's crucial to the outcome of the Sprint race. It's great to be back competing at Brands Hatch. I know where everything is and like last time we raced here, the atmosphere feels pretty special."
Official Practice (1 Hour Session)
1 Great Britain Robbie Kerr 1:15.086
2 India Narain Karthikeyan 1:15.661
3 France Loic Duval 1:15.813
4 USA Jonathan Summerton 1:15.815
5 Germany Nico Hülkenberg 1:15.943
*10th CANADA SEAN MCINTOSH 1:16.419
Rookie Practice (2 x 25 Minute Sessions)
1 Great Britain Oliver Jarvis 1:15.043
2 USA Jonathan Summerton 1:15.665
3 India Narain Karthikeyan 1:16.037
4 South Africa Gavin Cronje 1:16.464
5 France Jean Karl Vernay 1:16.611
*13 CANADA KEVIN LACROIX 1:17.680
Sunday's Sprint race starts at 11am GMT (6am Sunday EST) with the Feature race starting at 3pm at Brands Hatch (11am Sunday EST). SPEED will air all the action from Round 11 in Great Britain as a tape-delayed broadcast on Wednesday 2nd May starting at 2pm EST. For more programming information visit www.speedtv.com.
For more info on A1 Team Canada visit www.a1teamcan.com.
Atlanta next stop for Disturbed Motorsports
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherMARIETTA, GEORGIA (April 27, 2007) – The Disturbed Motorsports Georgia-based Pro Modified team will be competing at this weekends AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises at Atlanta Dragway.
“We’ve had a string of hard luck this year,” explained Eddie Ware driver of the Disturbed Motorsports Rupture Streetwear-sponsored 1967 Camaro. “Hopefully we can apply what we are learning and keep getting better.”
The team’s first chance to qualify will be Friday for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, April 26-29 in Commerce, Georgia a few miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.
Despite getting off to a slower start this season than anticipated, Eddie Ware is confident. “We tested the car in Rockingham this week and the team has been working extremely hard to turn things around,” added the 32-year old Ware. “Atlanta Dragway has a nice smooth surface, qualifying well would be a great start, and then we need to win some rounds.”
Disturbed Motorsports, 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) Knoll-Gas 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.
The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, GA will be held April 26-29 at Atlanta Dragway.
For information visit www.atlantadragway.com.
Trident Racing Welcomes Canadian NASCAR Schedule
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsMontréal, Québec (April 20, 2007) – Tuesday’s long-awaited unveiling of the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule has been welcomed by Québec’s leading stock car operation, Saint-Eustache’s Trident Racing. Richard Durivage, the Montréal-born, owner-driver of the #18 Trident Racing entry, has expressed his relief that the schedule has been announced allowing his team to plan for the season ahead both on and off-track.
“I’m pleased that the 2007 schedule’s finally been announced,” Durivage stated. “I think the list of venues is great as it allows us to participate across Canada and there’s a good mix of ovals and road courses to push us to the limits. The diversity of tracks is a real feature of the series and I’m sure the spectacle of wheel to wheel racing will thrill fans throughout the country.”
The 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Schedule includes oval races at familiar Ontario venues such as Cayuga International Speedway, host of the season-opener on Saturday 26th May, as well as Barrie Speedway and Mosport Speedway with trips west to B.C.’s Sun Valley Speedway and east to Nova Scotia’s Riverside Speedway.
Trident Racing’s home province of Québec hosts what is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of the coming season when the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series supports the country’s first ever NASCAR Busch Series event, the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 200’, hosted at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, 3rd-4th August. Two weeks later sees the series head north for the ‘Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres’, 17th-19th August.
“We’ve always referred to the old CASCAR Series and now the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as the younger brother to the likes of the ‘big three’ NASCAR series, Truck, Busch and Nextel Cup,” said Durivage. “For us to be a support race to Canada’s first ever Busch Series race is a great honour not to mention a great opportunity to showcase our product and abilities to some of stock car racing’s premier teams and decision makers.”
The delay in finalizing and releasing the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule, with just five weeks to go before Round 1 at Cayuga, has without doubt posed issues for many of the teams and competitors in the championship as they look to lock-down commercial deals for the year ahead, Trident Racing being no exception.
From its 3000 square-foot race shop based at the Saint-Eustache Autodrome, home to the team’s additional racing operations including entries in the NASCAR Busch Series East and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Cummins Pro Truck Series, team-owner Richard Durivage has been working on securing partnerships for the 2007 season without knowing, until Tuesday’s announcement, the schedule of events.
Commenting on this issue, Richard remarked, “With the schedule taking so long to come out it’s understandable that a lot of potential partners we were in discussion with became a little nervous about the situation. Nobody was too sure where NASCAR Canada was going to take this thing so now that the schedule’s finally out it’s left us all a little scrambling at the last minute to see what commitments we can now generate armed with the knowledge we have.”
He continued, “I want to compete in as many races as I can but needless to say that will depend on what support we can activate knowing where we’re racing coupled with, what I have to say is, a first-rate TV package now that the series will be broadcast on TSN throughout the season.”
Durivage has confirmed his plans to contest next month’s Cayuga opener in the #18 Trident Racing entry, as well as the Speedway’s September return date, along with both Québec rounds in August and the Riverside Speedway date in September in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The 38-year-old plans to bolster his sophomore season of stock car racing with additional dates on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series calendar subject to commercial backing.
For more information visit www.tridentracing.com.
Pro Modifieds as popular as they were in 1997
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherCAYUGA, ONTARIO (April 27, 2007) – The Pro Modified class was a relatively new division in drag racing in 1997 when Neale Armstrong organized the Canadian Drag Racing Series, but the new cars were quickly becoming popular when Cayuga International Dragway Park, now known as Toronto Motorsports Park, held a series for the cars.
At the time, Pro Modified ace and long-time respected car builder Jim Oddy of Elma, NY, held the class record at 6.24-second, 222 mph, with driver Fred Hahn. The Oddy/Hahn team held the track record with a 6.502-second, 215.31-mph pass.
By comparison, Al Billes of Barrie, ON, qualified number one at the first Cayuga PMRA meet in 2005 with a 6.236-second, 226.28-mph pass.
Of the 28 cars listed for the 1997 series, 11 of the Pro Modifieds were nitrous injected, with the remainder running superchargers. Some of the entrants from 1997 are still racing at the Pro Modified level, including PMRA drivers Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, ON, the Grainy Brothers of North Tonawanda, NY, Mike Stawicki of Medina, NY, and Kasey Janzen of St. Catharines.
Others who have raced in PMRA competition from 1997 include Welland, ON’s Larry Sinke, and Tony Pontieri of Toronto. In fact, Pontieri was leading the series with his Camaro, and Pro Modified veteran Johnny Rocca of Virginia was second in his popular 1949 Mercury.
With such a diverse group of body styles, terrific burn-outs, and wild rides down the quarter-mile, the Pro Modifieds continue to be crowd-pleasers, and for those fans who watch the action at the upcoming Victoria Day Weekend PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario May 19-20, they will not be disappointed.
For information about the Victoria Day Weekend PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park call (905) 772-0303 or visit online at www.torontomotorsportspark.com.
NASCAR's phone wars head to the courts
From APNo ruling in AT&T-NASCAR case
Jeff Burton's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet will bear the familiar Cingular markings for at least two more weeks. There was no decision Thursday on AT&T's request for an injunction to have its logos placed on Burton's car.
Instead, U.S. District court judge Marvin H. Schoob listened to almost four hours of arguments from NASCAR, AT&T and Nextel and then set May 7 as the deadline for briefs to be submitted in the case.
At Thursday's preliminary injunction hearing, NASCAR attorneys defended the decision to prevent Cingular — the primary sponsor of the No. 31 car — from changing its branding on the car to the AT&T blue globe.
Cingular merged with AT&T in December, and AT&T is phasing out the Cingular brand.
Sprint Nextel Corp. sponsors NASCAR's premier series, the Nextel Cup, and has exclusive rights as the telecommunications company for the series. The only exceptions are companies, including Cingular, that already sponsored cars when Nextel reached its agreement with NASCAR.
Cingular is arguing that its rights include changing its brand name to AT&T.
"We have changed our name, but we are the same company as we were before we changed our name," said David Balser, attorney for AT&T Inc.
"Sprint has said the value of its investment would increase if they could drive us out," Balser said to Schoob. "That is what this is about, your honor. Sprint Nextel is trying to use our name change to drive us out of the sport."
NASCAR attorney David Gelfand said AT&T would be welcome to sponsor a car in NASCAR's Busch series or truck racing, but he said Nextel was entitled to exclusivity through its 10-year, $700 million investment that began in 2004.
... continued at the link above.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Dave Whitlock's new Dickies NCATS paint scheme
Dave Whitlock will have a sharp new look when he takes to the track in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series action this season. The three-time CASCAR National champ will carry the colours of workwear giant Dickies. Thanks to Mark Dilley for providing this.
INSIDE TRACK: Thursday notebook
The Green Flag Flies...
Peterborough Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Delaware Speedway and Flamboro Speedway will kick off their 2007 racing seasons this weekend. Peterborough will celebrate the start of its 40th season of racing. Good luck to all, and let's hope for a drier season than last. Those holding tickets from last year's rained-out Oktoberfest at Flamboro will be admitted free to that track.
***
Tony roars about NASCAR
Tony Stewart is turning into the Rosie O'Donnell of racing. Opinionated, outspoken, and unafraid to poke even the biggest players in the eye. On his radio show, Stewart went off about all the questionable late-race "debris" cautions that have been thrown this season. He questioned the integrity of NASCAR, its officials and events. I believe that most fans agree with 'Smoke,' that throwing field-bunching, late-race cautions – for on-track items that the TV crews giggle about not being able to find – is bogus.
Nonetheless, Stewart's behaviour is almost destructive in terms of his future in NASCAR. And maybe that's the way he wants it.
There are more reports and opinions about Stewart's comments here and here.
***
Michael Ledwidge Appointed CARQUEST PST Race Director
Halifax, NS (April 24, 2007) – Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ledwidge as Race Director for the 2007 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour season.
Ledwidge is a 33-year-old native of Elmsdale, NS, who has been an Official in Stock Car racing since 1984. He has been involved in all aspects of the sport, working alongside his parents Cathy and Ernie Ledwidge. He started as a lap counter and proved himself each step up, as he moved to more responsible positions. He has worked at Riverside Speedway, New Brunswick Int'l Speedway and Scotia Speedworld. Ledwidge has been involved in the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour since its inception in 2001.
“Michael has experience far beyond his years and although not well known to fans, he is well known by the racers. He has intimate knowledge of the racing business and has been a key part of our team. Growing up, Michael received two educations – one in the school system and the other in Stock Car racing. He has had sole responsibility for our scoring systems, successfully integrating them into the Tour as new methods and versions were introduced. During the last number of years he was the “Tower Coordinator”, the hub of race control. The Tour team looks forward to working with Michael,” said Ken Cunning, General Manager, Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited.
Ledwidge replaces Danny Harvey of Lantz, NS, who leaves the Tour after a year and a half service, to spend more time with his family. “I want to publicly thank Danny. He stepped in when we most needed his services. He wants to spend more time with his wife Sherry and son Timothy, and who can argue with that,” added Cunning.
- From Ken Cunning / CARQUEST PST
Peterborough Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Delaware Speedway and Flamboro Speedway will kick off their 2007 racing seasons this weekend. Peterborough will celebrate the start of its 40th season of racing. Good luck to all, and let's hope for a drier season than last. Those holding tickets from last year's rained-out Oktoberfest at Flamboro will be admitted free to that track.
***
Tony roars about NASCARTony Stewart is turning into the Rosie O'Donnell of racing. Opinionated, outspoken, and unafraid to poke even the biggest players in the eye. On his radio show, Stewart went off about all the questionable late-race "debris" cautions that have been thrown this season. He questioned the integrity of NASCAR, its officials and events. I believe that most fans agree with 'Smoke,' that throwing field-bunching, late-race cautions – for on-track items that the TV crews giggle about not being able to find – is bogus.
Nonetheless, Stewart's behaviour is almost destructive in terms of his future in NASCAR. And maybe that's the way he wants it.
There are more reports and opinions about Stewart's comments here and here.
***
Michael Ledwidge Appointed CARQUEST PST Race Director
Halifax, NS (April 24, 2007) – Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ledwidge as Race Director for the 2007 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour season.
Ledwidge is a 33-year-old native of Elmsdale, NS, who has been an Official in Stock Car racing since 1984. He has been involved in all aspects of the sport, working alongside his parents Cathy and Ernie Ledwidge. He started as a lap counter and proved himself each step up, as he moved to more responsible positions. He has worked at Riverside Speedway, New Brunswick Int'l Speedway and Scotia Speedworld. Ledwidge has been involved in the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour since its inception in 2001.
“Michael has experience far beyond his years and although not well known to fans, he is well known by the racers. He has intimate knowledge of the racing business and has been a key part of our team. Growing up, Michael received two educations – one in the school system and the other in Stock Car racing. He has had sole responsibility for our scoring systems, successfully integrating them into the Tour as new methods and versions were introduced. During the last number of years he was the “Tower Coordinator”, the hub of race control. The Tour team looks forward to working with Michael,” said Ken Cunning, General Manager, Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited.
Ledwidge replaces Danny Harvey of Lantz, NS, who leaves the Tour after a year and a half service, to spend more time with his family. “I want to publicly thank Danny. He stepped in when we most needed his services. He wants to spend more time with his wife Sherry and son Timothy, and who can argue with that,” added Cunning.
- From Ken Cunning / CARQUEST PST
Dumoulin to fill-in for Carpentier at VIR for this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race
SAMAX Motorsport will have two new drivers for this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race Sunday at Virginia International Speedway (VIR). Following Milka Duno's departure from Grand-Am to compete in the Indy Racing League with SAMAX Motorsport, team owner Peter Baron was to announce her replacement this week. Early on Wednesday, he got news from driver Patrick Carpentier that the Canadian driver, who lives in Las Vegas, could not participate in Sunday's 400-kilometer race due to a family medical emergency.
Filling in for Round 4, on the 3.27-mile (5,263-kilometer) 17-turn VIR road circuit, will be Ryan Dalziel from Scotland and Jean-François Dumoulin of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Dalziel is no stranger to Daytona Prototype (DP), having spent the 2006 season with Pacific Coast Motorsports where he collected his best finish in DP with a second place at Phoenix. The Orlando, Florida resident competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with SAMAX Motorsport, finishing second overall with teammates Carpentier, Duno and British driver Darren Manning, tying his best result in the series.
With a weekend off from a busy early season Champ Car schedule, where the 25-year old is competing full time as a rookie, Dalziel accepted the offer from Peter Baron to fill in for this race. He spent the previous three weekends in Las Vegas, where he finished 11th in his Champ Car debut, then improved to ninth at Long Beach and went on to Houston last weekend for an eighth place finish. This will be Dalziel's 17th start in a Daytona Prototype.
"This is a last minute thing, but I could not refuse the offer from Peter (Baron)," said Dalziel, who was the 2003 and 2004 runner-up in the Toyota Atlantic Series. "I had a great time at this year's season opener where we finished second, so it would have been hard to say no. I have enjoyed my time driving these cars and a lot good things have happened to me. Even though I do not personally know my new teammate (Jean-François Dumoulin), I have heard positive things about him and I am sure that we will be very, very competitive. I am excited to run at VIR and happy to race again with SAMAX."
Even though this will be Dumoulin's first start in a Daytona Prototype, he has been running in Grand-Am for the past eight years. He has made 50 starts in the Grand-Am Koni Challenge (nee Grand-Am Cup) since 2000 and is a proven winner. He twice won the GS1 Class title (2002 and 2003) and claimed seven class wins. The French Canadian driver has also been busy and successful in the Rolex Series GT, SGS and SRPII classes winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the SGS class in 2004 and the GT class in 2007. He also won his home Grand Prix at Trois-Rivières in 2001 in the SRPII class. He has raced five times at VIR in both the Koni Challenge and the Rolex Series.
Dumoulin will be a busy driver this weekend pulling double duty with the SAMAX Motorsport Daytona Prototype race on Sunday and with Alegra Motorsports in the separate GT class 400K-race on Saturday. "Years ago, I raced the Sports Racer Prototype II twice and found it to be easy to handle," said Dumoulin. "I know the SRPII only produced 400 horsepower compared to today's DPs that generates around 500 hp, but I'm familiar with the track. This will be a challenging weekend, but it will be a fun weekend. I know we can win on this track, and I am eager to run with the Daytona Prototype drivers, this time in similar cars."
SAMAX Motorsport is still in third place in the Team Standings with 80 points, 13 away from first place. The team finished second in the season opener at Daytona in late January and missed a Top-10 finish in the caution-free Mexico City race in early March. It rebounded with fourth place at Homestead-Miami a month ago.
Daytona Prototypes will qualify on Friday at 2:40 p.m. The VIR 400, a 77-lap race, will begin at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday with live television coverage airing on SPEED.
A SAMAX release will be sent following the end of Sunday's race. SAMAX Motorsport, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, is in its third year of competition in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. More information on SAMAX Motorsport is available at http://www.samaxmotorsport.com/. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com
From Max d'Orsonnens
Filling in for Round 4, on the 3.27-mile (5,263-kilometer) 17-turn VIR road circuit, will be Ryan Dalziel from Scotland and Jean-François Dumoulin of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Dalziel is no stranger to Daytona Prototype (DP), having spent the 2006 season with Pacific Coast Motorsports where he collected his best finish in DP with a second place at Phoenix. The Orlando, Florida resident competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with SAMAX Motorsport, finishing second overall with teammates Carpentier, Duno and British driver Darren Manning, tying his best result in the series.
With a weekend off from a busy early season Champ Car schedule, where the 25-year old is competing full time as a rookie, Dalziel accepted the offer from Peter Baron to fill in for this race. He spent the previous three weekends in Las Vegas, where he finished 11th in his Champ Car debut, then improved to ninth at Long Beach and went on to Houston last weekend for an eighth place finish. This will be Dalziel's 17th start in a Daytona Prototype.
"This is a last minute thing, but I could not refuse the offer from Peter (Baron)," said Dalziel, who was the 2003 and 2004 runner-up in the Toyota Atlantic Series. "I had a great time at this year's season opener where we finished second, so it would have been hard to say no. I have enjoyed my time driving these cars and a lot good things have happened to me. Even though I do not personally know my new teammate (Jean-François Dumoulin), I have heard positive things about him and I am sure that we will be very, very competitive. I am excited to run at VIR and happy to race again with SAMAX."
Even though this will be Dumoulin's first start in a Daytona Prototype, he has been running in Grand-Am for the past eight years. He has made 50 starts in the Grand-Am Koni Challenge (nee Grand-Am Cup) since 2000 and is a proven winner. He twice won the GS1 Class title (2002 and 2003) and claimed seven class wins. The French Canadian driver has also been busy and successful in the Rolex Series GT, SGS and SRPII classes winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the SGS class in 2004 and the GT class in 2007. He also won his home Grand Prix at Trois-Rivières in 2001 in the SRPII class. He has raced five times at VIR in both the Koni Challenge and the Rolex Series.
Dumoulin will be a busy driver this weekend pulling double duty with the SAMAX Motorsport Daytona Prototype race on Sunday and with Alegra Motorsports in the separate GT class 400K-race on Saturday. "Years ago, I raced the Sports Racer Prototype II twice and found it to be easy to handle," said Dumoulin. "I know the SRPII only produced 400 horsepower compared to today's DPs that generates around 500 hp, but I'm familiar with the track. This will be a challenging weekend, but it will be a fun weekend. I know we can win on this track, and I am eager to run with the Daytona Prototype drivers, this time in similar cars."
SAMAX Motorsport is still in third place in the Team Standings with 80 points, 13 away from first place. The team finished second in the season opener at Daytona in late January and missed a Top-10 finish in the caution-free Mexico City race in early March. It rebounded with fourth place at Homestead-Miami a month ago.
Daytona Prototypes will qualify on Friday at 2:40 p.m. The VIR 400, a 77-lap race, will begin at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday with live television coverage airing on SPEED.
A SAMAX release will be sent following the end of Sunday's race. SAMAX Motorsport, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, is in its third year of competition in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. More information on SAMAX Motorsport is available at http://www.samaxmotorsport.com/. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com
From Max d'Orsonnens
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Mosport RoadShow heads to Oshawa Centre on Thursday
BOWMANVILLE, ON (April 24, 2007) The Canadian road racing and stock car seasons kick-off next month at Mosport International Raceway and Mosport Speedway, and to get Durham residents up to speed, Mosport’s bringing its popular RoadShow display to the Oshawa Centre for four days beginning on Thursday (April 26-29).
Located at Centre Court of the mall, the display will feature several cars that will be racing this year at Mosport, including the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Cup Lites Series. Mosport Speedway is Canada’s fastest ½ mile paved oval and the only stock car track in the Greater Toronto Area. Also featured is a sleek, exotic American Le Mans Series prototype, representing the cars that will race at Mosport’s biggest event of the season, Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport.
There will be daily draws to win tickets to the Raceway and Speedway, along with the new season schedules and information for pick-up. Fans are welcome to bring their cameras and have their pictures taken with the cars on display.
Port Perry stock car racer Todd Delisle, Limited Late Model Driver, who finished third in points in 2006 will be at the RoadShow display with his car to meet fans throughout the weekend. Also scheduled to appear are Oshawa driver Dave Thorndyke with his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car and Cup Lites Series driver Simon Elliot with his car.
The green flag drops on Mosport Speedway’s Saturday Night Stock Car Racing season on May 12, while the pro road racing schedule starts with Victoria Day SpeedFest weekend of racing, camping, fireworks and live music, May 18-20 at the 4-km Mosport Int’l Raceway.
The Oshawa Centre is located at 419 King St. West. It is the largest mall in Durham Region with over 200 stores.
For further information about Mosport: Lee Bailie // (905) 983-9141, ext. 306
Kentucky Speedway lawsuit seeks break-up of NASCAR / ISC "monopoly"
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky Speedway no longer wants NASCAR to bring a Nextel Cup race to the track as part of its antitrust lawsuit against the racing governing body and International Speedway Corp.
The speedway filed an amended complaint in U.S. District Court last Friday, saying instead of a Nextel Cup race, it wants a judge to break up NASCAR and ISC, both of which are controlled by Bill France and members of his family.
The lawsuit claims breaking up the monopoly would require NASCAR to "develop objective factors for the award of Nextel Cup races that benefit the sport."
The speedway is asking that ISC be ordered to sell at least eight of the 12 tracks it owns that host Nextel Cup races and that the speedway be awarded more than $200 million in damages, which automatically would be tripled under federal law if the speedway wins.
NASCAR and ISC have denied the antitrust claims in court filings and have called the speedway's allegations "thinly concealed expressions of bitterness against a more successful promoter."
... continued at the link above.
McIntosh and Lacroix Head to Britain for A1GP Finale
The eleventh and final round of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will be hosted this weekend, 27th - 29th April, at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in Great Britain with Canada represented on-track by Vancouver's Sean McIntosh and Québec's Kevin Lacroix.
McIntosh will again assume race duties for the Canadian outfit, the 21-year-old aiming to get the team back into the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings having scored Canada's first points since January when he took the checkered flag in sixth place in Round 10's Feature event two weeks ago in China. A storming performance from the former A1GP race-winner saw Sean sprint from the back of the Feature grid, having been taken out of the earlier Sprint race, through to sixth at the flag.
Canada heads into the Brands Hatch finale just two points shy of Mexico in tenth place (35-33) and with a maximum score of 17 points on offer from the weekend a strong outing at the 4.22km Grand Prix Circuit in Kent could solidify the Canadian team's standing amongst the top-ten competing nations in A1GP for the second straight season having finished tenth overall in 2005-06.
McIntosh made his third start of the season in China earlier this month adding to the eight straight rounds he contested for Canada in last season's inaugural A1GP series. Back then Brands Hatch had the honour of hosting the very first A1GP meeting in September 2005 and Canada called on McIntosh to lead its charge following some highly impressive performances competing in the Formula Renault UK Championship, where his five victories saw him crowned Vice-Champion behind fellow A1GP competitor, Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis.
The young Canadian seized his opportunity to race for his country, the leap from his 200bhp Formula Renault car to the 550bhp A1GP car proving to be no obstacle despite having had just one day of testing prior to the first round. Showcasing the skills that would ultimately lead to a victory for Canada later in the season in Indonesia, Sean cracked the top-ten in the Brands Hatch Feature race, steering the car to ninth overall and a points paying finish in his series debut.
Looking ahead to his return to Brands Hatch Sean commented, "I'm hoping we can build on our performance in China where we improved with every session. I know Brands Hatch pretty well. I could probably drive the Indy Circuit with my eyes shut having raced there so many times in Formula Renault. I'm looking forward to returning to where my A1GP career began and I know the atmosphere will be amazing as the British fans really love their motor racing. Qualifying will be the biggest challenge followed closely by pit-stops in the Feature, that's where races can be won or lost so it's vital that we get everything right when the pressure's on."
McIntosh will again be joined in Great Britain by Québec stand-out Kevin Lacroix, the 18-year-old taking part in Friday morning's 'Rookie-Only' session before handing over to his team-mate. Lacroix, making his fourth appearance for the team, cracked the top-ten in practice in China and looks set to continue his progress behind the wheel of an A1GP car at the famed British circuit.
"It's my last chance to drive the car this season so I'm keen to make the most of it," said Lacroix. "The circuit looks a little similar to the likes of Mont-Tremblant and Mosport with its sweeping dips and curves. It's probably one of the hardest circuits I'll have faced in A1GP but I'm looking forward to it!"
Sunday's Sprint race starts at 11am GMT (6am Sunday EST) with the Feature race starting at 3pm at Brands Hatch (11am Sunday EST). SPEED will air all the action from Round 11 in Great Britain as a tape-delayed broadcast on Wednesday 2nd May starting at 2pm EST - http://www.speedtv.com/
Top-Ten A1GP Nations Standings after Round 10/11: 1st Germany (113) - CHAMPIONS, 2nd New Zealand (90), 3rd Great Britain (76), 4th France (60), 5th Malaysia (51), 6th Netherlands (50), 7th Switzerland (50), 8th Italy (40), 9th USA (37), 10th Mexico (35), *11th CANADA (33)
ENDS - http://www.a1teamcan.com/
McIntosh will again assume race duties for the Canadian outfit, the 21-year-old aiming to get the team back into the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings having scored Canada's first points since January when he took the checkered flag in sixth place in Round 10's Feature event two weeks ago in China. A storming performance from the former A1GP race-winner saw Sean sprint from the back of the Feature grid, having been taken out of the earlier Sprint race, through to sixth at the flag.
Canada heads into the Brands Hatch finale just two points shy of Mexico in tenth place (35-33) and with a maximum score of 17 points on offer from the weekend a strong outing at the 4.22km Grand Prix Circuit in Kent could solidify the Canadian team's standing amongst the top-ten competing nations in A1GP for the second straight season having finished tenth overall in 2005-06.
McIntosh made his third start of the season in China earlier this month adding to the eight straight rounds he contested for Canada in last season's inaugural A1GP series. Back then Brands Hatch had the honour of hosting the very first A1GP meeting in September 2005 and Canada called on McIntosh to lead its charge following some highly impressive performances competing in the Formula Renault UK Championship, where his five victories saw him crowned Vice-Champion behind fellow A1GP competitor, Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis.
The young Canadian seized his opportunity to race for his country, the leap from his 200bhp Formula Renault car to the 550bhp A1GP car proving to be no obstacle despite having had just one day of testing prior to the first round. Showcasing the skills that would ultimately lead to a victory for Canada later in the season in Indonesia, Sean cracked the top-ten in the Brands Hatch Feature race, steering the car to ninth overall and a points paying finish in his series debut.
Looking ahead to his return to Brands Hatch Sean commented, "I'm hoping we can build on our performance in China where we improved with every session. I know Brands Hatch pretty well. I could probably drive the Indy Circuit with my eyes shut having raced there so many times in Formula Renault. I'm looking forward to returning to where my A1GP career began and I know the atmosphere will be amazing as the British fans really love their motor racing. Qualifying will be the biggest challenge followed closely by pit-stops in the Feature, that's where races can be won or lost so it's vital that we get everything right when the pressure's on."
McIntosh will again be joined in Great Britain by Québec stand-out Kevin Lacroix, the 18-year-old taking part in Friday morning's 'Rookie-Only' session before handing over to his team-mate. Lacroix, making his fourth appearance for the team, cracked the top-ten in practice in China and looks set to continue his progress behind the wheel of an A1GP car at the famed British circuit.
"It's my last chance to drive the car this season so I'm keen to make the most of it," said Lacroix. "The circuit looks a little similar to the likes of Mont-Tremblant and Mosport with its sweeping dips and curves. It's probably one of the hardest circuits I'll have faced in A1GP but I'm looking forward to it!"
Sunday's Sprint race starts at 11am GMT (6am Sunday EST) with the Feature race starting at 3pm at Brands Hatch (11am Sunday EST). SPEED will air all the action from Round 11 in Great Britain as a tape-delayed broadcast on Wednesday 2nd May starting at 2pm EST - http://www.speedtv.com/
Top-Ten A1GP Nations Standings after Round 10/11: 1st Germany (113) - CHAMPIONS, 2nd New Zealand (90), 3rd Great Britain (76), 4th France (60), 5th Malaysia (51), 6th Netherlands (50), 7th Switzerland (50), 8th Italy (40), 9th USA (37), 10th Mexico (35), *11th CANADA (33)
ENDS - http://www.a1teamcan.com/
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
No Champ Car teams at Indy in '07
From TSN.ca
Champ Car teams will not be at this year's Indianapolis 500, but it won't be for lack of trying.
Series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven tells SpeedTV.com that he made a proposal to Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Tony George earlier this year which would have seen the top Champ Car teams take part in the annual May race.
"I told Tony that if he gives us free Honda engines, we'd buy the chassis and bring four or five drivers to Indianapolis," said Kalkhoven. "I never heard back from him, so I guess it's too late now."
George, who also runs the rival Indy Racing League, acknowledges that the two spoke briefly in February but says his impression of the offer was that it was more of a suggestion rather than a concrete proposal.
"He offered, hypothetically and potentially, that it might be interesting to run 6-8 of the Champ Car teams and drivers in the 500 - which of course it would be," said Geroge.
... continued at the link above.
'Have Bus Will Travel' Racing News
2nd Edition April 18, 2007
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal: NASCAR announced last week that the 1st NASCAR Busch Series Race in Canada (August 4) has been designated the NAPA 200, and a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Race has been added to the program.
'Have Bus Will Travel' Racing Tours are available with Transportainment. It includes: 2 nights accommodations with breakfast, seating in the Johnson Grandstand at $595 (twin) or we have a 1 night option at $495.
Also available for an additional $250 you can attend the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race, the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway on Sunday. The full weekend will run from August 3rd to August 5th. Prices are based on twin occupancy in Canadian dollars with G.S.T. included, where applicable.
Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours is also heading to Ohsweken Speedway on July 25 for the "Six Nations Showdown" featuring the World Of Outlaws Sprints. Tickets are limited and go on sale May 1st at 8:00 am.
Priced at $75.00 this includes Transportainment (reserved ticket, tailgating BBQ and G.S.T.). Pick-up time is 2:00 PM at Sunset Speedway, Peterborough Speedway and the Oshawa VIA station for Mosport racers & fans as well as other locations en route.
Our local track schedule starts May 26th, with a tour to the 1st NASCAR Canadian Tires Series Race at Cayuga Speedway Park.
We still have seats available for:
Richmond International Raceway: May 3rd - 6th "Racing Perfection" TheCrown Royal 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race and the Circuit City 250 NASCAR Busch Series Race on the .75-mile short track under the lights. Price $649 p.p. twin.
Darlington Raceway: "The Lady in Black" "Too Tough to Tame". This race happens on Mother's Day weekend May 9th - 13th. See the USAC Silver Crown Race, the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Busch Series Race & the Dodge Avenger 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race. Price $625 p.p. twin.
Lowe's Motor Speedway: We are SOLD OUT for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race.
Dover International Speedway: "The Monster Mile" May 31st - June 4th A triple-header the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race Friday, The NASCAR Busch Series Race Saturday and Sunday the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race. Great trip for shopping and a Casino is attached to the track. Price $649 p.p. twin.
In addition to the above we presently have on sale: Loudon, NH // Chicagoland, IL // Indianapolis, IN // Montreal, QC // Watkins Glen, NY // NASCAR Canada Day@ Michigan Int'l Speedway // and Bristol, TN.
Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours is in the planning stages for a LOCAL track schedule, the fall Richmond race, 6 of the 10 races in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and for 2008 the 50th running of theDaytona 500.
Please check out our website at http://www.havebus.com/ for more details on any of the above. Please call us toll free at 888-HAVEBUS (428-3287) to make your Racing Tour reservations. Or contact Doug Andrews directly at: (705) 437 - 4898 // (888) HAVEBUS (428-3287) or havebus@rogers.com
Roush Fenway Racing to Field Part Time ARCA RE/MAX Series Effort
(ITMN Note: Hopefully this will create some action for Pete Shepherd)
CONCORD, NC (April 24, 2007) - Roush Fenway Racing announced today that it will begin fielding a part-time ARCA RE/MAX Series team in 2007 with multiple drivers at the wheel. The No. 99 team will debut this weekend at Kansas Speedway with Erik Darnell, driver of the No. 99 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, assuming driving duties.
"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to compete in the ARCA RE/MAX Series," said Darnell. "It's a great series to race in, you've got a great mix of veterans and up-and-comers. We're here to race for the win. Hopefully we can be up there in the mix of things on Saturday, and maybe we can put this Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion in Victory Lane."
Darnell competed in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2005. In five career starts, Darnell's best finish is a fourth place at The Milwaukee Mile.
Longtime Roush Fenway Racing employee Jeff Campey has been named crew chief of the No. 99 Ford Fusion. Most recently Campey worked as Roush Fenway's Craftsman Truck Series shop manager. Campey has spent time atop the pit box, having called races for Greg Biffle and David Ragan.
"I'm looking forward to racing in the ARCA Series," said Campey. "We've got a good group of guys over here working on this team, and we're looking forward to winning some races. We feel like we've got a good opportunity to do that with Erik at the wheel. It'll be good to get him some additional seat time, it can only help to strengthen their Craftsman Truck Series program."
The complete schedule and driver lineup for the No. 99 Ford will be announced at a later date.
About Roush Fenway Racing: Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 14 motorsports teams, five in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; five in the Busch Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Todd Kluever, Michel Jourdain Jr. and Danny O'Quinn Jr.; three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Travis Kvapil, T.J. Bell, Peter Shepherd and Erik Darnell; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Darnell.
From Roush Fenway Racing // www.RoushFenway.com.
Bob Slack joins Bicknell Racing Products, Inc.
St. Catharines, Ontario (April 23) - Bicknell Racing Products Inc. partners Pete Bicknell and Randy Williamson are pleased to announce that Bob Slack has joined as a partner into the growing racing manufacturing company.
“We’re happy to announce that Bob will be taking over day to day operations of our manufacturing and research and development departments,” reveals Randy Williamson.
“He’ll be a key player with our new product design and testing,” adds Pete Bicknell, “he’s got lots of energy and ideas and will definitely help us move the company to the next level.”
Ironically as a 17 year old, Slack was a High School Co-op student at Bicknell Racing Products Inc.
Now 31, Slack is the grandson of Bob and Leone Slack who for 25 years were owners of the Cayuga Speedway in Nelles Corners, Ontario. Slack’s brother Roger has also spent a lifetime in the sport and is currently Director of Events at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bob and Roger’s father Randy was a racer for 25 years and while concentrating on Asphalt Late Models and the GATR Big Rigs – spent one summer sharing a Don Turner-owned BRP Chassis Big Block Modified at Merrittville Speedway.
Cathy – Slack’s mother owned and operated an embroidery business for many years that served the racing community.
Bob Slack founded Slack Performance Karting, Pro-Fab Metalworks which specialized in motorcycle components and Performance Powder Coating and through-out his successful endeavors has always worked closely with Bicknell Racing Products.
Bicknell Racing Products began more than 25 years ago and has grown today to boast a 20,000 square foot St. Catharines Ontario based manufacturing, retail, and distribution headquarters. Along with the Canadian operation, Bicknell also has distribution and retail stores in Niagara Falls, New York and Thomasville, North Carolina.
“I’m looking forward to working with Pete and Randy and all the staff,” adds Slack, “it’s something I’ve always wanted … I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
For further information on Bicknell Racing Products Manufacturing or to find a dealer near you – call either 905-685-4291 or 716-285-7502 or visit BRP on line at www.bicknellracingproducts.com.
From Randy Williamson // Bicknell Racing Products
“We’re happy to announce that Bob will be taking over day to day operations of our manufacturing and research and development departments,” reveals Randy Williamson.
“He’ll be a key player with our new product design and testing,” adds Pete Bicknell, “he’s got lots of energy and ideas and will definitely help us move the company to the next level.”
Ironically as a 17 year old, Slack was a High School Co-op student at Bicknell Racing Products Inc.
Now 31, Slack is the grandson of Bob and Leone Slack who for 25 years were owners of the Cayuga Speedway in Nelles Corners, Ontario. Slack’s brother Roger has also spent a lifetime in the sport and is currently Director of Events at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bob and Roger’s father Randy was a racer for 25 years and while concentrating on Asphalt Late Models and the GATR Big Rigs – spent one summer sharing a Don Turner-owned BRP Chassis Big Block Modified at Merrittville Speedway.
Cathy – Slack’s mother owned and operated an embroidery business for many years that served the racing community.
Bob Slack founded Slack Performance Karting, Pro-Fab Metalworks which specialized in motorcycle components and Performance Powder Coating and through-out his successful endeavors has always worked closely with Bicknell Racing Products.
Bicknell Racing Products began more than 25 years ago and has grown today to boast a 20,000 square foot St. Catharines Ontario based manufacturing, retail, and distribution headquarters. Along with the Canadian operation, Bicknell also has distribution and retail stores in Niagara Falls, New York and Thomasville, North Carolina.
“I’m looking forward to working with Pete and Randy and all the staff,” adds Slack, “it’s something I’ve always wanted … I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
For further information on Bicknell Racing Products Manufacturing or to find a dealer near you – call either 905-685-4291 or 716-285-7502 or visit BRP on line at www.bicknellracingproducts.com.
From Randy Williamson // Bicknell Racing Products
Monday, April 23, 2007
F1: In the dark?
From TSN.ca
FIA president Max Mosley says they won't sanction a Formula One night race unless all of the safety requirements are met. There has been much talk recently about staging a night race, either in Australia or Malaysia or at a new circuit in Singapore. Aside from the novelty factor, a night race in the Pacific region would mean a prime time broadcast back in Europe, which makes up the base of F1's television audience.
... continued at the link above.
FIA president Max Mosley says they won't sanction a Formula One night race unless all of the safety requirements are met. There has been much talk recently about staging a night race, either in Australia or Malaysia or at a new circuit in Singapore. Aside from the novelty factor, a night race in the Pacific region would mean a prime time broadcast back in Europe, which makes up the base of F1's television audience.
... continued at the link above.
Raceline Radio Update
By Erik TomasThe Spring BBM numbers show some very nice audience growth for Raceline Radio across the Network, led by our Toronto affiliate The FAN 590. For those who don’t know, radio lives by ratings compiled by the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement. It’s the basis by which advertising rates are set. The more listeners you have, the better chance an advertiser has of grabbing customers, so you can theoretically charge a premium for the commercial time, or something like that.
Raceline Radio numbers in our largest market are up around 30% give or take, and that’s good. Very good in fact. Several reasons why. Interest in the sport remains hot, and of course it helps that Raceline Radio is surrounded by splendid programming coordinated by FAN 590 PD/GM/VP good guy Nelson Millman. Nelson wins awards too! The station also does a bang-up job of promoting the show when we’re often called to offer opinions and feedback on key motorsport stories and issues that pop up.
A few of the other Raceline Radio markets report audience increases, and where a few more might not be reporting big spikes, they are telling us about vigorous sales activity, and that’s another vital cog in this gearbox. One station reports the Raceline Radio hour is out-billing their two FM sister stations, the interest in the sport is that good in their neck of the racing woods.
We keep telling affiliates and prospective affiliates and sponsors that motorsport fans are the most loyal sports fans in the spectrum. 3 of every 4 auto racing enthusiasts, we like to call them gear-heads, admit to buying products or services marketed through the sport of racing automobiles. Listeners and viewers to shows that broadcast the game are just as loyal. These latest BBM numbers are the proof.
This show has been on the air 14 years, and to see listenership increasing makes the days where this enterprise drives me around the bend a lot less painful. Good ratings are better than a couple of Tylenol 3’s.
Who has the best race car driver name? Some remember Coo-Coo Marlin and Lake Speed, or Scott Speed ( no relation ). Others like Will Power, and some remember The Fred Flintstone alias Goggles Pyzono, but he was just a cartoon character. The other guys are or were... just characters.
Some of the best racing names of course are nicknames. Former NASCAR journeyman Hut Stricklin’s real first name was Waymond. That is my favourite racing trivia stumper- Hut Stricklin’s real first name. Junior Hanley’s name on his driver’s license? Edward.
But I think I’ve found my all-time favourite racing names: Booper Bare and Chub Frank. These guys are regulars in The World of Outlaws Late Model Series that I’ll be working with on SPEED this summer for a few dashes of the strange and twisty big-body cars on clay. Chub, so named because of his physical stature as a kid’s real name is Jerry and he loves his other nickname: Chubzilla. Jerry or Chub or Chubzilla is a big hit with the kids.
That brings us back to Booper. I haven’t been able to find anyone or anything that can tell me his real name. Maybe Booper is his real name. It’s a dandy, and his hometown is just as good: Rock Bridge Baths Virginia. Who else hailed from RBB VA? Right! Retired former NASCAR “Winston” Cup veteran Rick Mast. You win a cookie.
Got a favourite racing name? Drop me an e-mail! So what do YOU think? Any suggestions? Opinions? Comments? Better ideas? Keep the E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! The address: erik@raceline.ca. Do you agree or disagree with the commentary? We invite your feedback!
Leading Workwear Brand Partners with Whitlock Motorsports
Courtesy Linda JonesWOODBRIDGE, ON (Monday April 23, 2007) - Williamson Dickies Canada Co. makers and distributors of Dickies®, the leading global workwear brand – announces today their partnership with Dave Whitlock and Whitlock Motorsports for the 2007 racing season.
“NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports in North America with a phenomenally loyal fan base” said Dennis Bowie, President of Williamson-Dickie Canada Co. “We are excited about our new partnership with Dave Whitlock and Whitlock Motorsports. Dickies has been involved for over six years with NASCAR and three years with the Dickies 500 race in the U.S. We are looking forward to bringing that same excitement to the fans here in Canada.”
Whitlock Motorsports will race the #39 Dickies Dodge Charger in twelve events on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series circuit in 2007. Dave Whitlock won two races in 2006 and boasts three National CASCAR Championships and continues to post top five finishes in the point standings each year. “Dickies is the perfect brand for the Whitlock team,” said Dave Whitlock, owner of Whitlock Motorsports. “Racing is all about hard work, dedication and endurance. The Dickies brand and the Whitlock team are great examples of all three.”
TOYO TIRE CANADA INC. signs sponsorship agreement for 2007 Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship
TORONTO, ON – April 19, 2007 – Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship officials announced today Toyo Tires will be the presenting sponsor of the new series. The series will be known as the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires.
As an integral part of the sponsorship, Touring Car competitors will be using the highly regarded Toyo Proxes RA-1 exclusively for the entire season. For the benefit of the competitors Toyo has made a significant contribution to the year-end purse, set up a tire voucher award program for each event and has a discount program available to all competitors.
“I am very pleased to announce our Toyo partnership today,” said Touring Car President John Bondar. “As we continue to grow the Championship into the premiere racing series in the country, we are looking for partners that believe in our product and want to help us grow it. Toyo is one of those companies and we’re thrilled they are on board,” he added.
The Toyo RA-1 tire has been a staple within both the grassroots and professional racing circuits in Canada for some time now. Although rubber compounds have continuously evolved over time the tread design itself will be familiar to most serious racers. The tire has the reputation of providing a predictable response and heat cycles consistently. The Toyo RA-1 is directional and may be used full depth for wet conditions or shaved for a dry track. In spite of its quickness the Toyo RA-1 has a reputation for longevity when compared to other tires in its class.
“Toyo’s affiliation with Canadian touring car racing goes back five years and over that time we have always been impressed with the continuous improvement in the caliber of both the competitors and the events themselves,” said Bruce Bridgman, National Manager, Marketing & Strategic Planning, Toyo Tire Canada Inc. “The launch of this new series has already attracted serious media attention and will undoubtedly bring motor sports enthusiasts out to witness the keen competition resulting from such a strong and varied field. At Toyo we are extremely excited to be part of this new series and that the Toyo RA-1 has been selected for use by all competitors.” As part of the evolution of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires, fans can expect to see large grids of some of the country’s hottest sportscars. Brands including Porsche, BMW, Saab and Lexus will be competing head-to-head with Acura, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Honda.
About the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship - Boasting Canada’s best drivers in today’s hottest sportscars the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship will consist of three classes of competition, over eight weekends, with the marquee event being the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto. Other races will be held at the famed Mosport International Raceway, the new Calabogie Motorsports Park and Shannonville Motorsport Park.
From the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship
MOSPORT readied for another great racing season
BOWMANVILLE, ON (April 19, 2007) With less than thirty days left before a busy new racing season begins, ground crews at Mosport International Raceway are hard at work preparing the tracks for a summer schedule that will include the only Canadian round in the prestigious American Le Mans Series for exotic prototype and GT sports cars and two races from the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (formerly CASCAR Super Series). Tickets for all events are now on sale."We're excited about the upcoming schedule and the variety of racing that we've been able to put together. We have the best road racing lineup in Canada this season," said Myles Brandt, president and general manager of Mosport International Raceway. "The mix of both new and returning events will provide plenty of exciting entertainment for our fans, on and off the track this season."
The season kicks-off with a long-time Mosport tradition, the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend (May 18-20). Racing includes the thundering muscle cars of the American GT Series and the Sundown Grand Prix endurance race for Touring and GT cars. Joining them will be the United States Endurance Racing Association (USERA) Spec Racer Challenge, along with rounds in the F1200 and Cup Lite Series. As the unofficial start to summer, the Victoria Day holiday is a big weekend for camping, music and fireworks, and all are important parts of Mosport’s SpeedFest.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, makes its Mosport debut on Father’s Day weekend (June 15-17) for The Clarington 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime Response Corporation on the road course. Joining the stock cars in the second half of the twin-bill will be the U.S. based Grand-Am KONI Challenge featuring domestic and imported high performance sedans competing in separate races for the GS and ST races.
Mosport takes a step back in time and celebrates the past with the 28th Annual International Vintage Racing Festival (June 22-24). Organized by the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC), this is Canada’s premier historic racing event and includes cars from Mosport’s storied past. A special highlight of this year’s Festival is an F1 reunion that will mark the 40th anniversary of the first Canadian Grand Prix, which was held at Mosport.
Motorcycles take centre-stage, July 13-15, for the Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend, as the country’s top riders and teams from the Parts Canada Superbike Championship compete in their only Toronto-area stop of the season. In addition to factory-supported Superbikes from the likes of Suzuki and Yamaha, Canada’s biggest motorcycle race of the year includes the Pro 600 Sport Bikes and the fast-growing Canadian Thunder Series for Buell, BMW and Ducati production-based sport bikes.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns for an August 11 date on Canada’s fastest ½ mile oval in the Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime Response Corporation.
The summer racing season wraps-up with Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport (Aug.23-26), Canada's biggest sports car race of the year. Last year more than 70,000 enjoyed three exciting days of sports car and open wheel racing at a circuit that’s recognized by drivers as one of the finest and most challenging road courses in the world.
In this year's featured American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race, two Canadian drivers headline a highly competitive field. In what may be his final ALMS appearance at Mosport, Mississauga's Ron Fellows returns to his home track to drive for the Corvette Racing factory team in the GT1 class. One of the most decorated, respected and well-liked drivers in motorsports, Fellows is one of the greatest drivers Canada has ever produced. Among his many accomplishments in ALMS are three GT1 championships and 56 podium finishes (the most in series history).
Toronto native and series veteran Scott Maxwell also makes his return to Mosport and will once again drive for the Panoz factory team in the GT2 class. Now in his ninth season with ALMS, Maxwell is one of the few drivers who has won his class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans and Daytona 24 Hours. He has also won in two different classes.
In additional to the Le Mans Series race, the line-up includes the SPEED World Challenge GT and Touring Series, the IMSA GT3 Cup for Porsches, IMSA Lites and two North American open-wheel classes, the Star Mazda Series and Formula BMW.
Specially priced advance weekend SuperTickets and camping passes can be purchased online at mosport.com and ticketmaster.ca or by calling the Mosport Ticket Hotline (1-800-866-1072).
Since 1961, Mosport International Raceway has been Canada’s Home of Motorsports. Located less than an hour east of Toronto, this 750-acre, multi-purpose facility boasts a 4-kilometre road course, a 2.4 kilometre driver development centre with skid pad, a 1.4 km kart circuit and a half-mile paved oval.
Click here to see Mosport's 2007 major event schedule
For Further Information: Lee Bailie 1-800-866-1072 (ext.306) // Jerry Priddle 1-800-866-1072 (ext.305)
For Further Information: Lee Bailie 1-800-866-1072 (ext.306) // Jerry Priddle 1-800-866-1072 (ext.305)
“Southern” Canadian Pierre Bourque Ready to Take On Busch East
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (April 19, 2007) – The NASCAR Busch Series will make the trip North of the border for the first time ever this coming season, as the Busch Series will compete at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 4th. And when the time comes, there will be one Canadian in the field that will be plenty prepared for his chance at glory on his home turf.
Ottawa, Ontario-native Pierre Bourque will begin his chase for NASCAR dreams on April 28th when the 48-year-old kicks off his 2007 NASCAR season by competing in the NASCAR Busch East Series opener at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Greenville, SC.
It will be the first of several Busch East Series races for Bourque, who will also compete in several Busch races later in the year as well, including the one in his home country. Bourque will compete in the Busch East Series with Fitz Motorsports.
“Just a couple of days ago here in Ottawa, we got six inches of snow. So needless to say, I am real anxious to go south and get racing because sliding around in snowstorms gets a little old after a while,” said Bourque. “We are going to have a really strong team this year. I’m really excited, and I think we are going to do very well. I think we are going to be extremely competitive day in and day out in every event we compete in with the Fitz Motorsports team.”
It will not be the first time that Bourque competes at Greenville-Pickens. He raced at the Greenville event with the Busch East Series in 2006, finishing on the lead lap in 18th after starting 26th. And during the weekend, the Canadian had no problem fitting in with those in the heart of stock car racing, the Southeastern United States.
“I loved the track and I loved the people there. The fact that I was a Canadian was great and the people from the South loved it. They were asking about being a Canadian and running with NASCAR in South Carolina, and I told them that I was very comfortable because I was from Southern Canada. They really warmed to me, and we had a lot of fun.
“I got to meet legendary racers like David Pearson and Jack Ingram, and that was just a terrific experience.”
Bourque will not just spend his time with the Busch East Series. He is also planning to run some races with the NASCAR Busch Series, beginning with the race in Montreal in early August.
“We are going to do the first half of the Busch East season,” added Bourque. “Then we are going to do two Busch races in August. The first will be the August 4th race at Montreal. Then, the following weekend, we’ll race at Watkins Glen. From there, we are going to be shooting to do the remainder of the short tracks on the Busch schedule. If that goes good, we’ll move on from there and hopefully complete the season.”
Bourque also hopes to compete in a couple of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events as well. He also competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona, where he finished 12th in the Rolex Cup GT class.
Bourque will also bring the support of several long-time sponsors with him into the 2007 season.
“We have a great sponsor in CanWest Global Communications, which is Canada’s biggest media company. We are going to be doing some very big things with two of their biggest brands, Driving.ca and Canada.com. We also have relationships with Dose.ca and Working.com. Along with them, I’ve got great relationships with my other sponsors, Pollara and Full Metal Minerals.
For more information on Pierre Bourque, please contact Mike Twist at (207) 590-1786 or (207) 499-2565 and be sure to check out a new Pierre Bourque website coming soon.
By Mike Twist, 51 Sports
DIRTcar: The ‘Doctor’ Dominates 53rd Cayuga County Fair Speedway Season Opener
Weedsport, NY – April 22, 2007 – By Gary M. Spaid, Cayuga County Fair Speedway PR
Danny Johnson was able to lead every lap in the 35-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified season-opener on Sunday at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Via the luck of the draw, Johnson started on the outside of the front row and set a steady pace at the front to take the win.
“I was lucky there was no one behind me giving me a whole lot of pressure tonight,” stated a jubilant Johnson. It was Johnson’s sixth opening day victory at Cayuga County and the first for him since 2001.
Rob Pratt left a practice session at Genesee Speedway to race at Weedsport. He made the hour and half trek count as he picked up the 25-lap DIRTcar Sportsman feature victory.
“We hit the wall during the practice session and broke the front end of the car,” Pratt stated. “The crew did a fantastic job of getting the car ready for the heat race and then making it better for the feature.”
Dave Marcuccilli used his outside-pole starting position to his advantage, grabbing the early race lead and then holding off a charging Dave Mannise to win the first UMP/DIRTcar Street Stock feature of the year at Cayuga County. In the 25-lap Enduro, John Shumway took the win, his first career feature at the ‘Port.’
The ‘Doctor’, Danny Johnson grabbed the lead at the drop of the green and rocketed to a three-car advantage over rookie Modified driver Russ Hefti. Hefti was able to hold off Steve Paine for some seven laps before Jimmy Phelps was able to take third from Paine. Phelps started to move in on Johnson after passing Hefti on lap 14, using the standard slide job exiting the second turn.
The yellow flew for the first time on lap 20 when Ryan Bartlett spun in the second turn. Bartlett was towed to the pits and the field realigned to take the restart. Johnson was able to keep his lead over Phelps with Vic Coffey taking third. Coffey had come from 14th starting spot. These top-three remained the same through the end of the race while Hefti and Paine rounded out the top-five.
The 25-lap DIRTcar Sportsman main opened with Mike Entwistle taking his crate motored car into the lead at the drop of the green after two aborted starts. Right off Rob Pratt was running third and passed Joe Williams to take second on lap three. Pratt then charged after Entwistle, passing for the lead on lap seven.
Todd Town made the move to take second from Entwistle on lap 12. The first race yellow flew on lap 16 when Stewart Garrison made contact with the wall in the fourth turn and slowed on the main straight.
The race ended with Pratt taking the win followed by Town, Shawn Donath, Jeremy Pitcher and Williams. Eighth-place finisher Entwistle picked up the $100 bonus for being the first crate motor-powered car across the finish line.
The 15-lap UMP/DIRTcar Street Stock began with Dave Marcuccilli grabbing the lead only to see the yellow flag fly as Dan Hoffman Jr. hit the second turn wall and lost a rear wheel. Marcuccilli maintained his lead with last year’s track champion Dave Mannise running second some three car-lengths back.
The second yellow of the race came on lap eight when Dave Emmons looped his number 35 Chevrolet in the second turn. Marcuccilli and Mannise pulled away from the rest of the pack and at the checkers Ron Hawker finished third followed by Darryl Krebs and Jim Wallace among the front-five.
The 25-lap 4-Cylinder Enduro finale had to be red-flagged on lap four when James Werner flipped his number 67 in the fourth turn. His relative Nick Werner was also involved in the accident.
John Shumway led the entire 25-lap distance to take his first career win at the speedway. Bill Werner, Carl Werner, Tom Cook and ’06 points champion Craig Dingy rounded out the top-five finishers. The night’s racing was completed by 7:45 p.m.
The starting time remains 5 p.m. this coming Sunday with pit gates opening at 2:30 p.m. It will be Swim Suit Night presented by Finger Lakes Mall. Anyone wearing a swim suit will be admitted free of charge to the races that night.
The Cayuga County Fair Speedway is located just east of the village of Weedsport, just a couple of minutes off exit 40 of the NYS Thruway. For more information go to www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
THANK YOU RACE CAR SPONSOR NIGHT presented by WENDALL MOBLEY/GREG BOSHERS/FINGERLAKES RADIO GROUP NIGHT SUMMARY
ENDURO
FEATURE (25-laps): JOHN SHUMWAY, Bill Werner, Carl Werner, Tom Cook, Craig Dingy, Donnie Mack, Kevin Alfred, Nick Werner, Les Baker, Matt Dawson, Kelly Smith, Barb Amadon, Andy Burtless, Dave Guererri, Dave Nagldinger, James Werner, Keith Keuer.
DIRTcar STREET STOCK
HEAT 1: D. Mannise, R. Hawker, D. Krebs, N. Rizzo, D. Ellis, D. Hoffman Sr.
HEAT 2: D. Marcuccilli, J. Wallace, D. Emmons, S. Woodworth, D. Hoffman Jr., V. Grant
FEATURE (15-laps): DAVE MARCUCCILLI, Dave Mannise, Ron Hawker, Darryl Krebs, Jim Wallace, Dan Hoffman Sr., Steve Woodworth, Dave Emmons, Van Grant, Nick Rizzo, Darl Ellis, Dan Hoffman Jr., Phil Marsden (DNS)
DIRTcar SPORTSMAN
HEAT 1: J. Pitcher, R. Pratt, J. Williams, B. Sweet, Mahaney, M. Hulsizer.
HEAT 2: Sw. Donath, T. Currier, J. Spano, C. Hile, S. Garrison, M. Mathews.
HEAT 3: T. Town, M. Entwistle, J. LaRock, A. Steiner, J. Juhl, J. Juhl II
FEATURE (25-laps): ROB PRATT, Todd Town, Shawn Donath, Jeremy Pitcher, Joe Williams, Tim Currier, Jim LaRock, Mike Entwistle, Kevin Ridley, John Juhl II, James Spano, Mike Mahaney, John Juhl, Ed Grant, Stewart Garrison, Bill Colman, Morris Mathews, Anthony Steiner, Brandon Sweet, Alan Fink, Darrin Austin, Chris Hile, Rob Hile, Doug Shattell, Matt Hulsizer (DNS), Steve Planck (DNS).
DIRTcar BIG-BLOCK MODIFIED/358-MODIFIED
HEAT 1: B. Tittle, C. Bower, D. Johnson, V. Vitale, B. Dunn, R. Chrysler.
HEAT 2: S. Hulsizer, R. Hefti, C. Homan, T. Juhl, V. Coffey, J. Haers.
HEAT 3: J. Phelps, S. Paine, C. Brachmann, R. Bartlett, R. Hoard, J. Beyea.
FEATURE (35-laps): DANNY JOHNSON, Jimmy Phelps, Vic Coffey, Russ Hefti, Steve Paine, Vince Vitale, Chad Brachmann, Justin Haers, Chuck Bower, Steve Hulsizer, Butch Tittle, Billy Dunn, Joe Beyea, Ray Hoard, Dave Rauscher, Chad Homan, Derrick Podsiadlo, Roger Chrysler, Tom Juhl, Ryan Bartlett, Rob Bellinger (DNS), Sean Beardsley (DNS
Danny Johnson was able to lead every lap in the 35-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified season-opener on Sunday at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Via the luck of the draw, Johnson started on the outside of the front row and set a steady pace at the front to take the win.
“I was lucky there was no one behind me giving me a whole lot of pressure tonight,” stated a jubilant Johnson. It was Johnson’s sixth opening day victory at Cayuga County and the first for him since 2001.
Rob Pratt left a practice session at Genesee Speedway to race at Weedsport. He made the hour and half trek count as he picked up the 25-lap DIRTcar Sportsman feature victory.
“We hit the wall during the practice session and broke the front end of the car,” Pratt stated. “The crew did a fantastic job of getting the car ready for the heat race and then making it better for the feature.”
Dave Marcuccilli used his outside-pole starting position to his advantage, grabbing the early race lead and then holding off a charging Dave Mannise to win the first UMP/DIRTcar Street Stock feature of the year at Cayuga County. In the 25-lap Enduro, John Shumway took the win, his first career feature at the ‘Port.’
The ‘Doctor’, Danny Johnson grabbed the lead at the drop of the green and rocketed to a three-car advantage over rookie Modified driver Russ Hefti. Hefti was able to hold off Steve Paine for some seven laps before Jimmy Phelps was able to take third from Paine. Phelps started to move in on Johnson after passing Hefti on lap 14, using the standard slide job exiting the second turn.
The yellow flew for the first time on lap 20 when Ryan Bartlett spun in the second turn. Bartlett was towed to the pits and the field realigned to take the restart. Johnson was able to keep his lead over Phelps with Vic Coffey taking third. Coffey had come from 14th starting spot. These top-three remained the same through the end of the race while Hefti and Paine rounded out the top-five.
The 25-lap DIRTcar Sportsman main opened with Mike Entwistle taking his crate motored car into the lead at the drop of the green after two aborted starts. Right off Rob Pratt was running third and passed Joe Williams to take second on lap three. Pratt then charged after Entwistle, passing for the lead on lap seven.
Todd Town made the move to take second from Entwistle on lap 12. The first race yellow flew on lap 16 when Stewart Garrison made contact with the wall in the fourth turn and slowed on the main straight.
The race ended with Pratt taking the win followed by Town, Shawn Donath, Jeremy Pitcher and Williams. Eighth-place finisher Entwistle picked up the $100 bonus for being the first crate motor-powered car across the finish line.
The 15-lap UMP/DIRTcar Street Stock began with Dave Marcuccilli grabbing the lead only to see the yellow flag fly as Dan Hoffman Jr. hit the second turn wall and lost a rear wheel. Marcuccilli maintained his lead with last year’s track champion Dave Mannise running second some three car-lengths back.
The second yellow of the race came on lap eight when Dave Emmons looped his number 35 Chevrolet in the second turn. Marcuccilli and Mannise pulled away from the rest of the pack and at the checkers Ron Hawker finished third followed by Darryl Krebs and Jim Wallace among the front-five.
The 25-lap 4-Cylinder Enduro finale had to be red-flagged on lap four when James Werner flipped his number 67 in the fourth turn. His relative Nick Werner was also involved in the accident.
John Shumway led the entire 25-lap distance to take his first career win at the speedway. Bill Werner, Carl Werner, Tom Cook and ’06 points champion Craig Dingy rounded out the top-five finishers. The night’s racing was completed by 7:45 p.m.
The starting time remains 5 p.m. this coming Sunday with pit gates opening at 2:30 p.m. It will be Swim Suit Night presented by Finger Lakes Mall. Anyone wearing a swim suit will be admitted free of charge to the races that night.
The Cayuga County Fair Speedway is located just east of the village of Weedsport, just a couple of minutes off exit 40 of the NYS Thruway. For more information go to www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
THANK YOU RACE CAR SPONSOR NIGHT presented by WENDALL MOBLEY/GREG BOSHERS/FINGERLAKES RADIO GROUP NIGHT SUMMARY
ENDURO
FEATURE (25-laps): JOHN SHUMWAY, Bill Werner, Carl Werner, Tom Cook, Craig Dingy, Donnie Mack, Kevin Alfred, Nick Werner, Les Baker, Matt Dawson, Kelly Smith, Barb Amadon, Andy Burtless, Dave Guererri, Dave Nagldinger, James Werner, Keith Keuer.
DIRTcar STREET STOCK
HEAT 1: D. Mannise, R. Hawker, D. Krebs, N. Rizzo, D. Ellis, D. Hoffman Sr.
HEAT 2: D. Marcuccilli, J. Wallace, D. Emmons, S. Woodworth, D. Hoffman Jr., V. Grant
FEATURE (15-laps): DAVE MARCUCCILLI, Dave Mannise, Ron Hawker, Darryl Krebs, Jim Wallace, Dan Hoffman Sr., Steve Woodworth, Dave Emmons, Van Grant, Nick Rizzo, Darl Ellis, Dan Hoffman Jr., Phil Marsden (DNS)
DIRTcar SPORTSMAN
HEAT 1: J. Pitcher, R. Pratt, J. Williams, B. Sweet, Mahaney, M. Hulsizer.
HEAT 2: Sw. Donath, T. Currier, J. Spano, C. Hile, S. Garrison, M. Mathews.
HEAT 3: T. Town, M. Entwistle, J. LaRock, A. Steiner, J. Juhl, J. Juhl II
FEATURE (25-laps): ROB PRATT, Todd Town, Shawn Donath, Jeremy Pitcher, Joe Williams, Tim Currier, Jim LaRock, Mike Entwistle, Kevin Ridley, John Juhl II, James Spano, Mike Mahaney, John Juhl, Ed Grant, Stewart Garrison, Bill Colman, Morris Mathews, Anthony Steiner, Brandon Sweet, Alan Fink, Darrin Austin, Chris Hile, Rob Hile, Doug Shattell, Matt Hulsizer (DNS), Steve Planck (DNS).
DIRTcar BIG-BLOCK MODIFIED/358-MODIFIED
HEAT 1: B. Tittle, C. Bower, D. Johnson, V. Vitale, B. Dunn, R. Chrysler.
HEAT 2: S. Hulsizer, R. Hefti, C. Homan, T. Juhl, V. Coffey, J. Haers.
HEAT 3: J. Phelps, S. Paine, C. Brachmann, R. Bartlett, R. Hoard, J. Beyea.
FEATURE (35-laps): DANNY JOHNSON, Jimmy Phelps, Vic Coffey, Russ Hefti, Steve Paine, Vince Vitale, Chad Brachmann, Justin Haers, Chuck Bower, Steve Hulsizer, Butch Tittle, Billy Dunn, Joe Beyea, Ray Hoard, Dave Rauscher, Chad Homan, Derrick Podsiadlo, Roger Chrysler, Tom Juhl, Ryan Bartlett, Rob Bellinger (DNS), Sean Beardsley (DNS
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